Marek: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel

Cold Fury is one of my favorite sports romance series and I was really excited to read Marek after finishing Reed. This second chance/secret baby romance had me feeling all the feels. Marek is book 11 in the interconnected stand alone Cold Fury series, and can be enjoyed without reading the previous books. I really wanted to love this one and it did get me very emotional, but I just couldn't connect with both Marek and Gracen. Marek especially infuriated me with his immature behavior and his hot temper. His history with Gracen and the reason for their break-up only annoyed me further. I understand he was young and starting a new chapter in his life, but it only made him come across as a jerk and harder to like all these years later. He did redeem himself a bit at the end and I loved that he stepped up to become a father to Lilly, but his moods and feelings seemed to turn so quickly that I got whiplash several times during the story. Sadly, I also had a hard time liking Gracen (but not as much as Marek). She was at times incredibly strong and then the next a doormat. Her lack of communication with almost everyone in her life created so many issues. Her past was heartbreaking though and I definitely sympathized with her. I just wish that she would have came across more independent and confident and less desperate, basically taking whatever Marek was willing to offer. Marek was still an entertaining story and I really loved seeing Reed and Josie again. They provided a voice of reason to both Marek and Gracen and some comic relief too. I'm glad they're still enjoying their happily ever after. I also loved the close relationship that both Gracen and Marek had with their families and that they were so supportive and such positive influences in their lives. Overall, this is a solid addition to the Cold Fury series, but not one of my favorites. *I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

Having followed this series, enjoying each player along the way, Marek and Gracen’s story seemed to hit a soft spot for me. The emotions ran high, perhaps because Lily was involved, or perhaps I’m a sucker for second chance stories...which there are a plethora of. The way Ms Bennett has approached the topic though gave it a whole other level of “pull at the heartstrings”, I think this is where Lily comes in. I’m glad that Marek finally was able to come to terms with his past and Gracen to find his HEA with her. Clearly their chemistry is enhanced by their explosive history...adding the perfect layer of emotions to up the attraction factor between them. The Cold Fury Hockey series has never grown old, this author has perfected the ability to keep an extended series fresh and exciting. I always look forward to Ms Sawyer’s books...I'm anxious to see what she has in store next. This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

**I received an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review** Marek is the 11th book in Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey series and while it helps to read all of the books in the series, this title can standalone and you don't lose anything. What I can say is after reading the previous book in the series, Reed, I was more than ready to get my hands on this one based on the way Reed's book ended. Marek Fabritis has had two loves in his life, hockey and his ex-girlfriend Gracen Moore. However when it came down to it years ago, he chose hockey over Gracen. When he gets an anonymous email saying that she's getting married, there is no way that Marek can let that happen, so he sets out to stop the wedding. Not only is it about not wanting her to end up with someone else, he doesn't want anyone else to be the father figure to his three year old daughter. A daughter that he has just learned about. A daughter he has missed three years with. When Marek brings Gracen and Lilly to North Carolina to live with him, you can cut the tension between the two adults with a knife. As Marek begins to get to know Lilly, he can't seem to get past the deception of Gracen not telling him she was pregnant. Conversely, Gracen is still deeply wounded by the fact that Marek chose hockey over her. Will the years these two have been apart given them the maturity and clarity to try to make it work between them or is it all they can hope for to co-parent their daughter and move on apart from one another? And, will another secret that Gracen is harboring end up causing more trouble than anyone can imagine? I really enjoyed the "realness" of this book. It was easy for me to see how the feelings of the characters could happen in the real world and how they both had to really take stock of themselves, their feelings and the best interests of their young child. Sawyer Bennett is one of my favorite authors and this is one of my favorite series and this was certainly another strong offering!