Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey series has always been one of my favorites. Lucas, however, was not. I like the premise of the story and liked that Lucas was a stand up guy when Steph told him she was pregnant. He tried to let her know he cared over and over. Steph fell short for me. She could never grasp that people could care for her. I know she had a bad childhood but after he left I was surprised she never missed him enough to do anything about it. It was Lucas who had to go to her again and the 'I love you' from her just didn't ring true or at the very least felt rushed to wrap up the story.

I love Sawyer Bennett. I read all her books, well almost all her books....with the exception of the Wicked Series. I love the romance and the hockey. What I don't like and don't think is necessary is all the sex that is thrown around in novels and then called a book. Not once in this book was there any hockey. There wasn't a description of a hockey game or what goes on in a hockey game. It kind of disappointed me in ways. I loved this whole series, but sex, sex, and more sex doesn't make a plot. Yes, there was a twist and a shocker but I just didn't connect with the story like I hoped I would and I was soooo excited about it. Does that mean that I wouldn't recommend it? Nope. Because a lot of people love the authors books for that reason. It had some good plot points and nailed them but for me personally - I just skimmed over it. I liked seeing Max again and seeing some of the others. The grammar and punctuation were well-done. Don't get me wrong - this was well-written and it was a good book, but I'm just hoping for the author I saw in the for couple books!!

I was given an ARC copy from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.

After a night of steamy sex with Stephanie, Lucas' life is about to change just when he was getting on the right track with his new hockey team Carolina Cold Fury. Unfortunately for Lucas, Stephanie has a lot of baggage from her past that gets in the way of things. In the end, love does conquer all.

I have read many books by Sawyer Bennett including the others in this series and this book definitely does not disappoint. It was a great read.

You know a series is brilliant when eight books in you drop everything you are reading to catch up with the hot stars of the Cold Fury series.
This is Lucas Fournier story and he is the newest addition to the team he is also Max's brother, he knows at some point he wants a loving family of his own but not yet he's still loving the life of a single hockey player.
Stephanie Frazier has no room in her life for relationships, well that was until she met Lucas and he started breaking down the walls she has put around herself.
Stephanie is hard character to like and it was only as the story unfolded and I found out why she was so guarded that I really turned my feelings around towards her. I loved how patient Lucas was when dealing with Stephanie, he cared about her and he was going to break that wall down brick by brick.
If you love sports romance and especially hockey this is a must read series, Sawyer Bennett certainly knows how to make you feel part of the Cold Fury gang, I believe book nine is going to be Van's story, now that will be real interesting after all he is so grumpy !!!!

Once again, in Lucas Ms. Bennett takes a fun premise, creates an intriguing story around it, and populates it with interesting, sympathetic, and authentic characters.
Like so many of her protagonists, Lucas was an imperfect but decent guy. You know from meeting his family that he might occasionally do something stupid, but that he will eventually do the right thing once he figures out what that is. And Stephanie was a strong, mostly self-confident, likeable woman - with a few issues that lead to complications. The development of this relationship was so believably written that it was a delight to read, As with many of her books, this story flows so seamlessly it was easy for me to slip into the scene, becoming an invisible observer of the action.
If I had to find a fault, I suppose it would be that I got a little weary of listening to Stephanie!s back and forth with herself about her issues and whether she could sustain a relationship because of them. But with that minor exception, this book contains the perfect blend of drama, humor, lust, romance, and family. If the author bases these characters on people she knows, I want to go to a party at her house!

I love all the Cold Fury men and Lucas is no exception. But...this book fell a little short for me. Stephanie was extremely annoying and there was no chemistry between the two. Her hangs up drove me insane, because Lucas couldn't be more perfect. But don't get me wrong, I LOVE reading Ms. Bennett's books and I still love this series, and am really looking forward for Van's book, because she left us hanging!!

I loved Sawyer Bennett’s Legal Affairs books so wanted to read more of hers. So when I got a chance to read her ARC of Lucas, I began reading the Carolina Cold Fury series. Now I am a hockey playoffs fan and I have gone to hockey games when our state had a team so I knew the basics, but wasn’t sure about reading a series about hockey .I could not get enough of these books. I was hooked. I read the books night and day working up to Lucas. Which brings me to the story of story of Lucas. The book, what can I say, was passionate and endearing. When Luc sets his eyes on the beautiful Stephanie Frazier, the night changes both their worlds.
Sawyer Bennett has great talent as a writer and shows her versatility with her various series. I can’t wait for her next book in the series!

5 star Review Lucas (Cold Fury Hockey #8) by Sawyer Bennett

This is book 8 in the series and another winner for Sawyer Bennett in my humble opinion. These books keep getting better and better. Each time I read a book I think there is no chance that he will become my favourite and yet Sawyer Bennett proves me wrong time and again.

I believe that I may well be in love with the Fournier family.This is Lucas Fournier and Stephanie Frazier’s story and what a complicated story it is.

Now that Lucas has joined his brother’s team the Carolina Cold Fury he is thrilled to be around his family. It is obvious that the Fournier family love and support each other , no matter what and this shines through in Lucas.

When a one night stand with Stephanie becomes complicated Lucas turns to his brother for advice. Not surprisingly his feelings are complicated by the fact that he is immensely attracted to Stephanie, despite her being determined to avoid him.

Lucas is determined to stand by her and do what is right and much to his shock, he finds himself “all in” whilst Stephanie struggles with building a relationship with Lucas. I did get frustrated with Stephanie as she was way more closed off that I felt Lucas deserved given the circumstances.

Although a stand alone, I do feel you would get more enjoyment if you were to read the series in order as many of our favourite couples make an appearance in Lucas. This series is to me a family and I loved catching up on the previous couples and seeing what is happening in their lives.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher.

I love a book with perfectly flawed characters and that’s exactly what Sawyer Bennett’s newest release, Lucas, gives readers. The 8th book in Bennett’s Cold Fury Hockey series, Lucas features the brother of goalie Max Fournier and Stephanie Frazier, the wild, red-haired woman he has a one-night stand with. These two characters come together in a blazing fit of chemistry with the notion that they’ll never see each other again. You know what they say about best laid plans…

Lucas is most definitely character-driven, the plot moving Lucas and Stephanie steadily towards their happily ever after. Throughout the story, we see two fairly immature people face the unexpected and do so with surprising strength, a whole lot of stubbornness and, sometimes, a bit of bad temper.

I honestly can’t say which I character I loved more. The title character, Lucas, starts the book as an immature but charming hockey player only concerned with getting the next woman into his bed. He’s new to the Cold Fury and wants desperately to win a Stanley Cup. He’s also a family man, who considers his older brother Max his best friend and talks to his mom before every hockey game. When Stephanie unexpectedly secures a permanent place in his life, he goes after what he wants with her with the same tenacity he does hockey. He’s sweet, he’s gentle, he commanding, and he gives her exactly what she needs. But, the immaturity doesn’t magically go away and that’s what I loved about him. He doesn’t become the perfect guy overnight and though I hated how he let his temper hurt Stephanie, I appreciated Lucas’s flaws.

Stephanie is one damaged woman. Deprived of love throughout her childhood and told over and over she’ll amount to nothing, she’s depended only on herself. She’s outgoing and fun to be around but She. Does. Not. Get. Involved. No friends, no romantic entanglements, no one that can hurt her. When she finds herself as an unexpected member of the Fournier family she has no idea what to do! For Stephanie it’s as if she’s entered an alternate universe that she wants to desperately live in, but has no idea how to allow herself to love this family or Lucas. Through the course of this book, Lucas breaks down her walls with help from his soon-to-be sister-in-law, Jules. I alternated between laughing and crying as Lucas and Stephanie fell in love. While it seemed as though Stephanie would never allow herself to let go, I could completely understand why she wouldn’t.

Together, Stephanie and Lucas are a great couple. They made me laugh so many times with their flirting! This is only my second Cold Fury novel, but I know that they’re going to be one of my favorite couples, even after I read the rest of the series. One of the things that really makes this book standout (and makes me want to read the rest) is the family of characters that Sawyer Bennett has created in it. Max and Jules play a prominent part of Lucas and Bennett uses them as strong, supportive characters rather than just as fillers. Max is there with a shoulder for Lucas to lean on and Jules is a wonderful first friend for Stephanie. One of my favorite parts of the book is a phone call between Lucas and his mom. As an older reader, this call hit me right in the heart as I easily imagined this conversation with my own son.

I couldn’t recommend this book more! Even if you’ve never read a single book in this series I can tell you it’s easily a standalone. 4.5 stars for Lucas. Heat level: 3.5

3.5 Stars!

❝Best. Hookup. Ever.❞

Lucas Fornier is the brother of Max. He came from a loving, supportive family. Lucas enjoyed being the center of attention, his world was full of friends and women. However, due to a past relationship where his girlfriend saw only dollar signs when she looked at him, one night stands were better than relationships. He loves hockey and is always up for a great time.  He hadn't been with the Cold Fury hockey team for long when he was invited to a benefit at a local museum. Counting down the minutes til he could leave the benefit, a redheaded beauty catches his attention. Not only is she gorgeous, she's funny and fun to be around.  But she's also every single guy's dream. She doesn't want a relationship, she just wants a great, one-night-stand!

Museum curator Stephanie Frazier has learned to navigate the world on her own.  She's strong-willed, a hard worker and single. She came from parents who treated her as if she was a burden. Never having been shown she was worthy of love, she learned to not trust anyone could love her for simply being her. She learned to live her life solely dependent upon herself. She enjoyed men, of the one-night-stand variety.

❝For someone who craved to just be noticed for so long and never got it, sex filled a big void for me. And the best thing about casual sex was that I could walk away if I wanted, because I found that I really wasn't prepared for something more than a brief fling. Anything else was too overwhelming.❞

A great pair right? Neither wants a long term commitment, both enjoy sex. What could go wrong?

What I really loved about this book was getting Lucas's and Stephanie's POVs. It made Lucas that much more endearing. Lucas really is a great guy! Getting Stephanie's POV helped to understand her reactions a little more. She was not written as a likable character because she's standoffish from the start. But that is her character, not a flaw in the writing.

I have enjoyed this series and Lucas was no exception. While it wasn't a 5-star read, I did like it. It was just slow for me in parts and the internal dialogue dragged down the pacing.

Something Sawyer Bennett does really well is she makes you want to read the next book in the series. That Epilogue! OMG! I hope Van lives up to it!

<i>Did you know it's statistically impossible for a professional hockey player not to get laid if he feels like it? Why would I ever give that up?</i>

I've said it before (see review for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1839554136">MAX</a>, see again review for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1963905954">ROMAN</a>) but this time I mean it. I'm done with the <i>Cold Fury Hockey</i> series. What I remember as being a really great, fun, sexy, enjoyable, sports romance series has really taken a sharp downward turn that immediately coincided with terrible cover-style changes. Coincidence? I think not.

<i>[..] I'm not afraid of fucking anything except perhaps intimacy and love.</i>

LUCAS features two leads I didn't care for; one from a wealthy but neglectful home who prides herself on independence and yet contradicts herself constantly regarding her feelings and her lack of them, and who, upon her epiphany towards the self-titled character, didn't inspire any relief in me for finally coming to terms with things. I just rolled my eyes. 'nough said. The other, Lucas, well.. he was both the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it (aww) and yet would also throw childish temper tantrums (not so aww). Any good in him was often being negated by his other actions. But Stephanie was definitely, in my opinion, the worst of the two offenders.

<i>Just because I totally freaked out on him and we're no longer together doesn't mean I don't still care for him.</i> <-- after telling him she had no feelings. I wish I was making this up, kiddies.

If the leads weren't bad enough, we have a minefield of questionable dialogue, poorly executed emotional scenes and even more immature or frustrating/annoying secondary characters -- though I did like seeing Max and Jules & co in the background -- and I just, overwhelmingly, felt like this story had been produced in a rather half-assed manner with little effort.

<i>A knock at the door startles me and I know it's Luc, not because I don't have any family or friends who would come knocking**, but because I have an internal buzzing*** that just occurred and my body knows it's him.</i>

** except even at twentyfive percent we already know enough to know she has no family or friends who would come knocking so I don't understand the point of this.
*** I can only sigh.

But even Max, and the briefest mention of Garrett, are not enough to redeem this read (which is probably a meh two-star worthy book but I just can't even award it that much considering all my complaints) or stick with a series I've questioned continuing for over two books now. And knowing it's Simone and Van who are next just solidifies my resolve. Thanks for the fun early on in the series, Bennett. But we are definitely now parting ways. This is me consciously uncoupling from your books.

Also, shoutout to all the book buddies who held my hand through this read. I sent you enough screenshots that you should definitely add this one to your 'read' pile and count it towards your GR goal.

1.5 "Bennett, we are never ever ever getting back together" stars

I would like to thank Netgalley and Loveswept for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sigh… nothing better than a hockey romance. I have read a few of the other books in this series but not them all but it was very easy to pick up and not be lost. I love that you can read these as standalones. I would recommend reading them all and I have some catching up to do myself on this series.

Stephanie is a hard case. I wasn’t sure if I liked her in the beginning and I find myself “yelling” at her throughout the book to let her guard down. As the story continued and I learned more of her story I could understand the reason she is cold and distant and it helped me to warm to her.

Lucas was the typical, playboy, not looking for a relationship hockey player. So already he is doomed to fall in love. Once he decides what he wants he is all in and goes after what he wants and that includes Stephanie.

The two main characters were up and down to me. Sometimes I was drawn to them and sometimes they irritated the heck out of me. Sometimes I like them together and sometimes I wanted them to hang this relationship up. It was like when the relationship was good it was really good and when it was bad it was ugly.

All in all it was a good, fast read. Loved the ending – yes it is a HEA. I’m really excited for Van’s book that is up next. I’m rooting for Simone!!

Unfortunately I couldn't get into this one. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and because of that I couldn't get into the story. I appreciate the review copy, but because I was unable to finish the book, I will not be reviewing.

Lucas Fournier is one of the newest additions to the Cold Fury and Max's brother. He comes from a loving family and that's what he wants for himself one day but he isn't quite there yet. Right now Luc enjoys the life of being single and a hockey player who can go home with a different woman every night. When he meets Stephanie he is happy that they are on the same page but after their passionate night both of their lives are being turned around and they have to adjust to their new situation and join forces.

Yes, I'm being deliberately vague. I think readers will enjoy this story most if they go in with as little information about the plot as possible.

Stephanie Frazier's life is pretty straight forward and she makes sure it stays that way - there is no room for relationships, not for the friend-kind and not for the lover-kind either. She shies away from any kind of commitment and when I found out why all I wanted to do was hug her.


****Lucas is getting too close, and his words affect me in two different ways. They make me want so much with him, and they make me want to shut the door firmly on the possibility.****



She frustrated the hell out of me but I really understood why she was the way she was and handled their relationship the way she did. That's why her epiphany in the end was a little too unrealistic and I would have liked to see a constant growth throughout the story - that's what I found a bit lacking. Yet, Stephy was a marvelous heroine who was worthy of one of the Fournier boys.

Luc has a deeply seated sense of responsibility, despite his player-ways. His family means everything to him. He cares about Stephy and has no problem showing it. He is super patient and sweet with her. Once Luc decides that he wants this wonderful yet broken woman for the long haul it is all or nothing. I really loved that about him - he didn't miss his player life and focused on his future with Stephanie.


****He thinks my time is the most extravagant gift in the world.****



He has a bit of a TSTL moment - which seems to be a theme in the Cold Fury books - most of the heroes seem to have those - and for a short time he went from awesome to douchebag but thankfully that didn't last long.

I love Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey series. She doesn't experiment with these stories but gives us exactly what we expect and love about them - an entertaining, sweet and sexy sports romance with fabulous characters. Next up is Van and boy he's a grumpy dude. I can't wait for him to be brought to his knees by yet another Fournier family member.

Dude. I REALLY wanted to love this one. LUCAS by Sawyer Bennett just didn't blow me away. After all my status updates and love for our MC, and towards the climax of the story, I really, REALLY got turned off by Lucas' behaviour and attitude.

Let's just call a spade a spade. As lovely as Lucas was when he was happy and getting laid, his immaturity when he didn't get exactly what he wanted when he wanted it turned him into a D-Bag. I was so hot and cold for his character I don't know if he redeems himself by the end for me. He had such wonderful scenes filled with grace and kindness during key moments, but lacked propriety when he needed it most. On top of all that, out female MC, Stephanie, was incredibly frustrating. I empathized with her familial situation but felt the repetitive "poor me" behaviour became a little too much.

Not loving the two MC's, frustrated with the LACK of hockey, but loving the passion and sex between Luc and Stephy, as well as enjoying someone of the side characters and hearing about past couples through out Bennett's "Cold Fury Series", I'm actually a bit sad with the turn out of the 8th instalment. Parts of me loved so many of the special moments shared with Luc and Stephy-the ones hidden away and locked up tight. While others made me want to cry and I felt for all involved.

I think it may be time to hang up the skates on this series. However I do note that there are at least two more to come. I'll probably read them because I'm so invested at this point. And with the way Bennett chose to end this one (with lack of character info), I need to find out what happens next. I liiiiked it. Didn't love it.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog

Lucas is another totally hot Cold Fury hockey player to drool over! Stephanie and Lucas are both all in for nothing more than a hook up, but when fate intercedes, things get a whole lotta complicated. Lucas may start out as nothing but a player (off the ice as well as on) but when monogamy comes calling, he adjusts pretty easily, although that could have something to do with the off the charts chemistry he shares with Stephanie. Gahhhh, he's so amazingly sweet and swoon worthy. As with all good romances, my heart also hurt for them and I couldn't put the book down until they got their HEA!

The Cold Fury Hockey Series very quickly became a favorite one for me, and that has held true. With each new book, I seem to have a new favorite of the series, and this one was no different. I truly loved this book! It was so much fun to read, and I loved the two main characters, Lucas and Stephanie. The storyline was told in a refreshing way, and it kept me interested and wanting to read more.

Lucas has joined the Cold Hockey Fury team and meets Stephanie at a team function. They share a passionate night together, then go their separate ways. Neither wants a relationship, so when the night has unintended consequences, they have to figure out how to handle the situation together.

I really enjoyed the character of Lucas, as well as his family. They were so supportive and loving, and it really added to the story. On the other hand, poor Stephanie had never been shown love, and her parents had always treated her as a distraction they didn't want or need. I felt so sorry for her, and thought Lucas and his family were exactly what she needs!

It was great to go along for the ride as Lucas and Stephanie got to know and come to care for one another. I thought that their story was sweet, as well as steamy. This book is a fantastic addition to the series! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

We met Lucas in Max’s book and he was so so yummy!! In the beginning of the book Max meets Stephanie at a charity event. After one hot night together and a broken condom we are left with a surprise. I absolutely love how Lucas handled hearing this news very mature. The first person that Lucas told the news to is Max and he offered his total support along with Jules.
Stephy is such a scared little kitten, but she is strong and determined to take care of herself. I love how Lucas got Stephanie wanting more and more from him as time goes on. I love all of the Fournier family they are all so supportive of each other.
This is one of my favorite series!! I love how each story is unique and we get to see the Cold Fury family in each book. We also see a little preview of what might be Van’s story.

The Cold Fury Hockey series quickly became a favorite of mine and book after book just added to my love for it. Lucas was no different and I fell in love with these characters very early into the book. Lucas and Stephanie were perfect for one another and that was evident all the way through the book. Neither of them were looking for something serious, just wanting a little fun. But when they got together their chemistry was so strong it couldn't be ignored no matter how much they wanted to fight it.

What I enjoyed most about their relationship was how they helped each other. Stephanie had a lot of hang ups about commitment but Lucas was always right there showing her why he was a risk worth taking. It wasn't an easy battle but he never gave up and I loved him for that.

This could be read as a standalone with no problem and would be a great introduction to this series. I recommend all of these books though, no matter what order you read them in.

I love hockey books, and Sawyer Bennett’s Cold Fury series has really hit the spot for me. These books are steamy, sweet, and entertaining. I get excited whenever I see a new one is coming out. I was especially excited to read Lucas’s book after meeting him in Max’s.

Lucas is not on the same path as his brother. Marriage and kids are not in his near future. He’s perfectly content playing hockey and playing the field. When he meets Stephanie Frazier, a stunning woman who is on the same page as him, it’s a match. They are a match in a lot of ways, but Stephanie grew up in a way much different than Luc and it’s shaped the way she sees things…

Lucas is such a great guy. Seriously, he was near perfect. I say ‘near’ because there was one part I wanted to throw something at him, but overall I adored him. Stephanie was frustrating at times, but I always feel like if I can understand WHY characters are frustrating, I can deal with it easier. And I can definitely understand the ‘why’ of Steph’s behavior.

What I didn't love... I really wanted the epilogue to be from Steph or Luc’s pov. I needed more of them! I’m sure I’ll get it in future Cold Fury books though, but I still wanted to see in this book. But OMG after finishing I am dying for Van’s book! I hope it’s next because I can’t wait!!!

As always, it’s great to catch up with some of the other Cold Fury players and their families. We got a lot of Max and Jules which was awesome! If you are a fan of sports romance, this is one you want to pick up!