QueenZany 4 Star Review
Lucas
by Sawyer Bennett


Lucas is a hockey dream come true! Life happens, things change and fate is always in your corner! This must have hockey romance was one of my favorites out the series!
Down right what I needed in a read, the feel , pace and the heat level!!
A Score for the win!

Mixed feelings on this one.

I rated it four stars because of the good writing of Sawyer Bennett, but this is the first Cold Fury book that kinda missed for me.

Good points - (1) Duh - it's Cold Fury and sexy hockey players; (2) I love the interconnectedness of the stories without feeling like you miss much if you haven't read them; (3) I did care enough about the characters to make me cry (hence the good writing part).

Misses - (1) And realize I'm biased as I am a science major, but why talk about having a zoology degree when all you focus on is the geology part and don't disrespect science majors - so already a knock on Stephanie's attitude; (2) Stephanie's attitude - while we've all had hard times in our past - for the love of all things - get past it to some degree; (3) Lucas - while I realize that he was hurt at one point and wanted to lash out - that was NOT COOL!!; (4) the epiphany at the end for both of them seemed a little too rushed and contrite.

So Lucas and Stephanie meet up; have hot sex; plan never to see each other again; and then fate intervenes. While the nature of their relationship was to remain casual - it was frustrating to see her push him away so, so, so many times. There's walls and then there is "I'm going to cut off my nose to spite my face" walls.

So I just didn't connect with either character as much as I expected from this series, but I definitely liked Lucas more (until that one part from above).

However, Sawyer Bennett always writes good stories and you'll find parts to like; parts to want to pull on someone's hair (hint - Stephanie); parts to swoon over (some of Lucas'); and parts to scream at (hint - Lucas AND Stephanie).

I voluntarily requested and reviewed an uncorrected advance reader copy.

Lucas is excited to be playing hockey with his brother Max for the Carolina Cold Fury. The only thing he is not sure of is his teammates seem to be dropping into relationships one by one and that is a trap he has no intention of falling into as he thrives on his single life.

Stephanie is a curator and she is helping the museum with a fundraiser the night she meets Lucas. She is independent and her only focus is on her career so their one-night stand seems like a match made in heaven at least until the condom broke and the morning after pill failed.

One month later Stephanie goes to share with him the gift he left behind and although neither was looking for a family or a relationship they want this baby. Lucas comes from a loving close family but Stephanie’s parents never wanted her and they made no pretense that they so when it comes to relationships she has no knowledge or experience. As they prepare for the arrival of the baby Lukas wants a deeper connection with Stephanie but she backs away as no one has wanted her and why should Lukas be any different?

This is a wonderful story about lovers becoming friends and then taking the time to truly understand each other so that they can find the person who completes them. My heart ached for Stephanie’s past but the determination that Lucas showed is evidence that her future will be much different. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.

Great humor, quick read, I didn't want to put it down. I liked that the was a bit of a role reversal, a little out of the normal that Lucas is the nurturer growing up in a close knit very supportive family while Stephanie grew up with absent parent who threw money at her instead of their time. When their one night stand ends up in a baby, I love Lucas' reaction to becoming an unexpected father, he's ready to step in and support her and the baby. It was fun watching their relationship develop.

Another great book from Ms. Bennett in this series! This is Lucas's story and I think he is now my favorite! I love the way he stepped up with the situation with Stephanie! My heart is sad for Stephanie. No one's parents should be like that! Good storyline with great characters! Everything you expect from this author! She never disappoints!

3.75 stars--LUCAS is the eighth installment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult COLD FURY HOCKEY erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Carolina Cold Fury professional hockey team. This is defenseman Lucas Fournier, and museum curator Stephanie Frazier’s story line. LUCAS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lucas is Max Fournier’s (MAX) younger brother.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luc and Stephanie) LUCAS follows the building relationship between the Carolina Cold Fury’s latest player acquisition Lucas Fournier, and museum curator Stephanie Frazier. Having met at a local fund raising gala Lucas finds himself up close and personal with the woman in charge. Enter Stephanie Frazier, museum curator and the woman with whom Lucas will fall in love. A one-night stand with Stephanie will change Lucas Fournier’s future-a future he is hoping to convince Stephanie to come along for the ride.

Stephanie struggles with memories from the past-a past shrouded in parental emotional and physical neglect that has shaped our heroine’s outlook with low self esteem and the inability to trust. Lucas is a man determined to bring Stephanie out of her shell but Stephanie’s past has done too much damage to be overcome by the seduction of Lucas Fournier.

The relationship between Stephanie and Lucas is one of immediate attraction but an attraction that is tempered by Stephanie’s news and Lucas’s battle for the Stanley Cup. Lucas makes every attempt to bring Stephanie into his life but our heroine battles too many demons. Stephanie’s inability to move on from the past is frustrating-sometimes growing up means taking responsibility for the present and the future-not wallowing in what was or what could have been. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the previous story line characters including Max and his fiancée Jules, and Luc’s parents Marilyn and Laurence Fournier play secondary and supporting roles. We are re-introduced to Max and Lucas’s younger sister Simone, and Luc’s teammate/roommate Van Turner. Simone and Van’s story line is next.

LUCAS is a heartbreaking and emotional story line as one woman struggles with her past, and the man who is willing to push her to accept everything he has to offer. Both of the leading characters have issues with maturity including the push and pull, yin and yang of a relationship that was never meant to go beyond a one-night stand. Stephanie’s independence is hampered by her stubbornness, thick walls, and inability to let go of the past. The premise is engaging; the romance is edgy but I struggled with my lack of lack of concern for the story line heroine. I could completely understand Luc’s frustration with the emotional distance and attitude of the woman with whom he had fallen in love.

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Woohoo, time to head back to North Carolina and spend some time with the hockey hotties from the Cold Fury, this time we have Max's brother, Lucas.

If you are up to date with this series, you would have quickly met Luc before, but his full story is so much more than I expected.

I knew I was going to like Luc right from the get go. I mean, he is a Fournier and a Fury player, how could I not. He is all man's man, playing the field, getting it past the goalie whenever he can

Until he is knocked on his ar$e by a one night stand who becomes more.

Once Stephanie comes into the picture things really do change for him. I adore the way he is with her, however she drove me batty.

For about 95% of the book, I wanted smack some sense into her about once every 4 pages! She frustrated the heck out of me, and I may have screamed at my kindle for Luc to run run away, as fast as he could!

I loved seeing Lucas fight for it though.

We get plenty of glimpses of the guys an gals from the earlier books in the Cold Fury series, and was great to see where they are all at as the series progresses.

There is great set up for the next book in the series too, which will be Van's story (we just met him in Lucas so don't worry if that name doesn't ring any bells!)

Lucas is fun, flirty and frustrating all thrown into one story.

Can't wait for the next installment.

LUCAS
BY: Sawyer Bennett
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Lucas is the boy next door..just hiding

Oh boy I'll never be able to say goodbye to Sawyer Bennett's Caroline Cold Fury Series!!! These boys/men and the women they love are all amazingly Steamy and HOT HOT HOT!!! After spending the last 17 days bing reading 8 books and loving every minute and each story I'm left with an amazing book hang over. The thing I think that amazed me the most is each player has its own incredibly sexual and sincere story that will keeps readers coming back book after book.

In book 8 we have Lucas and Stephanie and oh how they've have made a mess. Nice guy raised in a loving home, close to his parents and siblings. Meets girl who has never known love of her parents or friends. When the chemistry the two of them have together during a one night stand results in a unplanned pregnancy how will these two get a happily ever after. I highly recommend this book, well written, great continuation of characters and lovable characters. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this book was absolutely a great addition to the series.

Thanks to Netgally for letting me read and review!!!

After having met Lucas in Max's book I couldn't wait to read more about him. I was so excited to see he was getting his own book. Ms Bennett did not disappoint at all with this one. Lucas and Stephanie are smoking hot together! After a wild, hot and sexy night together it totally changes their lives. Lucas was so sweet and patient with Stephanie, who has not had the best of luck with relationships in her life. This book was great and I highly recommend it. I recommend the whole series. After reading the epilogue book 9 sounds fantastic. I can't wait to read Van's book.

I have enjoyed the players of the Cold Fury and Ms Bennett keeps giving us emotional books with different themes and characters.

When Lucas find the beautiful red head at the fundraising event, he is drawn to her immediately. Never did he expect that this one night stand of full of passions would lead to so much more. Growing up in a loud and loving family he has always known that he would someday have one of his own but at only 27 years old he figured that would be later. The way he reaches out to Stephanie and takes the time to understand her as he gets to know her better says a lot about him.

Stephanie has always kept to herself. She had to learn very early in life not to count on people to love her and want to spend time with her. That is why she doesn't do relationships, the one night stand just works. When she finds herself pregnant after one of those one night stands she finds herself having to fight her fears and try, letting someone in at least a little. The last thing she ever expected was to open up to Lucas and let him in. Maybe even let her walls downs and think about giving love a try.

Watching Lucas learn how to navigate around Stephy's fears and walls was very interesting. Stephanie is not certain she can let this family in. But the more she tries the more she enjoys the company of many of them. Will they find more than just sharing a child together?

I look forward to Val's story next.

Luc Fournier, one of the newest additions to the Cold Fury, is finally reunited with his older brother Max. To be able to play for the Stanley Cup alongside his brother is a dream! Luc's family is a close knit, supportive family. So living close to his family and following his dreams doing something he loves is the cherry on the top. When he meets Stephanie at a gala, he can't help but flirt.

Stephanie works at a museum overseeing displays, making sure everything is just right. She's also temporarily in charge of acquisitions for the museum. She hopes to keep her temporary job, but realizes she's not really qualified for the position. Stephanie doesn't truly enjoy her job, but it offers stability and insurance. It also has the added benefit of making her parents mad. Stephanie has never had the love of her parents and never felt worthy or good enough in their eyes. Stephanie used to get into trouble as a child, just to get attention from her parents. While her parents didn't physically abuse her, they abused her mentally. Her choice of degrees was her latest jab at her parents.

Stephanie sees Luc at the gala and the chemistry is sizzling. Stephanie is a HUGE hockey fan, so she knows exactly who Luc is. She just can't believe he's interested in her. They decide a one night stand is in order. What they didn't plan on was the "surprise" that turned their lives upside down. While Luc has a support sytem to help him cope and prepare to be a good father, Stephanie feels overwhelmed and alone. Trying to elevate her stress, Luc decides they need to become friends so they can co-parent. Little gatherings soon turn into dates, meeting the family, and exchanging their hopes and dreams. Luc has always wanted children and a family, while Stephanie was good with one night stands. Luc believes Stephanie may be "it" for him, but she won't let him in. Stephanie's parents have done such a number on her that she doesn't feel worthy of love. Will Luc be able to get through Stephanie's walls?

Loved, loved, loved this novel! Abuse is not always physical. In some ways, mental abuse is almost worse because it's hard to change one's beliefs about themselves. They've grown up thinking/believing they aren't worthy because it's what their parents have always said. So Luc was given quite the challenge. He was patient, kind, loving, and kept telling Stephy she was worthy until she believed him. It was very touching! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

In this book, hockey player Luc has a one-night-stand with museum curator Stephanie but neither of them is prepared for the long-lasting results. Their relationship is a roller-coaster of emotions as they each grapple with family and commitments and other concepts they hadn't counted on. This story, like all of Ms. Bennett's books, is instantly captivating, full of raw feelings along with plenty of intense chemistry and heartfelt connections. Truly a wonderful book to read. You'll fall in love with Luc and the rest of the team! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book through NetGalley.

Great plot with likeable characters that kept me eagerly turning each page as Stephanie's and Lucas's story unfolded kept me totally hooked until the turn of the very last page! I look forward to reading more from this author!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

*thank you to the author and publisher for providing an arc*


5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Cold Fury boys are back and this time it's Luc who is in the spotlight! Sawyer Bennett yet does an amazing job, this book is hot, sexy and so addictive you won't want to put it down. Lucas and Stephanie not only struggle with each other but they will face struggles in themselves and will find a way to make it work. It's time to get back on the ice with the hot and sexy men of Cold Fury, and see why they are good at what they do!


Lucas is so happy that he is playing on the same team as his brother and can't wait to see how far their team will go. One night at a charity event he catches the eye of the gorgeous curator and soon finds out that she definitely might be worth the risk of being tired the next morning, especially since they both know this is a one time thing. That is until the condom breaks and changes everything.

Stephanie can't believe she is pregnant and is afraid that she will be having to do this all on her own. And then she finds out that her job is now in jeopardy also. But Lucas surprises her by saying that he wants to be apart of the process and a part of the child's life. Stephanie was brought up by parents who didn't want her and treat her like a stranger so to have the backing from Luc scares her, but at the same time she can't deny her attraction to him.

They decide that they will have the baby and at the same time be friends with benefits but will not take it further than that. Stephanie knows that love, a family and happily ever after are not for her. Luc agrees to her terms but at the same time he can't help but fall for her daily. And when he finally lays it all out for her, Stephanie doesn't know if she can commit to him.

They will test each other and find out how strong they are individually and will see that some times you have to take the risk.

The handsome bunch of men from the Cold Fury are back! This time, we get Lucas’ story. As I’m totally reading this series out of order – chaotic as I am – this was the first time I came face to face with Lucas. But, boy, he is a ladies man – he does not miss a trick and gets down and dirty with his soon-to-be sweetheart from the get-go. What a charmer this new addition to their team is!

Lucas is not in the market, in fact, he has only one focus: The possibility to win the Stanley Cup alongside his brother. He simply is not cut out for a relationship – but he does not say no when a long-legged redheaded beauty, who values her independence and single-status as much as he does is, offers him a night of unbridled and no-strings passion. He walks away – heart unscathed, still as single as ever. But things change when they meet again weeks later – throwing them together in a way neither of them wanted. Still, they make the best of the situation, enjoying each other’s bodies along the line – and as long as they are on the same page, everything is just fine – until they aren’t and lust, love and obligation wage war against another…

Stephanie has a strong personality and knows what she wants – a good time here and there with a man, totally casual and without any expectations. She is proud of her independency and likes to keep it that way. Besides, no expectations and strings means less chances of her getting hurt … again. She is flawed and troubled – and about to lose the best thing that ever happened to her.

Thankfully, Luc is there – resilient, patient and persistent in his pursue to get what he wants. I loved how sweet and caring, thoughtful and responsible he was – playboy demeanor or not. While I became utterly frustrated by Stephanie, he kept his cool, remaining at her side and taking care of her beautifully. He is swoon-material and the perfect push to Stephanie’s pull.

Angsty. Sizzling. Confusing. Perfectly written with enough emotional baggage and some very steamy scenes to have me devouring it in one day. And then … it just ended. Instead of more sweet and swoon-worthy moments between Luc and Stephy in the epilogue we got something completely different. OMG! Holy… I am seriously craving Van’s story now! I so love a grumpy and moody hero!

Oh how I love the no strings attached one night stand trope! It never goes as planned and this time is no exception. I won't go into details but needless to say they meet up again and due to a little surprise they decide to just be together for the sex. Well again that never goes as plan. One problem is Stephanie was completely ignored as a child. Her parents were busy building their careers. Now this is where my heart began to pound. I can relate to her fear of ever counting on someone to be there for her. Her story was to close to home for me. I didn't grow up with wealthy parents, we were quite poor, and it was always a struggle. They were always so busy trying to put food on the table, the actually caring for us got lost.
I found funny the way both were fighting their feeling for each other. I was so in love with Lucas until he just couldn't take it anymore and of course he turned into a Jerk!. But thanks to Sawyers writing a HEA was coming.

Another fun installment in the Cold Fury series. I loved Lucas and his family. Without a doubt he has to be one of the most patient characters ever. And while I did enjoy the book, she annoyed me frequently. Can't wait for the next one!

The sexy men of the Cold Fury hockey team are back in this tale of a one-night stand that becomes so much more. When a man who enjoys the fame and female fans found in the hockey world finds a connection with a woman who knows nothing about love, the sparks fly in a charming tale balanced with exhilarating moments on and off the ice. From the first page to the last readers will find themselves falling for Lucas as he struggles to convince the hard-hearted woman he's fallen for that one-night can lead to HEA.

Lucas Fournier is the new guy on the team and loves the perks that come with being a hockey player...fame and gorgeous women. Though his brother, and fellow teammate Max, enjoys settling down he wants no part of it as he enjoys living life to the fullest and on his own terms. The night he sees a sexy and confident redhead at a museum benefit changes his life irrevocably though and gives him a chance at a HEA he never knew he wanted. The moment readers meet Lucas he's clearly enjoying being single, unrepentant in his views on embracing the single life and all the one-night stands available to him. His one night with Stephanie Frazier was memorable and while it's something he'd love to repeat there's big changes ahead for both of them when next he sees her. Lucas is extremely charming with a kind heart and a strong sense of family as they all love and support each other unconditionally. Starting off as friends-with-benefits soon has Lucas wanting more and I enjoyed how committed he became as the story progressed. He may have started out footloose and fancy-free but once he decided he wanted Stephanie he was all-in and with each word and deed he showed his growing commitment. He clearly wore his heart on his sleeve and with each turn of the page he endeared himself to me with his sweet and sexy nature.

Stephanie grew up in a family very different from the Fournier family. Her parents were cold and indifferent and spent little time treating her as their daughter, she was treated as an inconvenience. It taught her that she could only rely on herself and it's made her a strong-willed woman who lives life on her own terms. She never wants to be beholden to anyone and enjoys her one-night stands as she can be the one to walk away in the morning. All that changes though the minute she meets Lucas. Their connection is crackling and intense and the more fate pushes them together the more caught up they become in one another. Stephanie carries a lot of baggage due to her parent's indifference and it makes her a bit unlikable at times as she lashes out when feeling challenged. She's extremely guarded and Lucas had to work hard to learn even the smallest morsel about her. Whereas he was an open book she appeared standoffish. Her tendency to keep him at arm's length and keep their growing connection a secret was frustrating at times too and put a damper on all the sweetness Lucas cultivated throughout the story. Despite my frustration with her I still found them an entertaining couple whose journey to HEA had me rooting for them every step of the way as their romance made each of them better people.

This was a quick read full of heart and soul. Two people living only for themselves soon found themselves living for each other in a story that was sweet and sexy. Lucas and Stephanie were a combustible couple whose erotically-charged encounters were plentiful as they grew closer together over rare moments of baring their souls, particularly with Stephanie's issues of disclosure. Lucas was the highlight of this story as he was charming and sexy and matured with each turn of the page into the quintessential book boyfriend. Alongside their satisfying romance were glimpses into the hockey world as the Cold Fury worked their way towards The Stanley Cup. Readers also got to be reunited with Max and Jules, and their growing family, who were a good sounding board to both Lucas and Stephanie as they worked through their relationship. On a whole this was a delightful romance full of scorching encounters with a near-perfect hero and an emotionally-flawed heroine that had me eagerly turning the pages. With the intriguing epilogue featuring Lucas' teammate and roommate Van, and his clandestine encounter with Simone Fournier, I'm eagerly counting down the days until we hit the ice again.

Another Cold Fury Scorchingly sweet & hot win for the team! Lucas & Stephanie's characters are extremely explosive in the sexy department! I felt that their characters developed well and their reaction to the situations that happen felt real & relatable. They are captivating from page one for me till the very end. I couldn't stop reading and overall I finished the book in about 5 hours or so. I love all the feelers and heart you can feel is put into the book and how it sucks you in making you feel each & every one of them. From the shock of the news & it's reaction, the heat & intensity between the characters along with all the feelers that you get from the other characters in the story. Along with the angst of the hurt and pain felt and the feeling not good enough along with the fear of the unknown of what that future could hold if you just let go & jump. Last but not least the love and happiness that is spread throughout the whole story! This was another great reads for me and I truly hope that you will give it a chance. Hopefully you will love it as much as I do!

Book Review
Title: Lucas
Series: Cold Fury Hockey #8
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Genre: Sports Romance
Publication Date: September 19, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No

4 Stars

*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+

Synopsis:
The Carolina Cold Fury hockey team is stacked with hotshots. But when a new player joins their ranks, he learns that even superstars can’t go it alone when it comes to love.

Lucas Fournier is only serious about one thing: hockey. The league’s fun-loving charmer, Luc is always up for a good prank or a great lay, and he has no intention of settling down. But being traded to the Carolina Cold Fury—and to play alongside his big brother, Max—is no joke. With another title in sight, the last thing Luc wants is to let his new teammates down. To succeed, Luc will need to keep his head in the game and the most . . . er, demanding member of his anatomy in check. But when temptation hits, Luc hits back harder.

Museum curator Stephanie Frazier has always put business before pleasure, which just about explains her nonexistent sex life. But when Stephanie meets Luc at a champagne-fueled gala, she finds herself flirting like crazy—and going home with the uninhibited athlete. For one night, she learns what passion is all about. She just never counted on the little surprise Luc leaves behind. And that’s when things really start to get . . . interesting.

My Thoughts:
I love this series! I was so excited to read Luc’s book and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The characters were developed and there was plenty of steam to keep me turning those pages! Of course, Max, Jules and their family, as well as the other Cold Fury players were part of the secondary cast.

Did I mention I adored Luc? He is such a sweetheart that just made me swoon! He had it all going on! I know I say this every time I read one of these books, but I think Lucas is my favorite. Stephanie had me rooting for her throughout the book. She is a strong and fiercely independent and a little rebellious. She grew up in a very wealthy environment, boarding schools, money to spend but there was no love and attention from her parents. They had their careers and each other and that’s all they needed. Stephanie was raised by nannies. Her family is one for the record books! My heart hurt for her. That’s why she doesn’t want to get married, have children or let people get too close. They can’t hurt her if they don’t get close. Thank goodness, she meets Lucas! He comes from a strong and loving family. They have their one night stand and they both were rocked by their encounter, but they agreed to a fling and that’s it. Oh boy but fate intervenes and Lucas and Stephanie have to figure out what their futures are going to entail!

I blew through this because I couldn’t put it down. I was a little disappointed that there was no epilogue on Lucas and Stephanie. However, the lead in for the next book in the series Van has me eagerly awaiting its release!

If you love sports romance then you need to give this book a try!

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.