Van

By: Sawyer Bennett

Narrated by: Cris Dukehart, Graham Halstead

Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

Contains mature themes.

©2017 Sawyer Bennett (P)2017 Tantor

Van and Simone made for a fantastic story

I am not sure how she does it, but even in her 9th book in this the incredible Cold Fury Hockey series, Sawyer Bennett manages to continue to score with Van. She is able to keep the story lines funny, fresh and feisty. I loved reading about Van and Simone. From start to finish I was consumed and I couldn't put it down.

This book can be read as a stand a lone, but to be honest, I love this entire series, so I would recommend it from the start so you understand how all of the side characters come together. The story line itself takes place simultaneously with Lucas (book 8), so there may be some spoilers if you don't read Lucas first.

Simone Fournier unexpectedly comes to her brother Lucas' house to regroup after dropping out of school. Though she pulls her own weight and is not looking for a free ride, she just needs to figure out what it is she wants to do next. The last thing she expects is to have an undeniable attraction to her brother's roommate, Van Turner. Yeah, Van is a brooding, loner who wants nothing to do with her, but that doesn't seem to detour Simone from going after what she wants. I love the chemistry between Simone and Van in this book. I love her sassy, determined way as well as his attempt to keep her at arms length.

Sawyer Bennett is amazing at creating a believable story line filled with memorable characters. She knows how to intricately weave multiple story lines across her series of books, while creating complete stand alone books. She combines quick wit, humor, raw emotions and combustible chemistry into a perfect blend of perfection. I sincerely cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!

PS - The audio version of this book only enhances Sawyer's brilliance as an author. Graham Halstead and Cris Dukehart do a fantastic job of bringing the world Sawyer has created to life. I found myself completely drawn into this story and never wanted it to end.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Once again Sawyer Bennett nails it!

Being a true Cold Fury fan this book is another episode of a great hockey family. I can't wait until the next one is on Audio.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not much plot, just character development and sex

Or, Van character is like a female Stephanie from previous book- just different reasons. Simone is also much like her big brother Lucas. What plot there was was not particularly good but the book moved along as the 2 main p characters developed a relationship and matured. Nice to have a few of the previous characters mentioned though I wish there has been more of Ryker and Gray when she goes into labor, and more of the coach and Alex with Van after his news breaks. Also hard to believe that after Simone packs up for Quebec there isn’t a pretty interesting conversation between Max, Lucas, and Van. Seems almost a bit too streamlined. Chris Dukehart does an OK job with the accent for Simone- it is more consistent that Max and Lucas. Not the best in this series but ok and Leave the door open for the 3 rd brother.

Least favorite

The performance almost made listening unbearable! Cris’s French accent was going in and out. I liked Van’s backstory but he was an ass! Simone is brat who only cares about what she wants no matter how it affects others. I did not like her at all.

must read series

I jave enjoyed all the books in this series and looking forward in continuing. I suggest this series

Fury is what you'll feel

Where to begin. Let me start by saying I love the Cold Fury series. Van's book, however, not so much. The heroin, Simone is an immature tramp. This character completely ruined this book for me.
Also, the French-Canadian accent was hard on the ears. Both narrators I think did the best the could with the accent, but both fell short. Normally I like to listen to Cris and Graham.
I am still listening to the book as I write this review. I try to listen all the way through before making a decision. This time I'm not so sure. I'll probably return it for another.

Nope

I usually love the Cold Fury books but this one I just could not get into. The hero is a total douche and slightly abusive and the heroine sexually harasses the hero incessantly until he’s too worn out to say no anymore. Also, no professional hockey player is “going clubbing” or engaging in... extremely strenuous activity DURING THE PLAYOFFS. Literally, it does not happen. Sadly, I had to DNF.

Loved Van!

Van's story was so compelling! His history was not at all what I expected, and the walls he erected do completely just

Emotional Roller Coaster

This story was funny and maddening! I didn’t want this one to end when it did.

Love Cold Fury, HATED THIS ONE!

I have truly loves the entire Cold Fury Hockey series but I couldn’t take this one. The main female character is an awful, whiny, spoiled brat. Barely acts like a woman and her machinations are horrible. She wants what she wants, regardless of anyone else’s wishes. Van is uninteresting and uninspired.
The narration is atrocious, nasal and her “slight French-Canadian accent” is plain sad, unless all French Canadians whine and I know they don’t.
Overall, I love most Sawyer Bennett stories but not this contrived one. Skip this one, I’m getting my credit back.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This was Fantabulous!!!

Loved this book.... I thought book #8 - Lucas was good but this was ten times better!!!

It broke my heart, I cried and laughed out loud.... This book took me on a journey.... I Love the Cold Fury Boys and Girls!!!! Cam wait for more!!!!