Marek: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel

I have loved every story in the Cold Fury series and Marek did not disappoint. The story had so much emotion and feels that it held my attention from start to finish. Marek and Gracen's story was one of anger, hurt, second chances, forgiveness and a love that only comes around once. They both had to learn to move on from the past and earn each other's forgiveness. However, for Marek finding out he had a daughter that was hidden from him was a hard pill to swallow and that forgiveness was hard to come by. Will Marek and Gracen overcome the obstacles grab the book and find out!!!

**I received an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review** Marek is the 11th book in Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey series and while it helps to read all of the books in the series, this title can standalone and you don't lose anything. What I can say is after reading the previous book in the series, Reed, I was more than ready to get my hands on this one based on the way Reed's book ended. Marek Fabritis has had two loves in his life, hockey and his ex-girlfriend Gracen Moore. However when it came down to it years ago, he chose hockey over Gracen. When he gets an anonymous email saying that she's getting married, there is no way that Marek can let that happen, so he sets out to stop the wedding. Not only is it about not wanting her to end up with someone else, he doesn't want anyone else to be the father figure to his three year old daughter. A daughter that he has just learned about. A daughter he has missed three years with. When Marek brings Gracen and Lilly to North Carolina to live with him, you can cut the tension between the two adults with a knife. As Marek begins to get to know Lilly, he can't seem to get past the deception of Gracen not telling him she was pregnant. Conversely, Gracen is still deeply wounded by the fact that Marek chose hockey over her. Will the years these two have been apart given them the maturity and clarity to try to make it work between them or is it all they can hope for to co-parent their daughter and move on apart from one another? And, will another secret that Gracen is harboring end up causing more trouble than anyone can imagine? I really enjoyed the "realness" of this book. It was easy for me to see how the feelings of the characters could happen in the real world and how they both had to really take stock of themselves, their feelings and the best interests of their young child. Sawyer Bennett is one of my favorite authors and this is one of my favorite series and this was certainly another strong offering!

This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, learning to trust, and second chances. This picks up where bk #10 leaves off. Marek is still reeling after finding out he has a 3 year old daughter he never knew existed. When he went to play professional hockey, he left behind the only women he ever loved for the freedom of the open road, not knowing she was pregnant. He rescues his ex-girlfriend, Gracen, and their daughter, Lilley, from Gracen's loveless wedding, but is clueless as to what to do now. Marek falls for his daughter, never realizing he would love a child as much as he does. He is hurt from missing out on so many things with her. Gracen is burdened with the guilt of keeping her secret, but also with a broken heart from the man she has always loved. As they navigate their new family dynamic, old feelings come alive. But will they be able to let go of the hurt they both feel? This is a sweet and sexy romance that had me totally engaged from start to finish. I loved seeing past characters and the unwavering support they provide. This is a great addition to wonderful series!