USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Score one for the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team as a stone-cold badass melts for a woman who makes his blood run hot. As one of the league’s toughest enforcers, Van Turner is ruthless on the ice. He plays hard because it’s the only way to channel the rage boiling inside, and a reputation as an A-hole is better than everyone knowing the truth. Van has spent his entire life … has spent his entire life running from a secret that’s kept him from getting involved in relationships—or accepting lucrative deals with East Coast teams. Then the Carolina Cold Fury makes him an offer he can’t refuse . . . and Van meets a woman he can’t resist.
Simone Fournier is the stubborn one in her family—and that’s saying something, considering her brothers are two of the Cold Fury’s biggest stars. Simone gets what she wants, and what she wants is Van. Still, there’s a part of him Simone can’t reach, no matter how hard she tries. In private, he’s all fire and passion. In public, he freezes her out. Van may want to push her away, but Simone won’t let him go that easily. Because this time, she’s playing for keeps.
Praise for Van
“Easily read as a standalone. Trust me, you want to read this extremely hot hockey book!”—Red Cheeks Reads
“I swear that from the second I cracked open [Van] I was immediately in love with this book. . . . Sawyer Bennett knocked it out of the park with the newest story in the Cold Fury series. I couldn’t get enough!”—About That Story (five stars)
“Van by Sawyer Bennett will make you fall in love with the Cold Fury Hockey series all over again!”—Hypable
“A hot, fast-paced contemporary romance . . . with characters you want to get to know better, as well as a storyline to keep you invested.”—(un)Conventional Bookviews
“Van is a bold and lively addition to the author’s Cold Fury Hockey series.”—The Reading Cafe
The Carolina Cold Fury series from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett can be read together or separately:
ALEX
GARRETT
ZACK
RYKER
HAWKE
MAX
ROMAN
LUCAS
VAN
REED
MAREK
And don’t miss her Arizona Vengeance series:
BISHOP
ERIK
LEGEND
The Love Hurts series features sexy standalone novels:
SEX IN THE STICKS
JILTED
And the Sugar Bowl series is one treat you’ll want to read in order:
SUGAR DADDY
SUGAR RUSH
SUGAR FREE
more
I was really nervous about Van because, well, he wasn’t the most likable guy in Lucas. The preview chapter at the end of that book made me even more nervous because I was afraid he was going to be a total prick to Simone. (And, I mean, he was at the beginning.) But OMG did I fall in love with him and this book. Van had some major grump going on, but underneath it all he was amazing.
Van took the phrase “complex character” to a whole new level. I don’t want to get too far into spoilers, but let’s just say his father’s past had a huge impact on who he was. Or, who he showed the world he was anyhow. I was a little frustrated with him in the beginning because of how he treated Simone, who was literally throwing herself at him (not that I blame or shame) when it was obvious he was into her. Thankfully it didn’t take long before he let her in — and in a big way, too. I loved watching him open up to her. Simone was no slouch either, but Van really was the star of the show here for me.
It’s been ages since I read my previous favorite books in the Cold Fury Hockey series — Zack and Ryker — but Van is definitely on par with them. In fact, he might be my favorite so far… if I played favorites, that is. I enjoyed my little two book binge of Sawyer’s world and I’m looking very much forward to getting totally caught up on this series soon. Sawyer’s hockey books are some of my favorites!
FAVORITE QUOTES
“Now that you’re wearing my sweat on your skin, you’ve sort of lost your shine. Time to move on.”
“I know you, Van Turner. And I think you’re mighty fine.”
“Van? Am I still shiny?”
“Yes, Simone. So fucking shiny you make everything else in the world seem a little dull by comparison.”
I absolutely loved it and Sawyer Bennett still gave me the same consistent amazing writing and story telling. I just adore her books!! Van and Simone had so much chemistry and the passion was so insanely hot.
Simone’s character was written so well, she was so funny and sassy! I loved her confidence too, she was just so fun to read! Van was just hella hot, his broody and asshole-ish persona just got me so hot and bothered, those rough and sexy scenes were written so well!! I was just wishing I was Simone so hard LOL!!! I can’t wait for the next book by Sawyer Bennett, she is always consistent in her work and that is one of the many reasons I love her!
It’s time for more hockey with the best team, the Carolina Cold Fury. And this time it is Van Turner and Simone Fournier who are trying to not fall for each other or at least that is what Van thinks anyway.
Van is the closed-off member of the team, he doesn’t let any of his teammates get close, so why should he let a woman get close. With what we learn about his past and the secret he is keeping, it is no wonder that he has built walls around his heart. What he doesn’t expect is the way that Simone storms into his life and demands his attention. And she doesn’t stop until she gets what she wants and that is herself in Van’s bed. But Van feels guilty because he thinks that her brothers, who happen to be two of his teammates, will think he took advantage of her and will break her heart. Once Van makes Simone understand that there is no relationship, it is just pleasure, he is in and the fun begins.
Simone has left college and is staying with Lucas and his roommate Van. And she wants Van and will have him. She has turned up the flirting but he seems to be immuned. But after a little trick, she seems to set the beast free in Van and she is enjoying every minute of it. Although she knows there will not be a relationship between them, she can’t help the feelings seeping through.
What happens when her brothers learn about her and Van? Will she survive if when things end with Van? Will she end things with him when she learns about his past? Will the Cold Fury win the championship again?
I love everything about this series and I think with each book that I have a new favorite, well I think Van has moved his way into my heart and in the number one spot. I laughed and I cried for him and with him and Simone. This story was fantastic and all I can say is if you haven’t started this series, then you should and I hope you loved these men as much as I do. So sit back and enjoy!
**Copy provided by the author and publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review**
4.5 Stars
VAN by Sawyer Bennett. This tells the tale of Van and Simone. I have to be honest and say that it did take me a while to warm up to both of these characters. But, I gave it time because I have read previous works by this author and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Van is really a jerk in all things in the beginning. And Simone is so forward that was a bit of a shock to me. I don’t usually like characters – male or female – that are so aggressive in their pursuit of the other. However, as only Ms. Bennett can do, I grew to love and adore both of these characters. Van’s history is heartbreaking and makes him so much more sexy to me. Simone, while she doesn’t have any nefarious history, I grew to love her confidence and was even a bit jealous of how she went after what she wanted with such gusto. The journey these two take is not a true traditional relationship road, yet it works for them. My heart swelled as the reader can see their feelings develop, even if they don’t necessarily want to admit it. Once again, Ms. Bennett has penned a story that I couldn’t put down and even stayed up all night to read! (received NetGalley ARC for honest review)
Another great story from Sawyer Bennett. Van was different from all the other Cold Fury men. He is broody, doesn’t like to be around people, and closed off. He has his reasons though. The Fournier brothers little sister, Simone, comes barreling into his life and he doesn’t know how to handle it. She’s his game changer.
Simone goes after Van relentlessly. At the beginning I felt she was a bit overwhelming. He said no but she kept her sights on him and wouldn’t let go. Personally I would have given up before I embarrassed myself but not Simone she wouldn’t let him get away. Although Simone is feisty and a little bit too much on the pushy side, I have to admit Van and her are cute together. A little explosive but they have great chemistry not to mention a wonderful friendship.
I enjoyed this book immensely and all the other Cold Fury books. Can’t wait to read Reed’s story.
Highly recommend!!
I have always attempted to give ‘star’ ratings on my completed reads, just as a tracking method for my titles that I have completed. I have unlimited packages for audio, kindle, and utilize the local/state library.
However, I do not check the ‘I recommend this book’ unless I am willing to reread a book and or a series.
[I read about 5-15 books a month through kindle, and I listen to about 15-30 books monthly]
I have a full life as a nurse, professor, wife, daughter [daughter in law], sister, and mother. I love to read and love a thousand other lives by turning the pages in countless books.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a review. Happy reading 🙂
“beyond crazed over what might be an actual unhealthy, stalker-attraction thing I’ve got going on …seems so unnatural and yet completely right at the same time”
This brooding, loner that likes to show his distant angry self is my favorite so far in the series. He has been the one that is hardest on himself and has the most growth potential. Not only will you be cheering for the Cold Fury ~you will be cheering that he gets brought to his knees and his walls come tumbling down.
“You shouldn’t care about someone like me. I told you I don’t have anything to give.”
I was dying to read Van ever since reading the epilogue of Lucas and he was worth the wait. I think Van intrigued me the most because of his refusal to get close to anyone, even his teammates. My heart broke for him as his past was revealed and was able to understand whole heartidly why he was the way he was. Van is by far my favorite of the Cold fury series and I don’t know who , if anybody will be able to top this one.
This book was different from the rest of the Cold Fury series. These characters were not as loveable as most of the other books but that’s what made this on different. I enjoyed the book. Van was not a very likable character, to begin with, but as his story unfolded and his past was revealed my heart broke for him.
* A review copy was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
The Cold Fury Hockey series by Sawyer Bennett has to be one of my favorite sports series to date. I look forward to every book she releases in this series.
Van was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will be honest and say it took me a little while to get into it and to warm up to Van, but once his story started to unfold and all his layers were revealed I fell in love with his character.
Van is the 9th standalone novel in this series and it is told in Dual POV. This is a complete standalone novel, but I would recommend you read Lucas (Book #8) before reading this one. This story runs the same timeline as Lucas and I feel this could be kind of spoilerish if read before Van. With that said it is NOT required to read Lucas first. You can still completely enjoy Van’s story on it’s own.
I will say that I thought Van’s story was a little darker than the others in this series. Van also isn’t your normal Saywer Bennett Hero. He was dark and broody and pretty closed off. But then he met Simone and she was his kryptonite. I LOVED Simone….she was strong and feisty and wouldn’t take NO for an answer. She was the perfect person to bring down Van’s walls. This is a couple I think everyone should meet.
I would 100% recommend this story to everyone who is a sports romance reader. This isn’t overly loaded with hockey references so even if you aren’t a fan of a sports romance, I think you will still enjoy this couple and their story.
Van and Simone’s story has to be one of my favorite Cold Fury Hockey series books. I loved everything about it. The storyline was deep. The strength that Simone and Van have is just amazing. There is a bit of angst near the end, but for the most part we just watch two people fall. The story is going on at the same time as Lucas’ story, so even if this is your first book of this series that you have read, you will be fine. It can totally be a stand-alone. This book gets 5 plus stars from me. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger.
Love this whole series
You are always in for a treat when Sawyer Bennett writes a story and this is no exception! A very hot hockey story!!!
Van is very broody, bossy, protective, and possessive, “…I grit out to her, “You follow me out of this club right now. If you don’t, I’m going to pick you up and carry you out. There are probably going to be several bouncers who are going to try to stop me, and I’m going to kill anyone who tries to interfere. Am I clear?” I loved that Van could be playful, “Van’s hand drops to my *** and he gives me a sharp swat. “Of course there will be ***, Shiny. It just won’t be our primary focus. Got me?” I really loved this book, Van is probably the moodiest man in this series which made me enjoy him so much more.
This was an amazing ride around the Fury’s rink.
Van was that classic “I’m an a-hole” when in all reality he is guarding a secret so well it will shock you when it comes out.
Simone is the Fournier brothers little sister and she is just as spunky and energetic as you would expect. She decides not to finish college and is bunking down with Lucas and Van. Van is not the most welcoming… most of the time.
Friends with benefits? Why not?
Their chemistry is burning up to the point it melts the ice on the rink and off surrounding Van. This was hot, hot, hot!
Wow! A definite 5 You’re Shiny Stars! My favorite Cold Fury book to date. Holy hotness Van, we find out who he really is and he’s absolutely amazing. I FLOVE Simone, she’s sassy, confident and determined when it comes to Van. A must read!!!
Another excellent book by Sawyer Bennett.
Holy hell Sawyer Bennett…. What are you doing to me!!!! Each book that I have read in this series leaves me spellbound and begging for more. I wasn’t sure how I was going to react to Van because he was so angry and brody but in true Sawyer Bennett fashion she had me falling in LOVE with Van and Simone’s story! How can you go wrong with a heroine who is sassy, sexual and goes after what she wants which is the angry, gorgeous alpha hero who is trying to push her away. You wont want to miss this hot as hell read so one-click thus bad boy!
I like the Cold Fury series. I enjoy Hockey stories in general if they are good which these usually are. This one was not my favorite. Van was more twisted than most…not the character “Van” but just the story. I’m not into spoilers so I’m not going to give away the plot but there is plenty of action, twists and turns and drama in the book both on and off the ice.
My least favorte Sawyer Bennett book of all time. The heroine was totally obnoxious. She states that she is mature and makes good decisions. Ha! She acts like a spoiled child and makes bad decision after bad decision. For supposedly being the smartest of the Fournier sibblings, she never comes across as intelligent. Hard to believe someone only a semester shy of a pre-med degree from a prestegious Ivy League school can only find work in a bar wearing next to nothing, let alone as a stripper. Her language and behavior did not fit with her past, her family experience. She was totally unlikeable.