What do you think?
Rate this book
Stockholm Diaries #1
Stockholm Diaries, Caroline
2016 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award Winner - Contemporary Series
The Plan:
A month in Sweden to jump-start her photojournalism career
Not in the Plan:
The hot hockey player who lives across the hall
But an adventure abroad never goes according to plan...right? Especially when the not-in-the-plan guy has a bad reputation.
Time is running out. Caroline must choose what is safe or choose what her heart tells her is right.
But what if her heart wants more than one thing?
2015 Chatelaine Awards for Romantic Fiction Finalist - Contemporary Romance
"...beautiful debut novel..." - InD'tale Magazine, Feb 2016
This is a stand-alone romance novel at 65,000 words with a HFN. Stockholm Diaries, Caroline 2 is the next episode in their adventure.
The Plan:
A month in Sweden to jump-start her photojournalism career
Not in the Plan:
The hot hockey player who lives across the hall
But an adventure abroad never goes according to plan...right? Especially when the not-in-the-plan guy has a bad reputation.
Time is running out. Caroline must choose what is safe or choose what her heart tells her is right.
But what if her heart wants more than one thing?
2015 Chatelaine Awards for Romantic Fiction Finalist - Contemporary Romance
"...beautiful debut novel..." - InD'tale Magazine, Feb 2016
This is a stand-alone romance novel at 65,000 words with a HFN. Stockholm Diaries, Caroline 2 is the next episode in their adventure.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
467 people are currently reading
1744 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Hunter
49 books554 followers"The characters are likable and believable, and the sexual chemistry is intense. For those looking for a quick, smoking-hot read, this latest from Hunter will be sure to set them on fire while still embracing a romantic, feel-good vibe." - from Library Journal's starred review of Best Laid Plans
"Hunter has written her protagonists with great depth, carefully revealing how their pasts have shaped their personalities in this page-turner, which is filled with vivid sex scenes and intense emotion." - from Publishers' Weekly's review of One More Night
Rebecca Hunter is an award-winning author, reader, traveler, former English teacher, chocolate lover, and keeper of a very messy desk. She writes witty, sexy stories about complex characters and intriguing destinations. Her books have won the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA), the HOLT Medallion contest, and Romance Writers of America's inaugural VIVIAN award.
For the latest news, free bonus stories and more, sign up for Rebecca's newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dslDQf
"Hunter has written her protagonists with great depth, carefully revealing how their pasts have shaped their personalities in this page-turner, which is filled with vivid sex scenes and intense emotion." - from Publishers' Weekly's review of One More Night
Rebecca Hunter is an award-winning author, reader, traveler, former English teacher, chocolate lover, and keeper of a very messy desk. She writes witty, sexy stories about complex characters and intriguing destinations. Her books have won the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA), the HOLT Medallion contest, and Romance Writers of America's inaugural VIVIAN award.
For the latest news, free bonus stories and more, sign up for Rebecca's newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dslDQf
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 2, 2016
First I need to thank the author who generously provided me with a copy of her work for me to review.
I know how much work is required to write a book and I don't like to put down someones work. I respect the dedication, time effort put into putting out a book. So writing this review wasn't easy. In other words, I feel like a poophead for not liking it. But I need to be honest because thats what was asked of me.
This was a lovely story. It had all the ingredients to make you think it might be juicy... However, I feel as though it fell flat because there was so much lacking in personality and character from Caroline the heroine.
Pros
Loved that the heroine was in a cool location. It truly felt like we were experiencing Stockholm though her eyes.
I like that the heroine and her best friend were different then the culture that surrounded them. I really appreciate that Caroline and her bestie came from culturally diverse families.
Interactions with Niklas the hero were really interesting at the beginning. It amped up the story and definitely pushed him into the "dark brooding" male category. YUMMO!
Niklas... YUMMO! I already said that but it needed to be emphasized.
Cons
I did not like the perspective from which the book was written. eg; Caroline smirked, Caroline thought to herself, Caroline strolled though... Caroline began to shake...Caroline...Caroline. Her name is repetitively everywhere and its annoying.
Her backstory is rather flat. Not that all backstories should be ones of woe and tragedy, just that she needed a better backstory to make her a better character. Caroline, despite her career and aspirations, is kind of boring.
I don't see where the word "diary" fits in the title. She doesn't write.
Hero treats her like crap, he slams doors in her face, breaks her camera and she never gets angry or confronts him. Instead she goes on and on and on about him in her mind. Whenever she sees him she forgets all the weird/mean ways he treated her. Would have made it juicier if she had a little more attitude, it would have made the hooking up way hotter. Instead she comes off as being a complete pushover.
She sleeps with a popular hockey star without protection. Unless I missed it, there is no mention of condoms or birth control. Seems rather careless and dumb of her.
There is no fun to be had for the characters in this story. Would have been interesting to see heroine and her bestie go out and have a night. Or her and hero doing something spontaneous and fun together. Meeting in a nightclub, or her teaching him some latin dance moves, skating? Anything... Something!!
Lots of useless dialogue. The book could be shortened by about 25 pages because there's so much of it.
She never speaks out to Ludwig when he is being a total douche. It makes her weak.
Sex scenes were a lacking in passion. Pillow talk was lacking originality.
Even though this is a lovely love story, I unfortunately have to conclude that even if the story showed promise at the beginning, we slowly lose interest in Caroline as a character because she lacks depth, backbone and personality. There is nothing there that I see the hero, as a star athlete, falling for. I really feel like the author would have benefitted from giving the heroine some fire in her personality. After all, the girl has to have some attitude to be able to handle the likes of an hockey star with anger issues. And this for me, is what really didn't work.
PS Change book cover image... Way too 80's!
I know how much work is required to write a book and I don't like to put down someones work. I respect the dedication, time effort put into putting out a book. So writing this review wasn't easy. In other words, I feel like a poophead for not liking it. But I need to be honest because thats what was asked of me.
This was a lovely story. It had all the ingredients to make you think it might be juicy... However, I feel as though it fell flat because there was so much lacking in personality and character from Caroline the heroine.
Pros
Loved that the heroine was in a cool location. It truly felt like we were experiencing Stockholm though her eyes.
I like that the heroine and her best friend were different then the culture that surrounded them. I really appreciate that Caroline and her bestie came from culturally diverse families.
Interactions with Niklas the hero were really interesting at the beginning. It amped up the story and definitely pushed him into the "dark brooding" male category. YUMMO!
Niklas... YUMMO! I already said that but it needed to be emphasized.
Cons
I did not like the perspective from which the book was written. eg; Caroline smirked, Caroline thought to herself, Caroline strolled though... Caroline began to shake...Caroline...Caroline. Her name is repetitively everywhere and its annoying.
Her backstory is rather flat. Not that all backstories should be ones of woe and tragedy, just that she needed a better backstory to make her a better character. Caroline, despite her career and aspirations, is kind of boring.
I don't see where the word "diary" fits in the title. She doesn't write.
Hero treats her like crap, he slams doors in her face, breaks her camera and she never gets angry or confronts him. Instead she goes on and on and on about him in her mind. Whenever she sees him she forgets all the weird/mean ways he treated her. Would have made it juicier if she had a little more attitude, it would have made the hooking up way hotter. Instead she comes off as being a complete pushover.
She sleeps with a popular hockey star without protection. Unless I missed it, there is no mention of condoms or birth control. Seems rather careless and dumb of her.
There is no fun to be had for the characters in this story. Would have been interesting to see heroine and her bestie go out and have a night. Or her and hero doing something spontaneous and fun together. Meeting in a nightclub, or her teaching him some latin dance moves, skating? Anything... Something!!
Lots of useless dialogue. The book could be shortened by about 25 pages because there's so much of it.
She never speaks out to Ludwig when he is being a total douche. It makes her weak.
Sex scenes were a lacking in passion. Pillow talk was lacking originality.
Even though this is a lovely love story, I unfortunately have to conclude that even if the story showed promise at the beginning, we slowly lose interest in Caroline as a character because she lacks depth, backbone and personality. There is nothing there that I see the hero, as a star athlete, falling for. I really feel like the author would have benefitted from giving the heroine some fire in her personality. After all, the girl has to have some attitude to be able to handle the likes of an hockey star with anger issues. And this for me, is what really didn't work.
PS Change book cover image... Way too 80's!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2016
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Stockholm Diaries was a contemporary romance set against the backdrop of Sweden’s most famous city. It was a sweet, light read; delightful and with one of those perfect endings you dream of. I put it down with a smile on my face. There is not one thing in this book I would change (which for me is saying something).
I absolutely loved this book. Everything in here worked. Even when I wanted to scream at decisions Caroline made, they were justified and sensible to the character. Loved the tension, loved the outcome. So happy to have read this one!
Stockholm Diaries was a contemporary romance set against the backdrop of Sweden’s most famous city. It was a sweet, light read; delightful and with one of those perfect endings you dream of. I put it down with a smile on my face. There is not one thing in this book I would change (which for me is saying something).
I absolutely loved this book. Everything in here worked. Even when I wanted to scream at decisions Caroline made, they were justified and sensible to the character. Loved the tension, loved the outcome. So happy to have read this one!
February 28, 2019
A beautiful romance
When I started this book I had a hard time trying to figure out where it was going. I loved the connection between these two characters. As there friendship continued I loved them together. The ending was amazing and a great surprise.
When I started this book I had a hard time trying to figure out where it was going. I loved the connection between these two characters. As there friendship continued I loved them together. The ending was amazing and a great surprise.
March 3, 2016
**4.5 stars**
I'm a sucker for a hockey romance, and enjoy the sub genre's usual sugary, over-dramatic confections. This book happily surprised me with its realistic story and relatable characters.
Of course the eye-locking, time-slowing animal magnetism Caroline and Niklas share is more fantastical, but Caroline is a great, relatable protagonist. She's following her dream, has a great friendship with Veronica, and makes mistakes and choices that are rooted in reality.
The book's driving conflicts are also rooted in reality: money trouble, time deadlines, choice between following you head/heart/gut. Finally a book that doesn't get our protagonist assaulted, abused or put in mortal danger to drive the dramatic crescendo!
And Niklas and Caroline actually communicate with each other instead of making dramatically mistaken assumptions! Sure, he slams the door in her face a few times, but then they talk to each other, sharing their fears and feelings like normal people.
Finally, I really enjoyed Stockholm as the setting for this book. A great place for the reader to explore along with new-arrival Caroline. Makes me want to book a vacation!
I'm a sucker for a hockey romance, and enjoy the sub genre's usual sugary, over-dramatic confections. This book happily surprised me with its realistic story and relatable characters.
Of course the eye-locking, time-slowing animal magnetism Caroline and Niklas share is more fantastical, but Caroline is a great, relatable protagonist. She's following her dream, has a great friendship with Veronica, and makes mistakes and choices that are rooted in reality.
The book's driving conflicts are also rooted in reality: money trouble, time deadlines, choice between following you head/heart/gut. Finally a book that doesn't get our protagonist assaulted, abused or put in mortal danger to drive the dramatic crescendo!
And Niklas and Caroline actually communicate with each other instead of making dramatically mistaken assumptions! Sure, he slams the door in her face a few times, but then they talk to each other, sharing their fears and feelings like normal people.
Finally, I really enjoyed Stockholm as the setting for this book. A great place for the reader to explore along with new-arrival Caroline. Makes me want to book a vacation!
Want to read
March 25, 2023💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/30/2018)!💝
March 27, 2020
Fabulous read. I really enjoy Rebecca Hunter's books. Deeply emotional and always engaging.
Read
June 27, 2016I love this book, but since I wrote it, I'm a little biased:) It's a story about a strong connection between two people on very different paths.
This is Caroline and Niklas's first book, and their second book came out in April of 2016 ("Part 2," not a serial), along with some shorter stories about their adventures.
It's also the first book in the Stockholm Diaries series of steamy romances between North American women and Swedish men. My husband and I have lived in Sweden twice, and both times I met women from around the world with interesting, unique stories about meeting Swedish men and moving to Sweden. These stories involved chance meetings, uncertain risks and sacrifice, all in the name of love. The whole Stockholm Diaries series is a kind of tribute to all these stories.
Stockholm was our own home for three years, so the series is also a tribute to a city I know and love. One fundamental idea behind my stories is to explore romance and love with someone who comes from a different background—both the appeals and the difficulties.
I hope you enjoy the book!
This is Caroline and Niklas's first book, and their second book came out in April of 2016 ("Part 2," not a serial), along with some shorter stories about their adventures.
It's also the first book in the Stockholm Diaries series of steamy romances between North American women and Swedish men. My husband and I have lived in Sweden twice, and both times I met women from around the world with interesting, unique stories about meeting Swedish men and moving to Sweden. These stories involved chance meetings, uncertain risks and sacrifice, all in the name of love. The whole Stockholm Diaries series is a kind of tribute to all these stories.
Stockholm was our own home for three years, so the series is also a tribute to a city I know and love. One fundamental idea behind my stories is to explore romance and love with someone who comes from a different background—both the appeals and the difficulties.
I hope you enjoy the book!
December 10, 2018
I'd been wanting to read this book for awhile now. So, once I had the opportunity to do so I jumped on it. The good news is that I found it an enjoyable read.Caroline leaves Michigan to go to Sweden. She was tired of her same old life. While in Sweden of course she meets a man. Niklas is an ex NHL player. He has a reputation on an doff the ice. Of course he is nothing like they want you to believe. They have a nice relationship going and I look forward to seeing how it continues in the next book.
September 25, 2016
Stockholm Diaries, Caroline by Rebecca Hunter is an amazing romance. I could not get enough of this romance. Rebecca Hunter has ruined me. I want to read all her books and it has to happen as soon as possible or else I will die from suspense. Intrigue, sparks, and opposites will attract readers in like honey is to bees. Fast-paced plot. Plenty of action and enough heat to make readers blush. This novel, was realistic in every way. The character were easy to connect with and their chemistry was hot. Chances of true love are much higher than playing a game of hockey. But it will take both characters era willing to risk their hearts to keep what they have.
Inside Stockholm Diaries, Caroline, reader will meet two irresistible characters. There's the female photographer, Caroline. She plays life safe until she heads out to have an adventure. But boy, does it find her faster than she knew. Right next door in fact. That's where sexy dark pro hockey player, Niklas Almquist, comes into play. He's the kind of man to make any woman swoon...and Caroline knew it would be easier to run than to stay. Yet stay she did. Heat scorches between these two characters. Built into an unbearable outcome that leaves them both questioning everything. Life isn't neat. It's messy. Love is powerful but first the courage to go after it must be found. Rebecca Hunter lured me in so fast. I was fascinated from beginning to end. A talented writer who knew her way to readers' hearts. Perfect romance. I can't wait to read more of her work in the future. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.
Inside Stockholm Diaries, Caroline, reader will meet two irresistible characters. There's the female photographer, Caroline. She plays life safe until she heads out to have an adventure. But boy, does it find her faster than she knew. Right next door in fact. That's where sexy dark pro hockey player, Niklas Almquist, comes into play. He's the kind of man to make any woman swoon...and Caroline knew it would be easier to run than to stay. Yet stay she did. Heat scorches between these two characters. Built into an unbearable outcome that leaves them both questioning everything. Life isn't neat. It's messy. Love is powerful but first the courage to go after it must be found. Rebecca Hunter lured me in so fast. I was fascinated from beginning to end. A talented writer who knew her way to readers' hearts. Perfect romance. I can't wait to read more of her work in the future. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.
March 13, 2016
3,5 stars
I received this book in exchange for a honest review
I love reading books about ice hockey players so when I saw this book I naturally wanted to read it. This is the first book of the Stockholm diaries series and this book is about Caroline, an American woman and Niklas, a Swedish man. The whole series is based on the concept of American women meeting Swedish men and falling in love with them. I like the idea of this series.
Just like so many young people Caroline Mendoza had this dream of travelling the world when she would finished college but like with so many dreams life got in the way. In Caroline’s case it was a boyfriend that stopped her from travelling the world. But after so many (boring) years of taking photographs of little children and living together with her boyfriend, Caroline has the feeling it’s now or never if she wants to make her dream come true. So Caroline decides to leave her safe life behind and go to discover the world on her own. Her first stop is Sweden where her best friend now lives. And Caroline is having the time of her life, thanks to her best friend she can live in an apartment for a month. Nothing is standing in her way from living out her big dream of travelling the world but then she meets her next-door neighbor Niklas. He’s moody, reclusive but he’s also very hot and gentle. Caroline doesn’t know what to think of him. Sometimes she thinks that he feels the attraction between them too but other times he just ignores her. She’s so confused!
And then one night Caroline discovers that Niklas is in fact Niklas Almquist, an ex-Red Wings player whose reputation is very bad (on and off the ice). People warn her to stay away from him (even Niklas himself) but the attraction between them is too strong to ignore.
Is Ivan really this bad guy that everyone is telling her about?! But what about his gentle side that she only sees? Only time can tell but time is the one thing that Caroline doesn’t have! Because soon she has to go to her next destination. But can she really leave Niklas behind? Will she follow her dream or will she choose for her heart? Why can life never be simple?
When I started reading this book, it wasn’t love on first sight for me and Niklas. But the more I read about him the more I fell for him. This story is a little bit different than other stories about ice hockey players that I read. I think the different (for me) with this story was that it’s felt more ‘real’, more emotional to me than other stories. Here you have a woman that just started her new adventure of living her big dream and at the first stop that she takes, she fall in love with a man who has a bad reputation but the attraction between them is something that she has never felt before. So I can understand her doubt about leaving him and follow her dream or follow her heart in this situation.
I enjoyed this story. I’m curious about the next book in this series that follows Caroline and Niklas story.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review
I love reading books about ice hockey players so when I saw this book I naturally wanted to read it. This is the first book of the Stockholm diaries series and this book is about Caroline, an American woman and Niklas, a Swedish man. The whole series is based on the concept of American women meeting Swedish men and falling in love with them. I like the idea of this series.
Just like so many young people Caroline Mendoza had this dream of travelling the world when she would finished college but like with so many dreams life got in the way. In Caroline’s case it was a boyfriend that stopped her from travelling the world. But after so many (boring) years of taking photographs of little children and living together with her boyfriend, Caroline has the feeling it’s now or never if she wants to make her dream come true. So Caroline decides to leave her safe life behind and go to discover the world on her own. Her first stop is Sweden where her best friend now lives. And Caroline is having the time of her life, thanks to her best friend she can live in an apartment for a month. Nothing is standing in her way from living out her big dream of travelling the world but then she meets her next-door neighbor Niklas. He’s moody, reclusive but he’s also very hot and gentle. Caroline doesn’t know what to think of him. Sometimes she thinks that he feels the attraction between them too but other times he just ignores her. She’s so confused!
And then one night Caroline discovers that Niklas is in fact Niklas Almquist, an ex-Red Wings player whose reputation is very bad (on and off the ice). People warn her to stay away from him (even Niklas himself) but the attraction between them is too strong to ignore.
Is Ivan really this bad guy that everyone is telling her about?! But what about his gentle side that she only sees? Only time can tell but time is the one thing that Caroline doesn’t have! Because soon she has to go to her next destination. But can she really leave Niklas behind? Will she follow her dream or will she choose for her heart? Why can life never be simple?
When I started reading this book, it wasn’t love on first sight for me and Niklas. But the more I read about him the more I fell for him. This story is a little bit different than other stories about ice hockey players that I read. I think the different (for me) with this story was that it’s felt more ‘real’, more emotional to me than other stories. Here you have a woman that just started her new adventure of living her big dream and at the first stop that she takes, she fall in love with a man who has a bad reputation but the attraction between them is something that she has never felt before. So I can understand her doubt about leaving him and follow her dream or follow her heart in this situation.
I enjoyed this story. I’m curious about the next book in this series that follows Caroline and Niklas story.
March 31, 2016
really really love it!! <3 <3
this book really is a precious for the lovers for romance and suckers for a romance abroad. For those who long to travel and want to feel the adventure of it. This book really covers it. Plus, it has the theme of sports (the male character plays hockey), and we all love a hot athlete.
The characters were the perfect combination of funny and silly, and romantics.
We start with a young woman who leaves everything in the States to find herself, quitting her job and moving to Sweeden (provisionally) to start again as a freelancer photographer. Who doesn't identifies with doubts of your career choice and the path you want for your life?? The author totally nailed this sentiment that most mid-twentys go through! Personally I found myself really identified.
When she is trying to put her life in order again and trying to figure her next step, she encounters this hot quiet neighbor, with whom she can't help but be drawned to (really this parts makes you go hiperventilating!! :D). And the feeling is mutual, despite Nicklas initial resilience. The plot thickens when she found out that Nick has a secret of his past, that was the reason to change hockey teams and move back to Sweeden.
And if that isn't enough troubles for the couple, they have to face the uncertainty of Caroline's coming departure, and if they can find a middle point to compromise, or face that what they had was worth fighting for.
Their story really catches you, and the reader can't help but be hoocked and wanting to hear more. Their initial attraction, the uncertainty of Nicklas, Caroline's doubts for her life and what to do, Nicklas past, it all is just a combination for success.
This story really makes you identified with the characters and what they're going through. And the way the author describes them, makes it easy to emphatise with them....something that I always value and look for in the books that I read. Not to mention that is a really entertaining story!! ;)
Also, I've never been in Sweeden but it has been added really quickly to my bucket list. The description for the country really helps you visualize it, and gives you the air of mystique.
I really can't wait to continue their story with the sequel.
this book really is a precious for the lovers for romance and suckers for a romance abroad. For those who long to travel and want to feel the adventure of it. This book really covers it. Plus, it has the theme of sports (the male character plays hockey), and we all love a hot athlete.
The characters were the perfect combination of funny and silly, and romantics.
We start with a young woman who leaves everything in the States to find herself, quitting her job and moving to Sweeden (provisionally) to start again as a freelancer photographer. Who doesn't identifies with doubts of your career choice and the path you want for your life?? The author totally nailed this sentiment that most mid-twentys go through! Personally I found myself really identified.
When she is trying to put her life in order again and trying to figure her next step, she encounters this hot quiet neighbor, with whom she can't help but be drawned to (really this parts makes you go hiperventilating!! :D). And the feeling is mutual, despite Nicklas initial resilience. The plot thickens when she found out that Nick has a secret of his past, that was the reason to change hockey teams and move back to Sweeden.
And if that isn't enough troubles for the couple, they have to face the uncertainty of Caroline's coming departure, and if they can find a middle point to compromise, or face that what they had was worth fighting for.
Their story really catches you, and the reader can't help but be hoocked and wanting to hear more. Their initial attraction, the uncertainty of Nicklas, Caroline's doubts for her life and what to do, Nicklas past, it all is just a combination for success.
This story really makes you identified with the characters and what they're going through. And the way the author describes them, makes it easy to emphatise with them....something that I always value and look for in the books that I read. Not to mention that is a really entertaining story!! ;)
Also, I've never been in Sweeden but it has been added really quickly to my bucket list. The description for the country really helps you visualize it, and gives you the air of mystique.
I really can't wait to continue their story with the sequel.
July 6, 2016
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
Rebecca Hunter's debut novel was a well written tale of love, life and decision. She writes as if she is a much more seasoned author, meaning that someone would not be able to tell that this was her first book unless they looked for that information. The plot was unique, fast paced and fun. The characters were well developed, easy to relate too and they quickly became the readers favorite new friends.
The reader can't help but become captivated by the characters, the location and the blossoming love story between Caroline and Niklas. This love isn't an easy one and it is one in which the reader will go through the gamut of emotions as they frantically read to try to figure out how to make things work for the characters. There are times that the reader will yell, curse and threaten the author (my apologies) and there are times when the author falls right into the path that the reader knew she needed to follow!
I wasn't sure that the hockey playing sub-plot would work for me, as I am not a hockey fan and I was worried I wouldn't be able to follow key parts of the story, but I worried for nothing. The author writes in a way that informs the reader without them really knowing it and it makes the story fun. I picked up a few hockey terms so now I can have a really quick conversation with any real hockey fan (I hope).
This book will leave the reader with a book hangover, but the great thing is that even though there is a book 2, the author didn't leave it with a cliffhanger. You COULD stop here and be satisfied, but there is a book 2, and I will be one-clicking that soon! I love when an author gives the reader the "option" to read the next book, it actually makes me read them more often than not.
Add this book to your TBR list, you won't be sorry, then sit back and relax because once you start reading, you won't want to stop! Enjoy this amazing read, I know that I did!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Rebecca Hunter's debut novel was a well written tale of love, life and decision. She writes as if she is a much more seasoned author, meaning that someone would not be able to tell that this was her first book unless they looked for that information. The plot was unique, fast paced and fun. The characters were well developed, easy to relate too and they quickly became the readers favorite new friends.
The reader can't help but become captivated by the characters, the location and the blossoming love story between Caroline and Niklas. This love isn't an easy one and it is one in which the reader will go through the gamut of emotions as they frantically read to try to figure out how to make things work for the characters. There are times that the reader will yell, curse and threaten the author (my apologies) and there are times when the author falls right into the path that the reader knew she needed to follow!
I wasn't sure that the hockey playing sub-plot would work for me, as I am not a hockey fan and I was worried I wouldn't be able to follow key parts of the story, but I worried for nothing. The author writes in a way that informs the reader without them really knowing it and it makes the story fun. I picked up a few hockey terms so now I can have a really quick conversation with any real hockey fan (I hope).
This book will leave the reader with a book hangover, but the great thing is that even though there is a book 2, the author didn't leave it with a cliffhanger. You COULD stop here and be satisfied, but there is a book 2, and I will be one-clicking that soon! I love when an author gives the reader the "option" to read the next book, it actually makes me read them more often than not.
Add this book to your TBR list, you won't be sorry, then sit back and relax because once you start reading, you won't want to stop! Enjoy this amazing read, I know that I did!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
August 13, 2015
Reviewed by: Bela
This is the story of Caroline Mendoza living life in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Her job is an interesting one: she is supposed to write an article (max two) in various countries throughout the whole summer. It doesn’t pay much and she has “to fund the rest of [her] way around the world.” (9) Still, I wish I could get a job like that. I’m always marveled by Latinas in travel.
Then she meets Niklas, the “friendly” Swedish neighbor. Strange how he always looks like he’s been in a fight. Was he a hockey player? Of course, he was!
I did wonder why Caroline was attracted to this rude brute of a man—and he was a man, a BIG man. Mmm, maybe that’s why.
Hockey seems to be a major thing in Sweden and it played a key role in the book. Too bad I’m not a sports fanatic.
Story was a bit mediocre with mild portions of wit and playfulness. However, I believe readers will be able to relate to Caroline, especially her stubborn independence, her bleak finances, and her relentless ambition to see the world. It’s true how Mexican fathers will insinuate that traveling women are less likely to find a husband, which, according to them, should be #1 on the list, and I like that Caroline and Veronica are two Latinas that don’t follow the tradition. Go, chicas!
The real battle, of course, is the painful, confusing one between love and sports. Can Caroline and Niklas make it work? "Would the electric attraction between them run its course by the end of her time in Stockholm, or would it change into something much harder to break away from?" (61) Will their unexpected love survive?
Like sports, the romance is an intense and powerful one; it is hard to decipher and tough on the heart.
This is the story of Caroline Mendoza living life in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Her job is an interesting one: she is supposed to write an article (max two) in various countries throughout the whole summer. It doesn’t pay much and she has “to fund the rest of [her] way around the world.” (9) Still, I wish I could get a job like that. I’m always marveled by Latinas in travel.
Then she meets Niklas, the “friendly” Swedish neighbor. Strange how he always looks like he’s been in a fight. Was he a hockey player? Of course, he was!
I did wonder why Caroline was attracted to this rude brute of a man—and he was a man, a BIG man. Mmm, maybe that’s why.
Hockey seems to be a major thing in Sweden and it played a key role in the book. Too bad I’m not a sports fanatic.
Story was a bit mediocre with mild portions of wit and playfulness. However, I believe readers will be able to relate to Caroline, especially her stubborn independence, her bleak finances, and her relentless ambition to see the world. It’s true how Mexican fathers will insinuate that traveling women are less likely to find a husband, which, according to them, should be #1 on the list, and I like that Caroline and Veronica are two Latinas that don’t follow the tradition. Go, chicas!
The real battle, of course, is the painful, confusing one between love and sports. Can Caroline and Niklas make it work? "Would the electric attraction between them run its course by the end of her time in Stockholm, or would it change into something much harder to break away from?" (61) Will their unexpected love survive?
Like sports, the romance is an intense and powerful one; it is hard to decipher and tough on the heart.
February 13, 2016
Caroline is a photographer who is on assignment to interview ex-patriots around the world. It is her dream job, and the chance to break free of a life that was stifling her. Sweden is her first stop and will last only weeks before she off to a new country. Niklas is a former NHL hockey player, currently playing for the Sweden national team. He has a temper and a past. Neither is in a place where a relationship makes sense, but they are drawn to one another nonetheless.
The best part about this book is the setting. Caroline is new to world travel and Stockholm. It is terrific to see the city through her eyes. That she tends to see it through a camera lens just makes it all the better. All the little details of daily life in this country add so much to the story. The main characters have a lot of potential, but tend fall a bit flat. Caroline is trying a little too hard to break free of men ruling her life, it is an old saw that was brought up a bit too much. Niklas is a stereotypical hockey player with anger management issues and his constant withdrawal at times leaned toward tedious. Still the love story itself was sweet and the ending was unexpected. I am looking forward to continuing the story in the next book.
The best part about this book is the setting. Caroline is new to world travel and Stockholm. It is terrific to see the city through her eyes. That she tends to see it through a camera lens just makes it all the better. All the little details of daily life in this country add so much to the story. The main characters have a lot of potential, but tend fall a bit flat. Caroline is trying a little too hard to break free of men ruling her life, it is an old saw that was brought up a bit too much. Niklas is a stereotypical hockey player with anger management issues and his constant withdrawal at times leaned toward tedious. Still the love story itself was sweet and the ending was unexpected. I am looking forward to continuing the story in the next book.
March 2, 2016
I would like to start this review by thanking the author and the Goodreads New Adult Book Club for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
« Stockholm Diaries, Caroline » is a contemporary romance novel. It follows the story of Caroline, a lost American woman longing for adventure, and Niklas, a tortured Swedish hockey star. Ultimately, this book is about the impact that one person can have on another person's life.
I found this book charming. I enjoyed Rebecca Hunter’s writing because it had the right amount of descriptions and dialogues, and although the words she used weren’t formal, they weren’t childlike. Furthermore, I really cherish the themes of the book, which are mainly love, travel and sports.
I only gave this novel three stars out of five because I feel the characters could have been a bit more developed; it would have given the story more depth.
« Stockholm Diaries, Caroline » didn’t turn my world around but it definitely made me smile.
To conclude, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice and easy summer read.
« Stockholm Diaries, Caroline » is a contemporary romance novel. It follows the story of Caroline, a lost American woman longing for adventure, and Niklas, a tortured Swedish hockey star. Ultimately, this book is about the impact that one person can have on another person's life.
I found this book charming. I enjoyed Rebecca Hunter’s writing because it had the right amount of descriptions and dialogues, and although the words she used weren’t formal, they weren’t childlike. Furthermore, I really cherish the themes of the book, which are mainly love, travel and sports.
I only gave this novel three stars out of five because I feel the characters could have been a bit more developed; it would have given the story more depth.
« Stockholm Diaries, Caroline » didn’t turn my world around but it definitely made me smile.
To conclude, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice and easy summer read.
October 16, 2015
First, I must thank the author and publisher for providing my copy of "Stockholm Diaries" as part of a Goodreads giveaway. While I am obviously not the target audience for this book, I found it to be a quick and enjoyable read.
A few observations:
A. The story itself was entertaining--I loved the the glimpses of Swedish culture, and how characters like Caroline and Veronica fit (or sometimes didn't fit) into it. The descriptions of buildings, rooms, and food brought me to Stockholm.
B. The love scenes were kind of silly to me--they all followed a recipe, starting with Niklas smoothing Caroline's hair. There was A LOT of hair smoothing. And neck touching. Also, Niklas gets hard literally every single time they embrace. Are we 18 again? Can we not keep it down at least once?
C. The entryway to a school. Really? Maybe we should re-think THAT location, Ms. Hunter.
D. There were a few small typos, even in the "about the author" blurb, which irritated me--as this was a pre-release copy, I would hope that corrections are made.
A few observations:
A. The story itself was entertaining--I loved the the glimpses of Swedish culture, and how characters like Caroline and Veronica fit (or sometimes didn't fit) into it. The descriptions of buildings, rooms, and food brought me to Stockholm.
B. The love scenes were kind of silly to me--they all followed a recipe, starting with Niklas smoothing Caroline's hair. There was A LOT of hair smoothing. And neck touching. Also, Niklas gets hard literally every single time they embrace. Are we 18 again? Can we not keep it down at least once?
C. The entryway to a school. Really? Maybe we should re-think THAT location, Ms. Hunter.
D. There were a few small typos, even in the "about the author" blurb, which irritated me--as this was a pre-release copy, I would hope that corrections are made.
July 28, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the plot, the main characters and even the supporting characters. this was a well written story that had me captivated from the beginning. when all is said and done there was nothing spectacular that happens that made this a good read for me but the mysterious aura that makes up Niklas was just that intriguing I couldn't put it down. in the back of my mind I kept thinking something sinister took place or is going to happen and I was on my seat waiting for the reveal but what I got was that much better. Nothing extraordinary to shock me to my core but an old fashion true love romance and it didn't leave me disappointed. thank you for the opportunity to read this.
June 13, 2016
Ice melting romance.
Caroline gets a chance of becoming a sports photographer, grabbing the opportunity with both hands, she heads to the ice rink.
Until then she has no idea the guy across the hall tempting to melt her heart is a well known ice hockey player, with a bad reputation.
Niklas plays hard, focused his head has to be 100% on the game. He comes off the ice still fueled with rage and aggression, he needs to find calm before he causes another Storm.
This was a nice escape, easy reading with a lovely ending.
It was good getting a glimpse of how being in the limelight of the press can alter the truth, how the world see you through what they read.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest.
Caroline gets a chance of becoming a sports photographer, grabbing the opportunity with both hands, she heads to the ice rink.
Until then she has no idea the guy across the hall tempting to melt her heart is a well known ice hockey player, with a bad reputation.
Niklas plays hard, focused his head has to be 100% on the game. He comes off the ice still fueled with rage and aggression, he needs to find calm before he causes another Storm.
This was a nice escape, easy reading with a lovely ending.
It was good getting a glimpse of how being in the limelight of the press can alter the truth, how the world see you through what they read.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest.
February 28, 2019
Boring
The pacing is slow, the heroines’s CONSTANT second guessing of her own actions and motivations was annoying, and neither main character interested me. In the beginning, there would be sudden shifts in POV that should have been caught in the editing process. I could not find enough interest to continue so I stooped at the 40% mark.
The pacing is slow, the heroines’s CONSTANT second guessing of her own actions and motivations was annoying, and neither main character interested me. In the beginning, there would be sudden shifts in POV that should have been caught in the editing process. I could not find enough interest to continue so I stooped at the 40% mark.
April 17, 2019
Serious need of editing...switches from 1st to 3rd person frequently in the first few chapters. Pleasant romance. Angsty heroine and broody hero that didn't quite pull me in enough to continue the series.
November 14, 2016
when i started,i thought i would like this more than i actually did.I really really did not like caroline, and at some point i got tired of her inner thoughts.It was ok,but nothing special.
December 30, 2019
True confession time: I grabbed this a year or so ago but hadn't yet read it and for some reason as the months passed I assumed it was a book on Stockholm Syndrome. It's definitely not but it made me laugh to find out it's about a woman temporarily living in Stockholm. Awkward lol. What I also found was a sweet and easy read that offered a slightly different take on your conventional hockey romance. It wasn't perfect and a couple of things grated on me a little, but I still thought it was an enjoyable read.
Caroline leaves her long term lawyer boyfriend to finally fulfill her dreams of being a travel photographer. She scores a job interviewing ex-pats living in Europe. Limited to only interviewing two people from the one country for her fortnightly deadline, she'll have to leave Stockholm after a month. She's on a strict budget as her wage is on the low side but has been lucky enough to reconnect with a best friend from college who has set her up rent-free in an apartment in the same building in which she resides. It's here that her life changes because across the hall is the hotter than Hades pro hockey player Niklas. Having a bad past relationship with the press, Niklas is anti any form of press and photography and Caroline is clueless as to who Niklas is and what he does for a living. Of course, all is revealed in dramatic fashion and our couple that have very little in common apart from a scorching hot attraction are left to decide if a relationship can work or even be possible.
You've probably guessed after reading the description above that the plot is going to be pretty obvious and for the most part, it is. Niklas is a former NHL player in Stockholm representing his country at an international hockey tournament and the setting, combined with Caroline's occupation, give the story a unique aspect. There was an antagonist who had a crush on Caroline and was offering her the opportunity of a lifetime by getting her a press pass as well as the chance to cover soccer in Spain for a small fortune. I'm not sure how I feel about this part of the story line because on the one hand, the author made an attempt to have him seem like a bit of a domineering jerk but on the other he did go out of his way to help her and set her up with a dream job that she went back and forth about in a bit of an insensitive manner. It made Caroline come across as a little bit of a flake as well as somewhat mean as she didn't appear to be grateful at all.
The story switches between Niklas' and Caroline's perspective which I didn't mind. One of the issues I did have, however, was the fair chunk of repetition throughout the book. There was a lot of Caroline mentioning her ex and why she left him, her desire to be a travel photographer while doing very little that was proactive to achieve this (she fell into some luck to get the press pass and job), lamenting her short time in Stockholm and having to leave Niklas by the end of the month and the fact that their relationship, even though they had literally just met, couldn't go anywhere. It got old pretty quick and took too much focus away from their developing relationship.
As for Niklas, his character was pretty likeable. He didn't really come across as the violent brute he was supposed to. He was frequently standoffish and came across as almost bumbling at times as he couldn't articulate his thoughts very well. We know he's hot and ripped because this was brought up an excessive amount of times. There was also a bit of repetition with Caroline and Niklas' relationship as they would have a smooth patch only for something to shake it all up again and for Niklas to become angry. Considering they barely even knew each other, it was a little over the top. Niklas' big bad act that got him into trouble in the States and made him anti-press was pretty much a non-event so this was a bit anticlimactic.
One thing I did love was the amount of actual hockey throughout the story. I hate it when sports romances only use the sport as a prop and the actual physical side of things is skipped. Not so here. There was also a good amount of steam. The author took great pains to make Caroline vulnerable to Niklas due to his size and him vulnerable to her as he trembled, twitched, shook and was aroused all the time at her touch and words. This got a bit old, too.
Without spoiling anything, I loved the ending and thought it was really sweet. There is a second book that continues their story. There's no cliffhanger but the book does end pretty abruptly. There is a small teaser of the next book and I'll probably continue on to read it because I liked this book enough to warrant it.
Caroline leaves her long term lawyer boyfriend to finally fulfill her dreams of being a travel photographer. She scores a job interviewing ex-pats living in Europe. Limited to only interviewing two people from the one country for her fortnightly deadline, she'll have to leave Stockholm after a month. She's on a strict budget as her wage is on the low side but has been lucky enough to reconnect with a best friend from college who has set her up rent-free in an apartment in the same building in which she resides. It's here that her life changes because across the hall is the hotter than Hades pro hockey player Niklas. Having a bad past relationship with the press, Niklas is anti any form of press and photography and Caroline is clueless as to who Niklas is and what he does for a living. Of course, all is revealed in dramatic fashion and our couple that have very little in common apart from a scorching hot attraction are left to decide if a relationship can work or even be possible.
You've probably guessed after reading the description above that the plot is going to be pretty obvious and for the most part, it is. Niklas is a former NHL player in Stockholm representing his country at an international hockey tournament and the setting, combined with Caroline's occupation, give the story a unique aspect. There was an antagonist who had a crush on Caroline and was offering her the opportunity of a lifetime by getting her a press pass as well as the chance to cover soccer in Spain for a small fortune. I'm not sure how I feel about this part of the story line because on the one hand, the author made an attempt to have him seem like a bit of a domineering jerk but on the other he did go out of his way to help her and set her up with a dream job that she went back and forth about in a bit of an insensitive manner. It made Caroline come across as a little bit of a flake as well as somewhat mean as she didn't appear to be grateful at all.
The story switches between Niklas' and Caroline's perspective which I didn't mind. One of the issues I did have, however, was the fair chunk of repetition throughout the book. There was a lot of Caroline mentioning her ex and why she left him, her desire to be a travel photographer while doing very little that was proactive to achieve this (she fell into some luck to get the press pass and job), lamenting her short time in Stockholm and having to leave Niklas by the end of the month and the fact that their relationship, even though they had literally just met, couldn't go anywhere. It got old pretty quick and took too much focus away from their developing relationship.
As for Niklas, his character was pretty likeable. He didn't really come across as the violent brute he was supposed to. He was frequently standoffish and came across as almost bumbling at times as he couldn't articulate his thoughts very well. We know he's hot and ripped because this was brought up an excessive amount of times. There was also a bit of repetition with Caroline and Niklas' relationship as they would have a smooth patch only for something to shake it all up again and for Niklas to become angry. Considering they barely even knew each other, it was a little over the top. Niklas' big bad act that got him into trouble in the States and made him anti-press was pretty much a non-event so this was a bit anticlimactic.
One thing I did love was the amount of actual hockey throughout the story. I hate it when sports romances only use the sport as a prop and the actual physical side of things is skipped. Not so here. There was also a good amount of steam. The author took great pains to make Caroline vulnerable to Niklas due to his size and him vulnerable to her as he trembled, twitched, shook and was aroused all the time at her touch and words. This got a bit old, too.
Without spoiling anything, I loved the ending and thought it was really sweet. There is a second book that continues their story. There's no cliffhanger but the book does end pretty abruptly. There is a small teaser of the next book and I'll probably continue on to read it because I liked this book enough to warrant it.
July 4, 2020
Caroline is a photographer that needed an adventure after putting her life on hold back in the states. So she pitched an idea to a magazine that was looking for travel articles. They will fund her trip around the world as long as she turns in at least two articles about ex-patriots living in exotic locales around the world. Her first stop is Stockholm, Sweden where her best friend and college roommate just happens to live in. Veronica is living with her boyfriend/husband not sure the connection cause its never given or implied. Veronica finds an apartment in her own building for Caroline to rent out because the tenants who own it are doing their own kind of traveling right now during the summer. One night while Caroline is walking in the park right outside of the apartment building she runs into some really large hooligans where one almost acts as if he’s going to attack her cause she doesn’t answer his question that he asked her in Swedish. Thankfully one of the other huge men with him stops him from causing a serious problem. As Caroline is trying to use the elevator in her building that night that same man boards the elevator also. It turns out he lives across from her and happens to be a famous hockey player who played for the Detroit, Redwings. Niklas is a very private person but he didn’t expect to meet someone like Caroline living across from him. He pursues her in a most unorthodox way but the two of them stumble over little and rather huge things. They both have a jealousy streak which rears its ugly head in several instances. But Caroline also has an admirer named Ludvig which her friends amor sets her up with one night for a dinner invitation. Things don’t go well from the start but he has something she needs to at least extend her trip. As it seems that she will lose Niklas because of something that Ludvig says to her things go in all kinds of ways. Let’s hope that the follow up story doesn’t have so many bumpy roads.
May 19, 2023
Woah, this was so good.
Apparently I tend to dismiss books that don't have a higher number of ratings on goodreads, and boy did this serve as an excellent reminder that the numbers are meaningless. I can't believe I almost wrote this off because I thought that surely if it was good more people would have read it. Well, it's good, and more people should definitely read it.
The characters were original and interesting; I loved both Caroline and Niklas, and Hunter was effective at bringing them to life on the page. They were flawed, likeable, relatable, humans, and I felt like I was reading about old friends.
The other thing this book does really well is setting. I've always been interested in travelling to Sweden, but Hunter has really sold me on Stockholm in particular, and she did a great job at creating the perfect atmosphere for a quiet, moving romance to take place in.
I'm so glad I decided to read this, will definitely be reading more from this author, and hope more people find her work because it deserves a lot more attention.
P.S. I did have one gripe, though small, and that was the complete lack of discussion on protection when having sex - like neither of them mentioned using a condom at any point, which took me aback, especially the first time (he's a star hockey player as well). Overall this didn't detract from the story, just struck me as an odd oversight.
Apparently I tend to dismiss books that don't have a higher number of ratings on goodreads, and boy did this serve as an excellent reminder that the numbers are meaningless. I can't believe I almost wrote this off because I thought that surely if it was good more people would have read it. Well, it's good, and more people should definitely read it.
The characters were original and interesting; I loved both Caroline and Niklas, and Hunter was effective at bringing them to life on the page. They were flawed, likeable, relatable, humans, and I felt like I was reading about old friends.
The other thing this book does really well is setting. I've always been interested in travelling to Sweden, but Hunter has really sold me on Stockholm in particular, and she did a great job at creating the perfect atmosphere for a quiet, moving romance to take place in.
I'm so glad I decided to read this, will definitely be reading more from this author, and hope more people find her work because it deserves a lot more attention.
P.S. I did have one gripe, though small, and that was the complete lack of discussion on protection when having sex - like neither of them mentioned using a condom at any point, which took me aback, especially the first time (he's a star hockey player as well). Overall this didn't detract from the story, just struck me as an odd oversight.
February 24, 2019
Caroline had a plan. She left America and got a job with a magazine where she would interview ex-patriots all over the world and photograph them. The plan was to submit two articles per country and then move on to the next country. Her first country was Sweden and she was in Stockholm to spend a month. Her best friend from college, Veronica, had been able to secure her an apartment in the same apartment building. The plan was going well until she met her tall, very handsome, very muscular neighbor.
Meeting Nicklas was not part of Caroline's plan. Nicklas was a national hockey player who was really good at what he did. He also had a temper off the ice that was hard to control and sometimes got him in trouble. He was very protective of Caroline from the start and seemed be drawn to her. Their relationship was sweet and very steamy. I really like Nicklas' character. Even though he was fierce on the ice, he had a kind and gentle nature when it came to Caroline. He had secrets that he never wanted Caroline to find out. Would they be enough to destroy what was beginning to develop? Would Caroline stick to her plan and leave when her month was up?
I really enjoyed this story but wasn't sold on the descriptive sex. I am more of fade to black kind of girl, no details needed. Other than that particular detail, I enjoyed the story.
Meeting Nicklas was not part of Caroline's plan. Nicklas was a national hockey player who was really good at what he did. He also had a temper off the ice that was hard to control and sometimes got him in trouble. He was very protective of Caroline from the start and seemed be drawn to her. Their relationship was sweet and very steamy. I really like Nicklas' character. Even though he was fierce on the ice, he had a kind and gentle nature when it came to Caroline. He had secrets that he never wanted Caroline to find out. Would they be enough to destroy what was beginning to develop? Would Caroline stick to her plan and leave when her month was up?
I really enjoyed this story but wasn't sold on the descriptive sex. I am more of fade to black kind of girl, no details needed. Other than that particular detail, I enjoyed the story.
September 12, 2020
This is a tricky review. It was fun because I guessed within the first twenty pages that the author was an American married to a Swede--it takes one to know one. ;) I enjoyed spending a little time in Stockholm, especially this year, when our travel plans were interrupted due to the plague. She pointed out many of the things that you notice as being different in Sweden, and referenced places that I have been more than once. So, that part was really enjoyable.
I was less of a fan of Caroline herself. The smirking and snickering didn't work for me, but I also couldn't get a reading on who she actually was. She kept saying she wanted something, but then she would do things that didn't really match that goal. Ludvig was clearly a creep but she didn't say anything to him and was planning on going to Spain with him anyway because she was interested in Niklas, but then she just decided to leave when things got serious with him. I mean, she should have gone to Spain to earn the cash to travel longer, if she was leaving anyway.
I was less of a fan of Caroline herself. The smirking and snickering didn't work for me, but I also couldn't get a reading on who she actually was. She kept saying she wanted something, but then she would do things that didn't really match that goal. Ludvig was clearly a creep but she didn't say anything to him and was planning on going to Spain with him anyway because she was interested in Niklas, but then she just decided to leave when things got serious with him. I mean, she should have gone to Spain to earn the cash to travel longer, if she was leaving anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
There are a lot of reasons why it took me so long to finish this book considering my reading rate, but oh lord, first of all how does the author dare to talk about a city in a country which I hardly doubt she visited based on her description? Excuse me but Puebla is anything but a boring Mexican town and it does own a lot of history, more of the colonial period but also the pre Hispanic so speaking from ignorance and allowing yourself to publish it? Lame to put it mildly.
I did not understand, nor was I a fan of the complications of the relationship. It felt like it was two kids trying to figure it out instead of grown ups with the freedom and possibility to do as they pleased. But oh let’s talk about how everything like getting a job and a place to live was super easy to fix. Personal relationships was the complication. lol sorry but get a grip on real life to make it at least substantial.
He spoke to her in other language but it was never explained what he said? Then why put it there? I can translate it that’s fine but it gives nothing to the story.
Long, useless descriptions that felt so forced. The whole story about her parents in the pictures? What was the purpose of that? Just random things getting thrown there to add pages to be honest.
I hope she improves her writing but mostly that she tries to do some research before talking poorly about a city and country.
I did not understand, nor was I a fan of the complications of the relationship. It felt like it was two kids trying to figure it out instead of grown ups with the freedom and possibility to do as they pleased. But oh let’s talk about how everything like getting a job and a place to live was super easy to fix. Personal relationships was the complication. lol sorry but get a grip on real life to make it at least substantial.
He spoke to her in other language but it was never explained what he said? Then why put it there? I can translate it that’s fine but it gives nothing to the story.
Long, useless descriptions that felt so forced. The whole story about her parents in the pictures? What was the purpose of that? Just random things getting thrown there to add pages to be honest.
I hope she improves her writing but mostly that she tries to do some research before talking poorly about a city and country.
December 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. The heroine is in Sweden for a month doing a freelance job for a magazine.
She has left behind an ex-boyfriend, her home, family.She is traveling to several countries to do articles for this magazine and to take pictures. She definitely enjoyed her freedom.
He is a hockey player for his country and of course He is a super hero.
Life in the public could be difficult.
He meets the heroine and he is very attracted to her. They do finally get together even relationships was on anybody mind.
But when sparks fly....maybe is worth it.
I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She has left behind an ex-boyfriend, her home, family.She is traveling to several countries to do articles for this magazine and to take pictures. She definitely enjoyed her freedom.
He is a hockey player for his country and of course He is a super hero.
Life in the public could be difficult.
He meets the heroine and he is very attracted to her. They do finally get together even relationships was on anybody mind.
But when sparks fly....maybe is worth it.
I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2023
I wasn't sure about this one when I read the blurb but because I saw it was an award winner I thought I'd give it a chance. I should have gone with my gut knowing my interests. The story is certainly engaging as are the characters. But I just didn't connect with it. The writing was a little slower paced than I enjoy and I found myself skipping to the end after chapter 7. And that's when I discovered it was the first in a series, which I also hadn't realized. And I'm not interested enough in it to continue on with the series. I did go back and skim through more of it but it just never really grabbed my attention fully. But I do think that's more about me and what I like than anything about the book itself.
March 4, 2019
Caroline takes a leap of faith and heads out into the world for a long awaited round the world tour designed to jump start her photojournalism career. First stop is a visit with her best friend in Stockholm. Veronica gets her a month long stay in another apartment in her building and all is going well until Caroline meets the giant guy who lives across the hall - Niklas. Niklas was playing pro-hockey in the US until accused of letting his temper loose on a date - incorrectly. Now back play for the Swedish National team, the two can't seem to get enough of each despite reluctance on both of their parts.
Unusual setting and storyline.
Unusual setting and storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews