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.

I’m a bit in awe with Sawyer Bennett with how she took a story that started out as one of the least romantic stories, only to end it in one of the most romantic ways. I think this literally started changing at the 50% mark and it’s worth the patience I needed to get there.

The reason I wasn’t a fan of the beginning was all on Van and Simone. Van had such a high wall built around himself that he was untouchable. Because of that, Simone had to be pretty aggressive in her pursuit of him. I’m just not a fan of seeing a woman having to beg to be let in and only let in where her body is the only thing allowed. I was beginning to wonder if Simone had any pride. The result of this combination and how Simone slowly chipped away at Vans brick wall was also a thing of beauty. That ending was so worth Simone having to beg to be let in.

While these two may not have had my favorite characteristics, they certainly won me over by the end. Next is Reed’s book and I’m looking forward to his book. He seems pretty happy go lucky. That’s one of my favorite things about this author. She doesn’t feel the need to write the same type of character over and over. You don’t know what you’re getting but you do know it’s going to be good.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

So hot!! This book was so sexy and steamy. The chemistry is off the charts. It is not all about that though. As always, Sawyer tells an intriguing story that keeps me glued to the pages. I am loving this series. She could continue to keep writing this series and I will not tire of these characters. I can't wait to read more from her and from this series.

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve only read one other story from the Cold Fury series, Alex, and while I liked it, this one just felt a whole lot more interesting to me. I found Simone a little over the top, but in a good way, and the chemistry between her and Van is off the charts. This book is set during the events of a previous book, which peaked my interest, so now I’m going to buy Lucas so I can read that to how that story plays out. You know it’s a good book when you want to pick up others in the series!

"I didn't want her in my head, but she's firmly planted there now."

Van Turner is distant, closed off, and broody. Simone Fournier is bright, beautiful, incredibly sexy, and as stubborn and persistent as they come.

"I think it's impossible for you to do anything but shine."

Simone wants Van in her bed and, unfortunately, Van is not immune to her charms and her sassiness. No matter how cold and nasty he is towards her, she won't be put off. When she pushes him a tad too far, he's all over her. However, letting her in makes him face his personal demons.

"I know you, Van Turner...And I think you're mighty fine."

This was a great story. I love a hardass, badass hero! My heart really felt for Van as he lives with his fears and fights his desire for Simone. Simone was so supremely confident in herself and her feminine wiles. She was so damn pushy that I almost felt sorry for Van! LOL. However, I loved how she breached his walls, and her belief in Van, as well as the trust that built between them.

This story was heart-melting and super hot!

In the sea of sports romances out there, I have to say that I didn't have high hopes for something fresh in the genre. Happily, not only did Van far surpass my expectations, it is hands down one of the best that I've read in a while.
Van's secret was one that I hadn't really considered, so once it's revealed, it is quite thought provoking in its own right. His cranky, loner attitude isn't for everyone, but as his character developed and his secrets come to light, I couldn't help but fall for him. Simone is strong-willed and sassy as she sets her sights on the elusive Van. His surliness and her determination make for some hilarious, laugh out loud banter and when they do come together, it is nothing short of scorching hot.
The story does have its serious moments, but this is one crazy good romance with just the right amount of angst sprinkled with some perfectly time levity.
Van is part of the Cold Fury Hockey series, but works well as a standalone. Sawyer Bennett was new to me when I started this one and I had no problem following the story. In fact, I enjoyed so much that I will be looking up the rest of this series. Also, kudos to the author for including some actual game play in this sports romance - something that I've found to be a rarity of late.

Excellent contemporary sports/hockey romance. Simone is a sweet, not little sister of two players on the Cold Fury hockey team. Van is an Enforcer for the hockey team. Not many people know much about him and boy are there a lot of secrets. Simone is pushy yet shows support for her brothers and their teammates unfortunately, she has a strong desire for Van and will push his buttons until he gives in to her sexual advances. Van has some issues and he keeps everyone at a distance yet Simone keeps trying to seduce Van. Unfortunately, Vans past comes up and it is an unexpected whopper. I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms.Bennett.

4 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

OK, I had a lot of different feelings about this book.  I've only read one other story in the Cold Fury series (Max's), but I've been wanting to read more and have been slowly collecting them.  I can honestly say that at least this time I didn't find the concurrent story (Lucas's story) to be distracting from this story.  So that was an improvement over Max!!

The characters were a bit tricky for me...I had one particular bad sticking point with Simone that I will get out of the way early.  There were moments at the beginning of the book where I felt like Simone was sexually harassing Van.  And no, I'm not kidding.  Just because he is bigger than her and can physically stop her does not make me feel better about it.  And I know that this is fiction, and a bit fantasy at that, and that we understand that Van is into her from reading his POV.  But she did not stop at no, she pushed at him, and if she had been a guy, that would not have been acceptable.  So I was bummed about that.  If that's not something that bugs you, then no worries.  If it is, then be aware there is some at the beginning.  The great part is that once they get together, it kind of all mellows out and we finally get into more of the story, their relationship, etc.

So with that out of the way, I was actually pretty wrapped up in this one!  While it did have that rocky start, the characters really intrigued me and they were different in a refreshing sort of way.  I think Van was really hard to portray, and so occasionally I wasn't totally sold on who he was...I couldn't always get in his head, b/c...well, he's a bit messed up.  I did enjoy the odd backstory we got for him, and I did appreciate how the events of his childhood shaped him into the closed off guy he was.  I appreciated that there was a lot of dimension to his "a-hole" character, and that there was purpose and reason behind it.  And for the most part I bought into his growth, his setbacks, and his final come to jesus (or Simone as the case may be).

And then there's Simone...  Simone was a force all unto her own.  She was extremely confident, intuitive, stubborn, and ridiculously comfortable in her sexuality.  I felt like she represented a nice change in the usual heroines we see in romance novels, in that she openly embraced and LOVED sex, could understand sex for the sake of sex, was quite OK with all her kinks...  There was no shaming, not even with the Hooters-type job, or the brief foray into stripping.  Like I said, refreshing.  The other part of her that was refreshing was her strength of character when put up against Van.  She knew what she wanted, and she would not be intimidated.  She didn't let him get away with crap that so many other heroines do.  But at the same time, she wouldn't allow herself to be walked on.  All things I really appreciated, even if they are not traits that I personally am strong in.  Like I said, she was not without flaws by any means...and she enraged me a bit at the beginning.  But as the story progressed I just ended up liking her more and more.

As for the relationship, there was definitely a lot of chemistry between them.  This is very close to erotica, in that there were a LOT of sex scenes, and for a good chunk of the book it was really more about the sex than anything else.  But I was shown glimmers of emotions, and so I held on.  And then when the relationship started to take a turn, I appreciated that.  I felt their connection.  So in the end I was OK with it.  It's not the way a romance usually progresses for me, but I can appreciate the change every now and then.

So yeah, despite the rocky start, I really ended up enjoying myself for the rest.  And quite frankly, that kind of surprised me (in a good way).  I do wish there was more hockey...these are very sports light books.  But that's the good ole Canadian coming out in me, I'm sure.

Another great Cold Fury book from the amazing Sawyer Bennett!

We met Van Turner in Lucas and needless to say that he came across cold and distant. When Simone walks into his life (Lucas's sister) her persistence in getting him to notice her is driving him crazy. Simone is completely off limits not only because she is Max and Lucas's sister but his past won't let him get too close. The problem is she is not only beautiful she is smart, funny and sexy and just the women who can break through the high walls Van as had to put up to protect himself and those around him.

Simone doesn't know what she wants out of life - that is until she meets the aloof Van. He is something she definitely wants. Now she needs to help break down those walls and meet the real Van and when she does she doesnt want to let go - even if he pushes her away.

I loved Van and Simone - both together and separate. Ms. Bennett does a great job balancing their characters as individuals as they come together. The growth Van and Simone have during the course of the story is authentic and that is one of the things Ms. Bennett does with her writing style. She has a great way of making her characters feel real and accessible and Van and Simone are no different. We do get glimpses of the other Cold Fury players - especially Lucas who's story runs parallel to Van's. That being said this is a standalone.

Another great addition to the Cold Fury series that is a must read for all.

4.5 STARS


The Cold Fury series keeps getting better! I loved most of them, three of them were outstanding for me, those being Alex, Max and *drum roll*, now VAN! Yes. I would even argue that this new installment in the series is the best of yet.

I had crazy fun with the main characters of the book. We met Van and Simone in Lucas, which was Simone and Max Fournier's brother. It was obvious that there was something going on between the vivacious Simone and the taciturn Van.


Simone was a hoot. She is sexually very forward, has no issue saying what she wants and is relentless in pursuing it. She has a thick skin and doesn't take it personally when Van keeps saying no to her, no, it spurs her on. Simone isn't a doormat or easy, when she draws a line she won't cross it. As stubborn as she is in her pursuit of Van, she doesn't let him walk all over her. And then we get the side of her with the big heart, the depth that shows the love for her family, the compassion she feels for Van's past, her sorrow for having disappointed her family and her own confusion about her future.


*** "Van?” I whisper. “Am I still shiny?”
He chuckles, pulls me in tighter, and squeezes the breath out of me.
“Yes, Simone. So fucking shiny you make everything else in the world seem a little dull by comparison.” ***



Van is one cranky dude. His walls are miles high and in the beginning Simone is nothing else but a pebble in his shoe. She annoys the hell out of him but the girl has a way of getting under his skin and soon he finds himself doing and thinking uncharacteristic things. Simone comes into his life with a wrecking ball and tears down his walls. Little by little he lets her in. Van isn't easy to love in the beginning but gradually with each comical exchange between those two and his obvious confusion about Simone you can't help but fall in love with him.


*** He gives a ragged moan that sounds fulfilled and defeated all at the same time.***


There is a fine line when it comes to cranky alphaholes. It's hard to not overdo the crankiness and a-holery and make the hero redeemable, even lovable. Sawyer Bennett's Van is perfection. She really nailed him. Even when Simone has his love he is still himself. He isn't a soft and sweet pussycat, at least not for everyone else but Simone in the end.



And can I say that they were really hot in bed? I know that this author writes some of the hottest sexy times but damn. DAMN!
Simone's sass is a special kind, it's the self-assured one we usually see in cocky heroes. She was hilarious!



*** Van’s lips press tight and anger flashes in his eyes. He enunciates his words clearly, leaning slightly toward me. “I’m. Not. Interested. In. You. Simone.”
I wrinkle my nose and shake my head. “Nah . . . you see, that wasn’t really convincing. But I do love the way my name sounds coming out of your mouth. Try it again, though, if you want.” For a brief moment, I’m afraid Van might stroke out. ***



I loved Van's background story, it was unusual and captivating and a little bit heartbreaking. I also love that Sawyer Bennett never drags out the angst, the drama is never over the top and quickly resolved.


*** "Well, you were my first everything, Simone. My first love. First devotion. My first heartbreak. My one and only relationship with a woman. You were my first confidant and companion. Simone . . . you were my first friend ever. My first . . . everything.” ***



Swoon!


Sawyer Bennett knocked Van out of the park and of all the Cold Fury books VAN has become my favorite in the series. Next up is REED and you bet your ass that I'll be reading it.

Sawyer Bennett does it again with Van and Simone's story by bringing the sexiness and a touching.

As with the previous EIGHT books in this series, I was very excited to dig into Van, especially after reading the snippet at the end of Lucas, book #8 in the series. Sawyer Bennett does not disappoint. Her writing style and storytelling captures my attention every time. With Van I found myself engrossed in a stories I could hardly put down. Plus, it was great to catch up with all the gang from the Cold Fury hockey team and in this particular story relive Lucas’ road to happiness from a different perspective as Van and Simone’s relationship unfolds almost in tandem.

Simone is the youngest of the Fourier siblings and the most determined. Unhappy with her career choice, she decides to drop out of college and crash in with Lucas, one of her hockey star brothers. She’s unsure of what to do with her life, but upon meeting Van she’s certain she wants him. And what she wants, she gets.

She recognizes Van has huge walls around him, that he’s probably unable to give more than a good time in bed, and that he’s her brothers’ teammate. She pushes and comes on strong to make sure to melt a layer of his glacier like disposition every time. And with the passion between them, she’s sure she’ll get through. But can she reach his soul?

Van Turner is a tough on and off the ice. He uses hockey as an outlet for his anger and frustration and is a douche canoe to keep everyone at a distance fearing what would happen if anyone found out about his past. Until Simone saunters into his life. Try as he might, it’s impossible for him to resist the infuriatingly sexy, sassy and full playful naughtiness woman. What started as a one night tryst, soon evolves into so much more. But how would she react if she knew his dark secret?

I’m of the opinion that good character development requires character growth. Both Van and Simone are definitely flawed and it took me a bit to warm up to them, particularly Simone as she made some questionable choices. But she learned about herself as she cracked Van’s layers. She’s caring and perfect for him. And Van… I just loved the big broody, closed off dolt. He had to do some deep soul searching before he could move forward but once he let his guard down, it’s impossible for him to not fall for Simone. And they’re absolutely explosive together!

Van is book #9 of the Cold Fury Hockey series by Sawyer Bennett. Their story is sexy and captivating and I really enjoyed it. It is a standalone contemporary hockey romance told from both points of view with a happy ending.

Amazingly Sawyer Bennett has done it again! She's brought us a character in Van that would be so easy to hate but as we get to know him, really know him, you can't help but love him. I must admit when I first started reading this one I wasn't sure I was going to like these characters. Van is rude, gruff, and a huge jerk. Then there is Simone. She pushy, stubborn, and seemed a little spoiled. Somehow though these two just work together. She seems to soften his rough edges and he seems to calm her. Then there are the sexy times. So. Freakin. Hot. So by the end of the book it's actually one of my favorites in the series. Definitely a book I'll be recommending to everyone.

This book follows the classic trope of closed off bad boy with minimal personality, rude to everyone, who meets the right girl, tries a relationship, does the expected jerk move, realizes his mistake, makes a grand gesture and gets the girl.

Van is the enforcer for a NHL hockey team. He has no friends nor does he want any. The only relationship he has is with his Aunt who raised him. He makes no excuses nor attempts to hide his less than stellar attitude. Granted, he had an emotionally/psychologically scarring early childhood, but his aunt more than made up for it, imho.

Simone is the little sister of a teammate and only 22. She aggressively pursues Van. When he finally caves, he makes it very clear that it is only a physical relationship, he has nothing else to offer. She accepts and they take off on a sexcapades rollercoaster. Of course she falls in love with him but decides to accept the scraps he’s giving her (rolling my eyes here), hoping he’ll change his mind.

They roll along until Van’s past catches up with him and the predictable drama ensues. Lots of hot, steamy sex mixed with bursts of conversation. The end wrapped up easily and too quickly.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher

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

I am a huge Sawyer Bennett fan, and I love her Cold Fury men! It always makes me feel giddy inside reading the women who brings these broody alpha males to their knees.

It was so funny when Van avoided Simone at all costs, while she was trying to get closer to him. He liked her, even when he shouldn't.

Why the three stars? I didn't feel that connection between Van and Simone. The big secret that Van hid till the very end blew up in his face. He could have handled the situation so much better, and I kind of hated him for that. But by the end, he made up for it.

I love a good sports romance and these hockey players in the Cold Fury series are hot, sexy and in need of women that can balance them. Van is definitely in need of some balance in his life. His past has been buried if not forgotten but when it comes out he has to learn to share the load with Simone if they are going to be able to make it through. Great story and I love the tall dark and mysterious Van.

Van is the 9th book in Sawyer Bennett’s Cold Fury series and it’s by far my favorite so far! Honestly, I didn’t think I would love it as much as I did. It follows the same time-line as Lucas and I was worried it would be a little repetitive at times, but I was wrong. This story was fantastic and Van and Simone were epic characters!

Simone Fournier is the youngest of the Fournier clan. As her life has turned a little crazy, she's come to stay with her brothers. When she stays with Lucas, she also stays with Van, as he’s his roommate. Simone has it bad for Van. She is instantly attracted to him and relentless with her pursuit. I’m serious here- this girl had me laughing so loud with her attempts to get with Van… I couldn't stop cracking up!

Van has a past that he’s ashamed of, even though its no fault of his own. Due to that past, he doesn't let anyone get too close. Van’s a broken man and Simone is the only one who can seem to get in there and break down his barriers. I adored this couple so much! They were so great together!

Van is one of those books that has it all! It’s steamy, funny, and emotional. I couldn't get enough of Van Turner and Simone Fournier. ‘Shiny’ was the best thing ever! I loved this book so much and I can’t wait for more in this series!

Book 9 in the Cold Fury Hockey Series and for me this series seems to be getting better with every player we read about, I have fallen for every player in this team for very different reasons and once again Sawyer Bennett gives us another great player this time its the broody, hot and dirty Van.
This may be a hot read but it’s also a emotional story that takes you into the mind of Van a guy who though he couldn’t love, a guy who thought relationships were for other people and a guy who has closed himself off well that was until he met and ended up sharing a house with the bold and sassy Simone Fournier, a girl who goes after what she wants and she wants Van. Problem is he wants nothing to do with her for a few reasons one being she is the sister of a couple of his teammates and thats a line you don’t cross unless you are prepared to go the distance.
Everyone of these books can be read as a standalone but I do feel that once you read one you will want to read the others in this brilliant hockey series because every player has a different story and Sawyer Bennett has a way with her words that will make you feel like the Cold Fury Team are your friends, she will have you cheering them on at the games and wishing then HEA in their love life’s.
Love Van and this must read series.

Van is without a doubt one of Sawyer Bennett's best! Not just of the Cold Fury series, but of all her books. This hero, hockey star Van Turner...is just soooo....ummm. I can't describe him. He's messed up. (and I love a messed up hero.) He is just so bottled up with hurt and fear and anguish and what he thinks the future holds for him and what the past did to him...and he takes it out on the people around him by being a big old cranky grumpy asshole...oh, I just wanted to shake him! Thank god, THANK GOD Simone Fournier ( Max and Lucas) sister barreled her way into his life and would not be stopped! She didn't care how rude Van was to her, or how he pretended not to care, this girl saw what she wanted and she wanted Van. She chipped away at him, and chipped away at him, until he finally opened up to her, revealing his big, tragic secret (god I hurt for him!)

Now I must admit, at first I thought Simone was being a bit slutty the way she sexually harassed Van! That put me off just a bit. But then I grew to absolutely love her! She was just what Van needed!! Their journey was remarkable, their sex scenes were the smoking-est, their love story made me cry *sniff*. Their epilogue was a bit surprising (no spoiler here) but I loved it. Hands down my favorite couple of the Carolina Cold Fury.
Fans of this series, don't miss this one!

OT. This book is crazy hot. Probably the hottest of the Cold Fury books so far.

Okay, now that my PSA is over, I've got to gush about how great this book is! Simone's book takes place during the same time as her brother Lucas', and I don't know which I like better! Van is no Ryker, but my heart broke for him and his struggles. I was a little grumpy at points, but that means I cared, so well done!

If you haven't picked up this series yet, I just don't know why!

It is rare to see such self-assuredness in a female main character, going after what she wants, when she wants, however she wants it. That pretty much sums up Simone. It takes a special kind of guy to be attracted to a woman like that. She pushes and pushes and pushes Van. But in the end, that's what Van needs - someone to force him to face his personal demons head-on. Van has a horribly tragic past - who would have thought that Simone would be the one to bring him out of his self-imposed personal exile of feeling any emotions, other than the rage within himself?

Their story isn't an easy one. Van keeps himself away from others, shunning people except on the ice where he takes out his frustrations. He doesn't let anyone get too close. Then comes Simone. She barrels into his life and does not give up. He throws a lot of internal anger at her even though he finds her irresistible. She's strong enough to take that and turn it into something that can bring them together or tear them apart. This is a rollercoaster of a ride with a lot of emotion!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Loveswept for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.