I really like this series. I loved the struggles as Marek adjusts from being single to becoming the father of a little girl. I do wish there was a bit more hockey in the book. But overall a well written book. If this happens to be the end of the series, it stops on a brilliant note.

I dare you to read this and not choose sides. And after you choose, stick to that side. It won't be easy. Part sports romance, part second chance romance, Marek brought a storyline we had yet to see from the Cold Fury men. The emotions run high from beginning to end. But you get an adorable toddler out of the deal too.

3.5☆
This is my first book in this series.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
Part of a series: Cold Fury Hockey
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

3.5 Stars
Trinette Dungee



When I first came across Marek in “Reed” I knew I wanted more info on him and when I got to the end of “Reed” I almost gave myself a stroke waiting for his book.

Marek and Gracen; sweethearts years ago only to split when boyfriend goes pro and wants to spread his wings a bit. In theory, I can kind of understand this. How said boyfriend does this is kind of crappy. Girlfriend learns she pregnant, does not tell boyfriend, in theory I can kind of understand this too, she was hurt, but again….still kind of crappy. Fast forward a few years and said boyfriend learns about a secret baby an all freaking hell breaks loose….I mean just a shitty mess I tell you. They both are still insanely physically attracted to each other but yet neither trusts the other due to their past actions.

Marek’s expectation of Gracen just falling in line with his life is completely unrealistic. Upon learning that Gracen (who he hasn’t seen in years), is getting married and shockingly discovers that he’s a father swoops in snatching up Gracen and his daughter and brings them back to North Carolina with him. He then pretty much leaves them to their own devices and stuck in a town where they know no one. He never makes any attempt to actually discuss their future.

Gracen’s expectations are no better. She wants Marek to be a father to their daughter but she kind of wants it done her way. Considering Marek has no experience with kids, this is understandable. While she wants to be forgiven by Marek for her decision to keep his daughter’s existence from him, she constantly throws in his face that he left her. She clearly doesn’t understand the whole “to be forgiven we must also forgive”.

I have read EVERY Cold Fury book (Ryker is the favorite, always feel the need to state that), and while Marek is not my favorite characters and he and Gracen aren’t my favorite couple…I’m going to say this might be one of my favorite books of the series. Makes no sense, right? Okay, so here’s the deal, Marek…he’s a bit of an asshole but then again, so was Gracen….and this is why I liked this book! For once you have two very flawed characters that aren’t sugar coated. They both made decisions that came back to bite them in the butt and had them suffering quite a bit but the one common ground the two have is making a happy home for Lily. It takes Marek no time at all to fall in love with his daughter and with a little bit of time and a few bumps and bruises, he picks up the dad thing pretty easily. With time and a lot of forgiving these two manage to create their happy ending after all.

Another fantastic book from this author. I love this series. Both Marek and Gracen got on my nerves a little bit with their lack of communication. But once everything was out and they started working through things you could see why they kept things close to the vest. I loved these two and to watch them get their second chance at love was amazing and pc heartfelt.

3.5 Stars Marek is No. 11 in the Cold Fury Hockey series and can be read as a standalone. I am a big fan of this series, so I was excited to read Marek’s story. He is getting a second chance with his lost love, Gracen. Although, I am not so sure he deserves a second chance. He chose hockey over her three years earlier even though he said he loved her. Gracen has made mistakes too, one secret in particular that may be a bigger heartbreaker than his. They both needed to grow up and mature a bit and they both have a lot of explaining, understanding and forgiving to do before they will be able to move on.
I have had a hard time liking Marek and Gracen in this book, but if every character we read didn’t have some flaws, how boring the story would be. So, thanks Sawyer for bringing us these flawed, yet redeemable characters.

Marek's story started with a bang at the end of the previous book Reed. While technically I think this one works as a standalone, I think you will be better off if you've read Reed first because the bang really happens there, and then Marek picks right up where that one left off. And it was immediately gripping as Marek and Gracen adjusted to the ways their lives were suddenly reconnected, and the revelation of the long kept baby secret. Emotional and compelling - this wasn't exactly a fairytale romance, but it was a rather lovely romance nonetheless.

I was afraid I would find Marek unlikeable, but I felt like the way he was written was very realistic and while he certainly has a temper and a whole lot of anger, it didn't get in the way of my connecting with him or his re-ignited feelings for Gracen. And there is literally nothing sexier than a man who is in love with being a dad, so even if there were issues elsewhere, Marek's relationship with Lilly would have sold me on him immediately.

I also loved Gracen. I felt like she handled her role in their messed up situation with grace and dignity and a satisfying amount of humility. I also appreciated how she guarded her heart and that her fears were taken into account and handled respectfully as well. I identified with her and warmed to her easily. I loved the way she easily settled into a friendship with Josie, and how this story tied in so nicely with Reed.

While I overall enjoyed the story, there were some awkward transitions that pulled me out of it and left me confused on occasion. I felt like the characters were as lovable and engaging as I have come to expect from Ms. Bennett's characters, but the pacing and the storytelling was sometimes just a little bit off for me. Not enough to ruin the story, by any means, but enough so that Marek was perhaps not my favorite Cold Fury story.

In the end, it's emotional and sexy and easy to read. I loved the little family these characters made in the end (and good grief, but the ending was completely adorable). It's safe to say that, eleven books in, I'm still crazy about my Cold Fury men! ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars

Definitely not my favorite of,the series. I have been a fan of Cold Fury, but this one was not a winner for me. Marek wasn't fleshed,out enough. The anger and lust were really the only sides of him we saw. And I found Gracen annoying. Just didn't work for me.

I don't blame Marek for breaking up with Gracen when he got drafted. He was young and immature. He wasn't ready for forever.

Gracen should have told Marek about Lilly, but again, Marek was immature and not ready for forever. Still not right.

Luckily Marek saves his girls from a terrible decision. In return, they save him from himself.

Loved this story!

My god, we're already in book eleven of the series Cold Fury and I can't get enough of these men. Each story brings a well written and engrossing storyline.

Marek brings a story of second chances and how do not tire of saying in my reviews: my favorite type of stories with a plus here it's children. Now see?There wasn't a way a book that has a cute kid and that brings a story of second chances. And it didn't. Work so well, and I loved every page of this book.

The couple here is Marek and Grace, and after many mistakes on both sides they have to decide if you can leave the past in the place where he belongs and give them a second chance and little Lilly.I must say that I understand these couples, both missed each other at some point there in the past and I understand this is hard to come by any decisions they took when younger. But that didn't stop me from frustrate me with these two in some moments of the book, time was one that I wanted to enter the book is say stop being so stubborn.But the connection and the feelings were still there, the author Sawyer had the delicacy of Bennet show the connection between them.

I really enjoyed this book, I found credible the development of relationships of the two, I think the little Lilly brought the lightness and hope that this story needed in certain moments and it was impossible not to fall in love with these three of course was also good to see the other characters.

I don't know if this will be the last book in the series or not, but it certainly is one of my favorites of her.And if you like a book that has hot players, a story of second chances and a sweet and cut kid, You have to read this book.

Marek was interesting and different. It took me a while to like Marek. Anyone who reads this will agree that he's a jerk for a while. Him and Gracen have a lot of history which leads to a lot of problems. They have a lot of issues still with one another that they can't seem to get over. I somehow forgot how Reed ended, I started reading Marek and thought "Oh yeah all of that happened! How could I forget that?" The storyline was unique, but difficult at times because of all the problems it brought about. As the book went on I started to like Marek more and more and connected more with Gracen. They are both good people at heart who have made some bad decisions, but still deserve to be happy. I enjoyed the development and progress of their relationship. The epilogue was so adorable!! I love Lilly, she's so stinkin cute!

4 Stars

I have been waiting for Marek's book, since that crazy shocker in Reed! And it did not disappoint.

Marek always had it all -- the professional hockey career, "puck bunnies" (aka groupies), and traveling around and doing what he he loves. But there was that one special woman who he let go, so he can get where he is now.

Gracen Moore loved Marek. Her plans were to finish college and spend her life with Marek. But he broke her when he told her he needed to move on without her. That left Gracen and a surprise baby, Lilly, that she never bothered to tell Marek. Only because he made it clear he was done with her.


When Marek finds out about Lily, he brings them both back to his home. But it's far from a happy reunion. Marek tries to be a dad, but it's not easy when he's always angry. Angry at Gracen. They both try to deal with all the hurt and love that is still there, when raising Lilly. But it's not easy.

Marek is a fantastic read in the Cold Fury series and I'm always looking forward for me. I can't get enough of this.

"Marek" I mutter under my breath, needs a cease and desist. I decided to give myself a 24 hour cooling off period after reading this one because I felt I needed it. I wanted to face palm Marek- hard several times in this story...okay multiple times. He's a class A jackass with a nasty attitude toward the woman he walked away from because he wanted his freedom and along with his hockey career.
Gracen didn't know she was pregnant when he dumped her and she raised her daughter on her own until Marek found out she was about to be married and he rushed off to stop the wedding. There he beholds his daughter for the first time. Dragging Gracen and Lilly back to North Carolina and making their lives miserable. Honestly he's such a prick and hats off to Reed for telling him so. Even at that, he still can't deal. He doesn't know how to be a father, can't get his head around it and damn if Lilly who is the cutest thing ever doesn't wrap him around his finger.
What Marek does do is stop Gracie from making the mistake of a lifetime, marrying someone who is blackmailing her into marriage. You have to read the book to get the dish on that plot line.
What really threw me about this book was Marek's selfishness. It knew no bounds. Even when he was nice, I was holding my breath for him to do a 180 which he could manage in a millisecond. I didn't trust him. I don't blame Gracen for not trusting him either nor for her being careful with Lilly.
Sawyer Bennett writes a damn good story and this is no exception. Frustrated as I was with him, she makes you invest in these characters. I loved seeing Reed and Josie again.
Marek and Gracen are oil and water. Will they never settle their differences and stop their crap slinging at each other? Is there honestly any hope for these two? Seriously?
Great read and try not to toss your kindle.
4.5 stars

**arc from NetGalley and Loveswept for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**

Sad situation and stressful, youthful choices set the backdrop for this, the final story in this series. I warred with myself about this story as I really disliked Marek and his selfish ways for a lot of the story... however, I am sure this is actually something that happens a lot and probably why I struggled so much - it was a little too real and tugged me out of the 'romanticism' of the story. However it IS a good story and it pulled at my heartstrings a lot. Sweet ending and HEA (hopefully)

Amazing story! Don't miss out!
Marek finds out that he has a daughter with former girlfriend Gracen, that he left behind to start a fresh new life when he left for the NHL. Only problem was Gracen was pregnant, but didn't tell him, well she did call him but he never answered.
Follow their heart wrenching story as Marek tries to come to terms with the fact that he's lost 3 years with his daughter Lilly, and he's now trying to connect with the daughter he doesn't know anything about.
How much longer can Gracen tolerate the nastiness that is Marek. Of course she understands his anger, but how many more times can she apologize, after all he left her because he wanted his freedom.
This story brought out so many emotions from inside me, you really don't want to miss out on this great book! 5+ stars, because Sawyer made me feel that much!!!

I love the Cold Fury series. The guys are hot and the stories are page turning. I can't wait for the next book!

After the fun of watching Reed fall for next door neighbor Josie in Reed, Marek and Gracen’s story was gutwrenching in stark contrast. Separated by immaturity and circumstances, these two young ex-lovers now reunited are still torn apart by hurt and bitterness. Sawyer Bennett has a real gift for reforming a jerk: I was convinced for much of their story that Marek would not and could not be redeemed.

Marek and Gracen were deeply in love as kids until Marek broke up with her to concentrate on his pro hockey career. Stung, Gracen kept her pregnancy a secret until years later, an anonymous email sends Marek home to reclaim Gracen and his daughter Lilly. But once he has them in his home in North Carolina, Marek doesn’t have a clue what to do with them. Overcome with anger and resentment, Marek is hardly a father to Lilly and barely civil to Gracen. It really baffled me how Gracen could remain strong and mature in the face of his self-centeredness. I was furious when she started to soften and give in to her old feelings for him.
”You overcame what I did to you,” he asserts. “You still love me despite the way I broke your heart. Why can’t I love you even after you kept Lilly a secret?”


Wrong answer, Marek! Ugh, I was so fed up with him. And sometimes, Gracen too. These two kids engaged in a never-ending cycle of recrimination. I kept waiting for them to wake up and realize there was more at stake than just hurt feelings; there was a child involved.

The vicious cycle we keep repeating. It’s formulaic. Cause and effect. Never ending. She gets mad. I get mad. I throw it in her face that she’s deceitful for keeping Lilly a secret. She throws it right back in my face that she had no choice because of the way I dumped her. These are the weapons in our arsenals and we have no hesitation in using them against each other. It’s fucked up and unncessary. What I don’t understanding is why I can’t let it go.


But what I did appreciate is that there was no magical transformation of Marek. He really just had to grow up, painfully and awkwardly. Love didn’t make Marek a fully engaged father and partner but instead gave him the determination to do whatever it took to make things right. I’m a huge fan of the Grand Gesture, and how Marek offered to make things right was a great step in the right direction, imo. I thought it may have been the single mature thing Marek did. I do wish that he had spent more time regretting his decision to leave Gracen - there was never any indication that manwhore Marek missed her until now.

When I left her, there wasn’t a day went by that I didn’t think of her to some extent. Wondering if the freedom I’d gained had been worth losing her.


To be fair, I’m not a big fan of the secret baby trope. I really couldn’t understand how Gracen was going to marry some other guy (to save her parents from financial ruin) without ever telling Marek about Lilly. Marek and Gracen both made immature, frankly boneheaded decisions, that it made sense it took a joint effort to grow up and wake up.

4 stars

Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC.

I love the series and excited to read Marek's story. This second chance romance kept me reading non stop!

To be honest I wasn't a big fan of Marek in the beginning. He left Grace but was upset with her and she didn't reach out to him. I couldn't blame her one bit. She's a young girl who ends up pregnant. She was vulnerable but strong at the same time. She's grown up into a sweet mother who will do anything for her daughter Lilly.

The pair didn't have an easy road to recovery but they matured over the years and out aside past hurts to rekindle the love they once had.

I'm a huge fan of this series from Sawyer Bennett so it pains me to admit that Marek's story was a struggle for me.

First let me say you can normally read these as a standalone but I didn't read the previous book and I believe I missed the beginning of Marek and Gracen's story because of it. You do learn real quick what happened, but I do wish I had read Reed's book first.

You also learn in the blurb that Marek finds out he has a three year old daughter he never knew about. This book deals with the struggle of the aftermath of all that. The author did a great job keeping this more realistic to reactions in real life but I prefer the more fairy-tale version. There was a lot of hurt on both sides.


I probably should be mad at Gracen but honestly it was Marek who I struggled more with. I AM pleased with how they came together in the end and I loved that Reed kept giving Marek a hard time about how he was treating Gracen. I do love this series and all the guys in it so while this one isn't my favorite, I do highly recommend reading this series.

Cold Fury is one of my favorite sports romance series and I was really excited to read Marek after finishing Reed. This second chance/secret baby romance had me feeling all the feels. Marek is book 11 in the interconnected stand alone Cold Fury series, and can be enjoyed without reading the previous books.

I really wanted to love this one and it did get me very emotional, but I just couldn't connect with both Marek and Gracen. Marek especially infuriated me with his immature behavior and his hot temper. His history with Gracen and the reason for their break-up only annoyed me further. I understand he was young and starting a new chapter in his life, but it only made him come across as a jerk and harder to like all these years later. He did redeem himself a bit at the end and I loved that he stepped up to become a father to Lilly, but his moods and feelings seemed to turn so quickly that I got whiplash several times during the story.

Sadly, I also had a hard time liking Gracen (but not as much as Marek). She was at times incredibly strong and then the next a doormat. Her lack of communication with almost everyone in her life created so many issues. Her past was heartbreaking though and I definitely sympathized with her. I just wish that she would have came across more independent and confident and less desperate, basically taking whatever Marek was willing to offer.

Marek was still an entertaining story and I really loved seeing Reed and Josie again. They provided a voice of reason to both Marek and Gracen and some comic relief too. I'm glad they're still enjoying their happily ever after. I also loved the close relationship that both Gracen and Marek had with their families and that they were so supportive and such positive influences in their lives. Overall, this is a solid addition to the Cold Fury series, but not one of my favorites.

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*