*I received a free copy of Reed from via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
on 6 February, 2018
Hockey season may be over, but in New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett’s new novel, a Carolina Cold Fury heartbreaker is heating things up off the ice and eager to score with the girl next door.
No one skates like Reed Olson. In the off-season, no one plays like him either. After back-to-back championships, Reed craves a different kind of action. Good thing there’s no shortage of women ready for a summer fling with a sports star. Reed has a specific type—blond, busty, not too bright—and a little black book full of options. But when his bed starts rocking, it’s his unexpectedly sexy neighbor who comes knocking. And the brainy beauty is impossible to ignore.
Josie Ives desperately needs something her celebrity neighbor obviously doesn’t: sleep. His headboard banging against the wall is keeping her up at night—not to mention inspiring some very naughty dreams. Reed is everything she imagined: a little too good-looking, with a body that puts Greek gods to shame. But he’s also funny and charming—a tempting combination. Josie’s the opposite of his type, yet the chemistry between them is undeniable. Their friendship certainly has its benefits, and it’s heating up to be so much more.
Reed was possibly the best of the Cold Fury Hockey stories… I just loved his and Josie’s relationship, how they were friends first, and then wanted more.
Story:
The blurb of Reed does not bring the story justice. Reed is such a sensible character, and while he’s been playing the field with his ‘barbies’ until now, he is not a total womanizer. Once he meets his new neighbour, Josie, he realises that his life might not be as full as he thought up until now.
I have such a love for friends to lovers stories, and that’s exactly what I got with Reed. At first the two characters were a bit tentative, but little by little they became close friends. Because they appreciated hanging out together, and thanks to the chemistry between them, the next step seemed evident. However, it was not all easy for either of them.
Other characters from Cold Fury Hockey were present at times as well, and I enjoyed the easy banter between the players. There was also a budding friendship between Josie and Sutton, which I hope there will be more of in the next books in the series.
Characters:
Reed was not a character I expected to love as much as I did. He went through one-night-stands rather quickly, so when he changed his tune, he was tentative and a bit unsure of himself.
Josie was nothing short of amazing. Smart. Funny. A bit nerdy. And an ER doctor to boot.
Writing style :
Reed is written in dual points of view, with chapters from either his or her perspective. The present tense made me feel like I was right there with them for all of their special moments.
Feels :
All the feels! I just feel like a romance is even better when it’s a friends to lovers story. There is a solid foundation for the love, and it makes my toes curl in happiness.
I chuckle and take a sip of my beer. It’s totally drilled home, and yes, I already knew it. But Kathy Krantz proved to me that physical beauty provides that immediate attraction, but it can be completely eradicated if your insides don’t match your outside.
The doors to the elevator open up to the lobby, and I laugh at our easy bantering, knowing deep in my heart that there’s something underneath all this friendly ribbing.
Friends to lovers stories is one of my favorite tropes in romance books. Can’t help but love it. This book (and series) sounds really great as well!
I agree Stephanie. Friends to lovers, or second chance romances make me swoon. Every time.
Twitter: nadz1809
Friends to lovers is a trope I enjoy. It makes the romance that more realistic. Great review, Lexxie.
I agree, Nadene, it makes the whole story feel more real 🙂 Thank you!
Twitter: Northwomn
I really appreciate the way you divide your review into Story, Characters, Writing Style and Feels. It makes it easy to learn about the book in an organized way. I like organized. 🙂 I saw another blog which does The Good, The Bad and The Snuggly which I also like. Maybe someday I’ll come up with a clever framework. Anne
Thank you Anne! Yeah, I did this a while back to help me write reviews – I somehow thought I’d write shorter reviews this way, but that didn’t happen. I have included things that are important to my personal enjoyment of a book – all the better if it helps you, too!
And I’m sure you’ll come up with something that fits you 🙂
I cannot wait to read this! I’m so glad you loved this. This series is just so good.
I really like the sound of Reed as well. I like that he was able to come to the decision himself that he was done with one night stands, and was aware enough to be caution when trying something new. I haven’t even read the book yet and I’m half in love with his character <3
I enjoy a good friends to lovers story. i haven’t read this author in a few years. Must check it out.
Have a great weekend Lexxie!
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Wow. This is the tenth book in the series? I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this series by her before. It sounds really good and I love a friends to lovers romance.
This sounds wonderful — friends to lovers are the best. I like that Reed might sleep with his Barbies, but he recognises what he’s lacking at the same time.
It has been awhile since I read Sport Romance. Dual POV can be tricky. Some authors like to repeat them selves with the characters POV.