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One Year Ago in Spain
“An utterly romantic story about second chances and the power of love.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood
A woman must woo her lover’s soul back into his body to wake him from a coma—or risk losing him forever—in this moving novel from the author of The Hundred Loves of Juliet.
Claire Walker has always had her life in perfect order, including her high-powered job at one of Manhattan’s top corporate law firms. Yet the one thing she cannot seem to find is a perfect love to complete it, until fate pushes Matías de León into her path. Matías is a Spanish artist who is everything that Claire is free-spirited and creative, chaos to her order. She falls for him, hard—and he for her.
A year later, however, Claire begins to question everything about their relationship. How can they possibly work long-term when they’re so different? Might it be best to end it before they are both in too deep?
Then tragedy strikes while Matías is visiting family, leaving him gravely wounded in a Madrid hospital. And when Claire drops everything to race to his side, she finds she is the only one who can see and talk to Matías’s soul, detached from his comatose body. But that soul has no memories of his year in New York, of her, or of their relationship. Claire soon realizes that in order to lure Matías back to his body, she will have to convince him to fall in love with her all over again. But can lightning strike twice? Can the same magic that brought them together once do so again?
A woman must woo her lover’s soul back into his body to wake him from a coma—or risk losing him forever—in this moving novel from the author of The Hundred Loves of Juliet.
Claire Walker has always had her life in perfect order, including her high-powered job at one of Manhattan’s top corporate law firms. Yet the one thing she cannot seem to find is a perfect love to complete it, until fate pushes Matías de León into her path. Matías is a Spanish artist who is everything that Claire is free-spirited and creative, chaos to her order. She falls for him, hard—and he for her.
A year later, however, Claire begins to question everything about their relationship. How can they possibly work long-term when they’re so different? Might it be best to end it before they are both in too deep?
Then tragedy strikes while Matías is visiting family, leaving him gravely wounded in a Madrid hospital. And when Claire drops everything to race to his side, she finds she is the only one who can see and talk to Matías’s soul, detached from his comatose body. But that soul has no memories of his year in New York, of her, or of their relationship. Claire soon realizes that in order to lure Matías back to his body, she will have to convince him to fall in love with her all over again. But can lightning strike twice? Can the same magic that brought them together once do so again?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
66 people are currently reading
12545 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Skye
17 books2,451 followersEvelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including The Incredible Kindness of Paper and The Hundred Loves of Juliet. She has also written for books for Netflix and Disney. Evelyn’s novels have been published worldwide and translated into sixteen languages.
Evelyn is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. She lives in California with her husband and daughter.
Evelyn is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. She lives in California with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
July 20, 2024
From the synopsis, this had some much potential to be the next magical realism story that could fill my void from reading Ashley Poston novels.
But the story was lacking for me in many aspects such as:
One of the main issues is the pacing. The narrative feels very straightforward and in-your-face, with no build-up or character development. This lack of development made it challenging for me to feel any chemistry or tension between the characters. While the little moments of budding romance between Matías and Claire were adorable, these scenes cut off very abruptly, leaving no lingering feelings for the characters.
The plot progression is another aspect that could use improvement. It moves directly from point A to point B, with most of the journey skipped through fast-forwarding or time skips. This eliminates the opportunity for any meaningful development in between, which was sorely needed.
The inclusion of multiple POVs outside of the main couple felt like an odd choice. These additional POVs did absolutely nothing to the central story and were unnecessary.
Overall, while the premise of the story is enjoyable, the lack of emotional attachment to the characters was disappointing. This missing connection could have made the story much more heart-wrenching and impactful.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
But the story was lacking for me in many aspects such as:
One of the main issues is the pacing. The narrative feels very straightforward and in-your-face, with no build-up or character development. This lack of development made it challenging for me to feel any chemistry or tension between the characters. While the little moments of budding romance between Matías and Claire were adorable, these scenes cut off very abruptly, leaving no lingering feelings for the characters.
The plot progression is another aspect that could use improvement. It moves directly from point A to point B, with most of the journey skipped through fast-forwarding or time skips. This eliminates the opportunity for any meaningful development in between, which was sorely needed.
The inclusion of multiple POVs outside of the main couple felt like an odd choice. These additional POVs did absolutely nothing to the central story and were unnecessary.
Overall, while the premise of the story is enjoyable, the lack of emotional attachment to the characters was disappointing. This missing connection could have made the story much more heart-wrenching and impactful.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 29, 2025
Las cosas que te haría si pudiera…
The things I would do to you if I could …
Engaging premise as the story merges reality with a dash of whimsy and enchantment. Dive deep into the whirlwind of intimacy with Claire and Matias as they defy continents, disposition, timelines and death to be with each other. The author manifests the streets of Madrid on paper and the reader will enjoy drinking in the culture and sights.
The things I would do to you if I could …
Engaging premise as the story merges reality with a dash of whimsy and enchantment. Dive deep into the whirlwind of intimacy with Claire and Matias as they defy continents, disposition, timelines and death to be with each other. The author manifests the streets of Madrid on paper and the reader will enjoy drinking in the culture and sights.
June 17, 2025
I cannot begin to describe the love that I have for this book. This is one of the books that you read where you’re completely absorbed into it and forget everything else. Love that is so pure and fragile that it’s worth sacrificing everything for. This book broke the scale for me..I fell in love with the characters and their struggles. The way that Claire was afraid to completely let go of her fear of vulnerability and the way Matias is completely and utterly in love and patient with her is admirable.
and the taylor swift song that I would dedicate to this book is…
taylor swift - come back..be here..
and the taylor swift song that I would dedicate to this book is…
taylor swift - come back..be here..
September 13, 2024
This love story! I cannot believe how heartwarming this story is. No spice no profanity 100% romance and falling in love. If you are looking for a romance to give you all the feelings this is it.
# One Year Ago in Spain
# 9/12/2024 ~ 9/13/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0
# One Year Ago in Spain
# 9/12/2024 ~ 9/13/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0
November 11, 2024
This book was really different and interesting. I ended up enjoying it very much, even if there were some moments towards the beginning that didn't quite work for me. It seemed like the relationship between Claire and Matias progressed extremely fast, and this felt odd. But by the end, it all came together and made sense. I loved how this story unfolded and how beautiful and heartwarming it was.
One Year Ago in Spain was my second book by Evelyn Skye, and I'm hooked! I can't wait for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
One Year Ago in Spain was my second book by Evelyn Skye, and I'm hooked! I can't wait for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 9, 2024
*2.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for sending me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
One Year ago in Spain is a romantic magical book which takes our FMC Claire through emotional journey to save her boyfriend, Matías from the grips of death herself.
Given the premise of the book, it reminded me so much of "Dead Romantics" by Ashley Poston! Which I enjoyed.
I originally intended to give this book a higher rating but unfortunately, a few things about the novel fell short for me.
For starters, the pacing of the book was unfortunately really confusing. We had the main couple meet for the first time and suddenly they fall in love so there was no build up towards the beginning so their chemistry isn't exactly THERE in the first half of the book.
As the book continues to progress they share a couple of cute moments and there is somewhat of a spark there but as soon as we get that spark and BAM! Suddenly it's the END.
Another part that I wasn't a fan of was the moments where we got different POVs that weren't Matías or Claires because this book is promoted as a romance I wouldn't expect to have side characters POV that had nothing to do with the romance itself. They didn't really add anything to the plot or story they were simply what I found unnecessary.
Finally, There was one specific scene that rubbed me the wrong way. There was a moment in the book where Claire the FMC was spending time with the MMC's family and they're looking at older family pics and the genitals of a literal baby are discussed for a moment. This is what really turned me off from the book. It made me feel uncomfortable, and honestly, I didn't understand why this scene was added.
Overall this book was decent, it had potential but it didn't meet my standards. I'm pretty sure that others could enjoy this book much more than I did which I really hope is the case!
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for sending me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
One Year ago in Spain is a romantic magical book which takes our FMC Claire through emotional journey to save her boyfriend, Matías from the grips of death herself.
Given the premise of the book, it reminded me so much of "Dead Romantics" by Ashley Poston! Which I enjoyed.
I originally intended to give this book a higher rating but unfortunately, a few things about the novel fell short for me.
For starters, the pacing of the book was unfortunately really confusing. We had the main couple meet for the first time and suddenly they fall in love so there was no build up towards the beginning so their chemistry isn't exactly THERE in the first half of the book.
As the book continues to progress they share a couple of cute moments and there is somewhat of a spark there but as soon as we get that spark and BAM! Suddenly it's the END.
Another part that I wasn't a fan of was the moments where we got different POVs that weren't Matías or Claires because this book is promoted as a romance I wouldn't expect to have side characters POV that had nothing to do with the romance itself. They didn't really add anything to the plot or story they were simply what I found unnecessary.
Finally, There was one specific scene that rubbed me the wrong way. There was a moment in the book where Claire the FMC was spending time with the MMC's family and they're looking at older family pics and the genitals of a literal baby are discussed for a moment. This is what really turned me off from the book. It made me feel uncomfortable, and honestly, I didn't understand why this scene was added.
Overall this book was decent, it had potential but it didn't meet my standards. I'm pretty sure that others could enjoy this book much more than I did which I really hope is the case!
October 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! Characters felt real and I loved their journey
August 10, 2024
I think this was a really beautiful story about second chances, and truly letting yourself fall in love.
Claire and Matias have been dating almost a year when she finds an engagement ring in his luggage for their upcoming trip to Spain. Out of panic, she finds a way to pull out and falls back on her job and getting partnership. So Matias goes to Spain on his own to see his family when he’s in a major boating accident. Some of his friends die and he’s left in a coma. Claire gets on a flight to Spain and feels so much guilt that she should have just been there with him. He wouldn’t have even gotten on the boat.
Then—she’s sees him. At first she thought a ghost, but eventually realizes it’s his soul she’s seeing. His mind is set at a year ago, just before they met, and she tries to get him to fall in love with her again so that he can reattach to his body; believing he is lost. However, on this journey, it’s also her who’s falls in love with him too, and truly this time. Realizing she could lose him forever if she doesn’t succeed has her pushing past all her walls and feeling everything she truly feels for him and that she really does want to spend her life with him. She was just scared before. After all they are such opposites. He’s very carefree and she’s very Type A. But he would do anything for her, and she took advantage of that, not even realizing he could ever leave her this way.
This is a great read and I think would resonate with those who live on the more defensive side and don’t show all of their true selves for fear of losing someone if they go all in. Opposites attract is a saying for a reason, and wholesome love like this one is worth everything to hold onto.
Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this one!
Claire and Matias have been dating almost a year when she finds an engagement ring in his luggage for their upcoming trip to Spain. Out of panic, she finds a way to pull out and falls back on her job and getting partnership. So Matias goes to Spain on his own to see his family when he’s in a major boating accident. Some of his friends die and he’s left in a coma. Claire gets on a flight to Spain and feels so much guilt that she should have just been there with him. He wouldn’t have even gotten on the boat.
Then—she’s sees him. At first she thought a ghost, but eventually realizes it’s his soul she’s seeing. His mind is set at a year ago, just before they met, and she tries to get him to fall in love with her again so that he can reattach to his body; believing he is lost. However, on this journey, it’s also her who’s falls in love with him too, and truly this time. Realizing she could lose him forever if she doesn’t succeed has her pushing past all her walls and feeling everything she truly feels for him and that she really does want to spend her life with him. She was just scared before. After all they are such opposites. He’s very carefree and she’s very Type A. But he would do anything for her, and she took advantage of that, not even realizing he could ever leave her this way.
This is a great read and I think would resonate with those who live on the more defensive side and don’t show all of their true selves for fear of losing someone if they go all in. Opposites attract is a saying for a reason, and wholesome love like this one is worth everything to hold onto.
Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this one!
July 25, 2024
2.5⭐️
I am a magical realism lover and when I read the summary for this book I was so excited. The concept of this story was so interesting and had so much potential. I also found the descriptive writing to be beautiful, and I loved how sweetly Matias’ character loved Claire. Reading his point of view about how they fell in love was my favorite part of this.
I found the different point of views to be too much, as there were multiple random additional povs throughout the story. This caused a lot of different people and different timelines to be followed, making the storyline a bit overwhelming.
Claire’s character had a great character arc. I felt so frustrated with her, which was evidently the point of her growth, but seeing her let herself fully give herself and her love for Matias’ was special.
I just felt like this concept had so much potential, and it felt a little flat with me. The descriptive writing was great but it felt like there were so many side details and anecdotes that were taking away from the main story. I found myself getting more into it in the middle of the story, but it fell off for me after that again unfortunately. The whole thing felt very dragged out, while the end felt really rushed. I felt like there was so much extra description throughout it but also holes that I felt like something was missing.
This is definitely still a fun read for my magical realism lovers and hopeless romantics looking for a different storyline!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read this arc!
I am a magical realism lover and when I read the summary for this book I was so excited. The concept of this story was so interesting and had so much potential. I also found the descriptive writing to be beautiful, and I loved how sweetly Matias’ character loved Claire. Reading his point of view about how they fell in love was my favorite part of this.
I found the different point of views to be too much, as there were multiple random additional povs throughout the story. This caused a lot of different people and different timelines to be followed, making the storyline a bit overwhelming.
Claire’s character had a great character arc. I felt so frustrated with her, which was evidently the point of her growth, but seeing her let herself fully give herself and her love for Matias’ was special.
I just felt like this concept had so much potential, and it felt a little flat with me. The descriptive writing was great but it felt like there were so many side details and anecdotes that were taking away from the main story. I found myself getting more into it in the middle of the story, but it fell off for me after that again unfortunately. The whole thing felt very dragged out, while the end felt really rushed. I felt like there was so much extra description throughout it but also holes that I felt like something was missing.
This is definitely still a fun read for my magical realism lovers and hopeless romantics looking for a different storyline!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read this arc!
November 12, 2024
This wasn’t a terrible book, but the writing left something to be desired. It’s a crazy plot that could’ve used a little more commitment, but it’s an easy romantic read that adds magic into the everyday life through heart and soul literally. There was Spanish in it that wasn’t great, but I guess it is what an interpretation of Spanish would be from a non speaker of it. All in all, it was mostly enjoyable and light!
June 24, 2024
2.5*; a miss for me sadly
April 3, 2024
One year ago In Spain
4.25
I love food,art & magical love stories so I really enjoyed this book! When you get used to routine, sometimes we lose sight of the things that we love, and it is nice to be reminded that it is a little things in life that matter. When you really love someone, you love them for them and not all the things that they can do for you. I Enjoy the multiple point of view & I enjoyed the family, food and art. I read this book in two days and I think it would be the perfect summer read.
Thank you, NetGallery, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
4.25
I love food,art & magical love stories so I really enjoyed this book! When you get used to routine, sometimes we lose sight of the things that we love, and it is nice to be reminded that it is a little things in life that matter. When you really love someone, you love them for them and not all the things that they can do for you. I Enjoy the multiple point of view & I enjoyed the family, food and art. I read this book in two days and I think it would be the perfect summer read.
Thank you, NetGallery, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 5, 2024
**This book will be published on 07/30/2024!**
I received this e-book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the copy!
Claire Walker has always had her ducks in a row, even managing to be up for partner at the corporate law firm that she is at, but she still hasn't found her love. But things might start to change once she meets Matías de León at his art exhibition. These complete opposites fall for each other, deeply. But after almost a year, Claire starts to question if they should truly be together since they are so different. She ends up telling Matías that she can't make the trip to Madrid with him to meet his family and once he leaves, a tragedy happens. Claire rushes to Madrid and finds out she can see Matías' soul and no one else can. Will this tragedy bring them together or rip them apart even further?
This was such a cute story! I instantly fell in love with Matías and Claire's story. Evelyn Skye wrote their story so beautifully! If you are a sucker for a good love story, then this is a good one! This will be one that I need a physical copy of so I can reread later!
I received this e-book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the copy!
Claire Walker has always had her ducks in a row, even managing to be up for partner at the corporate law firm that she is at, but she still hasn't found her love. But things might start to change once she meets Matías de León at his art exhibition. These complete opposites fall for each other, deeply. But after almost a year, Claire starts to question if they should truly be together since they are so different. She ends up telling Matías that she can't make the trip to Madrid with him to meet his family and once he leaves, a tragedy happens. Claire rushes to Madrid and finds out she can see Matías' soul and no one else can. Will this tragedy bring them together or rip them apart even further?
This was such a cute story! I instantly fell in love with Matías and Claire's story. Evelyn Skye wrote their story so beautifully! If you are a sucker for a good love story, then this is a good one! This will be one that I need a physical copy of so I can reread later!
August 9, 2024
5 Stars
This moving romance about a woman who has to woo back the love of her life is so unique and touching and even a bit magical.
I loved Evelyn’s previous book, The Hundred Loves of Juliet, and was intrigued by the premise of her newest book, wondering how it would hold up against her last. This book absolutely held its own in the romantic yet magical vein of The Hundred Loves of Juliet.
This time, we have Claire, a work-committed and high-achieving lawyer on the partner track falling in love with the Spanish artist, Matías, who blows into her life like a breath of fresh air. After a quick time jump of a year, Matías is set to take Claire to meet his family in Spain and move their relationship to the next level, but Claire panics at the though, and instead stays back in NYC while Matías goes alone. She has a big merger she can’t abandon and she is hoping the time apart gives her much needed clarity about such a big step. But Matías gets into an accident and is left in a coma and Claire must rush to Spain.
Once she is there, she can’t seem to do anything right with Matías’s large family, and is stumbling through how to properly be there for him. That is, until she runs into Matías in the streets of Spain…..or maybe a part of his soul only she can see? The rest of the story alternates between timelines and points of view as Claire and Matías fall in love (and back in love) and as Claire tries to reunite Matías’s soul to his body.
It’s loving and beautiful and absolutely unique and a story that I won’t soon forget!
*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC (and to PRH Audio for the free ALC) in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
This moving romance about a woman who has to woo back the love of her life is so unique and touching and even a bit magical.
I loved Evelyn’s previous book, The Hundred Loves of Juliet, and was intrigued by the premise of her newest book, wondering how it would hold up against her last. This book absolutely held its own in the romantic yet magical vein of The Hundred Loves of Juliet.
This time, we have Claire, a work-committed and high-achieving lawyer on the partner track falling in love with the Spanish artist, Matías, who blows into her life like a breath of fresh air. After a quick time jump of a year, Matías is set to take Claire to meet his family in Spain and move their relationship to the next level, but Claire panics at the though, and instead stays back in NYC while Matías goes alone. She has a big merger she can’t abandon and she is hoping the time apart gives her much needed clarity about such a big step. But Matías gets into an accident and is left in a coma and Claire must rush to Spain.
Once she is there, she can’t seem to do anything right with Matías’s large family, and is stumbling through how to properly be there for him. That is, until she runs into Matías in the streets of Spain…..or maybe a part of his soul only she can see? The rest of the story alternates between timelines and points of view as Claire and Matías fall in love (and back in love) and as Claire tries to reunite Matías’s soul to his body.
It’s loving and beautiful and absolutely unique and a story that I won’t soon forget!
*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC (and to PRH Audio for the free ALC) in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
March 12, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Overall, I gave this book a 2/5 because I feel as if it fell kind of short for me. I thought was a cute and light read that can serve as a palate cleanser between other genres of books, however, it just felt too all over the place for me. The two things I disliked about this book were the multiple POVs and how rushed the actual romance part of the book felt.
I felt like the main characters, Claire and Matías, were rushed into dating and the BAM Matías gets into the accident and the whole book is just about her chasing his soul. When he finally came out of the coma the book abruptly ended so I would recommend adding on to that a bit more. In addition I love me a good dual POV in a romance book, but this also included multiple family members POVs and it just seemed a little unnecessary for a romance book.
Although I would recommend to someone who enjoys light, quick and easy romance reads that contain multiple POVs, I personally don’t think I will pick this up again.
Overall, I gave this book a 2/5 because I feel as if it fell kind of short for me. I thought was a cute and light read that can serve as a palate cleanser between other genres of books, however, it just felt too all over the place for me. The two things I disliked about this book were the multiple POVs and how rushed the actual romance part of the book felt.
I felt like the main characters, Claire and Matías, were rushed into dating and the BAM Matías gets into the accident and the whole book is just about her chasing his soul. When he finally came out of the coma the book abruptly ended so I would recommend adding on to that a bit more. In addition I love me a good dual POV in a romance book, but this also included multiple family members POVs and it just seemed a little unnecessary for a romance book.
Although I would recommend to someone who enjoys light, quick and easy romance reads that contain multiple POVs, I personally don’t think I will pick this up again.
November 28, 2024
Thank you to Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book!
3.5 ⭐️
First of all I have to say I liked the author’s writing. But, I had a hard time getting into the book because the plot really started at 1/3 of it. I also personally didn’t really see the chemistry and love between the two characters. And finally the ending was a bit rushed. I read the epilogue and was like « that’s it??? »
I would really be interested to read more from the author but this one was not a favourite.
3.5 ⭐️
First of all I have to say I liked the author’s writing. But, I had a hard time getting into the book because the plot really started at 1/3 of it. I also personally didn’t really see the chemistry and love between the two characters. And finally the ending was a bit rushed. I read the epilogue and was like « that’s it??? »
I would really be interested to read more from the author but this one was not a favourite.
November 25, 2024
This was not good😭😭 Claire and Matías should have broken up before all of this went down
July 24, 2025
The Spanish sprinkles throughout were such a treat. And the surrealism art. I LOVED and related to Claire in terms of control, routine, structure. Thank you for reminding me what's possible when we let go.
August 4, 2024
If you liked The Dead Romantics, you will love this! An incredible story about love and focusing on what matters most in life. The writing was beautiful and I loved Claire’s character arc.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2024
Evelyn Skye is what happens when Matt Haig and Elena Armas are mixed together.
Wonder, magic, love, and romance.
What an incredible read, I could not believe how heartwarming this story was.
If you are looking for a feel good, clean romance, this is the one for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey Publishing for my DRC.
Wonder, magic, love, and romance.
What an incredible read, I could not believe how heartwarming this story was.
If you are looking for a feel good, clean romance, this is the one for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey Publishing for my DRC.
July 22, 2024
One Year Ago in Spain is perfect for lovers of Ashley Poston, second-chance romance, and Spanish culture! I loved this sweet love story so so so so much. Thank you, Evelyn Skye, for writing another amazing magical realism romance that has the perfect mix of bitter and sweet.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
July 27, 2024
Another HIT from Evelyn Skye!! Fans of magical realism romances won't want to miss this opposites attract romance that sees a workaholic NYC lawyer falling for a Spanish artist and trying to help him come back to the real world after an accident places him in a coma. It was great on audio and oh so compelling. I absolutely loved both the main characters and the way the story jumped around in time. HIGHLY recommended! Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC copy in exchange for my honest review! Fans of Roselle Lim will be delighted by this one!
August 18, 2024
Not for me, unfortunately. It had a lot of promise, but the pacing just felt off in this book. Scenes ended abruptly and the romance was lacking in this *romance* book — there was no build up, no swoony moments, nothing that really made me feel like the characters were in love.
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2024
***Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group– Ballantine for lending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!***
If you’re a fan of The Dead Romantics and About Time, this is for you!! It’s a beautiful story about falling in love all over again with your significant other with a time-bending and a supernatural twist.
Claire and Matías are opposites. Claire relies heavily on order and routine and her job as a top notch lawyer, while Matías is an artist who is carefree and spontaneous. A whirlwind romance brought them together, but after eleven months, Claire begins questioning things. When she discovers a hidden ring, she quickly bails on the upcoming trip to Spain to meet Matías’ family and friends. Soon after Matías leaves, Claire receives a call about a tragic accident that’s left him in a coma. She drops everything to head to Spain where she realizes her love for him might be the only thing that can bring him back.
What did I love?
-This novel beautifully weaves together a love story and a story about overcoming grief. It's very evident that Claire has a lot of growth throughout as she takes a look at the relationship.
-I loved the supernatural element where Claire is trying to guide Matías’ soul back to his body by getting him to fall in love with her again. (He is stuck a year ago before they met). Such a fun twist!
-The imagery is great. Not just when it comes to describing the art, but the feelings and emotions of the characters, plus the general descriptions of each setting. Truly a piece of art.
There are different perspectives represented throughout the novel. I love how you get the point of view of Matías starting at a year before and getting closer and closer to the present. It gives you more details into his love story with Claire.
You also get random chapters from the point of view of Matías’ family members. Now, this did actually take me out of the novel a bit. I think it was great how each represented how the family members were learning to operate through grief, but it felt a little unnecessary to the story. You get more tidbits of Matías’ life, but I think it could’ve been just as effective if they were telling Claire all this information.
I also felt like the family didn’t really put any effort into getting to know Claire at all, which felt strange to me. Obviously, they weren’t thinking straight because of this tragedy, but they didn’t really talk to her or ask her questions or even tell her many stories about Matías, which I feel would’ve been appropriate.
This novel was unexpected and powerful, but it could be triggering for some people. There is a lot of talk about death, grief, and loss. However, the ending is truly uplifting and beautiful.
If you’re a fan of The Dead Romantics and About Time, this is for you!! It’s a beautiful story about falling in love all over again with your significant other with a time-bending and a supernatural twist.
Claire and Matías are opposites. Claire relies heavily on order and routine and her job as a top notch lawyer, while Matías is an artist who is carefree and spontaneous. A whirlwind romance brought them together, but after eleven months, Claire begins questioning things. When she discovers a hidden ring, she quickly bails on the upcoming trip to Spain to meet Matías’ family and friends. Soon after Matías leaves, Claire receives a call about a tragic accident that’s left him in a coma. She drops everything to head to Spain where she realizes her love for him might be the only thing that can bring him back.
What did I love?
-This novel beautifully weaves together a love story and a story about overcoming grief. It's very evident that Claire has a lot of growth throughout as she takes a look at the relationship.
-I loved the supernatural element where Claire is trying to guide Matías’ soul back to his body by getting him to fall in love with her again. (He is stuck a year ago before they met). Such a fun twist!
-The imagery is great. Not just when it comes to describing the art, but the feelings and emotions of the characters, plus the general descriptions of each setting. Truly a piece of art.
There are different perspectives represented throughout the novel. I love how you get the point of view of Matías starting at a year before and getting closer and closer to the present. It gives you more details into his love story with Claire.
You also get random chapters from the point of view of Matías’ family members. Now, this did actually take me out of the novel a bit. I think it was great how each represented how the family members were learning to operate through grief, but it felt a little unnecessary to the story. You get more tidbits of Matías’ life, but I think it could’ve been just as effective if they were telling Claire all this information.
I also felt like the family didn’t really put any effort into getting to know Claire at all, which felt strange to me. Obviously, they weren’t thinking straight because of this tragedy, but they didn’t really talk to her or ask her questions or even tell her many stories about Matías, which I feel would’ve been appropriate.
This novel was unexpected and powerful, but it could be triggering for some people. There is a lot of talk about death, grief, and loss. However, the ending is truly uplifting and beautiful.
July 30, 2024
One Year Ago in Spain-a standalone
By Evelyn Skye-read The Hundred Loves of Juliet and gave it 4⭐
📅Publication date 7-30-24, Read 7-29-24
📄Format: E-book 336 pgs.
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine | Del Rey for this ARC 🧡! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
🌎Setting: NY and Spain
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fic, Fantasy Romance
Tropes: magical realism, opposites attract, 2nd chance romance, what-if, amnesia/coma, multi POVs, dual timelines, time travel, flashbacks, journal entries
💭Summary: Claire Walker is a high powered NY attorney on the verge of making partner when she meets and falls in love with Matias de Leon. Opposites in every way, Claire is a type A personality and Matias is a care-free creative. When she finds an engagement ring, she has second thoughts about their relationship. Matias goes to Madrid to visit his family alone, Claire working towards her promotion. He has a terrible accident and is in a coma. Claire comes to his bedside with his family grieving, and she discovers she can see and talk to his soul. He doesn't remember her or their relationship, so she vows to make him fall in love with her again to save him.
🤔My Thoughts: I loved the premise which was like The Hundred Loves of Juliet with the amnesia and time travel. I was also reminded of the movie Just Like Heaven where Claire is the only one who can see or talk to him while he's in a coma. The descriptions of Spanish art and food made me want to visit one day. The supernatural element added to the second chance romance where Claire and Matias rediscovered each other.
Rating: 4/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Evelyn Skye-read The Hundred Loves of Juliet and gave it 4⭐
📅Publication date 7-30-24, Read 7-29-24
📄Format: E-book 336 pgs.
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine | Del Rey for this ARC 🧡! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
🌎Setting: NY and Spain
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fic, Fantasy Romance
Tropes: magical realism, opposites attract, 2nd chance romance, what-if, amnesia/coma, multi POVs, dual timelines, time travel, flashbacks, journal entries
💭Summary: Claire Walker is a high powered NY attorney on the verge of making partner when she meets and falls in love with Matias de Leon. Opposites in every way, Claire is a type A personality and Matias is a care-free creative. When she finds an engagement ring, she has second thoughts about their relationship. Matias goes to Madrid to visit his family alone, Claire working towards her promotion. He has a terrible accident and is in a coma. Claire comes to his bedside with his family grieving, and she discovers she can see and talk to his soul. He doesn't remember her or their relationship, so she vows to make him fall in love with her again to save him.
🤔My Thoughts: I loved the premise which was like The Hundred Loves of Juliet with the amnesia and time travel. I was also reminded of the movie Just Like Heaven where Claire is the only one who can see or talk to him while he's in a coma. The descriptions of Spanish art and food made me want to visit one day. The supernatural element added to the second chance romance where Claire and Matias rediscovered each other.
Rating: 4/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 2, 2024
✨3 stars✨
The premise of this one sounded really interesting, especially the magical realism element. However, I felt certain things let this one down a bit…
Firstly, the choice to have different characters’ perspectives for chapters instead of solely focusing on the main couple. I didn’t feel like this added anything to the plot and the choice of which characters got chapters felt somewhat sporadic. For example, the MMC’s brother Luis and sister Aracerly both only had one chapter each fairly early into the book and then no more. And the content of their chapters didn’t add anything to the plot. This happened with other characters that meant whenever we’re in the flow of the main couple’s story, we’d be dragged out to be told something that didn’t really matter in my opinion.
Second, due to the fact that the MMC was in a coma until the last few pages, I found it difficult to feel connected to either of them and their love for each other.
Third, adding to that last point but the ending just felt really rushed for me. I wished we would have seen more of Claire and Matías when he was awake at the end!
Overall though it was a quick, easy read that was a good palate cleanser between more world-building heavy books.
I would recommend to people who enjoy magical realism and are looking for a quick read.
I received an ARC for this book from the publishers via NetGalley. Thank you!
The premise of this one sounded really interesting, especially the magical realism element. However, I felt certain things let this one down a bit…
Firstly, the choice to have different characters’ perspectives for chapters instead of solely focusing on the main couple. I didn’t feel like this added anything to the plot and the choice of which characters got chapters felt somewhat sporadic. For example, the MMC’s brother Luis and sister Aracerly both only had one chapter each fairly early into the book and then no more. And the content of their chapters didn’t add anything to the plot. This happened with other characters that meant whenever we’re in the flow of the main couple’s story, we’d be dragged out to be told something that didn’t really matter in my opinion.
Second, due to the fact that the MMC was in a coma until the last few pages, I found it difficult to feel connected to either of them and their love for each other.
Third, adding to that last point but the ending just felt really rushed for me. I wished we would have seen more of Claire and Matías when he was awake at the end!
Overall though it was a quick, easy read that was a good palate cleanser between more world-building heavy books.
I would recommend to people who enjoy magical realism and are looking for a quick read.
I received an ARC for this book from the publishers via NetGalley. Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It's a unique story that deals with love in a different way. After eleven months of a passionate relationship, Claire is starting to question whether her and Matias should stay together. She feels they are just too different. When she chooses to stay in New York and not go to Spain with Matias to meet his family, a tragedy befalls Matias, and Claire has to leave her important job to fly to Spain to be with him. Once there, she meets all of his family, which is a little overwhelming for her. She starts to see Matias around outside the hospital in different places. But how can that be? He's lying in a hospital bed. She does a little research about astral projection and talks with a professor who gives her some advice, and Claire spends time with this version of Matias and starts getting to know a different side to him and learns some things about herself and their relationship. As time passes, she thinks things are working, but in actuality, Matias' condition is getting worse. After she does something very out of her comfort zone to save Matias, she races to the hospital to find out if it worked. Some parts of the book dragged out a bit, but overall, this is a good story about what matters in a relationship and what doesn't and what we would do for those we love.
January 17, 2025
3.5 I am glad I stuck with this one the beginning of the book was too fast paced and I found myself confused but after a few chapters it started making more sense and I ended up enjoying this book. This book follows a few POVs and timelines but it mainly follows Claire a lawyer who doesn’t have time for love until her boyfriend travels to Spain gets in a boat accident and ends up in a coma. Claire travels to Spain and starts seeing her boyfriend’s soul from a year ago at a lost Claire must figure out what to do to save him. This was a unique romance and I can really appreciate that and I feel like the premise will stick with me for a while. With that said my main issue with the book was the writing the pacing was a bit all over the place with us meeting the main characters them falling in love and her bf ending up in a coma in about 4 chapters as they skip all over time and place. After that I got the idea of what was going on and who was who but then there were these random POVs from side characters that really didn’t do anything for the plot and confused me. This was my first book by this author and I would give them another chance. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
2.5 stars
Claire Walker, a Manhattan lawyer, finds her ordered life upended when she falls deeply for Matías de León, a free-spirited Spanish artist. Despite their love, Claire begins to doubt their future due to their stark differences. Before she can decide their fate, tragedy strikes: Matías is gravely injured in Madrid.
Rushing to his side, Claire discovers she can communicate with his soul, detached from his comatose body but devoid of memories of her or their relationship. To bring Matías back, Claire must make him fall in love with her all over again. But can their love survive this extraordinary test?
I really enjoyed The Hundred Loves of Juliet so I was looking forward to this one but it just did not live up to expectations. Claire just felt so detached for me and I had such a hard time liking her. The pacing of the book felt off and I feel like it lacked the romance (it all happened right away and then nothing!). I think what was missing was the build up. It was a light, quick read but just was missing something for me to really connect with it.
Claire Walker, a Manhattan lawyer, finds her ordered life upended when she falls deeply for Matías de León, a free-spirited Spanish artist. Despite their love, Claire begins to doubt their future due to their stark differences. Before she can decide their fate, tragedy strikes: Matías is gravely injured in Madrid.
Rushing to his side, Claire discovers she can communicate with his soul, detached from his comatose body but devoid of memories of her or their relationship. To bring Matías back, Claire must make him fall in love with her all over again. But can their love survive this extraordinary test?
I really enjoyed The Hundred Loves of Juliet so I was looking forward to this one but it just did not live up to expectations. Claire just felt so detached for me and I had such a hard time liking her. The pacing of the book felt off and I feel like it lacked the romance (it all happened right away and then nothing!). I think what was missing was the build up. It was a light, quick read but just was missing something for me to really connect with it.
September 20, 2024
"If she didn't give too much of herself to anyone else, she wouldn't hurt as much when it ended." - One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye
Yet another romantic, ethereal offering by Evelyn Skye. I was enthralled by the sweeping romance from start to finish, and I loved every single bit of it.
Claire Walker is a successful young attorney, a type-A workaholic in a top Manhattan law firm. Her orderly life turns into a world of colour when she meets Matias de Leon, a free-spirited Spanish artist. Caught in a whirlwind romance, Claire sees Leon as her direct opposite yet they fit perfectly - or do they?
After a year, Claire starts to question their relationship, and reluctantly backs out of a trip to Madrid to visit his family. That is, until tragedy strikes, and Claire rushes to Madrid to see her comatose boyfriend. But she also ends up meeting his soul, an ephemeral presence, lost and clueless - who has never met Claire before. And if she wants Matias to wake, she needs his lost soul to fall in love with her all over again.
I was moved by the novel, from the whirlwind romance, to the little flashbacks of their past, and how devoted Claire and Matias are to each other in spite of their vast differences. It is a story of second chances in a way, yet it is also a story of hope and devotion, of a connection that transcends time and reality.
Claire's vulnerability, and Matias' ability to keep her centered, as well as Matias' free-spiritedness to Claire's order, is a recurring theme throughout the story. I love how the author constantly talks about the importance of two people complementing and completing each other in a relationship. And time and again, the story touches on how love works for Claire and Matias simply because one will always complete the other - mi media naranja. I truly loved and enjoyed every part of this.
Yet another romantic, ethereal offering by Evelyn Skye. I was enthralled by the sweeping romance from start to finish, and I loved every single bit of it.
Claire Walker is a successful young attorney, a type-A workaholic in a top Manhattan law firm. Her orderly life turns into a world of colour when she meets Matias de Leon, a free-spirited Spanish artist. Caught in a whirlwind romance, Claire sees Leon as her direct opposite yet they fit perfectly - or do they?
After a year, Claire starts to question their relationship, and reluctantly backs out of a trip to Madrid to visit his family. That is, until tragedy strikes, and Claire rushes to Madrid to see her comatose boyfriend. But she also ends up meeting his soul, an ephemeral presence, lost and clueless - who has never met Claire before. And if she wants Matias to wake, she needs his lost soul to fall in love with her all over again.
I was moved by the novel, from the whirlwind romance, to the little flashbacks of their past, and how devoted Claire and Matias are to each other in spite of their vast differences. It is a story of second chances in a way, yet it is also a story of hope and devotion, of a connection that transcends time and reality.
Claire's vulnerability, and Matias' ability to keep her centered, as well as Matias' free-spiritedness to Claire's order, is a recurring theme throughout the story. I love how the author constantly talks about the importance of two people complementing and completing each other in a relationship. And time and again, the story touches on how love works for Claire and Matias simply because one will always complete the other - mi media naranja. I truly loved and enjoyed every part of this.
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