ARC Review: ROMAN by Sawyer Bennett

Roman 
by Sawyer Bennett
Cold Fury #7

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

In a league full of troublemakers, Cold Fury defenseman Roman Sýkora stands out—at least when it comes to negative publicity. When he’s not chilling in the penalty box, the sizzling Czech skate demon is racking up tabloid headlines for his scandalous behavior with the ladies. But now Roman’s feeling the burn from management to clean up his act, or else. Luckily he’s got an enticing distraction: a fun-loving barista who plays the ukulele and brings out a side of Roman he didn’t know he had.

Lexi Robertson came to Raleigh, North Carolina, to finally meet her father, Brian Brannon, and her half sister, Gray, both of whom work in the Cold Fury’s front office. That’s where she first meets sexy, intimidating Roman—who’s really a big softie at heart. As one relationship takes off, another begins: Brian seems to be clicking with Lexi’s boss at the coffee shop. But when the friction between Roman and her new family heats up, Lexi wonders whether she’s a pawn in their game. Feeling hurt and foolish, Lexi’s ready to quit while she’s ahead. Trouble is, Roman’s not ready to quit on her.

REVIEW: 

As the bad boy of the Cold Fury hockey team, I was prepared to dislike Roman Sýkora. Roman has attitude on the ice and like to have a good time off it. I was gearing myself up to endure Roman until he is rehabilitated by his new love. But you know what? It did not happen. It did not happen because, despite the bad boy status, Roman is really likeable. Here's a man with very little experience with a long term, devoted relationships, but is struck by a woman who lives her life by her own rules and is content and satisfied with her world. I like that he likes that.

Lexi rivals Sutton as my favorite Cold Fury heroine. I am partial to principled women who put themselves out there and stand by their convictions. She is a free-spirit who values deep relationships. The challenge comes when two important relationships clash. Even here, Lexi finds her own solutions.

Sawyer Bennett also gives us an unexpected, but much welcome side story with Brian and Georgia. This author needs to write more "mature" romances, but she nails this element. It's flirty, sexy and without subterfuge and I need more of this! Ms. Bennett could have written an entire book with these two characters.

Overall, Roman is one of the best Cold Fury stories.

PURCHASE LINKS:
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo



I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour, Review, Excerpt and Giveaway: RYKER by Sawyer Bennett

Ryker has intrigued me and I was looking forward to his story.  Fortunately for me, it went beyond what I expected.  Thank goodness for Sawyer Bennett!

Ryker 
by Sawyer Bennett
Book 4, Cold Fury series

The rugged men of the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team are winning hearts once again in another scorching novel from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett.

The stakes have never been higher for Carolina Cold Fury goalie Ryker Evans. With his contract running out, he’s got a year left to prove he’s still at the top of his game. And since his wife left him, Ryker has been balancing life as a pro-hockey star and a single parent to two daughters. Management is waiting for him to screw up. The fans are ready to pounce. Everybody’s taking dirty shots—except for the fiery redhead whose faith in Ryker gives him a fresh start.

As the league’s only female general manager, Gray Brannon has learned not to mix business with pleasure. And yet even this tough, talented career woman can’t help breaking her own rules as she gives Ryker everything she’s got. She hopes their hot streak will last forever, but with Ryker’s conniving ex plotting to reclaim her man, the pressure’s on Gray to step up and save a tender new love before it’s too late.

Goodreads Series Link

Buy Links:   Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

Wow, this is my favorite kind of contemporary love story.  It is the best sports romance I’ve read in ages.  Ryker hits all the right marks – it features infinitely likable characters, relevant hockey passages, and introduces an interesting groundbreaking scenario.

Ryker is the best part of the story.  I love him because he is not only likable, but admirable.  I deeply appreciate his mature approach to looking at the issues and patience in taking action.  I adore his brand of protectiveness.  He is a man who knows his mind:

His dedication and loyalty. The way he loves deeply and surely. His joy and the way he just masters his life as if it’s effortless. He has such confidence in himself and doesn’t waste time on second-guesses once he’s given something careful consideration.

Gray is also worthy of respect.  She is a highly educated, experienced businesswoman with an intense love of hockey.  Her Ph.D. is in statistics and she brings that analytical skill to the front office of the Cold Fury, breaking new ground as the first female GM in professional hockey.  However, because of her early focus and success, she has never been in love…until Ryker.

Ryker is not interested in a one-night stand with Gray.  He’s a relationship man (this makes me swoon).  Yet, their relationship is complicated.  They both know there will be extra scrutiny because she is the GM and female.  Furthermore, Ryker doesn’t want to introduce a new woman into his daughters’ lives until there is a firm commitment.  Smart and mature.

What really seals the deal with Ryker is his willingness to look at the bigger picture and put her needs before his.  At a critical juncture, one of them is going to need to make a change. Given where he is in his career and where she is, he is willing to make the sacrifice: "I’ve reached all my goals and Gray is just starting to seek hers out. She not only deserves this chance more than me, but this team deserves her vision more than they need me.”

I also enjoyed learning more about what happens in the back office, a glimpse into the business end of sports. I have to wonder if Sawyer Bennett ever wanted to be a executive for a sports team.  She certainly knows her stuff!

In A Nutshell
I cannot recommend this story enough. Ryker hit a chord in me with exemplary, honorable characters and an arousing love story.  Best in the series, this one is not to be missed.

My father has never been one for pomp, sugar coating, or long segues. He cuts right to the chase. “I know you all have seen the news stories and I hate that it was leaked before I could talk to you. As of today, I have officially stepped down as the acting general manager of the Cold Fury.”

No one utters a word. Not a sound is made. This tells me that indeed, everyone has already heard the news.

“I’m appointing my daughter, Gray Brannon, in my place.”

And there it is . . . a distinct rustling sound as bodies shift in their seats. My father continues on, making firm and clear statements about my qualifications.

Graduated Princeton when I was nineteen.

Got my MBA from Kellogg at twenty-one.

Ph.D. in statistics from Berkeley at twenty-four.

Genius level IQ of 142.

Okay, Dad . . . that’s a little much. Get to the good stuff.

As I half listen to my father talk with pride about my two Olympic medals while playing for the U.S. women’s ice hockey team—one silver, one gold—I let my eyes roam over the group. The two front rows are composed of the coaching, equipment, and training staff. The players sit in clique-type groups based on what lines they play on. This isn’t by design, but I’m betting more because they have a unique bond and camaraderie. They almost have a sixth sense that enables them to read each other while on the ice.

My eyes pass over Ryker Evans, our team’s goalie, and then snap right back to him. He’s not watching my father but rather me, and I find myself unwillingly sucked into those silver-gray eyes. It happens every time I look at him, whether it’s in person or he’s giving an interview on TV, which is again proof that I am indeed a woman.

His lips tip up in acknowledgment of me and his eyes radiate congratulations. He gives me a nod of approval and then slides his gaze to my father, who is now lauding my scouting efforts for the Cold Fury. I’ve been the senior scout for the past two years and have scored some great players for the team.

I don’t immediately move my own gaze on, but rather take an unfettered moment to appreciate Ryker’s bold handsomeness. He’s called the Brick Wall in this league because he’s big. I mean really big for a goalie, but he’s still one of the most agile net minders I’ve ever seen. And still speaking as a woman for just a second, he has the face of a GQ cover model. In fact, I think he’s actually graced their cover twice if memory serves me. Dark hair, liquid silver eyes, and a beard of what looks like no more than three days’ growth that never gets shorter or longer, even during the playoffs. I’m quite sure when he’s ready to retire he could have a second career as a model if he was so inclined.

As it stands, however, I am far more interested in Ryker Evans for his athletic abilities than his face and I consider him to be one of my greatest acquisitions as a scout. I thought that even when our playoff hopes were crushed during Ryker’s first game in a Cold Fury jersey when he failed to stop a penalty shot, securing for us a big fat loss. I thought he was still a fantastic prospect even when the organization’s CFO, Bill Bowman, berated me in a staff meeting for insisting on such a pricey acquisition to the team.

I remember that day with actual fondness. Bill got all red in the face as he ranted at me, and my father just leaned back in his chair at the head of the conference room table and let me take it all on my shoulders. My father never fought my fights once I became an adult and I loved him for it. It meant he respected me.

It didn’t matter that it was wholly unfair to put that loss on Ryker’s shoulders. The fact is, the team—as a whole and with our regular starting goalie, Max Fournier—blew a three-game lead in the playoffs against Atlanta. Ryker came in cold off the bench when Max suffered a season- ending knee injury and was immediately placed in the net to face off against one of the best players in the league for a penalty shot.

And when he missed it, he became the pariah of the Cold Fury team.

At least for a little while.

But right now, it’s kind of hard to be the outcast when you have a .936 save percentage.

Yes, now my boy is back. He’s become a team leader—a man the younger guys look up to. He’s killing it on the ice, and I believe nothing is going to stop him this season. I can see it in his eyes, the tilt of his chin, the set to his shoulders. Ryker Evans, the Brick Fucking Wall, is going to lead this team—my team—straight into the playoffs. He has something to prove and that’s fine by me . . . whatever motivates him best.

“—which means that the only one who has to prove herself to you is Gray. I’m not even asking you to give her a chance because I know she’d never ask that of you either. I’m just telling you to watch and judge her on her own merits.”

My dad steps away from the podium and gives me a wink. He sweeps a hand out, indicating that I now have the floor. I didn’t have any expectations that I was going to be greeted with open arms. I didn’t expect applause, wolf whistles, or even metaphorical banging of hockey sticks to welcome me. In fact, I got more than I ever anticipated just from that quick nod of approval from Ryker Evans.

That’s fine by me.

Just makes this all the easier for me as I step up to the podium and prepare to cement my place in history.

Other Books in the Cole Fury Series

ALEX: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

GARRETT: Amazon | Barnes | iTunes | Kobo 
ZACK: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

USA Today and New York Times Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series. She will be releasing her third book in the Cold Fury Hockey Series with Random House Loveswept, June 2015.

Follow Sawyer at: Facebook | Twitter | Website | GoodReads


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BLOG TOUR, REVIEW, GIVEAWAY: "Zack" by Sawyer Bennett

Zack

Cold Fury Hockey # 3 

By: Sawyer Bennett

Releasing June 9, 2015

Loveswept

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett goes for a hat trick with the latest romance in a sexy series about cool-as-ice hockey players and the women heating up their lives.

Warning: The following contains spoilers from a cliffhanger in Garrett.

Rising star Zack Grantham has been stuck in a downward spiral of grief that has put his career on hold. Back on the road with the Carolina Cold Fury, still crippled by emotional baggage, and now a single dad, he’s in need of some serious help with his son. But while the nerdy new nanny wins his son’s heart, Zack isn’t sure he’s ready for a woman’s touch—even after getting a glimpse of the killer curves she’s hiding under those baggy clothes.

Kate Francis usually keeps men like Zack at a distance. Though his athlete’s body is honed to perfection, he refuses to move on with his life—and besides, he’s her boss. Still, the sparks between them are undeniable, tempting Kate to turn their professional relationship into a personal one. But before she makes a power play for Zack’s wounded heart, Kate will have to open him up again and show him that love is worth the fight.

Goodreads |  Goodreads Series

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo 

I am a fan of the Cold Fury Hockey series.  I fell in love with Alex, had my heart broken by Garrett, and expected to be moved to tears by Zack. I didn’t have the tears, but I did have a smile on my face at the end of this old-fashioned love story.  

Things I loved about this story:

1. KATE – KATE – KATE!  Who wouldn’t fall in love with this adorable nerdy girl?  I love her sunny disposition, her positive outlook, and fierce determination to make something of herself in this world.  Having grown up with little means, Kate supported herself through college.  Instead of making her bitter, overcoming hardships have made her more understanding and compassionate.  She has a heart of gold.  In only two sentences, I totally fell in love with this girl. 

2. BEN – There is an old show business adage:  “Never work with kids or animals.”  Kids and animals always steal the show.  This little cutie pie is simply sweet and adds a touch of innocent humor. And yes, he steals every scene. 

3. The REASON ZACK NEVER MARRIED GINA – A great twist to the story, never hinted to in previous books.  


Thing I liked less:

This book gets dangerously close to becoming a “billionaire – ingénue” trope.  There were times I felt uncomfortable with the imbalance in the relationship.  She is young and mostly innocent.  She is a little socially awkward.  She is struggling financially.  Everything he’s not.  He is a famous hockey player.  He is financially well off.  He is beloved by his friends.  He makes her an irresistible deal in which he gets everything and Kate is at risk for heartache.  Kate is also a generous soul, which to me, makes the disparity between the two characters even greater because she is a giver and, for the better part of this book, he is a taker.  I understand she brings something special and essential into his life, but I can’t help but wish, there is more balance in the relationship.  

IN A NUTSHELL:


Zack does eventually redeem himself and reveals his sweet truth.  I can get behind a geeky girl, who falls all-in for the man of her dreams.  True love reigns and that makes for a satisfying read. 

My heart feels like it’s going to leap out of my chest as I stand at the sink and wash the griddle clean. It’s actually kind of a pleasure to clean up in a kitchen like this. I’ve never been in a home this nice, and it’s hard not to stare around in wonder at all the shiny. His kitchen is übermodern, with sleek blond-oak cabinets and stainless-steel handles. The counters are done in black granite with flecks of gray throughout and the sink is a massive single bin made of some type of stone.

Zack sits at the table on the opposite side of the L-shaped kitchen counter with Ben as they eat their breakfast. His eyes remain pinned on me, a mixture of anger and confusion.
He clearly doesn’t like me and I have no clue why. I expect him at any moment to just fire me. I can see it in his eyes…That’s what he wants.

There was a moment when Ben hurtled his little body at me that I cut a glance at Zack, and I saw fury wash over him. It scared me so bad, I almost ran out of the house right then. But I didn’t because I really, really, really need this job. Without it, I’m just one bus ticket away from being forced to return home to live with Daddy in our dingy tin can of a trailer in the backwoods of eastern North Carolina. And I promised myself when I left home five years ago, as much as I adore my daddy, I would never let that happen.
So I pulled on all of my available confidence that I’ve built up over the years along with my sheer will to survive and promptly ignored Zack and his dirty looks and started to clean his kitchen. He didn’t say a word, just watched me as I worked and sometimes would make conversation with Ben.

I’m just wiping down the counters when Zack picks up the empty plates and walks over to put them in the dishwasher. When he’s finished, he turns to Ben and says, “Why don’t you go upstairs and play in your room a bit? I need to talk to Kate about a few things.”

“Can I watch TV?” Ben asks.

“Sure,” Zack says, and Ben jets from the table and pounds his way upstairs.

I rinse out the dishcloth in my hand, wring it, and then fold it over the faucet. Turning to Zack, I find him leaning a hip against the counter with his arms crossed defensively over his chest. His gaze is frosty when he says, “What exactly did Delaney tell you the job would consist of?”

Man, he intimidates the hell out of me. He towers over me, and even though he has the face of an angel with dark brown hair and whiskey-colored eyes perfectly supported by a strong jaw, so much animosity is radiating off him that I think he may be the devil.
I know all about Zack Grantham. That’s because I love sports. All kinds of sports, but in particular, Cold Fury hockey. When North Carolina got its first professional ice hockey team, I had just started sixth grade. But I remember sitting on the ratty green corduroy-covered couch in our trailer, and Daddy and I rooting for the Cold Fury. Of course, often he’d be drunk and passed out by the third period, but at least for two periods we’d have a good time bonding over our mutual love of the sport.

I’ve followed the team closely ever since. Of course, I’ve never been to a live game, that being an absolute luxury I could have never afforded, but because every game is broadcast locally, I rarely miss one unless I’m studying for an important test or something. And because I follow the team so well, I know exactly who Zack Grantham is.

He’s an amazing player and, truth be told, if I could afford a jersey, I’d probably get one with his name on it. Or maybe Alex Crossman’s. Or even Garrett Samuelson’s. About four months ago, Zack was in a terrible car accident that killed Ben’s mom, Gina, and caused him to be kept out of the first half of the season with a fractured wrist. That has apparently healed enough that he’s ready to return to the team, and thus the need for a nanny for Ben.

I was utterly stunned when I got a call from his sister, Delaney, for an interview. I had posted my résumé and qualifications on a website for nanny services, knowing it would be a long shot because most of my experience came from helping my sister, Kelly, with her three kids, and other various babysitting jobs. But at this point, I needed work, so I was applying to every place I could think of.

“Now you seem to have nothing to say,” Zack growls, and my body jerks over the derision in his voice.


“Sorry,” I mutter. “Um…Delaney said you needed a live-in nanny for Ben. That the position would be full-time until he started school in the fall, and then part-time after that. She said I’d be responsible for his care when you weren’t here and that I’d have to do basic household chores and stuff.”

Zack nods at me, unfurls his arms from across his chest, and rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Delaney thinks you’re right for this job. I’m going to have to trust her on that.”

“I am,” I tell him earnestly. “I’ll take very good care of Ben.”

“You’d better,” he growls at me so menacingly, I take an involuntary step backward. “If you harm one hair on my child’s head, I will make you regret it. Do you understand?”
The scared country girl inside me wants to curl into the fetal position and just shrink away from the threat in his voice. But I’m not that young girl anymore. I’ve pulled myself out of crappy circumstances and made a new life for myself. I’ve worked hard over the years to build up my self-esteem, and I’m not about to let this man tear it down.

Squaring my shoulders at him, I give him a stern look. “I appreciate your protectiveness of Ben, and I’d feel the same way about my own child. I can assure you, you have nothing to worry about. But I have to insist that you treat me with some type of respect for the position I hold. At the very least, you don’t want to teach your son it’s okay to threaten and intimidate women, do you?”

Zack stares at me, his amber-colored eyes turning almost a dark brown. He blinks a few times and shakes his head. “Are you always this blunt?”


“I’m always this honest,” I clarify for him.

USA Today and New York Times Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.


Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series. She will be releasing her third book in the Cold Fury Hockey Series with Random House Loveswept, June 2015.

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter  | GoodReads

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ARC REVIEW: "Game Changer" by Melissa Cutler

Game Changer

Book 3 in the Bomb Squad series

by Melissa Cutler

Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad—an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has the team captain packing his bags for greener pastures, but saying good-bye to the woman who’d captured his heart is easier said than done…

After being wounded in combat, Brandon Theroux lives every day as though it’s his last. He never could have imagined that the sleek mechanics of his prosthetic leg would open so many doors, including minor celebrity status as a fitness model and a well-earned reputation as a rakish playboy. The only door it hasn’t opened is the one to Harper Johnson’s bedroom.

Harper has too much self-respect to join the ranks of Brandon’s “carpe diem” conquests, but when she needs someone to keep the peace in the tavern she owns, Brandon offers his help—as long as she agrees to a very tempting trade. It isn’t long before the two realize that a deal struck between friends who can’t keep their hands off each other has the potential to be a whole lot hotter than either of them is prepared to handle…

Brandon Theroux

Harper Johnson

I discovered Melissa Cutler’s books last year. I completely devoured her Catcher Creek series and have been a huge fan of the Bomb Squad books. Her ability to get emotionally deep with her characters captures me.  This book has me hooked in so many ways, but what I love most about this story is Harper. 

In so many stories that feature a sports character, you can imagine the hero as larger than life.  Don’t get me wrong, Brandon is.  A personal trainer, model, amputee, veteran, and now star bachelor on a new “Bachelor”-like series, he is a hunk.  But Harper is the standout hero of this book.

Harper is one of thousands of women who carry a gene that makes them more at risk for cancer.  With a mother and aunt who died from the disease, she has to make some tough decisions in her life.  Does she take preventative steps or take a chance that she won’t get the disease? In the midst of this heart-wrenching decision, Harper has to decide whether she wants to take the next step with Brandon. He’s leaving soon to start his new tv career and she has the opportunity to have the fling of a lifetime. 

What is both sweet and bittersweet is how both Harper and Brandon deal with her diagnosis. Harper goes through the gamut of emotions from denial to defiance. For Brandon, he confronts the possibility of losing, not only a potential lover, but also a recently realized best friend.

This book felt very personal to me.  My mother was recently diagnosed with cancer and I watch her go through a kaleidoscope of emotions.  And I understood Brandon’s position.  He is someone who is standing on the outside, wanting to do whatever he can to help.  I empathized with  his feelings of helplessness and determination to “be there” for her. For the first time in forever, I cried in a book.

The romance in this book doesn’t hit you over the head.  Sure, the attraction is there from the beginning, but the true romance develops slowly, sweetly.  It is the opposite of insta-love.  And it is a pleasure.

In a Nutshell:

What can I say, I simply loved this book.  Melissa Cutler scores a hat trick with this one. I was utterly slayed.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy contemporary romances and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for Harlequin, Penguin, and Kensington Books. She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she's not globetrotting, she's enjoying Southern California's flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids. 

Find Melissa at: website | Facebook | Twitter

ARC BOOK REVIEW: "Garrett" by Sawyer Bennett

SUMMARY

Carolina Cold Fury star Garrett Samuelson never wants to miss out on a single minute of fun. Whether he’s playing hockey, hanging out with friends, or walking the red carpet with a new date on his arm, he lives every day to the fullest. When he meets Olivia Case, he sees someone who’s exactly his type—confident, sexy, smart . . . his next fling. But the more he pursues her, the more Garrett shares a side of himself that other women don’t normally get to see.


Olivia has been keeping a secret. While Garrett lives for the next thrill, Olivia’s not sure she’ll live to see the next day. She’s undergoing treatment for some serious medical issues, and she doesn't have time for a relationship with no guarantees—especially one with a hot-as-sin womanizer who won’t take no for an answer. But as she gets to know the real Garrett, Olivia can’t help falling for him . . . hard. To reveal the truth would mean risking everything—but you can’t score without taking the tough shots.


REVIEW:
Sawyer Bennett writes sweet, engaging, and ragingly hot books. And although, I have my favorites, I've never been disappointed in any of her stories.  Such is the case with Garrett, Sawyer Bennett’s latest in the Cold Fury series. 

Take one part ladies’ man add a bohemian florist with a life threatening disease looking to live life to the fullest, and what you have is a recipe for an emotionally wrenching story.  Garrett is not a bad guy.  He’s just a guy’s guy.  His greatest love is hockey and not much surpasses that, including women.  He doesn't have a super tragic background. He’s just living the good life as an NHL hockey player. Olivia comes from humble background.  She’s a hard worker with a level headed. When diagnosed with an incurable disease, she faces it straight on.  She takes a chance to have a fling with Mr. Playboy thinking it is only going to be a one night stand.  That is all she thinks she can afford.  She cannot engage in long term entanglements.  She doesn't think it’s fair to burden another.  The best part of the conflict between the two is when Garrett (the no string guy) has to convince Olivia, the deep-relationship girl) to give the relationship a chance.  

There are the dramatic dips and turns that made my heart flutter. Sawyer Bennett has such a grasp on human emotions.  Having said this, however, my greatest critique of the story is that there were moments that I felt verged on sentimentality.  It did not ruin the story for me, but it kept a good read from being a beloved one. 

IN A NUTSHELL:
If you are looking for an emotional romance with a sports edge, don’t miss this read. 

SUNNY: BOOK REVIEW - "Red Zone" by Sherri Hayes

SUMMARY from Goodreads:
After a case ended badly for Rebecca Carson, she’s losing her mind sitting around her apartment waiting on her superiors to allow her to return to work. Since she was a teenager, the only thing she’d ever wanted was to join the FBI. Now that dream was in danger.

Gage Daniels has made a pretty good life for himself. A nice house. A career he loves. As a professional football player, he’s used to getting almost everything he’d ever want with just the snap of his fingers. This includes women. A well-timed smile is usually all it takes to attract the opposite sex, especially in Nashville.

When a stalker threatens Gage, the team owner calls an old friend, Rebecca’s ex-partner Travis Hansen, to help protect his star quarterback and find the person responsible. Hansen offers Rebecca the job, and she jumps at the chance. It’s work, and it will get her out of her apartment. How bad can it be?

REVIEW: 
Red Zone is Book 2 in the Daniel Brothers series by Sherri Hayes.  This story is a step above most sports romances. It is a cross-genre book where it appeals to both sports romance readers as well as romantic suspense.  I enjoyed the build up of the suspense and particularly liked the evolution of the relationship. 

The critique I have for this book is the same one I have for most sports-related stories:

1.  Is it relevant that the character is a professional athlete?  If the main characters was in a different profession, would it significantly change the story?  For this story? Yes and no.  It is relevant that Gage is a public figure, but not so much that he is a football star. 

2.  Does it address any sports-related issues?  Stalkers and stardom

3.  Are there good scenes of the game being played? This book needed more Game Day coverage.  I prefer it when authors not talk about the game, but rather get us into the game.

As mentioned above, Ms. Hayes really hits her stride with the developing attraction  between Rebecca and Gage.  In this area, this book is a winner.  I like how Rebecca keeps holding herself apart by clinging to her professionalism. It is easier for her to be detached and stoic rather than have to address her emotions.  I like watching Gage bring down those walls. 

IN A NUTSHELL:
This is more of a romance with a sports element, but nonetheless, a good read and one I would recommend. 


Thank you to The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for the ARC via Netgalley

SUNNY: BOOK REVIEW "Playing to Win" by Jaci Burton

CHARACTERS:
Cole Riley
Savannah Brooks
 
SUMMARY: 
Cole Riley is a hotshot Wide Receiver for a fictional St. Louis Traders NFL team. He’s been recently traded despite having a record season with Green Bay. The problem? He’s got an image problem. His reputation as a hothead, narcissistic, egoist has worked against him. He wants his stats to speak for him, but his defensive reaction to the media has made him a team liability. In comes Savannah Brooks, an image specialist. She is hired by Cole’s new agent, Elizabeth Darnell (from Changing the Game) to rehabilitate his image.

REVIEW
This book is a departure from the previous three in the series. The sexual encounters do not drive this story. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of hot, steamy scenes, but it doesn’t dominate the narrative. The story is not complicated. Cole and Savannah’s attraction is instantaneous and physical, but they also share a fear of abandonment. Cole doesn’t make friends or put down roots with any team because he feels that the teams he has been on in the past have not fully committed to him. Savannah has a difficult childhood where her neglectful mother has abandoned her. The joy is watching these two figure out this journey together.

Jaci Burton has really hit her stride with this one. One of the most common critiques I have about sports romances is when an author doesn’t do anything with the sports angle. In more than a few stories, the occupation is incidental, not integral. The hero could be a cop, firefighter, soldier, etc. The fact that he/she is an athlete doesn’t mean much to the story except as an occasional filler. Jaci Burton, however, knows how to weave the athlete’s story into the narrative. Granted, there is probably less sports in this story than in her last, but the amount felt right - organic, not contrived. has really hit her stride with this one.
 
IN A NUTSHELL
Jaci Burton has arguably the hottest covers in her Play By Play series.  Really, I think I'd buy the book just for its cover.  Luckily, this book is a great blend of sports and romance. This was a sweet read and I would recommend this to others. I am excited about the next installment, Thrown for a Curve.