Benched by Colleen Charles

Benched

Longing, loyalty, and second chances in the locker room

Written byColleen Charles
Length7h31m
Release dateApril 28, 2020
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.1 (33 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorColleen Charles
NarratorCJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton
Runtime7h31m
PublishedApril 28, 2020
Rating★★★★ 4.1 / 5 (33 ratings)
CategoriesRomance, Contemporary, Sports
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Colleen Charles’ Benched delivers a simmering slow burn that thrives on emotional tension and forbidden attraction. Claire Danvers has grown up in the shadow of her brother’s hockey stardom, but she’s no bystander—she’s sharp, ambitious, and done playing nice with the man who’s broken her heart more than once: his best friend, pro defenseman Jace Ryder. Their history is tangled with unspoken pangs and crossed boundaries, and when a forced reunion lands them in the same city again, Jace isn’t backing down. What unfolds is a layered story about pride, healing, and the risk of loving someone who both knows you best and hurts you most.

Narrated in dual perspectives by CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton, this audiobook elevates the material with distinct vocal performances that capture the grit and vulnerability of its leads. Bloom gives Claire a grounded, feisty realism, while Hamilton’s gravel-tinged delivery embodies Jace’s quiet torment and raw magnetism. The production is crisp and immersive, with tight pacing that keeps the emotional stakes high. While the sports backdrop adds context, the true game here is the push-pull of intimacy, making this a standout for listeners who crave romance with emotional weight and authentic chemistry.

Tags: sports romanceslow burnforbidden lovedual POVemotional depthaudiobook chemistry

Why Listen to Benched?

  • Expert narration by CJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton brings every character and scene to life across 7h31m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.1 stars by 33 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

I went into Benched expecting another predictable friends’-sibling trope, but Colleen Charles flips the script with depth and nuance. CJ Bloom is a revelation as Claire—her voice carries bite and warmth in equal measure, especially in moments where Claire confronts old wounds with fresh courage. Teddy Hamilton, meanwhile, brings a brooding intensity to Jace that makes his quiet confessions hit harder than any grand gesture. Their dual narration doesn’t just switch perspectives—it builds tension, making the listening experience feel almost cinematic. The story’s pacing is generally strong, though the middle drags slightly during repetitive internal debates about loyalty and boundaries. I also wished for more secondary character development—Claire’s brother, though pivotal, feels more like a plot device than a person. That said, the final act delivers emotional payoffs that made me rewind chapters just to savor certain lines. The production quality is clean, with no distracting background noise or editing hiccups. If you like your romances layered with history, pride, and a dash of athletic grit, this one’s worth the time. It’s not flawless, but it’s memorable.

Download: Benched

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Benched by Colleen Charles is an immersive listening experience. Performed by CJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton with a runtime of 7h31m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.