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What Stays in Spain
Running into the man that left her stranded and broke her heart was never part of Shira’s plan. Neither was returning to Terra, Spain’s sun-kissed shores.
Now she’s back–focused on landing a coveted London promotion and helping her ailing father. But on her hotel terrace, she encounters Alejandro Leon–and he’s even more handsome and irresistible than she remembered.
Sparks reignite, but this time they agree to a no-strings secret fling. With her nights tangled with Alex, and her days enchanted by the sleepy Spanish town, Shira discovers she’s not ready to leave. Yet, she can’t ignore her family obligations or the dreams she’s worked so hard for. And she still doesn’t know why Alex left without her.
What Stays in Spain is a racy dual-timeline novel that alternates between Shira’s secret romance as a teenage exchange student and her second chance at love a decade later.
Now she’s back–focused on landing a coveted London promotion and helping her ailing father. But on her hotel terrace, she encounters Alejandro Leon–and he’s even more handsome and irresistible than she remembered.
Sparks reignite, but this time they agree to a no-strings secret fling. With her nights tangled with Alex, and her days enchanted by the sleepy Spanish town, Shira discovers she’s not ready to leave. Yet, she can’t ignore her family obligations or the dreams she’s worked so hard for. And she still doesn’t know why Alex left without her.
What Stays in Spain is a racy dual-timeline novel that alternates between Shira’s secret romance as a teenage exchange student and her second chance at love a decade later.
- GenresSecond ChanceRomance
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2024
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 1, 2024
Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you to Laurel Chelle and the team at Sunny Babes PR for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity.
What Happens in Spain goes inbetween two timelines, one being the present and one being from 10 years ago.
Shira was an exchange student in Terra and she has returned for work now 10 years later. Shira has bumped into her long lost summer love Alex.
Shira and Alex have both changed a lot in the last 10 years, from being teenagers then to now adults. They have overcome many hurdles and are now finally comfortable where their lives are as they have chased after their goals. But can they fit each other into their lives?
This novel has seriously made me want to pack my bags and go to Spain ASAP.
Alex is so dreamy and is such a sweetheart.
•Friends to lovers
•Found family
•Second chance
•Best friends brother
•Small town
•Summer fling
•Secret lovers
If you're a fan of anything that I've listed above, then this book is for you!
What Happens in Spain goes inbetween two timelines, one being the present and one being from 10 years ago.
Shira was an exchange student in Terra and she has returned for work now 10 years later. Shira has bumped into her long lost summer love Alex.
Shira and Alex have both changed a lot in the last 10 years, from being teenagers then to now adults. They have overcome many hurdles and are now finally comfortable where their lives are as they have chased after their goals. But can they fit each other into their lives?
This novel has seriously made me want to pack my bags and go to Spain ASAP.
Alex is so dreamy and is such a sweetheart.
•Friends to lovers
•Found family
•Second chance
•Best friends brother
•Small town
•Summer fling
•Secret lovers
If you're a fan of anything that I've listed above, then this book is for you!
October 11, 2024
So good!!!!
** Disclaimer: Yes, I am personal friends with Laurel. And yes, I am so unbelievably proud of her for publishing a legit for real in-print actually listed on Goodreads and sold on Amazon novel. And yes, I was a little nervous to read it because as wonderful and brilliant as she is…. not everyone has what it takes to pull off 300 pages of storytelling. **
Well. I’m thrilled to say that Laurel Chelle DEFINITELY has what it takes, and the world of Contemporary Romance is now better because she’s in it.
“What Stays in Spain” not only introduces its readers to wonderful characters who you can’t help but root for… but it also transports you to the beautiful coastal region of Spain with picturesque hikes and romantic ferris wheel rides. Inspired by her own travels in Spain, Laurel hit the perfect balance of beautiful descriptive language that’s far from boring and provided a setting that will leave readers fantasizing about music, beaches, Rioja…. and eventually planning their own Spanish getaway.
The romantic build-up was the perfect pace, and the dual timeline was well executed. The steamy scenes were hot but never cringey, and the unique cast of characters has left me anxiously waiting for the next book in the Return to Terra series.
To sum it all up — If you like romance and beautiful settings, you definitely won’t regret this one.
Congratulations Laurel!!!
** Disclaimer: Yes, I am personal friends with Laurel. And yes, I am so unbelievably proud of her for publishing a legit for real in-print actually listed on Goodreads and sold on Amazon novel. And yes, I was a little nervous to read it because as wonderful and brilliant as she is…. not everyone has what it takes to pull off 300 pages of storytelling. **
Well. I’m thrilled to say that Laurel Chelle DEFINITELY has what it takes, and the world of Contemporary Romance is now better because she’s in it.
“What Stays in Spain” not only introduces its readers to wonderful characters who you can’t help but root for… but it also transports you to the beautiful coastal region of Spain with picturesque hikes and romantic ferris wheel rides. Inspired by her own travels in Spain, Laurel hit the perfect balance of beautiful descriptive language that’s far from boring and provided a setting that will leave readers fantasizing about music, beaches, Rioja…. and eventually planning their own Spanish getaway.
The romantic build-up was the perfect pace, and the dual timeline was well executed. The steamy scenes were hot but never cringey, and the unique cast of characters has left me anxiously waiting for the next book in the Return to Terra series.
To sum it all up — If you like romance and beautiful settings, you definitely won’t regret this one.
Congratulations Laurel!!!
July 6, 2024
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily (no incentive besides the book were given).
Let me start by saying this is not my usual genre. I read thrillers and historical fiction mostly, with a few nonfiction biographies and social justice books thrown in. It was difficult to give a star rating since I don’t have a lot to compare it to. It’s more like a 3.5.
The story is typical of many women’s fantasies. Running into that ex that was your first love and getting a chance to do it over? Yes, please. Who hasn’t thought about running into an old flame and letting sparks fly?
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape. I now want to hop on a plane to Terra and take a hike! Laurel definitely inspired me with her beautiful portraits of the book’s setting.
I’m not a big fan of sex scenes because I just find them so unbelievable from my own experience and there are only 3 really juicy scenes in this book, which was great for me. lol! They were really juicy though, so fans needs not worry they will be missing out.
I am used to the usual trope of the main characters hating each other and then falling passionately in love, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this was not the storyline here. Just lost love rediscovered with a few obstacles to overcome, of course!
Anyone who likes love stories that take place in beautiful settings should give this one a read.
Let me start by saying this is not my usual genre. I read thrillers and historical fiction mostly, with a few nonfiction biographies and social justice books thrown in. It was difficult to give a star rating since I don’t have a lot to compare it to. It’s more like a 3.5.
The story is typical of many women’s fantasies. Running into that ex that was your first love and getting a chance to do it over? Yes, please. Who hasn’t thought about running into an old flame and letting sparks fly?
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape. I now want to hop on a plane to Terra and take a hike! Laurel definitely inspired me with her beautiful portraits of the book’s setting.
I’m not a big fan of sex scenes because I just find them so unbelievable from my own experience and there are only 3 really juicy scenes in this book, which was great for me. lol! They were really juicy though, so fans needs not worry they will be missing out.
I am used to the usual trope of the main characters hating each other and then falling passionately in love, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this was not the storyline here. Just lost love rediscovered with a few obstacles to overcome, of course!
Anyone who likes love stories that take place in beautiful settings should give this one a read.
August 24, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blurb:
Running into the man that left her stranded and broke her heart was never part of Shira’s plan. Neither was returning to Terra, Spain’s sun-kissed shores.
Now she’s back–focused on landing a coveted London promotion and helping her ailing father. But on her hotel terrace, she encounters Alejandro Leon–and he’s even more handsome and irresistible than she remembered.
Sparks reignite, but this time they agree to a no-strings secret fling. With her nights tangled with Alex, and her days enchanted by the sleepy Spanish town, Shira discovers she’s not ready to leave. Yet, she can’t ignore her family obligations or the dreams she’s worked so hard for. And she still doesn’t know why Alex left without her.
What Stays in Spain is a racy dual-timeline novel that alternates between Shira’s secret romance as a teenage exchange student and her second chance at love a decade later.
☆
I loved this book! 🧡 The story bounces between the present, and 10 years ago. Shira and Alex have both changed a lot after 10 years, but when Shira finds herself back in the small town of Terra, they soon discover that their love for each other still remains.
A big thank you to @sunnybabepr and @laurelchelle_author for my gifted ARC copy!
Blurb:
Running into the man that left her stranded and broke her heart was never part of Shira’s plan. Neither was returning to Terra, Spain’s sun-kissed shores.
Now she’s back–focused on landing a coveted London promotion and helping her ailing father. But on her hotel terrace, she encounters Alejandro Leon–and he’s even more handsome and irresistible than she remembered.
Sparks reignite, but this time they agree to a no-strings secret fling. With her nights tangled with Alex, and her days enchanted by the sleepy Spanish town, Shira discovers she’s not ready to leave. Yet, she can’t ignore her family obligations or the dreams she’s worked so hard for. And she still doesn’t know why Alex left without her.
What Stays in Spain is a racy dual-timeline novel that alternates between Shira’s secret romance as a teenage exchange student and her second chance at love a decade later.
☆
I loved this book! 🧡 The story bounces between the present, and 10 years ago. Shira and Alex have both changed a lot after 10 years, but when Shira finds herself back in the small town of Terra, they soon discover that their love for each other still remains.
A big thank you to @sunnybabepr and @laurelchelle_author for my gifted ARC copy!
August 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this book. It was a beautiful second chance romance. It was just such a feel good, easy read with some spicy scenes. This book makes me want to travel to Spain! Perfect for my romance girlies. I will definitely be reading more from Laurel in the future.
Thanks @sunnybabepr
•Friends to lovers
•Found family
•Second chance
•Best friends brother
•Small town
•Summer fling
•Secret lovers
“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣”
Running into the man that left her stranded and broke her heart was never part of Shira’s plan. Neither was returning to Terra, Spain’s sun-kissed shores.
Now she’s back–focused on landing a coveted London promotion and helping her ailing father. But on her hotel terrace, she encounters Alejandro Leon–and he’s even more handsome and irresistible than she remembered.
Sparks reignite, but this time they agree to a no-strings secret fling. With her nights tangled with Alex, and her days enchanted by the sleepy Spanish town, Shira discovers she’s not ready to leave. Yet, she can’t ignore her family obligations or the dreams she’s worked so hard for. And she still doesn’t know why Alex left without her.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a beautiful second chance romance. It was just such a feel good, easy read with some spicy scenes. This book makes me want to travel to Spain! Perfect for my romance girlies. I will definitely be reading more from Laurel in the future.
Thanks @sunnybabepr
•Friends to lovers
•Found family
•Second chance
•Best friends brother
•Small town
•Summer fling
•Secret lovers
“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣”
Running into the man that left her stranded and broke her heart was never part of Shira’s plan. Neither was returning to Terra, Spain’s sun-kissed shores.
Now she’s back–focused on landing a coveted London promotion and helping her ailing father. But on her hotel terrace, she encounters Alejandro Leon–and he’s even more handsome and irresistible than she remembered.
Sparks reignite, but this time they agree to a no-strings secret fling. With her nights tangled with Alex, and her days enchanted by the sleepy Spanish town, Shira discovers she’s not ready to leave. Yet, she can’t ignore her family obligations or the dreams she’s worked so hard for. And she still doesn’t know why Alex left without her.
September 1, 2024
This one was such a fun summer romance read. Thank you to Sunny Babes PR and Laurel Chelle for my ARC copy of What Stays in Spain!
I loved how this one was told in Dual POVs, but not in the typical way. One POV is present day and the other was 10 years ago!
Shira was an exchange student in Terra, and now 10 years she is found back here for work. Little does she expect to run into her old summer fling, Alex. They have both grown and changed in the last 10 years- from a young teen to a grown adults, when they didn’t fit together back then, can they make it work now? Sparks are flying, even 10 years later. Can they finally get their happily ever after?
If you are looking to hold onto summer just a little longer, pick this one up.
This was such a swoon-worthy beach read with all the fun tropes
• Friends to lovers
• Found family
• Second chance love
• Best friends brother
• Small town feel
• Summer love/flings
• Secret love
• Beautiful setting (makes me want to go to Spain!)
I loved how this one was told in Dual POVs, but not in the typical way. One POV is present day and the other was 10 years ago!
Shira was an exchange student in Terra, and now 10 years she is found back here for work. Little does she expect to run into her old summer fling, Alex. They have both grown and changed in the last 10 years- from a young teen to a grown adults, when they didn’t fit together back then, can they make it work now? Sparks are flying, even 10 years later. Can they finally get their happily ever after?
If you are looking to hold onto summer just a little longer, pick this one up.
This was such a swoon-worthy beach read with all the fun tropes
• Friends to lovers
• Found family
• Second chance love
• Best friends brother
• Small town feel
• Summer love/flings
• Secret love
• Beautiful setting (makes me want to go to Spain!)
July 27, 2024
Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for the ARC.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 5/5
Overall 4/5
-It felt nice to read a good simple romance book. I really needed this sweet book after everything in life right now. I liked the dual timeline and being able to see what happened before and what is happening in the present time. The setting was also fun. It felt like being on holiday even though I am not.
-The characters were cute. I liked the link to an exchange program with the exchange family although I wished that they didn’t call Alex her Spanish brother. That kind of weirded me out.
-The ending really felt like a childhood movie where everything ends well for everyone which was nice for this type of book. But the jobs and the family, everything kind of just went in the direction for a successful close-knit relationship and no long distance.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 5/5
Overall 4/5
-It felt nice to read a good simple romance book. I really needed this sweet book after everything in life right now. I liked the dual timeline and being able to see what happened before and what is happening in the present time. The setting was also fun. It felt like being on holiday even though I am not.
-The characters were cute. I liked the link to an exchange program with the exchange family although I wished that they didn’t call Alex her Spanish brother. That kind of weirded me out.
-The ending really felt like a childhood movie where everything ends well for everyone which was nice for this type of book. But the jobs and the family, everything kind of just went in the direction for a successful close-knit relationship and no long distance.
August 19, 2024
First off thank you to sunnybabepr and Laurel Chelle for sending me this ARC in exchange for my review.
This was a second chance romance that altered between the present day and 10 years prior. I immediately loved the FMC, Shira. She was funny and very relatable. Her love for her family is strong. The MMC, Alex, also has a very strong connection with his family. I think his sister, Carmen is hilarious.
I feel like this book was two romance stories in one so definitely a bonus! You have the budding first love romance between Shira and Alex 10 years prior and then the present day romance that’s starts out very different.
The descriptive language painted a really good picture and to be honest I want to move to Terra now, it sounds amazing.
The only thing I had trouble with is I didn’t completely understand Shira’s job, but in the end it really didn’t matter.
This was a second chance romance that altered between the present day and 10 years prior. I immediately loved the FMC, Shira. She was funny and very relatable. Her love for her family is strong. The MMC, Alex, also has a very strong connection with his family. I think his sister, Carmen is hilarious.
I feel like this book was two romance stories in one so definitely a bonus! You have the budding first love romance between Shira and Alex 10 years prior and then the present day romance that’s starts out very different.
The descriptive language painted a really good picture and to be honest I want to move to Terra now, it sounds amazing.
The only thing I had trouble with is I didn’t completely understand Shira’s job, but in the end it really didn’t matter.
July 24, 2024
The Spanish setting played a big part in me liking this book, the description of the beautiful city of Terra really sucks you in this summer romance.
I really loved the dual timelines, the past one helped understanding the present one. The chemistry between Shira and Alex was amazing and the spicy scenes were sooo hot! We love an ambitious FMC and a smitten MMC.
Looking for a fun, quick and easy summer read? What Stays in Spain is for you!
Thank you Laurel Chelle & Sunny Babe PR for an e-ARC copy.
I really loved the dual timelines, the past one helped understanding the present one. The chemistry between Shira and Alex was amazing and the spicy scenes were sooo hot! We love an ambitious FMC and a smitten MMC.
Looking for a fun, quick and easy summer read? What Stays in Spain is for you!
Thank you Laurel Chelle & Sunny Babe PR for an e-ARC copy.
August 4, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
I was kindly gifted an ARC of this book by Sunny Babe PR
I really enjoyed this book! If you're into second chance romances and a golden retriever MMC then this is for you
The story follows Shira who travels to Spain for work and revisits her Spanish exchange family from when she was a teen. While she is there she bumps into the guy she fell in love with ten years ago and struggles to decide how to navigate their reignited passion
It took me a minute to get into this book but after a few chapters I didn't want to put it down! It was a super easy and fun read and I really enjoyed it
I was kindly gifted an ARC of this book by Sunny Babe PR
I really enjoyed this book! If you're into second chance romances and a golden retriever MMC then this is for you
The story follows Shira who travels to Spain for work and revisits her Spanish exchange family from when she was a teen. While she is there she bumps into the guy she fell in love with ten years ago and struggles to decide how to navigate their reignited passion
It took me a minute to get into this book but after a few chapters I didn't want to put it down! It was a super easy and fun read and I really enjoyed it
July 30, 2024
Firstly, thank you Sunny Babe PR for the ARC copy! 🩷
I adored this cute little love story so much.
The writing was amazing and kept me hooked. The descriptions of Terra were wonderful, I almost felt like I was there experiencing everything!! The spice was almost too good 🤭 Absolutely adored all the characters. The dual timeline was beautiful as well, I love how Shira and Alex were always destined to be together, and was sooo happy with epilogue!! 🩷
I needed this cute love story!! 🥹🩷
I adored this cute little love story so much.
The writing was amazing and kept me hooked. The descriptions of Terra were wonderful, I almost felt like I was there experiencing everything!! The spice was almost too good 🤭 Absolutely adored all the characters. The dual timeline was beautiful as well, I love how Shira and Alex were always destined to be together, and was sooo happy with epilogue!! 🩷
I needed this cute love story!! 🥹🩷
August 26, 2024
This was a swoonworthy summer romance and I adored every moment.
Thank you to Laurel Chelle & Sunny Babe PR for this ARC
Thank you to Laurel Chelle & Sunny Babe PR for this ARC
September 5, 2024
this was such a cute, quick, easy read and i really enjoyed it! chelle’s writing grabbed my attention quickly from the beginning. i really felt like i was immersed in the landscape of terra 😍 and the chemistry between alex and shira had me hooked!!
i’m not always a fan of the miscommunication/second chance trope, or a dual timeline book, but this was done well. you could tell shira and alex both always held a flame for the other, and were destined to find their way back to each other in the end.🥹🫶🏼
the little surprise reunion at the end and the epilogue really had me giggling kicking my feet too😩🥰
thank you to Sunny Babe PR for proving me with a digital arc copy. check out what stays in spain when it releases on july 29!!🙌🏼
i’m not always a fan of the miscommunication/second chance trope, or a dual timeline book, but this was done well. you could tell shira and alex both always held a flame for the other, and were destined to find their way back to each other in the end.🥹🫶🏼
the little surprise reunion at the end and the epilogue really had me giggling kicking my feet too😩🥰
thank you to Sunny Babe PR for proving me with a digital arc copy. check out what stays in spain when it releases on july 29!!🙌🏼
July 23, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ bumped to 4⭐️
Read As An Arc
One of the main things I really like about this book was the setting. The setting is what gave it 4 ⭐️. This small town in Spain, Terra is giving me all the vibes with how well it was described and written. This gets me excited because Spain is one of my stops during my Europe vacation this summer but anyways! To understand what I mean about the way the landscape of Terra is described is unimaginable, you'd have to read it!
The spice - it's all relative and subjective depending on the reader truthfully. There are like 3 deep spicy scenes so I'm giving it 🌶️🌶️🌶️, as per my rating system . I thought it was just enough, nothing over done and complicated like it could easily get.
Shira and Alejandro are like the enemies to lovers but not really enemies, but fits that trope with that second chance happening for themselves. They truly have the chemistry between each other it's just the fact that they need the spark to ignite that flame they have.
There is also a dual timeline in the plot as well. Usually I am not a fan of this because it could get complicated and hard to follow at times, but this helped me to understand the changes, growth and obstacles both MC's has either gone through since high school and continuing to go through.
There are some tweaks in the writing that can be adjusted but I chose to over see it purely because this was an arc.
🇪🇸 Best Friend's Brother
🇪🇸 Second Chance
🇪🇸 Dual Timelines
🇪🇸 Secret Lovers
🇪🇸 Summer Fling
🇪🇸 Small Town Spain
🇪🇸 Flashbacks
🇪🇸 Enemies To Lovers
Give this a read if you want to travel to Spain!
Instagram Post
* Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for the arc!
Read As An Arc
One of the main things I really like about this book was the setting. The setting is what gave it 4 ⭐️. This small town in Spain, Terra is giving me all the vibes with how well it was described and written. This gets me excited because Spain is one of my stops during my Europe vacation this summer but anyways! To understand what I mean about the way the landscape of Terra is described is unimaginable, you'd have to read it!
The spice - it's all relative and subjective depending on the reader truthfully. There are like 3 deep spicy scenes so I'm giving it 🌶️🌶️🌶️, as per my rating system . I thought it was just enough, nothing over done and complicated like it could easily get.
Shira and Alejandro are like the enemies to lovers but not really enemies, but fits that trope with that second chance happening for themselves. They truly have the chemistry between each other it's just the fact that they need the spark to ignite that flame they have.
There is also a dual timeline in the plot as well. Usually I am not a fan of this because it could get complicated and hard to follow at times, but this helped me to understand the changes, growth and obstacles both MC's has either gone through since high school and continuing to go through.
There are some tweaks in the writing that can be adjusted but I chose to over see it purely because this was an arc.
🇪🇸 Best Friend's Brother
🇪🇸 Second Chance
🇪🇸 Dual Timelines
🇪🇸 Secret Lovers
🇪🇸 Summer Fling
🇪🇸 Small Town Spain
🇪🇸 Flashbacks
🇪🇸 Enemies To Lovers
Give this a read if you want to travel to Spain!
Instagram Post
* Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for the arc!
July 26, 2024
Thank you to @sunnybabepr for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine you are a foreign exchange student living in Spain. You love the family you are staying with, but you like their son the most. The connection you feel is more than friendship. But it is against the rules for the student to become involved with anyone in the family. What would you do? That was Shira’s predicament 10 years ago. Now, she’s back in Spain for work and the last person she wants to see is Alex. She doesn’t need all those feelings coming back to the surface.
But… destiny has different plans.
Shira is career minded, and she believes she doesn’t have room in her life for a relationship. She is strong and loves her dad and sister. As much as Shira wants to advance in her career, she also wants to help her dad pay off his mortgage. But first things first. She’s back in Spain and the first person she sees is Alex.
The relationship feels real and relatable. Unfinished business brewing at the top waiting for someone to bring up the past, you can feel the tension. I love how due to circumstances they end spending quite a bit of time together. She is reunited with her host family, and the hiking, boating, eating and grotto experiences are lovely to read about. This is a slow burn, how can we ever be together, you’re the only one for me romance and it made me laugh and cry. The author has a way of pacing the book in the best way so we get to see the relationship move from tense to HEA. I have always wanted to go to Spain, and I am going next year. After reading this book I’m even more excited to experience the small seaside towns.
Imagine you are a foreign exchange student living in Spain. You love the family you are staying with, but you like their son the most. The connection you feel is more than friendship. But it is against the rules for the student to become involved with anyone in the family. What would you do? That was Shira’s predicament 10 years ago. Now, she’s back in Spain for work and the last person she wants to see is Alex. She doesn’t need all those feelings coming back to the surface.
But… destiny has different plans.
Shira is career minded, and she believes she doesn’t have room in her life for a relationship. She is strong and loves her dad and sister. As much as Shira wants to advance in her career, she also wants to help her dad pay off his mortgage. But first things first. She’s back in Spain and the first person she sees is Alex.
The relationship feels real and relatable. Unfinished business brewing at the top waiting for someone to bring up the past, you can feel the tension. I love how due to circumstances they end spending quite a bit of time together. She is reunited with her host family, and the hiking, boating, eating and grotto experiences are lovely to read about. This is a slow burn, how can we ever be together, you’re the only one for me romance and it made me laugh and cry. The author has a way of pacing the book in the best way so we get to see the relationship move from tense to HEA. I have always wanted to go to Spain, and I am going next year. After reading this book I’m even more excited to experience the small seaside towns.
August 1, 2024
You know there are those books whose first page you read and you know you are definitely going to love it. Well, this one was one of them for me. This book is what we call a perfect summer book. I just loved this one soo muchh. The spainish setting is incredible and the city was described so damn beautifully, making me want to visit Terra as soon as possible.
It was the second book I read which had the dual-timeline trope and I absolutely loved it. I guess I'm loving this particular trope now as well. The parallels between the past and present was described so neatly. It helps a lot to understand what they had and how it broke both of them while parting their ways. Their cute little secret meetings, shy glances, stolen touches and sweet kisses had me swooning over them. But even after ten years when they met, the chemistry was clearly visible. Cozy moments and playful banter with spice DAMNN!! The deadly combination this one has.
Shira and Alex, both of these characters are just too real to be called fictional. The story of a clumsy geologist who always fell in troubles wherever she goes but at the same time smart and career-oriented woman. And a very dashing intelligent golden retriever guy who after wandering here and there came back to his hometown to build something of his own. The struggles which they faced in their work life was soo realistic and how they dealt with every problems and emotions was very relatable.
So, if you are looking for easy fun and quick summer read, this book is for you. So, run and grab this one, believe me, you won't regret🫶🏻
P.S.- Thank you so much, Author and Sunny babe PR for the ARC of this book!! Loads of love to both of you!!✨
It was the second book I read which had the dual-timeline trope and I absolutely loved it. I guess I'm loving this particular trope now as well. The parallels between the past and present was described so neatly. It helps a lot to understand what they had and how it broke both of them while parting their ways. Their cute little secret meetings, shy glances, stolen touches and sweet kisses had me swooning over them. But even after ten years when they met, the chemistry was clearly visible. Cozy moments and playful banter with spice DAMNN!! The deadly combination this one has.
Shira and Alex, both of these characters are just too real to be called fictional. The story of a clumsy geologist who always fell in troubles wherever she goes but at the same time smart and career-oriented woman. And a very dashing intelligent golden retriever guy who after wandering here and there came back to his hometown to build something of his own. The struggles which they faced in their work life was soo realistic and how they dealt with every problems and emotions was very relatable.
So, if you are looking for easy fun and quick summer read, this book is for you. So, run and grab this one, believe me, you won't regret🫶🏻
P.S.- Thank you so much, Author and Sunny babe PR for the ARC of this book!! Loads of love to both of you!!✨
August 27, 2024
ARC review🌅🌷:
What Stays in Spain by @Laurel Chelle
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Topics throughout the book are:
🌅 second-chance
🌷 Dual time-line
🌅 small town
🌷 secret lovers
🌅 summer fling
🌷 brother’s best friend
Summary🌅🌷:
It’s been a decade since I was an exchange student in Terra, Spain, where I stayed with the Leon family for two months. Now, my company, Lithotrail, has sent me back to my second home to complete some research on an upcoming project. I promised myself I would avoid anything that reminds me of Alejandro Leon (Alex), but of course, I ran into him on my very first day back, on the terrace of the hotel. With a promotion in London on the line, and my dad’s retirement depending on it, we agreed to a no-strings-attached fling to keep things uncomplicated while I stayed focused on my goals. With sparks reigniting, will Shira be able to leave Spain without getting her heart broken again? Will she get an answer to why Alex left without her a decade ago? Read to find out!
This is a debut novel for Laurel, it took 2 years of hard work and she did a fantastic job, her writing grabs your attention right away and you don’t want to put it down! I love love this book, the second chance romance written so well, especially the dual timelines. It's a cozy quick read with some spicy scenes! The way that she writes about Spain makes you want to go visit. I will definitely be reading any future books by Laurel!
Many thanks to Laurel Chelle and Sunny Babes PR for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#debutnovel #laurelchelle #sunnybabesPR #secondchance #booksbooksbooms #romance #smalltown #spain
What Stays in Spain by @Laurel Chelle
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Topics throughout the book are:
🌅 second-chance
🌷 Dual time-line
🌅 small town
🌷 secret lovers
🌅 summer fling
🌷 brother’s best friend
Summary🌅🌷:
It’s been a decade since I was an exchange student in Terra, Spain, where I stayed with the Leon family for two months. Now, my company, Lithotrail, has sent me back to my second home to complete some research on an upcoming project. I promised myself I would avoid anything that reminds me of Alejandro Leon (Alex), but of course, I ran into him on my very first day back, on the terrace of the hotel. With a promotion in London on the line, and my dad’s retirement depending on it, we agreed to a no-strings-attached fling to keep things uncomplicated while I stayed focused on my goals. With sparks reigniting, will Shira be able to leave Spain without getting her heart broken again? Will she get an answer to why Alex left without her a decade ago? Read to find out!
This is a debut novel for Laurel, it took 2 years of hard work and she did a fantastic job, her writing grabs your attention right away and you don’t want to put it down! I love love this book, the second chance romance written so well, especially the dual timelines. It's a cozy quick read with some spicy scenes! The way that she writes about Spain makes you want to go visit. I will definitely be reading any future books by Laurel!
Many thanks to Laurel Chelle and Sunny Babes PR for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#debutnovel #laurelchelle #sunnybabesPR #secondchance #booksbooksbooms #romance #smalltown #spain
August 8, 2024
Big thanks to Sunny Babe PR and the author for an eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
"What Stays in Spain" by Laurel Chelle is a delightful escape into the sun-soaked landscapes of Terra, Spain, where past and present collide in a beautifully written second-chance romance. Shira never planned to return to the place where her heart was broken, but life has a funny way of pulling you back to where you’re meant to be. Back in Spain, she runs into Alejandro (Alex) Leon, the man who left her without a word all those years ago. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and despite her better judgment, Shira agrees to a no-strings-attached fling—one that quickly becomes much more complicated.
One of the things that stood out to me in this book was the dual timelines. It was a great way to slowly unravel the history between Shira and Alex, showing how deep their connection runs. You can really feel that these two were always meant to find their way back to each other. The author does a fantastic job of balancing the tension and the romance, making it a quick, easy read that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The setting of Terra is just as much a character as Shira and Alex themselves. The scenic descriptions of this small Spanish town are vivid and captivating, giving you all the warm, summer vibes. It’s a place that feels alive and enchanting, the perfect backdrop for a love story that’s as sweet as it is complicated. The spice in the book is simple and straightforward, which suits the tone perfectly—nothing is overdone, and it all feels genuine. If you’re a fan of second-chance romance, dual timelines, and summer flings, "What Stays in Spain" is definitely worth picking up. Honestly, it’s the kind of story that would make a great movie—full of heart, beautiful scenery, and a love story that feels destined.
Overall Rating: 4 stars, 1.5 chili peppers
"What Stays in Spain" by Laurel Chelle is a delightful escape into the sun-soaked landscapes of Terra, Spain, where past and present collide in a beautifully written second-chance romance. Shira never planned to return to the place where her heart was broken, but life has a funny way of pulling you back to where you’re meant to be. Back in Spain, she runs into Alejandro (Alex) Leon, the man who left her without a word all those years ago. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and despite her better judgment, Shira agrees to a no-strings-attached fling—one that quickly becomes much more complicated.
One of the things that stood out to me in this book was the dual timelines. It was a great way to slowly unravel the history between Shira and Alex, showing how deep their connection runs. You can really feel that these two were always meant to find their way back to each other. The author does a fantastic job of balancing the tension and the romance, making it a quick, easy read that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The setting of Terra is just as much a character as Shira and Alex themselves. The scenic descriptions of this small Spanish town are vivid and captivating, giving you all the warm, summer vibes. It’s a place that feels alive and enchanting, the perfect backdrop for a love story that’s as sweet as it is complicated. The spice in the book is simple and straightforward, which suits the tone perfectly—nothing is overdone, and it all feels genuine. If you’re a fan of second-chance romance, dual timelines, and summer flings, "What Stays in Spain" is definitely worth picking up. Honestly, it’s the kind of story that would make a great movie—full of heart, beautiful scenery, and a love story that feels destined.
Overall Rating: 4 stars, 1.5 chili peppers
September 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️.5
This book follows Shira, who travels to Spain for work and coincidentally bumps into Alex, her summer fling from 10 years ago. During her stay, she revisits the memories she had in Spain from when she was a teenager, all while rekindling the secret romance she had with Alex. She is conflicted about whether this was right and whether to prioritize love or her career.
One of the things I liked about it was the cute banter and the warmth and affection Shira received from the Leon family. I found Shira's profession to be quite intriguing, as I was unaware of the existence of such a career. And I just want to say, the name Alejandro Leon is just so manly 🥰
While I did enjoy the light summer romance feel of this book, it all felt rushed. I thought it would have been better to have more buildup to Shira and Alex’s relationship; I wasn’t a fan of the instant love that happened between the two of them. I was also looking forward to the secret romance trope in this, but, sadly, it didn't feel that way because they barely hid their relationship from the other characters ; I was expecting it to be more exciting. And as much as I liked Shira and Alex, I didn’t feel any connection or get to know more about the other characters.
Yes, there were some loopholes, but considering this is a debut novel, I believe there is still room for improvement.
Thank you Sunny Babe PR and Author Laurel Chelle for the e-ARC opportunity.
DATE RELEASED: July 29, 2024
DATE READ AND REVIEWED: August 3, 2024
This book follows Shira, who travels to Spain for work and coincidentally bumps into Alex, her summer fling from 10 years ago. During her stay, she revisits the memories she had in Spain from when she was a teenager, all while rekindling the secret romance she had with Alex. She is conflicted about whether this was right and whether to prioritize love or her career.
One of the things I liked about it was the cute banter and the warmth and affection Shira received from the Leon family. I found Shira's profession to be quite intriguing, as I was unaware of the existence of such a career. And I just want to say, the name Alejandro Leon is just so manly 🥰
While I did enjoy the light summer romance feel of this book, it all felt rushed. I thought it would have been better to have more buildup to Shira and Alex’s relationship; I wasn’t a fan of the instant love that happened between the two of them. I was also looking forward to the secret romance trope in this, but, sadly, it didn't feel that way because they barely hid their relationship from the other characters ; I was expecting it to be more exciting. And as much as I liked Shira and Alex, I didn’t feel any connection or get to know more about the other characters.
Yes, there were some loopholes, but considering this is a debut novel, I believe there is still room for improvement.
Thank you Sunny Babe PR and Author Laurel Chelle for the e-ARC opportunity.
DATE RELEASED: July 29, 2024
DATE READ AND REVIEWED: August 3, 2024
June 26, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens and Laurel Chelle for this ARC!!
Overall, I really enjoyed Shria and Alex's story. "What Stays in Spain" is a dual timeline romance, following their journey as high school students who fell in love and their reconnection 10 years later when Shira returns to Terra, in Spain, for work. Shira and Alex themselves are fantastic. Their chemistry is there and I appreciated the dual timeline to see the parallels and changes they've made in 10 years. It was really beautiful to watch them find each other and love each other as adults with real life challenges between them.
As far as why I gave it 4 stars: just a few things bothered me about this book. First, and this is probably my own pet peeve, the writing style (not using contractions regularly) really got to me by the end. The result is a very formal feeling book. Even some of the conversation felt a bit stilted at moments - though I don't know if it twas because it was meant to be in Spanish but we read the English translation type thing? But, its just got a bit tiring by the end because most people don't speak that way. Additionally, I loved the epilogue but would love to have seen more of their resolution of the long-distance relationship at the end of the story.
However, I really loved the love story and the characters - which is the main thing in any romance novel for me! Really well done overall!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall, I really enjoyed Shria and Alex's story. "What Stays in Spain" is a dual timeline romance, following their journey as high school students who fell in love and their reconnection 10 years later when Shira returns to Terra, in Spain, for work. Shira and Alex themselves are fantastic. Their chemistry is there and I appreciated the dual timeline to see the parallels and changes they've made in 10 years. It was really beautiful to watch them find each other and love each other as adults with real life challenges between them.
As far as why I gave it 4 stars: just a few things bothered me about this book. First, and this is probably my own pet peeve, the writing style (not using contractions regularly) really got to me by the end. The result is a very formal feeling book. Even some of the conversation felt a bit stilted at moments - though I don't know if it twas because it was meant to be in Spanish but we read the English translation type thing? But, its just got a bit tiring by the end because most people don't speak that way. Additionally, I loved the epilogue but would love to have seen more of their resolution of the long-distance relationship at the end of the story.
However, I really loved the love story and the characters - which is the main thing in any romance novel for me! Really well done overall!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2024
First off, thanks a ton to Laurel Chelle & Sunny Babe PR for the ARC opportunity! It was a great, easy read and I'm so glad to have had the chance to read this book early!
What Stays in Spain is a second chance romance between Shira & Alex, ten years after a misunderstanding that separated the two until Shira returns to Spain. The chemistry between the two was great and they were adorable! There was a lot of will they won't they at play before they do finally get back together, but it really helped to emphasize the struggles of Shira trying to figure out exactly what she wants in life, between having her dream job or being with the love of her life.
Dual timelines from Shira's POV give us a lot of background to help us see what went down with her and Alex. This also builds up the tension on whether or not they will wind up back together or not and outlines just how cute they were in the past.
The Spanish setting was incredibly charming and made me wish I could see it all myself. Also, churros were mentioned quite a few times and had me craving them for days. I felt immersed in the setting with how well everything was described!
Spice levels were pretty moderate, though I know that is pretty subjective. There was a handful of open door scenes that weren't too detailed or graphic. Probably a good 2.5/5 🌶
What Stays in Spain is a second chance romance between Shira & Alex, ten years after a misunderstanding that separated the two until Shira returns to Spain. The chemistry between the two was great and they were adorable! There was a lot of will they won't they at play before they do finally get back together, but it really helped to emphasize the struggles of Shira trying to figure out exactly what she wants in life, between having her dream job or being with the love of her life.
Dual timelines from Shira's POV give us a lot of background to help us see what went down with her and Alex. This also builds up the tension on whether or not they will wind up back together or not and outlines just how cute they were in the past.
The Spanish setting was incredibly charming and made me wish I could see it all myself. Also, churros were mentioned quite a few times and had me craving them for days. I felt immersed in the setting with how well everything was described!
Spice levels were pretty moderate, though I know that is pretty subjective. There was a handful of open door scenes that weren't too detailed or graphic. Probably a good 2.5/5 🌶
July 29, 2024
Shira's plan never included running into the man that left her stranded on shore and broke her heart. She also wasn't ever supposed to return to Terra's sun-kissed shores. But she's in Terra on a work project, focusing on a coveted promotion in London which will help her ailing father. When she sees Alejandro on the hotel terrace, sparks reignite between them and turn into a no-strings fling. But as the days and nights pass, Shira discovers she's not ready to leave Terra.
WHAT STAYS IN SPAIN is a cute romance that would make an excellent beach read. It's told in Shira's POV with dual timelines, ten summers ago and present day. I adored the setting of Terra in Spain which is unique compared to many of the other romances I've read lately. The descriptions were vivid and lush, with many well described and lovely views on the hikes and adventures Shira takes over the course of the book.
The characters are well written and adorable. I loved both Shira and Alejandro's character - they're so cute together! The romance is carefully crafted with great chemistry and the spice was hot. The epilogue was the perfect ending to such a sweet story.
Many thanks to the author, Laurel Chelle, and SunnyBabePR for the gifted digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
WHAT STAYS IN SPAIN is a cute romance that would make an excellent beach read. It's told in Shira's POV with dual timelines, ten summers ago and present day. I adored the setting of Terra in Spain which is unique compared to many of the other romances I've read lately. The descriptions were vivid and lush, with many well described and lovely views on the hikes and adventures Shira takes over the course of the book.
The characters are well written and adorable. I loved both Shira and Alejandro's character - they're so cute together! The romance is carefully crafted with great chemistry and the spice was hot. The epilogue was the perfect ending to such a sweet story.
Many thanks to the author, Laurel Chelle, and SunnyBabePR for the gifted digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 27, 2024
BRB, booking my trip to Spain ✈️
Really questioning my decision to not be a cool teenager who did a foreign exchange student program because I really loved how it set up the story as a whole.
Shira and Alex are so precious together. Their second chance romance is a whirlwind of emotions and catching up after 10 years apart, and it’s the sweetest reconnection I’ve read about in a while!
This is a fun one— if you’re someone who has dealt with the life-altering question of “do I reallly want to do the job I have forever?” or “do I have to live in my hometown for the rest of my life?” you will enjoy this. Grab your wanderlust and get reading!
Things I absolutely adored about this book:
- the vivid descriptions that really PUT YOU in Spain with our FMC
- the golden retriever love interest
- dual timelines that actually set you up to understand the characters in the future (I always appreciate this!)
- best friend’s brother (one of my fave tropes, ever)
- side characters who are fun and add so much to the storytelling
- the spice! not too much, not too little, and so well done
A special thank you to Sunny Babe PR and Laurel Chelle for this ARC!
*This is my honest review and all thoughts are my own*
Really questioning my decision to not be a cool teenager who did a foreign exchange student program because I really loved how it set up the story as a whole.
Shira and Alex are so precious together. Their second chance romance is a whirlwind of emotions and catching up after 10 years apart, and it’s the sweetest reconnection I’ve read about in a while!
This is a fun one— if you’re someone who has dealt with the life-altering question of “do I reallly want to do the job I have forever?” or “do I have to live in my hometown for the rest of my life?” you will enjoy this. Grab your wanderlust and get reading!
Things I absolutely adored about this book:
- the vivid descriptions that really PUT YOU in Spain with our FMC
- the golden retriever love interest
- dual timelines that actually set you up to understand the characters in the future (I always appreciate this!)
- best friend’s brother (one of my fave tropes, ever)
- side characters who are fun and add so much to the storytelling
- the spice! not too much, not too little, and so well done
A special thank you to Sunny Babe PR and Laurel Chelle for this ARC!
*This is my honest review and all thoughts are my own*
August 16, 2024
Absolutely adored this book!!! 😊💕
It was a little hard to get into but that’s how it is for all the books I read but once I got into it more I loved it!!
The storyline was so cute and I just looooove small town romances!!!
I loved Shira and Alex!!! They were so so cute especially when it would flashback to the summer when they were together!! I’m usually not fond of flashbacks but in this book I absolutely loved it!!!
Shira was so sweet and hardworking and she cared so much about her family and the people she loved!! And I just loved her so much!!
And Alex…oh man, this man!! I swear my list of favorite male fictional characters is endless!! He was absolutely amazing!! I loved him!! I loved how he helped Shira even before they got together again! I loved how kind and sweet and goofy he was!! And I just loved them together!!
Omggg and Carmen!! Absolutely looooved her!!! And the mother!!! Omggg I adored her as well!! She was such a cute and sweet woman!! 💕💕
Overall I absolutely loved and adored this book!!! 😊🤍
It was a little hard to get into but that’s how it is for all the books I read but once I got into it more I loved it!!
The storyline was so cute and I just looooove small town romances!!!
I loved Shira and Alex!!! They were so so cute especially when it would flashback to the summer when they were together!! I’m usually not fond of flashbacks but in this book I absolutely loved it!!!
Shira was so sweet and hardworking and she cared so much about her family and the people she loved!! And I just loved her so much!!
And Alex…oh man, this man!! I swear my list of favorite male fictional characters is endless!! He was absolutely amazing!! I loved him!! I loved how he helped Shira even before they got together again! I loved how kind and sweet and goofy he was!! And I just loved them together!!
Omggg and Carmen!! Absolutely looooved her!!! And the mother!!! Omggg I adored her as well!! She was such a cute and sweet woman!! 💕💕
Overall I absolutely loved and adored this book!!! 😊🤍
August 18, 2024
Super grateful to have gotten to arc read this book, provided to me by the wonderful Sunny Babe PR☀️
First of all, the imagery in this book was off the charts, I genuinely felt as though I was in Terra. I really appreciate when a book takes you to places you’ve never been, it’s one of the reasons I have found such solace in books all my life. I’m ready now to hop on a flight and take a hike with Shira.😂🥹
This book does feature dual timelines and while not every book does the dual timeline povs very well, I felt like this was beautifully done, and like it made the story that much richer and enjoyable. 👏🏼
I love a second chance romance so much, and I think the chemistry between Alex and Shira is so clear - you can tell that for them the past could never have stayed buried, but it was just the right amount of history to make the reunion that much juicier. 😫
I’m grateful that this story wasn’t too heavy on the spice, I felt like it was just the right amount to be interesting without becoming a novel of pure smut lol. Well done overall, it was a very cute and cozy read for me. 🖤
First of all, the imagery in this book was off the charts, I genuinely felt as though I was in Terra. I really appreciate when a book takes you to places you’ve never been, it’s one of the reasons I have found such solace in books all my life. I’m ready now to hop on a flight and take a hike with Shira.😂🥹
This book does feature dual timelines and while not every book does the dual timeline povs very well, I felt like this was beautifully done, and like it made the story that much richer and enjoyable. 👏🏼
I love a second chance romance so much, and I think the chemistry between Alex and Shira is so clear - you can tell that for them the past could never have stayed buried, but it was just the right amount of history to make the reunion that much juicier. 😫
I’m grateful that this story wasn’t too heavy on the spice, I felt like it was just the right amount to be interesting without becoming a novel of pure smut lol. Well done overall, it was a very cute and cozy read for me. 🖤
August 20, 2024
Thank you to @sunnybabepr for the opportunity to read this book!
❤️Dual timline
❤️Found Family
❤️Best Friends Brother
❤️Second Chance Romance
❤️Friends to lovers
❤️Small town Spain
10 years ago, Shira was an exchange student in Terra Spain, where she had a secret fling that ended with a lot of hurt feelings and unanswered questions. Now, she has returned to Terra for her job and unexpectedly runs into her ex fling. Both Shira and Alex think they can get by without old feelings being brought back, but when another fling starts up, Shira starts wanting answers for what happened when they were teenagers.
This was a great and easy romance read that had some of my favorite tropes. The dual timeline helped break up the story and give some much needed background info. Shira is very likable with her caring for her dad and how smart she is. Alex is dreamy and kind, every woman's fantasy.
Laurel has me wanting to travel to Spain one day with all the details in the setting. I can't wait to read more from this author!
❤️Dual timline
❤️Found Family
❤️Best Friends Brother
❤️Second Chance Romance
❤️Friends to lovers
❤️Small town Spain
10 years ago, Shira was an exchange student in Terra Spain, where she had a secret fling that ended with a lot of hurt feelings and unanswered questions. Now, she has returned to Terra for her job and unexpectedly runs into her ex fling. Both Shira and Alex think they can get by without old feelings being brought back, but when another fling starts up, Shira starts wanting answers for what happened when they were teenagers.
This was a great and easy romance read that had some of my favorite tropes. The dual timeline helped break up the story and give some much needed background info. Shira is very likable with her caring for her dad and how smart she is. Alex is dreamy and kind, every woman's fantasy.
Laurel has me wanting to travel to Spain one day with all the details in the setting. I can't wait to read more from this author!
August 19, 2024
Shira spent her summer at Terra on an exchange program ten years ago where she meets and stays with Carmen, and her family. During that summer, she befriends Carmen’s brother Alejandro (Alex) and it turns into much more than friendship.
The flashbacks of the sweet moments when they were teenagers were lovely, especially their hiking trips together. Fast forward to the present with Shira back in town for work, their moments together are full of possibilities and Alex is always a gentleman while allowing her to still be independent. But will their casual fling turn into something more? Or will distance and their heavy responsibilities kill any chance of a serious relationship?
Personally, I have never been to Spain and I would love to visit someday. This book reinforces this dream of mine which I hope will come true someday. Along with the descriptions of the small town, it was also interesting to learn more about Spanish food. Hmm…maybe I will try the snails someday.
This was an amazing debut novel. Looking forward to reading future books from the author.
The flashbacks of the sweet moments when they were teenagers were lovely, especially their hiking trips together. Fast forward to the present with Shira back in town for work, their moments together are full of possibilities and Alex is always a gentleman while allowing her to still be independent. But will their casual fling turn into something more? Or will distance and their heavy responsibilities kill any chance of a serious relationship?
Personally, I have never been to Spain and I would love to visit someday. This book reinforces this dream of mine which I hope will come true someday. Along with the descriptions of the small town, it was also interesting to learn more about Spanish food. Hmm…maybe I will try the snails someday.
This was an amazing debut novel. Looking forward to reading future books from the author.
August 21, 2024
📖 Book review 📖
Thank you @laurelchelle_author and @sunnybabepr for giving me the chance to read this book!
Shira loved her time in Spain as an exchange student, but it also left her broken hearted and confused. 10 years later, she’s back in the same town for work and definitely does not expect to almost immediately run into the man who left her 10 years prior and broke her heart.
Amid some work/life chaos and not knowing where she’s going to end up after this trip, Shira and Alex realize how difficult it is to stay away from each other and want to rekindle what they lost- but will the timing ever be right for them?
There’s just something special about a childhood friends to lovers. The angst over a previously broken heart, the pull towards that person that’s always held a piece of your heart even after years apart.. it feels forbidden and yet, right. That’s how this book makes you feel. That’s how you feel about Shira and Alex- it just feels right. I loved the Spain setting and the images it brought to life. Such a fun read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Thank you @laurelchelle_author and @sunnybabepr for giving me the chance to read this book!
Shira loved her time in Spain as an exchange student, but it also left her broken hearted and confused. 10 years later, she’s back in the same town for work and definitely does not expect to almost immediately run into the man who left her 10 years prior and broke her heart.
Amid some work/life chaos and not knowing where she’s going to end up after this trip, Shira and Alex realize how difficult it is to stay away from each other and want to rekindle what they lost- but will the timing ever be right for them?
There’s just something special about a childhood friends to lovers. The angst over a previously broken heart, the pull towards that person that’s always held a piece of your heart even after years apart.. it feels forbidden and yet, right. That’s how this book makes you feel. That’s how you feel about Shira and Alex- it just feels right. I loved the Spain setting and the images it brought to life. Such a fun read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
August 27, 2024
Thank you, @sunnybabepr and @laurelchelle_author for this ARC!
This was such a fun end-of-summer romance! I really loved Shira and her chemistry with Alejandro (Alex). Terra seemed like such a charming small town in Spain and the perfect setting for falling in love. The flashback chapters really set the tone for the present day and I enjoyed getting to compare and contrast the MCs with their younger selves. Shira’s determination and independence while being incredibly sweet makes her easy to root for! Her friendship with Carmen, who is so fun and charming, along with the Leon family, was also enjoyable. I was really invested in all of the characters, which is rare for me with romances. I looked forward to every moment between Shira and Alex, who is incredibly charming, and their relationship has so many beautiful layers to it. It’s a great, quick read that will give you all the feels!
If you like:
🧳 Second Chance
🧳 Dual Timeline/Flashbacks
🧳 Best Friend’s Brother
🧳 Summer Fling
🧳 Secret Romance
🧳 Small Town in Spain
…Then this is a book for you!!
This was such a fun end-of-summer romance! I really loved Shira and her chemistry with Alejandro (Alex). Terra seemed like such a charming small town in Spain and the perfect setting for falling in love. The flashback chapters really set the tone for the present day and I enjoyed getting to compare and contrast the MCs with their younger selves. Shira’s determination and independence while being incredibly sweet makes her easy to root for! Her friendship with Carmen, who is so fun and charming, along with the Leon family, was also enjoyable. I was really invested in all of the characters, which is rare for me with romances. I looked forward to every moment between Shira and Alex, who is incredibly charming, and their relationship has so many beautiful layers to it. It’s a great, quick read that will give you all the feels!
If you like:
🧳 Second Chance
🧳 Dual Timeline/Flashbacks
🧳 Best Friend’s Brother
🧳 Summer Fling
🧳 Secret Romance
🧳 Small Town in Spain
…Then this is a book for you!!
July 30, 2024
Summary:
Shira Greenfield is back in Terra 10 years after she spent a summer abroad in the beautiful Spanish town. When she runs into her old flame her first day visiting, it’s more than a blast from the past—it’s all the same feelings rushing back and picking up where they left off. Will the second time around be different, or once again end in heartbreak?
Title: What Stays in Spain
Author: Laurel Chelle
@laurelchelle_author
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Tropes:
Second Chance Romance
Small Town Romance
Dual Timelines/Flashbacks
HEA
Triggers:
Food Allergy Reaction (not fatal)
Miscommunication Trope
Whitney’s Thoughts:
Shira and Alex’s story is a sweet, feel-good story for this debut novel! I don’t typically love miscommunication trope but this felt grounded and real. As a food allergy mom I really appreciated the realistic portrayal! This was a perfect beach read and a sweet escape. Thank you @sunnybabepr and @laurelchelle_author for the e-ARC!
Shira Greenfield is back in Terra 10 years after she spent a summer abroad in the beautiful Spanish town. When she runs into her old flame her first day visiting, it’s more than a blast from the past—it’s all the same feelings rushing back and picking up where they left off. Will the second time around be different, or once again end in heartbreak?
Title: What Stays in Spain
Author: Laurel Chelle
@laurelchelle_author
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Tropes:
Second Chance Romance
Small Town Romance
Dual Timelines/Flashbacks
HEA
Triggers:
Food Allergy Reaction (not fatal)
Miscommunication Trope
Whitney’s Thoughts:
Shira and Alex’s story is a sweet, feel-good story for this debut novel! I don’t typically love miscommunication trope but this felt grounded and real. As a food allergy mom I really appreciated the realistic portrayal! This was a perfect beach read and a sweet escape. Thank you @sunnybabepr and @laurelchelle_author for the e-ARC!
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