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caseroo7's review
5.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Alex is the first book in Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey Series and I really loved this book. It was such a great read, and I was sucked in instantly. I didn't want to put this one down and couldn't get enough of these characters. I can't wait to read more in this series and see what else Sawyer Bennett has in store for the rest of the Cold Fury Hockey team!
Alexander Crossman is the star player of the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team, and is known as their MVP. Most would think being the MVP is a good thing, except in his case it is Most Valuable Prick rather than Player. When the organization grows tired of his attitude, they insist that he clean up his act if he wants to stay with the team. Part of his new obligations include helping a local social worker develop a drug and alcohol abuse awareness program to help at-risk children. While Alex supports the worthy cause, he can't help but hate that he was forced into it against his will. When he meets the social worker that he will be working with though, he immediately is drawn to her and looks forward to the time that they will spend together. While Alex doesn't do relationships and has never been one to open up to women he finds himself connecting with Sutton in a way he never has before with anyone. But Sutton likes to keep professional boundaries and isn't interested in anything more than friendship and work despite the feelings and attraction growing between them. The more they get to know one another though, the more things change between them, and soon both Sutton and Alex are beginning to want more from one another.
I really liked Alex. He did come off as a grumpy jerk and didn't seem to be one that you would normally want to root for. But I kind of liked that about him. He was always painfully honest and didn't give in to the BS. I really loved him, and I was really excited to see how he changed with Sutton entering the picture. She was great for him, and I thought that she was exactly what he needed in his life. His father was awful and I liked that Sutton showed him how amazing he really was and helped him to see the good in his life and with hockey. Sutton was such a great heroine! She was likable and easy to relate to. She was strong and kind, and had a goodness to her that is uncommon. She was perfect for Alex and I loved them together. The chemistry between them was off the charts, but they also had such a strong emotional bond as well.
Overall, this was a great first book in the series. I really loved the story and the characters, and I honestly can't wait to get more of these hockey players! The story was sweet and sexy, and had everything I look for in a great romance story. I didn't want to put this book down, and I pretty much devoured the entire story in one sitting. I really think that this is a great story for contemporary fans, but if you love sports romance stories like I do then you are definitely going to want to give this one a go. I look forward to more from Sawyer Bennett in the future, and can't wait to read the next in this series, Garrett.
**ARC Provided by Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept**
Alex is the first book in Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey Series and I really loved this book. It was such a great read, and I was sucked in instantly. I didn't want to put this one down and couldn't get enough of these characters. I can't wait to read more in this series and see what else Sawyer Bennett has in store for the rest of the Cold Fury Hockey team!
Alexander Crossman is the star player of the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team, and is known as their MVP. Most would think being the MVP is a good thing, except in his case it is Most Valuable Prick rather than Player. When the organization grows tired of his attitude, they insist that he clean up his act if he wants to stay with the team. Part of his new obligations include helping a local social worker develop a drug and alcohol abuse awareness program to help at-risk children. While Alex supports the worthy cause, he can't help but hate that he was forced into it against his will. When he meets the social worker that he will be working with though, he immediately is drawn to her and looks forward to the time that they will spend together. While Alex doesn't do relationships and has never been one to open up to women he finds himself connecting with Sutton in a way he never has before with anyone. But Sutton likes to keep professional boundaries and isn't interested in anything more than friendship and work despite the feelings and attraction growing between them. The more they get to know one another though, the more things change between them, and soon both Sutton and Alex are beginning to want more from one another.
I really liked Alex. He did come off as a grumpy jerk and didn't seem to be one that you would normally want to root for. But I kind of liked that about him. He was always painfully honest and didn't give in to the BS. I really loved him, and I was really excited to see how he changed with Sutton entering the picture. She was great for him, and I thought that she was exactly what he needed in his life. His father was awful and I liked that Sutton showed him how amazing he really was and helped him to see the good in his life and with hockey. Sutton was such a great heroine! She was likable and easy to relate to. She was strong and kind, and had a goodness to her that is uncommon. She was perfect for Alex and I loved them together. The chemistry between them was off the charts, but they also had such a strong emotional bond as well.
Overall, this was a great first book in the series. I really loved the story and the characters, and I honestly can't wait to get more of these hockey players! The story was sweet and sexy, and had everything I look for in a great romance story. I didn't want to put this book down, and I pretty much devoured the entire story in one sitting. I really think that this is a great story for contemporary fans, but if you love sports romance stories like I do then you are definitely going to want to give this one a go. I look forward to more from Sawyer Bennett in the future, and can't wait to read the next in this series, Garrett.
**ARC Provided by Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept**
readfrenzy's review against another edition
2.0
Audiobook review
Alex is the first book in the Cold Fury Hockey series. I’ve read some of the other books and enjoyed them, so I decided to go back and start from the beginning. Unfortunately, Alex was a disappointment on two fronts: the story and the narration.
I didn’t like Alex. He and Sutton both come from difficult upbringings that are extremely similar. Whereas Sutton’s past fuels her generosity and desire to help others, Alex just broods. He gets off on being a total jerk and making everyone just as miserable as he is.
The book starts out strong, with intriguing introductions to Sutton and Alex. Alex’s prick-like behavior is understandable initially. However, I got tired of him pushing Sutton away even though she’s clearly the only person who truly “gets” him. Sutton becomes a willing doormat, which was incredibly frustrating.
The story barely scratches the surface of the community service/ PR image angle, and it eventually peters out. It’s a missed opportunity that could have added more interest to the plot. The dialogue is pretty cliché throughout, but I must admit that there’s one chapter towards the end that is super swoon worthy.
As for the narration, I wasn’t particularly fond of either vocal performance, but I had the most issues with Cris Dukehart. Her delivery is stiff, and her voice is higher pitched and too proper. It made me cringe during some of the bedroom scenes when she talks dirty. My biggest issue by far is that she voices Alex with a southern accent. Yes, the Cold Fury team is based in North Carolina, but Alex was born and raised in Canada. Why would he have a southern accent? Let’s just say there was a good reason why the Canadian suddenly became a southern belle. Wouldn’t Graham Halstead narrate Alex with a southern accent also? Apparently not. This inconsistency highlights an unprofessional lack of attention to detail.
I’m still a fan of Sawyer Bennett’s. This particular book just fell very short of my expectations. I’ll continue reading the series, though, since I know it keeps getting better.
Alex is the first book in the Cold Fury Hockey series. I’ve read some of the other books and enjoyed them, so I decided to go back and start from the beginning. Unfortunately, Alex was a disappointment on two fronts: the story and the narration.
I didn’t like Alex. He and Sutton both come from difficult upbringings that are extremely similar. Whereas Sutton’s past fuels her generosity and desire to help others, Alex just broods. He gets off on being a total jerk and making everyone just as miserable as he is.
The book starts out strong, with intriguing introductions to Sutton and Alex. Alex’s prick-like behavior is understandable initially. However, I got tired of him pushing Sutton away even though she’s clearly the only person who truly “gets” him. Sutton becomes a willing doormat, which was incredibly frustrating.
The story barely scratches the surface of the community service/ PR image angle, and it eventually peters out. It’s a missed opportunity that could have added more interest to the plot. The dialogue is pretty cliché throughout, but I must admit that there’s one chapter towards the end that is super swoon worthy.
As for the narration, I wasn’t particularly fond of either vocal performance, but I had the most issues with Cris Dukehart. Her delivery is stiff, and her voice is higher pitched and too proper. It made me cringe during some of the bedroom scenes when she talks dirty. My biggest issue by far is that she voices Alex with a southern accent. Yes, the Cold Fury team is based in North Carolina, but Alex was born and raised in Canada. Why would he have a southern accent? Let’s just say there was a good reason why the Canadian suddenly became a southern belle. Wouldn’t Graham Halstead narrate Alex with a southern accent also? Apparently not. This inconsistency highlights an unprofessional lack of attention to detail.
I’m still a fan of Sawyer Bennett’s. This particular book just fell very short of my expectations. I’ll continue reading the series, though, since I know it keeps getting better.
chrissyr99's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lulustjames's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I went deep looking for some hockey romances to read and came across, not Alex by Sawyer Bennett, but another book by the same author set in the same universe but on a different team. Then I saw that she had MULTIPLE series set in the same world, all hockey romances, different teams. I had never been more excited. I decided I needed to start at the beginning and hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed. I’m happy to report, I was not!
First released about ten years ago, there are definitely some parts that feel tired. But, this makes sense to me considering how much hockey romance has been published afterward. Despite this, the premise and problems felt original. Typical grumpy face Alex actually has a reason to be grumpy, to hate everything despite being a rich, star hockey player. Seeing him and Sutton bond over their issues was refreshing and something I feel like we miss in so many other hockey romances. These characters were people with pasts and their relationship was built on more than just lust.
Alex by Sawyer Bennett was a good hockey romance read and a good intro to a new world and series. I’m looking forward to see how Bennett’s writing style evolves and how the stories progress considering how long this world of her has been going on.
First released about ten years ago, there are definitely some parts that feel tired. But, this makes sense to me considering how much hockey romance has been published afterward. Despite this, the premise and problems felt original. Typical grumpy face Alex actually has a reason to be grumpy, to hate everything despite being a rich, star hockey player. Seeing him and Sutton bond over their issues was refreshing and something I feel like we miss in so many other hockey romances. These characters were people with pasts and their relationship was built on more than just lust.
Alex by Sawyer Bennett was a good hockey romance read and a good intro to a new world and series. I’m looking forward to see how Bennett’s writing style evolves and how the stories progress considering how long this world of her has been going on.
ameserole's review
4.0
If you are my twin.. then you would've heard me say 1,000 times (maybe more) that I was going to catch up on reviews. Whether it was said today, this week, this month, or this decade - it's true and it doesn't really matter.
Low and behold, I might actually do it but I already have an inkling that I will give up at some point. Maybe - who knows?
Alex was a very fun re-read. Or maybe re-listen is more appropriate? Everything and anything that has to deal with hockey (or any sport filled with abs) somehow sucks me in. It's even better when I actually like the characters/story line. Now last time, I only got through the first two books. It's actually really sad that I never got farther than that because I have no idea what I was doing in my life at the time.
Definitely trying to redeem myself and at least get close to finishing, if not actually completing the whole series, before the end of the year. This year to be exact - it's good to have goals (I think?). Well if the title didn't give it away, the MC is named Alex. He is a hockey player god until the day a women shakes up his world.
Enter Sutton. Now Alex was a huge ray of sunshine on her dark and gloomy life. She grew up with a horrible father and definitely needed a real man in her life. Of course there was some drama revolving around these two, like people trying to rip them a part - but they weren't having that shit.
Overall, they were too cute to ship and I have zero regrets. Now onto the second book guys!
__________________________________________________________
Helllllo hockey studssss
If I wasn't a huge hockey fan already.. well I certainly would be after this book.
Alex Crossman is a hockey star (obviously!). He's an amazing athlete and teammate who consistently puts up points for his team. However, he actually really really hates hockey. Which I could totally relate with because when I played soccer.. well I hated it so much when I was growing up. Mostly because that was the only sport I could play. Meanwhile my older sister and brother could literally play whatever sport they wanted to. Not me.. but hey who cares - right? Well, I certainly did which is probably why I quit playing while in high school.
Okay, so back to Alex. Well remember how I said he was an amazing teammate?? Well that's basically only on the ice because the guy literally can't stand anyone on his damn team. He also doesn't give a shit about the fans either. Sounds like this guy needs something else in his life to make him happy.. or someone else.
Dun dun dun! Enter Sutton - which I love the name by the way. Well, she grew up terrible. Her father abused the shit out of her - which made me hate the guy so much I planned his death. Then she was homeless at some point in her life.. and now she's a counselor at a drug clinic.
Once these two met each other I was hooked. I started shipping the hell out of them. I also really liked how the author made everything so freaking realistic between these two and their lives. Their romance was refreshing to read about because it wasn't instantaneously and it wasn't just built on physical need or drive. No, their relationship had everything it needed to feel and be real between these two and the reader reading the damn book.
I seriously loved everything about this book and these characters. I'm surprised I just finished the damn book to be honest. I can't wait to dive into the second book in this series. This book made me swoon up and down people - I need more of that right now.
Low and behold, I might actually do it but I already have an inkling that I will give up at some point. Maybe - who knows?
Alex was a very fun re-read. Or maybe re-listen is more appropriate? Everything and anything that has to deal with hockey (or any sport filled with abs) somehow sucks me in. It's even better when I actually like the characters/story line. Now last time, I only got through the first two books. It's actually really sad that I never got farther than that because I have no idea what I was doing in my life at the time.
Definitely trying to redeem myself and at least get close to finishing, if not actually completing the whole series, before the end of the year. This year to be exact - it's good to have goals (I think?). Well if the title didn't give it away, the MC is named Alex. He is a hockey player god until the day a women shakes up his world.
Enter Sutton. Now Alex was a huge ray of sunshine on her dark and gloomy life. She grew up with a horrible father and definitely needed a real man in her life. Of course there was some drama revolving around these two, like people trying to rip them a part - but they weren't having that shit.
Overall, they were too cute to ship and I have zero regrets. Now onto the second book guys!
__________________________________________________________
Helllllo hockey studssss
If I wasn't a huge hockey fan already.. well I certainly would be after this book.
Alex Crossman is a hockey star (obviously!). He's an amazing athlete and teammate who consistently puts up points for his team. However, he actually really really hates hockey. Which I could totally relate with because when I played soccer.. well I hated it so much when I was growing up. Mostly because that was the only sport I could play. Meanwhile my older sister and brother could literally play whatever sport they wanted to. Not me.. but hey who cares - right? Well, I certainly did which is probably why I quit playing while in high school.
Okay, so back to Alex. Well remember how I said he was an amazing teammate?? Well that's basically only on the ice because the guy literally can't stand anyone on his damn team. He also doesn't give a shit about the fans either. Sounds like this guy needs something else in his life to make him happy.. or someone else.
Dun dun dun! Enter Sutton - which I love the name by the way. Well, she grew up terrible. Her father abused the shit out of her - which made me hate the guy so much I planned his death. Then she was homeless at some point in her life.. and now she's a counselor at a drug clinic.
Once these two met each other I was hooked. I started shipping the hell out of them. I also really liked how the author made everything so freaking realistic between these two and their lives. Their romance was refreshing to read about because it wasn't instantaneously and it wasn't just built on physical need or drive. No, their relationship had everything it needed to feel and be real between these two and the reader reading the damn book.
I seriously loved everything about this book and these characters. I'm surprised I just finished the damn book to be honest. I can't wait to dive into the second book in this series. This book made me swoon up and down people - I need more of that right now.
inkstndfngrs's review
1.0
I gave this book 2 hours (Tantor audio edition) to win me over.
Suffice to say, if I could give it negative stars, I would.
"Alex" (as in the title) is touted as an "enemies to lover" trope romance, but honestly...I don't see these two as enemies. Alex (the character) is a self-aware asshole with a chip on his shoulder because of an overbearing father figure who physically (and verbally) abused him as kid --and continues to via post-game voicemails.
Sutton, who comes from a background of an absentee (and also abusive) farther, is a social worker. As such, she deals with people like Alex *every single day*. So, she should be well equipped to handle him and his bullshit, and yet...
The point at which I am stopping is the hockey game where Sutton finds the "magic of hockey" and *tells her stranger of a seatmate* where she is meeting a *star player* after the game. As a social worker, she should have an automatic privacy filter that pops into place with such information.
Also, all the waxing rhapsodic about each other's physical features is gross and unnecessary. Only 2 hours into this 8 hour audiobook, and the amount of toxic monogamy is repulsive.
I really, *really*, wanted this to be good. And it COULD HAVE BEEN SO GOOD. Perhaps if Alex was willing to actually communicate with people and Sutton had a goddamn backbone? That would be a start at least.
So, sadly, my quest for a readable heterosexual hockey romance continues. I won't be giving any of the rest of this series a shot for sure, even though I know from personal experience that authors can improve as a series goes on. If anyone can promise me that one is worth my time and effort, drop me a PM.
Suffice to say, if I could give it negative stars, I would.
"Alex" (as in the title) is touted as an "enemies to lover" trope romance, but honestly...I don't see these two as enemies. Alex (the character) is a self-aware asshole with a chip on his shoulder because of an overbearing father figure who physically (and verbally) abused him as kid --and continues to via post-game voicemails.
Sutton, who comes from a background of an absentee (and also abusive) farther, is a social worker. As such, she deals with people like Alex *every single day*. So, she should be well equipped to handle him and his bullshit, and yet...
The point at which I am stopping is the hockey game where Sutton finds the "magic of hockey" and *tells her stranger of a seatmate* where she is meeting a *star player* after the game. As a social worker, she should have an automatic privacy filter that pops into place with such information.
Also, all the waxing rhapsodic about each other's physical features is gross and unnecessary. Only 2 hours into this 8 hour audiobook, and the amount of toxic monogamy is repulsive.
I really, *really*, wanted this to be good. And it COULD HAVE BEEN SO GOOD. Perhaps if Alex was willing to actually communicate with people and Sutton had a goddamn backbone? That would be a start at least.
So, sadly, my quest for a readable heterosexual hockey romance continues. I won't be giving any of the rest of this series a shot for sure, even though I know from personal experience that authors can improve as a series goes on. If anyone can promise me that one is worth my time and effort, drop me a PM.
gingerteabooks's review
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was so cute and heartwarming. I didn't expect this from a smutty book
kate_and_books's review
2.0
I am so sorry Ms. Bennett but it just wasn't my cuppa. I got to 40% a.nd then I'm not entirely sure what happened. Please respect my review cause if we all felt the same then life would be boring. Happy days peeps.
nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review
4.0
When hockey pro Alexander Crossman needs to either fix his image or he will be benched leads him down the path of community service. Social worker Sutton Price is given the task to turn around this bad boy of hockey. When they work together on a drug-abuse awareness program things go from a relationship that started as an irritation that moves to friendship but ends up as lovers. Bu will the family drug/alcohol abuse that each has in their pasts be the nail in the coffin? Can a pro athlete let someone in and still remain at the top of his game? With a fast paced storyline and characters that the reader cannot help but feel for this was a great read. I look forward to more in the series.