#COYER Review ~ Alex ~ Sawyer Bennett

Alex by Sawyer Bennett
Cold Fury Hockey #1
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn't afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn't so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy...not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.

As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people--like Alex, who's been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-rish youth as part of the team's effort to clean up his image. What she doesn't expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn't one to cross professional boundaries--and besides, Alex doesn't do relationships...or does he? The more she sees behind Alex's bad-boy facade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

My first Sawyer Bennett read was in January of last year. I started with Off Sides and I've jumped around to different series - Legal Affairs, Sugar Bowl... I wanted something lights so I chose Alex because, HOCKEY. Right? No, I chose wrong for light BUT I *did* get a fabulous story with characters I came to adore. I can't wait to move further in the series. Alex and the other SBennett reads I've subsequently enjoyed this year after Off Sides have all proven what I thought about her writing when I reviewed Off Sides... it's gotten better and better. :)

Alex is a hockey player for Carolina's Cold Fury. A hockey player who hates the game. He's known as the MVP - Most Valuable Prick - but although he may be a jerk, he's excellent on the ice. His childhood - specifically his dad - is the reason for his talent for and hatred of the game. Cold Fury management has had enough of his attitude though and is mandating changes. One of those changes is to work with the county in developing a program for at-risk youth. Enter Sutton.

Sutton is a counselor at a drug-crisis center and her focus is at-risk youth. She has a personal investment in her chosen profession and she's determined and tenacious when it comes to helping her clients. Meeting Alex rather up-ends her world.

These two together were magic. They understood each other on a level no one else ever had - especially Alex. And even though he had a hard time accepting his worthiness of her and her love, he got there. Watching as their feelings grew and the changes brought about in Alex for having someone care about him for the first time he can remember was awe-inspiring.

Despite the story not being "light" there were moments of levity - usually courtesy of Garrett. Alex's teammate and first friend, was a hoot! He always seemed to know what to say to Alex - and it was typically snarky and involved cursing. ;)

I'm eager to continue the Cold Fury series but it may have to remain on hold for awhile if I don't already have the next one - and I don't think I do. But I bet I can find more SBennett on my ereaders...and that's an exciting prospect!