If you love this author then you are going to love it!!Van was a really fun read with a touch of darkness.Van Turner is a tough on and off the ice. He uses hockey as an outlet for his anger and frustration. Until Simone saunters into his life.Both Van and Simone are definitely flawed and it took me a bit to warm up to them , but when it finally happened I enjoyed even more this story!

DNF at 20%.

I hate to abandon a book so early on but I had to for my mental health. In my defence I started reading this THREE times and each time a put it down in irritation.

Van Turner shares a home with his Carolina Cold Fury team mate Lucas, he's got a tortured past blah, blah, blah which I read about so long ago I can't remember. Whatever it is means he can never get close to anyone yadda, yadda, yadda. Lucas' sister Simone lands on their doorstep unannounced and insists on sleeping on their sofa - because her brothers are hockey players and couldn't afford a hotel room, right? She's a bit of a loser, dropped out of college and is making a 'living' as a waitress in a bar which makes the Hooters' waitresses' uniforms look like nun's habits (although I'll have to take that on faith as I have no idea what the waitresses wear at Hooters).

Simone thinks being aggressive and having a filthy mouth will wear Van down into sleeping with her, under her brother's roof because that's the kind of classy gal she is. Van of course is all deny, deny, deny and avoidance. Every so often she breaks down his resistance, they share a hot kiss and grope then he is disgusted with himself and walks away (usually to masturbate in his room).

You've probably guessed it already but I found Van to be a whiny cry baby and Simone to be (frankly) a sex pest. I have real trouble when female characters behave in a way that we would find objectionable if a man did the same. You just can't have different standards and she was harassing Van, okay he fancied her too but she was pushy and wouldn't take no for an answer. How many times do we women say "No, means no" and then allow female characters to ignore a very loud, clear "NO"? Sorry, I had a lot of spleen to vent for not very much reading.

When Van decides to spend his downtime in Simone's bar drowning his sorrows and is simultaneously (i) indignant on behalf of Simone's brothers that she is working there, (ii) turned on by barely there bikini top and micro shorts, and (iii) angry that other en are ogling her - so he takes her into the car park where he decides to dry hump her against a wall I decided to bail.

I have read quite a few Sawyer Bennett books before, I've even read one of the other books in the Cold Fury series and really enjoyed it so I'll chalk this up to experience. You can't love them all.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

Van


*received an arc in exchange for an honest review*

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Cold Fury boys are back and it’s time to meet Van! Sawyer Bennett’s Cold Fury Series never disappoints and she will take you on another wild ride with Van. He is the guy you want to hate because he doesn’t care about relationships but there is a small part of you wanting to like him no matter what. And when you add a sassy,opinionated woman like Simone there is definitely going to be sparks flying. If you are looking for a hot, sexy, hockey book, this one is for you.

Van has pushed everyone away in his life. He won’t get close to anyone or start any relationships because he doesn’t want to end up like his father. But it begins to take its toll and soon he can’t ignore Simone. He knows he should stay away from her, especially because he is teammates and roommates with her brothers but there is no denying the pull he feels when he is around her.

Simone has thrown her family a curveball by not finishing school and having no clue what she wants to do with her life. While staying with Lucas she can’t help but notice Van and feel the chemistry between them. But when he continues to push her advances away she knows soon he will break. And when he does she will be ready for it.

As they continue to dance around each other Van’s past comes back to haunt him and he knows he has to change something. Simone takes the opportunity when he is distracted and finally gets what she wants, him. Soon she is breaking down his walls and giving him hope of things that he thought he would never have. But will it be enough? Or will insecurities and the past come back and once again dictate how Van will live his life?

QueenZany 4 Star Review
Van
By Sawyer Bennett


Van is a storm of pure sultry, delectable goodness!
Magnifying the depth of one's own past and changing one's true future if it is truly fated!
This blazing instalment of the the Cold Fury series is one that you will want to reread over and over again. Staking a claim to your aching heart!

4.5 Well Deserved STARS!!

Absolutely Fantastic. This series is getting better and better and has become one of my most favorite sport series, ever!!

Even though this is a series, you can enjoy each story as standalone. However, you're going to love how beautifully well-built and written they're are. Each story has a life of their own, and if you listened to them in addition to the useal reading, you're going to fall in love all over again.

I highly recommend this fabulous story and the 8th previous ones!!

Van and Lucas are traded to Cold Fury with hopes of winning the Stanley Cup. Since they joined the team at the same time, they agreed to share a house until they decided where they wanted to live. Lucas, the more social of the two, has a younger sister. Simone shows up on their porch, unannounced, proclaiming she's dropped out of college and moving in until she decides what she wants to do with her life. Lucas is furious. He can't believe she's dropped out of Dartmouth with only one year left on her undergraduate degree. Simone, the baby and only girl in the family, has decided she doesn't want to become a doctor, but doesn't know what she wants to do yet either. Lucas allows her to stay on the couch until she finds something else.

Van, a virtual recluse, doesn't really care if Simone stays or not as he just wants to be left alone. Van has secrets and knows if he opens himself up to Simone, she'll run as fast as she can in the opposite direction. Van, after having an extremely rough childhood, was introduced to hockey after moving in with his Aunt Etta. Hockey became his saving grace at a time when he needed it most, but he always regretted not going to college to study psychology. He wants to win the Stanley Cup, but is open to other ventures after he obtains his dream. What he doesn't expect is Simone. Simone is a force unto herself. If she wants something, she goes after it until she gets it and she wants Van....

Without spoiling the story or the ending, I have to say that this is one of my favorite Cold Fury stories. I enjoyed Simone's quirkiness, honesty, heart, and go get 'em attitude. She wasn't whiny or weak. I loved how she was able to "help" Van without really telling how to fix things. She let him figure it out for himself. I also enjoyed the fact that hockey was not the end all for Van. I loved that he had other goals in life that had nothing to do with hockey. They made a really cute couple. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Simone has dropped out of college and she is at a crossroads as she doesn’t know what direction she wants her life to take. Until she can decide what she wants she shows up on her brother’s doorstep so that he can assist her through this transition. What she didn’t expect was his sexy roommate Van.

Van is dark, brooding and doesn’t let anyone close. He has a past that he wants to remain buried and he has learnt the hard way that the best way to function is alone no matter how tempting the beautiful Simone is. There is also the complication that two of her brothers play on the same hockey team as him and that is a recipe for disaster.

Although Simone can’t make her mind up about her career the one thing she knows is that she wants Van. All she wants is some good time and is not looking for a relationship but once she gets to know the real Van all bets are off but will he be willing to let her get close?

The chemistry between the two was off the charts and with her outgoing, vivacious personality she is a perfect foil to his quiet reserved persona and together they are a perfect match. I have loved this series and this book is no exception. I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

I joined the Cold Fury game way late but I’m so glad I’ve discovered this series. Van is one of my favorite books this year!

Van is a beast on the ice, one of the best in the league. But off the ice, he’s standoffish and a little cold to those around him. He’s not really friends with his teammates and he doesn’t let any woman get close. He’s holding a secret that he doesn’t want anyone to know and the only way to ensure that is to never get close to anyone. Simone drops the bomb on her family that with less than a year left, she’s dropping out of college and needs a place to stay. This finds her crashing on her brother, Lucas, and Van’s couch. Simone’s pursuit of Van is one of my favorite parts of this story. When she learns Van’s secrets, it pushes their relationship from secret fun to out in the open commitment.

The personal conflicts that Van and Simone were experiencing were what kept me riveted to this story and unable to put the book down once I started. This series has become an obsession of mine and I can’t wait to go back and read the rest and see whatever comes next for the Cold Fury team.

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

Complicated characters and steamy scenes fill this newest story in the Cold Fury Hockey series.

Van Turner shares a house with another new player, Lucas Fournier, who he rarely sees except for on the ice and that’s just fine with him. And then Lucas’s sister Simone crashes with them after she dropped out of college. She wants him bad but her brothers, Van’s teammates, aren’t about to let him get involved with her. They always underestimate her ability to get what she wants. Great story with heart and emotion – and hot guys!

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review

Holy hotness. How do you avoid falling for your teammate and roommate's little sister when she moves in with you? Two guys and one girl living in a two bedroom, one bathroom house does not bode well for two libidos. Especially since the third member is the older brother to one and the teammate of the other.

Simone is a force of nature to be reckoned with and she has set her sights on Van. Van knows better than to get involved with anyone's little sister. But sparks fly and the two of them hit the sheets, er shed, er kitchen table - yeah, you get my drift.

Simone is a very social being whereas Van has a secret that has caused him to be anti-social. So what happens when his secret is revealed for all to see? How will he handle the revelation? Who will stand behind him? He's never had a relationship before Simone, so how will this affect them individually and as a couple? You will need to read the book to find out.

Wow! This book was off the charts hot! This book steaming up my Kindle. A definite must read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Cold fury series is one of my favorite series to date! Each book will have you rooting for the couple. This one was no different. It will leave you wanting more! (And also a little remember to fan yourself at times ;))

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book and I absolutely loved it!

This book made me laugh, cry, fan myself from all the explosive heat, and fall in love with this couple. I loved Simone she brought the laughs in this book with all of her crazy antics and I loved Van because he was so strong...yet so broken but it didn't make him weak it actually made him...beautiful!

Another hit for Sawyer Bennett! I hope this series never ends!

Van Turner is a bruiser on the Cold Fury hockey team. He keeps the players from other teams away from hurting his teammates. Simone Fournier is the little sister of his roommate Lucas. She has dropped out of school and not sure what she wants to do. When she moves in, all hell breaks loose. Van is a no to anything happening between them. Simone has other ideas. The verbal sparring is just foreplay. Until she finally gets past the wall he has put up around his heart. Anything is possible but the past has reared its ugly head. Simone is a stay and fight for your man. He is used to people running. When the tables are turned, does Van stay and fight? You will love the ending.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆☆
I have no idea why I find stand-offish guys so intriguing, but they always wind up being my favorites and Van is no exception, this was my favorite book in the Cold Fury Hockey series so far!

Van is an ass to just about everyone, he doesn’t really have friends and that includes his roommate Lucas. When Lucas’s sister, Simone, shows up on their doorstep and lets them know she’s moving in Van acts unimpressed, and though he finds her attractive, he refuses to let anything come of it. Van doesn’t let anyone in on the dark secret from his past and he keeps his “relationships” to nothing more than one-night stands. Simone finds Van not only sexy as all get out but also very intriguing, and she’s bound and determined from their very first meeting to get him in bed.

The sexual tension between these two literally builds from page one and it made for a book I couldn’t put down. This book is smoking hot, Van in all his alpha-man glory and Simone willing to try anything to get his attention, made it everything. Simone was one of my favorite heroines I’ve read in a while, she’s super sassy, sarcastic, fierce, and lets nothing get in the way of her getting what she wants. Here’s to hoping this isn’t the last book in the series, I so need more!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of super sexy hotness and compassion

This is the ninth book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them all, as they are super hot and fun. If you like hockey romances, then this series is up there in sports quality and hotness. The stories are all linked, and this one in particular mirrors some of Lucas, so I would definitely read his story before this. In fact, you will get double the fun if you read them one after the other, as the hints in Lucas turn out to be very relevant!

Van is the introverted grumpy team member, and we discover during the course of the story just why that is – he has certainly had a tough start to life, and is still not sure whether he can dare for more. Simone, Lucas's sister, who crashes with them for a while, has decided that she is going to flirt with him till he succumbs. This leads to much fun and banter, and then a secret super sexy "benefits" scenario. He doesn't want to think about the "friends" element, as that is against the rules.

Luckily rules are meant to be broken, and after some very well crafted angst, we get everything we could want for these two lovely characters.

Ms. Bennett has excelled herself with this installment – full of feeling, scorching hot, and plenty of hockey too!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Van is trying to outrun his past, bury it deep and never re-open the wounds of his childhood. He does this by focusing on hockey and not connecting with any one – especially women. His aunt, Etta, is the only person in his life who knows the truth about who his biological father is.

When Simone moves in, she immediately takes an interest in Van, and the more Van pushes her away, the more she wants him. She doesn't understand why Van is playing hard to get – it can't only be because she is the little sister of two of his hockey teammates.

Van finds an unexpected ally in Simone, finding he can talk to her and trust her with his secrets. Until the world finds out his deepest darkest secret and he pushes everyone away.

The way that Van is written makes the reader experience the pain and shame as it if were fresh and real. You feel for the child that was forced to live through a nightmare, the feelings of confusion and anger toward his mother for making him live that nightmare every day for months.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Murder, bad home life.

Simone is feisty. She doesn't really have a plan in her life, but knows that her current path was leading her into a life she didn't want. When she runs back to her brother's house, she also runs right to Van's house – since they are roommates.

Simone sets her sight on Van right away. He's standoffish, surly, and mean... but there's something about him… she can't help but be attracted to him.

Van knows that he should stay away from Simone. She's beautiful, strong minded, and knows that he's attracted to her. However, Van is still struggling with things in his past and when those things come back and mess with his present, Van has to decide whether or not he is going to run again or fight this time.

There is a lot of emotion in this story between Van and Simone. They made me laugh and cry because their relationship was real and honest.

I enjoyed this story a lot because the relationship was so real and the relationships around them were honest and true. I can't wait to see what's next.

Van is the ninth book in the Cold Fury Hockey series. I'm a huge fan of Sawyer and her hockey heroes! Van gave Ryker a run for his money in my eyes. He's broody, sexy, and a bruiser on the ice. He acts like a jerk but there's something going on behind his eyes and I knew his story was going to be fantastic. Simone, Max and Lucas's sister wanted Van the first time she saw him. She flirted, strutted her sexiness and pretty much let him know she was his for the taking. Van stopped all her advances. He can't get involved with anyone. His past might catch up to him and he can't let Simone get caught in the crossfire. But, she's persistent and gorgeous and he isn't strong enough to resist. After a few hot as hell nights together Van realized Simone isn't like any other woman he's ever known. She's special. Will Van finally confront his past so he can have a future with Simone? Will he fight for what he wants? I loved Van. Really. He's something special because he's nothing like his image. He has a soft gooey center and I just wanted to hug him and never let go. Simone is seriously kick ass! She's strong, confident in her own skin and smart! They are the perfect pair.

"just look at all you got going on. All big and muscley. And those deep, sensitive eyes filled with mystery. Total hotness and totally broody."

No way I can ever let her know I find her sass to be a major turn-on.

"Am I still shiny?"
"I think it's impossible for you to do anything but shine, in or out of this bed."

Van Turner, Cold Fury Hockey player, is known to be a little moody and taciturn. When he meets his teammate/roommate’s sister, he has an immediate attraction… and he knows for sure that he needs to steer clear.

Simone Fournier, college drop out, recently moved to North Carolina and is staying with her brother while she figures out what she wants to do with her life. When she meets Van she is immediately obsessed… and has no problem letting Van know it… repeatedly.

Simone wants Van… but Van is harboring a deep, emotional scar in which he has no desire to become close… with anyone. There’s one thing they both can get on board with… how hot and intense the sex is between them.

This was a good read! As book number nine in the Cold Fury Hockey series, we are once again in the world all of the hockey players that we have grown to love.

Simone wasn’t my favorite character in the beginning. She seemed a bit too weirdly obsessed with Van, but I liked that she was so sexually aware and comfortable in her own skin. Van is pretty damaged. He has spent his life hiding himself from the outside world and recognizes Simone may be someone who get really get under his skin… and does.

Can what starts out as a hot and fantastically dirty sex-only relationship have the possibility of being more? Or will the reason Van is the way he is keep the relationship from being all it has the potential to be…

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

VAN is the ninth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult COLD FURY HOCKEY erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Cold Fury Hockey team. This is twenty eight year old, team enforcer Van Turner, and Simone Fournier’s story line. VAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Some of the events of VAN run parallel to and cross over with book eight LUCAS where we are first introduced to our story line couple. Simone is Lucas (#8) and Max’s (#6) younger sister.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Van and Simone) VAN follow the building relationship between the Cold Fury’s enforcer Van Turner, and Simone Fournier, Max and Lucas’s sister, who at the end of book eight-LUCAS-had quit university, and moved in with Lucas and Van. Simone’s parents had always planned for our heroine to attend medical school but a few months before completing her bachelor’s degree Simone walks into Lucas’s apartment and announces she wants something different for her life. Enter brooding and tormented Van Turner, Lucas’s teammate, and the man with whom Simone will fall in love. What ensues is the secret ‘friends with benefits’ relationship between Simone and Van, and the potential fall out as Van’s past is revealed for the world to see.

Van Turner is an unknown entity to the Cold Fury hockey team. A dark and dangerous past has our hero withdrawn, isolated, cold and calculating, refusing to acknowledge the elephant in the room; the demons that destroyed the family he once knew. Emotionally distant, with a temper to match, Van’s own teammates struggle with his attitude and actions, fearing reprisals if pushed too hard. Simone Fournier is a twenty-two year old young woman who struggles with a lack of direction, and her sexual attraction to a man who refuses to accept Simone, and everything she represents. Our heroine’s ‘seduction’ of Van Turner is methodical and calculating including pushing the boundaries of personal space and Van’s on-going rejection of Simone’s advances.

The relationship between Van and Simone is one of immediate attraction but saying that our heroine’s flirting and come-ons are not welcome by our story line hero. Van’s past is rife with betrayal and a darkness he prefers not to acknowledge-a darkness he believes threatens everyone he loves. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic, intense and edgy but, once again, I take issue with the use of a certain four-letter word that I do NOT find romantic or seductive. Also, while Simone struggles with a lack of direction in her life, the choices she makes are questionable under the circumstances considering the close relationship with her family including two brothers who would do anything to help their little sister. For an intelligent woman she takes risks, and exposes herself to some controversial and problematic situations.

Several of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters including Simone’s brother Lucas and Stephanie, Max and Julianne, as well as Van’s aunt Etta, a woman he loves like a mother.

VAN is an emotional story line of one man’s desperate attempts to move on from the past, and one woman’s frenzied pursuit of the man that calls to her heart. The premise is impassioned and heart-breaking; the characters are colorful but broken; the romance is highly sexual and energetic-Van and Simone like it rough in the bedroom. VAN is a bold and lively addition to the author’s Cold Fury Hockey series.

Copy supplied for review

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This book! WOW... I have been waiting for this book! I was so excited to really get into his story and it was better than I thought.... I loved getting to know Van and Simone. Van is an ass with a wall so high it was hard to climb..... however Simone was able to slowly able to make it up and over. The challenges they would encounter were pretty big, but watching it unfold was kind of a rollercoaster ride. I loved that Simone was a strong woman with passion and knew exactly how to deal with Van to stay within his boundaries, but when he acted like an ass, she held him accountable. AMAZING! Well written, really enjoyed reading this one!

Thanks to the author and Netgalley, I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book.

3.5 stars
Van is the ninth standalone book in the Cold Fury Hockey series. It is about Van Turner and his roommate's sister, Simone Fournier. Simone has dropped out of college and unexpectedly moved in with her brother Lucas and Van. She is instantly attracted to Van and pursues him until he relents. Van is hiding a big secret which has impacted his life since he was a child. After awhile, Simone breaks down his defenses and they begin their relationship. When their secret relationship is found out by her brother and Van's secret is revealed, will they be able to weather the fallout?

Van's secret was heartbreaking and shocking. I completely understood why he is so shut-off and doesn't have any true friendships or relationships. I loved when he was able to open up to Simone and let her love him for being him. I liked Simone for the most part, but she was really hard for me to like in the beginning. I thought she was very young-acting, although I admired her tenacity for going after what she wanted. I did like how she seemed to grow up through the book and became the person Van needed. The only thing about this book I didn't like was the ratio of sex scenes to actual story line. I wish there were a few less scenes and maybe a little more of the story. Although this is a standalone, I would suggest reading Lucas first. Van and Simone's story runs concurrent with Lucas's, plus you get to meet both main characters in his book. Also, there is a little more closure to Lucas and Stephanie in this book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Reed, which will be out in February 2018.