Max

A Cold Fury Hockey Novel

by Sawyer Bennett

The Carolina Cold Fury’s hot new star shows his bad-boy teammates that even nice guys can score big in this steamy hockey romance from the bestselling author of Ryker and Hawke (“Sexy, emotional, and fantastic!” —Sandi Lynn).

The ice is a cold mistress. As the league’s most eligible goalie, Max Fournier has access to his fair share of willing puck bunnies, but right now he’s more interested in bringing home another championship than a one-night stand. A romantic at heart, Max believes in love; he’s just not great at relationships. So when he finally meets a nice girl who’s not blinded by his celebrity, he’s feeling the heat—and the pressure to save her from herself.

Between working two jobs and raising her sister’s kids, Julianne Bradley doesn’t have time for sports—or men. All she knows about Max is that he’s the sexiest customer to ever grace her gas-station counter. And he sees past her tired eyes and makes Jules yearn for things she can’t have: a glamorous fling, a passionate lover, and the time to enjoy both. Max makes her feel like Cinderella, even though Jules has enough baggage to crush a glass slipper. Luckily, he’s no prince—only a fierce competitor determined to win her heart.

Max is a romantic at heart and looking for someone to share his life with – no puck bunnies for him.  When he meets Julianne for the first time he knows that there is something special about her and wants to get to know her better.  Then when he finds out exactly what her life has become, he realizes just how strong she is.

Jules is raising her niece and nephews after her sister’s death.  The insta-family and all that means is taking up all of her time & energy.  Even meeting a sexy guy at work only tempts her a little.  Luckily for her Max is tenacious and willing to put in a little effort to make sure that they can explore a potential relationship.

I love that Max respects Jules and her needs.  He tries to understand where she is coming from and support her, but he’s not willing to let her hide either.  If she needs a little push, or a little help, he’s there for that too.  There isn’t a lot of drama between them – when bad things happen they face them together and work through it.  There is that one requisite freak-out that leads to the HEA moment but it’s handled in line with the rest of the story and doesn’t last long.  I think that Bennett does a fantastic job of balancing things, especially in the world of a professional athlete where she could have made it a big thing but doesn’t.  It’s realistic and sweet and works with the characters she’s given us.

I have been a fan of the Cold Fury hockey team since the very first book and I’m so pleased to see that Bennett continues to bring winners.  With her smooth writing, interesting characters and strong story, she once again reminds me why she’s on my go-to author list!