Vale was a bitch and had very little remorse for hurting Hawke years ago. That was the beginning of the end of my enjoyment. I just couldn't get on board with any love connection after that. I know I'm in trouble when I read a romance story and want either the H or h to find somebody else. ( )

this one had great potential but horrible execution ( )

I have enjoyed all of Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey novels and this one was no exception. The story is great and the characters are so real that you truly care about what happens to them. The writing style is one I thoroughly enjoy. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. ( )

3.5 stars.

Hawke by Sawyer Bennett is a sizzling hot second chance at love romance. While it is the fifth installment in the wildly popular Cold Fury Hockey series, it can easily be read as a standalone (but I highly recommend the entire series).

While both Hawke Therrien and Vale Campbell are newcomers to the Cold Fury hockey team, they are not strangers to one another. They dated during high school and college but right before Hawke began his hockey career seven years earlier, Vale abruptly broke up with him without explanation. Although both have moved on, it soon becomes clear that they each harbor unresolved feelings over their failed relationship.

While Hawke's heart was broken when Vale dumped him, he put her out of his mind and heart and focused on his career. Although he still parties hard, he has settled down a bit now that he is older. He has not had another serious relationship but he is not celibate either. Hawke really thought his past with Vale was behind him so he is more than a little shocked when his resentment for her comes rushing back.

Vale has done a lot of growing up in the years since parting ways with Hawke. She has given up her wild child ways and once she decided what to do with her life, she focused on school and her career. Unlike Hawke, she has had a few long term relationships although nothing quite as intense or serious as their romance. Vale tries to maintain a professional distance from Hawke but once he renews his friendship with her dad, they end up spending time together outside of the arena.

Although a lot of years have passed since Vale and Hawke split up, neither have really gotten over their failed romance. Their interactions are fraught with sexual tension and teeming with unresolved anger and pain from the previous relationship. However, their attraction burns hotter than ever and they eventually move past some of their resentment and discuss what went wrong. Hawke senses that Vale has not been completely honest with him and this leads to some trust issues on his part. Despite the many changes she has made in her life, Vale is still impulsive and makes unilateral decisions when their renewed relationship hits a rough patch.

Despite their steamy love scenes, the relationship between Vale and Hawke lacks depth due to their immaturity and lack of communication. There are some genuinely sweet moments between them and there is never any doubt they share a mutual attraction but their relationship's foundation is shaky due to Vale's failure to be completely honest with Hawke. The conflict between them is based on lack of communication and Vale's animosity over past events becomes very exasperating since she refuses to discuss what is bothering her.

Despite a few frustrations with both Hawke and Vale, Hawke is an enjoyable romance. All in all, it is a overall sweet and sensual addition to Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy. I'm a huge fan of the series and I'm definitely looking forward to reading Max's story! ( )

It's Cold Fury Hockey season again. Author Sawyer Bennett bring us new teammate, Hawke Therrien, defensive lineman to the team. However, the one thing Hawke never planned on seeing in the new lineup was Vale Campbell, athletic trainer.

I'm a sucker for second chance love stories. The one that got away and now you have a chance to redeem the errors of your youth and do it right. However, there is a lot of inability to trust and anger in the way of our Hero that makes it difficult to get to his HEA. I really fell in love with the heroine, Vale. She's picked herself up, moved on, taken on a difficult task and yet, is open to the possibility to love deeply again. Hawke and Vale's story isn't without it's ups and downs. Each one wants to let go of the past, yet struggles a lot. I found it intriguing that our Hero had the most trouble of 'let it go.' Usually authors give that to the female lead character. However, watching a man struggle with hurts of the past made the story different and captivating.

I am a huge fan of Sawyer Bennett's. Her writing is always flawless and storytelling is riveting. This new installment to the Cold Fury series does not disappoint. If you are a fan, this is definitely one to add to your bookshelf. If you have not had the opportunity to read any of her writings, she weaves the background to not let a new reader floundering. However, do yourself a favor and read the other books in the series- it's hockey hunk gold. 5 out of 5 stars

ARC provided by NetGalley for review.

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