Author Interviews

Stockholm Diaries 2: Caroline a new #contemporaryromance by Rebecca Hunter #RLFblog

This quick interview includes info about the author, and introduces the story.
Rebecca Hunter is a writer, editor and translator who has always loved to read and travel. Though she earned a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in English Education, most of what she learned about writing romance has come from other sources. 
Rebecca has, over the years, called many places home, including Michigan, where she grew up, New York City, San Francisco, and, of course, Stockholm, Sweden. After their most recent move from Sweden back to the San Francisco Bay Area, she and her husband assured each other they’ll never move again. Well, probably not. 
To sign up for news, sneak peeks and free stories, go to Rebecca’s website at http://www.rebeccahunterwriter.com.

Interview with Rebecca Hunter

Why did you write this book?
When I wrote Caroline and Niklas’s first story, I didn’t plan on writing a second episode. But after getting the question, “What happens next?” from a reader, I thought it might be fun to explore what happens after their first happy ending.
The chemistry between Niklas and Caroline is clear from the beginning, but practically speaking, they have little in common, and their lives are pulling them in different directions. Stockholm Diaries, Caroline 2 is Caroline’s struggle to answer why they belong together.
But in writing this book, I thought a lot about the question in general: Why do two people belong together for the long haul? For me, a good relationship means both people actively help each other become their better selves—though sometimes the act of helping isn’t even conscious. But sexual chemistry and intimacy are also musts, both in books and in real life!
P.S. Fun fact: The setting for the first surfing scene in Stockholm Diaries, Caroline 2 is from my husband and my surfing honeymoon on Kauai… though the steamy details are fictional, of course! We have our own, private Stockholm Diaries romance insteadJ.
What is your favorite genre to read?
            For many, many years, I only read literary fiction—I was an English major! However, I went through plenty of periods where I felt too busy/too unfocused to invest myself in this kind of book, so I simply wouldn’t read at all. I picked up mysteries from time to time, but each time I’d think, “I don’t like reading about murder, victims and fear.”
            When I finally discovered the romance genre, my understanding of reading shifted. I didn’t have to invest as much time and thought into starting these books; the books pulled me in! Now, my favorite genre is steamy contemporary romance, but I read historical, paranormal, YA, NA… just about everything!
            I’m drawn to romance because I honestly believe that love trumps everything, both in romance stories and in life—this sounds little silly on paper, but I really believe it. Romance for me is about two imperfect people struggling to find each other as well as their better selves. These stories bring happiness and hope, which I can’t get enough of as a reader. I hope that readers to find those things in my books, too!
Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
Ohhh… Derek Craven!
I think he makes the top of many readers’ lists, but for those not familiar with him, he’s the hero of Lisa Kleypas’s historical Dreaming of You. He’s the definition of rough-around-the-edges, so watching him struggle as heroine Sara breaks through his defenses creates a lot of tension. Something that really works in this book is the fact that the characters get together in the middle of the book, so we spend more time on the depth and intimacy of their relationship compared to many historicals.
What are you working on at the moment, and will see from you in coming months?
            Last summer, I started a series called Stockholm Diaries, Alice. The idea is four short episodes, set in three different cities, as this couple finds their way from a one-night stand to something more. I wrote the first story and then got caught up in other project… until I started getting comments from readers—“I can’t find the rest of these stories.” Oh no! Time to start writing them! Right now, I’m in the middle of their third episode.
            I’m also in the very beginning stages of co-authoring a short non-fiction idea on romance in Stockholm with Kim Golden, to be announced soon!
            When I’m done with these two projects, I’ll write Stockholm Diaries, Veronica, the story of Caroline’s best friend.
Please tell us about your latest book.
A beautiful photographer searching for her own path 
A pro hockey player trying to leave his rough past behind 
After a summer adventure together, Niklas and Caroline face a turning point. Familiar territory opens old wounds they can no longer avoid. They must both choose what is most important.

About the Book

Title Stockholm Diaries, Caroline 2
Genre Steamy Contemporary Romance
Author Rebecca Hunter
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
Buy This Book
Publisher Rebecca Hunter
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Stockholm-Diaries-Caroline-Rebecca-Hunter-ebook/dp/B00XZN6PVW

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