A Cold Fury Hockey Novel (Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Book 1)

This was a great book. Love Sawyers stories. Love it even more cause I love Hockey.
This about Alex who is the most hated guy in Hockey. The fans Love To Hate Him. He had a horrible dad and is bitter about the sport that he hates, but is amazing at.
Sutton is a drug counselor and is working on campaign to stop kids from using. Alex is sent to work with her. They have a connection. Things heat up for these two, but Alex is scared he is just going to hurt her.

**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**

The Good
-I love hockey: Sports romances are always fun to read for me. I also love it when the author clearly has an understanding and love of the game and here, while the teams are fictional, the scenes when Sutton attends a hockey game for the first time evoked memories of my first time at a game. The excitement, the sensory overload, the rush when you finally start to understand the nuances of the game. I really liked that. And at least it justifies the usual supersize quality of the heroes - they’re supposed to be 6’6” and built like a wall of muscle.

-Character driven: This is a solid little romance that focuses on the internal struggles of the characters. So much of what drives Sutton and Alex are start with their relationships with their dads, who are both addicts Alex’s dad is an alcoholic and Sutton’s is addicted to heroin). A big part of the story that I enjoyed is the follow up - these aren’t just for background but an integral part of Sutton and Alex and a huge part of why Alex has the issues with intimacy that he has.

-Cranky hero: Alex is cranky, not necessarily an a-hole. I don’t even think he’s a dick for most of the story. What he went through with his dad was set up right from the start so I’m not surprised he’s Mr. Cranky Pants. I’ve read about my share of a-holes in romances, and I really didn’t think he was, mostly just a lonely, and abused young man.

-Likeable heroine: Sutton doesn’t take any crap from him and I appreciated that, though as I said I didn’t even think he was that big of an a-hole. She’s been through alot with her father, yet she’s focused that negativity and channeled it into a career where she gets to help others. She’s understanding of Alex and why he’s closed off, and there wasn’t a moment where I questioned her sanity or gullibility.

-Decent chemistry: I liked that they set up a friendship first, but when they finally do take things to the next level, it felt organic and it felt like it mattered. It wasn’t a case of uncontainable hormones but two adults who care and are attracted to each other.

-Great apology: That alone gets a star all by itself.

The (not so) Bad and Everything In Between

-This is minor, but why does the “a-hole” hero always have to start the story with a BJ from some random/interloper?

-Alex and Sutton spend alot of time in their heads, and that is helpful to understand the characters and their motivations. I would have liked to have seen them more “present” with each other, instead of alot of internal monologues while they’re actually in the same room. Sometimes it’s easy to lose the thread of their conversation when it breaks for an internal chat or pep talk.

The Bottom Line
I enjoyed it, alot. I’d definitely recommend it to fans of hockey and romance.

Sawyer Bennett kicks off her Cold Fury Series with hockey player Alex Crossman, a not-too-friendly hockey player, who is made by the executives of his team to take on a community service project. Sutton Price, a social worker, who's taken on her fair share of difficult people, has her hands full once she comes in contact with Alex. This is the book that drew me in to Sawyer Bennett's world and I've happy to say I've never been disappointed since!

I really liked this book. The characters had chemistry, and the plot was solid. The author dealt with addiction in a fairly realistic way. In RL, personal relationships with an addicted parent aren't so easily resolved.

All in all a very enjoyable read. Sex was hot, though a bit over done. Characters very likable. Good level of sweetness to this book.

I love Sawyer Bennet`s books. They always surprise me in a good way :) Alex was a great read. He was forced to play hockey - didn`t even like the sport. He didn`t even interact with his fans. But then he was forced to work with Sutton, a woman with her own past. They liked each other immediately, but she didn`t want to submit under his charm - he was a womanizer after all.

Great story, loved the epilogue :)

I loved this story so much!!!! Alex and Sutton are perfect for each other!! This is part of the Cold Fury hockey series and I can't wait to read the next book again!! This is my second time reading these books and they are just as good the second time around!!

What an amazingly hot story! Sutton and Alex make a great story. Sutton is a strong willed woman who used her past to do amazing things. She stumbles upon working with Alex because he is a bad boy hockey player. She takes none of his crap and challenges him to overcome all his past demons. Definitely a page turner with a great story and hot scenes.

Ok, I normally like the fast action, someone's going to get kidnapped, hold my attention HOT SEX....

But this one HOOKED ME.. LOVED IT--- He thought his life was bad until he met someone who had been through worse and "made lemonade".. So well written.. It held my attention and I did not want to put it down. Stayed up late reading.. been awhile since I found a book like this. So sweet and yet she had no problem putting him in his place.. There back and forth.. Amazing..

Story about Alex, a hockey player, who was forced into the sport by his father when he couldn't make the big leauges so he lives vicariously through his son. Alex is determined not to let anyone into his life because of the verbal abuse, and no love, from his father to be the best player in the league.His life changes when he meets and start working on a drug alcohol project with Sutton and from there the story goes steamy and sexy.
i could have done without all the profanity which I don't feel did the story any good and for that reason I game it 4 starts

How do you overcome the darkness you were brought up with.
It's a lovely love story of two people who grew up with similar stories. Abuse, alkohol and drugs. But ended up two very different places. Alex surrounds himself in darkness and unhappiness. Unable to love. And then there is sutton. I totally love her. She is so strong, giving, loving and has a heart that holds enough love for all. Their lovestory is so worth the read. I Will recomend this book anytime, because I read it almost nonstop.

This book did it all for me - combining hockey (my favorite sport) with some scorching hot men plus love stories?? You can't go wrong! Plus Alex is the ass that you hate to love but trust me, you will be completely in love with him. Sutton is an amazing character with a wonderful personality that you can't help but love. Put those two together - with some hockey action and bam, you have a hit! Can't wait to read more of this series!

I liked the book, but the story line is disjointed-just all over the place. At one point the characters in one place, then it jumps to another place and time. Nothing is ever connected as to why they are in one place to the other. At one point they are in Virginia and without any explanation, the characters are in Washington. The Author never took the time to work the story to show connections.

Story about Alex, a hockey player, who was forced into the sport by his father when he couldn't make the big leauges so he lives vicariously through his son. Alex is determined not to let anyone into his life because of the verbal abuse, and no love, from his father to be the best player in the league.His life changes when he meets and start working on a drug alcohol project with Sutton and from there the story goes steamy and sexy.
i could have done without all the profanity which I don't feel did the story any good and for that reason I game it 4 starts

How do you overcome the darkness you were brought up with.
It's a lovely love story of two people who grew up with similar stories. Abuse, alkohol and drugs. But ended up two very different places. Alex surrounds himself in darkness and unhappiness. Unable to love. And then there is sutton. I totally love her. She is so strong, giving, loving and has a heart that holds enough love for all. Their lovestory is so worth the read. I Will recomend this book anytime, because I read it almost nonstop.

This book did it all for me - combining hockey (my favorite sport) with some scorching hot men plus love stories?? You can't go wrong! Plus Alex is the ass that you hate to love but trust me, you will be completely in love with him. Sutton is an amazing character with a wonderful personality that you can't help but love. Put those two together - with some hockey action and bam, you have a hit! Can't wait to read more of this series!

I liked the book, but the story line is disjointed-just all over the place. At one point the characters in one place, then it jumps to another place and time. Nothing is ever connected as to why they are in one place to the other. At one point they are in Virginia and without any explanation, the characters are in Washington. The Author never took the time to work the story to show connections.

Just found this author and this series. Loved it. Alex had a lot of problems and he needed Sutton. I loved how they interacted and how she got him to come out of his "shell" so to speak. I also loved reading about him making friends with Garrett. This book really stays with you and so do these characters. You really want more of them. It wasn't a short book by any means, but I still wanted more. So then I went to book 2, Garrett. You'll love him too.

I've been waiting for this book forever. of course it's Sawyer Bennett, and she's always a go to author for me. she did not disappoint. as always just blew me away. I love how she can take a dog of a man and totally turn him into someone you can't help but love. alex is definitely this man. I can't wait for Garrett's story next because I'm half in love with him myself. read this book. you will not be disappointed.

Alex Crossman. Man oh man. I freakin love him. My heart aches from how beautiful his love for Sutton was. Sutton was his light, his strength and she made him a better man. She gave him back his love of hockey and was the best thing to happen to him. Sutton and Alex were made for each other and had powerful chemistry. Sawyer Bennett continues to creat wonderful stories and I cannot wait to read about Garrett and what is in store for him.

Officially I think Alex is my all time favorite hockey hero. This book was so good and I could not put it down once I started. I loved the way Alex was written and how I loved him and hated him at the same time and so passionately.

This one was a surprise. After the first handful of pages I almost put it down because I thought it was going to be a flop, but I'm so glad I kept going. The author did a fantastic job of showing the reader Alex's fears and shortcomings in a way that even Alex didn't realize. He grew through those fears and through Sutton, in a natural process. Despite Sutton being a therapist(social worker), she never tried to change him, but took him for who he was, which was the prompting for his growth. Great characters with a terrific overall arc. It flowed well and it was a fun, quick read. For others, like myself, who have a hard time getting into the "present tense" trend, this is worth slogging through those first pages of it--once I was involved in the story and characters, I was able to ease into the tense, too.

Sawyer Bennett is an absolute winner. She can write and weave a very nice story. I loved her Alex and Sutton romance, the families and friends that surrounded them, and the childhoods that they both had to come to terms with before their love could become forever. Looking forward to reading more Sawyer Bennett.

This book was recommended to me by a friend. Well she obviously knows me and my love of jerks well. I really like this book. Once I started it I couldn't stop reading it. So give it a shot. He's not the biggest jerk. And because of that he can't be my book boyfriend. Ha ha! I do however love their brutal honesty. They are great together.

Good start to the series! Love Alex and Sutton. Very sweet romance. Was very sad that Alex was abused physically and emotionally by his father for years. I know our past shapes and sometimes defines us but I like that Sutton was there to break Alex from the mold that his dad had shaped him in and she truly knew from experience. Would recommend for a light read....not much angst.

Like all Sawyers books they are fast pace
and once you get your eyes reading one you can't stop reading. And this book wasn't any different though towards the end I felt rushed and like the story started to drag.

I wasn't trusting Garrett for some reason as he came off too friendly, but in the end he actually is genuine. And Alex lost his bad boy persona, thus the reason for the four stars.

I did truly enjoy this book!

I always wonder in these stories why the couple is so young as is Sutton at age 22 and just SO together. Granted, Alex was 26 and quite misguided but I just felt Sutton was way too young to be so astute. In today's world, most at this age haven't got a clue yet but I digress.....Good and easy read, written well and not a lot of profanity many authors feel they need to use. Overall, it kept my interest and that says a lot.

Zack and Sutton were an amazing couple! Zack’s childhood would make anyone shy away from commitment, but Sutton was patient and bright him back to the land of the living. It was amazing to watch him grow. Hope the rest of the series live up to this one!

If you love hot, alpha hockey players and sassy, heart of gold social workers then this is the book for you! I've always loved sawyer bennet's hockey books but this one was off the charts amazing, it grabs hold of your heart and doesn't let go, I can't wait for the next book in The Carolina Fury series, this whole series will now be automatic 1 clicks for me!!

Both Sutton and Alex come from similar backgrounds - abusive fathers with substance addictions. This is a story of how they each figure out how to move on from the past and fall in love. Well written and perfectly edited. Highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this story about Alex who is one of the best players in the NHL but has lost his love of the game. Because he has an awful attitude the higher up's have decided that he needs to clean up his image, enter Sutton Price, who's been asked to work on a program with Alex for at risk youth. The scenes between Alex and Sutton are beautiful, Sexy and complicated. Certainly worth reading this book.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, the way the characters were introduced and the ending was superb. I really loved the characters of Alex, (who doesn't love a dark and mysterious bad boy) and Sutton plus the introduction of Garrett and look forward to his book in the future.

I started reading this book this morning and couldn't put it down! Alex is swoon worthy and I loved reading about his and Sutton's journey to their happy ever after. I can't wait to read Garrett's story now.

Sawyer Bennett has begun another winning series with "Alex". Yummy alpha with realistic issues and strong female, also with realistic issues. Conflict and resolution that makes sense. Love this author. She consistently writes well developed main characters and secondary characters to make you want more but still feel satisfied at the end of each book. It is a gift. Keep them coming, girl!

Another Awesome book by Sawyer Bennett. I love all her books. Alex Crossman was written brilliantly. He is broody and hot. Sawyer always makes you swoon for her men. I loved Sutton's character. Alex and Sutton's chemistry is beyond hot. Really enjoyed their story. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I know the rest of the men from the Carolina Cold Fury will be just as hot.

This was the first book I purchased by this author. I absolutely enjoyed it and have purchased several more from this particular series! They are a lot like Jaci Burton or Carly Philips' style of writing. Totally worth it!

OMG!!! This is one of my most favorite books EVER. This author blows my mind she is just that GREAT. I've always enjoyed hockey player books but this was just awesome!! It made me truly feel like i knew the characters. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Moving onto Garrett now :)

Alex was bred to be a successful hockey player taught from the beginning that love, relationships and hockey don't mix. He lives his life as a loner. Meaningless sex and hard work are all he knows. When his cockiness causes his team bosses to force him into a role he isn't comfortable with Alex meets his match in love, life and in the bedroom. <3

God!!! Sawyer is a master in romance!!! Hockey, a prick bad boy and a sweet woman! You will love this story, sweet full of love, passion, sadness and a past to heal! I can't wait to read more about these Players!!!

Sawyer Bennett is one of my favorite authors. I knew when I started reading Alex and Sutton's story that I wouldn't be able to put my Kindle down. Theirs is a wonderful love story. A man who never wanted to show any feelings and a woman who is loving and caring. Cannot wait for Garrett's story, it should be a fun read.

Average story, but a fun quick read. I would not pass up other books for this one, but on a cool afternoon, it is enjoyable. This book is in the genre of all of the "sports romances". The male lead is a top sports player and the female is your typical "knows nothing about the sport, but recognizes a hot guy when she see one". Just average characters and average story.

I loved this book. It started out a little slow, but as the characters developed, it just kept getting better and better. I loved the fact that the characters didn't fall in love right away. I also loved the fact the heroine didn't get intimidated by the hero. It was a great love story, and at the end, it had me almost in tears. Don't miss it!

Bad boy hockey player Alex and tough come from hard times Sutton are a match made in heaven. Great refreshing book! Haven't read this author before but will check out other books. The chemistry between these two is incredible, just wished the author would have ended the book by telling us what happened to the project they were working on.

I love Sawyer Bennett's other series and this one was just as good! Alex and Sutton (still not completely sold on that name but it wasn't a deal breaker) were perfect for each other. Sweet and redeeming, their story touched me. If you like the Last Call and Off Sides series, you love this one!