Marek (Cold fury Hockey #11) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

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When the Carolina Cold Fury’s hottest young star gets blindsided by an ex with a scandalous secret, it’s game on.

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.

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REVIEW: MAREK is the eleventh instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult COLD FURY HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey team. This is hockey player Marek Fabritis, and nurse Gracen Moore’s story line. MAREK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Marek and Gracen) MAREK is a second chance romance between Carolina Cold Fury player Marek Fabritis, and nurse Gracen Moore. Four years earlier, as he was about to embark on a professional career in the NHL, Marek Fabritis walked away from the woman he loved destroying her heart in the process. Fast forward to present day wherein Marek will receive an anonymous email that his ex-girlfriend had birthed him a daughter, and was in the process of marrying a man she did not love. All but kidnapping Gracen and the little girl he never knew Marek will effectively tie our heroine’s hands as he comes to terms with the knowledge that Gracen kept secret the birth of their daughter.

From the outset Marek Fabritis’ anger and hatred towards Gracen is despicable and appalling. There is nothing worthy about his actions and immature attitude towards the woman he once loved, a woman he despises for keeping secret her pregnancy and the birth of their child. As the story line progresses, there are small glimpses into a man who is willing to forgive but something will trigger the memory of the secrets and lies thusly setting Marek off on a vicious tirade meant to humiliate and wound. Gracen knows she screwed up four years earlier but the man that she loved (and still loves) all but destroyed the very essence of her heart and her soul. As a single parent Gracen needed to focus on her young daughter but things go from bad to worse when she finds herself, yet again, sacrificing her own happiness for someone she loves.

The relationship between Marek and Gracen is one of second chances; a rekindling romance that struggles in the face of past sins, secrets and lies. Marek’s treatment of Gracen is embarrassing, infuriating and juvenile, and our heroine places the blame all unto herself. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but once again, I struggle with the use of a certain four-letter word I believe serves no purpose in a romance story line.

We are introduced to Marek and Gracen’s daughter Lilly-a sweet child who could have been easily used as a pawn in her parent’s war with one another.

MAREK is a well written, fast paced, emotional and heart breaking story line made all the more painful by the hero’s actions and behavior. I had a bit of a struggle with how Gracen easily acquiesced to Marek’s accusations and tirades-for a strong, independent woman she was constantly apologizing for sins of the past. The premise is spirited and dramatic; the characters are infuriating, colorful and passionate; the romance is provocative and edgy.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Alex
Garrett
Zack
Ryker
Hawke
Max
Roman
Lucas
Van
Reed
Marek

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Since 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 Marys 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.