After being suspended days before Christmas, I pack my bags and get out of Dodge. I plan to spend the holidays with my family in Finland, stuffing my face with my mom’s cooking until I can’t move.
What I don’t expect is the alluring woman who sits next to me on the plane. She has both beauty and brains. And when she tells me she doesn’t watch hockey, I could cry from happiness; I don’t need another puck bunny hopping around.
What am I supposed to do when I volunteer to be her Finnish tour guide for the next ten days? I know that if I’m around her too much, it'll never be enough.
Vivian
Being single during the holidays for the first time in years, I’m more than ready for the annual family winter vacation. But after a series of unfortunate events, I’m stuck in a foreign country alone.
My only saving grace is the hockey hunk, whom I met on my way to snowy Helsinki. It must be his smile or how my name sounds rolling off his tongue, but I can’t say no when he offers me a place to stay and a seat at his family’s Christmas celebrations.
Why do I feel like we’re more than two strangers spending the holidays together? I just don’t know if my heart is ready for more disappointment.
Due to its mature content and open-door romance, From Helsinki with Love is unsuitable for the younger audience. It has detailed bedroom scenes that some readers might not enjoy.
K.H. Anastasia started writing contemporary romance as a creative escape, crafting relatable characters she’d love to call friends. With a background in environmental engineering, she now spends her days tackling real-life problems and her nights dreaming up love stories that feel just as real.
When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her loved ones, watching sunsets, or curating playlists for every mood—all things that inspire her stories filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of everyday life.
Born and raised in Helsinki, K.H. Anastasia lived in the U.S. and the U.K. before returning to Finland, where she now resides with her husband.
Her debut novel, All Your Tomorrows, was published in 2022, marking the beginning of her author journey.
Es ceru, ka šis būs gada zemākais punkts grāmatu vērtējumos.
Zīmēto vāku trends vispār neļauj nojaust lasāmā kvalitāti. Kādreiz tā nebija. Ja varēji savaibot ar autora izvēlēto vāka grafisko dizainu, tad arī liela iespēja, ka teksts patiks. Tagad neko nevar saprast. Mazkvalitatīvs samizdats, šī termina sliktākajā versijā, var trāpīties ar visjaukāko vāciņu.
Somu hokejists lidojumā uz Helsinkiem iepazīstas ar jauku amerikānieti, viņi izdomā kopā pavadīt Ziemassvētku brīvdienas Lapzemē. Ir vismaz 10 scenāriji, kā šādu stāstu varētu attīstīt, un neviens no tiem nebūtu tik gaaaaarlaicīgs kā šajā grāmatā. Lai gan autore brīdina, ka dažas hokeja nesakritības ir pieļāvusi stāsta dēļ, šis “ģeniālais” stāsts kļūst tikai plānāks visu to kļūdu dēļ. Hokejists 2022. gadā vinnējis Olimpiādi un Stenlija kausu, ā un pēc viena kautiņa spēles laikā tā pati Stenlijkausu uzvarējusī komanda viņu atstādina uz 5 spēlēm un vnk aizmaina uz citu komandu. Komandām ir tik bombīgi nosaukumi kā New York Woodpeckers un New York Peacocks. Laikam jau autores ideja par to, kas ir “seksīgi”. Somijas puse bija pilna sausiem faktiem no wikipēdijas, un varēja just, ka autore savu tiesu zina, vai vismaz ir lidojusi ar Finnair, bet beigās izrādījās, ka pati arī ir somiete, kas atrisināja mācību grāmatu cienīgo dialogu un primitīvā teksta mistēriju. Ironiski, sērijas nosaukums ir “Lost in Translation”, un tā arī likās, ka šis ir amatierisks tulkojums no citas valodas. Dialogi ir dumji, superpozitīvi, tukši. Informācija ntās reizes atkārtojas. Nekāda konflikta, nekādu sarežģījumu, te pat Hallmark filmas liktos dramatiskākas. Sievietes tēls vispār iet vienās pretrunās - viņa ir juriste, kas strādā ar nelegālajiem imigrantiem un jūsmo par čali, jo viņš zina VESELAS DIVAS VALODAS, kas, viņš ir supermens? Juriste, kas aizmirst par jebkāda veida aizsardzību seksa laikā un atceras par to tikai no rīta. Viņai šis čalis liekas tik gādīgs un saprotošs, jo nopirka viņai nākamā rīta avārijas tableti, nevis atcerējās uzvilkt prezi. Kaut kādi centieni seksu aprakstīt arī bija, bet tā kā varoņiem nekādas piesaistes nebija, viss iznāca ļoti stīvi, īpaši aina ledus viesnīcā, kur epizode bija tik vienmuļa, kā rūdītiem lauleņiem - tik auksti, ka visu nodara ātri, guļammaisā, vien nobīdot bikses uz leju, uz sāniņa, čiks un guļ tālāk. Rodas sajūta, it kā pieaugusi sieviete spēlētos ar lellēm un pie sevis izspēlētu šīs šabloniskās sarunas un personīgo fantāziju. Šī nav literatūra. Šis ir Mikko Rantanena fanfiks sievietēm ar ļooooooooti zemiem standartiem. Uz beigām jau iezīmējās, kuri varētu būt potenciālie varoņi pārējām sērijas grāmatām, gan jau brauks uz Prāgu skatīties vecpilsētas pulksteni, oktoberfests ar vācieti, un es ļoti ceru, ka autorei pietiks saprāta nevest savas lasītājas uz Ļeņina mauzoleju līdzi kaut kādam kartona Ovijam. Bet es noteikti neko no tā nelasīšu.
I loved this book so much!! It was just a super sweet, fun, dual POV, strangers to lovers holiday romance set in Finland and Lapland over Christmas and New Years.
Vivian is at the airport waiting to catch her flight when her parents have to cancel their joint holiday plans. Stuck going to Helsinki alone she strikes up a conversation with the hot 'hockey hunk' she met at the airport lounge who is travelling home for Christmas.
The chemistry between Vivian and Jasper was electric and learning all about the Scandinavian culture, food and holiday traditions from an author who was born and lives there added an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
HIGHLY recommended especially if you just want a lovely escapist holiday hockey romance that's light on angst but does have a bit of family drama. I even enjoyed it when the couple returns to NYC and we got more insights into Jasper's pro hockey career/life.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book and all opinions are my own. I can't wait to read what happens next in this new series and now I want to go on my own Finnish adventures!
Попадайки на From Helsinki with Love мислех, че ще прочета съвременена романтика, свързана със зимните празници. Но всъщност K. H. Anastasia предлага много повече от това. Срещата между Джаспър Окерман и Вивиан на летище JFK ни отвежда в Хелзинки. Финландия през декември е земя на ледената фантазия. Приятелството между тези много симпатични герои се развива в красива връзка, без префинени фрази, драматизъм или разкрепостеност.Известността на фамилия Окерман в световния хокей им носи възхищението на феновете, но и изисква дисциплина и хладнокръвие. Каквито Джаспър не владее много, за разлика от виртуозните му уменията на леда. Изпратен принудително у дома за празниците, той открива , че съдбата превръща наказанието му в награда. В желанието си да покаже на Вивиан най - красивите места в родината си, той създава зимна ваканция - мечта. А ние, читателите, сме с тях на дискретно разстояние и посещаваме Лапландия, дома на Дядо Коледа в Рованиеми и ферма за северни елени. Научаваме, че елените в пряга на добрия старец май май са женски, като за това си има научно обяснение. Посещаваме стъклено иглу и леден хотел в Лапландия, които сме разглеждали с възхищение в Инстаграм. Има разходка с моторна шейна, пореща ледената пустош през нощта, за да стигне до най - точното място за наблюдение на Aurora Borealis. И около романтичните отношения между Джаспър и Вивиан научаваме много неизвестни, но любопитни факти за финландските традиции в храната, в семейството и в празнуването. Толкова зимна, толкова празнична по необичаен начин книга! Пътуване до едно от най - далечните зимни земи, за да се посрещнат празниците. Защото не винаги трябва да следваме традициите, за да ги почетем. Понякога трябва да следваме случайността, когато тя ни подари преживяване. За да отпразнуваме свободата на духа си.
* „Може би контролираме само нещата, които можем, и правим всичко възможно през останалото време?“
Another Christmas read with some hockey romance thrown into the mix! I scored this for free on Stuff Your Kindle Day and if you’re a fan of fluffy romance novels with very low conflict, I would recommend picking this one up for a quick read.
Vivian is a human rights lawyer who ends up stranded in Helsinki on Christmas. Jasper has a multi game suspension from the NHL and is headed back to Finland to visit his family for the holidays. An airport meet cute turns into a holiday fairytale romance. I appreciated that any issues that came up were dealt with using common sense, and that there was no miscommunication trope or third act breakup. It did make for some unbelievable circumstances, but don’t we all make a contract with the author when it comes to reading these books to suspend our disbelief?
This was much better written than some of the other books I have gotten on Stuff Your Kindle Day, but it did verge on being too saccharine. I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas romances, and this 100% falls into that category, but I did find myself enjoying reading about Finland. And there’s such in depth descriptions of food that I was hungry! If you’re the type of romance reader who is in it for the vibes, this is a good vibes read that I would recommend.
4.5 stars I received the arc for an honest review by the author. Thank you
If you want a holiday book that happens in Finland this is your chance. You'll see food and places mentioned and make me want to see it one day.
I really enjoyed the romance between Jasper and Vivian, we never know when we meet the right person that fits us. I wouldn't call it love at first sight but meeting by chance. This book made me hungry for Finnish food, (laugh).
Jasper is a NHL hockey player who gets a 5 game suspension just before the holidays and spends holidays with his family.
Vivian is a lawyer that helps immigrants. (Sorry I can't remember the correct name) on her way to Finland to meet up with her mom and dad. Which sadly they were able to make it.
I like how they first met at the Airport made me laugh and embrassed for Viv, laught. Jasper is a huge cinnamon roll. Always treat Viv with respect. I hope I can find a audiobook soon, so I can hear the Finnish language.
Go get this book I read it in two days and didn't want to put it down.
There was some mix up in the pages with, when they had using the texting format as the page kept repeating, didn't bug. I got this Arc before the release so hopefully those were fixed
This was adorably wholesome and sweet!! Originally I wouldn’t have thought I’d give it 5 stars but by the time I’d finished it, it gave me so much warm and fuzzy vibes that I couldn’t give it anything less. I almost want to read it again just for more good feelings.
K.H. Anastasia’s books are such a delight to read because they’re very sweet and low angst and this was no exception. It was insta-love from the get go but it wasn’t done in a cheesy or tacky way as their relationship built up throughout the book so by the time Jasper and Vivian declared they were all in, it made total sense. It was easy to forget they’d known each other for such a short amount of time.
I loved how sweet Jas and Viv were together. He was constantly there trying to make her smile and she helped him stay calm in those moments of potential drama. Vivian fit in so well with his family and the teammates she met and the teasing banter between everyone was super cute. I do wish we’d gotten to see Jasper interact with her family though!
The spice was probably about 2.5 🌶️ and wasn’t overwhelming which was nice. It fit with the more wholesome vibe of the book where it gave you a taste of some dirty talk but wasn’t full-on smut.
We find out which couple the next book is about at the end of this book and I absolutely cannot wait! I can tell it’s probably going to be a little bit more drama-filled but it has one of my favourite tropes so I’m so excited!
Overall this was a really fun take on a hockey romance. It was fast-paced, sweet, a little bit juicy and gave off some seriously good vibes.
Wanna read the most wholesome lovestories with just right amount chili to keep it spicy but not over the top all just adult content focusing more on the butterflies, spicy tension between the MC's and sensations of falling in love? Well, look no further because this amazing author who I adore as a person also, writes the best of them.
Characters in her books make me swoon and love them as persons. They feel so close and important as I read about them. It shows how freaking much she puts thoughts and effort making them come alive. And the best thing is that the spicy content is so diverse and natural to these imaginary people, there's some kinks and stuff, and it doesn't feel forced ever.
Gaahhh. I hate myself and my slumps and focusing problems that i couldn't get this one done earlier. But now I am sooo invested it this hockey era of her writing, that I am gonna pick up the next part as soon as I am done with writing this. I'm little bit ashamed that I got ARC of it and still haven't read it, but life has it's own turns and hills.
So, if you are anything like me as a reader, who swoons hard and loves nothing more than good chemistry and bookhumans who feel so so so real, who have realistic struggles even tho they are part of Triple Gold Club, do yourself a favor and pick this up! Tho I would suggest you to start from her first book with Eli and Rose as they are in the same universum as Jasper and Vivian. I love how they all link to each other some how in the end. The book two was my fave so far still, my heart will be always beating for Jax, who I have to mention as he is fresh in my mind after reading Sophie's name in this one. 😏
But off I go to read the newest book! I will never stop swooning over these wholesome stories and I hope someone new will find these books and get to experience the stories and feel them feels too! 🩷
5⭐️ - wish I would’ve read this book 1.5 months ago around Christmas 🥲😍
This is one of the most heartwarming books ever, so if you wanna feel all warm and fuzzy inside for a fun holiday read, sit down with this one. 😌
Jasper, a Finnish-American NHL star, is the definition of a swoon-worthy cinnamon roll MMC who gets suspended for a fight on the ice. He and Vivi, the FMC who is a badass human rights lawyer, meet on their journey to Helsinki, Finland.
Absolutely love the elements of Finnish culture the author tied in here! As someone who knew next to nothing about the culture there, it was so much fun. Also - THE FOOD. 👀 literally sign me up lmao.
Tropes/Elements: -NHL star sports romance -badass FMC -Finnish culture -forced proximity -cinnamon roll MMC -close-knit families -great banter -no break up -dual POV
This was a very cute romance! Lots of holiday vibes with it taking place over December and January majorly and it being set in Finland. Jasper was a sweetie and had the very apt nickname of Viking. Vivian was lovely as well, I loved how she was all strong and no drama.
The romance was very insta love with things happening over 10 days, but it was super cute (and cheesy at moments). It reminded me a bit of a hallmark romance… from the meet cute, to the reason why they get to spend the holidays together, and then figuring out how to move forward after returning home.
Tropes: 🏒 hockey romance 👏🏼 no third act breakup 🇫🇮 international travel ❤️ hallmark vibes
In the ocean of spicy angsty books, this is the warm snuggle I needed in the Christmas Season ✨
Jasper & Vivi are the sweetest couple around where they were attached to each other from the first go and worked on without any push and pull.
Jasper is suspended from his NHL team and Vivian is on her way to the family trip, fun part? They both are heading towards the same destination on the same flight and seats close to each other. But when Vivian’s parents can’t spin her on trip Jasper offers her to join him.
I loved how Jasper went out of his way to make her trip memorable ✨
Their nicknames for each other melted me into a puddle and also? No third Act Breakup??? That’s the best thing💙🫶🏼
I bought this book because it was happening in Finland, a country I deeply fall in love with recently, while living there for 7 months, and I've really enjoyed reading it. There's not much options when it comes to finding a fictional story happening in this wonderful country so kiitos paljon to the author for writing down this one. It was really nice to read about places I've been to, and some others on my wishlist. And to learn about Finland and its culture. The story itself is sweet and a good rom-com if that's what you like reading. It was entertaining. I want to find my own Jasper now 😅
I was so happy to finally find a hockey romance with a European protagonist but was disappointed by the overall story. A superficial love story sprinkled with lots of Finnish tourism things and the slightest bit of hockey.
Basically if you like a hallmark movie with all that cheese, hockey romance, a mid size reader who is confident, and men who decide to go to therapy then this is it for you. Its a good filler book
It was my first meet cute, it was a wholesome cute little story. I loved Vivian’s and Jaspers love it was so sweet and wholesome and will give you all the feel good warm and fuzzies. It was a fast read as well, so if you’re looking for a fun cutesy hockey romance I would definitely recommend.
I sat on it…I’m mad that I finished this. I do not understand people who don’t like third act breakups!! A book is so boring if there’s no big conflict! I was like oh surely he will get cold feet back in New York because this is his first serious relationship or their high-stress jobs will cause tension. Or heck rabid fans!! Something! Him getting traded to another team (albeit in the same city…stupid New York) isn’t even really a challenge for them as a couple.
Reading this felt like the time I got like halfway done with a 100-chapter fanfic and the author was like “oh! Just wanted to let you know there will be no conflict. I don’t like writing them.” What’s the POINT
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I need to remember that not all books are tragic, traumatic and that bad things always happen. I spent the majority of this read enjoying the cute holiday romance expecting something horrific to happen… I’m not sure what that says about me! I am still not used to reading romance novels, but I did enjoy the hockey element (who knew!).
But for me, it was the description and setting of Helsinki in the winter that gave this book the edge - the description was absolutely gorgeous and I would absolutely love to visit!
The parts I read were totally sweet - which would have totally captured my preteen heart. But, I just wasn't feeling it.... I dont think I am done with it - so I am adding it to my "It's not you - it's me" shelf until I get the feels to maybe finish it later?
DNF This book was not good at all.I thought that it would be a funny, relaxing holiday romance, which it was but not a great one. The writing was focused on Finland in a touristic way and how vivian got to experience this new culture and stuff , but that was not for me, I did not like it. The characters were boring as well. Vivian was that powerful plus sized woman who knew herself and who was hurt before and didn't want to experience this thing again. Nothing you have never seen before in a book. As for Jasper, he was the perfect man.Mature, manly, there for you, supportive , everything you could ever want , but it felt forced because I didn't feel the connection and the spark in between them. I am extremely disappointed, and I would not recommend this book for any reason.
From Helsinki With Love is another cute holiday romance! This one read like a sweet Hallmark movie, but add in some spice! There was a fun meet cute (I love airport meet cutes!)hunky hockey player, strong, curvy fmc and such a fun story that is filled with tidbits of Finland. I loved all of the descriptions of Finnish food, traditions and scenery. I honestly didn’t much know much about Finland beforehand, but this book made me want to hop on a plane right now and head there for Christmas!!! If you’re looking for a cute love story that will put you in the Christmas mood give this one a try!!
❗️SPOILERS❗️ ________________________________ 🇫🇮 “Vivian, mä voisin rakastaa sua ikuisesti, jos saisin mahdollisuuden siihen.” I could love her forever if I was given the chance to do so. ________________________________ I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review. This is book number 1 in the Lost in Translation series and I'm obsessed! It's written in dual POV and a HEA without any drama for the couple in between. I loved Jasper and Vivian. Vivian is plus sized (size 16-18) and a really strong character. She's honest and has no issues telling her feelings up front, she's not self conscious of her body (which I love!) and she's not afraid of the paparazzi or anything public that will come for them as a relationship. And Jasper... Oh boy! I love a good hockey romance. He's also honest and open about who he is, and what he wants from their relationship - even if at first he thinks he can't give her everything she deserves, it never causes their relationship any drama and I loved their HEA. ________________________________ 💜 "You're more than a part of it, Vivian. You are my world." ________________________________
✔️Christmas ✔️Hockey player ✔️Plus Size ✔️Instalove
________________________________ 💜"We stand there on the ice, gazing into each other's eyes with a mixture of awe and wonder, and I know nothing will ever be the same again. It's incredible how much a person can feel in such a short time... but I know something magical has just taken place on this ice, and I can't deny it anymore." ________________________________ Jasper is a 30 year old Center for the Woodpeckers hockey team in New York. He's a hot head and recently got suspended over the holidays so he heads home to Finland to visit his family over his break. Vivian is a plus size (size 16-18) 28 year old human rights lawyer from New York. She's off to Finland where he parents will meet her and they'll celebrate Christmas abroad. He sees her at TSA, when the agent is inspecting her vibrator in public, letting it vibrate all over the place - I may have died and laughed for her all at the same time. ________________________________ 💜"I want to spend more time with the woman who has me feeling so smitten. There's just something different about her. When she's around, I feel this pull I rarely do. Like I can't get enough of her. It all sounds bizarre since we only met earlier today, well yesterday, but I don't care." ________________________________ They officially meet at a bar in the airport, and then they realize that there going to the same place and sitting on the plane near one another, talk about a meet cute! Once they arrive Vivian finds out that her parents can't meet up with her, and she's all alone in this foreign country. She ends up calling Jasper, thank God they exchanged numbers! And he invites her to stay with him, and have Christmas dinner with his family. He ends up taking her to do a lot of sight seeing, he takes her to see Santa, have a sleigh ride pulled by a reindeer, they stay in an igloo and ice motel plus see the northern lights... SWOON! Someone find me a Jasper, and quick. During all of the sight seeing they decide to give into their attraction to one another. Since the two of them live in New York they decide once the Holiday is over, they'll continue dating and see where things end up. ________________________________ 💜"Her beautiful eyes are filled with admiration and I'm so grateful that we met. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring up together." ________________________________
And I need to talk about this scene right here... ⬇️ 'cause YESSSSS. This is probably my favorite just 'cause I loved the humor behind it and we all want the built hockey player with abs to ask us to sit on his face. So, if you're a big girl like me, get on top! If he dies, he dies. 😉 🔥 "I want you to ride my face." "Your face? But I will crush you." "Not a chance" he says confidentely. I'm still slightly worried as I haven't done it before. "But what if you stop breathing" "Well, then it'd be a good way to go." ________________________________ 💜 "This might be my second favorite thing, waking up next to you." "What's your favorite thing?" "The way our bodies fit together last night. Having sex with you for the first time will forever be one of my favorite memories." SWOOOOON! 😍 ________________________________ I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, Rasmus and Haisley's book is next. I can't wait to see him and Jasper set aside their differences and go back to being best friends and teammates. I'm also hoping at some point we'll see a book about Felix and Em.. But also I need a single dad book about Shane! This series has great potential and I'm so thankful I was able to read and review this.
First, I would like to thank K.H. Anastasia for sending me an ARC of From Helsinki with Love!
This was such a cute story of Jasper and Vivian! I loved getting to know both of them as they traipsed around Finland and found love along the way.
Jasper is a “hockey hunk” with a big heart. Vivian is the sweetest human and I would definitely be friends with her. During a last minute travel mishap, Vivian finds herself alone in Finland and spending the holidays with Jasper and his family, after only meeting on the plane.
This is not a slow burn, they are flirty with each other from the very beginning of their meet-cute and things only heat up (quickly) from there. I adored how sweet Jasper was with Vivian, making sure she still got the holiday she planned, while showing her more of his home country.
There are a few deeper topics, but most of the book is pretty surface level romance. I am a sucker for tension between characters and a slow burn in a romance so this was a little fast paced for me. If you are someone who is into love at first sight, or when the characters fall for each other fast, this book is for you! It can be a little corny at times, but I think that is what makes this so fun and easy to read.
I absolutely love when there are dual POVs in a romance and you get that here! I enjoy hearing the male's perspective in the story as I think it helps to round out the romance It’s also sexy to hear their thoughts on how they’re falling for their love interest.
I don’t know much about hockey and I appreciated how Anastasia took the time to mention the rules and insider information of the sport throughout the book. It helped to keep me up to speed and understand it enough to keep following along.
I definitely recommend picking up this one if you are looking for a quick, light hearted book that will leave you feeling warm inside. I am excited to read more of K.H. Anastasia’s books!
A Finnish hockey star makes a poor choice on the ice causes him to go home early and then sit on an airplane beside the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.
Jasper is the hottest player in professional hockey. Personal strife causes him to lose his cool during a game that earns him a temporary suspension. After being banned from the ice he decides to fly home early for Christmas to surprise his beloved family.
Vivian is a human rights lawyer that has worked a long time in order to achieve success. When her parents plan an exciting Christmas Vacation in Lapland, Finland, she hops a plane in anticipation. On the way she meets Jasper, a handsome hockey player who makes the trip fun. When she lands only to discover her parents are not going to be able to come, Jasper offers to take her home with him since she is new to the country.
Sparks fly between the two as they spend time together. Jasper is mesmerized by Vivian and enjoys every moment they spend together. Vivian feels like she is living a dream with the perfect holiday with a handsome man. Soon feelings develop in a short amount of time that are anything but temporary.
Dual POV, hockey player trope, spicy.
This story is very warm and charming. I really enjoy low drama, decadent romance stories. I took away one star because the dialogue felt strained and awkward. Almost like this book was written in a different language (which, perhaps it may have been) and the translation didn't carry over in the exact flow of story. That being said, these two MCs have a sweet story. Vivian is a confident, accomplished woman coming out of a toxic long term relationship. She doesn't need anything from Jasper and has no idea why he is famous which he appreciates. Jasper is a hunky man who never saw himself with a girlfriend until the perfect woman lands in his lap. There is a lot of time spent with these two enjoying each other. Sweet HEA and Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you Kiira and Flying Pig PR for an ARC of this book!
I have never been to Finland and loved that we got to explore it with Vivian, who was also a first-time visitor. Her genuine awe felt so real and we felt her excitement as if it was our own. And having Jasper, who was Finnish, be her companion meant we saw some of the tourist attractions while also learning about the unique traditions of Finnish culture. It truly felt like going on an adventure with a friend.
We have to talk about the chemistry bc Jasper and Vivian hit it off immediately. I loved their flirty meet-cute and how quickly they became friends (and then more than friends 😉). I loved Jasper for including Vivian in his family festivities and always being so considerate of her. Really, the way he planned things to make sure she was having the best time? Excuse me. I'm going to need a moment to swoon. And Vivian. I loved how she embraced Jasper the person *and* the hockey player, being supportive of him and showing him that he had so much to offer beyond the rink. She eased his worries and made sure he knew he would always have people cheering him on, her included.
THERE IS NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. Jasper and Vivian were an all-around feel-good kind of couple. Were there some bumps along the way? Sure. But did anything explode? Nope! I really enjoyed seeing them work through each obstacle together so that they both felt comfortable and safe. And seeing them talk through what they needed to make their relationship work was a breath of fresh air. I love my angst but every now and then, my heart needs a break and this was it!
CN: open-door romance, mention of infertility treatments, mention of hockey fight, car accident resulting in temp paralysis (not MCs), discussion of morning-after pill (no pregnancy)
“You deserve so much more than I can offer, but I’ll die trying to make your hopes and dreams come true.”
‘From Helsinki With Love is a holiday romance book which follows hockey star (and current bad boy of the league due being suspended for fighting) Jasper Åkerman, and Vivian Powers, a human rights lawyer. After finding out he is suspended, Jasper decides to take an early trip to Finland to see his family. After getting cheated on, Vivian decides to take a family vacation with her parents. Only, her parents never make it there. After meeting (and flirting!) at the airport, Jasper offers to show Vivian Helsnki to ensure that she is not alone for the holidays.’
OMG! This book was everything I was wishing for and more! Everything about this book was perfect, the hallmark movie settings, the most lovable characters, the setting of the book, and even the trip to Lapland to meet Santa! And the best thing… it had no third act break up!
Jasper & Vivian had an instant connection from the moment they first started talking. It started as playful, flirty banter but it soon progressed as they spent more time together. They really did bring out the best in each other and helped in more ways than they could’ve imagined. The communication between them was immaculate and refreshing to read. They really did just make the perfect couple.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and find out more about both Rasmus & Felix!
If you love anything holiday, Christmas or hockey related, this is 100% the book for you!
Tropes: • Holiday/Christmas Romance • Hockey Player x Human Rights Lawyer • Forced Proximity