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His Spanish Rose
“If kissing were an Olympic sport, Teagan O’Brien would win the gold every time.”
Layla Diaz dreams of experiencing life to its fullest, but is held down by the expectations of her family. Her dreams don’t include the I.T. degree she’s working towards or marrying young. And while she wants to have children, she doesn't want them as soon as Mami would like.
Sunshine incarnate, and starting Goalie for the UNCW Seahawks, Teagan O'Brien refuses to settle for anything less than what brings him joy—even when it means disappointing his father. The moment he sets his sights on Layla, all thoughts of his recent breakup vanish.
Even though their chemistry is off the charts, it’s a deeper connection pulling them together.
When life takes aim, Layla and Teagan will have to block every shot and defend their dreams.
Layla Diaz dreams of experiencing life to its fullest, but is held down by the expectations of her family. Her dreams don’t include the I.T. degree she’s working towards or marrying young. And while she wants to have children, she doesn't want them as soon as Mami would like.
Sunshine incarnate, and starting Goalie for the UNCW Seahawks, Teagan O'Brien refuses to settle for anything less than what brings him joy—even when it means disappointing his father. The moment he sets his sights on Layla, all thoughts of his recent breakup vanish.
Even though their chemistry is off the charts, it’s a deeper connection pulling them together.
When life takes aim, Layla and Teagan will have to block every shot and defend their dreams.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
8 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
L. Ballew
3 books18 followersL. Ballew is a long-time reader with an affinity for the romance genre. When the idea for her debut novel, His Ringsend Rose, came to her she couldn’t stop writing once the floodgates opened. Determined never to let anyone read her words, she kept the first half of the novel hidden away until a few of her friends demanded to read what she’d written. After receiving positive feedback, she was encouraged to finish the book and share her story with the rest of the romance-loving community. Now she spends her time writing new stories, and when she’s not writing, you can find her reading and drinking coffee while being surrounded by her husband, two kids, and a ridiculous amount of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 6, 2025
Teagan is the definition of THE book boyfriend ❤️ The support and love he showed Layla with her family was 🤌 What I loved most about this book is that the plot was strong if not stronger than the spice. What I mean by that is I’m all about a spicy romance and Teagan and Layla did not disappoint, however, if you’re not a spice loving girly, the storyline is so strong and good that it hold its own as well. L. Ballew is an amazing author and I will be devouring every single book that she puts out!!
February 16, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I liked this one even more than book 1! This was a quick and adorable read! This friends to lovers book had lots of spice and a female Latino lead, which I enjoyed!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I liked this one even more than book 1! This was a quick and adorable read! This friends to lovers book had lots of spice and a female Latino lead, which I enjoyed!
January 29, 2025
Absolutely love this story the way it was woven in time with the previous book in the series had me wanting to go back a reread it. This is a love story that will have you cheering for this slow burn, but the spice is on point. The support this couple has for each other is just so sweet and really is just perfect!! Jump on in this book will not disappoint!!
Happy reading!!
Happy reading!!
January 4, 2026
3.5 stars
His Spanish Rose is L. Ballew’s second book, and truly shows an advance in her writing since the first.
Like His Ringsend Rose, this book has quite a fast-paced romantic timeline, but the time skips to keep in line with HRR’s timeline were very well done, and helped show the progression of Layla and Teagan’s relationship from flirting friends to so much more. While i’m normally more fond of more slowburn books, Layla and Teagan are too obviously perfect for each other to begrudge any sort of moving fast on their side. They’re both so caring, and i think the only times they raise their voices throughout this entire book is when they jump to each other’s defence against overbearing family members.
Speaking of family, i would say that it was the most prevalent theme throughout His Spanish Rose. Between Layla’s huge, loving and well meaning family, to Teagan’s smaller, less exuberant one, and even the found families between Teagan and Layla’s friend groups, L. Ballew shows a talent for writing families that feel all too real at times. In fact, one of my favourite parts of this book is when Layla stands up for what she wants to do in life, instead of what her family expects of her. I think we all know all too well the pressure of expectations, and even though she is fictional, Layla’s dreams to become a make-up artist are so incredibly fitting for her personality and skill, so it would be a travesty if she ignored her calling.
Anyway, even though Layla and Teagan were notoriously hard to get out of the bedroom (quote from the author herself, i believe) and are definitely the spice to Eamon and Norah’s sweet, their relationship still has L. Ballew’s trademark softness. As i mentioned before, they’re always ready to stand up for each other, and spend so much of this book adorably entranced in each other’s company.
His Spanish Rose is L. Ballew’s second book, and truly shows an advance in her writing since the first.
Like His Ringsend Rose, this book has quite a fast-paced romantic timeline, but the time skips to keep in line with HRR’s timeline were very well done, and helped show the progression of Layla and Teagan’s relationship from flirting friends to so much more. While i’m normally more fond of more slowburn books, Layla and Teagan are too obviously perfect for each other to begrudge any sort of moving fast on their side. They’re both so caring, and i think the only times they raise their voices throughout this entire book is when they jump to each other’s defence against overbearing family members.
Speaking of family, i would say that it was the most prevalent theme throughout His Spanish Rose. Between Layla’s huge, loving and well meaning family, to Teagan’s smaller, less exuberant one, and even the found families between Teagan and Layla’s friend groups, L. Ballew shows a talent for writing families that feel all too real at times. In fact, one of my favourite parts of this book is when Layla stands up for what she wants to do in life, instead of what her family expects of her. I think we all know all too well the pressure of expectations, and even though she is fictional, Layla’s dreams to become a make-up artist are so incredibly fitting for her personality and skill, so it would be a travesty if she ignored her calling.
Anyway, even though Layla and Teagan were notoriously hard to get out of the bedroom (quote from the author herself, i believe) and are definitely the spice to Eamon and Norah’s sweet, their relationship still has L. Ballew’s trademark softness. As i mentioned before, they’re always ready to stand up for each other, and spend so much of this book adorably entranced in each other’s company.
January 21, 2025
I knew I’d fall in love with Layla and Teagan after reading His Ringsend Rose and L Ballew did not disappoint in His Spanish Rose. If I could find me an Irish soccer playing man like Teagan, that would be great! I usually prefer slower burns, but their chemistry and connection was undeniable, and I loved how they brought out the best in each other. Family was a huge theme in the book and it was so healing for me being able to see the way they both had each others’ backs and empowered each other to stand strong against family/parent expectations. It is something I can heavily relate to and I’d be so happy to have them both in my corner. I could totally relate and would love to have them in my corner. Plus, the sweet moments and spicy scenes were 🔥. And I adored Layla as a strong, smart Mexicana FMC.
Thank you L Ballew for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Cannot wait for Ro’s story!
”𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆, 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
Thank you L Ballew for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Cannot wait for Ro’s story!
”𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆, 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
January 24, 2025
His Spanish Rose
By L Ballew
4⭐️
I am a sucker for a good sports romance. And this book did not disappoint.
Teagan and Laylas story was an absolute heart eyed romance.
Teagan is an Irish soccer player, even though is heart is broken, he’s still open for love. The moment he sees Layla, he’s convinced she’s the one.
Layla, comes from a large Mexican family, who wants her to have a great future and life, but she wants to decide what that future holds.
When she meets Teagan through a best friend, she’s shy but she’s smitten.
This story has a a little bit of everything, Plot, Spice, and a strong Family Backdrop.
The chemistry and stronghold these two characters had was just perfection. They had each other’s backs when it came to Laylas family.
The writing was captivating and fast pace. The best part about this read is that if you take the spice out, you still have a strong plot and storyline.
By L Ballew
4⭐️
I am a sucker for a good sports romance. And this book did not disappoint.
Teagan and Laylas story was an absolute heart eyed romance.
Teagan is an Irish soccer player, even though is heart is broken, he’s still open for love. The moment he sees Layla, he’s convinced she’s the one.
Layla, comes from a large Mexican family, who wants her to have a great future and life, but she wants to decide what that future holds.
When she meets Teagan through a best friend, she’s shy but she’s smitten.
This story has a a little bit of everything, Plot, Spice, and a strong Family Backdrop.
The chemistry and stronghold these two characters had was just perfection. They had each other’s backs when it came to Laylas family.
The writing was captivating and fast pace. The best part about this read is that if you take the spice out, you still have a strong plot and storyline.
January 22, 2025
She did it again! I never read sports romance and I DEVOURED this book. It made me want to reread book 1! I love how you get to experience the similar timeline from book 1 but with new insights and new perspectives from Teagan and Layla’s POV. I love the characters and the SPICEEEEEEE. 😏🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I will ALWAYS read anything this awesome puts out. Her writing is seamless and flows. It’s like watching a movie your head while reading. Congrats on another great release! Now hurry up and give me book 3!
I will ALWAYS read anything this awesome puts out. Her writing is seamless and flows. It’s like watching a movie your head while reading. Congrats on another great release! Now hurry up and give me book 3!
January 21, 2025
Teagan & Layla already had me intrigued from the first book in the series, and His Spanish Rose did NOT disappoint! 😍 They’re definitely spicy, but SO sweet! Such a good cozy read! The plot, the chemistry, the cultural backdrop… five starts for all of it. You’ll definitely keep thinking about these 2 after you’ve finished the book!
February 12, 2025
I loved the basis of this book. There isn't a huge conflict with a plot twist of drama. The characters are well built, maintained, and even made real. There is plenty of spice for all the spicy girls, but the love story and how they support each other IS the story! The story of living life on their own terms, growing together, and always being there to support the other. There was a lot of familial truth throughout this book that opens eyes. Ballew has a way of creating characters that are very realistic and relatable that you just can't wait for the next book to come out!
January 17, 2025
I love how she writes the characters stories and how they all play in so well. I LOVE the drag scene!! Bringing in the different ethnicites is so cool!! I love how the familes got along so well. I cant wait to read more in the future!!
January 10, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! I read it in 2 days! It's got just enough spice to make you want to keep reading. The first story drew me in and this one made me friends with all of them.
January 20, 2025
This was my first Beta read and I’m so grateful because I could not have loved Teagan and Layla more. Knowing their story, I could not have waited for release day.
If you’re looking for a read with no angst, just an honest, genuine, fall in love, good times, give me butterflies read… this is it.
Teagan, your Irish soccer playing transplant, I wouldn’t even categorise him as a “cinnamon roll” type because he just is a genuine man, who was hurt, but is open to love again. When he sees Layla for the first time, that’s it, he’s done, she is all he sees.
Layla, from a big Mexican family with ideas about her future, but she wants to be the one to decide what that future is.
When she meets Teagan through her best friend, she is smitten right away. A little shy and confident, but not blind to what the world sees. She learns very quickly, it doesn’t matter what the world sees, only what she and Teagan know. No family pressure or indiscretion is going to dictate their relationship.
Watching them fall in love was pure, steamy, and fun.
This is a feel good read and at the moment my fave of Leslie’s.
However I am aware that she has many more stories up her sleeve, so I reserve the right to say the same thing after the next book. Lol.
If you’re looking for a read with no angst, just an honest, genuine, fall in love, good times, give me butterflies read… this is it.
Teagan, your Irish soccer playing transplant, I wouldn’t even categorise him as a “cinnamon roll” type because he just is a genuine man, who was hurt, but is open to love again. When he sees Layla for the first time, that’s it, he’s done, she is all he sees.
Layla, from a big Mexican family with ideas about her future, but she wants to be the one to decide what that future is.
When she meets Teagan through her best friend, she is smitten right away. A little shy and confident, but not blind to what the world sees. She learns very quickly, it doesn’t matter what the world sees, only what she and Teagan know. No family pressure or indiscretion is going to dictate their relationship.
Watching them fall in love was pure, steamy, and fun.
This is a feel good read and at the moment my fave of Leslie’s.
However I am aware that she has many more stories up her sleeve, so I reserve the right to say the same thing after the next book. Lol.
December 28, 2024
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader on this beauty and I just want to say, I need more! I wanted it to be longer just so I could have more Teagan, and actually a little more Ro too. Excellent sophomore release and I’m so excited for number 3!
December 23, 2024
Okay… maybe every lady deserves a Teagan too. 🔥😉
I love how Ballew writes these stories full of fun, love, teasing, healing & peace. Learning the Irish slang is always a hit with the series, one of my personal favorites. Also, is there a single character one doesn’t fall in love with? I think even Ro is becoming likable… I’m excited to read book 3 of this series!
I love how Ballew writes these stories full of fun, love, teasing, healing & peace. Learning the Irish slang is always a hit with the series, one of my personal favorites. Also, is there a single character one doesn’t fall in love with? I think even Ro is becoming likable… I’m excited to read book 3 of this series!
December 27, 2024
His Spanish Rose
By L. Ballew
5 ⭐ 3 🌶️
Tropes:
Main Characters:
Layla & Teagan
Stand out lines/quotes:
“I’m on your team, Teagan. Even the goalie needs defending.”
My Thoughts:
I already knew I was going to love this one going in. I always know I can count on L.Ballew to draw me in and make me want to keep reading. I am now positive that I can always count on L. Ballew to give me all the feels when reading her books, she’s sure to make me laugh, cry and deliver all the smutty yumminess. I love how sweet and spicy Layla and Teagan are. They both have gentle and kind hearts but they both have that feistiness that makes them perfect for each other.
By L. Ballew
5 ⭐ 3 🌶️
Tropes:
Main Characters:
Layla & Teagan
Stand out lines/quotes:
“I’m on your team, Teagan. Even the goalie needs defending.”
My Thoughts:
I already knew I was going to love this one going in. I always know I can count on L.Ballew to draw me in and make me want to keep reading. I am now positive that I can always count on L. Ballew to give me all the feels when reading her books, she’s sure to make me laugh, cry and deliver all the smutty yumminess. I love how sweet and spicy Layla and Teagan are. They both have gentle and kind hearts but they both have that feistiness that makes them perfect for each other.
January 28, 2025
Such a cute love story!! This is the 2nd book in the series and can be read as a standalone. (I haven't read the first one, but it's purchased and I will be going back to read it ASAP!!) It's a slow burn, but once the spice starts its like they barely come up for air. Lol. Teagan O'Brien is the MMC and is a goalie on his college soccer team of Irish decent. Layla Diaz is the FMC and of Mexican decent. He's left his home in Ireland determined to live his own life, despite what his parents want. She's doing what her family expects of her, instead of pursuing the career she really wants. They meet each other and the chemistry is instant. The more they spend time with each other and the hotter this couple gets. They ultimately become exactly what the other needs to heal old wounds, and the push the other needs to live the life they really want. Choosing each other despite the cultural differences. I love how they both want to learn about each other's culture, and defend each other from their families. I absolutely love how they compliment literally and figuratively. I couldn't get enough of them and wanted more of their story....Definitely going back to read book 1, until I can get my hands on book 3.
February 27, 2025
"His Spanish Rose" by L. Ballew is an absolute delight! From start to finish, this book takes readers on an emotional journey filled with romance, deep friendships, and captivating relationships. I love taking this journey with all of the characters. The story seamlessly weaves together heartwarming moments and real-life situations, making it a perfect escape for anyone looking for a fun and engaging read. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the way Ballew navigates their personal struggles and growth is both touching and relatable. If you’re looking for a book that offers a blend of love, friendship, and life's ups and downs, "His Spanish Rose" is a must-read. It's charming, engaging, and simply a joy to experience!
June 15, 2025
I might actually like this one more than the first! I love how these characters developed and the story of their relationship. super fun and can't wait for the next
December 26, 2025
Cute cute! Fun and easy romance. Characters are presh
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews