Van: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel

Sawyer Bennett

Nov 2017 · Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Book 9 · Sold by Loveswept

About this eBook

USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Score one for the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team as a stone-cold badass melts for a woman who makes his blood run hot.

As one of the league’s toughest enforcers, Van Turner is ruthless on the ice. He plays hard because it’s the only way to channel the rage boiling inside, and a reputation as an A-hole is better than everyone knowing the truth. Van has spent his entire life running from a secret that’s kept him from getting involved in relationships—or accepting lucrative deals with East Coast teams. Then the Carolina Cold Fury makes him an offer he can’t refuse . . . and Van meets a woman he can’t resist.

Simone Fournier is the stubborn one in her family—and that’s saying something, considering her brothers are two of the Cold Fury’s biggest stars. Simone gets what she wants, and what she wants is Van. Still, there’s a part of him Simone can’t reach, no matter how hard she tries. In private, he’s all fire and passion. In public, he freezes her out. Van may want to push her away, but Simone won’t let him go that easily. Because this time, she’s playing for keeps.

Praise for Van

“Easily read as a standalone. Trust me, you want to read this extremely hot hockey book!”—Red Cheeks Reads

“​I swear that from the second I cracked open [Van] I was immediately in love with this book. . . . Sawyer Bennett knocked it out of the park with the newest story in the Cold Fury series. I couldn’t get enough!”—About That Story (five stars)

“Van by Sawyer Bennett will make you fall in love with the Cold Fury Hockey series all over again!”—Hypable

“A hot, fast-paced contemporary romance . . . with characters you want to get to know better, as well as a storyline to keep you invested.”—(un)Conventional Bookviews 

“Van is a bold and lively addition to the author’s Cold Fury Hockey series.”—The Reading Cafe

The Carolina Cold Fury series from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett can be read together or separately:
ALEX
GARRETT
ZACK
RYKER
HAWKE
MAX
ROMAN
LUCAS
VAN
REED
MAREK

And don’t miss her Arizona Vengeance series:
BISHOP
ERIK
LEGEND

The Love Hurts series features sexy standalone novels:
SEX IN THE STICKS
JILTED

And the Sugar Bowl series is one treat you’ll want to read in order:
SUGAR DADDY
SUGAR RUSH
SUGAR FREE

Ratings and reviews

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*

The only thing that saves this book from being absolutely horrible is the titled character, Van. The main female character, Simone, is simply awful, and she does not have the charms nor lovability of her brothers, whom we meet in "Max" and "Lucas." No matter how many times the author tries to call Simone charming and interesting, she falls far short of actually making the character so. In fact, if Simone was a man, her behavior, at best, would be considered harassing and predatory. While the author is fantastic at writing male characters, her females characters fall way short of the same likability standards at least 2/3rds if the time, and Simone is the absolute worst one yet. As much as I wanted to read the rest of Van's story, I had to give up halfway through, something I've rarely ever done as an avid reader.

"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!

About the author

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Sawyer Bennett has written more than thirty books and been featured on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists on multiple occasions. A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Bennett uses real-life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to contemporary romance, she writes something for just about everyone. Bennett likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Bennett is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great workout, cake, or a combination of the two.