Marek by Sawyer Bennett

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Title: Marek
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Series: Cold Fury Hockey #11
Published by: Tantor Audio
Release Date: May 22, 2018
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Graham Halstead, Cris Dukehart
Length: 6 hours and 43 minutes
Genres: Contemporary, Sports Romance
Source: NetGalley, Hoopla
Reading Challenges: Lenoreo's 2021 Audiobook Challenge, Lenoreo's 2021 Backlist Reader Challenge, Lenoreo's 2021 COYER Fall, Lenoreo's 2021 Netgalley and Edelweiss Challenge
Find it: Goodreads ✩ Amazon ✩ Google ✩ Kobo ✩ iTunes ✩ Libro.FM
My rating:

Blurb:

When the Carolina Cold Fury’s hottest young star gets blindsided by an ex with a scandalous secret, it’s game on.

“One of the best voices in contemporary romance.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne

Marek Fabritis is used to delivering blows, not receiving them. But when he gets tipped off by an anonymous email about his ex-girlfriend, the news leaves him ice cold—and it’s not because Gracen Moore is getting married to a total jerk. It’s the fact that Marek has a three-year-old daughter he never knew about. Now he’s going back home, not to play knight in shining armor but to make damn sure that no man takes what’s his. For the first time, there might be something more important than hockey.

Gracen Moore has always loved Marek. That’s why she let him go, so he could pursue a career in the NHL. And that’s why she never told him about Lilly. Only now does Gracen realize that she made an unforgivable mistake. But is that any reason for Marek to crash her wedding and make an epic scene? If the spark that still smolders between them is to be trusted, maybe. Still, Gracen’s not getting her hopes up. Because she knows better than anyone that appearances aren’t always what they seem. . . .

My Review:

3.5 stars — I will admit I was a little bummed with this one.  It was quick to read, as all of them are.  It’s been awhile since I read any of the books in this series, so not sure if it’s me or the book — though I think it’s the book, and the characters in particular.

This was the first in this series that I listened to, and as I was already a fan of Ms. Dukehart, it was a no-brainer.  Solid performances by both narrators — great pacing, emotions, different voices, etc.  I would definitely consider going back and listening to others in this series.

So what didn’t work with these characters?  Well, to be honest, neither of them were that likable.  I mean, they each had their good moments for sure, but the book starts off showing the absolute WORST of Marek, and I heavily disliked the way he was treating Gracen.  While he 100% should have felt hurt, angry, betrayed, he was an immature asshole in his dealings with her.  And for much longer than I could put up with.  So by the time he calmed down, I wasn’t as forgiving as I should have been.  As for his personality outside of that?  I’m not sure I really knew what he was like.  I appreciated the way he fumbled with Lilly, but once he tucked in you could feel his earnestness.

Gracen was a tough nut in her own right.  I mean, she makes a huge mistake, and spends a LOT of time self-flagellating.  Which, I mean, not unwarranted…but I was relieved when she stopped putting up with Marek’s crap.  And I was even starting to like her, and feel for her uncertainty in the relationship, but then she goes mama-bear irrational and I just threw up my hands.

I guess for both of them, they were more real life characters…you know, flawed as shit.  And I only want a certain amount of flaws to balance the good.  😛

The two of them together had good steam, but I felt a bit disconnected at times.  It felt like the story jumped abruptly at times, and I expected more transition.  Their first time back together, it was so sudden after the previous chapter.  I don’t know, I’m picky.  So yeah, there was definitely chemistry.  But there was also toxicity.  The whole conflict/climax between them had me cringing and giving up on them.  And his Dad’s advice was not enough.  I mean, hello counselling?

I think it didn’t help that the book feels like it starts in the middle of events, and like you’re missing a prologue.  If you haven’t read Reed (which I hadn’t), then you immediately feel lost.  It might have been nice to have a bit of a prologue recap that readers could skip if they’d read Reed, but if you were diving in without it, you would have some more context.  It just wasn’t as standalone-y as it should be.

Gah.  I feel like I’m being so negative, and I’m bummed about that.  But while there were good things in this book, there were a bunch of things that niggled at me and took away from my enjoyment ultimately.  I’m sure it won’t be that way for everyone, but Marek was definitely not my favourite Cold Fury player.

COYER Scavenger Hunt #44: Read the last book in a series (currently released).