Goodreads Synopsis:
He’s thirty-eight. I’m twenty-three.
He speaks Spanish. I speak English.
He lives in Spain. I live in Canada.
He dresses in thousand-dollar suits. I’m covered in tattoos.
He’s married and has a five-year old daughter.
I’m single and can’t commit to anyone or anything.
Until now. Because when they say you can’t choose who you fall in love with, boy ain’t that the f*#king truth.
***
To a restless dreamer like Vera Miles, it sounded like the experience of a lifetime. Instead of spending her summer interning for her astronomy major, she would fly to Spain where she’d spend a few weeks teaching conversational English to businessmen and women, all while enjoying free room and board at an isolated resort. But while Vera expected to get a tan, meet new people and stuff herself with wine and paella, she never expected to fall in love.
Mateo Casalles is unlike anyone Vera has ever known, let alone anyone she’s usually attracted to. While Vera is a pierced and tatted free spirit with a love for music and freedom, Mateo is a successful businessman from Madrid, all sharp suits and cocky Latino charm. Yet, as the weeks go on, the two grow increasingly close and their relationship changes from purely platonic to something…more.
Something that makes Vera feel alive for the first time.
Something that can never, ever be.
Or so she thinks.
My Review:
You can’t choose who you fall in love with. This was a harsh reality for Vera Miles after she decides to sign up for a month long opportunity in Spain where she would stay at an isolated resort teaching conversational English to businessmen and women.
Covered in tattoos and piercings, Vera has felt lonely and misunderstood her entire life. But this incredible opportunity has introduced many new friendships, and Vera finally feels like she belongs somewhere. It’s here that she meets Mateo Casalles, and her life is forever changed. He manages to break down her walls and make his way into her heart. But of course, this book wouldn’t be the heartbreaking and emotional read that it is without a very huge element keeping them from being together.
This is a book that deals with a very tough subject – cheating. And I know that a lot of people stay away from books if they know there is any kind of cheating involved in the story. I knew from the beginning that it was a possibility and because of the way this story was told, the beauty of their relationship, and how Karina Halle made me fall in love with both of them so intensely, I was able to keep reading with an open mind. Sometimes things happen in life that we can’t control. Vera and Mateo’s story was gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and not at all easy to read. There’s is an intense, all-consuming, and beautiful love – one that I will not soon forget.
The age difference between them was never an issue for me. It didn’t ever feel like they were that far apart in age by how mature Vera was. My only complaint about this book was it was way too long-winded. I hate filler, and there was a lot in this book.
Not a book I had ever intended on reading, but a fellow book lover recommended it, and I’m so glad I picked it up!
Running on Words and Wine 
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this one too. I know cheating is a hot button issue for many people – myself included – but it won’t keep me from picking up a book. I think it’s all in how the situation is handled. In books like this one and Maybe Someday, where I can fall deeply in love with the characters, the cheating seems to matter less for some reason.
I couldn’t agree more! I always put that disclaimer out there when I recommend Maybe Someday (because it’s my favorite book) – and not everyone that reads it can look past that aspect. If a book is written well, and I fall in love with the characters, I’m able to look past the cheating. Every situation is different and I try to have an open mind when I read.
This one definitely sounds interesting (except for the filler – I hate when writers do that just to pad the story – ugh!). As for the cheating, I’m not too keen on that part (who is?), but I can understand what you mean about having no choice with who you fall in love with.
I always hesitate with cheating stories. They’re definitely more difficult to read.
You know, ive really become a weenie when it comes to books I select. Some of the best books I’ve read in the past few years have had a cheating aspect (Covet, Tempting Fate, Maybe Someday). I think that what’s put me off this is that it’s a husband cheating. But I do agree that you can’t always pick whom you love, and I’ve always enjoyed Karina’s books.
Thanks for such a convincing review!
This one sounds interesting! I totally see what you mean about the cheating thing. Reading this made me think of Giffin’s Something Borrowed—when viewed from a different perspective, you might think differently. Sounds like a great read!
I’ve heard such good things about this book, and I’ve loved this author’s other books, so I need to get to this one soon!
Just found your blog and I’m now a new follower through bloglovin 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and following!
This was the first book I’ve read by this author. I really like her writing, I will have to read more of her books.
I’m not big on filler either, Brandie. I end up skimming. Still, I’m excited to read this one because I do love Karina Halle’s writing. It is a long book, though. Wonderful review! 🙂