Book Review: Zack (Cold Fury Hockey #3) by Sawyer Bennett

Zack
Cold Fury Hockey #3

By:
Sawyer
Bennett

Published:
June 9, 2015

Publisher:
Loveswept

Add to Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher for a honest review

GR's Summary:

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. 

Rising star Zack Grantham has been stuck in a downward spiral of grief ever since the car accident that left him a single dad and put his career on hold. Back on the road with the Carolina Cold Fury and still crippled by emotional baggage, 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. 

Cold Fury Hockey Series:
Our Review of Alex Here
Our Review of Garrett Here

 *Add this Series to Goodreads Here

Lindy's Thoughts:

I love sports romance, and have been enjoying all of the individual stories in the Cold Fury Hockey Series.  Even though each book focuses on an individual member of the Cold Fury Hockey Team, it is a wonderful experience every time I am reunited with the rest of the players and their significant others.

Zack's story was especially touching.  It has been four months since his significant other, and the mother to his son, Gina, died in a car accident.  Zack had been filled with grief and guilt due to the fact that while he loved Gina, he didn't love her enough to marry her, and also that he survived the very collision that she died in.  The only thing that keeps him surviving day to day is the love for his three year old son, Ben, and the passion that he has for his hockey career.

Zack is about to return to the ice, and needs to hire a full-time nanny for his son.  He has his sister take control of hiring the nanny, and she hires Kate, a sweet, goofy, and fun-loving woman.  Ben gravitates towards Kate right away.  Zack doesn't want to like her, because he feels guilty that another woman other than Gina is raising his son, but little by little she wins him over.  

Zack has conflicted feelings towards Kate.  He is attracted to her, when he's felt nothing but numbness inside for the last several months.  However, he tries to stay away from her due to his excrutiating guilt.  Eventually, Zack gives up trying to stay away from Kate and proposes a purely sexual relationship with ground rules.  However, what happens when feelings grow?  Will Zack let his inner guilt and turmoil ruin his opportunity for a second chance at love?

Kate was a breath of fresh air!  I loved her character.  She was fun, entertaining, goofy, and brought sunshine to everyone that she was around.  I felt bad for Zack, and the heartache, guilt, and emotional turmoil her was in.  I appreciated the secondary characters, especially Sutton, Alex's fiancee, and new character, and teammate goalie, Ryker!  This story was character driven, and focused on the emotions of the main character's, as well as the pain from loss, the healing process, and starting anew.  

My Rating:

Each book in the Cold Fury Series, gets better and better!  I highly recommend this sexy and emotional series to romance lovers!  Zack's story had the perfect balance of emotionality, sizzling sexiness, humor, romance, and friendship!  I give, Zack, by Sawyer Bennett, 4.5 Heartache and Healing, Sizzling Sexy Times, Letting Love In Filled Stars!  

Mikki's Review:

Gah!!!!!

I can't get enough of Sawyer Bennett's Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series!! From the first moment I read the first page of Alex to the last page I read of Zack's book, I have been in love with this series! The amazing cast of characters that this author has created will irrevocably make you melt!

Zack is living in a state of numbness. One night was all it took to change his life forever. His son, Ben, and his hockey career are his top priority now. When the new nanny comes knocking at his door, Zack is left speechless. He never expected the nerdy nanny to make him feel alive. Her goofy charm slowly captivates him. As days go by, Kate and Zack can't deny the attraction they feel towards each other, but Zack is afraid of the feelings he has for Kate. He wants to run as far away from her, but there is something about her that keeps him coming back. Will Zack finally get his HEA? 

When I finished reading Garrett, which is the second book of this series, I was happy and my heart was bursting with happiness ... Except for what happened to Zack. There is definitely a spoiler in the blurb of Zack's book so it will come as no surprise if I tell you that Zack lost his girlfriend, and the mother of his son, in a tragic car accident. That was such a hard scene to read. I was an emotional mess after that happened. When I finished reading this book I was so happy about how everything turned out for Zack and Kate. Sawyer Bennett delivers the perfect HEA for each of her couples. No matter how many obstacles come knocking on the door, love conquers it all!

Kate and Zack were such amazing characters to follow! This couple is hot and fascinating! The slow building romance made me swoon big time! You could feel their chemistry and each time they would get close my heart would start beating fast. I was on the edge of my seat for their first kiss. For that first touch that would change their lives forever. Zack was fighting it, but Kate's irresistible personality totally mesmerized him. When I knew Zack was going to get his story next I was excited, but a bit worried as well. I really liked Gina. It was hard for me to imagine Zack with anybody else. I really liked them as a couple. The more I read Zack's story, the more I understood why he fell so hard for Kate. His relationship with Gina was not what I thought it was. Once I read how he really felt about that relationship, it was easier for me to see why he was falling so fast for Kate. She was THE ONE.

Kate was my favorite! She's such a fun and lovable person. Her bubbly personality is addictive!!! I loved the name game she played with Ben, Zack's son, and how she took care of him. What I admire the most about her is how she slowly healed Zack's broken heart. Zack was not an easy person to deal with on some occasions. She always knew what to say or do to change the atmosphere around them. She is definitely THE ONE for Zack.

This is one of my favorite series! I loved how everything wrapped up so well for this lovely couple. I was really happy to see Sutton, Alex, Olivia and Garrett in this book! They are great friends and their support was a big part of Zack's healing journey. The friendship between the girls was fantastic and the team energy surrounding Alex, Garrett, Zack and Ryker was amazing! Ryker's book is next and I can't freakin' wait!!! He was a great friend to Zack and I look forward to meeting the lady that will steal his heart. One thing I know for sure, his ex is already getting on my nerves!!!! lol!!! 

My Rating:

If you have not read this series yet, you are seriously missing out on some fantastic books! I highly recommend it! I give Zack, by Sawyer Bennett, 4.5 captivating, sweet, sexy, romantic, swoony stars!

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

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About Sawyer Bennett:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling 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, the Last Call Series and the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series.

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