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Van Turner found fame as part of the Carolina Cold Fury, helping the team bring home a championship. He also found love and married his teammate’s little sister, eventually retiring from the game to enjoy a quiet life in the verdant hills of Vermont. Now, Van’s dark past threatens to unravel his future.

I never once regretted my decision to walk away from hockey. I attained what so few in the league are able and retired at the top of my game. Besides, I had the ultimate prize by my side—my gorgeous wife, Simone. We settled into married life in Vermont and were ready to expand our family when I was blindsided by my sociopath of a parent, this time from the grave. Before dying from cancer while in prison, my serial killer father left his private diaries to a journalist. From that one bequest came a tell-all biography detailing his deranged crimes along with a litany of lies meant to ruin my life.

Knowing first-hand the horrors of growing up the product of a monster, I know there is no way I can bring a child into this drama. I refuse to allow my kid to suffer the taunting and harassment I did, so I do the only thing I can think of—I walk away from Simone and our beautiful life together. With the knowledge that she will be safe from the publicity of my shameful past and able to find a love she deserves, I return to hockey, joining the Pittsburgh Titans. The long hours on the ice are the only thing that will even remotely keep my mind off everything I’ve left behind and I know that I’ve given Simone her best chance at happiness.

But I’m clearly a man who doesn’t learn from the past and I should have known better than to underestimate my wife. The woman doesn’t know how to take “no” for an answer. She’s as persistent as I am stubborn and it’s a battle of wills as she uses all her powers of persuasion to save our marriage. Simone wore me down once, but she won’t do it again. I’m keeping my wits about me and my pants on, no matter how much she tempts me.

6 pages, Audible Audio

First published November 30, 2023

230 people are currently reading
669 people want to read

About the author

Sawyer Bennett

168 books14.4k followers
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

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5 stars
513 (34%)
4 stars
526 (35%)
3 stars
330 (22%)
2 stars
86 (5%)
1 star
17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for JudyAnnLovesBooks.
2,126 reviews77 followers
December 2, 2023
Be still my romance book loving heart! This surprise release has left me reeling.

I read 𝗩𝗔𝗡 back in early March of 2019. I remember the date because I was home for the March Break and binge read the entire 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 series in one week. Of that series 𝗩𝗔𝗡 was a favourite because I loved the strength and tenacity of both main characters.

𝗩𝗔𝗡𝟮 was completely unexpected and so incredibly amazing that I spent today rereading the first book and then reading the second. Neither book disappointed. I was so engrossed in Simone and Van’s story that the day flew by and by the time I was done, I was left with a big a** smile on my face and a happy heart.

This romance reminds me of why I love Sawyer Bennett’s hockey series so much and confirms that she is a queen amongst romance authors.

I’m giving both 𝗩𝗔𝗡 and 𝗩𝗔𝗡𝟮 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval m TBR BOTH and Enjoy!
Profile Image for Auntee.
1,357 reviews1,476 followers
December 19, 2023
Even though I loved the book for the most part, Van drove me crazy. What an idiot. Most women would be done with him. Thankfully he found the one woman who wouldn’t give up on him. Bravo to Simone for her fearlessness , stubbornness, and spunk.

4 1/2 stars
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
December 3, 2023
This one was so frustrating to read! I so wanted to throat punch Van for most of the book. I get where he's coming from, but now isn't the time to turn away from those that love you, this is the time to lean on them. I have to give Simone credit for fighting as hard as she did for Van, especially when he was brutal with his words. It was nice to see Simone get support from pretty much everyone. It took until the end before Van pulled his head out of his ass and even then it felt like things were to easy for them to be back together right away like that.
Profile Image for Beth.
781 reviews
December 11, 2023
Audio-duet narration Aiden Snow & Kit Swann

I had a hard time getting into this. Not my favorite Titan or Cold Fury story. Aiden Snow did a great job, however I struggled with Kit Swann as the female lead. I was disappointed and that rarely happens with Sawyer Bennett.
Profile Image for Black Ink Riot.
198 reviews51 followers
December 18, 2023
I don’t understand why this book was written. It was basically the same plot as the first book, with just as much toxicity, immaturity, and shrill screaming by two very fucked up characters. Simone is an insane pathetic shrew and Van is a complete fuckwad.

My Christmas wish for 2023 is that authors will try to actually be original, not rewrite the same story for a cash grab, not write these tired stories about a man pushing a woman away because he knows what’s best for her and to pRoTeCt heR.

And what the fuck is up with this weird AF title?? Van2? Sighhhhhhhhh. Try just a little bit to write something that is worth spending our money on
Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,081 reviews53 followers
December 21, 2023
Van2 is the tenth book in the Pittsburgh Titans series by Sawyer Bennett. You can read each book as standalone by I recommend reading the series since each story is unique, fun, and sexy. I didn’t read Van. I didn’t read any books from the Cold Fury Hockey series but I didn’t feel lost at all! Sawyer did a great job at writing in Van and Simone’s story within this book.

Van wants a divorce. Simone wants to fight for their marriage. He moves from Vermont to Pittsburgh and signs a contract to play professional hockey after retiring three years ago just push her away. What he should had known was that his wife is no quitter. She is determined to show him that their love and future is stronger than the demons of his past and his most recent present. She will not give up even when he just keeps pushing harder and harder. But, there is always a breaking point, right? What will be hers? And will it be too late for his to grovel this time around?

Damn… I wish I read the Cold Fury series, hopefully one day I have time to binge read it. Even so, I am so glad Sawyer surprised us with Van and Simone’s story and added it to this series. I really enjoyed their story even though I wanted to slap some sense into Van. Lol. It wouldn’t be a story if he just said okay though haha.
Profile Image for Katie Koziczkowski.
1,364 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2023
Van 2 was an emotional book! I was quite surprised when I found out about this book and read the blurb, I was not expecting any of that. I enjoyed being back with Van and Simone, and of course getting to see a little more of the Fourniers. Van and Simone are still the same people they were 3 years ago. Van is still a sweet guy at heart but gets in his head too much and makes dumb decisions. His past still has a hold on him, and honestly, probably always will. He just needs to find a better way to cope with it instead of pushing people away. He doesn't want people he loves and cares about to be hurt because of his family history, so he tends to close himself off. Luckily, Simone is still a fighter, and she pushes for what she wants, and that is Van. She has learned a thing or two about Van in the three years they have been together, so she knows how to push him. Unfortunately for them, they are both stubborn, and sometimes they just need a kick in the pants to realize what is right in front of them. While this wasn't my favorite Titans book, I still enjoyed it, in fact I read it in one sitting. I liked getting to see a little more of Boone and am excited for his story!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,230 reviews219 followers
December 28, 2023
5 star Review Van2 (Pittsburgh Titans # 10) by Sawyer Bennett
 
Audio/eBook:

Van Turner has struggled all his life with the repercussions from his serial killer father. Now he has lost the ray of light that was his life thanks to the actions of his father.

He has always loved playing hockey but his love for Simone was greater and he walked away.

Knowing he cannot put his wife through more he leaves Simone and returns to hockey as the latest member of the Pittsburgh Titans.

There were moments where my heart broke for Van but I spent a great deal of this book wanting to smack some sense into him.

As for Simone, what a wonderfully loving woman. She never gave up hope that she could make Van see sense. I admired her determination.

The partners and wives of the Titans once again added a special layer to the story as did the Titans themselves.

Kit Swann and Aiden Snow and Kit Swann did an excellent job with the narration. Not only did they bring all the anguish and passion of the story to life but they did justice to this emotional story as their voices are easy to listen to.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
1,752 reviews
February 5, 2024
Van2 (Pittsburgh Titans, #10) by Sawyer Bennett
4 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

This is a second chance romance for sure. I loved Van’s story the first time around and this one didn’t disappoint either.

Simone is still as fiery as ever. I love her in the first one and I respect her even more in this book.

Van is going through trauma again and this time, it’s unclear if he can come out unscathed. Without spoiling the first book, there’s trauma in that one too. Fighting for your life is something that Van knows all too well.

Simone knows that she will only ever love Van, but she can’t experience this pain for him. She just wants a chance to show him that she’s still there for him.

With the team around them both, these two will fight for their future. It’s heartwarming and full of grit and determination. You won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Becca T. 🥰dreamingandromanticreading.
178 reviews15 followers
December 1, 2023
4 🌟

Although Van’s behaviour was irritating at times and Simone’s was a little too wild at other times, I’m glad Sawyer had us revisit Van and Simone’s relationship. I remember reading the original Van book ( I guess Van 1 😂) and thinking that it was nice to see a woman aggressively pursue a man, something we don’t often see in most romances. Also, I haven’t read a romance involving a separated couple in some time, so I enjoyed reading this one. As usual, the steamy scenes were definitely 🥵, something you should expect from Sawyer Bennet. Overall, I enjoyed Van2, and I really loved seeing Simone’s brothers be so protective over her 🥰!! I hope for Simone’s poor soul, Van can get it together because our girl went through it in this book 😅!!
Profile Image for Irene.
1,908 reviews129 followers
December 1, 2023
4.5 stars

I'm so happy Sawyer Bennet wrote this heartfelt and emotional story for our much loved couple Van and Simone.

These two have a deep and passionate love/relationship that you can't help but root for their happily ever after.

description

I really enjoyed my time with Van and Simone, thank you Sawyer Bennett for the revisit.
Profile Image for Marcy.
2,056 reviews25 followers
December 22, 2023
I really loved getting more of Van and Simone, even though Van was being a complete jerk. I understood where he was coming from and why he had his fears, but it was hard not to hate him at first. Simone was as feisty and stubborn as ever. I loved her determination to get her man back and stand by his side. I enjoyed all the moments she tried to get Van to react and open up to her. This was another great story in this series.
Profile Image for Caroline Sawyer.
131 reviews30 followers
December 4, 2023
I always enjoy the stories that Sawyer writes. She shows real life in her books. This couple is not my favorite I think their relationship is very toxic. In this book there is a lot of cross over from some her other series so it was fun to see those characters again and also loved seeing more of the dynamic between the girl gang of the wags.
Profile Image for los tenis lectores.
419 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2024
DNF at 17%
I'm guessing that I needed to read another series before this book. It didn't make sense whatsoever with the tone of the Pittsburgh Titans series, and of course I'm guessing that this book is fan service but I didn't get it, also someone dumping his wife out of insecurities or for the greatest good is the most annoying trope.
Profile Image for Toi.
4,265 reviews
December 5, 2023
Awesome Read

Van has a really awful father and because of who he is it still affects him, so much so that he ask his wife for a divorce, but Simone isn't taking it and promises to fight for what she wants. Be prepared for the fight of a life time, on and off the ice.
Profile Image for MountainKat.
2,342 reviews106 followers
April 20, 2024
Good story. Van was once again too stubborn, but her got over it eventually. I think the best part of the story was the 'Titan Queens' and how they supported Simone.
1,095 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2024
A good, quick listen. Not unlike the first 'Van' story.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,964 reviews65 followers
February 14, 2024
Van and Simone❤️‍🩹

Van2 is the second book about Van and his relationship with Simone. He was first with the Cold Fury, won the Stanley Cup and retired. He has now come out of retirement and is playing with the Pittsburgh Titans team…but Simone is nowhere to be seen😳

I did enjoy this story as I enjoy all of Sawyer’s hockey stories but there were parts I found a little repetitive, especially after having just finished the original Van a day or two ago. That’s the only reason I dropped it to a 4 star read.

Can’t wait to read Boone’s story next😍
Profile Image for Tanya (Girl Plus Books).
1,177 reviews74 followers
March 15, 2024
3.5*

Retired from his hockey career, Van had settled in Vermont for a quiet life with his wife Simone, hoping to start a family. When a book was published based on the diaries of his serial-killer father, filled with salacious lies meant to hurt Van, he reacted by pushing Simone away. Convinced that the stigma would damage not only Simone but their future children, Van quickly signed a new contract with the Titans and left Simone. Unwilling to let Van’s emotional reaction to the book derail their future, Simone followed Van to Pittsburgh, determined to save their marriage.

As much as I love this series, I’m sad to say that I struggled with this one. I understood Van's fears and his (misguided) reasoning, but the way he was intentionally cruel to Simone was hard to get past. I admired Simone’s tenacity and her desire to make Van see reason, but his cutting remarks, meant to hurt her and drive her away were hard to take. There is no good reason to inflict such pain on someone you love. My disappointment in Van’s actions meant this was a low point in the series for me.
Profile Image for Gigi.
302 reviews55 followers
March 12, 2024
This book was incredibly frustrating to read! Throughout the book, I found myself wanting to scream at Van for most of his actions. While I understand his perspective, it's not the right time to push away those who care about you. Simone deserves credit for fighting so fiercely and relentlessly for Van, especially when he was being so harsh with his words. It was heartening to see Simone receive support from nearly everyone around her. However, it wasn't until the end that Van finally realized his mistakes, and even then, the groveling felt too rushed and easy considering everything they went through.
314 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2023
This needed about 100 more pages. The “HEA” was a little lackluster IMO.
167 reviews
December 29, 2023
What was the point of this book? Neither of the character’s seem to have developed since the first book. Exact same premise, plot line, and conflict as the first book.
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
February 7, 2024


Check out our full post for VAN2 on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the tenth book in the series, and this one is a catch up for fans of the Cold Fury series too – and wow, Van needs our love and understanding in this one, and to give himself a break! I would definitely recommend that you read his first story before this one, to really get all the insight into this man's way of thinking and acting.

Van was supposed to have found his happily ever after with Simone and his success with Cold Fury, but the revelations about his evil, serial killer father ruined his life, and he left the hockey world behind. Now, his father has done one even worse and, before dying, dictated his version of his life, and more maliciously about Van's. He is broken and he leaves his home, his wife, and his life, to get back on the ice and try and blank out the noise by playing hockey.

What I loved about this book is that Simone, although deeply hurt by his actions, acts in character and does not let him get away with behaving in this way. She is tenacious, brave, and resilient. She loves him, knows he loves her, and will not let his father destroy his life with his lies. Of course, the wonderful Titan wives and partners support her, as does the team as a whole.

Such a poignant story, reminding the reader how much words can hurt and distort the truth, destroying innocent people along the way. And, more wonderfully, that love and trust can overcome an awful lot of hate.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is a second-chance romance for sure. I loved Van’s story the first time around and this one didn’t disappoint either.

Simone is still as fiery as ever. I loved her in the first one and I respect her even more in this book.

Van is going through trauma again and this time, it’s unclear if he can come out unscathed. Without spoiling the first book, there’s trauma in that one too. Fighting for your life is something that Van knows all too well.

Simone knows that she will only ever love Van, but she can’t experience this pain for him. She just wants a chance to show him that she’s still there for him.

With the team around them both, these two will fight for their future. It’s heartwarming and full of grit and determination. You won’t be disappointed.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Denise - Shh Mom's Reading®.
965 reviews394 followers
December 1, 2023
H-E-double🏒🏒 this it the book you never know you NEEDED

Van 2 is an emotionally charged and brilliantly crafted story, delivering a narrative that is as heartwrenching as it is heartwarming, making it an unforgettable addition to the Titans series

From the opening pages, Bennett's storytelling prowess is evident, drawing readers into the intricate web of emotions that surround Van's return to hockey as he signs with the Titans.

The nuanced portrayal of the reasons behind Van's seemingly heart-wrenching decision sets this book apart! Bennett skillfully navigates the complexities of their relationship, presenting a narrative that is both believable and profoundly moving.

As the story unfolds, the depth of their connection becomes palpable, and readers will find themselves fully invested.

Bennett artfully captures the essence of human flaws and while creating characters who evolve and grow. The pacing of the novel is impeccable, keeping the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next twist in the tale.

Bennett masterfully combines moments of intense passion with introspective scenes, creating a reading experience that evokes deep emotions

The chemistry between Van and Simone is electric, and the author navigates their journey back to each other with a delicate balance of tension and tenderness. The emotional depth of this story transcends typical romance.

Beyond the central love story, Bennett weaves in themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the enduring power of commitment.

The supporting cast of characters from Bennet's Titans, Cold Fury Jamieson Force series creates a rich story layered with interpersonal connections that makes for a truly amazing read. I loved love the use of Simone’s brothers as well as Drake as the story progressed!

Van 2 is the story you did not know you NEEEDED as it showcases Bennett's talent for crafting emotionally charged stories while it explores of the complexities of love and redemption.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply satisfying journey through the trials and triumphs of forever love.

Van 2 is a testament to the enduring strength of the human heart and the transformative power of connection. Be prepared to be swept away on a rollercoaster of emotions that will linger long after the final page.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
February 4, 2024
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the 10th book in the series, and this one is a catch up for fans of the Cold Fury series too - and wow, Van needs our love and understanding in this one, and to give himself a break! I would definitely recommend that you read his first story before this one, to really get all the insight into this man's way of thinking and acting.

Van was supposed to have found his HEA with Simone and his success with Cold Fury, but the revelations about his evil, serial killer father, ruined his life, and he left the hockey world behind. Now, his father has done one even worse, and before dying, dictated his version of his life, and more maliciously about Van's. He is broken, and he leaves his home, his wife and his life, to get back on the ice and try and blank out the noise playing hockey.

What I loved about this book is that Simone, although deeply hurt by his actions, acts in character and does not let him get away with behaving in this way. She is tenacious, brave and resilient. She loves him, knows he loves her, and will not let his father destroy his life with his lies. Of course the wonderful Titan wives and partners support her, as do the team as a whole.

Such a poignant story, reminding the reader how much words can hurt and distort the truth, destroying innocent people along the way. And ... more wonderfully ... that love and trust can oevrcome an awful lot of hate.

Wicked Reads Review Team
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