This is the 9th installment in the Carolina Cold Fury books by Sawyer Bennett. This is a complete standalone so you don’t have to read the previous books to understand what is going on, but I do think that it makes the experience just a bit better when you know everyone’s back story. Interconnected standalones are my jam! Van’s story actually runs concurrent to Lucas’ book so you’ll recognize some scenes.

This has got to be one of my favorite books of the series. It’s more than a sports romance. The story is unique and different. Van Turner is taciturn and has like NO social skills. He doesn’t want to make friends and he definitely doesn’t want to have any romantic relationships. He certainly doesn’t want anything to do with Simone Fournier. We first meet Simone as the little sister to Max and Lucas. She seems lost. She is this close to graduating college, on track to becoming a doctor and suddenly just quits. She moves in with Lucas and Van and immediately sets her sights.

What happens next is sweet, sexy, emotional and oh so gratifying. Both Van and Simone grow and evolve to be the best versions of themselves and it is so fun to watch. I love this series and every book by Ms. Bennett is a gem. I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn’t read this series to get started! You won’t be disappointed!

ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

The Cold Fury guys are some of my favorite hockey players. Always fun to read during the hockey season. However, this was not the best one. If you read Lucas then you know Simone and Van had something going on, this is their story. The beginning and end were great, angsty and teasing, but the middle felt a bit flat. I can handle some serious sex scenes but this was a bit overdone, not in a graphic way just not necessary. I'm definitely looking forward to Reed and the next guys. I got my copy through Netgalley.

This was awesome! I loved Van so much! I couldn't get enough of this story. I loved the storyline and the characters. The ups and downs in this were definitely a roller coaster ride. Van is definitely an alpha and I love it. Such a great book and great series. I can't wait for more!

** spoiler alert ** I enjoyed the uniqueness of the hero's past and thought it made sense as to why the hero was so broody and standoffish. However, the chemistry between the two main characters wasn't always felt. They were opposites attached by lust and the usual banter between couples and relationship building just wasn't there; the physical definitely was though. I liked that Simone one her actions and her sexuality but, she was the bulldozer in this relationship and felt like she lacked respect for boundaries. Van was interesting and kept the right amount of mystery to keep me intrigued. I wish the relationship would have been more fleshed out but it was a unique addition to the series.

I have enjoyed this entire series so far immensely but I think this was my favorite of the series. I love Van Turner. You first meet Van and Simone in Lucas’s book. I couldn’t wait for these two to get a book. Van is shy, pretty reserved, grumpy half the time. His child hood made him this way and he chooses to be closed off from people. Simone is Lucas and Max’s younger sister. She moves in temporarily while she is deciding what to do with her life. She set’s her sites on Van and goes after what she wants. It was such fun to read the interactions between these two. She flirts ruthlessly with Van and it was hilarious at times because he didn’t know how to deal with her. These two have tremendous chemistry together and were off the charts sexy. I highly recommend reading this book.

This continues Bennett’s series about hockey players and their romantic entanglements. I found that I didn’t like either character all that much the first half of the book. Van is a withdrawn, misanthropic, misogynist loner. He has issues because of his childhood so his attitude is understandable. Simone seems like a ditz. She’s gone all the way through Dartmouth as a pre-med student and then dropped out with one semester to go because she just doesn’t want to be a doctor or know what she wants to be. So she’s come to live with her brother, a hockey player who rooms with Van. And she’s supporting herself working in a Hooters-type restaurant. She immediately has the hots for Van and just pursues him.

I just couldn’t have much sympathy for her. If this were another book and she was a woman throwing herself at the hero and she wasn’t the heroine of the book, she would be the obnoxious other woman who stalks the hero who has no interest in her. But she’s the heroine so we know that eventually he’ll succumb to her lures.

Once they come together, the book gets much better since both protagonists become less off-putting.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series! This is just more icing on top of all the other great stories!
Each story may have a little of the same story in a way, but each one is unique in it's own way. I love seeing all the past characters. It always makes me happy. Van is super sweet and maybe one of my favorites so far!

4.9 Stars
We're back with the hotties from the Carolina Hockey team!

This time we have new guy Van. We already met him in LUCAS - both books take place at the same time - so you might want to follow the series reading order!

Van is a very anti-social person. He's happy with a beer in front of the TV, with the news on. He doesn't need to talk, to have friends, and he doesn't need his roommate's annoying sister constantly tornadoing around him! Shamelessly flirting with him!
Simone temporarily moved in with her brother Lucas ... and Van - until she decides what to do with her life, now that she quit med school.
She's mega interested in Van. But the guy is so not interested.
Of course he's interested, but he can't afford something serious. He can't fall in love. Things happend when he was little - things with his parents probably? We don't yet know... But Van has some serious problems - or at least he thinks he has ...
But of course Simone won't give up that easily!!!

WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO SiMONE & VAN????
WiLL THERE BE A HAPPiLY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺☺☺

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Finally a new book in this adorable Hockey series.

VAN!!!
I already loved him in LUCAS. He was so not interested in Simone - and he still tries to stay strong against her mega-flirting. But of course it's not working.
Adorable.
But we also have to fix whatever Van thinks is stopping him from having a happy life.
Simone has a lot of work to do until they can ride off into their happy end sunset!

I loved reading it! Very erotic, adorable, funny, moving - great romance!!!!

And now hurry Reed!!!!!!

I had some problems with the writing...as with every Sawyer book. It's Sawyer's and my THING ☺ It's only me who has those problems with her writing. So please don't be worried or just scroll down and don't read the following...
I have a HUGE AS problem! ☺ You know the AS's I'm talking about? The AS that could/should be exchanged for a SINCE or a BECAUSE or just a comma.☺ It's a British and or legal thing (if it's a thing at all!) and it doesn't have anything to do in an American book by an American author. I would be ok with it if one (British) character would use it, but everyone uses it! I really don't want to insult Sawyer. I love her books, but ... please stop doing it. But pfff who am I to tell her what to do, so just forget I said anything! It doesn't stop her books from being great!

V A N was another super-adorable, very sexy, funny & moving addition to this great hockey series! Run to your nearest amazon for your own VAN - this one is MINE!!!!!

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.