Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Another fun installment of our Cold Fury guys, but this one felt a little different. Gracen and Marek just kept rehashing the same argument, which I understand, but it got a bit tiresome. I did enjoy watching Marek become a father, but I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read Reed's book first.

The Cold Fury series is bomb! Lovers of hockey romance shouldn't miss it. I feel like Marek is a redemption story. When Marek finds out his ex-girlfriend, Gracen, is getting married he knows he has to put a stop to it. Especially because he just found out he has a 3 year old daughter. I can't say I really liked Gracen. She wasn't my favorite FMC, but she had reasons. Marek chose hockey over her and she was deeply hurt. This book has tension and good chemistry. I didn't like how the characters handled their life decisions in the beginning, but it was very realistic. This book was a very satisfying conclusion to the series! 4 stars

I have loved the Cold Fury Hockey series but didn't enjoy Marek as much as the others. I felt invested in the story and was looking forward to the HEA but had an easy time putting it down. I think it's because I never really warmed up to Marek. That push and pull between him and Gracen was over the top at times and drawn out. So for me, it was good, not great, but I'm happy I read it and finished the series. It's just that compared to the others - which completely captivated me - this one just didn't feel up to the same caliber.

3.5 stars — I will admit I was a little bummed with this one. It was quick to read, as all of them are. It’s been awhile since I read any of the books in this series, so not sure if it’s me or the book — though I think it’s the book, and the characters in particular.

So what didn’t work with these characters? Well, to be honest, neither of them were that likable. I mean, they each had their good moments for sure, but the book starts off showing the absolute WORST of Marek, and I heavily disliked the way he was treating Gracen. While he 100% should have felt hurt, angry, betrayed, he was an immature jerkhole in his dealings with her. And for much longer than I could put up with. So by the time he calmed down, I wasn’t as forgiving as I should have been. As for his personality outside of that? I’m not sure I really knew what he was like. I appreciated the way he fumbled with Lilly, but once he tucked in you could feel his earnestness.

Gracen was a tough nut in her own right. I mean, she makes a huge mistake, and spends a LOT of time self-flagellating. Which, I mean, not unwarranted…but I was relieved when she stopped putting up with Marek’s crap. And I was even starting to like her, and feel for her uncertainty in the relationship, but then she goes mama-bear irrational and I just threw up my hands.

I guess for both of them, they were more real life characters…you know, flawed as heck. And I only want a certain amount of flaws to balance the good. 😛

The two of them together had good steam, but I felt a bit disconnected at times. It felt like the story jumped abruptly at times, and I expected more transition. Their first time back together, it was so sudden after the previous chapter. I don’t know, I’m picky. So yeah, there was definitely chemistry. But there was also toxicity. The whole conflict/climax between them had me cringing and giving up on them. And his Dad’s advice was not enough. I mean, hello counselling?

I think it didn’t help that the book feels like it starts in the middle of events, and like you’re missing a prologue. If you haven’t read Reed (which I hadn’t), then you immediately feel lost. It might have been nice to have a bit of a prologue recap that readers could skip if they’d read Reed, but if you were diving in without it, you would have some more context. It just wasn’t as standalone-y as it should be.

Gah. I feel like I’m being so negative, and I’m bummed about that. But while there were good things in this book, there were a bunch of things that niggled at me and took away from my enjoyment ultimately. I’m sure it won’t be that way for everyone, but Marek was definitely not my favourite Cold Fury player.

MAREK - Sawyer Bennett

#11 Cold Fury Hockey sports romance series

SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - In the previous book, we were with Marek (and Reed) when they went to New York to rescue Marek's ex-girlfriend from marrying the wrong man. When Marek decides to bring her back to Raleigh with him, he is told that he is also the father of her 3-year-old daughter. Of course, this causes a totally awkward and uncomfortable situation between them.

Writing - 4 stars - As always, Bennett captured my attention right from the first page. The situation was unique and exciting, with lots of emotional highs and lows. It was great to revisit with characters from previous books, and I also enjoyed getting a little taste of life in the professional hockey world.

Characters - 4 stars - Marek is an excellent hero. He's strong yet vulnerable, caring deeply for Lilly but unafraid to ask for help in learning how to be her daddy. His relationship with Gracen is complicated, but he's willing to work with her if he can get past his anger. He's very close to his parents, and I'm always a sucker for a guy who loves his family. Gracen was a little more problematic for me. She made such dumb mistakes, getting involved in a financial situation she couldn't get out of, just to save her parents. But, of course, if she had just had a conversation with them, all of her problems could have been avoided. The secrecy was totally frustrating and unnecessary. And her overreaction at the end was annoying after she was acting so much more mature previously in the book.

Title - 4 stars - Nothing much to say about this. As with previous book in this series, the title is the name of the main character hockey player.

Cover - 4 stars - This goes along with all the previous books in this series, with a close-up face of the main male character. This is a good-looking young man with the sense of a non-USA look about him, which is appropriate.

Overall - 4 stars - Overall, this was a very nice finish to what has been an enjoyable series. I like getting to the know the characters, with just a peek into the world of professional hockey. Bennett creates appealing characters who face unique situations. Even though the books are similar, there is always an interesting scenario that catches the reader's attention. All in all, a nice and pleasant read.

I am absolutely in love with this book! This story has one of my absolute favorite tropes, second chance romance. Throw in the sports aspect and I'm instantly sold on this book!. Once again Sawyer Bennett has given us an amazing installment to her Cold Fury Hockey series. It was steamy, emotional and I was drawn into these characters lives.

Have I told you all how much I love Sawyer Bennett’s Cold Fury hockey team?!?! Every book that she has written within this series, I have devoured. I love that each guy on the team gets his own book. But with Marek, you knew this book was going to have to be something special. We have previously met Marek, so I feel like there was more pressure to fall in love with him. Sawyer Bennett made it so easy to fall in love with not only Marek, but his little family!

Marek (Cold Fury Hockey #11) is a second chance romance story. There are times within this book that you are not sure they are going to make it! But somehow Marek Fabritis & Gracen Moore find their way back together for not only them, but their adorable daughter Lily. It is well written that takes your heart on a journey. Not going to lie, there are some heartbreaks along the way. But isn’t that what makes a good book great?!?!

I know that Sawyer Bennett started a new hockey series, the Arizona Vengeance. Frankly, I am not a fan of that series. The characters do not resonate with me like the characters in her Cold Fury series. Please, please Sawyer, bring back the Cold Fury boys!! Each and every one of them have a special place in my heart. Such an amazing sports series!! I will totally re-read this entire series!

~ Reviewed by Heidi Pharo

I loved this book and have actually re read it a couple of times. Loved how we wonder who sends Marek an email saying Gracen is getting married. He’s also in for a shock, he has a daughter with her ( Lilly). Loved their chemistry. Can they get over the past? What is Owen up to? My heart kept aching as Marek has to learn to get over his anger at missing the first few years of Lilly’s life. It’s a very heartfelt story and I completely melted for him in the ending. I highly recommend this book.

I really don't know authors Sawyer can continually make such a long running series so interesting. She does such a great job making her characters has distinct personalities. The storylines make it hard to put down. And for me I finish one book and immediately start counting down when the next book releases!

Two people hurt by the past. Can they move forward and let it go? Sometimes the hurt is so deep you can't let it go. But what good does it do. To keep being reminded of that hurt can often prevent you from moving on and living now. Gracen was heartbroken when Marek chose hockey over her. He didn't want to be tied down. When she found out she was pregnant she couldn't tell him. He made it clear where he wanted his life to go. He wanted freedom. But she never stopped loving him. Afterall she had a daily reminder of that love every time she looked at their daughter.

Sawyer Bennett wrote their story that wasn't rushed or forced. It was not the case of boy leaves girl, girl is pregnant but he never knows until years later and then they fall in love again and live happily ever after. So much hurt and heartbreak was involved on both sides as well as a break in trust. Once trust is broken it is so hard to trust again. Their daughter was such a sweet little girl. Marek didn't know the first thing about being a father to her but Sawyer Bennett wrote their story with patience and understanding. It was so beautiful to see their love grow and develop into a true father/daughter relationship. Gracen gave him the time he needed to get to know Lilly but would their relationship have the same outcome. Could they forgive each other and become the family they are supposed to be. Sawyer Bennett did an amazing job with these characters allowing them to learn forgiveness and trust, two things they needed to let go of the past and move forward together.

I love Sawyer Bennett and this series is one of my favorites. Great read, which can be a standalone read, but why not read the whole series. Fans of the author will love this and fans of sports romances will love as well!

2 reviews - avg 4 stars


Marek is book 11 of the Cold Fury series and a great addition to this series by Sawyer Bennett. I always love how this author can craft great stories that keep you intrigued and reading. It doesn't matter if it's the first or the eleventh in the series. I highly suggest you read this one if you follow this series. 4.5 stars.
Marek left behind the woman he loved because he wanted her to have her own life, but what he didn't realize that he left something else behind as well. Gracen didn't understand his reasoning, but if that was what he wanted, she had no choice but to let him go...and to keep a secret.
Just like the other books in this series, the story is enjoyable and the interaction between the characters is amazing. Romantic, sweet, and steaming all rolled into one. You need to pick up a copy of this story for yourself.
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Marek is the 11th book in cold fury series, and I know some will say 'Eleven Books' it can't be a good series anymore right?! Wrong this series just continuously grows and never gets old. Honestly im scared for the day the series will see no more! This book is second chance romance, and we get to see lil bit of Marek's character in Reed's book but this of course gives of full disclosure. I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book because Marek and Gracen at first seem to bicker and bring up the past way to often and it was a bit monotonous, but it turned around and became another great story for me! I would give it a 4 stars and highly recommend to others.
Marek left behind the girl 3 years ago, he wanted the fame the fortune and didn't want to hold anyone back from getting there own life they wanted, so he chose to leave it all behind....but what he didn't realize he was leaving more than just a "girl" behind....
Gracen was heartbroken when Marek left, she never did understand why he would choose to not ask her to go with him but choose to indulge in the life of a bachelor. So that being said she chose to keep a secret from him, one that will come crashing down on her on her wedding day...
Get to one clicking to see how this story unfolds you don't want to miss it!

Marek had to face the truth of his life right now and figure out someway to accept that today was vastly different than he’d ever imagined it would be. Gracen- marek’s ex had kept the fact he had a daughter-Lily- from him for three years. Marek was very scared. Marek had been gone three days with Holt at the beach drunk most of the time. Marek was very angry at Gracen so ignoring her was easy. Lily didn’t deserve his anger but Marek knew she was feeling it. Reed had called him and told him to get back home. Reed was Marek’s best friend. Marek and gracen had been HS sweethearts. When marek graduated from college he was recruited into the NHL. He went to the Cold Fury hockey team. Marek had been Gracen’s boyfriend and her best friend for five years before he left her behind. He’d done what he’d set out to do - stop Gracen from marrying Owen Walker and now he was settled with a ex girlfriend he had left behind long ago and a new daughter he had not expected or frankly wanted. Marek had never really gotten over Gracen than when he found out she was getting married to a jerk he steps in and stops the wedding. He had also got an email about having a daughter. Gracen’s crazy ex fiance is blackmailing her to marry him by ty threatening her parents bank loan. Marek knew nothing about kids. Reed was Marek’s best friend and he told him to get home to Gracen and his daughter. He didn’t know how to deal with this. Marek went in his house Gracen's head popped up she said they had to talk and he said tomorrow and then she said no her and Lily were leaving tomorrow. So if he wanted to hear what she had to say he better stop and listen. Gracen said her and Lily were virtual prisoners there. He demanded they come to his home threatening to take Lily away if she didn’t than ignored them both for a week. They didn’t know anyone there and Gracen doesn’t know whether to look for a job or not. But most of all Lily is confused as to who Marek was and his purpose in her life. Marek said lily needed to know he was her father and Gracen agreed but said it needed to be done right and together. It can’t be done when he’s never there. Gracen only wanted to tell Lily if Marek planned on being active in Lily’s life. Lily would be crushed if he wasn’t interested in her. Gracen told Marek he was a butt and had been every since he dropped her four years ago because he hadn’t wanted her dragging him down in his new professional athlete life. Marek had left gracen and she had finished college and got her nursing degree and she was now a neonatal nurse. She knew he would have never got her degree if she followed him for his career. Owen was sending threatening texts for Gracen to come back home and marry him.
I really enjoyed this story. Although at times I got very frustrated with Marek and/or Gracen. But a lot more Marek. I grew tired of hearing about Marek throwing in Gracen’s face how she hadn’t told him about Lily.I loved Lily she really added to this book. I advise you to read the whole series in order for a more knowledgeable and smoother read. I did really enjoy watching Marek bond with Lily. I liked Marek and Gracen together when things smoothed out between them. I do think Gracen slept with Marek again way to soon. I liked the duo POV. i would have liked to seen even more of Marek getting to know Lily. I enjoyed the plot and pace. I enjoyed the the plot and pace. I enjoyed the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

Mark and Gracen have been through a lot together, yet the most important years they spent apart. When Marek finds out what he missed but what Gracen had, can he forgive her? Can she forgive him?

I liked the story and there was a good build up to their relationship, but I didn't get the epic "I love you" scene where the characters clicked together and all the sappy stuff happened. It happened, but just not quite to the level I expected. A good addition to the Cold Fury series.

When I read the description of this book I was not a big fan of Marek and his story. However I am a huge fan of Sawyer Bennett and the Cold Fury series. So I requested the book with an open mind. I absolutely loved this book. It is close to one of my favorite in this series.

Marek and Gracen dated before Marek turned pro. They break up and Marek really never sees her again. Marek finds out later that Gracen is going to marry a guy named Owen, who is a jerk from his hometown. Even though he and Gracen have not spoken in years and he has been through his fair share of women he goes to Gracen's wedding to stop it. When Marek arrives, he is brought up short when Gracen's daughter walks in and she is about the age of how long they have been broken up. Marek tells Gracen either she comes with him and Lily or he will take Lily because Lily will not have Owen as a step father. Gracen leaves her wedding and goes with Marek.

Marek has a lot of hurt because he has a 3 year old daughter that he missed out on so many first. His parents are grand parents and don't even know it. This story is about forgiveness and second chance at love. It is dual POV and Lily is the cutest thing ever.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

Oh how this breaks my heart to write. I absolutely LOVE this series and have not missed a single book by this author in this series or another but sadly this was not one of my favorites at all. I just did not feel the connection between Marek and Gracen. The story line just jumped right in and moved at a very jerky pace that had me stumbling to keep up. I wanted to understand the reasons behind Gracen's deception and all of that but just never really warmed to her character and found her not very likable at all. Still a HUGE fan of this series but sadly didn't care for Marek's story at all.

Another amazing book by Sawyer Bennett. Marek was witty, sexy and a wonderful second-chance romance.

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?

I could read about these hockey players all the time! I don't ever want the Cold Fury to end, so keep thinking of new trades Ms. Bennett! Marek and Gracen's story is a second chance romance. I will admit, I wasn't a huge Marek fan at first. I know that what Gracen did wasn't something to take lightly, but he really was a jerk during most of this story. My heart started to thaw though as I saw him more with Lilly and finally started to move on with Gracen. I loved catching up with other players and their wives. My favorite part of these books is always the parties where we get updates from past couples. This was another good read in this fabulous series!

This is the 11th book in the Cold Fury series and while each book is a stand alone there may be times that characters from the earlier books make guest appearances so you may have a few spoilers, but it can be read without reading the others. We get to see how this book starts in Reed’s book so I was excited for this one to come out to know how it was all going to go.
What can I say, I love this series and Marek and Gracen’s story didn’t disappoint. Of course there were plenty of times I wanted to slap the characters for their behaviors. Sure they each made mistakes and learning to overcome these mistakes and figure out how to move forward wasn’t easy for either one of them. There were many times that they just so frustrating that I found myself yelling at them as well as celebrating with them. Of course there were a couple moments that had me all emotional over what was happening, too. I found this book was mainly about the two of them trying to figure out how to deal with things now that they have a second chance together.
I am hoping that this is not the end of the series, but a part of me is worried it may be since we didn’t have something going on with one of the other players as usually do near the end of each of the other books, but there is the Stanley Cup which they could win for the third year in a row. Maybe that is what she is planning for her next book, one that is more of a compilation of all the Cold Fury in one book. Regardless of what will be next, I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.