USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett scores big-time with the first novel in a sexy new series hot enough to melt the ice.

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-risk 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 façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

This book pulled me in from the first page, yes I am hockey fan so that likely helped as Alex tells the story of hockey star Alexander Crossman. The reader quickly learns Alex is an angry, cold-hearted player on and off the ice. Sadly, Alex hates the game he makes a living playing; his alcoholic father took all the joy out of the game for him.

Alex’s crass behavior sets him into a forced business relationship with social worker Sutton Price. A woman whose past has helped her see the best in people and has set her on a path of wanting to help others and give back.

Watching Alex come to love the game again, to find the joy his father stole, touched my soul.  Sutton opened Alex’s heart not just to her but to life.  Alex started to live, truly live as he befriends Sutton and yes they become friends.  Alex’s friendship with Glenn Sutton’s younger brother also added to his character development.

And I truly loved the use of Garrett in this story, the use of this new player to the team and the friendship he builds with Alex truly showed the difference in this once closed off wounded man.

Alex has a past and a snarky prior hook-up, the use of Cassie and the scene when Alex stands up to her had me knowing Alex truly felt something for Sutton.  Even though he can’t say the words, the depth of his emotions shone through.

The resolution in this book had me smiling from ear to ear; saying I love you doesn’t come easy for Alex but when he rips the band-aid off and goes for it, the moment is outstanding! It was so well done with a lot of love and a sprinkle of humor.

The epilogue was epic and truly showed such character development for Alex.

I am so excited for Garrett (Cold Fury Hockey #2). I can not wait to see who captures his heart! Garrett is a must click for me!

a Rafflecopter giveaway