VAN by SAWYER BENNETT
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.
Sawyer Bennett’s New York Times bestselling Carolina Cold Fury series can be read together or separately.
"God, you're a fucking hot lunatic."
Another Sawyer Bennett book being reviewed by ME? Who woulda thunk it, right? I know, I have an irrational love affair of all things Sawyer, but I just can't stop reading her books. This book ended up being a very good story, if not one of my favorites in the series. And once I got into it, I was turning the pages rather quickly to see how it all went down. She always has a story that flows and reads quickly. In this one, Simone and Van are two very different individuals. They couldn't have been any more different. They had two very different upbringings, live different lifestyles, and possess warring personalities. But one thing is for sure, they are combustible. Sparks fly when they are together, which leads to a tantalizing read. The dynamic between these two characters was very different than any of hers I have read and I loved it.
At first, Simone was the younger sister; the innocent sister we met in Lucas. But in this book, she was this wild, brash, and quite unapologetic go-getter when it came to Van and his affections. I wasn't entirely sure how to take her. I mean, she seriously was ridiculously confident, and I'm still battling if it was strength or if it was arrogance. I told a friend while I was reading that I wasn't sure if she was super confident, or if I was jealous of her confidence, but that girl didn't quit. AT. ALL. She knew she wanted something, and she went after it. Stalker mode and all. I may have been a little concerned for Van's safety in his own bedroom for a minute there.....
Van, he was a seriously closed off, looking-from-the-outside-in, asshole. Genuine. But once we figured out the actual reason for his abrasive and boorish attitude, there was a little leeway in my heart for that kind of personality coming from him. We met him in Lucas, and the stories do overlap, but we didn't really 'know' him, and so that led to some serious wondering on my side which helped build up the anticipation for this one. Oh man, I am pretty sure I fell hard for him after getting to know him.
"Her fierce determination, snarky attitude, and weirdly sweet disposition makes her beyond intriguing to me."
There were some honest to goodness, serious heartfelt moments in this book and Van had me wrapped around his pinky. I mean, given everything that happened to him growing up, and the fact that he never really got a chance to discuss his past with anyone, my heart just broke for him. I am glad Simone was the one that was able to ease it out of him and be there for him. Their relationship took a 180, but it was a necessary one and the old adage is true that there is someone out there for everyone. That ONE person will make you rethink your own answers, and that is what I loved about this book. Inside and outside of the bedroom, these two pushed every button with each other, and it was so necessary and it worked. I loved how these two were there for each other.
One thing has to be said about their attraction: While Simone knew what she wanted, Van fought it all the way, but once he finally gave in? Oh man, that dominance he had in him was so freaking sexy. And Simone giving in and allowing him to own her like that? It was the sexiest and most insanely hot thing to see happening. Their growth in this book was easily one of my favorite things to read! She was so forward and he was so closed off, but their role reversal in the bedroom was all sorts of HOT. So very hot. Woah! I feel like there was such an emotional exchange of power in this book, and it was a subtle one the way it was written. We went from a sexually heavy 'hookup' with little conversation between them, to a story with an intense relationship brewing between them. I truly felt that after everything was said and done, Van came out stronger than ever. I honestly loved how this one all worked out.
I don't know how she does it, but Bennett keeps writing this series, story by story, player by player, and I keep getting sucked into it, one book at a time. Yes, I openly, actively, and continually admit that this is one of my favorite series from her, and she proves why with each new installment. Each player gets their own story, and I keep getting roped into them. So yes, I'm looking forward to Reed and Marek so very much. I don't want this series to end, but I know she only has so many teammates.....but hear me out, Sawyer. We have trades? We have kids? I don't want it to end!!!
"I know you, Van Turner. And I think you're mighty fine."
~BEE
The Carolina Cold Fury series can be read together or separately:
ALEX: http://amzn.to/2zCm9z7
GARRETT: http://amzn.to/2BmSwPH
ZACK: http://amzn.to/2iT5IUT
RYKER: http://amzn.to/2A6eaJA
HAWKE: http://amzn.to/2hRYO12
MAX: http://amzn.to/2hRZ1Bm
ROMAN: http://amzn.to/2iT6ocT
LUCAS: http://amzn.to/2zq9kDV
VAN: http://amzn.to/2Bm75mi
REED: http://amzn.to/BiVhmE
MAREK: http://amzn.to/DRttFU
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~ABOUT SAWYER BENNETT~
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series.
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Thanks for the review. I've got this one so its good to know you enjoyed it.
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