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Denver Rebels #2
The Swede
Scarlett Warner has three passions: singing, drumming, and hockey. She’s already living her dream as frontwoman of an indie rock band. And then she meets NHL superstar Viggo Sandström, her favorite player and secret fantasy.
She wanted him from the very first moment she saw him. How could she not?
He’s six feet five inches of Scandinavian scrumptiousness, all rock-hard muscles and searing intensity. He’s a scoring machine on the ice, driven to win at all costs. Nicknamed “The Sandstorm,” he crashes his way into her heart, demolishing her defenses. Every look, every smile, every touch sets her heart pounding like a kick drum. He makes her body sing, and she can’t get enough.
He’s got a few demons to work through, but so does she. Does that make them the perfect match? Or will they end up derailing each other’s dreams?
All Scarlett knows is that she needs him like nothing she’s ever needed before. It should send her running in the other direction.
But there’s no running from The Swede….
***THE SWEDE is the second book in the Denver Rebels Series featuring four sexy-as-sin hockey players who lose their hearts on the road to winning the Stanley Cup. These are full-length interracial romance novels featuring BW/WM couples***
Denver Rebels
#1 - WICKED GAMES
#2 - THE SWEDE
She wanted him from the very first moment she saw him. How could she not?
He’s six feet five inches of Scandinavian scrumptiousness, all rock-hard muscles and searing intensity. He’s a scoring machine on the ice, driven to win at all costs. Nicknamed “The Sandstorm,” he crashes his way into her heart, demolishing her defenses. Every look, every smile, every touch sets her heart pounding like a kick drum. He makes her body sing, and she can’t get enough.
He’s got a few demons to work through, but so does she. Does that make them the perfect match? Or will they end up derailing each other’s dreams?
All Scarlett knows is that she needs him like nothing she’s ever needed before. It should send her running in the other direction.
But there’s no running from The Swede….
***THE SWEDE is the second book in the Denver Rebels Series featuring four sexy-as-sin hockey players who lose their hearts on the road to winning the Stanley Cup. These are full-length interracial romance novels featuring BW/WM couples***
Denver Rebels
#1 - WICKED GAMES
#2 - THE SWEDE
592 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2017
324 people are currently reading
997 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Smith
71 books806 followerspseudonym Naomi Chase
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
June 21, 2021
***5 STARS***
This is one of my all time favorite books by an amazing and talented storyteller.
Viggo is at the top of his hockey career when he meets Scarlett. Scarlett is his teammate Reid’s fiance’s cousin (their love story is Wicked Game). Scarlett is an up and coming rock singer and drummer with her own band. They meet at their friends engagement party and boy do the sparks fly. The story is a roller coaster of emotions as they both try to have a relationship where they both travel/on the road and deal with groupies/fans.
This book is so steamy (especially the photo shoot scene). It is long but I found it fast paced and it definitely kept my interest. I re-read at least once a year. It is multicultural/interracial with a BW/WM. I love the angst and the characters. Although it is a series it can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this one.
This is one of my all time favorite books by an amazing and talented storyteller.
Viggo is at the top of his hockey career when he meets Scarlett. Scarlett is his teammate Reid’s fiance’s cousin (their love story is Wicked Game). Scarlett is an up and coming rock singer and drummer with her own band. They meet at their friends engagement party and boy do the sparks fly. The story is a roller coaster of emotions as they both try to have a relationship where they both travel/on the road and deal with groupies/fans.
This book is so steamy (especially the photo shoot scene). It is long but I found it fast paced and it definitely kept my interest. I re-read at least once a year. It is multicultural/interracial with a BW/WM. I love the angst and the characters. Although it is a series it can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this one.
December 25, 2017
Too long, a better story could have been achieved with half the words and/or fewer descriptions. Yawn.
December 7, 2017
How I wish I could have loved this as much as I loved Wicked Games. In this book I felt it was less Maureen Smith and more her alter ego Naomi Chase with a splash of Trevion Burns penning this novel. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but it did result in my unfortunately picking up and putting down this novel several times.
What worked for me:
I liked that Scarlett was not a typical wallflower, demure woman who needed rescuing or a means to break out of her shell. Scarlett was already out of her shell. She was straightforward, real, and honest. She was a decent counterpart to Viggo who didn't try to control or bulldoze his way into Scarlett's life. He wasn't a creepy stalker. I feel he was a well-rounded character. I loved his family dynamics and back story which added some heart to a story basically centered around sex, attractiveness, hockey, and wealth.
What didn't work for me:
The pacing of the story. I skimmed A LOT. I'm not sure how much, if anything, was edited from this book. I'm going to assume no since the kindle version has 657 pages. There was a lot of content, most of it literally telling the day by day, hour by hour activities of the main couple. I personally didn't want to read about every single day Scarlett and Viggo were stranded together in a hotel. Nor needed lengthy sex scenes. I'm not a prude or anything, but yeah dedicating 10 pages or so to their couplings almost every single time they got it on was overkill. Plus, the pages dedicated to giving descriptions of nearly all of Scarlett's IG pics, again overkill.
Also word usage. The words and/or variations of these words were used frequently: tingle, wicked, f*ck. If I got paid a dollar each time those words appeared I'd probably be a $1000 richer. At one point I wondered if Scarlett had a medical condition because she tingled quite often from any little thing Viggo did. And I don't think I read a single paragraph, or piece of dialogue without an f-bomb and that really took me out of the story. It was just used too much.
The almost obsessive focus on the characters' looks. It was repeated ad nauseum how hot Viggo was. The man is preternaturally fine, and everything he did was sexy. Again overkill. Scarlett's attractiveness was mentioned and praised, too, but not to the degree it was with Viggo.
And finally the POV chapters. It wasn't really dished out evenly. More chapters were centered around Scarlett; and when Viggo would have his own chapter maybe 10% of the chapter would actually be about him, while the other 90% was focused on his ruminations about Scarlett. Can I get a break from her?
Overall, this book hit the usual notes of a romance novel and concludes with a HEA. I'm on the fence about reading the next two books in this series because I didn't learn anything remotely interesting about Logan and Hunter that hadn't already been mentioned in Wicked Games. And Logan, in this, came across as the kind of guy obsessed with his dick and getting laid which I'm tired of reading about. So I hope Ms. Smith has something different in mind for the last two guys.
What worked for me:
I liked that Scarlett was not a typical wallflower, demure woman who needed rescuing or a means to break out of her shell. Scarlett was already out of her shell. She was straightforward, real, and honest. She was a decent counterpart to Viggo who didn't try to control or bulldoze his way into Scarlett's life. He wasn't a creepy stalker. I feel he was a well-rounded character. I loved his family dynamics and back story which added some heart to a story basically centered around sex, attractiveness, hockey, and wealth.
What didn't work for me:
The pacing of the story. I skimmed A LOT. I'm not sure how much, if anything, was edited from this book. I'm going to assume no since the kindle version has 657 pages. There was a lot of content, most of it literally telling the day by day, hour by hour activities of the main couple. I personally didn't want to read about every single day Scarlett and Viggo were stranded together in a hotel. Nor needed lengthy sex scenes. I'm not a prude or anything, but yeah dedicating 10 pages or so to their couplings almost every single time they got it on was overkill. Plus, the pages dedicated to giving descriptions of nearly all of Scarlett's IG pics, again overkill.
Also word usage. The words and/or variations of these words were used frequently: tingle, wicked, f*ck. If I got paid a dollar each time those words appeared I'd probably be a $1000 richer. At one point I wondered if Scarlett had a medical condition because she tingled quite often from any little thing Viggo did. And I don't think I read a single paragraph, or piece of dialogue without an f-bomb and that really took me out of the story. It was just used too much.
The almost obsessive focus on the characters' looks. It was repeated ad nauseum how hot Viggo was. The man is preternaturally fine, and everything he did was sexy. Again overkill. Scarlett's attractiveness was mentioned and praised, too, but not to the degree it was with Viggo.
And finally the POV chapters. It wasn't really dished out evenly. More chapters were centered around Scarlett; and when Viggo would have his own chapter maybe 10% of the chapter would actually be about him, while the other 90% was focused on his ruminations about Scarlett. Can I get a break from her?
Overall, this book hit the usual notes of a romance novel and concludes with a HEA. I'm on the fence about reading the next two books in this series because I didn't learn anything remotely interesting about Logan and Hunter that hadn't already been mentioned in Wicked Games. And Logan, in this, came across as the kind of guy obsessed with his dick and getting laid which I'm tired of reading about. So I hope Ms. Smith has something different in mind for the last two guys.
December 24, 2017
AHHHH The Swede... Le sigh
This is my second book by Ms. Maureen. In this book is Scarlet and Viggos story! She's an aspiring singer/drummer and he's a super star Hockey player. This like her other book to this new series was a good ol' classic read. It gave me those old gooey feels I had when I used to read books like this, before the time of the dark reads that has now entered my soul and corrupted me lol! You just gotta come back to that vanilla smut every now and then. this book was smoking hot there was of course that insta connection thing going on again but because of their busy schedules they were forced to do the long distance thing for a bit, which allowed them to get to know each other a little longer before you know they did the do. ;)
I truly enjoyed reading Viggo and Scarlet's story it actually caught me by surprise. all though I do wish she would steer clear of the whole trust issue thing it was too much like her other book. Give me another reason for them to have the predictable break up to make up routine. anything worth having is worth fighting for. Why go into a relationship expecting to get hurt? That's so cliche, that was my only complaint about the book Oh and the damn puck bunnies I'm so over them lol.
Other than that Ms Maureen's books are breath of fresh air good for weekend or vacationing type reading. Its like reading that told the classic style of reading in the 90's we use to goo goo gaga for. Where the H/H meet, have Insta connection and insta love at first sight. You know that old story line that now is predictable you know what's going to happen in each chapter you start by the name of the headline of said chapter. With that being said I recommend this book its a great storyline that kept me entertained and gave me all the feels and had me in my emotions. This was a cotton candy sweet steamy romance that I absolutely adored. I can't wait to read the next book to this series.
Happy Reading Here's My book cover art
This is my second book by Ms. Maureen. In this book is Scarlet and Viggos story! She's an aspiring singer/drummer and he's a super star Hockey player. This like her other book to this new series was a good ol' classic read. It gave me those old gooey feels I had when I used to read books like this, before the time of the dark reads that has now entered my soul and corrupted me lol! You just gotta come back to that vanilla smut every now and then. this book was smoking hot there was of course that insta connection thing going on again but because of their busy schedules they were forced to do the long distance thing for a bit, which allowed them to get to know each other a little longer before you know they did the do. ;)
I truly enjoyed reading Viggo and Scarlet's story it actually caught me by surprise. all though I do wish she would steer clear of the whole trust issue thing it was too much like her other book. Give me another reason for them to have the predictable break up to make up routine. anything worth having is worth fighting for. Why go into a relationship expecting to get hurt? That's so cliche, that was my only complaint about the book Oh and the damn puck bunnies I'm so over them lol.
Other than that Ms Maureen's books are breath of fresh air good for weekend or vacationing type reading. Its like reading that told the classic style of reading in the 90's we use to goo goo gaga for. Where the H/H meet, have Insta connection and insta love at first sight. You know that old story line that now is predictable you know what's going to happen in each chapter you start by the name of the headline of said chapter. With that being said I recommend this book its a great storyline that kept me entertained and gave me all the feels and had me in my emotions. This was a cotton candy sweet steamy romance that I absolutely adored. I can't wait to read the next book to this series.
Happy Reading Here's My book cover art
January 23, 2018
Save yourself the time and read something else.
Stunningly mediocre.
And since I’m required to write at least 20 words, might I add the author or Scarlett makes a big deal about the latter being a feminist. I saw no proof of this.
Stunningly mediocre.
And since I’m required to write at least 20 words, might I add the author or Scarlett makes a big deal about the latter being a feminist. I saw no proof of this.
December 1, 2017
This book is so good that when I got to the last page , I wasn’t ready to let it go.❤️💕❤️
December 19, 2017
Edit, edit, edit
Character development was good but it was way too long and didn’t seem to flow. Some parts were unnecessary to the story. I waited a year for this book #2 which may me lose interest in this series.
Character development was good but it was way too long and didn’t seem to flow. Some parts were unnecessary to the story. I waited a year for this book #2 which may me lose interest in this series.
February 7, 2018
Maureen Smith is an amazing storyteller who catches your attention from page one! I really enjoyed reading about Viggo and Scarlet's relationship and how their story picks up from book 1 of the series.
Strongly recommend "The Swede"! It's a long but satisfying read!
5 amazing stars *****
Strongly recommend "The Swede"! It's a long but satisfying read!
5 amazing stars *****
December 5, 2017
Another great in this series. I am loving the characters and its a good long read.
Interracial story, definitely worth reading.
Interracial story, definitely worth reading.
August 6, 2023
3.75 ⭐️ I enjoyed the story, but it was just unnecessarily long
March 14, 2021
DNF at 3%...yes 3%! And I'm really pissed because I was looking forward to this read.
First red flag, there was a line that completely threw me off when Scarlett was speaking to Viggo and said "Spoken like a true badass". It was so out of place, how do you put those kind of lines and expect readers to take your book seriously?
Second red flag, I thought I missed chapters because we were at the beginning of the book but both characters already had feelings for each other (with no explanation given to thIs bizarre situation). At one point, I was sure Scarlett was dreaming because it was just too easy. Viggo noticed her and took her to a private space to flirt with her...and we were only 10 pages into the book. This is a standalone, isn't?
I just can't invest myself in a story when I don't see the relationship of the two leads develop and said relationship is already on 3rd base feelings wise. With the author throwing two strangers with feelings in the first few pages, I had to wonder how the rest of the book would unfold? It would have made more sense if they started as fuck buddies. I just couldn't find a connection to the characters and quickly understood I wouldn't be able to throughout the entire story.
What a waste of money!
First red flag, there was a line that completely threw me off when Scarlett was speaking to Viggo and said "Spoken like a true badass". It was so out of place, how do you put those kind of lines and expect readers to take your book seriously?
Second red flag, I thought I missed chapters because we were at the beginning of the book but both characters already had feelings for each other (with no explanation given to thIs bizarre situation). At one point, I was sure Scarlett was dreaming because it was just too easy. Viggo noticed her and took her to a private space to flirt with her...and we were only 10 pages into the book. This is a standalone, isn't?
I just can't invest myself in a story when I don't see the relationship of the two leads develop and said relationship is already on 3rd base feelings wise. With the author throwing two strangers with feelings in the first few pages, I had to wonder how the rest of the book would unfold? It would have made more sense if they started as fuck buddies. I just couldn't find a connection to the characters and quickly understood I wouldn't be able to throughout the entire story.
What a waste of money!
November 27, 2017
Phenomenal!!!!
What can I say other than WOW!!!! This book was beyond words. So much romance and hot hot bedroom and just about anywhere action. I am all for anything written by this amazing and talented author. Defiantly worth more than 5 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What can I say other than WOW!!!! This book was beyond words. So much romance and hot hot bedroom and just about anywhere action. I am all for anything written by this amazing and talented author. Defiantly worth more than 5 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 9, 2024
Phew, that was HOT. ❤️🔥
May 8, 2022
*deep sigh* Where do I start? The issue I had with the first book in this series reared its ugly head with this one. Honestly, I think it all boils down to the fact that I'm simply not a fan of this author in general. Also, while I was reading this book, I found out that this author is responsible for writing another book I read years ago but under a different pseudonym. I hated that book with a passion, so it seems that this is a matter of me not meshing well with this author or their writing style.
Is it entertaining? Yes. I won't take away from the interest factor but that's about it. I liked Nadia/Reid more as a couple. Which says a lot because I didn't like the first book in this series at all. However, I liked that one way more than this one. Nadia/Reid's love story made more sense to me and we saw significantly more relationship development. Which, again, doesn’t say much because that was also a matter of instalove. Both of these books are guilty of it.
Even though I thought Scarlett/Viggo appeared to be far more interesting characters individually, at least at first glance and on paper, it didn't translate well in this book. Viggo had the chance to be an interesting character but it didn't go anywhere. Scarlett was a badass feminist character in name only. I took a break from this book to regroup because I didn't want to DNF it but ... that didn't work.
There was a moment in this book where Scarlett legit got her panties in a bunch over an obvious lie. She believed the B.S. of a woman who has been plotting to get Viggo back this whole time. She took the word of this woman over Viggo and just ran with it. That was the final straw for me. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. Are we in high school? Why are we believing everything we hear with no proof or confirmation? That's when I decided to close this book for good. These relationships and their relationship issues are all very juvenile and shallow. They're surface level commitments but we're supposed to buy their love for some reason. Yeah, I'm just not a fan of this author. It just doesn't work for me.
Is it entertaining? Yes. I won't take away from the interest factor but that's about it. I liked Nadia/Reid more as a couple. Which says a lot because I didn't like the first book in this series at all. However, I liked that one way more than this one. Nadia/Reid's love story made more sense to me and we saw significantly more relationship development. Which, again, doesn’t say much because that was also a matter of instalove. Both of these books are guilty of it.
Even though I thought Scarlett/Viggo appeared to be far more interesting characters individually, at least at first glance and on paper, it didn't translate well in this book. Viggo had the chance to be an interesting character but it didn't go anywhere. Scarlett was a badass feminist character in name only. I took a break from this book to regroup because I didn't want to DNF it but ... that didn't work.
There was a moment in this book where Scarlett legit got her panties in a bunch over an obvious lie. She believed the B.S. of a woman who has been plotting to get Viggo back this whole time. She took the word of this woman over Viggo and just ran with it. That was the final straw for me. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. Are we in high school? Why are we believing everything we hear with no proof or confirmation? That's when I decided to close this book for good. These relationships and their relationship issues are all very juvenile and shallow. They're surface level commitments but we're supposed to buy their love for some reason. Yeah, I'm just not a fan of this author. It just doesn't work for me.
November 27, 2017
It was worth the wait
I squealed when I saw that the Swede was live. I've been waiting to read about Vigo and Scar's journey. Ms.Maureen pulls you in and doesn't let you go until you see the words The End. Thank you Ms.Maureen and I anxiously await your next journey into the world of hockey.
I squealed when I saw that the Swede was live. I've been waiting to read about Vigo and Scar's journey. Ms.Maureen pulls you in and doesn't let you go until you see the words The End. Thank you Ms.Maureen and I anxiously await your next journey into the world of hockey.
December 2, 2017
Loved it!
I honesty didn't think I could love another couple more than Nadia and Reid but Smith proved me wrong. This was an amazing read. And, yes it was lengthy but I still didn't want it to end. I loved their drama. It was way deeper than the first book. I can't wait to see who's up next in the Denver Rebels series!
I honesty didn't think I could love another couple more than Nadia and Reid but Smith proved me wrong. This was an amazing read. And, yes it was lengthy but I still didn't want it to end. I loved their drama. It was way deeper than the first book. I can't wait to see who's up next in the Denver Rebels series!
December 12, 2021
I really wanted to give his book 5 stars but in my opinion over 40% of the story was them having sex. I mean I'm not complaining but Romance? No Erotic? HELL YEAH!!!
I won't lie so far I'm LOVING the Denver Rebels. Although they party hard and break hearts left and right; when they have their heart & mind set on someone they don't hold back.
I won't lie so far I'm LOVING the Denver Rebels. Although they party hard and break hearts left and right; when they have their heart & mind set on someone they don't hold back.
March 1, 2018
So good...its been so long since I've read a Maureen Smith book...I've missed her!
March 25, 2025
Love me some Scarlett n Viggo. Kinda constantly cringed out by her being in a band but I can overlook for the looooove.
April 28, 2023
Absolut bra, men det gör också lite ont när svenskheten inte riktigt stämmer överens med verkligheten. Å andra sidan är det en av de bättre böckerna rent researchmässigt. Mycket stämmer, men det är så lätt att det slår fel när man är uppvuxen i kulturen som det skrivs om.
May 17, 2022
I liked this one a lot, though not quite as much as the previous book in the series. I had a few complaints, ones I'll mention in the cons later, but let me give you the premise.
Scarlett, Nadia's sister-cousin and close friend, gets her own romance with another Denver Rebel. Viggo is Reid's best friend and teammate and a Swedish hunk with a heart of gold. He's also got some serious baggage and a past that made me sympathize with him. The two meet at Nadia and Reid's engagement party and hit it off right away.
Pros:
Scarlett is fun, a little wild, super talented, and an alternative black chick. She's got a good heart and even better vocals, and is a beast on the drums. I loved how she loved music and how much she cared for her bandmates because to her they are family.
Viggo is sweet, funny, strong, and he, like Reid, knows what he wants. It's Scarlett and he does what he can to show her that he wants her. He's also super close with his family and loves kids. What's not to like about this guy?
The premise of a rock star in the making and a hunky hockey star in a relationship was intriguing. I like that Scarlett knows a bit about crazy schedules and fame, and that puck bunnies didn't really phase her. And I appreciated how understanding Viggo was of Scarlett's relationship with her bandmates and how supportive he was of her music.
The side characters were great as usual. There was, fortunately, no Caitlyn this go round (go see my review on Wicked Games about why I couldn't stand her), but there's a cousin (Kandace) who is a bit unbelievable and could have also been omitted or at least toned way down. I also loved reading about Scar and Lenny, her brother, and their close, supportive relationship.
The story moved the overarching plot from the first book further a ways and I was happy to see some old faces.
Cons:
Other than Kandace being annoying, I didn't care much for some of the side plots. There's a plot involving Scarlett and another lead singer of another band that served no real purpose than to cause some early discord in her relationship with Viggo. It was pretty weak, honestly.
The seedy ex manager could have stayed out the story. I was fine only hearing about him, not seeing him. Ugh.
I hated how the band mates sometimes took Scarlett for granted and were the flimsy reason
Viggo's grand dad was an absolute POS, and I'm angry at how he somehow charmed Scarlett. Ugh. I wish she'd been colder and meaner to him when they met.
There were also some parts that had me wrinkling my nose and shaking my head. Not enough to make me not want to finish reading, but enough to detract a star.
Overall, I liked this book and I'm continuing on to Logan's story. Three solid stars.
Scarlett, Nadia's sister-cousin and close friend, gets her own romance with another Denver Rebel. Viggo is Reid's best friend and teammate and a Swedish hunk with a heart of gold. He's also got some serious baggage and a past that made me sympathize with him. The two meet at Nadia and Reid's engagement party and hit it off right away.
Pros:
Scarlett is fun, a little wild, super talented, and an alternative black chick. She's got a good heart and even better vocals, and is a beast on the drums. I loved how she loved music and how much she cared for her bandmates because to her they are family.
Viggo is sweet, funny, strong, and he, like Reid, knows what he wants. It's Scarlett and he does what he can to show her that he wants her. He's also super close with his family and loves kids. What's not to like about this guy?
The premise of a rock star in the making and a hunky hockey star in a relationship was intriguing. I like that Scarlett knows a bit about crazy schedules and fame, and that puck bunnies didn't really phase her. And I appreciated how understanding Viggo was of Scarlett's relationship with her bandmates and how supportive he was of her music.
The side characters were great as usual. There was, fortunately, no Caitlyn this go round (go see my review on Wicked Games about why I couldn't stand her), but there's a cousin (Kandace) who is a bit unbelievable and could have also been omitted or at least toned way down. I also loved reading about Scar and Lenny, her brother, and their close, supportive relationship.
The story moved the overarching plot from the first book further a ways and I was happy to see some old faces.
Cons:
Other than Kandace being annoying, I didn't care much for some of the side plots. There's a plot involving Scarlett and another lead singer of another band that served no real purpose than to cause some early discord in her relationship with Viggo. It was pretty weak, honestly.
The seedy ex manager could have stayed out the story. I was fine only hearing about him, not seeing him. Ugh.
I hated how the band mates sometimes took Scarlett for granted and were the flimsy reason
Viggo's grand dad was an absolute POS, and I'm angry at how he somehow charmed Scarlett. Ugh. I wish she'd been colder and meaner to him when they met.
There were also some parts that had me wrinkling my nose and shaking my head. Not enough to make me not want to finish reading, but enough to detract a star.
Overall, I liked this book and I'm continuing on to Logan's story. Three solid stars.
December 23, 2017
Awesome read!
Maureen has a way of opening up a character that you feel every emotion and experience they go through as you read. I loved “The Swede”.
Maureen has a way of opening up a character that you feel every emotion and experience they go through as you read. I loved “The Swede”.
November 30, 2017
Viggo, Viggo, Viggo!!!!
What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! OMG, I love Viggo and Scarlet's love. They were some kind of sweet, even through their separation. I am totally in love with the Denver Rebels Series. This was my first time reading a book by Maureen Smith as recommended by several pages on Facebook and I'm so glad I did. I love The way she writes. Her way with words had me feeling some kind of way. My heart went out to Lennox, Scarlet's in the closet gay brother and Copper. I could feel the anguish in the his words of his father's rejection. The relationship that Scarlet has with her family felt so real. Her girlfriends and cousins remind me of my own. The commoraderie Vigo has with his fellow players seem like one big family of playful boys.
Maureen wrote a beautiful love story about two people who met and fell in love, attached by a whisper of contact that happened six years prior that neither one forgot. Viggo is such a romantic man who's also an oxymoron. He's so romantic with Scarlet but he's a beast on the ice as a defensive hockey player. Both Scarlet and Viggo had events from their past that kept them from totally opening up to each other. It was the threat of being apart that finally forced their hand with being honest and trusting with each other regardless. They were willing to work through each other's busy schedule of a rock band band and a hockey team to make time spent with each other optimal. The description of Scarlet and Viggos`s amorous interactions was of the chain hot.
Maureen Smith is now one of my new favorite authors. If I could give this boo ten stars I would. I can`t wait for Logan`s story.
What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! OMG, I love Viggo and Scarlet's love. They were some kind of sweet, even through their separation. I am totally in love with the Denver Rebels Series. This was my first time reading a book by Maureen Smith as recommended by several pages on Facebook and I'm so glad I did. I love The way she writes. Her way with words had me feeling some kind of way. My heart went out to Lennox, Scarlet's in the closet gay brother and Copper. I could feel the anguish in the his words of his father's rejection. The relationship that Scarlet has with her family felt so real. Her girlfriends and cousins remind me of my own. The commoraderie Vigo has with his fellow players seem like one big family of playful boys.
Maureen wrote a beautiful love story about two people who met and fell in love, attached by a whisper of contact that happened six years prior that neither one forgot. Viggo is such a romantic man who's also an oxymoron. He's so romantic with Scarlet but he's a beast on the ice as a defensive hockey player. Both Scarlet and Viggo had events from their past that kept them from totally opening up to each other. It was the threat of being apart that finally forced their hand with being honest and trusting with each other regardless. They were willing to work through each other's busy schedule of a rock band band and a hockey team to make time spent with each other optimal. The description of Scarlet and Viggos`s amorous interactions was of the chain hot.
Maureen Smith is now one of my new favorite authors. If I could give this boo ten stars I would. I can`t wait for Logan`s story.
November 30, 2017
Viggo is the ultimate alpha male who believes in protecting those he cares about and loving them with everything he has. This quality makes it hard for him to accept that those around him aren't perfect. But he tries. Carrying around a secret that has haunted him all of his life seems to be the one thing that could be his potential downfall, until the beautifully honest, tough Scarlet enters the picture and brings him to his knees. Their journey isn't easy. It is filled with insecurities and fears that pop up frequently throughout the book, but through it all, they still try to hold on to each other while working through their own issues.
The Swede is not your average romance novel. I read all 600+ pages in just two days because I couldn't turn away from Scarlet and Viggo's story. The characters in this book are flawed, and honest, and they're real. They jump off of the pages and into your living room as you move through each chapter. That is no surprise seeing as how Maureen Smith is a master at weaving a story together and making you care about people who don't even exist.
It is not easy to hold a reader's attention with more than 300 pages, but Maureen did that and more. She grabs you with the first line in every book and doesn't release you until you read the final word. It was also great catching up with Reid and Nadia from book #1.
The simplicity in how these characters speak to each other is phenomenal. With a book written by Maureen Smith, you will always get, “I love you, and I always have.” And really, that’s all that needs to be said.
The Swede is not your average romance novel. I read all 600+ pages in just two days because I couldn't turn away from Scarlet and Viggo's story. The characters in this book are flawed, and honest, and they're real. They jump off of the pages and into your living room as you move through each chapter. That is no surprise seeing as how Maureen Smith is a master at weaving a story together and making you care about people who don't even exist.
It is not easy to hold a reader's attention with more than 300 pages, but Maureen did that and more. She grabs you with the first line in every book and doesn't release you until you read the final word. It was also great catching up with Reid and Nadia from book #1.
The simplicity in how these characters speak to each other is phenomenal. With a book written by Maureen Smith, you will always get, “I love you, and I always have.” And really, that’s all that needs to be said.
August 23, 2018
Simply Beautiful
My first read by this Author. Been seeing all the rave reviews for this book called The Swede, and wanted too know Ernst the fuss was all about. And Lord was this book Explosive hot from the First meeting of Viggo and Scarlett. Viggo is one sexy hot Swedish Hot Hunk who plays in the NHL. He can have anyone he wants, but he is looking for that special someone. Scarlett has been hurt by her sleezeball ex-Manager, but has always had feelings for Viggo since the incident during one of his games. Thier romance was funny at times, and down right Heartwrenching. Loved how when she went to apologize to him at her cousins Engagement party and whined up on the balcony with him, and the sizzling attraction that they share had them both trying not to give into it. My heart was hurting when they broke up, felt the emotional detachment of Scar when her the Viggo was apart, and that vindictive little hussy Audrey. She couldn't leave Viggo be, Especially at the Bachelor auction were her and Mother thought they had winning bid. Kudos Mrs. Werner for her quick thinking. The Chemistry, and the special connection to themself along with thier friends made this book Beautifully told. I was riveted to though it all,.the scene where Lennox was caught by his dad kissing his boyfriend, and the emotions fallout from it. Maureen Smith I loved the fact you touch on some major issues that people face in our world today. I haven't read the story of Nadia and Reid, but if its as this one here I know I will love it.
My first read by this Author. Been seeing all the rave reviews for this book called The Swede, and wanted too know Ernst the fuss was all about. And Lord was this book Explosive hot from the First meeting of Viggo and Scarlett. Viggo is one sexy hot Swedish Hot Hunk who plays in the NHL. He can have anyone he wants, but he is looking for that special someone. Scarlett has been hurt by her sleezeball ex-Manager, but has always had feelings for Viggo since the incident during one of his games. Thier romance was funny at times, and down right Heartwrenching. Loved how when she went to apologize to him at her cousins Engagement party and whined up on the balcony with him, and the sizzling attraction that they share had them both trying not to give into it. My heart was hurting when they broke up, felt the emotional detachment of Scar when her the Viggo was apart, and that vindictive little hussy Audrey. She couldn't leave Viggo be, Especially at the Bachelor auction were her and Mother thought they had winning bid. Kudos Mrs. Werner for her quick thinking. The Chemistry, and the special connection to themself along with thier friends made this book Beautifully told. I was riveted to though it all,.the scene where Lennox was caught by his dad kissing his boyfriend, and the emotions fallout from it. Maureen Smith I loved the fact you touch on some major issues that people face in our world today. I haven't read the story of Nadia and Reid, but if its as this one here I know I will love it.
March 13, 2018
Second book in the Denver rebel series by Maureen Smith. I have been looking forward to Viggo and Scarlett's story since they were introduced in Wicked Games. I enjoyed this story very much considering the length was more than your average novel and some would say too long, but overlooking that the book was sizzling. Scarlett is a badazz drummer for a indie band and Viggo is a NHL superstar who is Swedish with Viking ancestors, nuff said. The chemistry jumps off the pages and the complexity of their careers creates realistic problems with new tech solutions. This story covered a lot of social issues relevant in today's society. Loving Viggo and his sexy wink and the liberated Scarlett whose not afraid to ask for what she wants.
December 24, 2017
Great until.....
I liked this story but I have 2 complaints. 1 ...I didn't like how it end. Just like jumping off a cliff, fast and done. And #2 is it was just a tad to long. But other than those two things it was a great story. Hopefully Logan's story won't take 2years to write
I liked this story but I have 2 complaints. 1 ...I didn't like how it end. Just like jumping off a cliff, fast and done. And #2 is it was just a tad to long. But other than those two things it was a great story. Hopefully Logan's story won't take 2years to write
February 9, 2018
Enjoyable.
Not as good as the first book, however; still enjoyable. A bit long winded, too many unnecessary characters and not enough HEA. Lots of smexing which was nice; however, story lacked depth....could be better.
Not as good as the first book, however; still enjoyable. A bit long winded, too many unnecessary characters and not enough HEA. Lots of smexing which was nice; however, story lacked depth....could be better.
March 9, 2019
My favorite
I read the books out of order. This one by far is my favorite of the three. I'm definitely enjoying the Denver Rebels. Looking forward to Hunter's book. Whole series has been great.
I read the books out of order. This one by far is my favorite of the three. I'm definitely enjoying the Denver Rebels. Looking forward to Hunter's book. Whole series has been great.
May 26, 2023
DNF. Should’ve stopped after the first one but I was committed to the series. 900 page book, made it to page 400 and got bored, couldn’t tell you a thing about what I read. It felt repetitive and boring. Better than the first one but the puck bunny comments still get on my nerves.
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