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Cold Fury Hockey #11
Marek
When the Carolina Cold Fury’s hottest young star gets blindsided by an ex with a scandalous secret, it’s game on.
“One of the best voices in contemporary romance.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne
Marek Fabritis is used to delivering blows, not receiving them. But when he gets tipped off by an anonymous email about his ex-girlfriend, the news leaves him ice cold—and it’s not because Gracen Moore is getting married to a total jerk. It’s the fact that Marek has a three-year-old daughter he never knew about. Now he’s going back home, not to play knight in shining armor but to make damn sure that no man takes what’s his. For the first time, there might be something more important than hockey.
Gracen Moore has always loved Marek. That’s why she let him go, so he could pursue a career in the NHL. And that’s why she never told him about Lilly. Only now does Gracen realize that she made an unforgivable mistake. But is that any reason for Marek to crash her wedding and make an epic scene? If the spark that still smolders between them is to be trusted, maybe. Still, Gracen’s not getting her hopes up. Because she knows better than anyone that appearances aren’t always what they seem. . . .
“One of the best voices in contemporary romance.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne
Marek Fabritis is used to delivering blows, not receiving them. But when he gets tipped off by an anonymous email about his ex-girlfriend, the news leaves him ice cold—and it’s not because Gracen Moore is getting married to a total jerk. It’s the fact that Marek has a three-year-old daughter he never knew about. Now he’s going back home, not to play knight in shining armor but to make damn sure that no man takes what’s his. For the first time, there might be something more important than hockey.
Gracen Moore has always loved Marek. That’s why she let him go, so he could pursue a career in the NHL. And that’s why she never told him about Lilly. Only now does Gracen realize that she made an unforgivable mistake. But is that any reason for Marek to crash her wedding and make an epic scene? If the spark that still smolders between them is to be trusted, maybe. Still, Gracen’s not getting her hopes up. Because she knows better than anyone that appearances aren’t always what they seem. . . .
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2018
513 people are currently reading
3381 people want to read
About the author
Sawyer Bennett
165 books14.4k followersNew York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
April 5, 2018
3 stars!!
I'm a huge fan of Sawyer Bennett's 'Cold Fury' series. I mean, I've read all 11 of these books, that should tell you something! After reading Reed, I was especially excited to get my hands on Marek. I love the fact that Marek just found out about his daughter and couldn't wait to see him as a dad.
Lilly was by far my favorite part of this story. I adored her! I think both of her parents loved her very much, but aside from that, they both frustrated me to no end. I can deal with one of the main characters driving me nutty, but both Marek and Gracen aggravated me with their immaturity and miscommunication over and over again. As much as I wanted to love this book, I spent so much of it annoyed. This could very well be a case of 'it's me' and I wasn't in the mood to deal with these characters and their issues, but for some reason they really struck a nerve.
There were parts of Marek I did enjoy, but honestly, it was my least favorite of the series so far. Still, Sawyer has a solid series with this 'Cold Fury' bunch and I was happy, as always, to see some of my favorite characters from previous books. If Bennett writes another 'Cold Fury' book, you better believe I'll be reading!
I'm a huge fan of Sawyer Bennett's 'Cold Fury' series. I mean, I've read all 11 of these books, that should tell you something! After reading Reed, I was especially excited to get my hands on Marek. I love the fact that Marek just found out about his daughter and couldn't wait to see him as a dad.
Lilly was by far my favorite part of this story. I adored her! I think both of her parents loved her very much, but aside from that, they both frustrated me to no end. I can deal with one of the main characters driving me nutty, but both Marek and Gracen aggravated me with their immaturity and miscommunication over and over again. As much as I wanted to love this book, I spent so much of it annoyed. This could very well be a case of 'it's me' and I wasn't in the mood to deal with these characters and their issues, but for some reason they really struck a nerve.
There were parts of Marek I did enjoy, but honestly, it was my least favorite of the series so far. Still, Sawyer has a solid series with this 'Cold Fury' bunch and I was happy, as always, to see some of my favorite characters from previous books. If Bennett writes another 'Cold Fury' book, you better believe I'll be reading!
May 22, 2018
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I can never allow myself to forget what caused the rift between Marek and me in the first place He left me. He decided he didn’t love me anymore. He wanted a life without me. A life with other things that weren’t me.
The Cold Fury Hockey still remains one of my favorite Sawyer Bennett series! I can’t believe it’s been four years since "ALEX" was released and we’re up to the eleventh book!! I hope it never ends. I was worried for a while that MAREK was going to be a “let down” for me but luckily, I was won over towards the end. Marek is not a likable character. For most of the story, he walks around with a huge chip on his shoulder and is a complete ass! He is definitely not my favorite Cold Fury player, BUT, this one is filled with Ms. Bennett’s delectably steamy scenes and I’m a sucker for a good “second chance romance” with a guaranteed HEA.
Marek and Gracen were high school sweethearts and madly in love. Several years later as Marek is graduating from college, he gets recruited by an NHL team. He didn’t want to be tied down and so he leaves Gracen behind…brokenhearted. Fast forward three years later and the two find themselves in each other’s lives again when Marek goes back home to stop his first love from making the biggest mistake of her life by marrying the wrong guy. Marek is in for a huge surprise when he finds out that he is the father of a precocious three-year-old little girl. He’s beyond furious with Gracen for keeping Lilly a secret from him thereby cheating him out of being a father to her from the very beginning. He brings Gracen and Lilly back home with him to Raleigh so that he can spend some time with his daughter.
For almost three-quarters of the story, Marek behaves like a petulant man-child. He’s often belligerent and cruel to Gracen and throws the fact that she deprived him of three years of being a father every chance he gets. It was getting old really fast. But, these two have incredible sexual chemistry and they have a hard time staying away from each other. Just when things start to look promising Marek goes and messes everything up yet again with his utter stupidity. He’s one of the most clueless characters in this entire series. While Marek walks around not really knowing his true feelings, Gracen has never stopped loving him but won’t allow herself to have hope because he obliterated her heart once before. She’d never be able to survive that kind of pain again.
Will they ever be able to move beyond the feelings of hurt and betrayal from the past?
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 3.5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
MAREK releases on May 22nd!
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I can never allow myself to forget what caused the rift between Marek and me in the first place He left me. He decided he didn’t love me anymore. He wanted a life without me. A life with other things that weren’t me.
The Cold Fury Hockey still remains one of my favorite Sawyer Bennett series! I can’t believe it’s been four years since "ALEX" was released and we’re up to the eleventh book!! I hope it never ends. I was worried for a while that MAREK was going to be a “let down” for me but luckily, I was won over towards the end. Marek is not a likable character. For most of the story, he walks around with a huge chip on his shoulder and is a complete ass! He is definitely not my favorite Cold Fury player, BUT, this one is filled with Ms. Bennett’s delectably steamy scenes and I’m a sucker for a good “second chance romance” with a guaranteed HEA.
Marek and Gracen were high school sweethearts and madly in love. Several years later as Marek is graduating from college, he gets recruited by an NHL team. He didn’t want to be tied down and so he leaves Gracen behind…brokenhearted. Fast forward three years later and the two find themselves in each other’s lives again when Marek goes back home to stop his first love from making the biggest mistake of her life by marrying the wrong guy. Marek is in for a huge surprise when he finds out that he is the father of a precocious three-year-old little girl. He’s beyond furious with Gracen for keeping Lilly a secret from him thereby cheating him out of being a father to her from the very beginning. He brings Gracen and Lilly back home with him to Raleigh so that he can spend some time with his daughter.
For almost three-quarters of the story, Marek behaves like a petulant man-child. He’s often belligerent and cruel to Gracen and throws the fact that she deprived him of three years of being a father every chance he gets. It was getting old really fast. But, these two have incredible sexual chemistry and they have a hard time staying away from each other. Just when things start to look promising Marek goes and messes everything up yet again with his utter stupidity. He’s one of the most clueless characters in this entire series. While Marek walks around not really knowing his true feelings, Gracen has never stopped loving him but won’t allow herself to have hope because he obliterated her heart once before. She’d never be able to survive that kind of pain again.
Will they ever be able to move beyond the feelings of hurt and betrayal from the past?
Here are my overall ratings
Hero: 3.5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
MAREK releases on May 22nd!
May 29, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I don't even know where to start with this review. I've read a lot of Sawyer Bennett books and most of the Cold Fury series and many I enjoyed a lot. The last I read in this series, Van, is one of my favorites but this one is a tough one. I can't say I didn't enjoy it at all - I read Marek in a day so I was pretty invested. My issues come from the characters in this story.
Gracen and Marek used to be in love. They had everything and everything pointed toward a rich life full of love and happiness until Marek decided that he needed freedom when his professional career in the NHL started. A couple years later Marek is back in Gracen's life - he just found out that he has a daughter who his ex-girlfriend had kept secret and he basically kidnapped them to stay with him in Raleigh.
Now I get that Marek's mad as hell. I probably would be too. But the way he treated Gracen, especially in the beginning, was despicable. I know he was angry but I completely understood why Gracen would not tell him, after he told her he didn't want the responsibility of a relationship and basically insinuating that he wanted to screw other women. Damn, that man got my blood boiling. His anger wasn't righteous or justified. He threw her away, he threw her love away. Argh! And once he had her and his daughter in his home he kept throwing her mistake in her face and it started to become a toxic environment.
There was too much pushing away and pulling on Marek's side and I never felt that these two should have a relationship ever again. I wouldn't be able to forgive this man, who so thoroughly broke my heart. How can I ever believe that he won't do it again? I couldn't get on board with it...until the end I never felt that this relationship could be mended. Too much resentment was between them and after they came to blows for the last time I actually thought that they had burned the last bridges.
“It may be a good thing I kept her hidden,” I say in a deathly quiet voice. “Because your father skills suck.”
“Fuck, it’s no wonder I wanted out from underneath that fiasco of a relationship we had. You’re a goddamn shrew, Gracie. I just couldn’t imagine being shackled to that for the rest of my life.”
Words have power. And this came in the last 10 percent of the story. How can you come back from that? I'm sorry but I didn't buy it.
Gracen never forgot Marek, despite him hurting her so horribly. While she stood up for herself when he treated her badly she was back in his bed pretty fast again. She was holding out hope, that one day Marek would fall in love with her again. How could she ever believe that, after he threw her away for effing ice hockey and women? It just didn't add up.
I kiss him back because I never stopped loving him. Even when he broke my heart and left me in ruins, so utterly alone and abandoned, I never once turned my heart away from what we had.
Also, the side plot-line about her parents' house made me think that Gracen was a little on the dumb side. She never talked with her parents about their issues and just made assumptions and was ready to marry the person who black-mailed them!
Now, I did love Lilly, their daughter, she was really cute. I also thought Marek's parents were really cool.
These books are supposed to be standalones but I feel like I'm missing out on some information of things that happened in Reed's book. The whole kidnapping thing is only mentioned but I feel it's important to explain that a little more. It was only glossed over in this one.
This might be a it's-me-not-the-book kind of thing. For some reason I still couldn't stop reading, the angst was, while a little annoying, still delicious, if that makes any sense. Marek and Gracen weren't my favorite couple in the Cold Fury series but I know what Sawyer Bennett can do. I read brilliant stories by her. I'm pretty sure that this was only a fluke.
Please check out other reviews of this book - many reviewers loved this story and this is just one opinion!
August 2, 2018
"I can never allow myself to forget what caused the rift between Marek and me in the first place."
Marek is the eleventh book in the Cold Fury Hockey Series. I know what you may be thinking about eleven books? How could this series still be going strong? Two words for you HOCKEY GODS! The Cold Fury Hockey Team is full of alpha male hockey players and their spunky counterparts. At the end of the last book Reed, we learned that Marek has a daughter from his first love. With such an explosive discovery, you better believe I couldn't wait to get my hands on this.
"There's something to be said about second chances."Marek Fabritis and Gracen Moore had a passionate romance. When Marek decided he needed to focus on his hockey career, he left Gracen. Gracen soon discovered that she was pregnant. Instead of telling Marek, she kept the baby a secret. When Marek discovers what has happened, Lilly is already three years old. Marek insists that Gracen abandon her plans to marry another man and drags her and Lilly back to North Carolina. Marek is far from ready to be a father nor is he prepared to let go of the anger he has at his ex-flame. Gracen is terrified of getting close to him again only to experience hurt and abandonment all over again. As both struggle to find their way, Lilly is the catalyst that brings them back together.
Told in dual POV, Marek is certainly a unique addition to the series as it deals with such serious subject matter. Both main characters are complex and reluctant to trust each other again. This lack of trust leads to countless misunderstandings and frustrating moments. I found the intensity of their situation to only strengthen their resolve to make things work. It took both characters a great deal of time to work things out, so this could be a problematic plot point for some readers. However, if you are fond of second chance romances with a dash of hockey love than you do not want to miss this passionate story.
Overall, I highly recommend Marek to anyone looking for a dynamic crew of characters thrust into a complex plot of lies, betrayal, passion, and tender romance. Although you can certainly enjoy this piece of hockey goodness as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series! I have become a huge Cold Fury Hockey Addict and this is one addiction I will never want to quit!
***Cold Fury Hockey***
*ARC graciously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 22, 2018
4 “You’re My Everything” Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Marek Fabritis is a hockey player for The Cold Fury in North Carolina. He enjoys being single, and spends a lot of his time on the road with his team. Suddenly his life is turned upside down when he finds out he has a three year old daughter named Lilly he knew nothing about. His ex-girlfriend kept her a secret, and he's hurt. He wants to get to know Lilly, and the only way to have a relationship with her is for her to come to NC. He has a toddler he barely knows, and lots of time to make up for.
Gracen Moore has loved Marek since she was fifteen. He was her boyfriend and best friend for five years, and then he broke her heart when he dumped her four years ago to start his new, fancy life as a professional athlete. He was drafted into the NHL, went pro, and left her behind. His career was more important, so when she found out she was pregnant, she decided to protect her baby from possible rejection by raising her alone. She finished college, got her degree in nursing, and is about to get married when Marek crashes her wedding & goes all caveman on her taking her back to his house. Gracen and her daughter are abruptly inserted into Mareks life, and they are all doing their best to adjust.
Everything is a big mess. Marek is trying to bond with his daughter, and is feeling confused and angry with Gracen. He was young when he broke things off with her. He'd wanted his freedom, but that didn't change how he'd felt about her. She was his first love, and now she's back in his life, and he doesn't know how to handle it. He never quit thinking of her, and regrets hurting her. She's still the most beautiful woman he's ever known.
-She’s still the hottest woman I’ve ever known.
-I want him in all ways a woman can want a man. I foolishly, stupidly, insanely want him.
-“I thought I could walk away from this.”
-“But I can’t. I don’t want to.”
-You and I share something that I’ve never shared with another woman, and for some reason, that’s changed something inside of me. I just... I want you. I want only you.
As they all spend time together old feelings return, and Gracen tries not to have expectations as things turn physical. She's never gotten over him, and he could hurt her again if she gets too tied up in him. He was always so devoted to her when they were together. No one has ever compared to Marek and the deep love they once shared. As everything falls into place, can this couple move past their pain and give love another try and finally be a family?
This was a great second chance romance full of angst and love. I love this series and all these delicious Cold Fury hockey players! ;))
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2KKsw4o
(ARC provided by author)
Marek Fabritis is a hockey player for The Cold Fury in North Carolina. He enjoys being single, and spends a lot of his time on the road with his team. Suddenly his life is turned upside down when he finds out he has a three year old daughter named Lilly he knew nothing about. His ex-girlfriend kept her a secret, and he's hurt. He wants to get to know Lilly, and the only way to have a relationship with her is for her to come to NC. He has a toddler he barely knows, and lots of time to make up for.
Gracen Moore has loved Marek since she was fifteen. He was her boyfriend and best friend for five years, and then he broke her heart when he dumped her four years ago to start his new, fancy life as a professional athlete. He was drafted into the NHL, went pro, and left her behind. His career was more important, so when she found out she was pregnant, she decided to protect her baby from possible rejection by raising her alone. She finished college, got her degree in nursing, and is about to get married when Marek crashes her wedding & goes all caveman on her taking her back to his house. Gracen and her daughter are abruptly inserted into Mareks life, and they are all doing their best to adjust.
Everything is a big mess. Marek is trying to bond with his daughter, and is feeling confused and angry with Gracen. He was young when he broke things off with her. He'd wanted his freedom, but that didn't change how he'd felt about her. She was his first love, and now she's back in his life, and he doesn't know how to handle it. He never quit thinking of her, and regrets hurting her. She's still the most beautiful woman he's ever known.
-She’s still the hottest woman I’ve ever known.
-I want him in all ways a woman can want a man. I foolishly, stupidly, insanely want him.
-“I thought I could walk away from this.”
-“But I can’t. I don’t want to.”
-You and I share something that I’ve never shared with another woman, and for some reason, that’s changed something inside of me. I just... I want you. I want only you.
As they all spend time together old feelings return, and Gracen tries not to have expectations as things turn physical. She's never gotten over him, and he could hurt her again if she gets too tied up in him. He was always so devoted to her when they were together. No one has ever compared to Marek and the deep love they once shared. As everything falls into place, can this couple move past their pain and give love another try and finally be a family?
This was a great second chance romance full of angst and love. I love this series and all these delicious Cold Fury hockey players! ;))
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2KKsw4o
May 24, 2018
3.5 Letting Go Of the Pain Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free- It's LIVE!!!
We humans are a complicated bunch. We have all of these desires and emotions and we are supposed to be able to handle them without hurting the ones we love...Easier said then done...
Sawyer Bennett uses her 11th entry of the Cold Fury Hockey Series to take on how hard it is to let go of past hurts and betrayal. She uses Marek's and Gracen's painful past and guilt ridden present to illustrate how very complex relationships can be.
This is not a textbook read of a touchy-feely love story with a few hiccups and then Bam, an HEA. Nope, these two have a very rocky road. It does have a financially secure Hockey Star and a woman who worked hard to become a neonatal nurse so that makes them in a good place. There is undeniable chemistry between them that never died and there wonderful moments where Marek discovers new love for his daughter.
But there is more to this tale then that.
The approach Bennett uses to tell this story has huge doses of reality because in everyday lives, the ones you, your family and friends live... things do not always come together after a few conversations, dates or fights. Nothing just falls into place like in the books we read... no, it takes lots of steps, hard work, miscommunications and tough times. Then maybe if we are really lucky, we can mature and own up to our responsibilities... we can then have a second chance HEA.
Sawyer Bennett has created many characters for the Cold Fury Series and all of them have been people we wanted to know. This time Bennett gave us people we may already know... or at least parts of them... people who have real emotional challenges and need to understand how to overcome them. They may not always be kind or fair...but we know the goodness in them and pray the good wins out overall.
Marek and Gracen win...it is a process, just like life...and then we win, too.
Alex (Cold Fury Hockey, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Garrett (Cold Fury Hockey, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Zack (Cold Fury Hockey #3)
Ryker (Cold Fury Hockey, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hawke (Cold Fury Hockey, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Max (Cold Fury Hockey, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Roman (Cold Fury Hockey, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Lucas (Cold Fury Hockey, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Van (Cold Fury Hockey, #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Reed (Cold Fury Hockey, #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marek (Cold Fury Hockey, #11)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free- It's LIVE!!!
We humans are a complicated bunch. We have all of these desires and emotions and we are supposed to be able to handle them without hurting the ones we love...Easier said then done...
Sawyer Bennett uses her 11th entry of the Cold Fury Hockey Series to take on how hard it is to let go of past hurts and betrayal. She uses Marek's and Gracen's painful past and guilt ridden present to illustrate how very complex relationships can be.
This is not a textbook read of a touchy-feely love story with a few hiccups and then Bam, an HEA. Nope, these two have a very rocky road. It does have a financially secure Hockey Star and a woman who worked hard to become a neonatal nurse so that makes them in a good place. There is undeniable chemistry between them that never died and there wonderful moments where Marek discovers new love for his daughter.
But there is more to this tale then that.
The approach Bennett uses to tell this story has huge doses of reality because in everyday lives, the ones you, your family and friends live... things do not always come together after a few conversations, dates or fights. Nothing just falls into place like in the books we read... no, it takes lots of steps, hard work, miscommunications and tough times. Then maybe if we are really lucky, we can mature and own up to our responsibilities... we can then have a second chance HEA.
Sawyer Bennett has created many characters for the Cold Fury Series and all of them have been people we wanted to know. This time Bennett gave us people we may already know... or at least parts of them... people who have real emotional challenges and need to understand how to overcome them. They may not always be kind or fair...but we know the goodness in them and pray the good wins out overall.
Marek and Gracen win...it is a process, just like life...and then we win, too.
Alex (Cold Fury Hockey, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Garrett (Cold Fury Hockey, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Zack (Cold Fury Hockey #3) Ryker (Cold Fury Hockey, #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hawke (Cold Fury Hockey, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Max (Cold Fury Hockey, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Roman (Cold Fury Hockey, #7)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Lucas (Cold Fury Hockey, #8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Van (Cold Fury Hockey, #9)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Reed (Cold Fury Hockey, #10)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marek (Cold Fury Hockey, #11)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 25, 2018
I'm a huge fan of this series from Sawyer Bennett so it pains me to admit that Marek's story was a struggle for me.
First let me say you can normally read these as a standalone but I didn't read the previous book and I believe I missed the beginning of Marek and Gracen's story because of it. You do learn real quick what happened, but I do wish I had read Reed's book first.
You also learn in the blurb that Marek finds out he has a three year old daughter he never knew about. This book deals with the struggle of the aftermath of all that. The author did a great job keeping this more realistic to reactions in real life but I prefer the more fairy-tale version. There was a lot of hurt on both sides.
I probably should be mad at Gracen but honestly it was Marek who I struggled more with. I AM pleased with how they came together in the end and I loved that Reed kept giving Marek a hard time about how he was treating Gracen. I do love this series and all the guys in it so while this one isn't my favorite, I do highly recommend reading this series.
My issues with Marek
First let me say you can normally read these as a standalone but I didn't read the previous book and I believe I missed the beginning of Marek and Gracen's story because of it. You do learn real quick what happened, but I do wish I had read Reed's book first.
You also learn in the blurb that Marek finds out he has a three year old daughter he never knew about. This book deals with the struggle of the aftermath of all that. The author did a great job keeping this more realistic to reactions in real life but I prefer the more fairy-tale version. There was a lot of hurt on both sides.
I probably should be mad at Gracen but honestly it was Marek who I struggled more with. I AM pleased with how they came together in the end and I loved that Reed kept giving Marek a hard time about how he was treating Gracen. I do love this series and all the guys in it so while this one isn't my favorite, I do highly recommend reading this series.
My issues with Marek
May 22, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I liked this book but I do have to say that it is my least favorite book in the series so far. I was really excited about this book from the set up of the story that occurred in the previous book in the series, Reed. This book is the eleventh book in the series but it would read perfectly well as a stand alone because everything that is important to the story is included in this volume. That being said, the previous book got me really excited about this book despite the fact that I knew there was going to be a secret baby, which is a trope that only rarely works for me. I did enjoy this book even though I had a few issues with it.
My biggest problem with this story is that Marek and Gracen have the same argument over and over throughout much of the book. I get it that this is a really big deal to get over and it could never happen overnight. It just became a bit tiresome to read about this pair having the same issue coming up time and time again. I would have loved to see a little more of Marek getting to know Lilly or maybe a bit more of the three of them together. We do get to see some of this happening but I think that would have been a more powerful way of seeing them come together instead of the rehashing the same argument time and time again.
My other issue with this book was that Marek was a bit of a jerk at the start of the book. He brings Gracen and Lilly to his house and then promptly makes sure that he is never home to spend any time with them. I understand that he didn't know how to deal with the situation but how on earth can you get to know a child you are never home to be around. It just didn't make sense to me. Thank goodness Reed was there to put him in his place.
Marek and Gracen did have some great chemistry together and I really did like their interactions when they were not arguing with each other. These two have been through a lot and they really had to take some time to be able to be together while staying positive. I would say that the last third of the book or so was when things started to work for me a bit better. I liked the way they eventually were able to appreciate each other again.
I think that other readers might like this one a bit more than I did. This story did have some great points with a cute kid. a few rather romantic moments, and some pretty hot interludes. I can't wait to read more from Sawyer Bennett very soon.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This wasn't my favorite book in the series but I did enjoy it. Maybe 3.5 stars? I might round up once I have some time to think about it a bit. I knew going into this book that there would be a secret baby. That is not my favorite trope but I liked the way that things were set up in the previous book so I decided to give it a try. Marek and Gracen have more than a few issues with each other but they do seem good together and their chemistry is off the charts. Lilly was adorable.
I liked this book but I do have to say that it is my least favorite book in the series so far. I was really excited about this book from the set up of the story that occurred in the previous book in the series, Reed. This book is the eleventh book in the series but it would read perfectly well as a stand alone because everything that is important to the story is included in this volume. That being said, the previous book got me really excited about this book despite the fact that I knew there was going to be a secret baby, which is a trope that only rarely works for me. I did enjoy this book even though I had a few issues with it.
My biggest problem with this story is that Marek and Gracen have the same argument over and over throughout much of the book. I get it that this is a really big deal to get over and it could never happen overnight. It just became a bit tiresome to read about this pair having the same issue coming up time and time again. I would have loved to see a little more of Marek getting to know Lilly or maybe a bit more of the three of them together. We do get to see some of this happening but I think that would have been a more powerful way of seeing them come together instead of the rehashing the same argument time and time again.
My other issue with this book was that Marek was a bit of a jerk at the start of the book. He brings Gracen and Lilly to his house and then promptly makes sure that he is never home to spend any time with them. I understand that he didn't know how to deal with the situation but how on earth can you get to know a child you are never home to be around. It just didn't make sense to me. Thank goodness Reed was there to put him in his place.
Marek and Gracen did have some great chemistry together and I really did like their interactions when they were not arguing with each other. These two have been through a lot and they really had to take some time to be able to be together while staying positive. I would say that the last third of the book or so was when things started to work for me a bit better. I liked the way they eventually were able to appreciate each other again.
I think that other readers might like this one a bit more than I did. This story did have some great points with a cute kid. a few rather romantic moments, and some pretty hot interludes. I can't wait to read more from Sawyer Bennett very soon.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This wasn't my favorite book in the series but I did enjoy it. Maybe 3.5 stars? I might round up once I have some time to think about it a bit. I knew going into this book that there would be a secret baby. That is not my favorite trope but I liked the way that things were set up in the previous book so I decided to give it a try. Marek and Gracen have more than a few issues with each other but they do seem good together and their chemistry is off the charts. Lilly was adorable.
May 24, 2018
Sawyer Bennett’s latest installment in her Cold Fury Hockey series —Marek— delivers a heartwarming story about forgiveness and second chances.
Marek Fabritis got everything he ever wanted. The fame and fortune an NHL career affords him along with a hoard of fawning fans. But when he decided to stop his ex-girlfriend’s wedding to a douche canoe and take both her and the three-year-old daughter he didn’t know he had, he needs to face the fact that his life has tilted on its axis and that his job is not his life and it might take a backseat to the sweet love of his little girl, but can he forgive her mother in order to start a new happy chapter in his life?
When Gracen Moore decided to let Marek go so he could chase his NHL dream, she did so hiding the fact that she was pregnant with their daughter thinking it was for everyone’s benefit. After he prevented her from making a huge mistake she’s now faced with the fact that keeping Lilly a secret was not just epic it was inexcusable. But how many times can she ask for forgiveness and how long can she hide the fact that she never stopped loving him?
Gracen and Marek are in uncharted territory. The spark, the memories, the shared emotions are still very much present but they must also find a way to face the past that broke them and the decisions that are currently threatening them. Not an easy task for either of them. Their story takes us through a gamut of feelings from frustrating to very sweet, tender and definitely sultry.
Bennett’s skilled storytelling grips you from the start with a motivating plot, attractive characters and a wide range of emotions which make all her stories a wonderful reading experience. Marek is no different. It’s an enjoyable, sexy escape that explores family, friendship, forgiveness, love and second chances.
Marek is book #11 of the Cold Fury Hockey series by Sawyer Bennett. It is a standalone, contemporary hockey romance. Told from both points of view with a hand ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2Gdu0qc
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
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Marek Fabritis got everything he ever wanted. The fame and fortune an NHL career affords him along with a hoard of fawning fans. But when he decided to stop his ex-girlfriend’s wedding to a douche canoe and take both her and the three-year-old daughter he didn’t know he had, he needs to face the fact that his life has tilted on its axis and that his job is not his life and it might take a backseat to the sweet love of his little girl, but can he forgive her mother in order to start a new happy chapter in his life?
When Gracen Moore decided to let Marek go so he could chase his NHL dream, she did so hiding the fact that she was pregnant with their daughter thinking it was for everyone’s benefit. After he prevented her from making a huge mistake she’s now faced with the fact that keeping Lilly a secret was not just epic it was inexcusable. But how many times can she ask for forgiveness and how long can she hide the fact that she never stopped loving him?
Gracen and Marek are in uncharted territory. The spark, the memories, the shared emotions are still very much present but they must also find a way to face the past that broke them and the decisions that are currently threatening them. Not an easy task for either of them. Their story takes us through a gamut of feelings from frustrating to very sweet, tender and definitely sultry.
Bennett’s skilled storytelling grips you from the start with a motivating plot, attractive characters and a wide range of emotions which make all her stories a wonderful reading experience. Marek is no different. It’s an enjoyable, sexy escape that explores family, friendship, forgiveness, love and second chances.
Marek is book #11 of the Cold Fury Hockey series by Sawyer Bennett. It is a standalone, contemporary hockey romance. Told from both points of view with a hand ending.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2Gdu0qc
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk us on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
July 17, 2019
Cheesy. I am not actually a fan of Bennet books. Some of her books are sweet but it is too cheesy for my taste.
Marek is no different. Likeable heroine, brooding hero. And a child that the hero does not know until the last minute before the heroine married another man. Marek is a hockey star. He left his then girlfriend to pursue his hockey career. And it turns out its not only Gracen he left behind. He left a baby too. Gracen never told Marek she is pregnant. So now Marek is now demanding getting to know Lilly. Hence Gracen and Lilly move into Marek house.
Marek has angry issue to Gracen because he feels Gracen robs him 3 years of Lilly's life. So at first he is resentful to Gracen. But slowly the romantic tension build between them. Marek and Gracen finally falls in love with each other... again. And they get their HEA.
I like this book OK.
3 stars
Marek is no different. Likeable heroine, brooding hero. And a child that the hero does not know until the last minute before the heroine married another man. Marek is a hockey star. He left his then girlfriend to pursue his hockey career. And it turns out its not only Gracen he left behind. He left a baby too. Gracen never told Marek she is pregnant. So now Marek is now demanding getting to know Lilly. Hence Gracen and Lilly move into Marek house.
Marek has angry issue to Gracen because he feels Gracen robs him 3 years of Lilly's life. So at first he is resentful to Gracen. But slowly the romantic tension build between them. Marek and Gracen finally falls in love with each other... again. And they get their HEA.
I like this book OK.
3 stars
March 23, 2018
Marek is the 11th book in the Cold Fury series (Can you believe it ? 11th book!? And I read them ALL! ) I was waiting non-too-patiently for this one after the way it ended in Reed. Marek literally kidnapped Gracen and her 3 years old daughter to avoid her getting married with someone he dislikes.
To me Marek acted like a huge D-bag because of his manwhore ways! He dropped his long-time girlfriend to live a great life as a hockey player but then he decide to let her no choice to live with him because he found out the fact she has a child and it’s his. Both Gracen & Marek’s actions come back to bite their ass and what comes next is not pretty.
I had huge expectations for this book and I wanted answers on Marek sudden change. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as deep as I wanted. Gracen & Marek have issues they needed to discuss and the story focus a lot on the fact Gracen kept their daughter a secret for so long. I think putting the blame on Gracen was too easy and Marek decision to leave Gracen was left as an immature move on his part which didn’t sit well with me.
I like to see Marek’s relation with his daughter, I like seeing him change and become a family man. I just wish I understood his actions better all along.
I enjoyed once again reading about the rest of the bunch. Reading her series with many books is also the guarantee I’ll have news on previous characters and Sawyer Bennett never disappoint to give great vibes from the rest of them.
~I voluntary read a copy of this book provided by the author ~
To me Marek acted like a huge D-bag because of his manwhore ways! He dropped his long-time girlfriend to live a great life as a hockey player but then he decide to let her no choice to live with him because he found out the fact she has a child and it’s his. Both Gracen & Marek’s actions come back to bite their ass and what comes next is not pretty.
I had huge expectations for this book and I wanted answers on Marek sudden change. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as deep as I wanted. Gracen & Marek have issues they needed to discuss and the story focus a lot on the fact Gracen kept their daughter a secret for so long. I think putting the blame on Gracen was too easy and Marek decision to leave Gracen was left as an immature move on his part which didn’t sit well with me.
I like to see Marek’s relation with his daughter, I like seeing him change and become a family man. I just wish I understood his actions better all along.
I enjoyed once again reading about the rest of the bunch. Reading her series with many books is also the guarantee I’ll have news on previous characters and Sawyer Bennett never disappoint to give great vibes from the rest of them.
~I voluntary read a copy of this book provided by the author ~
July 3, 2018
Marek was the eleventh book in Sawyer Bennett’s Cold Fury series. Marek was a professional hockey player. We were introduced to Marek and Gracen’s history in book ten, Reed.
Marek and Gracen have a three year old daughter that Marek never knew about. Apparently Marek broke up with Gracen after his graduation as he was entering the NHL draft. In Reed, Marek learned of Gracen’s upcoming wedding and showed up to stop it, while simultaneously learning about his daughter, Lilly.
I loved the second chance premise. I’m a sucker for anything second chance related. I also enjoyed how Marek and Gracen adjusted to each other again while working through their justified anger. The deep rooted anger was definitely realistic on both their parts. Bennett also included a twist, not an actual triangle but a triangle conflict, that added depth to the storyline. What I didn’t like so much was Marek’s response to breaking if off in the first place. It was a prick move at the time and I didn’t feel that he ever genuinely missed her. He worked through current feelings, but that seemed more circumstance and daughter related than it did about his feelings for Gracen.
All in all, it was a fairly fast read and entertaining. I’m not sure where Bennett is leading us next but it appears Holt and his designer may be headed for some explosive fun soon.
Marek and Gracen have a three year old daughter that Marek never knew about. Apparently Marek broke up with Gracen after his graduation as he was entering the NHL draft. In Reed, Marek learned of Gracen’s upcoming wedding and showed up to stop it, while simultaneously learning about his daughter, Lilly.
I loved the second chance premise. I’m a sucker for anything second chance related. I also enjoyed how Marek and Gracen adjusted to each other again while working through their justified anger. The deep rooted anger was definitely realistic on both their parts. Bennett also included a twist, not an actual triangle but a triangle conflict, that added depth to the storyline. What I didn’t like so much was Marek’s response to breaking if off in the first place. It was a prick move at the time and I didn’t feel that he ever genuinely missed her. He worked through current feelings, but that seemed more circumstance and daughter related than it did about his feelings for Gracen.
All in all, it was a fairly fast read and entertaining. I’m not sure where Bennett is leading us next but it appears Holt and his designer may be headed for some explosive fun soon.
May 18, 2018
Make no mistake, folks, I can’t remember the last time the male leading role in a book made me so mad I wanted to cause him bodily harm. Though Marek left Gracen four years ago after being her first love/hot and heavy boyfriend for five years so he could live a life of fame and fortune free of any/all responsibility, he hatefully, hurtfully berates her countless times for not contacting him to let him know he was a baby daddy. Gee, I wonder why she didn’t think he wanted any part of that role, folks? It wasn’t until nearly 80% he finally starts to see her side of things and the hardships she endured while he was off chasing skirts and his professional hockey player dreams.
For someone who touts he is so proud of his wonderful parents and how he was raised, he is clueless what a failure of a man he’s become. He is always pointing the finger and blame at Gracen for all that he has lost, when he is the one who pushed her to the curb and out of his life without a second thought. Him going on about not knowing how to relate to a three year old certainly wasn’t applicable, since he acted like one most of the time. I think he had toddler temper tantrums down pat.
Gracen had some knucklehead moments herself. At times being strong then swinging into eyes shifting to the ground, doormat mode and giving into to kisses and touching when she should have been making him grovel comes to mind. Don’t get me started on the numerous “I’m sorry” apologies that were thrown back in her face. But I’ll just leave it at that for now, folks.
If you love a heavy on angry relationship angst theme between two people who find it difficult to forgive, forget, and trust each other again, you may love this addition to the Cold Fury series. I unashamedly admit I wanted her to date a handsome doctor where she worked just to make Marek jealous. At least Marek was smart enough not to take Gracen to his usual stomping ground nightclub where he used to pick up women.
The author's writing style definitely flows and did keep me reading to the very end, despite my dislike of this hero throughout most of the book. His very brief groveling at the end didn’t seem nearly long enough. Here’s to hoping he actually meant it.
Title: Marek, Series: Cold Fury (Book 11), Author: Sawyer Bennett, Pages: 226, stand-alone but part of a series, VERY smexy/steamy scenes with lusty language, hateful/hurtful hero who plays the martyr and slow to forgive, strong at times but mostly a doormat heroine, lots of relationship angst, baby daddy drama, not celibate during long separation, dumped her after years together to live his dream.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
For someone who touts he is so proud of his wonderful parents and how he was raised, he is clueless what a failure of a man he’s become. He is always pointing the finger and blame at Gracen for all that he has lost, when he is the one who pushed her to the curb and out of his life without a second thought. Him going on about not knowing how to relate to a three year old certainly wasn’t applicable, since he acted like one most of the time. I think he had toddler temper tantrums down pat.
Gracen had some knucklehead moments herself. At times being strong then swinging into eyes shifting to the ground, doormat mode and giving into to kisses and touching when she should have been making him grovel comes to mind. Don’t get me started on the numerous “I’m sorry” apologies that were thrown back in her face. But I’ll just leave it at that for now, folks.
If you love a heavy on angry relationship angst theme between two people who find it difficult to forgive, forget, and trust each other again, you may love this addition to the Cold Fury series. I unashamedly admit I wanted her to date a handsome doctor where she worked just to make Marek jealous. At least Marek was smart enough not to take Gracen to his usual stomping ground nightclub where he used to pick up women.
The author's writing style definitely flows and did keep me reading to the very end, despite my dislike of this hero throughout most of the book. His very brief groveling at the end didn’t seem nearly long enough. Here’s to hoping he actually meant it.
Title: Marek, Series: Cold Fury (Book 11), Author: Sawyer Bennett, Pages: 226, stand-alone but part of a series, VERY smexy/steamy scenes with lusty language, hateful/hurtful hero who plays the martyr and slow to forgive, strong at times but mostly a doormat heroine, lots of relationship angst, baby daddy drama, not celibate during long separation, dumped her after years together to live his dream.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
May 17, 2018
We're back with the hotties from the Carolina Hockey team!
MAREK.
In the last book he found out that his ex is getting married to the biggest idiot in their home town. He ran back home to stop the wedding. And bam. Suddenly he finds out he has a three year old daughter. Lilly.
Gracen never told him about her because he left to concentrate on becoming a famous hockey player.
But three years are enough time without his kid. He packs up Gracen and Lilly and takes them home with him.
Gracen is happy about that - she never fell out of love with Marek. Plus, Owen, her almost-hubby, is blackmailing her into marriage, by threatening her parents' bank loan.
Can Marek help? Does he even want to?
He seems to be in a very hateful mood towards her. But he wants to be a good daddy for Lilly....
WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO THE NEW FAMILY????
WiLL THERE BE A HAPPiLY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺☺☺
══════════════════════════
A new book in this adorable Hockey series. YAY!
MAREK!!!
It's a very cute romantic second-chance drama!
I really enjoyed reading it.
We want Marek to get his happily ever after with his two girls. But he's still so mad at Gracen for not telling him about Lilly.
And Gracen has all that stuff with Owen back home. He's already sending threatening texts that she should come back to get married asap! And he's also mad at Marek for leaving her to become a hockey star.
They have a bit of a way to go until we'll get that happily ever after!
Great book!
MAREK was another super-adorable, sexy addition to this great hockey series!
Run to your nearest amazon for your own MAREK - this one is MINE!!!!!
♡
♡
♡
♡
October 31, 2018
ARC received for review
Love all the Cold Fury boys and Marek is no different. It did take him awhile to pull his head out of his arse where Gracen was concerned. Lilly was a little sweetie.
Now is there going to be one more book for Holt, or will he get traded to Arizona Vengeance and have his story told there?
Love all the Cold Fury boys and Marek is no different. It did take him awhile to pull his head out of his arse where Gracen was concerned. Lilly was a little sweetie.
Now is there going to be one more book for Holt, or will he get traded to Arizona Vengeance and have his story told there?
May 28, 2018
3 Marek and Gracen Stars
I enjoyed this book but it wasn't my favourite in the series. I think if I had never read any of the others then I may have given it a higher rating but compared to the stories of some of the other earlier couples, I felt it fell a bit short. The key reason for this was the ending felt rushed and for most of the book Marek seems so conflicted about his feelings for Gracen.
If you enjoy second chance romance's (I do) and secret baby's (I don't mind that) then this is a great book. It's sad in places but there is humour - mainly in the form of Lilly , their daughter.
I would recommend reading the previous book , Reed, to get the full effect of this book.
I am very excited to read Bishop which is the first book in the new series by Ms Bennett.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
I enjoyed this book but it wasn't my favourite in the series. I think if I had never read any of the others then I may have given it a higher rating but compared to the stories of some of the other earlier couples, I felt it fell a bit short. The key reason for this was the ending felt rushed and for most of the book Marek seems so conflicted about his feelings for Gracen.
If you enjoy second chance romance's (I do) and secret baby's (I don't mind that) then this is a great book. It's sad in places but there is humour - mainly in the form of Lilly , their daughter.
I would recommend reading the previous book , Reed, to get the full effect of this book.
I am very excited to read Bishop which is the first book in the new series by Ms Bennett.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
nope
May 20, 2018This review is enough
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May 13, 2018
Gracen is rescued from an unwanted marriage when Marek virtually kidnaps her and takes her to his home. Along with their daughter, Lily, he had not known about. They are both harboring seething emotions. Gracen for the way he dumped her years ago because he loved hockey more than her as well as wanting his freedom and Marek because she never told him she was pregnant and has kept his daughter from him for the last three years.
This couple had a lot of issues to work out as they both suffer guilt as well as justifiable anger. I could clearly see both sides and was often bouncing back and forth over who I should pledge my allegiance to. I like my hero to be all in where the heroine is concerned so I struggled with Marek’s ability to walk away from Gracie after they had spent five years together and were in love.
However, I also thought that there was no acceptable reason for Gracen to keep Lily’s birth a secret not only from Marek but his parents as well. No matter that he might have been a grade A jerk for leaving her.
In the end, I began cheering for them as a couple as they start to work toward an amicable, steamy, and promising future. It was a rather rough road to travel and the angst was a bit on the heavy side due to Marek’s point of view never giving even a hint that he still loved Gracen. Did I mention I like my hero all in? Yeah, until the end I never really felt that from this hero.
Overall, it’s a relatively fast paced read with a look at a few past Cold Fury characters and an ending that was really very nice. Lily was written exactly as I expect to see a young child behave which is sometimes tricky and I did love seeing Marek fall in love with her.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
This couple had a lot of issues to work out as they both suffer guilt as well as justifiable anger. I could clearly see both sides and was often bouncing back and forth over who I should pledge my allegiance to. I like my hero to be all in where the heroine is concerned so I struggled with Marek’s ability to walk away from Gracie after they had spent five years together and were in love.
However, I also thought that there was no acceptable reason for Gracen to keep Lily’s birth a secret not only from Marek but his parents as well. No matter that he might have been a grade A jerk for leaving her.
In the end, I began cheering for them as a couple as they start to work toward an amicable, steamy, and promising future. It was a rather rough road to travel and the angst was a bit on the heavy side due to Marek’s point of view never giving even a hint that he still loved Gracen. Did I mention I like my hero all in? Yeah, until the end I never really felt that from this hero.
Overall, it’s a relatively fast paced read with a look at a few past Cold Fury characters and an ending that was really very nice. Lily was written exactly as I expect to see a young child behave which is sometimes tricky and I did love seeing Marek fall in love with her.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
December 14, 2018
Marek Fabritis gets tipped off by about his ex-girlfriend, and it's not because Gracen Moore is getting married. It’s the fact that Marek has a three-year-old daughter that he never knew about. Now he’s going back home to make sure that no man takes what’s his. I liked this book in the series, I wouldn't say it was the best but still enjoyable. The characters were likable, the story line was a little predictable and the sex was pretty hot. This was an all over sweet second chance at love and trust.
March 25, 2018
ARC received thanks to publisher & Netgalley.
I love this series so much.
I love this series so much.
December 10, 2019
Such an enjoyable and easy to read series.
It difficult to keep finding superlatives to do this series justice. I am continually drawn to these novels because I can enjoy the stories without being weighed down in drama and emotional baggage. I know what to expect each time I start one of the Cold Fury books despite having widely different characters in each book. The stories are not overly long and drawn out, satisfy my passion for sports romance stories, although the hockey theme is starting to become a little tenuous. I appreciate that old and well-loved characters find a place in future stories, despite these books being standalones within a series. And, add in the author’s naturally edifying writing skills in relation to the story's theme and I’m won over time after time.
Marek was a sweet character with a past to put right. When he finds out his ex-girlfriend and the woman he grew up with is getting married he jumps into action only to find she has been keeping more than one secret from him. Marek quickly asserts his dominance where Gracen is concerned and before long she is shacked up, for want of a better word, in his house and has an almost wedding firmly in her rearview mirror.
Gracen and her daughter, Lilly, find life at Marek’s house lonely, especially when Marek avoids them in order to give them space. Gracen is a sweet character though and together with Lilly they start to worm themselves into Marek’s life. I love stories which involved an entertaining and sweet young child and Lilly quickly stole my heart.
Marek is angry and resentful and finds it difficult to move on from Gracen’s deception but with time and patience, on Gracen’s part, they start to become a family, if albeit a slightly dysfunctional one. What Marek doesn’t know is that Gracen has been keeping even more secrets from him and when he starts to find out the reasons for her planned marriage, he soon comes to realise that all is not what it seems.
If you are looking for a lighthearted sports romance story which is without heavy drama and yet heartwarming then look no further than this series.
This ebook was kindly provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley prior to release in return for an honest and unbiased review.
We are proud to provide honest and unbiased reviews written from the heart.
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It difficult to keep finding superlatives to do this series justice. I am continually drawn to these novels because I can enjoy the stories without being weighed down in drama and emotional baggage. I know what to expect each time I start one of the Cold Fury books despite having widely different characters in each book. The stories are not overly long and drawn out, satisfy my passion for sports romance stories, although the hockey theme is starting to become a little tenuous. I appreciate that old and well-loved characters find a place in future stories, despite these books being standalones within a series. And, add in the author’s naturally edifying writing skills in relation to the story's theme and I’m won over time after time.
Marek was a sweet character with a past to put right. When he finds out his ex-girlfriend and the woman he grew up with is getting married he jumps into action only to find she has been keeping more than one secret from him. Marek quickly asserts his dominance where Gracen is concerned and before long she is shacked up, for want of a better word, in his house and has an almost wedding firmly in her rearview mirror.
Gracen and her daughter, Lilly, find life at Marek’s house lonely, especially when Marek avoids them in order to give them space. Gracen is a sweet character though and together with Lilly they start to worm themselves into Marek’s life. I love stories which involved an entertaining and sweet young child and Lilly quickly stole my heart.
Marek is angry and resentful and finds it difficult to move on from Gracen’s deception but with time and patience, on Gracen’s part, they start to become a family, if albeit a slightly dysfunctional one. What Marek doesn’t know is that Gracen has been keeping even more secrets from him and when he starts to find out the reasons for her planned marriage, he soon comes to realise that all is not what it seems.
If you are looking for a lighthearted sports romance story which is without heavy drama and yet heartwarming then look no further than this series.
This ebook was kindly provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley prior to release in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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January 8, 2023
I devoured every book in this series and then we got to Marek and I just couldn't pick it up. And even after I bought it I had the thought I should just remove it from my TBR and kick off into the next series. But luckily I had that though after I bought it so I figured since I'd already paid for it I'd just read it and get it out of the way.
And to be honest that's kind of how I feel about the book. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. And I knew going in I would feel that way so I don't know why I had to read it except I'm annoying AF, even to myself.
Let's be honest, secret babies have a fundamental reason why the baby is a surprise. Sometimes it's an innocent reason like a one night stand or an unreachable person. But generally it's hidden because of something that's happened between the couple. And then you almost have to pick sides. Is her reason for keeping it secret more valid than his (and more importantly the child's) right to know.
On top of that in a second chance romance novel you have the reason they aren't still together. Plus how do they get over the above mentioned secret baby stuff. And then we have this book and its characters.
So I was on Team Gracen. I understood why she didn't tell Marek she was pregnant. And it helped that once he found out about it he was a dick. His reasons for breaking up with Gracen were selfish acehole reasons in my opinion but at least he broke up with her and if that was the end of their story I'd be happy. But I can honestly say in her situation after he has broken my heart out of nowhere after 5 years together because he doesn't want the responsibility of being in a relationship now that he's been drafted to the NHL I wouldn't be hunting him down for anything.
Then to have him be a jerk about the fact she kept this secret without acknowledging that maybe she was valid. Bye bye Marek.
Other than the fact I disliked both characters and the theme the book was beautifully written, of course. And the secondary characters being people I liked in previous books were great to see. And now I can forget about this book and read the other series guilt free.
And to be honest that's kind of how I feel about the book. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. And I knew going in I would feel that way so I don't know why I had to read it except I'm annoying AF, even to myself.
Let's be honest, secret babies have a fundamental reason why the baby is a surprise. Sometimes it's an innocent reason like a one night stand or an unreachable person. But generally it's hidden because of something that's happened between the couple. And then you almost have to pick sides. Is her reason for keeping it secret more valid than his (and more importantly the child's) right to know.
On top of that in a second chance romance novel you have the reason they aren't still together. Plus how do they get over the above mentioned secret baby stuff. And then we have this book and its characters.
So I was on Team Gracen. I understood why she didn't tell Marek she was pregnant. And it helped that once he found out about it he was a dick. His reasons for breaking up with Gracen were selfish acehole reasons in my opinion but at least he broke up with her and if that was the end of their story I'd be happy. But I can honestly say in her situation after he has broken my heart out of nowhere after 5 years together because he doesn't want the responsibility of being in a relationship now that he's been drafted to the NHL I wouldn't be hunting him down for anything.
Then to have him be a jerk about the fact she kept this secret without acknowledging that maybe she was valid. Bye bye Marek.
Other than the fact I disliked both characters and the theme the book was beautifully written, of course. And the secondary characters being people I liked in previous books were great to see. And now I can forget about this book and read the other series guilt free.
May 22, 2018
4.5 stars https://amzn.to/2KNsrwL
I am not sure where to start with this one... though it may make sense to start with Marek is Sawyer Bennett at her best... romance, heat and deep emotions!
Marek is a second chance romance story, a second chance where each party has wronged the other, truly deeply wounding the other.
Marek Fabritis broke Gracen Moore's heart when he dumped her to be "free" after being drafted into the NHL. Gracen has been harboring a secret, one that made for the best few chapters in the prior book in the series, Reed and one that the blurb of Marek shares so..... Gracen was pregnant when Marek left her and has been raising their Lilly without ever telling him!
Yes you got .. it Marek comes face to face with an adorable three year old he never knew about!
It is so clear to the reader these two belong together but the author did an amazing job at not making that instant forgiveness. These wounds slowly heal over time as the reader bears witness to these two getting to know each other again.
Experiencing Marek bonding with Lilly makes for some of my favorite parts of this story!
I adored how Gracen and Marek's parents wove into the story; the backstory for Gracen's parents explains some of her actions and love in Marek's parents heart helped move the story along.
This story also allows fans in the story to visit with many of the men and the families built inside of the Cold Fury series; for the readers who love this series they will really enjoy those scenes in this one!
The happy these two find warmed my heart and left me with a big smile on my face!
I am not sure where to start with this one... though it may make sense to start with Marek is Sawyer Bennett at her best... romance, heat and deep emotions!
Marek is a second chance romance story, a second chance where each party has wronged the other, truly deeply wounding the other.
Marek Fabritis broke Gracen Moore's heart when he dumped her to be "free" after being drafted into the NHL. Gracen has been harboring a secret, one that made for the best few chapters in the prior book in the series, Reed and one that the blurb of Marek shares so..... Gracen was pregnant when Marek left her and has been raising their Lilly without ever telling him!
Yes you got .. it Marek comes face to face with an adorable three year old he never knew about!
It is so clear to the reader these two belong together but the author did an amazing job at not making that instant forgiveness. These wounds slowly heal over time as the reader bears witness to these two getting to know each other again.
Experiencing Marek bonding with Lilly makes for some of my favorite parts of this story!
I adored how Gracen and Marek's parents wove into the story; the backstory for Gracen's parents explains some of her actions and love in Marek's parents heart helped move the story along.
This story also allows fans in the story to visit with many of the men and the families built inside of the Cold Fury series; for the readers who love this series they will really enjoy those scenes in this one!
The happy these two find warmed my heart and left me with a big smile on my face!
May 10, 2018
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Marek was a really good second-chance-at-love story, and I really enjoyed getting to know the background for his and Gracen's break-up.
Story:
I have to say that in the beginning of the story, Marek acted like a jerk. There really is no other word for it - and while I could totally understand his anger and hurt, he did not try to make things better. Gracen was a real trooper, though, and did her best to take Marek's anger in stride. And I really enjoyed how present Lilly was to the storyline. It's not easy to have a hot romance while also including a young child!
As Gracen and Marek got to know each other again, it was obvious they still had feelings for each other. However, he was really weary, and didn't trust Gracen to stay. Or to be truthful. Which, again, is completely understandable. She kept his daughter hidden from him for over three years!
This story also included almost all the other couples from the Cold Fury Hockey series, and it was so nice to see how they all continue their road to happiness, with lots of hockey action, and building new relationships. Even if this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Characters:
Marek has been in the background in the other novels in the series, so I didn't really know him very well. As I said, in the beginning, he acted like an entitled jerk. When he let the past go, though, he was amazing!
Gracen had lived her life as best she could after her love left her for the NHL. And things had not been easy for her - she felt forced to marry a man she didn't love, and that is what brought Marek back to her life.
Lilly was awesome - exactly like a normal three-year-old girl. She brought some light and love to the story every time she showed up.
Writing style :
Written in dual points of view, in present tense, first person, the story unfolds at a nice pace, and lets the readers get to know the characters very well.
Feels :
I was rather angry with Marek for a while there. But I was also angry with Gracen - I don't think it's ever right to keep a child away from one of their parents! I also felt love, temptation, fear, and hope.
Goddamn Gracen. Keeping such a secret from me. A daughter. Lilly. I'm scared as fuck. I sit in the gloom of the garage, the ticking of my car engine slow and steady as opposed to the beat of my heart, which is erratic.
That gets her attention. "Will Marek be going to the store with us?" I cringe, pulling the refrigerator door open as quickly as possible to hide behind it so she hopefully doesn't see said cringe. It's getting so hard to field questions form her about the man she is very curious about but really doesn't understand who he is.
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Marek was a really good second-chance-at-love story, and I really enjoyed getting to know the background for his and Gracen's break-up.
Story:
I have to say that in the beginning of the story, Marek acted like a jerk. There really is no other word for it - and while I could totally understand his anger and hurt, he did not try to make things better. Gracen was a real trooper, though, and did her best to take Marek's anger in stride. And I really enjoyed how present Lilly was to the storyline. It's not easy to have a hot romance while also including a young child!
As Gracen and Marek got to know each other again, it was obvious they still had feelings for each other. However, he was really weary, and didn't trust Gracen to stay. Or to be truthful. Which, again, is completely understandable. She kept his daughter hidden from him for over three years!
This story also included almost all the other couples from the Cold Fury Hockey series, and it was so nice to see how they all continue their road to happiness, with lots of hockey action, and building new relationships. Even if this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Characters:
Marek has been in the background in the other novels in the series, so I didn't really know him very well. As I said, in the beginning, he acted like an entitled jerk. When he let the past go, though, he was amazing!
Gracen had lived her life as best she could after her love left her for the NHL. And things had not been easy for her - she felt forced to marry a man she didn't love, and that is what brought Marek back to her life.
Lilly was awesome - exactly like a normal three-year-old girl. She brought some light and love to the story every time she showed up.
Writing style :
Written in dual points of view, in present tense, first person, the story unfolds at a nice pace, and lets the readers get to know the characters very well.
Feels :
I was rather angry with Marek for a while there. But I was also angry with Gracen - I don't think it's ever right to keep a child away from one of their parents! I also felt love, temptation, fear, and hope.
Goddamn Gracen. Keeping such a secret from me. A daughter. Lilly. I'm scared as fuck. I sit in the gloom of the garage, the ticking of my car engine slow and steady as opposed to the beat of my heart, which is erratic.
That gets her attention. "Will Marek be going to the store with us?" I cringe, pulling the refrigerator door open as quickly as possible to hide behind it so she hopefully doesn't see said cringe. It's getting so hard to field questions form her about the man she is very curious about but really doesn't understand who he is.
May 31, 2018
4.5 Lilly Bug stars
Right when that bomb dropped at the end of Reed’s book, I knew I wanted to get my hands on Marek’s story right away. It certainly left me curious as all get out, wondering what happened and why suddenly he has a daughter he never knew about.
Marek is the kind of second chance romance that has my heart melting all over the place. It might’ve been years since he and Gracen last saw each other—they might’ve not ended that relationship on good terms and they might’ve not seen eye to eye on the first half of this book... but the more time they spent together, the more they got to know these new, more mature versions of themselves, not to mention having a little girl that now bound them together, the fiercer, more explosive and inevitable those feelings became between them.
Every time Marek called Gracen, Gracie, I felt like I was floating into the clouds. He was just so sweet and charming, there’s no way you can shut the guy down. Every time he doted on his three-year old daughter, Lilly, I died a little more inside. She was absolutely so adorable that every moment had me falling hard and wrapped around her tiny finger even more. By the end of this book, I just felt like my heart was too big, too full to fit inside my chest.
Yes, there were times that I got pissed off with both the main characters—Marek with his assholeness and Gracen with her selfishness—but then we all have flaws. Every time they threw those faults back at each other, the realer and more relatable they became to me. Their second chance at love just goes to show how time, and one’s maturity and purpose can truly change the way things go in a relationship. That it doesn’t mean when it ends, there’s no hope of getting it back or making it flourish into something even more beautiful when the right time comes.
A heartwarming, sexy second chance romance, meshed with a good dose of hockey, Marek is truly one of the best I’ve read in the Cold Fury series. And if this really marks the end of an epically phenomenal series, then I’d say Sawyer Bennett made sure she did it with a bang. Max may forever be my favorite one out of the lot, but this one definitely comes close.
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Right when that bomb dropped at the end of Reed’s book, I knew I wanted to get my hands on Marek’s story right away. It certainly left me curious as all get out, wondering what happened and why suddenly he has a daughter he never knew about.
“Let go, Gracie. Just let go and fall with me.”
Marek is the kind of second chance romance that has my heart melting all over the place. It might’ve been years since he and Gracen last saw each other—they might’ve not ended that relationship on good terms and they might’ve not seen eye to eye on the first half of this book... but the more time they spent together, the more they got to know these new, more mature versions of themselves, not to mention having a little girl that now bound them together, the fiercer, more explosive and inevitable those feelings became between them.
Every time Marek called Gracen, Gracie, I felt like I was floating into the clouds. He was just so sweet and charming, there’s no way you can shut the guy down. Every time he doted on his three-year old daughter, Lilly, I died a little more inside. She was absolutely so adorable that every moment had me falling hard and wrapped around her tiny finger even more. By the end of this book, I just felt like my heart was too big, too full to fit inside my chest.
Yes, there were times that I got pissed off with both the main characters—Marek with his assholeness and Gracen with her selfishness—but then we all have flaws. Every time they threw those faults back at each other, the realer and more relatable they became to me. Their second chance at love just goes to show how time, and one’s maturity and purpose can truly change the way things go in a relationship. That it doesn’t mean when it ends, there’s no hope of getting it back or making it flourish into something even more beautiful when the right time comes.
A heartwarming, sexy second chance romance, meshed with a good dose of hockey, Marek is truly one of the best I’ve read in the Cold Fury series. And if this really marks the end of an epically phenomenal series, then I’d say Sawyer Bennett made sure she did it with a bang. Max may forever be my favorite one out of the lot, but this one definitely comes close.
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May 23, 2018
Anger haunts this second chance…
Ever since Marek and Gracen’s relationship popped up earlier in this series I have been eagerly waiting the telling of their story. Nothing like crashing a wedding to get my attention!
“I might be pissed at her a good chunk of the time, but I’m still attracted to her 100 percent of the time.”
This author knows how to spin an emotional tale and just because this story is the eleventh in this series, does not mean the gut punches are any lighter. Marek was devastated to find out he had a little girl that was already three years old. So many years and memories missed. I was heartbroken for him and understanding why he was so angry. At the same time there are always two sides to the story. Gracen made decisions that were her truth and she took responsibility for her actions. I loved how she acknowledged her decisions and the impact of them. How she stood up to Marek when he lashed out.
There comes a point though when you have to move forward and their story is all about that. Fighting, talking, getting to a place where they can be parents to a daughter they both love. It was one step forward, two steps back as they worked on joint parenting and resolving the many issues that stood between them…
Cold Fury is all about hockey, family and love as Marek, Gracen and Lilly added more to the mix. An emotional story to savour from cover to cover. ~Diane, 4 stars
Ever since Marek and Gracen’s relationship popped up earlier in this series I have been eagerly waiting the telling of their story. Nothing like crashing a wedding to get my attention!
“I might be pissed at her a good chunk of the time, but I’m still attracted to her 100 percent of the time.”
This author knows how to spin an emotional tale and just because this story is the eleventh in this series, does not mean the gut punches are any lighter. Marek was devastated to find out he had a little girl that was already three years old. So many years and memories missed. I was heartbroken for him and understanding why he was so angry. At the same time there are always two sides to the story. Gracen made decisions that were her truth and she took responsibility for her actions. I loved how she acknowledged her decisions and the impact of them. How she stood up to Marek when he lashed out.
There comes a point though when you have to move forward and their story is all about that. Fighting, talking, getting to a place where they can be parents to a daughter they both love. It was one step forward, two steps back as they worked on joint parenting and resolving the many issues that stood between them…
Cold Fury is all about hockey, family and love as Marek, Gracen and Lilly added more to the mix. An emotional story to savour from cover to cover. ~Diane, 4 stars
February 2, 2020
I was hoping that this was not going to be the last book in the series, but there seems to be a bit of time that has lapsed since it.
I feel as though we could have learned a little more about Marek. We know what he does as a living, he has a relationship with his parents still but not really much about him as a person. When we meet his ex-girlfriend, Gracen, we find out there was a big secret kept.
My feelings towards Gracen were all over the place in this book. I cannot believe keeping that information from someone. Then she was throwing his lack of experience at him all the while she is at fault for that. There was clearly some issues with forgiveness between them. When there are trust issues there is no relationship. I just wish they would have had a little more chemistry and a little less fighting/arguing/blaming each other.
I feel as though we could have learned a little more about Marek. We know what he does as a living, he has a relationship with his parents still but not really much about him as a person. When we meet his ex-girlfriend, Gracen, we find out there was a big secret kept.
My feelings towards Gracen were all over the place in this book. I cannot believe keeping that information from someone. Then she was throwing his lack of experience at him all the while she is at fault for that. There was clearly some issues with forgiveness between them. When there are trust issues there is no relationship. I just wish they would have had a little more chemistry and a little less fighting/arguing/blaming each other.
February 12, 2020
Eh not my favorite of the series but it wasn't completely horrible.
Marek was an adorable guy. I honestly loved his relationship with Lily. Yet, when an ex-lover comes back into his life.. I wasn't completely sold on them being together. Enter Gracen. She was just kind of meh. Definitely not my favorite female in this series at all.
I wanted to like her.. but ugh, no couldn't. One, I don't condone anyone not telling someone about a child of theirs. I'm sure it happens but hot damn - I feel horrible about it and I wasn't even apart of it! Second, she just wasn't my cup of tea throughout the book.
Other than that, I didn't really think their relationship was healthy. A lot of blaming throughout it and not enough chemistry for me. Kind of sad that this was the last book of the series too because I wanted everyone to go out with a bang.
Not a lame ass bang.
Marek was an adorable guy. I honestly loved his relationship with Lily. Yet, when an ex-lover comes back into his life.. I wasn't completely sold on them being together. Enter Gracen. She was just kind of meh. Definitely not my favorite female in this series at all.
I wanted to like her.. but ugh, no couldn't. One, I don't condone anyone not telling someone about a child of theirs. I'm sure it happens but hot damn - I feel horrible about it and I wasn't even apart of it! Second, she just wasn't my cup of tea throughout the book.
Other than that, I didn't really think their relationship was healthy. A lot of blaming throughout it and not enough chemistry for me. Kind of sad that this was the last book of the series too because I wanted everyone to go out with a bang.
Not a lame ass bang.
June 21, 2018
I would say a 2.5. I respect her as a writer but I'm starting to believe that she "calls it in" while getting her hair done.
Like the still intact spray paint on the side walk outside my apartment, Sorry Not Sorry Thanks Demi! for the inspiration.
Sawyer Bennett is a predictable writer. Quelle suprise! But Marek was a complete di** and I ended up liking him, a bit, not a lot but a bit
SB starts with a player, who has a whorish past, and gets whipped by a woman. Sooooo, what is new here you ask? I guess the reason for the lack of stars is that SB's heroines lack depth. They are educated drones looking for a tropey alpha male. If I have to read that a H is an alpha male in one more description of a Hero, I might throw something. You are a writer, don't TELL me, describe it! Don't write the easy way, that is why this can be read in a day.
Like the still intact spray paint on the side walk outside my apartment, Sorry Not Sorry Thanks Demi! for the inspiration.
Sawyer Bennett is a predictable writer. Quelle suprise! But Marek was a complete di** and I ended up liking him, a bit, not a lot but a bit
SB starts with a player, who has a whorish past, and gets whipped by a woman. Sooooo, what is new here you ask? I guess the reason for the lack of stars is that SB's heroines lack depth. They are educated drones looking for a tropey alpha male. If I have to read that a H is an alpha male in one more description of a Hero, I might throw something. You are a writer, don't TELL me, describe it! Don't write the easy way, that is why this can be read in a day.
August 29, 2018
Not one of my favorites.
Marek was a douchebag and there wasn’t nearly enough groveling before it was over.
Gracen was alright for a martyr.
/Shrug
Marek was a douchebag and there wasn’t nearly enough groveling before it was over.
Gracen was alright for a martyr.
/Shrug
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