4 1/2 Stars! Another great book in the Cold Fury Series.

Van cannot get over his childhood ... his father is a serial rapist and his mother committed suicide ... the only good thing is his Aunt Etta who raised him. He is scared to embark into any kind of relationship, in fear that he is like his father. But then Max and Luc's little sister Simone enters his world and he cannot miss that she is sassy and beautiful . Simone quits college because she doesn't know what she wants to do with her life ... but she knows she doesn't want to be a doctor like her father. After she wears out her welcome at her brother Max's house, she goes to live with her other brother Luc and Van is Luc's roommate. When Simone meets Van, she is immediately drawn to him and is relentless in pursuing him. Van finally gives in to her and they begin a steamy affair with lots of ups and downs.

The word that comes to mind with Van is a$$hole! He is such a jerk to Simone in the beginning, I wonder why she even bothers. But I think she sees that he is a tortured sole in need of saving. This is a hot, steamy, funny romance. I have read all of the Cold Fury series and cannot wait for the next book!

I received an ARC copy courtesy of Random House - Loveswept through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Van (Cold Fury Hockey, #9) by Sawyer Bennett .... This is Van and Simone's story... I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review. Simone is Lucas's sister and she showed up in his book when she dropped out of college and showed up at his and Van's apartment and moved in to sleep on the couch. Van has way to many hang ups.. his did is a serial killer in prison ... his mother killed herself... he is afraid he will turn out like his dad... Simone wants him and lets him know...he tries to shut her out...There are so many feels, tears, laughs and HOT sex... They get to their HEA and I look forward to #10 Reed's story.

Another great addition to the Cold Fury series! Although Van is book 9 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. The timeline runs parallel, however, to the previous book, Lucas, so it might enhance the experience if you've read that one prior to starting Van.

Van and Simone were a classic case of opposites attract. He was broody and closed off, while she was feisty and transparent. I actually was surprised by how aggressive and persistent she was in getting what she wanted. The two of them shared some incredible chemistry and witty banter and I enjoyed watching them go toe to toe with each other. All of it combined together for an explosively sexy result.

Simone confused me a bit, going from extremely mature and insightful for a 22 year old, to bratty and petulant the next. I did respect that she stood her ground when it mattered and wouldn't allow herself to be anyone's doormat, but as much as I liked her, I can't say that I loved her. Van was more consistent in his behavior, living up to his reputation as a broody jerk for the majority of the book. Readers who are fond of alpha a-holes will absolutely love him. ;) Some of the words that came out of his mouth though were so cutting, they left me reeling. He was carrying some heavy baggage though and I could sympathize with him as he battled his demons. What didn't quite add up was his emotional 180 at the end, but by that point I was invested in these 2 and wanted them to find their HEA.

Even though each book in the series can be read as a standalone, I love getting little snippets about the Cold Fury family. It's a fun little treat for fans of the series. The epilogue, though somewhat surprising, was not completely unexpected and was perfect for the story. It definitely left me with a shiny happy heart.

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

Out of all the Cold Fury books, this one has got to be my favorite hands down. Van was so moody and quiet, but with Simone in his face he let the walls down. I loved this book, and I loved how Simone knew just how much Van could take and when to back off. At first Van comes off as a difficult man, but underneath he is harboring a horrendous secret. He is a very sweet guy all he needed was for the right person to come along to bring it out him. This was an amazing book and I can't wait for more.

This is the 9th installment in the Cold Fury Hockey series. This one is about Van Turner, an enforcer for the team, and Simone Fournier, who is the sister of Max and Lucas from the team. We saw how they met in Lucas's book although you don't have to read that book in order to read this one. This one is completely standalone in that aspect, although the previous books help build the world so you understand all the relationships and undercurrents. With all that being said, Simone has been attracted to Van from the moment they met and has been trying to tempt him into doing something about that attraction. Van on the other hand has been cold and unfeeling towards everyone he interacts with and Simone is no exception. Until she finally cracks his resolve to keep her at a distance. And then he becomes something totally different (and HOT) in the bedroom than what he shows the world.

I will admit, I was a little apprehensive about this book. I wasn't sure if I would really like Van, especially with the way he talks to Simone at times. I thought he was a pretty big jerk. But then this author totally changed my mind on him. Once he truly cracks and lets Simone in, and you find out exactly why he is the way he is? I started loving him. Yes, he makes mistakes. Major ones. But when he figures out exactly what truly matters in life and decides to fix it? He not only does it in a big way but he truly opens his heart and shows Simone exactly what she means to him. I loved it and devoured this book! I think Van is firmly tied in my heart with Roman now and I didn't think it was possible to overtake his spot! Loved this book! Can't wait to read more in this series!

Van is the newest book in The Cold Fury Series by Sawyer Bennett and can be read as a stand-a-lone.

We met Van in the last cold Fury story as Van is Lucas’ roommate. He is moody and brooding as described by Simone, Lucas’ sister. Simone barges in to live with the two as she has decided not to return to school. She is a firecracker with a smart mouth and Van’s plan is to stay away from her, although difficult when Simone throws herself at Van every chance she gets.

Van has quite a secret and even though he gives in to his urges with Simone, he wants to protect her.

At times I struggled with this story as I couldn’t understand why Simone would continue to want to be with Van as he is hostile towards Simone, but as the story develops we understand his thinking.
This was not my favorite of the Cold Fury Series, but it was nice to re-visit some of the previous players.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Yes!

Simone was everything I wanted her to be.. Fun, Sassy and what surly Van needed!.

Van has been through hell and last thing he wants or needs is his teammates sister interfering in his laugh, even though she is hot.. Simone can't help but fall for the hockey god but she isn't in it for anything other than sex, or is she?

While this had some tough background stories it was so much fun to read and watch the relationship between Van and Simone unfold.

The men of Cold Fury---SWOON!!! Every time I think one of their stories can't be topped there is another and it is always SO good! I look forward to the release of every one and I hope the series never ends. Van- talk about hot, brooding, sensitive and he doesn't even know it. Sloane was just what he needed with her persistence. She kept her eye on the prize. Loved this book!!! Cannot wait for Reed and the future men of Cold Fury!

I love all the Cold Fury players and Van is no exception. He is a awesome addition to the Cold Fury team.
Seemingly standoffish and loner Van is the one Simone just can’t seem not to annoy.
An engaging tale of deep emotion, family ties and self discovery.

4.5 Intense and Worth It Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
I am going to make this quick. This is a strong entry to the Cold Fury Series. Van is not your run of the mill Hockey guys... he keeps to himself and he thinks it is for a good reason.

Simone Fournier has other ideas. She took one look at Van... and saw something that called to her. The more he pushed away... the more she teased and taunted.

This had all the markings of Naughty, Wrong and a bit Cray Cray from anyone's standpoint... But Simone saw through it all... determined to Get Through to Van...

And the Getting Through was Oh, So Good.

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Love that I am getting the taste of Van and Simone...
Van thinks he is a hard ass and can push everyone away...
Little does he realize he has met his match...

For Simone is a Fournier...
And when they dig in....
They don't give up!

Let the Battle of Wills begin...
●•●•●•●•●•●•●•
August 15. 2017
So, we were introduced to Van...
And this is a guy who plays everything very close to the vest...

He blatantly makes no real friends on the team...
Oh, he will tolerate and make nice when necessary...
But don't look for him to be your "Bro"...

He never figured on Simone to constantly challenge his facade...
She is relentless and knows what she wants...
And what she wants is...

Van (Cold Fury Hockey, #9)-November 28th 2017
I love Sawyer Bennett and this Cold Fury Hockey series. I don't think there is another author who can take all of this premise and then have it all fall into place like Bennett does... Well done and please please bring on Reed!

This is the ninth book in the Cold Fury Hockey series and I have enjoyed reading all them. Sawyer Bennett is a great storyteller and I love reading all her books, but I have to admit, my favorite are her stories about hot hockey players. This is a captivating, heartwarming and sexy story with engaging characters

Van Turner is the enforcer for the Cold Fury hockey team. He is brooding, withdrawn and isn’t interested in making friends or being popular. He had a rough childhood and doesn’t have any interest in a relationship. He has dark secrets from his past he is not willing to share with anyone. He lives with Lucas, one of his teammates and when Lucas little sister, Simone comes to stay with them, Van and Simone share an attraction.

Simone is trying to figure out her life after dropping out of college just shy of graduating. She is feisty and has set her sites on Van and is unrelenting, no matter how much Van tries to discourage her advances. Simone is light and fun and breezy and the total opposite of Van. She keeps coming on to Van and although he ignores her, it only seems to make Simone try harder. Can Van continue to fight Simone or will she finally wear him down.

I liked both Van and Simone. They are total opposites but somehow they work.
He is solitary and grumpy she is friendly and happy. I enjoyed all of Van’s dirty talking and their explosive chemistry. Van goes on an emotional journey and I wanted Simone to help lighten his tortured soul.

Van and Lucas both play for the Cold Fury and are rooming together u til they can find placed of their own. One day Lucas’ younger sister Simone lands on his doorstep with her bags planning on staying and dropping out of college. None of her family is happy about the situation. Van is a very closed off person and is a jerk to most people. Simone is very liberated and flirts outrageously with Van who always acts like he is ignoring her. Simone is patient and keeps trying to get Van to notice her.

The story is so sad in some places, very hot and sexy in other places, and even some sweet places. Van has a very troubled background that is hard to comprehend how a parent could do the things they did. Simone is smart, beautiful, stubborn, and very open about sex. When Simone and Van are together it’s always like fireworks. I loved how Simone did not give up on Van and dug through the wall around his heart. The ending made my heart melt. This is another great hockey story by Ms. Bennett that I strongly encourage you to read. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

❝Simone … you were my first friend ever. My first … everything.❞

‘Van’ just might be my favorite in the Cold Fury series.

We got a glimpse of Van and Simone in the last book in the Cold Fury series, ‘Lucas’, when Simone moved in with her brother, Lucas, and Van. Van did not act impressed by her. Although, you could definitely sense the sexual tension. 'Van' starts out with Simone moving in. This book runs concurrent with ‘Lucas’ but never did I feel like we were getting a retelling. Instead, it was great seeing events in ‘Lucas’ through the eyes of Simone and Van. 'Van', however, could be read as a standalone.

❝I’m tired of your games, little girl. No more flirting and shaking your ass around me.❞

Van Turner is the enforcer for the Cold Fury hockey team. He’s a bruiser to his core. He’s hiding a terrifying secret that has shaped him into the man he is today. His reputation as an asshat has helped keep people at bay. He’s all for one night stands, but anything more, could bring his secret to life and could hurt more than just him.

I loved the moments we got to see Van’s vulnerability and his fears. He was always so stalwart and a pro at hiding behind his walls. So when he smiled, laughed or showed emotion, those tender moments were all the more powerful. However, beneath that brooding, standoffish man hid an alpha male so sexy, Simone could barely control herself.

Simone was a terrific character, she was loyal, full of spunk and sass. She was determined to live the life she wanted and that included having the man she desired.

❝He should have never shown me that. He should have kept that secret from me because I’m even more determined than ever to chip through this armor he’s wearing.❞

‘Van’ was steaming hot! The sex scenes were flaming because of the alpha male Van and the girl who is always up for anything, Simone. I turned off my electric blanket while reading this because I didn’t need any extra assistance keeping me warm!

‘Van’ satisfied the angst lover in me. It pulled at my emotions. I was angry and felt sad for Van and was proud of and rooted for Simone. One of the great things about this series is that while each book can be read as a standalone, you get a little bit about previous couples. So I cannot wait to find out what the future holds for Van and Simone!

This series just gets better and better!! Van’s book it had a little bit of a different vibe to it definitely unique. Part of Van’s book runs concurrent with Lucas’ book so you see another side to his and Stephanie’s story.

Simone drops out of college and decides that she is going to stay with her brother Lucas who shares a house with his teammate Van. Simone was a strong and stubborn heroine and boy was she a little firecracker, but a little lost in her life. Van is closed off and keeps his distance from people very broken. They are thrown together and the sparks and banter fly! Simone sit her sites on Van and he wants nothing to do with her. The more Van pushes Simone away the harder she pushes back.

He had his reasons for keeping to himself and when Simone found out what that was the story took a big turn. She gave him the outlet to finally share his past with someone. They both had obstacles to overcome in their past but they were better together they seem to bring out the best in each other. Near the end Van messes up big time but it was fun watching him pull out all the stops to prove himself to Simone.

I am not sure how I feel about the epilogue. I am sure that we will be seeing Van and Simone in future books because they are family!!! Catching up with the team and their families is always a highlight to this series.

Another Sawyer Bennett surprise! Van was such a complete jerk in Lucas that I was convinced there was no way he was worthy enough to be the next Cold Fury hero. Fear not, Van turned out every bit as yummy as his teammates.

That's not to say Van didn't try his damnest to push away Simone and his teammates with his aloof, harsh lone wolf demeanor. Too bad the saucy, sexy Simone was even more determined to break down his walls. Once she set her mind to it (and dropped her clothes), Van was done for. In fact, Van and Simone's escapades put them in the running for The Cold Fury's Most Sexually Adventurous Couple. These two clearly didn't lack heat or chemistry. What Van and Simone did lack was patience and maturity, which fit with their college age experiences. Van was so scared to let anyone in and Simone was still trying to find her adult footing.

Their story ran somewhat parallel to part of Lucas and Stephanie's story, and it was sweet to check in on the other Cold Fury couples. Looking forward to Reed, the next hero in the Cold Fury lineup.

Oh VAN!! What can I say. ... except for '"you are my MAN, VAN!" This guy was so hot I was melting raising the book. The cover alone is drool worthy. Love this author. I've hea d so much about her and never had the opportunity to read her books. Thank you NetGalley for I toducng me to another great author

I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

there is tortured past with a brooding hero in a romance novel and then there is seriously fucked up past, like just fucked up and then several steps over the line into ghastly territory.

This book falls into the latter category.

luckily the heroine really liked to be dominated and abused? I feel gross just phrasing that.

ok.

there was a lot of consensual sex between adults. if you consider a sheltered 22 year old to be an adult. the law does, so whatever. the guy was emotionally scarred, the girl was emotionally scarring. Ha ha just kidding. But there was a scene at the beginning where I honestly thought she might try to rape him. she would have failed. he had a foot and a hundred pounds on her but I dunno. he was maybe messed up enough that her raping him was a possibility.

anyway. they have a lot of sex. they get emotions. he has trouble with emotions. they have the requisite douchebaggery of him because of said emotions. and then a super fast and easy make up in time for The End.

Do I have confidence this relationship will last? Not really. Did I think some of the sex was scorching? Ugh. Yes. Sue me.

It was perfect! Simone is strong and determined and knows her worth and Van is stubborn and strong and pure alpha. He is a man of very few words and low sweetness but when he actually is loving it is purely swoon worthy. It's even better than a guy that is like that all the time. When he decides what he wants he goes all out. It is very entertaining to read their interactions and really see that Van has the patience of a saint for having to deal with Simone's advances. But really, how can he say no when she has exactly what he needs? What he has been missing. She brings out from him potential he didn't even know he possessed and that is worth turning every page and getting sucked into the story. I also love the details into how Lucas situation was progressing since this story is happening at the same time as his.

This series is just phenomenal! All the book on the own deserves 5 stars all day long but when you read them one after each other do you get the total effect to how brilliant, fantastic, wonderful and amazing author Sawyer Bennett is. One of my favourite authors of all time. If I could give her more stars I would all day long. All her books are fantastic to read especially her sports ones. There my favourite! Would highly, totally and absolutely recommend this book and this author.