Marek by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Cold Fury Hockey #11
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept
Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Date Read: May 6, 2018
Length: 226 pages
Source: NetGalley
★★★☆☆
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 LayneMarek 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. . . .
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.
#2 – Garrett – My Review
#3 – Zack – My Review
#4 – Ryker – My Review
#5 – Hawke – My Review
#6 – Max– My Review
#7 – Roman – My Review
#8 – Lucas – My Review
#9 – Van – My Review
#10 – Reed – My Review
#11 – Marek
About the AuthorSince the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.Sawyer likes her Bloody Mary’s strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.
Sorry to hear this was not has good as the previous books. In regards to theisues I would feel the same way. Rehashing of situations can be tiresome after awhile.
It really was in this book.
This sounds like a good one, but I think I would get frustrated with the same argument over and over too. Maybe the next book will be better..
I liked this one but not as much as I had hoped. I am looking forward to more books by Sawyer Bennett very soon.
I think I have Alex because French publisher made a mistakeand sent me it but I still need to read it
I still need to read that one, Melliane! I have read the rest of the series though.
I stayed away from this one cos the premise bothered me, her not telling him. Not cool, and him just leaving them there
The premise of this book was not my favorite.
Yep, it would be a tough one to get into the romance with the pain from the secret baby and then the repetitive fights.
I am not a huge fan of secret babies but I did like the way it was set up in the previous book so I took a chance.
i reallly reallly do not like secret baby tropes, honestly, it should be a reason that the romance doesn't work and not the other way around.
I have to agree with you, Lily.
Whoa, there's 11 books in this series? She must write like crazy. I definitely need to read more of her books.
It seems like she has a new book coming out all of the time. I don't know how she writes so quickly!
Oh man. I'm so into hockey players nowadays. I need to check out this series!
It is a great series, Joy!
Hmmm, you know how much I love these books, and the set up for this story had me eager to read it. I hate when characters are "stuck" too, but I am happy to hear Reed is featured in this book, because I loved him.
I hope you end up liking this one a bit more than I did, Sam.
This is an author I've really been wanting to read but this isn't the one I'm going to start with! The whole premise is one of my least favorite and I hate when characters have the same argument over and over. I am excited to read the series as a whole though.
I do love the series, Katherine. This one just didn't work as well for me.
I am glad Marek came around in the end, but, yeah, what a jerk in the beginning from your description of his behavior. I am sorry this one wasn't better. Hopefully the next one will live up to the previous books!
I knew that I was taking a chance with this one and I did enjoy some aspects of the story.