Reed, book 10 in Sawyer Bennett’s Carolina Cold Fury series, is a friends to lovers story that features Bennett’s fast paced, engaging style, but one that left me empty. While I liked Josie, Reed wasn’t hero material and in a book with little substance, I think that, deep down, the author knew it.

I really like Sawyer Bennett. I gobble up her books. The last book I read in this series, Lucas, is one of my favorites of hers. But Reed, the book and the character, fall short. When I read a romance, conflict is key. It’s the journey that makes the story and the journey in Reed is short, the road well paved. Josie and Reed share a cute friendship that becomes more and it’s nice. They hang out and Reed figures out he doesn’t need to be a manwhore. It’s nice. Josie likes that Reed’s a celebrity and that he takes care of her. It’s nice. They have a lot in common… it’s nice. Even the return of Josie’s ex is nice as he sees she’s happy and backs off.

And, Reed is just not a romance hero. He’s really kind of a beta douche that gets lucky when he meets Josie. He starts the book by allowing Josie to make fun of the woman he’d just had sex with and it wasn’t nice. A guy who can have so little respect for a woman he’s intimate with doesn’t respect himself. He never really feels bad for that behavior… and yuck.

The best part of the book is the set up for Marek, the next book in the series. I was much more excited about that and can’t wait for a chance to read it. 2 Stars for Reed. Heat Level: 3.5

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback.

Here's how this book went:

I guffawed. I got asked what in the world was going on. I read said passage that made me guffaw. Person who asked me a *pointless* question laughed their own butt off. And then i went on. The whole process started all over again. At least a good half dozen times. Until i wanted to smack Reed upside the head for his own 'knight in shining armour' tendencies. Because we all know that sometimes we women don't need or want that knight in shining armour but rather the man that will smack us on the butt and tell us we're doing a great job while giving us the chance to be vulnerable every so often.

I haven't read any of the previous Cold Fury books beforehand and the best part of this series - YOU. DON'T. HAVE. TO. HAVE. READ. THE. PREVIOUS. BOOKS!!! Yes, that's a huge thing for me. I love being roped into a new series and getting the chance to read at any point of the series and that one book getting to me in ways i never could have imagined and making me want to read the rest of the series. This absolutely happened through Reed. Seriously, who wouldn't want to read more about hockey players?

This is for sure one book that is going amongst my favorite sports books of the year and i can't wait to read more from Sawyer Bennett in the future because they are entertaining as all heck!.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

4.5 stars

This is a sweet, fun read. Cold Fury in the off-season is a little less intense than during the season. Reed doesn’t have to split his attention between his new love interest and his career until later.

Reed Olson is enjoying his free time in the off season, celebrating the Cold Fury’s Stanley Cup win with the strong of willing women that often fit a specific type.

Josie Ivers is Reed’s next door neighbor, and is less than thrilled to be awakened by his bedroom antics. As an ER doctor, her sleep is precious. Confronting her neighbor leads to an unlikely friendship that surprises them both. Josie is not Reed’s usual type, in fact, she is nearly opposite. And as their friendship develops, the line of tall, leggy blondes disappears as Reed’s attention is taken up by his new friend.

I loved the barbie references as a quick way to note Reed’s type and contrast his type with Josie’s physique. That Josie wasn’t threatened (much) by his past relationships made me love Josie even more. I loved that they were both adult about previous relationships and didn’t pretend like either had been monks before meeting.

Speaking of meeting, I loved that first meeting scene. I could just imagine Josie’s frustration and Reed’s dawning recognition of his interest in his new neighbor. Their first few interactions were both comical and cute.

I found less team interaction during Reed than I was used to in other Cold Fury novels, likely due to the fact that the team is in the off season and spending time with their families. But this also left a lot of time for Reed and Josie to get to know each other and build a friendship. Readers do see quite a bit from Marek, as Reed’s best friend and as a setup for his own book coming next in the series. I was shocked at Marek’s revelation and the subsequent surprise he had and can’t wait to read his book.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

‘Reed’ is the 10th book of Sawyer Bennett’s Cold Fury series. OMG!!! This series is keep getting better and better. I need the next one, which is Marek, like yesterday… It is hard to decide but this book is for sure in the top three of my favorite books in the series.

Reed Olsen and Josie Ives seem like the polar opposites characters but when you get deep in the characters you start seeing similarities between them. Reed is a hockey player for the Cold Fury. With the end of a cup-winning season, Reed’s only plan is to relax and enjoy his downtown. By the way by fun I meant steady flow of blonde Barbie’s :) What he didn’t expect is his neighbor come knocking on his door to complain about his bedroom activities and tells him to keep the noise down. Even though Reed seems like a typical manwhore, he is funny, sweet, hot and really understanding. Josie is an ER doctor. I loved her strong, independent, spitfire character. Reed and Josie’s friendship started the moment they met, which they both weren’t expected. Reed never has women as friends or even had a relationship more than a night but the moment he meets Josie, he knows she is different and he cannot act the way he usually does. Josie being an ER doctor and working long shifts in ER makes it impossible for her to have a relationship. It was so cute to see they both find ways to spend all their spare time together doing something they will both enjoy. I love friends to lovers stories and this is one of the best ones I ever read. I'm not going to give you more details and spoil the story for you guys other than they are perfect match, their chemistry is off the charts and their banter was hilarious.

‘Reed’ is a cute, funny and laid back love story, which has right amount of romance, humor and little bit of a drama in it. I couldn’t put it down until I was done with it and I already read it twice :) Reed can be read as a standalone but I can assure you after finishing this book you will go back and start reading the entire series.

P.S. Next book in the series is ‘Marek’ and it will be out in May, 2018. You will see a glimpse of what will be coming in the next book and believe me start wishing that it is May already or maybe that is only me.

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Already did :)
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

Oh how I love the Cold Fury Guys! Ice Hockey Hotness!

I think first impressions would have you put Reed Olson in the man whore / player / in for a good time basket, but once you get to know him a little better, you will learn he definitely has way more depth. Yeah, he loves the Barbie type girls, but that is until he meets his new sexy neighbour Dr Josephine Ives. I think everyone will grow to love Reed, because there was so much growth for him, and we also saw a selfless vulnerable side that makes him all the more attractive. Josie can hold her own too. She was extremely smart, because well M.D. after her name is a dead giveaway but also her caring nature was just what the doctor ordered for Reed. She could keep up with him in many ways, but she taught Reed that chilling with a beer, pizza and a puzzle is still fun.

I got a kick out of the other guys being in this book too, helping us perfectly with the timeline factor. I am so intrigued with Marek's story...... oh the lead up was divine. What I also think would be good to see/read is if Josie takes Reed for a one night only trip to Vegas - Wicked!

Another incredible story in the Cold Fury series. We get enticing glimpses of prior characters while learning about some of the new players to the team. Josie and Reed's story is awesome! Reed and his wild ways are not what Josie wants or has time for in her life. Yet he may be just what she needs. Someone to remind her how to have fun and not take everything so seriously. From their unconventional meeting she knows he's nothing but trouble so she should be able to protect herself from his charm. Yet as time goes by she knows she's fighting an unwinnable fight. Now she just has to protect her heart or will he take it and treat it with care?

I highly recommend this one.

I did't think it was possible but we have another GREAT one! Reed Olson is a hockey player who plans to spend his summer playing after winning the Stanley Cup but the woman he has in his bed is not doing it for him and the screaming is getting on his nerves. Luckily the doorbell rings and his neighbor complains about "Screaming Barbie" and, oh my, the neighbor is a surprise. She is a petite, curvy brunette (not usually his type) but she is sleepy eyed and gorgeous. Josie Ives is an Emergency Room doctor and she is an independent and self sufficient woman who despite the circumstances is charmed by her neighbor. What starts out as causal friends quickly turns to something so much more and it was so much fun to watch it develop. There were cameo appearances of other Cold Fury players and significant others but the kicker was when Josie's lost love came back. Will they last or not? Can friends turned lovers really survive?

This one could be read as a standalone but really why would you want to, this is such a great series. You could read any of them as a standalone but they are all great!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Oh Reed and Josie! I have a crush on you both! Their story is great! Though we don’t get a ton of our old favorites we do get Marek and man I can’t wait for his story!

Back to Reed. Man he’s great! He’s in my Too 3 of Cold Fury players! Sorry but Ryker is still tops for me! But damn did I fall for Reed.

Josie! I love her. Like girl crush her!! She’s great! She doesn’t whine and is a strong character! Love love love her!

Ah, back to the cold fury series! One of my favorite series to date! Reed is another exceptional add to this series. It will leave you wanting more...(thankfully I hear we will be receiving more....) ;)

4 Finding Someone of Substance Stars
* * * *Spoiler Free
As a huge fan of the Cold Fury Series by Sawyer Bennett, I have noticed the books have a way of some having more intense story lines than others. It mixes the pace up and allows each of the players be their distinct person. I felt this entry was one where we had a solid character realize he was missing something with all of the casual Puck Bunnies he "enjoyed". This story had us seeing his world turned upside down with his meeting his new neighbor.

Reed is coming off another win of the Stanley Club. The team is on break and Reed's only plans seem to be "enjoying" his Blond, Busty Friends and chilling. Yet somehow he is not really feeling all of this "dating" he is doing...Oh he has made sure the interchangeable women were taken care of... But his lifestyle has lost its luster.

Josie is an ER Dr. and needs her sleep. Being woken by the banging headboard of her neighbor is not going to continue. She goes to his door and knocks until he answers. Josie is the exact opposite of all the women Reed goes for... but watching this feisty pistol of a woman telling him to get his playmate to stop screeching so she can get some sleep makes him take a cold hard look at what he has been doing. He apologizes in a friendly way and sends his loud visitor home.

Over the course of a few days, Reed sees Josie around the pool and they happen to strike up a very comfortable conversation. Josie is direct with Reed and teases him about his array of interchangeable "Barbies"...

Josie feels comfortable joking and teasing Reed as she has no interest in him. She can just speak her mind freely without judgement...well, there is a little judgement and as she gets to know Reed better...she realizes she may have judged him too quickly.

For Reed has seen the real Josie and is sort of in awe... She is this incredibly hard working doctor, saving lives and making a difference in the world every day. The more Reed is around her, the more he wants to be around her and he makes sure this happens....

He brings her pizza after her shifts... He makes sure she is able to relax and settle down so she can get her sleep...and all of this hanging out starts to lead to something else... and the both of them start spending a lot of time together... crossing some lines and feelings.

These two have a confused idea about what is happening... He thinks he may not be enough for her...and she needs to understand she is what he wants without doubting herself. A conflicts happens... and then the realization of what each means to each other...

Reed was a man in transition from being the usual guy... enjoying those who presented themselves to him...This sports star lifestyle lends itself to this type of behavior and can get very old once the star sees the shallowness of it all. Reed had all the underlying qualities of a stand up fella and he showed them with Josie. Josie had the intelligence to overcome a past heartbreak... in her own way and with Reed's care... she started to feel like she was her own person again.

This couple's chemistry was right on and the banter worked so well. Laughter and then Steam is always a great combination.

The Cold Fury Series always has something to offer and this was another entry which allowed the reader to see a Hockey Relationship from the inside out.

A gifted copy was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review.

Wow.... who would have thought 10 books into the Cold Fury Hockey Series we would still be clambering for more and who would have thought Sawyer Bennett would still be giving us 5 Stars reads...well I would because I really believe she is one very talented author who gives us her all with every book she releases and Reed is no different it’s a brilliant read. Book ten is Reed Olson and Josie Ives story and it really is a case of opposites attract but can they get past the many differences they seem to have, he is a player on the ice and off the ice, he likes to have fun with blondes who don’t have too much to say and Josie is the girl next door who has to put up with the wallbanging and screaming barbies, she is the complete opposite to his normal girl, she is smart, sassy and is a brunette. One night after finishing her shift as a emergency room doctor the wallbanging gets too much so at 1am she knocks on Reed’s door to confront him, instant attraction or instant lust all Reed knows is he needs to get to know more about his cute neighbor......
This book starts off with a very funny first chapter moves onto a friends to lovers romance and finally a HEA. I loved the journey Sawyer Bennett took us on as Reed and Josie got to know each other and finally fell in love, did Josie tame the player or was that man always hiding under the surface just waiting for the perfect mate. A couple that I hope appear in future books because I really want to know where life takes the couple I loved from the first page of this great book.

I love this series, and I will read anything Sawyer Bennett throws at me. I just didn't love Reed. I felt like something was missing for me. Josie and Reed's story started off like "Wallbanger". Josie is annoyed with Reed keeping her up with his sexcapades. Then, the become friends, and eventually become more.

Don't get me wrong, it was a good read, just not my favorite in this series.

I think I say this after every book in this series, but my GOSH how I love these Cold Fury men. And Reed Olson is an easy hero to love. You will find no dark, broody hero here. Instead prepare yourself for a happy-go-lucky, energetic, hilarious, and super fun hero that I couldn't get enough of.

I love a good friends-to-lovers romance, and this one hit all my sweet spots. It's a relatively short story, but i didn't feel like anything transitioned too quickly. I bought into the sparky little friendship that formed between Josie and Reed, and the easy - natural way it turned into something more. The chemistry between these two was completely believable and completely addictive. They were simply a delight to fall in love with!

One of my favorite things about these stories is that things don't always play out in a predictable way. There were some secondary storylines that I expected to go one way, and Ms. Bennett took it in a different direction. That was refreshing. I loved that both characters behaved like grown ups, even while sorting through some confusing feelings and conflict. The conflict, by the way, is pretty short lived and low on angst. I might have liked a little more from them in the end. But overall, I loved every minute of their sweet and swoony love story.

We're given a pretty hefty peek inside what's to come in Marek and, ohmygosh, YES. This series is the gift that keeps on giving and even ten books in, I have my greedy little grabby hands out for more!

Reed and Josie....hot and sexy....another winner for Sawyer

COLD FURY HOCKEY series has been one of the best series that I have read. Each novel has been wonderful to read and REED was no different. This is Reed Olson's story, and he has been matched up with Josie Ives, a doctor who is the complete opposite of any woman Reed has showed interest in before, think the opposite of "Barbie".

What begins as one neighbour requesting a bit of "noise" courtesy from another, soon develops into a wonderful friendship. Reed is a man who has always been full of confidence, but that has now increased with the team winning their second Stanley Cup - Reed is on a high. His world is turned inside out when Josie turns up on his doorstep. She's fiesty, witty, intelligent and smart - everything Reed has not found in a woman before. I loved their banter, interactions and just the way they are at ease with each other.

This would have to be my favourite book of the series, so far. Told from dual POVs, it's great to see what both characters think of each other, their friendship and of any aspirations that they may have. It was wonderful to see how two people from different backgrounds can light a fire together.

I'm really looking forward to reading Marek's book - he's next. After getting a glimpse of what he's in for, that one is going to be one fiery story. Loved REED and it is one I highly recommend be read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS

This is the tenth book in this series and so far I have enjoyed every one of them...that's pretty impressive !!

The blurb of this one reminded me a bit of "'The Wallbanger" so I was pretty curious.

Reed, another Cold Fury hockeyplayer, has been very busy keeping his next door neighbour up, with his antics.

Josie is a doctor, and if there is one thing she needs, it's sleep, which she isn't getting. Being fed up with his behavior, she goes over to rip him a new one ;) Out of this event the unexpected grows....a beautiful friendship... And we all know what happens to friends :P

Reed is quite impressed with Josie. He loves spending time with her and soon that's all he is doing.

I like a good "friends to lovers" story and I am also a big fan of a former "player" being reformed by a smart and kickass heroine. Another wonderful addition to the series !!

An ARC was kindly provided by Loveswept, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review,
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession

Reed Olson plays for the Cold Fury Hockey team. He is a typical single playboy type of player. He has one type....blonde, tall and busty. Now that the season is over, after having just won their 2nd Stanley Cup, Reed is taking advantage of some fun time.

Josie Ives is an emergency room doctor and recently moved into her new place. Josie is looking for some nice, quiet down time when she isn't working. What she ends up getting instead is woken up by her new neighbor whose headboard keeps knocking against her bedroom wall.

Having had enough, Josie knocks on Reed's door at 1:00 am to confront him. Instantly there is an attraction between the two of them which is surprising since Josie is short, petite and a brunette! Reed wants to get to know Josie and goes out of his way to do so. The more time they spend together as just "friends", the more both of them want more.

It was such fun watching these two fall for each other and boy did they fall hard. I really loved Josie. She was strong, confident and such a great person. Reed was a typical cocky jock but for some reason he really wanted to be a better person around Josie. I'm glad they got their happy ending and I can't wait to hear more about them in the future books. I also enjoyed the little sneak peek into Reed's friend Marek. His story sounds like it is going to be really fun!

4.9 Stars

We're back with the hotties from the Carolina Hockey team!

The season is over - they won the Cup again!
And now Reed has the whole summer in front of him. And nothing planned but having fun with some casual sex. His favorite kind of hook-up is the Barbie type. Lots of boobs, not too much brain.

And on one of those Barbie nights he meets his new neighbor Doctor Josie.

She knocks on his door to tell him that his Barbie should try to be a bit quieter in the throes of passion!

And that little encounter in the middle of the night turns strangers Josie and Reed into very good friends. They suddenly spend all their free time together having fun and doing puzzles and eating and going out. But only as friends - even though both are very attracted to the other. But they're also SO not each other's type ... or are they? Could they be? Will they? Won't they? And what happens when her ex is suddenly back in town?

WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO JOSiE & REED????
WiLL THERE BE A HAPPiLY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺☺☺

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A new book in this adorable Hockey series. YAY!
REED!!!

This is not much of a hockey romance - the season is over.
But it's a really cute romantic comedy! A friends to lovers thingy.

I really enjoyed reading it.
I laughed and swooned. Reed is so adorable and romantic and ... really sweet & hot & amazing!

And Dr. Josie is just as adorable. They're perfect together - they just need a little time to figure it out themselves!!! ☺

Some might say the wallbanging thing mentioned in the blurb has been romance-noveled one too many times, but pfff, it's just a fun way for them to meet - and to tell their grand-kids about one day. It didn't bother me at all. And I LOVED Wallbanger by Alice Clayton! ☺

And oooooh - almost forgot!!! We also meet Reed's co-Fury-buddy Marek - and I can't wait to read his story next. He will have to fight really hard for his happily ever after!!!

I had some problems with the writing...as with every Sawyer book. It's Sawyer's and my THING ☺ It's only me who has those problems with her writing. So please don't be worried or just scroll down and don't read the following...
I have a HUGE AS problem! ☺ You know the AS's I'm talking about? The AS that could/should be exchanged for a SINCE or a BECAUSE or just a comma/dot/pause/whatever.☺ It's a British and or legal thing (if it's a thing at all!) and it doesn't have anything to do in an American book by an American author. I would be ok with it if one (British) character would use it, but everyone uses it! I really don't want to insult Sawyer. I love her books, but ... please stop doing it. But pfff who am I to tell her what to do, so just forget I said anything! It doesn't stop her books from being great!

R E E D was another super-adorable, sexy & funny addition to this great hockey series! Run to your nearest amazon for your own REED - this one is MINE!!!!!

... and now hurry Sawyer - I want MAREK asap!!!!!

***5 ‘The Love I Was Supposed to Wait For’ Stars***

I swear this series is like crack for me because once I start reading it’s all over from there. I HAVE to finish the book and the only sure fire way for me to completely stop reading is if I’m driving or I fall asleep, and that was what happened with Reed. Once I started it I devoured as much of it as I could before my body decided that sleep was much more important (I don’t necessarily agree, but I do have to be semi aware at work). It was a fun, quick sweet and smexy read that had just the right amount of drama simmering beneath the surface to keep me turning the pages and wanting more when the words were no more.

For all the Reed is opposed to the big ‘C’ word and has a “Type” he’s a really good guy. Charming, observant and laid back. I found myself grinning (and at times swooning) at a lot of the things he did because they came from such a good place that even he didn’t know existed within him because it was just him. I loved Josie. She is sweet, snarky and goes with the flow, mostly because she has no choice when she’s working so it has trickled down into her private life.

Reed and Josie’s journey to their HEA was a lot of fun. The fact that their first meeting wasn’t necessarily under the best circumstances, the way they both handled it ~ with a little bit of humor, snark and a good dose of heat ~ definitely set the tone for how they went from neighbors to friends to more. This isn’t to say that there weren’t some shallow potholes for them to deal with along the way, because there were, but I enjoyed how they were dealt with and how everything worked out for them in the end.

Broken record time: I’m a Sawyer Bennett fangirl, so it’s really no wonder I adored Reed, but it’s just so easy to get caught up in these characters and want to know more about them. I loved getting glimpses of the couples I’ve come to love and getting to know a few newbies. We got a glimpse of Tanner and Marek in this one and lemme tell you...before you are done with Reed you are going to be making grabby hands for their books and wishing you had ‘em yesterday, especially Marek’s which is thankfully up next!

Reed is the tenth book in the Cold Fury Hockey Series. Reed Olson is another smoking hot Cold Fury Hockey Player who is ready to enjoy his off-season summer. Determined to have as much fun as humanly possible, he is focused on partying with as many girls as possible. When Reed meets his neighbor Josie Ives, his summer plans shift drastically as he finds himself wanting to spend every spare moment he has spending time with her. Josie, a talented doctor, doesn't seem to have much in common with Reed and yet, the two spend the summer making memories and building a lasting love full of passion and romance! However, when an old friend from Josie's past crashes back into her life, will Reed be able to keep the good doctor in his life?

Told in dual POV, Reed is another Cold Fury Hockey winner with complex characters and smoking hot steam. The characters in the Cold Fury Hockey family are funny, down to earth, and loyal to each other. The camaraderie that exists between the players and their women is unforgettable. Each story is unique and I find myself completely enraptured in every single solitary moment. I found the connection between Reed and Josie to be perfect. I loved the fact that a hockey player and a doctor found their HEA! I have become a huge fan of this series and I think it's fair to say that when it comes to these players and this series, I will never get enough!

Wow! This book was amazing. I loved Reed and Josie! I wasn't sure about how the two characters met and whether it would bother me but Reed won me over and the development of their relationship was perfect. I also loved the look at Marek and what will undoubtedly be in the next book of the series.