I love this author and her books are great. This one was no exception. I eagerly await her next hockey book and look forward to her continuing this wonderful series!

This story is part of the Cold Fury hockey series and I have a feeling it’s a lot closer to the truth about hockey than just fiction. The more I follow the sport, the more I realize that there are some really crazy fans out there that will stop at nothing to get the players to notice them. And that’s really sad since you and I both know we are talking about crazy women. Yet I hope that there are also some women who genuinely want to know the guys, not just chasing the money and fame. And this story is about the latter and not the former. That one would always end bad.

Lucas Fournier has just been traded to the Carolina Cold Fury and is going to be playing with his brother. He thrilled to be with family and knows they have a good chance of winning the Cup as well. Life couldn’t be going any better and he plans to enjoy it every day, just keeping himself in check when he needs to do so.

Stephanie Frazier is the temporary director of acquisitions at the museum where Lucas is attending a benefit dinner. She has no social life nor any long term relationships. So she can’t understand why she started flirting with Lucas. But she is willing to enjoy a one night stand with him and return to work on Monday. And then life gets complicated.

Family is very important to Lucas and he doesn’t hesitate to confide in one or more of them when he needs answers. Stephanie had the luxuries of being wealthy but along with that came isolation as a child so she keeps a distance from family while protecting her heart. Those things lead them both to want completely different things from life. And yet they are drawn to each other day after day.

Great story about two opposite people who can learn to lean on each other and get happiness as well as love.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.

Lucas is the 8th book in the Cold Fury Hockey series by Sawyer Bennett. This is a book that you can read at the pool or at the beach. I liked it because the plotline was very simple to follow. Also, the characters were pretty easy to like or dislike. While it is a hockey book, there isn’t a lot of hockey in it, if that makes sense. Hockey is mentioned but the main focus of the book was Lucas and Stephanie’s relationship. I liked that and actually needed a book like this. I have read books with some pretty heavy subjects lately so Lucas was a good change of pace for me.

Image result for pictures of pregnant women
Photo Credit

The plotline of Lucas is pretty straightforward like I said above. Even if I didn’t read the blurb, I would have called what happened from the minute the condom broke. What happened afterward was what made the book enjoyable in my eyes. I liked that Stephanie didn’t act like a money-grubbing baby mama. She didn’t want money from him, she wanted him to know about his child. It is so against what people are like today that it was refreshing to read. The other plotlines that were in the book, Simone and the non-profit idea, only added to the story.

Image result for pictures of museums
Photo Credit

The romance between Lucas and Stephanie did take some time to kindle. For a long while, actually almost the whole book, it was sex, sex, and more sex. But, I could see the romance starting. I knew before Lucas and Stephanie did that they loved each other.

Image result for pictures of happy family
Photo Credit

I liked Lucas. He did come across as a manwhore when first introduced in the book. He lived for hookups and meaningless sex. So when he met Stephanie at a gala at her museum, he figured it would be a one night stand. Then the condom broke. When I read that they broke the condom from having rough sex, I could not stop laughing. I was like “Dayum, where can I find someone like him“. I liked him, even more, when he stepped up. He could have done what is becoming a norm in today’s society. Not supporting Stephanie and denying that the baby was his. Instead, he chose to stick by her, with the stipulation that they get a DNA test ASAP. He wasn’t perfect by any chance. He also dealt with her immense damage done to her by her parents with grace. Well, until he reached his breaking point and I didn’t blame him there. There is only so much that a man can take.

Related image
Photo Credit

Stephanie had my sympathy for most of the book. She was an unwanted child of two very wealthy business people. Her parents, while providing for her, had nothing to do with her. As a result of that childhood, Stephanie did not know how to act in any type of relationship. So when she found out that she was pregnant, she was elated and terrified. She was terrified that she would do to her child what her parents did to her. When Lucas wanted to be exclusive with her, she did not know how to act when in one. I felt awful when she would throw her walls up every time Lucas tried to get close to her. She couldn’t help it. But, I also didn’t blame Lucas when he finally left.

Image result for pictures of Raleigh NC
Photo Credit

The sex in this book was very explicit and very hot. Lucas definitely knew how to take care of Stephanie. Stephanie was a very confident woman in bed which I like also. With that combination, I could see the steam rising off the pages during every sex scene. And there were a lot. Lucas couldn’t keep his hands off of her.

Image result for pictures of gender neutral baby
Photo Credit

I did wonder where the plotline with the nonprofit was going. It was mentioned a few times, with everything set to go, when it seemed like the storyline was dropped. I hope that it is picked back up in Van and that we get to see where it goes from there. I was interested in that plotline.

Image result for pictures of happily ever after
Photo Credit

The end of Lucas made me laugh and cry at the same time. What I did like, a lot, was the sneak peek into Van. And oh boy, does Van make me want to read it!!

4 stars

My Summary of Lucas:

Lucas is a steamy romance. It does take a while to take off in the romance department and is very heavy on the sex scenes. The plotline is very easy to follow and I loved the main characters. This is a book that I would bring to the beach, the pool or read in the tub.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and language

I would like to thank Sawyer Bennett, Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Lucas.

All opinions stated in this review of Lucas are mine and I was not compensated for this review

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

3.5/5


I’m a fan of the Cold Fury Hockey series, and

I was a little afraid another book would get a little old, but no.

Again, Sawyer Bennett gives us a great story with the perfect mix of passion and drama.

Seeing more about Max and Jule was great too.

I had a good time reading LUCAS, with great moments of lust, tenderness and some drama too.

The only “but” would be the ending, I was left wanting a little more for Lucas and Stephanie and just a hint of the next couple in the series. This made me wat to know more about Van, yes, but I felt frustrated because I wanted a real Epilogue about the main couple of this book.

I liked this book a lot. So far, I have enjoyed every book in this series so I went into this book with pretty high expectations and I am happy to say that they were met. Each book in this series has featured a member of the Cold Fury Hockey team but that is really where the similarities end. I am kind of amazed by how different each of these stories really are and I think that is why I still get excited when I learn about a new book being released. Lucas is the eighth book in the series but it can easily be read as a stand alone novel.

The book focuses on Lucas and Stephanie. Their story has an unusual start since the book opens with them sharing a rather hot one-night stand. That one night stand leads to a more lasting situation. Lucas and Stephanie must figure out how they make things work out. It was really very interesting to see this pair get to know each other.

Lucas was really the star of this book for me. He was so patient with Stephanie and seemed to instinctively know the right thing to say and do. He does have a couple of bonehead moments and there was a couple of times that I caught myself cringing because of him but these things made him seem a little more real. I am still trying to completely forgive him for one scene.

Stephanie was a bit more frustrating. She really seems to have her act together but she is terribly afraid of getting close to anyone. She had a terrible childhood and it made sense that she would approach relationships with caution. I wanted so much for her to give Lucas a real chance and I couldn't help but get a bit frustrated, kind of like Lucas, when she resisted.

I would recommend this book and series to others. Fans of the series will be happy to see quite a bit of the characters featured in Max since Lucas and Max are brothers. I can't wait to read the next book in this wonderful series!

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.

Sexy hockey romance! I LOVED Lucas. Total playboy but owns up to his mistakes and ends up being every woman's dream come true. I had a hard time with Stephanie. Maybe because I couldn't really relate to where she came from. It was understandable at first but I got to a point where I was just like, Ok, enough is enough already. All in all though a great, quick read. Funny and steamy with a sweet HEA! I loved the little Van and Simone teaser at the end. I'm really looking forward to their story!

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

3.5 Stars

I was torn on this book. I was highly anticipating reading it but didn’t love it like I thought I would. It was good but not great.

Lucas was sweet most of the time but his behavior when he didn’t get what he wanted wasn’t awesome. He seemed a bit immature when he didn’t get his way. I also didn’t like how quickly he gave up when she refused to do what he wanted because she was scared. I loved how involved with the pregnancy he wanted to be from the beginning.

I’m still not sure how I feel about Stephanie. I honestly didn’t like her at first…she just bugged me. As we learned her history, I got it and I liked her better but she never completely won me over. Her indecision drove me a bit crazy.

The angst in the story wasn’t overpowering but it was constant and I never really felt settled in the story.

Van is next and based on the foreshadowing he has a story to tell.

Lucas is my FAVORITE of the Cold Fury series so far. Ms. Bennett wastes no time and immediately throws Lucas and Stephanie into the fire. Stephy was a tough nut to crack but once Luc did there was no turning back. During Luc and Stephanie’s book the ground work was laid for Van and Simone’s book. At first I was really mad that the epilogue was from Van’s POV because I NEEDED more of Lucas and Stephanie. They’re the first Cold Fury couple that needs another book!! I know we’ll see them again in Van’s book but it’s not the same. In the meantime I’ll be over here waiting (not so) patiently for November.

Lucas is the man everyone wants. He is considerate and actually understands what makes Stephanie tick. He may not handle it well, but he tries. These two have great chemistry together but struggle to see deeper into themselves. An accident is what it takes to search into the depth. On and off , I smiled and I cried. I loved this story and have been enjoying this series, and recommend both.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

This is a fabulous contemporary romance that had me from page one all the way to the end with captivating characters and beautifully written plot. I enjoyed the emotional and sexy love story between handsome hockey player, Lucas Fournier, and museum curator Stephanie Frazier.

Even though this is the eighth book in the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey series, it is the first one that I have read and I had no problem reading it as a standalone. I liked it so much, I want to read all of the books in the series. Fans of this genre will love Lucas and should plan to read this can't-put-down book.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review.

So, one day I started this book. I read the first two chapters and had to quit. I was a little pissy about what had happened in the book. I took a day or two to think on it and decided the reason I was pissy is because I put myself in the situation of the main character. In this case it was Lucas. If I had been reading from the girls perspective I wouldn't have thought twice about continuing the story. I know, I'm weird. But anyway, I picked the book back up and soon realized the story was told in dual POV. After reading things from Stephanie's POV I instantly changed my mind. I LOVED her! I'm not sure I have ever met a character quite like her before. She and Lucas start their relationship as a one night stand. Their relation soon takes a different turn and they decide to get to know one another. I seriously loved them. As individuals and as a couple. Lucas is a handsome hockey player that comes from a great family. Stephanie is a strong, independent woman without a strong family connection. I felt for her and I fell for him. Great Story. I definitely will be recommending it and Icant wait to read Vans story!

I absolutely love Sawyer Bennett's writing, and her Cold Fury Hockey series is no exception. Lucas is #8 in this wonderful series about the Fournier family, and it is definitely my favourite - but then again, I've been saying that about each and every new story.

This is the story of lucas and museum curator, Stephanie Frazier. Their's is not an easy one, beginning with their one night stand. From there, their romance is a rocky one, with Stephanie doing everything she can to avoid Lukas and him doing eveything he can to be with her. He even goes to the extremes of seeking some brotherly advice, in order to help him in his endeavours.

Typical of all the Fournier boys, Lucas has found himself yet another stubborn woman - it must run in the genes. Lucas has always enjoyed the love and support of his family, whereas Stephanie has always been told that she was an imposition, unwanted. She learnt at a very young age that the only person that she could truly trust was herself. Now it's up to Lucas to break through that armour and gain her trust.

As with the previous eight books in this series, the story that Ms Bennett has given her readers is a story that is open, honest, sexy, amusing and entertaining. As usual it was another "Bennett" book that I didn't want to put down or finish.

I look forward to reading Van's book, which is up next - especially after the sneak peak epilogue.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

I love this woman . she can take nothing and make a damn good story out of anything..5 stars for sure..i have read every thing she puts out there ... thankyou for letting me read this

Lucas Fournier. I do believe little brother just unseeded his brother Max for swoon status! Sawyer Bennett scores again in her newest Cold Fury release. From the start I loved how sure and comfortable in his skin Lucas was. Even after his encounter with Stephanie, I think he knew that she had rocked his world in an unexpected way. The way he handles her bombshell news was head-on, even as he's freaking out. I loved how he goes right to big brother for advice and mans up. His and Stephanie's relationship may have started unconventionally, but he knew pretty quickly he wanted everything with her. Stephanie Frazier was a strong confident woman on the outside, but inside she's an emotional mess. She's scared and freaked, but so affected by Lucas. I loved seeing them fight to get their HEA!! Don't miss this one!

This is by far one of my favorite hockey series. Lucas did NOT disappoint at all. This had a great blend of playfulness, sweet, humor, and swoon. Another amazing Cold Fury novel. 4.5/5 stars

Don’t miss this installment of hockey shenanigans that involves a team that’s more than just players, they are family. The friendships are embedded in everything they do and the ones we aspire to maintain. Just like Sawyer’s characters, we want unbreakable, long lasting and life changing connections.

Once you read this story, the characters will become a part of you, along with their own journeys. Each one full of hope, hockey and scorching hot intimacy. There is the perfect balance of heat, friction, conflict and the endings are always sinfully sweet.

I love Sawyer Bennett books! And I have loved this entire series of hockey players. This book can totally be read as a standalone. A fun sports romance! I have gotten a bit tired of sports romances, but when Sawyer Bennett writes one, I know that I am going to become emotionally involved with the characters and love them. Lucas is quite the playboy, enjoying his status as a professional hockey player and meets Stephanie for a one night stand! And that's where the fun begins. Lucas is an all in kind of guy and Stephanie is totally closed off to the idea of a relationship. This plot was very entertaining and I read this in one sitting. Thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this for an honest review.

4 1/2 STARS!

A hot and steamy read! When a one night stand leads to a baby, the games are suddenly over and things are getting real! The characters were fun to get to know and really easy to connect with. He was a sweetheart ... and he really hung in there trying to secretly love her through getting over her hang-ups in life. Really enjoyed their story and will look forward to more in the series!

Lucas Fournier lives and breathes hockey and as the newest member of the Carolina Cold Fury, he looks forward to playing the best hockey of his NHL career right alongside his brother Max. He's living the life of exhilarating game play, head in the clouds stardom, and the power of getting laid any time he wants ... what more could a man want??

Museum curator Stephanie Frazier lives her life for herself in neat little columns so she can always feel in control. When she lays eyes on Luc at a charity gala at the museum, she figures "why not!" and sets out to have a fun filled night with the hottie ... what she doesn't expect is for the stick to turn positive a month later! She didn't have a great life growing up, so she isn't all that forthcoming with sharing her life, so when Luc steps up and decides to get to know the woman he's going to be raising a kid with, she better brace herself!