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54th out of 779 books
—
4,601 voters
Strangers
by
Barbara Elsborg (Goodreads Author)
Kate Snow's had enough of bad boys until a one-way swim in the ocean puts her on a collision course with a man she can't resist. Charlie Storm has turned being a bad boy into an art form. Already a famous pop star, mega-success in the movie business beckons until his inner demons send him spiraling out of control and right out to sea. The last thing he expects to do before...more
ebook, 309 pages
Published
November 2nd 2009
by Ellora's Cave
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A wonderful story where an attempted suicide brings two people together and gives them a reason to live <3
What the book is about
Now, I won't tell you much about the story itself, because you really need to go into this blind :D
I did it, and it was so great not knowing what to expect :D
The most important facts you need to know is that the MCs meet while trying to drown themselves in the sea. They help each other out, survive, and form a strong bond of trust, where one helps the other find a re...more
78 likes · like · see review
view all 171 comments
“I want you so much I’m scared,”
“I’m scared I want you so much,”
My awkward review lol:
Now this is definitely worth the read...I laughed, I cried, felt the anger, the jealousy ouch it hurts and all then I smile in megawatt haha...then fall in love all over again:)
yeah my heart plummeted on the climax of their argument between Charlie and Kate... guess what, I let myself sink in to this book all day and sulk in the couch hahaha..AMAZING!!!
Great plot, Characters you'll love over and over and sc...more
29 likes · like · see review
10+++++++♥♥♥
I love HIPPO & MERMAID! i can read this book again and again and ill never get bored. One of my fave.
The story begin when two broken souls crash with each other in the middle of the sea on attempt to end their lives. Ending up saving each other from their fear of seaweeds & sharks. They both shared their secrets, fears & bed, but Charlie's popularity as a star drives them both apart. Reading this book is a roller coaster of emotion. Even if they both commit mistakes you...more
I love HIPPO & MERMAID! i can read this book again and again and ill never get bored. One of my fave.
The story begin when two broken souls crash with each other in the middle of the sea on attempt to end their lives. Ending up saving each other from their fear of seaweeds & sharks. They both shared their secrets, fears & bed, but Charlie's popularity as a star drives them both apart. Reading this book is a roller coaster of emotion. Even if they both commit mistakes you...more
30 likes · like · see review
A-MAZ-ING!!! I loved this book!!
It was not at all what I thought it was going to be, it was soooo much better. This is one of those books that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. These characters consume your every waking moment. From the odd first encounter, until the hand wringing, heart wrenching ending. There were times that I had to remind myself to breathe. The author takes a very serious situation, suicide, and actually puts a little humorous spin on it. I can't imagine tha...more
23 likes · like · see review
1 star for the first 30% of the book. 2.5 stars for the remaining story. 4 stars for the sexual creativity. 5 stars for the banter. Subtract one point for
I finally finished the book! Had I known it was going to derail into a drama train, I might have worked my way through Strangers a bit sooner. If you know me even a little bit by now, you'll know of my love/hate dilemma with books which are high in dr...more
14 likes · like · see review
Apr 01, 2012
Dija
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Patient, forgiving people.
Recommended to Dija by:
Smut Monday Club
I've read many books with suicidal characters, but usually only one of the protagonists is depressed while the other one helps the former heal. Strangers is the first book I've read where both the main characters are suicidal and it proves that two self-destructive individuals can rarely, if ever, have a healthy and healing relationship.
Charlie's a mega-star with a drug, alcohol, and sex addiction whereas Kate's a waitress with low self-esteem, little to no self-respect (at least where Charlie'...more
Charlie's a mega-star with a drug, alcohol, and sex addiction whereas Kate's a waitress with low self-esteem, little to no self-respect (at least where Charlie'...more
20 likes · like · see review
4.5 ★'s
So, we have a book that starts off with two people trying to commit suicide by drowning, that is, until they literally crash into each other...well, that doesn't like much of a romance novel does it? But...wait, just pull your big girl panties up and hang on because this book is one wild rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you wanting more! And make sure you have the day free because you will get pulled under the spell of ♥ Hippo & Mermaid ♥.
If you are like me and an emotio...more
So, we have a book that starts off with two people trying to commit suicide by drowning, that is, until they literally crash into each other...well, that doesn't like much of a romance novel does it? But...wait, just pull your big girl panties up and hang on because this book is one wild rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you wanting more! And make sure you have the day free because you will get pulled under the spell of ♥ Hippo & Mermaid ♥.
If you are like me and an emotio...more
15 likes · like · see review
3.5 Stars
Two strangers find each other in a sea of loneliness and pain. Can Charlie and Kate find love and healing with each other? Or will they only cause more heartache?
Charlie and Kate had me at “Hello”! Strangers by Barbara Elsborg holds one of the best teaser introductions I have ever come across in fiction. These characters had me from page one! Charlie and Kate possess such a fun chemistry and banter with each other. The humor just propels this story along through every bump and struggle....more
Two strangers find each other in a sea of loneliness and pain. Can Charlie and Kate find love and healing with each other? Or will they only cause more heartache?
Charlie and Kate had me at “Hello”! Strangers by Barbara Elsborg holds one of the best teaser introductions I have ever come across in fiction. These characters had me from page one! Charlie and Kate possess such a fun chemistry and banter with each other. The humor just propels this story along through every bump and struggle....more
11 likes · like · see review
3.75 stars
I'm not usually into adult romances and much more not into erotica. But I keep on seeing this book on my feed a lot of times before and lately, like it was trying to really get my attention to read it. So when I checked the blurb I suddenly felt curious. And when I saw that the characters were two suicidal person who met during the time they were trying to kill themselves then falling in love - which I thought was kinda sweet and hilarious at the same time - I decided I'll give this a...more
I'm not usually into adult romances and much more not into erotica. But I keep on seeing this book on my feed a lot of times before and lately, like it was trying to really get my attention to read it. So when I checked the blurb I suddenly felt curious. And when I saw that the characters were two suicidal person who met during the time they were trying to kill themselves then falling in love - which I thought was kinda sweet and hilarious at the same time - I decided I'll give this a...more
7 likes · like · see review
4 Stars!
I really enjoyed this book.
When I began reading, I admit that at first I wasn’t really interested as I thought it was a bit over the top of a coincidence but as I carried on reading I completely understood it.
Two broken people who want to end their lives because they are so unhappy, Kate and Charlie meet by strange coincidence… both trying to kill themselves by drowning at sea but maybe it was a sign… he thought Kate was a mermaid - I found that so cute!
Kate...
Kate has no idea that Charl...more
16 likes · like · see review
Mar 28, 2012
♥Rachel♥
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to ♥Rachel♥ by:
Smut Monday Club
Shelves:
kindle
Wow. That was an intense read!
Kate and Charlie meet in the saddest of ways. Both make an attempt of suicide by drowning in the sea, and by chance they collide with each other. Their plans are derailed by errant seaweed, a bloodied nose, and humor found in the oddest of moments. Sound depressing? You would be wrong! This story was all kinds of HOT, with a lot of witty banter, and yes, drama. Some intense drama, which thankfully was not too tortuously long.
Even though they were from two completel...more
Kate and Charlie meet in the saddest of ways. Both make an attempt of suicide by drowning in the sea, and by chance they collide with each other. Their plans are derailed by errant seaweed, a bloodied nose, and humor found in the oddest of moments. Sound depressing? You would be wrong! This story was all kinds of HOT, with a lot of witty banter, and yes, drama. Some intense drama, which thankfully was not too tortuously long.
Even though they were from two completel...more
16 likes · like · see review
![Michelle [Helen Geek]](http://d.gr-assets.com/users/1350347351p2/5557851.jpg)
10/03/2012 Full Review posted on: http://2geekgirlsreviewbooks.com/book...
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3/5 = 4
Writer’s Voice = 5
Character Development = 5
Story Appreciation = 5
Worth the Chili = 3 ($7.69 Amazon, $8.39 Amazon ebook)
Original Rating/Review 09/2011
5 BIG Stars.
“Strangers” is a wonderful story about two dysfunctional people taking a chance on love. They took the complete randomness of their meeting as a sign. They soon fell head first in a relationship neither was...more
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3/5 = 4
Writer’s Voice = 5
Character Development = 5
Story Appreciation = 5
Worth the Chili = 3 ($7.69 Amazon, $8.39 Amazon ebook)
Original Rating/Review 09/2011
5 BIG Stars.
“Strangers” is a wonderful story about two dysfunctional people taking a chance on love. They took the complete randomness of their meeting as a sign. They soon fell head first in a relationship neither was...more
16 likes · like · see review
I am speechless
Barbara Elsborg always stuns me with how talented she is. She took the opposite attract storyline and completely re-worked it. She dealt with the serious issue of suicide, and made a heartwarming story. What it means to be a celebrity, all the downfalls and pitfalls, and made them real to the reader.
Her characters worm their way in to your heart, and her writing keeps you turning pages until you get to the end.
I am not talented enough to put into words how much I enjoyed this, but...more
Barbara Elsborg always stuns me with how talented she is. She took the opposite attract storyline and completely re-worked it. She dealt with the serious issue of suicide, and made a heartwarming story. What it means to be a celebrity, all the downfalls and pitfalls, and made them real to the reader.
Her characters worm their way in to your heart, and her writing keeps you turning pages until you get to the end.
I am not talented enough to put into words how much I enjoyed this, but...more
12 likes · like · see review
Kate Snow:
“Better not to have anything. Not even love. If you got attached to something, it only got taken away. Child or adult. Toys or people. No difference”
Charlie Storm:
“I love you because I can be honest with you. I trust you. I love you because you've made me see I'm more than I thought.”
Kate and Charlie are broken--badly. Kate from her past and Charlie from his present. Kate has never in her life felt wanted by anyone and Charlie has spent his life being wanted by everyone. Kate is a wai...more
“Better not to have anything. Not even love. If you got attached to something, it only got taken away. Child or adult. Toys or people. No difference”
Charlie Storm:
“I love you because I can be honest with you. I trust you. I love you because you've made me see I'm more than I thought.”
Kate and Charlie are broken--badly. Kate from her past and Charlie from his present. Kate has never in her life felt wanted by anyone and Charlie has spent his life being wanted by everyone. Kate is a wai...more
7 likes · like · see review
Barbara Elsborg take the whole erotica novella to the whole new level, I guess. Because I've read a lot of novella and this one, this one captured my heart.
I cried when I read Charlie's rejection to Kate when he thought Kate's the one who told press about things that happened to him earlier. It's like, every word that Charlie said--which means Barbara write, stab my chest. I practically feel what Kate's feel and that's rare.
I'm grateful that I ridiculously stumbled to this book. You guys shoul...more
I cried when I read Charlie's rejection to Kate when he thought Kate's the one who told press about things that happened to him earlier. It's like, every word that Charlie said--which means Barbara write, stab my chest. I practically feel what Kate's feel and that's rare.
I'm grateful that I ridiculously stumbled to this book. You guys shoul...more
Truly one of the best stories I've ever read! It was filled with amazing and realistic dialogue, steamy romance, wonderful characters, a great plot, and a very emotional story. My heart was tightening in my chest at some points. This is definitely a story I look forward to reading again!! This is also an author I will go out of my way to read again!
12 likes · like · see review
I found this book because numerous people said "if you liked fifty shades...."Well, I couldn't agree more. But then I should say if you like "Strangers" you should read "50 Shades of Gray"(see publishing date). I'm glad i found this new author, though she has lots of awesome books out there, and i read 3 of hers so far. For anyone who loves a good romance with fantastic chemistry and dialogue, this is a winner. The humor and the interaction was really "laugh out loud" from the very first bump on...more
5 likes · like · see review
I'm a whore for British parlance and the banter in this one was a treat. Beyond that, the writing was crisp, the story engaging. The characters lugged a cortege of oversized baggage behind them. While this added a soul-sucking gravity to their identities, they didn't seem as shattered as they should've been over it. Even as they washed out to sea, there was a silly light-heartedness to it. I guess I expected more dark and brooding, less humorous tone. Didn't stop me from turning pages though. In...more
6 likes · like · see review
4.5 out of 5 stars
Charlie Storm and Kate Snow are two damaged people who save each other from rather dire circumstances and in spite of their very different backgrounds, fall in love. Their relationship appears doomed from the start, but the fact that they are flawed and dysfunctional is what made these characters realistic for me.
I had a hard time putting this book down. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions. The author does a lovely job of depicting Charlie and Kate falling in love with each...more
Charlie Storm and Kate Snow are two damaged people who save each other from rather dire circumstances and in spite of their very different backgrounds, fall in love. Their relationship appears doomed from the start, but the fact that they are flawed and dysfunctional is what made these characters realistic for me.
I had a hard time putting this book down. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions. The author does a lovely job of depicting Charlie and Kate falling in love with each...more
I stayed up until 3am reading Strangers by Barbara Elsborg, I honestly couldn’t put it down. I laughed, giggled, cried (3 times) my heart raced and I melted into a puddle of goo all in the space of a couple of hours. Strangers is a keeper for sure.
Kate and Charlie won my heart, their roller coaster ride was seriously out of control and had everything flung in it but I loved it.
Kate’s been humiliated and dumped at the alter and Charlie is a bad boy pop star turned actor who drinks, smokes and bed...more
Kate and Charlie won my heart, their roller coaster ride was seriously out of control and had everything flung in it but I loved it.
Kate’s been humiliated and dumped at the alter and Charlie is a bad boy pop star turned actor who drinks, smokes and bed...more
8 likes · like · see review
2 to 2 1/2 starts
Looks like this is one of those times where everyone loves a book but me. Which is fine. It happens.I'm not fan of manufactured, over-the-top drama, and, unfortunately, to me, that is all this story felt like. ...more
Looks like this is one of those times where everyone loves a book but me. Which is fine. It happens.I'm not fan of manufactured, over-the-top drama, and, unfortunately, to me, that is all this story felt like. ...more
6 likes · like · see review
4.5 Stars!!! Loved it! Couldn't put it down!
I FRIGGING LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
HIPPO & MERMAID ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I laughed to the point of snorting attractively.
I cried for 4 chapters straight!!
I was so desperate I downloaded it to my kindle app On my iPhone and read it in the bathroom at work. Now, Before you say a word READ THIS BOOK!! You will no longer judge me, you will be an addict too and we can exchange stories ;)
'Missing u already, Mermaid. Just chewed my nail.
Love Hippo x'
“Hippo, I was yours from the thump on the nose. ”
“ A ten-...more
HIPPO & MERMAID ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I laughed to the point of snorting attractively.
I cried for 4 chapters straight!!
I was so desperate I downloaded it to my kindle app On my iPhone and read it in the bathroom at work. Now, Before you say a word READ THIS BOOK!! You will no longer judge me, you will be an addict too and we can exchange stories ;)
'Missing u already, Mermaid. Just chewed my nail.
Love Hippo x'
“Hippo, I was yours from the thump on the nose. ”
“ A ten-...more
So I loved loved loved this book. It has popped up many times on my list of books to read but the description of it just seemed kind of corny to me. Finally the other day I decided to read it, let me say I was not disappointed and I am happy I finally chose to read it.
It's a hard book to put down, I wanted to read the whole thing in one day but eventually I had to go to bed lol. It's a book full of emotions. It's nerve racking, angsty, happy,funny, sad, even frustrating in some parts.
The two ma...more
It's a hard book to put down, I wanted to read the whole thing in one day but eventually I had to go to bed lol. It's a book full of emotions. It's nerve racking, angsty, happy,funny, sad, even frustrating in some parts.
The two ma...more
Jul 08, 2012
~Lei ~ Reading Is An Adventure~
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
a-ebook,
a-read-in-2012-ereader,
a-length-151-399-pages,
a-stand-alone,
character-abuse-survivor,
character-survivor,
content-couldnt-put-it-down,
character-rock-star-band,
genre-contemporary,
genre-romance,
outcome-favorites,
outcome-hea,
sex-good-and-smutty,
sex-vanilla-with-a-twist,
sexcontent-anal-play-sex,
sexcontent-oral-play-sex,
sexcontent-rough,
sexcontent-toys,
sexual-mix-m-f,
sexcontent-dub-or-non-con,
character-stranger,
content-2nd-chance,
character-tortured-h-or-h,
a-favorite-author,
ee-fall12-review-author-challenge,
character-actor-actress
ETA 7/8/12 - One of the few 5 star reads for me in 2012.
I'll be honest, this one snuck up on me and knocked me out. Kate and Charlie meet in the ocean and this is the story of their second chance, their choice for a different path to follow, redemption and forgiveness.
They each have their own issues with abandonment and trust to work through. Charlie is a rock star turned movie star and Kate is an artist in her own way with her very (view spoiler)...more
I'll be honest, this one snuck up on me and knocked me out. Kate and Charlie meet in the ocean and this is the story of their second chance, their choice for a different path to follow, redemption and forgiveness.
They each have their own issues with abandonment and trust to work through. Charlie is a rock star turned movie star and Kate is an artist in her own way with her very (view spoiler)...more
5 likes · like · see review
Gotta love a cover with Pepe and Sztella!!
May 11, 2013
Dangermousie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
aaangst,
bad-boys-brought-to-their-knees,
britlit,
codependent,
dysfunction-reigns-supreme,
erotica,
evil-parents,
family-secrets,
horrible-childhood-of-h-h,
hurt-comfort,
musicians,
my-desert-island-book,
perfect,
romance,
soulmatey-soulmates,
tortured-heroes,
tortured-heroines,
suicide-attempts
"Would you really tackle a T-Rex?"
"In an instant."
"Even if one's lolloping down the beach, right now?"
Charlie paused. "There isn't one lolloping down the beach right now, is there?"
Kate checked over his shoulder. "No."
"Then yes, absolutely."
I. Love. This. Book.
I love it!!!! It's dysfunctional, sexy, funny, and hits all my specific fictional kinks so hard they are still ringing. I spent most of the book white-knuckled, terrified of anything bad happening to Kate and/or Charlie, so invested in t...more
"In an instant."
"Even if one's lolloping down the beach, right now?"
Charlie paused. "There isn't one lolloping down the beach right now, is there?"
Kate checked over his shoulder. "No."
"Then yes, absolutely."
I. Love. This. Book.
I love it!!!! It's dysfunctional, sexy, funny, and hits all my specific fictional kinks so hard they are still ringing. I spent most of the book white-knuckled, terrified of anything bad happening to Kate and/or Charlie, so invested in t...more
Strangers are how the story starts and how it ends. Knowing a person and loving them means there is always something else to learn or hear. Or tell. Lovers continually meet anew, feel that surge of wonder at finding someone of interest, someone who will maybe fit them. It's a constant feed of hope.
The book is full of wonderful contradictions. Like how strangers are only that for an instant, but if there's love it could be for always. Time is another one. The characters seem to give very little...more
The book is full of wonderful contradictions. Like how strangers are only that for an instant, but if there's love it could be for always. Time is another one. The characters seem to give very little...more
3 likes · like · see review
This was a book that sat in my wishlist for a long time before I used a coupon to pick it up. I really have enjoyed others of Barbara elsborg's books. This one I wasn't sure about for more than half of the book.
(view spoiler)...more
(view spoiler)...more
I enjoyed reading this book.
It fantastic lines. really good conversation between the two characters..witty and seductive.
I get how smart mouth Kate can be... I can relate her character with the of Nora Robert's Witness heroine Abby.
I just remembered, because that is how both the female characters talk...short, witty and sarcastic. And am drawn to that kind of set up.
The story was right from the very beginning to the end.
I would have gotten 5 stars for it but I was lost were after Kate return to...more
It fantastic lines. really good conversation between the two characters..witty and seductive.
I get how smart mouth Kate can be... I can relate her character with the of Nora Robert's Witness heroine Abby.
I just remembered, because that is how both the female characters talk...short, witty and sarcastic. And am drawn to that kind of set up.
The story was right from the very beginning to the end.
I would have gotten 5 stars for it but I was lost were after Kate return to...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just...Wow! | 16 | 157 | 29 jan. 09:43 | |
| book romance: Buddy Read 3/19 : Strangers by Barbara Elsborg | 45 | 56 | 03 avr. 05:10 |
Barbara Elsborg lives in West Yorkshire in the north of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Vulcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children a...more
More about Barbara Elsborg...
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children a...more
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“Kate, I need to use the toilet,” he called through the door.
“You’ve just had hours in the sea. Couldn’t you have gone then?”
“Mum told me to get out of the water first.”
“What, even the ocean?”
“It’s wrong to pollute.” He tried to sound serious. ”
—
13 people liked it
“You’ve just had hours in the sea. Couldn’t you have gone then?”
“Mum told me to get out of the water first.”
“What, even the ocean?”
“It’s wrong to pollute.” He tried to sound serious. ”
“Better not to have anything. Not even love. If you got attached to something, it only got taken away. Child or adult. Toys or people. No difference”
—
9 people liked it
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