Atlas | Sawyer Bennett

You know a book is going to break you when you are already crying on page #2. While Gray was not on page much it was so clear that he played such a huge role in both Maddie and Atlas’s lives.  He most definitely was an anchor for both Atlas and Maddie. And my heart broke for him and Grayce.  On the surface one would think that Atlas has it all, he is a successful hockey player making millions of dollars and it doesn’t hurt that he is gorgeous. But deep down he craves the same thing that everyone wants, people that love him and a family. His family was always Gray. So when he loses his best friend in the midst of one of the most exciting times in his career, he did what he needed to do- he became the steady force that supported Grayce and Maddie.
Maddie is really good at being tough, putting her nose to the ground to get things done, and showing up for others.  Most importantly Gray and Grayce. But the thought of losing the one person that always was there for her is breaking her. My heart hurt for Maddie- she definitely was just going through the motions staying busy and surviving because if she slowed down just enough she might have broken.  Her story really resonated with me, she loves so hard and really wants to make a difference in the world, her hard exeter is her protection.
But then Atlas was there strong, steady, and he kept showing up doing what he said he was going to. These two took on the role of parents to Grayce with such ease and really learned to work as a team. But in the midst of it all they really saw one another as people outside of parents- they really saw what Gray saw in both of them.While this book was Atlas and Maddie finding their person and love it also was about two people building a family, loving a little girl so much their hearts burst, and building a life that they had always wanted for themselves and that is really what was the most beautiful part of this book for me. To say I loved this book is an understatement. It is hard for me to believe that this is the 19th book in the Titans series, it feels like we all just picked up and moved our hearts to Pittsburgh and found a new team to love and support.  I have loved this series, but Atlas and Maddie (and Grayce) might be at the top (next to Stone, obviously!).  This book is so beautifully written and I savored every word.  Be prepared with kleenex and know you will want to ignore all responsibilities and just savor every word.