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adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Pregnancy
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A gorgeously slow burn romance that gave me all the feels! From the grumpy x sunshine dynamics protagonist, Aurora and her temporary landlord, Rhodes, to the adorable, found family vibes that brought soo much needed comfort and joy into Aurora’s life. I could’ve easily read 500 more pages!
I adored Rhodes, whose gruff standoffish demeanour hides his warmhearted and cinnamon roll centre. His love and support for his son was heart meltingly good too and as he and Aurora get to know one another (and Aurora breaks down his defences) we see a quietly protective side to him that I absolutely loved.
And given everything Aurora has experienced in her life, and emotional journey shes still working through — Rhodes, Amos (Rhodes’ teenage son) and the other Residents of Pagosa are just what she needs to fully heal and finally find a place she can call home.
We get some pretty humorous moments too which really helped with easing the tenser more emotionally scenes (my faves being the Bat and golden eagle scenes)
Overall another incredible read that slow-burn romance lovers will definitely enjoy. Just be sure to check the TWs
Also a massive thank you to Sophie (@SophieB_Reads on TikTok) for book fairying this to me, I absolutely loved it 😍❤️
I adored Rhodes, whose gruff standoffish demeanour hides his warmhearted and cinnamon roll centre. His love and support for his son was heart meltingly good too and as he and Aurora get to know one another (and Aurora breaks down his defences) we see a quietly protective side to him that I absolutely loved.
And given everything Aurora has experienced in her life, and emotional journey shes still working through — Rhodes, Amos (Rhodes’ teenage son) and the other Residents of Pagosa are just what she needs to fully heal and finally find a place she can call home.
We get some pretty humorous moments too which really helped with easing the tenser more emotionally scenes (my faves being the Bat and golden eagle scenes)
Overall another incredible read that slow-burn romance lovers will definitely enjoy. Just be sure to check the TWs
Also a massive thank you to Sophie (@SophieB_Reads on TikTok) for book fairying this to me, I absolutely loved it 😍❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Mental illness, Pregnancy
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed the world building in this story, it felt very natural. Love rhodes too, my favourite type of male lead fr
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Death of parent
Minor: Suicide
toxic relationship is from the past
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cry Count: 3, the end of this one, you guys 🥺
Spice: 1 chili. This is a book with spice, but, honestly, there’s one scene and it’s not as graphic as some of the enthusiastic intimacy I’ve read in other books. The rest of the spice is hinted at, but not on page.
I loved these characters and the developing relationship was done so well! They were fun, sweet, and a little over the top in all the best ways. It was also so super nice to get a slow burn that was literally embers to flames but didn’t drag. I really appreciated just how long it took for it to feel like they even liked each other. Zapata had me squealing over a hug, all. A. HUG.
This book was so worth everything. My only complaint is the epilogue. I liked their relationship, but why does happily ever after always come down to babies?? <\spoiler>
Spice: 1 chili. This is a book with spice, but, honestly, there’s one scene and it’s not as graphic as some of the enthusiastic intimacy I’ve read in other books. The rest of the spice is hinted at, but not on page.
I loved these characters and the developing relationship was done so well! They were fun, sweet, and a little over the top in all the best ways. It was also so super nice to get a slow burn that was literally embers to flames but didn’t drag. I really appreciated just how long it took for it to feel like they even liked each other. Zapata had me squealing over a hug, all. A. HUG.
This book was so worth everything. My only complaint is the epilogue. I liked their relationship, but why does happily ever after always come down to
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Pregnancy
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a really well done slow-burn romance that was just a really nice read to get caught up in for a while. After an abrupt break up ending a 14-year relationship, Aurora De La Torre decides to move back home aka to the small town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Unfortunately housing options are limited and the garage apartment she rented wasn't actually listed by the owner, but his son. And he is not happy, but he sure is easy on the eyes.
She's got to figure out what comes next with life, work and love. What follows is a delightful story of friendship and love and what it means to be home and happy.
There is some sexual content but it is a very slow burn and the relationships are really well done.
Aurora is such a fun character who is ready to just be true to herself in the best unashamed way.
I'm looking forward to checking out more books by this author!
Unfortunately housing options are limited and the garage apartment she rented wasn't actually listed by the owner, but his son. And he is not happy, but he sure is easy on the eyes.
She's got to figure out what comes next with life, work and love. What follows is a delightful story of friendship and love and what it means to be home and happy.
There is some sexual content but it is a very slow burn and the relationships are really well done.
Aurora is such a fun character who is ready to just be true to herself in the best unashamed way.
I'm looking forward to checking out more books by this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book because Heath’s Book Club influenced me, and while I’m really glad I did, this book just had some elements that bumped it down from the 4.5 star read I thought it was at first. Firstly, this book is long, like 600 pages long, and while I loved how much yearning there was, I felt like some character dynamics were just “put off” from developing for a long time and it could easily have been 500 pages. Secondly, so many initial interactions between the two main characters kept getting “cut off” after the main part of their conversation, which meant the chapter would end and we’d never see other characters discuss or interact with said conversation, also resulting in delayed character development. This isn’t necessarily bad of course, it’s just a stylistic choice I didn’t end up loving myself. There were also a couple random topics the main character kept thinking about to the point where it felt a tad repetitive. To each their own I guess.
Now onto the things I DID really like about this book, mainly the yearning. I really love how the main character’s self development and growth was the center point of the first 1/2 of the book. There was no insta love branded as enemies to lovers, this was truly rivals to lovers with a lot of time and effort put into their dynamic. The friendships were also quite important to the storyline, which I quite liked. And this book did make me cry, AND wish I could go back to Colorado and hike again, do with that what you will. So, if you want a looong romance book with a lot of emotional self development, this is for you. I’ll for sure be checking out Mariana Zapata’s other books at least.
Now onto the things I DID really like about this book, mainly the yearning. I really love how the main character’s self development and growth was the center point of the first 1/2 of the book. There was no insta love branded as enemies to lovers, this was truly rivals to lovers with a lot of time and effort put into their dynamic. The friendships were also quite important to the storyline, which I quite liked. And this book did make me cry, AND wish I could go back to Colorado and hike again, do with that what you will. So, if you want a looong romance book with a lot of emotional self development, this is for you. I’ll for sure be checking out Mariana Zapata’s other books at least.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The first Mariana Zapata book I've read will definitely not be my last. This woman writes emotions so fully and so beautifully that I felt everything. I laughed, cried, got mad, and felt so many other things. All emotions in this book so extremely well written and thought out and explored and it made it possible for me to feel every single thing our main character did.
This beautifully written story was the epitome of a slow burn, grumpy sunshine and l loved every single second of it. It was so heartfelt and exactly what I needed. With the length of this book she was able to include so many tropes and did them all so well without anything feeling rushed.
Tropes: age gap; slow burn; grumpy x sunshine; single dad; he falls first; who did this to you?; unconventional family dynamic
This beautifully written story was the epitome of a slow burn, grumpy sunshine and l loved every single second of it. It was so heartfelt and exactly what I needed. With the length of this book she was able to include so many tropes and did them all so well without anything feeling rushed.
Tropes: age gap; slow burn; grumpy x sunshine; single dad; he falls first; who did this to you?; unconventional family dynamic
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I loved this book. After reading Kulti, I have no idea why I waited so long to pick this one up especially since I adored Kulti so much too. But here we are.
Is this the most original plot ever? No. But do I care? Also no. The writing is great, the characters are lovable, and the romance just works. Aurora and Rhodes just work together. You know how sometimes you read a romance and think, "Yeah, these two wouldn’t last a week in the real world?" Not the case here. You can actually see them building a life together after the book ends, and I love that.
The side characters? Fantastic. The setting? Loved it. The Kulti shoutout? *scream internally*. And I really appreciate the little details likethe songwriting, the two dads, all those small subplots that didn’t really have to be there but added so much charm. The slow burn? Perfect. I’m a sucker for slow burn, and Mariana Zapata gets it. Their relationship feels adult and real, which makes it even better.
Now, let’s talk about the one thing that annoyed me: the gas station scene. That “conflict” and the anger that comes with it is ridiculous, and I hate when authors throw in unnecessary drama but fail to execute it well. If you’re going to create conflict, at least make it make sense.
That being said, I still enjoyed the book, even if I think it was a bit long for a romance novel. But Zapata officially earns a spot in my top 3 contemporary romance authors.
Is this the most original plot ever? No. But do I care? Also no. The writing is great, the characters are lovable, and the romance just works. Aurora and Rhodes just work together. You know how sometimes you read a romance and think, "Yeah, these two wouldn’t last a week in the real world?" Not the case here. You can actually see them building a life together after the book ends, and I love that.
The side characters? Fantastic. The setting? Loved it. The Kulti shoutout? *scream internally*. And I really appreciate the little details like
Now, let’s talk about the one thing that annoyed me: the gas station scene. That “conflict” and the anger that comes with it is ridiculous, and I hate when authors throw in unnecessary drama but fail to execute it well. If you’re going to create conflict, at least make it make sense.
That being said, I still enjoyed the book, even if I think it was a bit long for a romance novel. But Zapata officially earns a spot in my top 3 contemporary romance authors.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent