Roman by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Cold Fury Hockey, #7
Contemporary Romance
February 1, 2017
Loveswept
Reviewed by Tori
In a league full of troublemakers, Cold Fury defenseman Roman Sýkora stands out—at least when it comes to negative publicity. When he’s not chilling in the penalty box, the sizzling Czech skate demon is racking up tabloid headlines for his scandalous behavior with the ladies. But now Roman’s feeling the burn from management to clean up his act, or else. Luckily he’s got an enticing distraction: a fun-loving barista who plays the ukulele and brings out a side of Roman he didn’t know he had.
Lexi Robertson came to Raleigh, North Carolina, to finally meet her father, Brian Brannon, and her half sister, Gray, both of whom work in the Cold Fury’s front office. That’s where she first meets sexy, intimidating Roman—who’s really a big softie at heart. As one relationship takes off, another begins: Brian seems to be clicking with Lexi’s boss at the coffee shop. But when the friction between Roman and her new family heats up, Lexi wonders whether she’s a pawn in their game. Feeling hurt and foolish, Lexi’s ready to quit while she’s ahead. Trouble is, Roman’s not ready to quit on her. (Goodreads)
Favorite Scene
“I like action movies. Even the older ones.”
“I like chick flicks,” she says with a grin. “What’s your take on them?”
“That you should never ask me to watch one with you,” I tell her adamantly.
Roman, the seventh in Bennett’s sexy contemporary hockey series, gives readers a fun, sexy, lightweight romance when the bad boy of hockey, Roman Sýkora finds happiness with a laid-back ukulele playing barista, Lexi Robertson. While this was good, it was not my favorite. I’ve noticed the last few books in this series have changed. Softer edges and less conflicted characters has created a simplistic story in both evolution and resolution.
Roman and Lexi couldn’t be more different but like two puzzle pieces, they fit together nicely. Each adds and fills in where the other needs it. Both are intelligent, loyal, hard working, witty and lack of the usual emotional baggage that often fuels the tension and must have misunderstandings in romances. Lexi is a wee bit too perfect and at times I really wanted to see some flaws, any flaw, that would make her more approachable but instead Bennett focuses on the other characters flaws. Lexi becomes the savior of the story, finding a solution to everyone’s problems. Relaxed humor and the steamy chemistry pops throughout the story, creating a solid base for these two to work from. Lexi’s confidence and easy going outlook on life is the perfect foil for Roman’s more competitive and edgy nature.
The storyline is relatively straightforward, even with the multiple subplots and the addition of a second romance. Seamless writing and engaging dialogue make for a smooth and steady ride. Dual points of view allow readers a more intimate look into Lexi and Roman’s relationship and the mild external irritations that have resulted because of it. I like how open and honest Roman and Lexi are with one another and the people around them. Neither played games and have no communication issues. Lexi’s inclusion into the Brennan family helps to bring Roman’s issues into the open and also initiates Brian Brennan’s own romance. Bennett does well with all three plotlines; each given the time and effort they deserve.
Sawyer Bennett offers readers a pleasant respite from the daily grind. I looking forward to reading more about the Cold Fury team and the next hockey player to score the winning goal at the game of love.
Grade: C+
Recent Reviews
Harlequin Junkie
Heroes and Heartbreakers
Under the Covers Book Blog
Goodreads I Author Website I Series List
I completely agree – a very light story that was the equivalent of cotton candy to me. Fluff with little substance. Lexi was too perfect and too fine with everything. I did like the inclusion of other characters and their stories but never felt that Lexi and Roman had to overcome any significant issues or obstacles. One of those stories that you forget about moments after you finish it.