I needed more story less bedroom. I liked it but didn't love it. The repeat bedroom scene becomes boring and takes away from the story and characters.

The Cold Fury Hockey Series continues with Van's story, bringing he and Simone together. There could not have been a better complement to the broodiness of Van than the "shininess" of Simone. The way Ms Bennett introduced them in Lucas, was a genius way to whet our appetite in anticipation of them as a couple came to fruition in Van.

Van's tormented soul is fully felt through his standoffish regard to any type of a relationship...with a secret he felt defined him, he had distanced himself emotionally from others. It took Simone to break through his walls...but not in an ordinary way. She knew actually what she wanted from him, which translated to chipping away at his hesitations. The banter that they vollied between themselves was hilarious...Simone pushing Van's buttons to get what she wanted was priceless. Their relationship was explosive, the intimacy between them definitely steamed up the screen on my mobile device!!

I've been a fan of Ms Bennett's writing for some time now. I count on her stories to always capture my attention from page one, with unique charactes and situations... this story provided that exact tone. Her writing is exemplary in holding my attention from the beginning then building to a rewarding conclusion...this held true for Van and Simone. As hard as they faught for their HEA, their story was perfectly executed, leaving you just knowing they have so much left in store for them individually and as a couple.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

This is one of the best Cold Fury books I've read! I didn't want it to end. Maybe Sawyer can do a short story in the future.

I remember Van from the last book, and Simone too. I could have never guessed they had this much going on at the same time that Lucas' story was being told.

Van has a crazy, sad, unbelievable past. It has affected everything in his life, and turned him into the closed off guy he is today.

I gotta say, I love Simone. Who doesn't like a strong, confident, sexually adventurous, comfortable with who she is heroine. She goes after what she wants, she's unapologetic about it, doesn't offend easily. I just love her. And I don't think anyone else could have gotten past his walls. She's his lobster.

I am so in love with this series. I haven't read all of them yet but I'm working on it.

Oh my! I knew this was one of my fave series for a reason and this just hit me in the face! I was worried this one wasn't going to live up to expectations as I felt Ms Bennett had started to go off the boil, How wrong I was!

To start, I wasn't so sure, I wasn't sure about Simone and the story seemed odd. But slowly I got invested and by the end wow! Best epilogue of any Cold Fury book, by a long way.

Even though I love this series, I wasn't so much a fan of the Lucas story, but now I see it was just the warm up act for this book. And I felt that with Roman and Max, Ms Bennett had decent stories but nothing really to say. For me the author is her absolutely brilliant when she combines a great story with something she passionately wants to say. Here Ms Bennett speaks with a crystal clear voice and it's powerful.

The story sparked with grit, anger, humour and love. Fantastic dialogue and a couple with a unique story. Two lost souls, one who exudes generosity of spirit, spontaneity and panache meets one who is closed, focussed and raw. As you turn each page you'll cheer a little more for these two.

Fantastic story, wonderful characters and an ending better than you hope for.

You'll enjoy this more as a fan of the series but it will be easily enjoyed as a stand alone.

I have read all the books in the Cold Fury series and this is by far my least favorite. I liked the concept of the story but Simone was very childish. Van I liked and understood why he was the way he was. The story line moved at good pace and was believeable but all they did was have sex. Also there was mention of anal sex and I can do without that in a book. Simone and Van did get to know each other and their characters were well developed. I will probably read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy for an honest review:

Simone and Van meet when she barges into the home he shares with her brother, Lucas, and declares she is staying there. To say that Simone was blowing her life apart in the beginning of this book is an understatement. She disappoints her family and tries to come up with excuses for her bad behavior. I found her to be disingenuous for parts of this book. Her feeling that she could choose her path in life without consequences was unrealistic.

Van is a loner who does not do well with personal relationships. Simone is brazen, has no shame and throws herself at Van over and over. I was kind of disgusted with it after a while. Van is not without male needs and does find her to be attractive. He even finds her juvenile behavior to be amusing. He does call her out of her bad behavior a lot and did show a lot of restraint in avoiding her in the beginning.

As usually happens, they agree to a sex only relationship and feelings become involved. When Simone finds out Van's secret, she declares she will stand by him. A lot of Van's feelings and behaviors made sense when his past came to light. His life was definitely shaped by his childhood and it was sad to read in parts. Simone grew on me through this book. While she definitely had growing up to do, she did go after what she wanted. I found it ironic that she had no issues with breaking rules that Van set, yet she wanted her rules to be honored. I did like how much Van grew as a person during this book. His ability to know his strengths and weaknesses and being willing to push through to find happiness was nice to read. The ending was nicely done and was true to this couple.

Please note: I received a copy of VAN from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author.

Five stars and here’s why:

Sawyer Bennett delivers. The COLD FURY series will knock your socks off. Be prepared to lose sleep while reading this book! VAN is the latest book in a whole series on the hockey team, Cold Fury. I never loved hockey until I started reading this series. Now, I’m hooked. **fans herself***

Van takes his aggression out on the ice. He’s a loner due to some serious childhood issues that forces him to wall off his emotions except when he’s playing hockey. Simone is the younger sister of two other teammates, Max and Lucas. She moves in with her brother Lucas, who happens to be Van’s roommate, and well, the sparks fly! And my pages kept turning and turning until I realized, I wasn’t going to get any sleep until I finished the book. **sigh**

If you love romance with a side of hella-hot, athletic guys and sassy women, this book is for you. Ms. Bennett rocks our world with this hockey romance series. Keep the books coming! I don’t know how many guys make up a hockey team, but I’ll keep reading them as long as she keeps writing them. Highly recommend!

In the beginning we see Simone's inner hussie come out. And she's very comfortable letting Van see her. Van tries so hard to fight her seductive ways. When he finally gives in, it is so hot. Van's secret really surprised me though. And the way that Simone listened and supported him was wonderful. I will definitely be rereading this book.

Full review to be published online in late November.

I have to admit that I found VAN to be quite the improvement over ‘Lucas' in Sawyer Bennett's “Cold Fury Hockey” series. I am not really sure how many men make up a hockey team; but here's to hoping that there are enough players to keep the “Cold Fury Hockey” series going for a long time to come. I have enjoyed each and every one of these books, and Van was no different.

Having met Van in Lucas' book, I was dying to see what his story was. He was always so mad and aloof. You knew this was going to be one heck of a story, and it was. His deep, dark secrets were nothing I could have ever imagined, and the plotline delivered on every level.

Van meets an unstoppable force who is Simone Fournier; she is everything he needs in life and doesn't realize it. She makes him come out of his shell and be human again. VAN is another good book in an above average CR series.

How she manages to do it time and time again I might never understand but, I am damn glad she does.  Van is the 9th book in this series, a series that never grows old, and keeps getting better.

I loved the tenacity of Simone.  She grew up with three older brothers and because of it she's one tough chick.  She knows what she wants and she goes after it no matter the consequences.   She wasn't one to back down, play stupid games, or talk just to talk.  She was mature, flirty, and fun with a deep love for her family and hockey.

Van's story was unique and completely took me by surprise.  I loved how it knocked me off kilter for a while and really made stop and think.  He was gruff, mostly silent, and a power house on the ice.  But beneath all that was a old soul just looking for someone who could love him.

Simply amazing. Sawyer Bennett has done it again with another hit in the Cold Fury series!

Van and Simone are my favorite couple! Roman has just been shoved out of the #1 spot.

Simone is so sassy and I just love her take no prisoners attitude when it comes to Van.

This is such a perfect story and I can't wait to see what ( or should I say who) is next!!

I have followed the series from the start and this one ranks among my favorites. Somewhere int he middle of the series, things seemed to fall apart or where not typical for the author. I love Sawyer to pieces and always look forward to her books. But a couple of the recent ones in the Cold Fury have been blah..

Van however, redeems everything! Not much hokey in this one but that's OK! This book has Simone! Whew what a whirlwind she is! No wonder her brothers have tried to keep a handle on her. Never to be deterred, she knows she wants Van and she is going to peel away all his defenses until she gets him.

This story line runs parallel to Lucas story for the first half of the book. Some events will seem familiar but they are now from Simone and Van's POV. Just overall a refreshing, well written story. The message that we are all worthy of love shines through. So happy for this couple.

Wonderful to see Luc and Max and their parents again. Also caught up with a few of the other couples. Looking forward to the next adventure with this hockey team!

Another great read by Sawyer Bennett!! I love the Cold Fury series!
After reading Lucas, I didn't know how Van could possibly compete, but Bennett doesn't disappoint and has me falling in love with Van! Van has been through so much and finally meets his match in Simone. I don't think I have ever read about two characters who complement each other so well! But that doesn't mean everything was smooth sailing. They had a lot to overcome and it was great to see. I love seeing the Cold Fury team and checking in on the others lives.

“That’s right. Don’t assume,” I tell her. “Ask if you’re confused. But Simone . . . you know the worst about me. You took my cock bare. I’m man enough to admit that I’ve got my feelings tied up now too. I sure as fuck don’t know what any of it means, and I’m totally out of my element here. I don’t know what we are, but you are anything but a lay to me.”

OH! MY! FREAKING! GOD!...........I LOVE THIS MAN!!!

Okay, Ryker will always be my favorite Cold Fury but damnit, Van is a very close second. If the guy had kids they’d be neck and neck.

Each of the Cold Fury men has their “baggage” or “burdens” to carry, but not one of them has the nightmare of a past that Van has. He hides the pain of his childhood secrets, he was teased mercilessly as a child. If it hadn’t been for the love his aunt gave him who knows where he would have ended up. With a past like that, he doesn’t do relationships (these guys should know by now that admitting that only means you’re going to end up in one). For Van it’s just sex, no love making. Just rough, dirty, no cuddles, no terms of endearment…just get in, hit it from the back and get out, sex. It’s not just romantic relationships he doesn’t do; he doesn’t even have real friends. He keeps to himself and stays closed off. The last thing he needs is to get close to someone and they find out who he really is. The further away people stay the better; that is until the Fournier’s enter his life. First his teammate Lucas who happens to be going through a pretty rough time and Van finds himself trying to be a good friend to him. Then there’s Simone, Lucas’ (and his other teammate Max’s) little sister. She busts into his life and lets it be known that she is majorly attracted to him, she wants him and she WILL have him. With everything that is in him Van tries so hard to resist Simone but she’s so damn enticing. She off limits for several reasons, the main two being he doesn’t do relationships and her brothers would kill him! Soon Simone proves to be too much for him and well; an ass-kicking by the Fournier’s might not be so bad.

Simone Fournier has spent her life doing as she was told and what everyone else wants. Months away from graduating from an Ivy League School and well on her way to Medical School, she decides to drop out of school and lands on her Brother Lucas’ door step. One look at her brother’s hot ass roommate and she knows she has to have a piece of Van Turner. She’s a girl that goes after what she wants and usually gets it but Van is a hard nut to crack. She finally wears him down but learns that he’s one of the most shut off people she’s ever met. When she learns his secret, he expects her to run but it only makes her want him more and want more from him.

I can’t even begin to say how much I enjoyed Van and Simone’s story; I loved both of these characters. Van is so rough and raw but at the same time afraid and insecure. Simone is wild and crazy but so loving. They complemented each other so well. What I also liked about this book was Van and Simone’s story was happening pretty much during Lucas’ and Stephanie’s story. I’ve read other series where the author attempted to do this and things just got way too confusing but this story was told very smoothly. I loved the relationship between Van and Simone. While Van may have convinced himself that he was not relationship material, his ease in letting Simone in and becoming exclusive with her showed how ready he was for a relationship. As for Simone, I liked her from the minute we met her in Lucas (can’t remember if we met her in Max…); she was spunky, sassy and everything wild. I love how she handled Van. She didn’t let him intimidate her, she stood her ground and pushed him to limits he didn’t know he had. What I really liked about her was the way she gave him space when he needed. Even if she felt she should push issues, she let him work it out on his own.
“I think what he needs is probably my quiet attention and a willingness to let him settle into this the best way that he can. “
Meant-to-be is the only way I can describe these two.
Van is one of my top Cold Fury books and after reading his story I’m definitely convinced…..I need to find me a Hockey Player!!! He can be retired, I don’t care!! I WANT ONE!!

I love this series, Sawyer Bennett really has done a great job with Cold Fury. I think it's so hard to keep a series going because each book needs a new storyline and new voices, but continue building on the series as well. And she does that.

The characters are well developed and the chemistry is there. I devoured this book. And cannot wait to devour the next one too!

I loved Van......I pulled for these characters from the beginning. I loved the role reversal with Van being the hard to get one instead of Simone.....I loved how Simone pursued Van......their love story was emotional and pull the heart strings.....and being a Vermont girl I loved that they end up here.

**Received book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review**
Van is the 9th book in the Cold Fury Hockey series, and can be read as a standalone. BUT I would recommend reading at least Max and Lucas first since they are the h's siblings, and I think you would lose a lot in my opinion by not reading them first.
Van Turner is Lucas's roommate, he's brooding, not very social/talkative and very angry on and off the ice. Simone Fournier is intelligent, but lost. When she drops out of medical school she goes to stay with Lucas and that's when she meets Van. Simone is everything Van is not, she's social, likable, sweet, kind, caring, funny, quirky the whole nine yards and Van definitely doesn't want anyone like her in his life. No matter what lengths Simone goes to in order to gain Van's attention, he remains detached. But when he finds her in a hooters like place working, it may test his control.
This book had some real twists and turns that I definitely wasn't expecting. I loved the storyline, and though Van was grumpy a lot, it didn't take away from his character and my enjoyment of his character. Simone's character was just crazy, and quirky and funny. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I loved the chemistry between Van and Simone. The story line was very original and exciting. I love this series and can't wait for the next book!!! If I had to come up with a gripe, the only thing I could say is I wish there was a little more story at the end. I know we will see these characters in upcoming books, but it would have been nice to have that little bit more. Hope this helps!! Happy Reading!!!

After reading Lucas I wasn't too sure how much I was going to like Van. He seemed like a jerk and I wasn't too enthused about him to be honest. His book ended up being completely different than I thought it was going to be. Sure Van still had his jerk moments where I wanted to slap him, but the storyline was not at all what I was expecting. His secret is definitely unique and completely different from the rest of the series. Needless to say I was a bit shocked when I read about it, but it sure kept it interesting. Van's been through a lot in his life and it makes me sad for him. He deserves way better than that and I'm glad he finds Simone. Simone can be a hoot. She's got a strong personality to match Van's. She fights and charms her way into getting what she wants, which she often gets. She's a great match for Van, even if they both have alpha personalities, they just work together. She knows just what buttons to push and how to act around him as well as how to talk to him. She gets him in a way others don't and gets to see the true Van behind all his walls. I loved seeing those walls come down and learning about the real Van. The real Van is a great guy that I really enjoyed and liked. The ending was quite surprising to me, but it makes sense for what Van wants. I still love the whole Fournier clan, they're a great family. I loved the couple of check ins with past characters as well, those made me smile 😁. Van's a great story about overcoming obstacles and being your own person despite your past.