ARC Review! Max By Sawyer Bennett

The ice is a cold mistress. As the league’s most eligible goalie, Max Fournier has access to his fair share of willing puck bunnies, but right now he’s more interested in bringing home another championship than a one-night stand. A romantic at heart, Max believes in love; he’s just not great at relationships. So when he finally meets a nice girl who’s not blinded by his celebrity, he’s feeling the heat—and the pressure to save her from herself.

Between working two jobs and raising her sister’s kids, Julianne Bradley doesn’t have time for sports—or men. All she knows about Max is that he’s the sexiest customer to ever grace her gas-station counter. And he sees past her tired eyes and makes Jules yearn for things she can’t have: a glamorous fling, a passionate lover, and the time to enjoy both. Max makes her feel like Cinderella, even though Jules has enough baggage to crush a glass slipper. Luckily, he’s no prince—only a fierce competitor determined to win her heart.

I liked this book overall. And, I really liked Max. I found him genuine and believable. I thought his motives and actions made sense and were true to his character.

Jules, however, was a little harder for me to relate too. I understand wanting to do everything on your own...but the idea that she would feel this way 4 months after taking on the guardianship of her sister's children just didn't really make sense to me. She was tossed into the responsibility, so being completely unwilling to accept any assistance just didn't follow. And, the number of times she pushed him away because of it got annoying by the end...there was nothing Max had done to give the impression that he had any hidden motives.

The pacing and the plot were impacted by my inability to totally find Jules to be a credible character. Not so much as I was not able to enjoy the story, but it did keep me from being able to fully engage as I often found her irritating.

I do recommend this book, but with minor reservations.