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Love, in English #1.5
Love, in Spanish
The companion to the highly emotional, scandalous and USA Today Bestselling love story—LOVE, IN ENGLISH—is finally here! Love, in Spanish is a Love, in English follow-up novel told from Mateo Casalles' POV. While Love, in Spanish touches on some events that happened in LIE (you know the ones!) it is a whole new story set a year later that continues with Vera and Mateo's "happily ever after."
Note: It should be read after Love, in English and it is mostly new material (aka not just rehash of LIE).
***
"She sat beside me on the bus—and she changed my whole life."
Successful, wealthy and absurdly handsome—Spanish ex-football player Mateo Casalles seemed like he had it all. A high-society wife, an adorable little girl, and flashy apartments in Madrid and Barcelona only sweetened the deal. But there was more to Mateo than met the eye – a life of uncertainty and regret that colored his black and white world.
That was until Vera Miles came into his life like a shooting star. Tattooed, wild and young, Vera seemed like Mateo’s polar opposite at first. But you can’t choose who you fall in love with and the two lost souls did everything they could to be together, all while suffering the grave consequences.
Now with Mateo divorced and living in Madrid with Vera, there is a whole new set of challenges and setbacks facing the couple and rocking the foundation of their star-crossed relationship.
Unfortunately for them, the brighter the star, the faster they burn.
***Love, in Spanish contains the first two chapters of Where Sea Meets Sky, a full-length Love, in English spin-off starring Vera's brother, Josh Miles, coming March 2015 from Atria Books***
Note: It should be read after Love, in English and it is mostly new material (aka not just rehash of LIE).
***
"She sat beside me on the bus—and she changed my whole life."
Successful, wealthy and absurdly handsome—Spanish ex-football player Mateo Casalles seemed like he had it all. A high-society wife, an adorable little girl, and flashy apartments in Madrid and Barcelona only sweetened the deal. But there was more to Mateo than met the eye – a life of uncertainty and regret that colored his black and white world.
That was until Vera Miles came into his life like a shooting star. Tattooed, wild and young, Vera seemed like Mateo’s polar opposite at first. But you can’t choose who you fall in love with and the two lost souls did everything they could to be together, all while suffering the grave consequences.
Now with Mateo divorced and living in Madrid with Vera, there is a whole new set of challenges and setbacks facing the couple and rocking the foundation of their star-crossed relationship.
Unfortunately for them, the brighter the star, the faster they burn.
***Love, in Spanish contains the first two chapters of Where Sea Meets Sky, a full-length Love, in English spin-off starring Vera's brother, Josh Miles, coming March 2015 from Atria Books***
154 pages, ebook
First published November 11, 2014
264 people are currently reading
3553 people want to read
About the author
Karina Halle
122 books19.6k followersKarina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Grave Matter, Blood Orange, & The Royals Next Door, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 588 reviews
November 11, 2014
LIVE -> http://amzn.to/1qqgHQ7
LOVE, in SPANISH is a continuation of Mateo and Vera’s unconventional love story. I know several of you are wondering why this book was written when the first one was a standalone? There is a good reason for it- the fans demanded it. The request for MORE of this couples story lead to another sexy, heartfelt love story for us who loved Mateo & Vera. Unlike in the first book, Love, in English, where Vera tells us the story this one is told from Mateo's pov. No fear, for those who don't like retellings of previous books because this one is NOT that but instead an extension of their story. For those who read book one you know this couple's struggle is a painful one with many challenges.
“Do you think we will ever get a happily ever after?” -Vera
I'm not going to lie, this book puts Vera and Mateo through the ringer. The scandal of their relationship, from book one, is still making headlines and messing up things in their personal and professional lives. Loneliness and, at times, isolation plagues this couple. Vera’s stubbornness and free-spirit puts a damper on Mateo’s life. Yet, Mateo remains passionate and devoted to her while managing the fires burning all around them as they battle to beat the odds.
I'm grateful that Mateo’s letter to Vera was included in this book. His letter addressed one scene in particular from the previous book. When I read that scene in the first book I wanted to chuck my kindle through the window but now that I have his pov I've come to terms with what happened in the past.
Karina Halle flawlessly delivers for her fans with this angst filled love story. One of the many qualities I love about Karina Halle’s writing style is she really knows how to pull out all kinds of “feels” from her readers. Another quality to her writing is the ability to make the reader feel like they are sitting in the movie theater watching the big screen.
Alright, the story behind this picture. :) When I read 'Love, in English' we made my daughter into the cover. ➜ http://bit.ly/PzJ7ej So, when this book arrived in the mail today I didn't give my teen son a chance to say no. I did try to convince him to let me pencil in a beard and mustache for him but he refused. He did point out that he is blonde so he wouldn't work for the cover but never fear...black and white photos fix the hair color. LOL
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2014
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1qqgHQ7
At the time of this posting. Book one is $.99: http://amzn.to/1kqKPLm
SERIES:
Continuing story
Spinoff
Vera's brother, Joshua
RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2015
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/10WN6rR
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
LOVE, in SPANISH is a continuation of Mateo and Vera’s unconventional love story. I know several of you are wondering why this book was written when the first one was a standalone? There is a good reason for it- the fans demanded it. The request for MORE of this couples story lead to another sexy, heartfelt love story for us who loved Mateo & Vera. Unlike in the first book, Love, in English, where Vera tells us the story this one is told from Mateo's pov. No fear, for those who don't like retellings of previous books because this one is NOT that but instead an extension of their story. For those who read book one you know this couple's struggle is a painful one with many challenges.
“Do you think we will ever get a happily ever after?” -Vera
I'm not going to lie, this book puts Vera and Mateo through the ringer. The scandal of their relationship, from book one, is still making headlines and messing up things in their personal and professional lives. Loneliness and, at times, isolation plagues this couple. Vera’s stubbornness and free-spirit puts a damper on Mateo’s life. Yet, Mateo remains passionate and devoted to her while managing the fires burning all around them as they battle to beat the odds.
I'm grateful that Mateo’s letter to Vera was included in this book. His letter addressed one scene in particular from the previous book. When I read that scene in the first book I wanted to chuck my kindle through the window but now that I have his pov I've come to terms with what happened in the past.
Karina Halle flawlessly delivers for her fans with this angst filled love story. One of the many qualities I love about Karina Halle’s writing style is she really knows how to pull out all kinds of “feels” from her readers. Another quality to her writing is the ability to make the reader feel like they are sitting in the movie theater watching the big screen.
Alright, the story behind this picture. :) When I read 'Love, in English' we made my daughter into the cover. ➜ http://bit.ly/PzJ7ej So, when this book arrived in the mail today I didn't give my teen son a chance to say no. I did try to convince him to let me pencil in a beard and mustache for him but he refused. He did point out that he is blonde so he wouldn't work for the cover but never fear...black and white photos fix the hair color. LOL
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2014
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1qqgHQ7
At the time of this posting. Book one is $.99: http://amzn.to/1kqKPLm
SERIES:
Continuing story
Spinoff
Vera's brother, Joshua
RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2015
Pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/10WN6rR
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
February 8, 2017
"You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine."
Halle gives us a little bit of drama, a lot of heartbreak and plenty of passionate love. Perfection!
* This review contains possible spoilers from Love, in English *
Halle created singular seductive atmosphere in this novel and I was enthralled by it. I lost myself in Mateo’s beautiful heartwarming declarations as well as steamy passionate encounters. And I have to admit that even though I love all the heroes written by Karina Halle, Mateo is on the top of the list. I love his playful side, or how serious and responsible he can be when needed. But most of all I love the passionate man that he is!
Moreover, I loved the voice of this novel. It was mature, sensual and charming as the leading man himself. I fell for Mateo through Vera’s eyes in Love, in English. And I fell for him all over again in this novel, this time seeing Mateo’s love for Vera and Chloe Ann through his own eyes.
"Love makes you do silly things."
But do not fret, this isn’t merely the retelling of events that happened in first book. So all of you who are hesitant to pick this book up, don’t be! Love, in Spanish is completely new story plot-wise and it takes place after the end of Love, in English. We all knew that no matter how Love, in English ended, Vera and Mateo could not simply ride off into sunset and live happily ever after. This novel serves as insight into complicated life of Mateo and Vera once they decided to be together. Doubts, problems, haters... How will Mateo and Vera deal with them all? Will their love for each other be enough?
*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
November 22, 2014
5 MATEO + VERA STARS
This book is amazing!!!I love every bit of this!!!What a passionate,emotional ride!!The first book blew me away and I was so excited to read the next book and see what Mateo had in his mind, as this book is from his POV.While I started reading the book I had to prepare myself for an emotional read.
I loved the way Karina Halle started off this book, with a letter he wrote for Vera..It was so intense.However there were plenty sweet,passionate and hot moments where you can see how much in love Mateo and Vera truly are!!!I don't think there is a couple which I love so much as Vera and Mateo(except from Dex and Perry :) )!!For one more time Karina shows us what an amazing author she is!!!She managed to make me feel so many emotions...like all her books!Her writing is so unique that it evokes, lifelike situations within the reader's mind.
For these two, the road has never been easy...From the first book they have to deal with so many things...and now that Mateo is back to Atlético Madrid as a coatch, he and everyone else from his family are constantly followed by paparazzi...
Is their love enough to keep them together?
I loved Mateo in the first book but in this one he managed to capture me more,with his passionate ,protective,hot and intense soul.Vera is strong,sexy and smart.I loved the fact that she wanted to be indepedent.I loved their chemistry and how much they leaned on each other for support.They were just so perfect for one another!!!!
When I finished the book I was so sad that I had to say goodbye to such an amazing couple...I'm really going to miss them...Love, in Spanish is a story of two people in love who are fighting for the right to be in love!I loved this book because we see how the story of Mateo and Vera continued.I can't wait for Where Sea Meets Sky which is the story of Vera's brother...Maybe we can see more Mateo and Vera!!
November 10, 2014
“I’ll forever keep searching for you. I will look up to the sky and let it point me your way. I will not let you go, Vera. I will never let you go.”
For a self-proclaimed seeker of fairy-tale endings, I have an uncanny penchant for stories that feel particularly ‘real’ to me, stories that refuse to be sugar-coated or bubble-wrapped in forced imaginary scenarios, stories that are so honest and raw that even the sweetest of happily-ever-afters often comes with a healthy and sobering dose of truth. They put your heart through the wringer, they jerk it around like their favourite toy, but the most satisfying thing about them is the way they colour the lenses through which you see your own life, the lives of those around you, and the way they expand your view on things you would have never considered otherwise. Love, in English will forever remain one of my most beloved books. It is not a love story with a big red bow on top—it is a love story born when it perhaps never should have been, a love story that has been scrutinized, dismissed, judged, attacked, and yet it remains alive because two people met on a bus in Spain and ended up falling for one another so deeply and so irreversibly that every hurdle before them pales in comparison. Mateo and Vera’s relationship has never been easy—it is not that kind of love story—but their love for each other has never been in question. It shows us that some things in life are worth fighting for until our last breath, and that it is never too late to find oneself, to embrace the person one is born to be, to capture happiness, even when knowing that no gift in life comes without a sacrifice to pay.
“Our journey has never been easy. The only thing easy in all of this is my love for her. It is pure, it is simple, and it is true.”
We saw them meet, we saw them fall in love, we saw them fight that love, we saw them give in, and we saw them become one. But for Vera and Mateo, the road ahead was never meant to be simple, and it was always going to be marred by prejudice and opposition.
“Through it all we have each other, two exiled souls. We pay for our sins with each kiss, we feel our mistakes with each touch.”
Mateo Casalles has finally found the love of his life, a woman who has changed him and given him purpose, and when faced with having all his dreams come true as professional fulfillment is once again within his reach, he is suddenly reluctant to accept more change in his life, fearing it might cost him the one he loves the most. Being in the public eye brings its own set of challenges for their young relationship, their every public move now dissected and twisted around even more, but Mateo never stops putting Vera’s needs first, her happiness being his key concern, knowing how heavily her role in the break-up of his marriage weighs upon her.
“I see her as my star, one she thinks has burned too much for the both of us.”
By hearing Mateo’s every thought and every fear, we are faced with a very different man than the one we met in the first book. A better man. His every action is now seen in a different light, his every word now speaking volumes about the gentle-hearted, selfless, loving man that he is. His love for Vera is a sight to behold. The raw intensity of their every touch is only outmatched by how much her happiness means to him, and how much of himself he is willing to give to her.
“I follow every part of you, everywhere. You go before me, Vera. You always will.”
As they embark on the next chapter in their lives, the odds playing against them only keep multiplying, from scorned ex-spouses to meddling paparazzi, but through it all, Vera remains his constant, his own guiding star, and Mateo is not a man who ever forgets how dark his life had been without her. Or would once again return to be.
“You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine.”
I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed a book so thoroughly and so ardently as I have this one. I found myself constantly stopping, re-reading entire paragraphs, desperately trying to absorb the beauty of every single line in it. Karina Halle has a very unique talent for weaving words almost poetically, the sheer elegance of her writing style only outshone by her meticulous character development and the annihilating power of the notions behind her stunning words. And ‘meeting’ the real Mateo Casalles this way has been quite a treat in itself. A complex man, an intelligent man, a passionate man, a caring man—Mateo’s only ‘sin’ is to have fallen in love with someone whom society deems inappropriate for his social standing and reputation, but it is his relentless devotion to the woman he loves and his emotional vulnerability and honesty before her that makes us weak at the knees as readers. And utterly enchanted with him.
“Just a man in love. Just a hero. Just a coward. Just me.”
Karina Halle does not just give us heroes and heroines, she gives us real, tangible people for us to identify with, learn from, and she gives us stories to talk about for many moons to come. I know that a lot of people often dismiss these books because of the ‘cheating’ theme in the story, but it is my personal and humble opinion that this story is not about a cheating spouse or a homewrecker. It is about what happens when people fall out of love, or have never experienced true love before, and then they are given the unexpected gift of finding someone who suddenly lights up everything in their life, including the person they are but never got a chance to be. These are not reckless human beings, they are not driven by hormones or lust—they are fallible individuals who feel deeply the sting of every single consequence of their actions and who never forget what their happiness has cost them.
This novella only completes an already perfect story in my eyes, a story that might not be your traditional idea of a fairytale, but whose brutal honesty makes it that much more unforgettable.
“We were worth every sacrifice, every burnt bridge.”
[6 STARS]
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January 3, 2015
4 "Oh Mateo" stars
"“Our love is permanent and she is stardust in my hands.”
When I read Love in English I thought that it had ended perfectly. When I saw there was a book from Mateo's POV I thought it would be his perspective of LIE, until Ms. Halle assured the readers it wasn't a repeat but a separate story. And since I basically trust Ms. Halle because she's never let me down before I dived into this book, and boy was I glad I did.
Vera and Mateo are back together despite all of the odds against them at the end of the previous book. But they don't have their happily ever after yet. Both Mateo and Vera have to face off against the paparazzi, the judgement of other people in their lives, angry ex-spouses, and possible deportation.
The thing I loved most about this book was that the love Vera and Mateo have for each other is supportive . Vera supports Mateo in his actions, encouraging him to take on a new challenge. Mateo supports Vera in her endeavors to discover who she is, whether it be a girl who works in an office, a student, or his future wife. Both Mateo and Vera want what's best for the other person, and that's what true love is folks. If someone loves you, they will support and guide you and not hinder your progress.
This was a thoughtful, sweet and insightful addition to the Love in English series (volumes?), and I highly encourage you to read this one if you are a fan of the first book.
"“Our love is permanent and she is stardust in my hands.”
When I read Love in English I thought that it had ended perfectly. When I saw there was a book from Mateo's POV I thought it would be his perspective of LIE, until Ms. Halle assured the readers it wasn't a repeat but a separate story. And since I basically trust Ms. Halle because she's never let me down before I dived into this book, and boy was I glad I did.
Vera and Mateo are back together despite all of the odds against them at the end of the previous book. But they don't have their happily ever after yet. Both Mateo and Vera have to face off against the paparazzi, the judgement of other people in their lives, angry ex-spouses, and possible deportation.
The thing I loved most about this book was that the love Vera and Mateo have for each other is supportive . Vera supports Mateo in his actions, encouraging him to take on a new challenge. Mateo supports Vera in her endeavors to discover who she is, whether it be a girl who works in an office, a student, or his future wife. Both Mateo and Vera want what's best for the other person, and that's what true love is folks. If someone loves you, they will support and guide you and not hinder your progress.
This was a thoughtful, sweet and insightful addition to the Love in English series (volumes?), and I highly encourage you to read this one if you are a fan of the first book.
November 30, 2016
Love, in Spanish continues a year later from the ending of Love, in English, one of my favorite books... I https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
and we now get a glimpse into Matteo Casalles and Vera lives told in his POV.
Their story is beautiful, emotional and poignant.
I liked Matteo so much in Love, in English, but now, I am absolutely in love with him. How he deals with his insecurities, doubts and how much he loves the people who are important in his life is
such an incredible journey to go on with him.
Matteo and Vera's love story is beautiful and unforgettable.
Karina Halle's writing is truly brilliant. She has a way with words that just blow me away. I love this quote.....
and we now get a glimpse into Matteo Casalles and Vera lives told in his POV.
Their story is beautiful, emotional and poignant.
I liked Matteo so much in Love, in English, but now, I am absolutely in love with him. How he deals with his insecurities, doubts and how much he loves the people who are important in his life is
such an incredible journey to go on with him.
Matteo and Vera's love story is beautiful and unforgettable.
“You are my everything,” I say, lips moving against hers. “I’ve said it before and I will say it again, and I’ll go to my grave saying it. You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine.”
Karina Halle's writing is truly brilliant. She has a way with words that just blow me away. I love this quote.....
“ “Our love is permanent and she is stardust in my hands.”These are two memorable characters and it's one of those books I will read again and again.
September 5, 2015
I was thrilled to get another story of Mateo and Vera who we came to know in Love, in English. I couldn't wait to find out what was going on with them and even though the first book ended well...I still wanted more!
Let me start by saying that I wasn't happy with the direction this story was going for the first sixty percent of the book. Mateo and Vera are slammed on almost every front and it's hard not to get a little frustrated. I don't think it helps that it's coming from Mateo's POV and he feels hugely responsible for every problem and just wants to fix it.
You can just feel the train wreck that's coming especially with Mateo constantly referring to it and it's hard to look away. And then it hits...and I just wasn't prepared for the emotional depths KH took you to. All those crazy feelings from both Vera and Mateo. All I have to say is thank goodness for Warren!
I did love all the romance and the steaminess especially with Mr. "Slowly" Casalles....~swoon~. He is just sooo yummy! I loved the depth of his feelings for Vera and how there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her.
Naturally, there are a lot of problems with Isabel. I cannot stand her and I really wish she would've been handled differently.
I was sad we didn't get more of Claudia and Ricardo. There was such a nice friendship built up but it was still wonderful at how supportive they were. I just missed everyone from Las Palabras getting together.
And then there's the ending...it was sooo good! And the second time was perfect and in the perfect spot. The only problem was it wasn't long enough. I wanted more happy!
The book information says the book is two hundred and ninety pages but it seems a lot shorter. And we also get the first chapter of Josh's book at the end, Where Sea Meets Sky, coming out in March 2015.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "A true gentleman never stops a woman from doing what she desires."
♥ "Love, in Spanish is you."
♥ “I am not sure I like this cooch. It sounds like a cartoon character, a name far too silly for something as serious as your pussy.”
♥ “There’s nothing like a little bit of role playing,” she jokes as she pulls away from me, her wig askew.
♥ "Look at me, my Estrella. Don’t you know what that means? You’re my star. How many people on this earth have their own star? And you shine just for me. How could anyone else ever compare to this?”
♥ "Pinching won't do."
♥ "You’ve conquered me, Vera, and I am forever yours.”
♥ “Wherever you go, I follow.”
♦ BR w/Melissa
Let me start by saying that I wasn't happy with the direction this story was going for the first sixty percent of the book. Mateo and Vera are slammed on almost every front and it's hard not to get a little frustrated. I don't think it helps that it's coming from Mateo's POV and he feels hugely responsible for every problem and just wants to fix it.
You can just feel the train wreck that's coming especially with Mateo constantly referring to it and it's hard to look away. And then it hits...and I just wasn't prepared for the emotional depths KH took you to. All those crazy feelings from both Vera and Mateo. All I have to say is thank goodness for Warren!
I did love all the romance and the steaminess especially with Mr. "Slowly" Casalles....~swoon~. He is just sooo yummy! I loved the depth of his feelings for Vera and how there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her.
Naturally, there are a lot of problems with Isabel. I cannot stand her and I really wish she would've been handled differently.
I was sad we didn't get more of Claudia and Ricardo. There was such a nice friendship built up but it was still wonderful at how supportive they were. I just missed everyone from Las Palabras getting together.
And then there's the ending...it was sooo good! And the second time was perfect and in the perfect spot. The only problem was it wasn't long enough. I wanted more happy!
The book information says the book is two hundred and ninety pages but it seems a lot shorter. And we also get the first chapter of Josh's book at the end, Where Sea Meets Sky, coming out in March 2015.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "A true gentleman never stops a woman from doing what she desires."
♥ "Love, in Spanish is you."
♥ “I am not sure I like this cooch. It sounds like a cartoon character, a name far too silly for something as serious as your pussy.”
♥ “There’s nothing like a little bit of role playing,” she jokes as she pulls away from me, her wig askew.
♥ "Look at me, my Estrella. Don’t you know what that means? You’re my star. How many people on this earth have their own star? And you shine just for me. How could anyone else ever compare to this?”
♥ "Pinching won't do."
♥ "You’ve conquered me, Vera, and I am forever yours.”
♥ “Wherever you go, I follow.”
♦ BR w/Melissa
November 15, 2014
5 #HOLY FUCKING AMAZE-BALLS STARS
I always liked love stories that feel real to me. Stories that are not sugar-coated, stories that teach us that only love isn't enough. That finding love isn't enough. You have to fight for it, willing to give up everything and anything to maybe, just maybe have a chance at happiness. Love isn't something that you can put inside a bubble and everything will be alright, love is hard, love is messy and happily ever afters don't come easy. Especially for Mateo and Vera. They're love was judged from the start. They didn't understand how something so wrong could feel so right at the same time. They're love was unconventional and I love that! I loved how they had to struggle with teeth and claws through it's day to just to be together. And we see how much they have to fight in this book, this great continuetion of 'Love, in English'.
Mateo, I can't even express how many emotions I feel for this character, once again I fell inlove with him. After reading his letter at the beginning of the book, I instantly knew how heart wrenching this journey would be. And oh my god was I right. I balled my eyes out so many times throughout this book. Just reading how he was feeling all of this time made me want to go to him, hug him and tell him everything will be okay. I loved LOVED how in each page, in each word, we could feel the love he had for Vera bursting through. And I more so loved how he always showed it to her, in every damn way possible. Mateo was willing to do everything to keep her, but is that truly enough?
I adore Vera's character. I know lots of you don't like her but I just can't help but love her. And now that I've been inside Mateo's mind I can see why he fell inlove with her, he thinks she's his sunshine, his universe and she truly is. I love how she believes she is the villain of they're story and even all the shit they went through she still tries to make it work. But will it work?
I always liked love stories that feel real to me. Stories that are not sugar-coated, stories that teach us that only love isn't enough. That finding love isn't enough. You have to fight for it, willing to give up everything and anything to maybe, just maybe have a chance at happiness. Love isn't something that you can put inside a bubble and everything will be alright, love is hard, love is messy and happily ever afters don't come easy. Especially for Mateo and Vera. They're love was judged from the start. They didn't understand how something so wrong could feel so right at the same time. They're love was unconventional and I love that! I loved how they had to struggle with teeth and claws through it's day to just to be together. And we see how much they have to fight in this book, this great continuetion of 'Love, in English'.
Mateo, I can't even express how many emotions I feel for this character, once again I fell inlove with him. After reading his letter at the beginning of the book, I instantly knew how heart wrenching this journey would be. And oh my god was I right. I balled my eyes out so many times throughout this book. Just reading how he was feeling all of this time made me want to go to him, hug him and tell him everything will be okay. I loved LOVED how in each page, in each word, we could feel the love he had for Vera bursting through. And I more so loved how he always showed it to her, in every damn way possible. Mateo was willing to do everything to keep her, but is that truly enough?
I adore Vera's character. I know lots of you don't like her but I just can't help but love her. And now that I've been inside Mateo's mind I can see why he fell inlove with her, he thinks she's his sunshine, his universe and she truly is. I love how she believes she is the villain of they're story and even all the shit they went through she still tries to make it work. But will it work?
January 3, 2015
REVIEW TO COME
4 I Will Never Let You Go Stars!
(BR with Sharon)
-Life is full of hard choices.
-I chose you.
-"You are my everything."
-"You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn't matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine."
-You don't keep your eyes on the ground once you've seen the beauty of the stars.
-Hold your head up high like the star that you are.
-We have each other, and that is all we need. Our own little world in our own little solar system in our own little universe.
-"You belong with me."
-Sometimes dreams come true.
4 I Will Never Let You Go Stars!
(BR with Sharon)
-Life is full of hard choices.
-I chose you.
-"You are my everything."
-"You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn't matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine."
-You don't keep your eyes on the ground once you've seen the beauty of the stars.
-Hold your head up high like the star that you are.
-We have each other, and that is all we need. Our own little world in our own little solar system in our own little universe.
-"You belong with me."
-Sometimes dreams come true.
May 3, 2015
You don't keep your eyes on the ground once you've seen the beauty of the stars.
5 Stars for this beautiful, emotional companion novel to one of my favorite books of the year ... or should I say one of my favorite ever!
Love, in English introduced us to the forbidden love of Vera & Mateo. Love, in Spanish gives us a look at the struggles that come after the HEA.
I cannot express how thankful I am for this story. Having it told in Mateo's POV was such a gift. Karina Halle always manages to wrap me up in her world of unconventional characters (no matter the setting) and light my heart on fire with the beauty she creates. I don't think I will ever get enough of her writing. This book has simply fed my crazy KH addiction.
There are so many moments of deep feeling to this story. There is humor, happiness, heartache and fear. But most of all there is love.
You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn't matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine.
Release date is Novemeber 11, 2014. Join the buddy read with KH's Dirty Angels here.
Thank you to the author for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2014
~Love, in Spanish is you~
My review for Love, in Spanish by Karina Halle.
"I am in love with a villain. At least, she calls herself a villain. I’m not sure if the meaning is lost in translation— Vera does speak with a lot of English slang— or if she is being literal. But I do not see her as a villain. I see her as a girl, as a woman, as a friend, and as a lover. I see her as my star, one she thinks has burned too much for the both of us"
When Karina Halle wrote Love, in English she wrote my heart. That book captured me from start to finish and I knew once it ended I will never be the same again. I’ve read hundreds of books before but I’ve never read one that affected me more than this book. I felt everything the characters were feeling. The story is so powerful that it makes you struggle to catch your next breath, how someone can make you feel this just through words blows my mind. That's why when I fell in love with this book, these characters, I also feel in love with this author. I knew that once I finished this book I found my best friend, my book husband, my heart, my very own love story.
Suffering from a major book hangover for a good month or two, reading other books in between but always having Mateo and Vera on my mind. Mateo become my obsession, the way that man made me feel is like no other. His passion and his beautiful Spanish accent did things to me, I would go back and read a few of his quotes and get butterflies all over again. I just knew that there was more to Mateo and that the love he and Vera shared wasn't the end. I needed more.
*cue me screaming for joy when I heard Karina was writing a second book in Mateo's POV*
I remember I couldn't stop shaking, I felt sick with excitement. I couldn't believe not only was we getting a second book but I got to read it through Mateo's beautiful head. I got to read his words in his stunning accent. I couldn't wait. I was counting down the days till I was reunited with my man....
"She is mine, all mine; she is mine now and forever, this beautiful, soft, wet woman of my dreams and my heart, and I am going to fuck her until she’s screaming my name." - Oh my Mateo.
As excited as I was to read this book, I knew that there was going to be some heartache. Love, in English ended happily, but I knew no matter what Mateo and Vera couldn't have their happily ever after with the doubts and the hate from others, I just knew that is wasn't going to be an easy ride for my favourite couple. Will the love these beautiful characters share be enough or will it blow up in their faces? It makes my heart hurt just thinking about it.
“And I am yours. I belong with you, and you belong with me. I don’t care which country or where or under what stars but without you, I’m only me.”
I had high expectations in Love, in Spanish, because hey it's Karina I am talking about and her words never fail to bring me to my knees. She went above and beyond with anything I could imagine in this book. I went through it all, happy one minute, crying from the beauty of it, crying through heartbreak, laughing, any emotion you can feel I felt it. I didn't expect to feel the way I did while reading Love, in English but ever single thing I felt, I felt it in Love, in Spanish. That's what Karina's writing does, it makes you feel everything.
I feel content, I feel that everything is the way it should be. My greatest love story has finally ended but it will always live through me. I will carry these books with me forever. I will never forget Mateo and Vera for as long as I live and will continue to support Karina's work. She gave me my heart and I will cherish it forever.
I will thank Karina till my dying days for not only writing these books, creating these two beautiful characters but for making me apart of it. Thank you Karina for giving Vera my tattoo and for mentioning me in your book. You have no idea what it means to me. You gave me the greatest gift of all.
“I follow every part of you, everywhere. You go before me, Vera. You always will.”
A million 'Estrella's' for Love, in Spanish by the beautiful and talented Karina Halle.
August 10, 2016
4 stars!
Love in Spanish takes place a year after Love in English ended. This is not a stand alone, and LIE should be read first. Where the first book was in Vera's POV, this follow-up is all Mateo.
If you're familiar with the story, the couple has a lot of differences between them. They fell for one another and are going to face all obstacles together. This is their continuation of what happened after their HEA. Unfortunately, things aren't as easy going for them.
This was a really beautiful and realistic follow up book. Not only did I love getting inside Mateo's head, but also getting a glimpse into their life after LIE ended was pretty surreal. The shit hit the fan with these two, and I am not sure a lot of other couples would have come through unscathed.
This was a pretty short read. So why did it take me forever to finish it? I think part of it was my mindset. As refreshing as the realistic nature was, it was a little bit of a downer for me. It seemed like they kept taking hit after hit. It worked well for me to just pick it up and then put it down for small periods. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting nor needing a hearts and flowers read. I guess it didn't grab me, and I didn't feel like taking all the hits along with them. I should have known that it wasn't going to be easy street for the pair. Nonetheless, it was still heart aching and a great story.
As with all of Karina Halle's work, it was brilliantly written and flowed really well. I loved both characters in LIE, but felt a loss of connection to Vera in this one. Mateo is a great hero, and I am glad they were finally able to get the HEA they worked so hard for.
If you really loved LIE, I would recommend reading this. It was good to reunite with the story and the characters again. Overall, I did enjoy this.
Love in Spanish takes place a year after Love in English ended. This is not a stand alone, and LIE should be read first. Where the first book was in Vera's POV, this follow-up is all Mateo.
If you're familiar with the story, the couple has a lot of differences between them. They fell for one another and are going to face all obstacles together. This is their continuation of what happened after their HEA. Unfortunately, things aren't as easy going for them.
This was a really beautiful and realistic follow up book. Not only did I love getting inside Mateo's head, but also getting a glimpse into their life after LIE ended was pretty surreal. The shit hit the fan with these two, and I am not sure a lot of other couples would have come through unscathed.
This was a pretty short read. So why did it take me forever to finish it? I think part of it was my mindset. As refreshing as the realistic nature was, it was a little bit of a downer for me. It seemed like they kept taking hit after hit. It worked well for me to just pick it up and then put it down for small periods. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting nor needing a hearts and flowers read. I guess it didn't grab me, and I didn't feel like taking all the hits along with them. I should have known that it wasn't going to be easy street for the pair. Nonetheless, it was still heart aching and a great story.
As with all of Karina Halle's work, it was brilliantly written and flowed really well. I loved both characters in LIE, but felt a loss of connection to Vera in this one. Mateo is a great hero, and I am glad they were finally able to get the HEA they worked so hard for.
If you really loved LIE, I would recommend reading this. It was good to reunite with the story and the characters again. Overall, I did enjoy this.
November 27, 2014
Love, in English is one of my favorite reads of the year, so it goes without saying that I wanted more of Mateo and Vera’s love story. Told in Mateo’s POV, this is a beautiful continuation that definitely lived up to my expectations and showed a new side to both characters that I already had so much love for.
Love, in Spanish picks up a year after the end of Love, in English with Vera living in Spain with Mateo. They are still very much in love and devoted to each other but are struggling to find some normalcy in the chaos created by their affair. Mateo has been offered a new job that has him once again under public scrutiny. With the press and paparazzi dragging their names through the mud, a crazy ex wife, and their age difference, there is a lot of extra pressure on their already misunderstood relationship.
I felt like this was a very truthful continuation for Mateo and Vera. As much as we all want them to be happy and not deal with outside influences negatively affecting them, that wouldn’t be realistic after how they came together. What I love is that through it all you can see them both truly fighting for each other and what they have. I never doubted their feelings for each other, this novel just reinforced for me how much these two were meant to be together. I knew they would find a way to get through the challenges they were facing.
I really connected with Vera when I read Love, in English so I would have been happy to get this story from her POV, but I was really excited when I learned it would be told from Mateo’s perspective. He is such a passionate man and it was amazing to see the different sides of him. From being this vulnerable, deep thinker to this raw just… man. He is the perfect mix of sexy and sweet.
This book broke my heart a few times, it’s seriously heart wrenching to watch some of the things they have to overcome. Mateo’s voice comes through so clear and his longing and desperation to make things work really got to me at times. The writing was poetic and had such an honest feeling about it. Mateo and Vera are two characters that really leave it all out there, blood, sweat, and tears and you just feel it... their love, desperation, hope, everything. I’m so glad we got the continuation of their story and I can’t wait for Josh’s book, Where Sea Meets Sky and to get some glimpses of them in the future.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
See this review & others at No BS Book Reviews.
Also 'like' us on Facebook. ♥
Love, in Spanish picks up a year after the end of Love, in English with Vera living in Spain with Mateo. They are still very much in love and devoted to each other but are struggling to find some normalcy in the chaos created by their affair. Mateo has been offered a new job that has him once again under public scrutiny. With the press and paparazzi dragging their names through the mud, a crazy ex wife, and their age difference, there is a lot of extra pressure on their already misunderstood relationship.
“Through it all we have each other, two exiled souls. We pay for our sins with each kiss, we feel our mistakes with each touch.”
I felt like this was a very truthful continuation for Mateo and Vera. As much as we all want them to be happy and not deal with outside influences negatively affecting them, that wouldn’t be realistic after how they came together. What I love is that through it all you can see them both truly fighting for each other and what they have. I never doubted their feelings for each other, this novel just reinforced for me how much these two were meant to be together. I knew they would find a way to get through the challenges they were facing.
“Our journey has never been easy. The only thing easy in all of this is my love for her. It is pure, it is simple, and it is true.”
I really connected with Vera when I read Love, in English so I would have been happy to get this story from her POV, but I was really excited when I learned it would be told from Mateo’s perspective. He is such a passionate man and it was amazing to see the different sides of him. From being this vulnerable, deep thinker to this raw just… man. He is the perfect mix of sexy and sweet.
I feel as if I am nailing her to some place –perhaps this world, this moment, and I want nothing more than to be so deep that I leave some permanent reminder of myself. She is mine, all mine; she is mine now and forever, this beautiful, soft, wet woman of my dreams and my heart, and I am going to fuck her until she’s screaming my name.
This book broke my heart a few times, it’s seriously heart wrenching to watch some of the things they have to overcome. Mateo’s voice comes through so clear and his longing and desperation to make things work really got to me at times. The writing was poetic and had such an honest feeling about it. Mateo and Vera are two characters that really leave it all out there, blood, sweat, and tears and you just feel it... their love, desperation, hope, everything. I’m so glad we got the continuation of their story and I can’t wait for Josh’s book, Where Sea Meets Sky and to get some glimpses of them in the future.
“I’ve said it before and I will say it again and I’ll go down in my grave saying it. You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine.”
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
See this review & others at No BS Book Reviews.
Also 'like' us on Facebook. ♥
November 6, 2014
this book....THIS BOOK!!!! gutted me...broke my heart time and time again....I cried and teared a lot....but it was so so so worth it...a beautiful yet emotional roller coaster that I completely devoured...
5 magnificent Mateo stars!!!! full review to come!!!
5 magnificent Mateo stars!!!! full review to come!!!
November 10, 2014
Review: Surj Harvey
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Karina Halle's "Love, in English" completely blew me away and I was so excited to know that we'd be getting more from Mateo and Vera in a companion novel entitled "Love, in Spanish." Contrary to popular belief, this was not a re-write of the first book but in fact a continuation of the couple's journey to find their Happily ever After and I (for one) absolutely loved every single bit of it, devouring their story in one sitting. It was just... WOW!!! Trust me, you will want to devote uninterrupted time to this book because there is so much that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I wish I could say that what Vera and Mateo shared was problem free but we all know that that was never going to happen. After reading the first few pages, I knew I needed to prepare myself, get my heart ready for the emotional turmoil it was about to face and I was right.
"Love, in Spanish" saw Mateo and Vera face obstacle after obstacle. The small mindedness and prejudices of so many left me angry and frustrated and there were times I wondered whether what the couple shared would ever survive. It appeared the God's were well and truly against this relationship... that or they were testing the love they shared. Either way, there were moments that truly left my heart hurting, the knots growing ever tighter in my stomach at what Mateo and Vera had to endure and at one point there were even tears. If Mateo and Vera could live in their own perfect bubble, then life would be bliss but external forces were having none of it. Through all of it though... through the ups, the downs, the high's and the lows, the one thing that never faltered was this couples love for one another. It was beautiful, intense, passionate and all consuming. The question I kept asking myself was,would this love be enough to see them through hard times?
I fell even more in love with Mateo as I read "Love, in Spanish" and as much as I'd seen a charismatic, passionate and even tender side to him in the first book, in this next installment I saw a more vulnerable side, where insecurities bubbled to the surface and fears crept in. Mateo had always been a confident person. Confident in his actions, his thoughts, his decisions and his ability to solve problems. Unfortunately, that confidence was now wavering because for once, he didn't have all the answers and with so much at stake, there was a risk he could lose everything he held dear. I truly felt for him and the impossible situations he found himself in.
And Vera.... beautiful Vera. I really connected with her character back in "Love, in English" and in this next book, she continued to steal my heart. Her passion, her need to be independent, her strength and also her compassion put her up there with my all time favourite heroines.
You won't find a more emotional, more heart felt story told from a male POV than you will in "Love in Spanish." Being inside Mateo's head really showed me the depths of his feelings for Vera and as such I was rooting for this couple. They were just so perfect for one another and truly brought out the best (and very occasionally) the worst in each other. Lol. I desperately needed for them to find their "HEA" and prayed with the turn of every page that it would come.
Karina Halle has written a beautiful, yet (in parts) soul destroying love story that will tear your heart out, trample all over it and then very gently pick it back up, dust it off and put it back together again. Mateo and Vera's story was realistic, believable and completely stole my breath away and this author's writing ensured that I felt every single emotion the characters went through. If you haven't picked up this series yet, please don't hesitate. You definitely won't regret it.
I rated "Love, in Spanish" ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ beautiful, heart fluttering Hearts
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Karina Halle's "Love, in English" completely blew me away and I was so excited to know that we'd be getting more from Mateo and Vera in a companion novel entitled "Love, in Spanish." Contrary to popular belief, this was not a re-write of the first book but in fact a continuation of the couple's journey to find their Happily ever After and I (for one) absolutely loved every single bit of it, devouring their story in one sitting. It was just... WOW!!! Trust me, you will want to devote uninterrupted time to this book because there is so much that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I wish I could say that what Vera and Mateo shared was problem free but we all know that that was never going to happen. After reading the first few pages, I knew I needed to prepare myself, get my heart ready for the emotional turmoil it was about to face and I was right.
I should have been the adult here. I should have known better. But my heart got the better of me. I brought you here, right into the flames. I thought I could shelter you from the heat, that I could protect you, that I could ride out the inferno with you safely tucked under my arm. But I was wrong.
"Love, in Spanish" saw Mateo and Vera face obstacle after obstacle. The small mindedness and prejudices of so many left me angry and frustrated and there were times I wondered whether what the couple shared would ever survive. It appeared the God's were well and truly against this relationship... that or they were testing the love they shared. Either way, there were moments that truly left my heart hurting, the knots growing ever tighter in my stomach at what Mateo and Vera had to endure and at one point there were even tears. If Mateo and Vera could live in their own perfect bubble, then life would be bliss but external forces were having none of it. Through all of it though... through the ups, the downs, the high's and the lows, the one thing that never faltered was this couples love for one another. It was beautiful, intense, passionate and all consuming. The question I kept asking myself was,would this love be enough to see them through hard times?
It's a beautiful kiss. It's the one that proceeds sadness and change, the last one that feels free. I relish it, relish her. When I pull away from her lips and mouth and soul, I know I will have to tell her the truth. I will have to destroy her, destroy this, destroy me.Being told from Mateo's POV, I did wonder whether Karina Halle would manage to pull off making him sound authentic (for want of a better word). I mean it wasn't just the fact that she was writing a male POV, it was more that he was Spanish and English was not his mother tongue. Would he sound right in my head or would he sound like any other guy? What the hell was I worried for? Mateo... Holy hell fire... he was a 100% Spaniard that's for sure and the way he spoke was just... genuine, realistic, heart flutteringly beautiful. I could hear him clear as day as I read his story and his voice was just perfect.
I fell even more in love with Mateo as I read "Love, in Spanish" and as much as I'd seen a charismatic, passionate and even tender side to him in the first book, in this next installment I saw a more vulnerable side, where insecurities bubbled to the surface and fears crept in. Mateo had always been a confident person. Confident in his actions, his thoughts, his decisions and his ability to solve problems. Unfortunately, that confidence was now wavering because for once, he didn't have all the answers and with so much at stake, there was a risk he could lose everything he held dear. I truly felt for him and the impossible situations he found himself in.
"You're breaking me,' I tell her in a ragged whisper.
A tear rolls down her cheek and she doesn't bother to wipe it away.
"And I'm already broken."
And Vera.... beautiful Vera. I really connected with her character back in "Love, in English" and in this next book, she continued to steal my heart. Her passion, her need to be independent, her strength and also her compassion put her up there with my all time favourite heroines.
You won't find a more emotional, more heart felt story told from a male POV than you will in "Love in Spanish." Being inside Mateo's head really showed me the depths of his feelings for Vera and as such I was rooting for this couple. They were just so perfect for one another and truly brought out the best (and very occasionally) the worst in each other. Lol. I desperately needed for them to find their "HEA" and prayed with the turn of every page that it would come.
"Sometimes dreams come true."
"I know they do. I wouldn't have met you if they didn't."
Karina Halle has written a beautiful, yet (in parts) soul destroying love story that will tear your heart out, trample all over it and then very gently pick it back up, dust it off and put it back together again. Mateo and Vera's story was realistic, believable and completely stole my breath away and this author's writing ensured that I felt every single emotion the characters went through. If you haven't picked up this series yet, please don't hesitate. You definitely won't regret it.
I rated "Love, in Spanish" ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ beautiful, heart fluttering Hearts
November 11, 2014
4.5 stars Wow. Just wow. What an emotionally charged book! I literally could not put this down, reading it cover to cover in one sitting.
I absolutely loved being in Mateo's head. Karina Halle has proven again that she truly is a gifted writer and can write the male POV flawlessly. It was wonderful to catch up with Vera and Mateo. This book answered the question of, "What happened next?" when Love, In English ended. It had all of the feels and more. Fantastic follow up book for fans of Love, In English!
I absolutely loved being in Mateo's head. Karina Halle has proven again that she truly is a gifted writer and can write the male POV flawlessly. It was wonderful to catch up with Vera and Mateo. This book answered the question of, "What happened next?" when Love, In English ended. It had all of the feels and more. Fantastic follow up book for fans of Love, In English!
December 19, 2014
Damn you Halle, damn you!
Chat Review with Debbie!!
Describe LOVE, IN SPANISH in 140 characters or less.
Ali: A motherfucking emotion extracting story that left me drained in a most beautiful way.
Debbie: Another passionate & emotional look into Mateo & Vera’s love story. Once again, Halle brings the drama, lovin & MAJOR FEELS!
Before you dove into LOVE, IN SPANISH, did you have any reservations about having this story told in Mateo's POV? Why?
Ali: YES! I was, quite honestly, a little terrified. I went into Love, In English with great apprehension. I don't particularly like to read adultery. I don't mind cheating, but when it's married people, it has a whole other feel and I'm not usually comfortable with it. I ended up loving Love, In English but wasn't sure I wanted to be inside the married party's head. I was leery of how he would justify his actions as a married man who cheats. On top of that, he's a father and leaving his marriage ultimately means leaving the day to day relationship he had with his daughter. That is something that hits very close to home with me. I didn't want to end up disliking Mateo by getting a glimpse into his head.
Debbie: I was the total opposite, I could not wait to dive into Mateo's head. While I was reading Love, in English, I had wished we had seen a glimpse of what was going through Mateo's mind. But now, I'm glad that we didn't because so much was already happening with Vera that I think it would have been too much. I think Mateo's journey to happiness was just as arduous as Vera's and I was more than anxious to read about all of his thoughts over what happened in Love, in English. I can totally see where you would be hesitant to read his POV when it comes to his relationship with his daughter, but I felt like I had already seen how devoted he was to his daughter in LiE that I knew he wouldn't disappoint me in LiS.
Even with my black heart I found Love, in English as one of the most emotional books I read this year, and I think it had the same effect on you as well. Do you think that LOVE, IN SPANISH had the same emotional pull as LiE?
Ali: I agree, it is one of the more emotional reads for me this year. I did not have the same intense reaction I did to LiE, but it still pulled at my emotions more than most books would. You're no longer dealing with the falling apart of the marriage, but your still very much dealing with the aftermath of it. And how can that not be emotional? You have to reconcile your love, your guilt, your entire life. Everything changes and sometimes the love you leave a life for isn't enough to keep you happy.
Debbie: While I think Love, in English had a greater impact on my emotional sanity when I read it, I think that Love, in Spanish still packed A LOT of punch. Right from the start, Karina had my eyes welling with tears from reading Mateo's letter. Like who starts their book with a heart felt letter that makes you all emotional right from the get-go? Karina Halle does. Halle shows us that even though the couple may have crossed major hurdles in Love, in English, Mateo and Vera have a whole new round of new drama to overcome in Love, in Spanish. There might be new problems but they all dredge up the same concerns, doubts, and vulnerabilities that they had to endure in the first book. There was a whole bunch of emotions running amok inside of me that made me want to curl up in a ball and cry.
Do you see Mateo in a different light (good or bad) since reading his POV? What did you like and dislike about having the story told in his POV?
Ali: I do see him differently. Both in good ways and bad. I now more fully understand his actions from LiE in regards to Vera and to his ex-wife, and that helped me love him a little more.
However, I see him differently in respects to a father and the feelings I had on that end, well, they aren't all so great. I didn't ever question his loyalty as a father in LiE, but in LiS there was a moment or two were I felt like he was willing to put Vera before his child. As a mother, I wanted to cut his balls off. I don't ever want anyone to be more important in my life or my husband's, then my daughter. I don't expect anyone to stay in an unhappy relationship for the sake of the child, but I still expect the child to be the most important aspect of their lives.
But I don't think his thoughts meant what my brain thought they meant. I had to really analyze what he was saying when those moments came about. After thinking it through, my thoughts softened slightly in that area, but never fully disappeared. As I stated earlier though, this is something that hits close to home for me and my personal feelings were possibly bleeding onto the pages. Which only makes it a more emotional read and I just don't get enough of those so I'm thankful that it pulled that kind of reaction out of me.
Debbie: I don't necessarily see him in a different light, I think Love, in Spanish just solidified my love for Mateo. Maybe it's the little bit of Spanish blood in me or my knowledge of the Spanish culture, but I was a lot more understanding or accepting of Mateo's decisions and actions from Love, in English, compared to some readers. Mateo definitely shows us how possessive he can be over Vera. He can definitely do the whole caveman thing but he's also adamant about letting Vera know that she "owns" him just as much as he "owns" her. I'm an Alpha male lover and hearing Mateo repeat, "you are mine," had my heart fluttering. Call me crazy but it's totally sexy to see a man "claim" a woman. He doesn't treat Vera like she's property but reinstates that her whole being basically dictates his own destiny. Anyone else get what I'm saying?
Overall, what were your thoughts about LOVE, IN SPANISH?
Ali: My initial thought was, "Fucking Halle got me. Again." This is a genre I'm glad she is writing more of. She writes with emotion and gives characters that feel 'real'. Seeing the situation from another point of view was enlightening, sad, heartbreaking at times and it made me understand. Love, in Spanish gave me what I needed and made me face some strong emotions that I tend to avoid. It was almost ... cathartic. Really, how many times can you say you've read fiction that makes you feel like a better person after reading it?
Debbie: Hahaha. I had similar sentiments Ali. During and after reading Love, in Spanish I was silently screaming, "This bitch has done it again!" I loved that Halle showed us a glimpse of Mateo and Vera's life after happily ever after in Love, in English. We all know that relationships aren't always sunshine and rainbows and Love, in Spanish shows us that Mateo and Vera still had a lot to overcome. Things weren't any easier and emotions became heated, but at the end these two show us that somethings are worth the fight. This series overflows with love, passion and emotion, and I am really looking forward to more of this genre from Karina Halle. The way Karina crafts her words is so artistically beautiful that you can't help but feel every little nuance. It's like she's a freaking puppeteer with my emotions and I hate her for making me feel so human!
Chat Review with Debbie!!
Describe LOVE, IN SPANISH in 140 characters or less.
Ali: A motherfucking emotion extracting story that left me drained in a most beautiful way.
Debbie: Another passionate & emotional look into Mateo & Vera’s love story. Once again, Halle brings the drama, lovin & MAJOR FEELS!
Before you dove into LOVE, IN SPANISH, did you have any reservations about having this story told in Mateo's POV? Why?
Ali: YES! I was, quite honestly, a little terrified. I went into Love, In English with great apprehension. I don't particularly like to read adultery. I don't mind cheating, but when it's married people, it has a whole other feel and I'm not usually comfortable with it. I ended up loving Love, In English but wasn't sure I wanted to be inside the married party's head. I was leery of how he would justify his actions as a married man who cheats. On top of that, he's a father and leaving his marriage ultimately means leaving the day to day relationship he had with his daughter. That is something that hits very close to home with me. I didn't want to end up disliking Mateo by getting a glimpse into his head.
Debbie: I was the total opposite, I could not wait to dive into Mateo's head. While I was reading Love, in English, I had wished we had seen a glimpse of what was going through Mateo's mind. But now, I'm glad that we didn't because so much was already happening with Vera that I think it would have been too much. I think Mateo's journey to happiness was just as arduous as Vera's and I was more than anxious to read about all of his thoughts over what happened in Love, in English. I can totally see where you would be hesitant to read his POV when it comes to his relationship with his daughter, but I felt like I had already seen how devoted he was to his daughter in LiE that I knew he wouldn't disappoint me in LiS.
Even with my black heart I found Love, in English as one of the most emotional books I read this year, and I think it had the same effect on you as well. Do you think that LOVE, IN SPANISH had the same emotional pull as LiE?
Ali: I agree, it is one of the more emotional reads for me this year. I did not have the same intense reaction I did to LiE, but it still pulled at my emotions more than most books would. You're no longer dealing with the falling apart of the marriage, but your still very much dealing with the aftermath of it. And how can that not be emotional? You have to reconcile your love, your guilt, your entire life. Everything changes and sometimes the love you leave a life for isn't enough to keep you happy.
Debbie: While I think Love, in English had a greater impact on my emotional sanity when I read it, I think that Love, in Spanish still packed A LOT of punch. Right from the start, Karina had my eyes welling with tears from reading Mateo's letter. Like who starts their book with a heart felt letter that makes you all emotional right from the get-go? Karina Halle does. Halle shows us that even though the couple may have crossed major hurdles in Love, in English, Mateo and Vera have a whole new round of new drama to overcome in Love, in Spanish. There might be new problems but they all dredge up the same concerns, doubts, and vulnerabilities that they had to endure in the first book. There was a whole bunch of emotions running amok inside of me that made me want to curl up in a ball and cry.
Do you see Mateo in a different light (good or bad) since reading his POV? What did you like and dislike about having the story told in his POV?
Ali: I do see him differently. Both in good ways and bad. I now more fully understand his actions from LiE in regards to Vera and to his ex-wife, and that helped me love him a little more.
However, I see him differently in respects to a father and the feelings I had on that end, well, they aren't all so great. I didn't ever question his loyalty as a father in LiE, but in LiS there was a moment or two were I felt like he was willing to put Vera before his child. As a mother, I wanted to cut his balls off. I don't ever want anyone to be more important in my life or my husband's, then my daughter. I don't expect anyone to stay in an unhappy relationship for the sake of the child, but I still expect the child to be the most important aspect of their lives.
But I don't think his thoughts meant what my brain thought they meant. I had to really analyze what he was saying when those moments came about. After thinking it through, my thoughts softened slightly in that area, but never fully disappeared. As I stated earlier though, this is something that hits close to home for me and my personal feelings were possibly bleeding onto the pages. Which only makes it a more emotional read and I just don't get enough of those so I'm thankful that it pulled that kind of reaction out of me.
Debbie: I don't necessarily see him in a different light, I think Love, in Spanish just solidified my love for Mateo. Maybe it's the little bit of Spanish blood in me or my knowledge of the Spanish culture, but I was a lot more understanding or accepting of Mateo's decisions and actions from Love, in English, compared to some readers. Mateo definitely shows us how possessive he can be over Vera. He can definitely do the whole caveman thing but he's also adamant about letting Vera know that she "owns" him just as much as he "owns" her. I'm an Alpha male lover and hearing Mateo repeat, "you are mine," had my heart fluttering. Call me crazy but it's totally sexy to see a man "claim" a woman. He doesn't treat Vera like she's property but reinstates that her whole being basically dictates his own destiny. Anyone else get what I'm saying?
Overall, what were your thoughts about LOVE, IN SPANISH?
Ali: My initial thought was, "Fucking Halle got me. Again." This is a genre I'm glad she is writing more of. She writes with emotion and gives characters that feel 'real'. Seeing the situation from another point of view was enlightening, sad, heartbreaking at times and it made me understand. Love, in Spanish gave me what I needed and made me face some strong emotions that I tend to avoid. It was almost ... cathartic. Really, how many times can you say you've read fiction that makes you feel like a better person after reading it?
Debbie: Hahaha. I had similar sentiments Ali. During and after reading Love, in Spanish I was silently screaming, "This bitch has done it again!" I loved that Halle showed us a glimpse of Mateo and Vera's life after happily ever after in Love, in English. We all know that relationships aren't always sunshine and rainbows and Love, in Spanish shows us that Mateo and Vera still had a lot to overcome. Things weren't any easier and emotions became heated, but at the end these two show us that somethings are worth the fight. This series overflows with love, passion and emotion, and I am really looking forward to more of this genre from Karina Halle. The way Karina crafts her words is so artistically beautiful that you can't help but feel every little nuance. It's like she's a freaking puppeteer with my emotions and I hate her for making me feel so human!
November 7, 2014
Well, Karina Halle has done it again. Her uncanny ability to switch effortlessly into a male POV is astounding. Yes she has done it time and time again, but let’s be honest you still get nervous that it’s not going to work this go round, but it totally does.
“Just hang on to her and know that even if it's just the two of you for a while, if it's meant to be, the two of you is all you really need."
I have once again fallen hard for the passionate, sexy and emotional Mateo Casalles. Within pages I am sucked back into Vera and Mateo’s lives, and FEELING EVERYTHING . Ms. Halle’s writing is superb and I am so invested in these characters that I can’t help but be teary by page 13! The ups and downs they go through here are heartbreaking, and halfway in I can’t even put it down because I need to know how this ends.
"I have to be the one to stand tall and get us through this, to hold her above the water, this rising, raging tide."
This book is not a retell. It’s 99% fresh material. What is retold in his POV is a scene I know many are dying to see from his POV. If you loved, Love, in English you’ll adore Love, in Spanish.
December 14, 2025
I read this ages ago and forgot to add it so I am rereading it just for the angst and the buzzz and heart palpitations😭
Basically a continuation of the previous book where the main characters faces the consequences of their actions and dare I say that some of it is realistic considering that the FMC is the ultimate OW in this scenario. She got involved and fell in love with a married man with a daughter😆😆😆Book 1 was a ride!
It goes against every principle in my body buuut they way Karina Halle wrote them and their chemistry and their scenes together it was just very addicting for me😆
Definitely one have to read the first book (Love, in English) before diving in this one.
Basically a continuation of the previous book where the main characters faces the consequences of their actions and dare I say that some of it is realistic considering that the FMC is the ultimate OW in this scenario. She got involved and fell in love with a married man with a daughter😆😆😆Book 1 was a ride!
It goes against every principle in my body buuut they way Karina Halle wrote them and their chemistry and their scenes together it was just very addicting for me😆
Definitely one have to read the first book (Love, in English) before diving in this one.
April 9, 2015
"Through it all we have each other, two exiled souls. We pay for our sins with each kiss, we feel our mistakes with each touch."
Karina Halle's 'Love, In English' remains one of my absolute favorite reads of the year. Halle returns to deliver more of Mateo and Vera's volatile romance with 'Love, In Spanish,' told from Mateo's point of view. Not at all a retelling but rather a whole new chapter in their story, Love, In Spanish is an unexpected, unpredictable journey through the precarious reality Mateo and Vera have settled into.
Halle captures the voice of Mateo perfectly. I love a great story written from the male point of view, but more so, I love a great story written in the point of view of a character with a distinct personality, a captivating presence, well-developed and layered. Mateo is a man of control, staunch in his beliefs, his values, his culture. Everything that embodies Mateo is captured and delivered in his words, both his inner monologue and his dialogue.
Love, In Spanish reaffirms the epic love between Mateo and Vera the two first discovered in Las Palabras. That love ever present, continuing to grow, in many ways stronger than ever before. But as their love grows, so does the problematic reality of their current situation. The obstacles of the first book seem like a miniscule blip on the radar compared to all that they are up against now. So much change and turmoil surrounds them, the fragility of their relationship a tangible thing. Through Halle's vivid prose and brilliant dialogue, we're immersed in every torturous ounce of Mateo's physical and emotional struggle to maintain some semblance of control over his rapidly deteriorating circumstances. The resilient, strong Spaniard we'd come to know is suddenly a fish out of water, his sense of control diminished. Rife with angst and uncertainty, Love, In Spanish unfolds and unravels like a whirlpool, the characters spinning and spinning out of control until there's nothing left to do but be swallowed up by the impossibility of all that wishes to drown them.
Karina Halle's writing is as strong as ever in this book, drawing out every facet of emotion from the reader. I could feel Mateo's desperation to salvage everything he felt slipping through his fingers, that sadness and discontent of knowing deep in your soul that some things can't be saved. The self-doubt, his questioning of his choices and whether or not everyone else was right, that he and Vera are truly wrong, their age gap too vast, their differences too staggering. I felt it all. Halle captures perfectly the all too real and unfair existence of parental alienation, the sad reality that no matter what a father does, he is powerless against a mother who can unjustly snatch away the thing he holds most dearly just because she can. That loss of control, of being the fixer, always having the answer and suddenly being weak, of not knowing what or how to fix the most important problem you've ever faced. The fear of change happening too quickly to grasp, of feeling untethered to the reality you so deliberately sought. And the brutality of the loss of hope, the searing pain of having everything you've ever dreamed of stolen away. I felt it all, the emotions of these characters and their dire state a palpable thing, seeping in and saturating me completely as I read.
Often, as readers, we're given a sequel where authors throw their characters through a gamut of unnecessary drama and angst just for the sake of angst. This is not that book and Karina Halle is not that author. This book feels very real, the story unfolding in the most unfortunate but most likely course of events that would transpire after where the first book left them. Love, In Spanish is a runaway train, all sense of contentment and certainty Mateo and Vera found at the conclusion of LIE rapidly flying off the rails. It's a painful, gut-wrenching, nerve wracking journey, with a soft landing unlikely and the passengers powerless to stop it. But it's real and raw and perfect in all its realness. Karina Halle's 'Love, In English' is a poignant, harrowing love story, captivating the reader with every word, evoking glorious pain and splendid joy in a way only this author truly can.
Karina Halle's 'Love, In English' remains one of my absolute favorite reads of the year. Halle returns to deliver more of Mateo and Vera's volatile romance with 'Love, In Spanish,' told from Mateo's point of view. Not at all a retelling but rather a whole new chapter in their story, Love, In Spanish is an unexpected, unpredictable journey through the precarious reality Mateo and Vera have settled into.
Halle captures the voice of Mateo perfectly. I love a great story written from the male point of view, but more so, I love a great story written in the point of view of a character with a distinct personality, a captivating presence, well-developed and layered. Mateo is a man of control, staunch in his beliefs, his values, his culture. Everything that embodies Mateo is captured and delivered in his words, both his inner monologue and his dialogue.
Love, In Spanish reaffirms the epic love between Mateo and Vera the two first discovered in Las Palabras. That love ever present, continuing to grow, in many ways stronger than ever before. But as their love grows, so does the problematic reality of their current situation. The obstacles of the first book seem like a miniscule blip on the radar compared to all that they are up against now. So much change and turmoil surrounds them, the fragility of their relationship a tangible thing. Through Halle's vivid prose and brilliant dialogue, we're immersed in every torturous ounce of Mateo's physical and emotional struggle to maintain some semblance of control over his rapidly deteriorating circumstances. The resilient, strong Spaniard we'd come to know is suddenly a fish out of water, his sense of control diminished. Rife with angst and uncertainty, Love, In Spanish unfolds and unravels like a whirlpool, the characters spinning and spinning out of control until there's nothing left to do but be swallowed up by the impossibility of all that wishes to drown them.
Karina Halle's writing is as strong as ever in this book, drawing out every facet of emotion from the reader. I could feel Mateo's desperation to salvage everything he felt slipping through his fingers, that sadness and discontent of knowing deep in your soul that some things can't be saved. The self-doubt, his questioning of his choices and whether or not everyone else was right, that he and Vera are truly wrong, their age gap too vast, their differences too staggering. I felt it all. Halle captures perfectly the all too real and unfair existence of parental alienation, the sad reality that no matter what a father does, he is powerless against a mother who can unjustly snatch away the thing he holds most dearly just because she can. That loss of control, of being the fixer, always having the answer and suddenly being weak, of not knowing what or how to fix the most important problem you've ever faced. The fear of change happening too quickly to grasp, of feeling untethered to the reality you so deliberately sought. And the brutality of the loss of hope, the searing pain of having everything you've ever dreamed of stolen away. I felt it all, the emotions of these characters and their dire state a palpable thing, seeping in and saturating me completely as I read.
Often, as readers, we're given a sequel where authors throw their characters through a gamut of unnecessary drama and angst just for the sake of angst. This is not that book and Karina Halle is not that author. This book feels very real, the story unfolding in the most unfortunate but most likely course of events that would transpire after where the first book left them. Love, In Spanish is a runaway train, all sense of contentment and certainty Mateo and Vera found at the conclusion of LIE rapidly flying off the rails. It's a painful, gut-wrenching, nerve wracking journey, with a soft landing unlikely and the passengers powerless to stop it. But it's real and raw and perfect in all its realness. Karina Halle's 'Love, In English' is a poignant, harrowing love story, captivating the reader with every word, evoking glorious pain and splendid joy in a way only this author truly can.
November 10, 2014
“Our journey has never been easy. The only thing easy in all of this is my love for her. It is pure, it is simple, and it is true.”
Karina Halle has done it again! I am one of those readers that is always a tad weary when it comes to companions told in the male POV and I honestly should have known better. I mean this is the same author that gave us Dex and Javier. Two very distinct personalities. Two distinct voices. I should have had more faith that Mateo would be just as authentic as her other characters. If you've read Love, in English you know that while Mateo has a pretty good grasp of the English language he has a tendency to flub certain expressions or take things more literal. As I read, I felt like I was really seeing Vera and the world around him in the eyes of a 30-something Spanish man. A Spanish man in love. A Spanish man desperately fighting for that love.
"We pay for our sins with each kiss, we feel our mistakes with each touch.”
I forgot how easily the relationship between Vera and Mateo could make my heart ache. If you thought that everything that happened in LIE would come back to haunt them, you're right. It's not smooth sailing for these two. Between Mateo's ex wife, the paparazzi, the legalities of Vera staying in Spain, and the fact that no one will let them forget just how fundamentally different they are, Mateo and Vera are put in heartbreaking situations time and time again. The only thing they have going for them is that they love each other so deeply. But as the song goes, love isn't always enough. These two are tested and the results are painful and scary. As a fan of their union, it was especially sad to see them constantly having to pay for their past sins over and over again. But it wasn't always doom and gloom. There are plenty of romantic and sexy moments that help put into perspective how meant for each other these two characters are and why you root for them in the first place.
"I follow every part of you, everywhere. You go before me, Vera. You always will."
Love, in English made us fall in love with these two characters while Love, in Spanish showed us why they stayed in love. Mateo with his sweet words and passionate actions. Vera who erects walls with kevlar but softens for Mateo. These two shouldn't make sense but they do. The pain, the passion, the love, it's a tangible thing that you feel with every word, every touch, every kiss. Love, in Spanish is a story about fighting for your heart despite the obstacles you face. I loved every minute I was reunited with Mateo and Vera and cannot recommend this book enough.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Karina Halle has done it again! I am one of those readers that is always a tad weary when it comes to companions told in the male POV and I honestly should have known better. I mean this is the same author that gave us Dex and Javier. Two very distinct personalities. Two distinct voices. I should have had more faith that Mateo would be just as authentic as her other characters. If you've read Love, in English you know that while Mateo has a pretty good grasp of the English language he has a tendency to flub certain expressions or take things more literal. As I read, I felt like I was really seeing Vera and the world around him in the eyes of a 30-something Spanish man. A Spanish man in love. A Spanish man desperately fighting for that love.
"We pay for our sins with each kiss, we feel our mistakes with each touch.”
I forgot how easily the relationship between Vera and Mateo could make my heart ache. If you thought that everything that happened in LIE would come back to haunt them, you're right. It's not smooth sailing for these two. Between Mateo's ex wife, the paparazzi, the legalities of Vera staying in Spain, and the fact that no one will let them forget just how fundamentally different they are, Mateo and Vera are put in heartbreaking situations time and time again. The only thing they have going for them is that they love each other so deeply. But as the song goes, love isn't always enough. These two are tested and the results are painful and scary. As a fan of their union, it was especially sad to see them constantly having to pay for their past sins over and over again. But it wasn't always doom and gloom. There are plenty of romantic and sexy moments that help put into perspective how meant for each other these two characters are and why you root for them in the first place.
"I follow every part of you, everywhere. You go before me, Vera. You always will."
Love, in English made us fall in love with these two characters while Love, in Spanish showed us why they stayed in love. Mateo with his sweet words and passionate actions. Vera who erects walls with kevlar but softens for Mateo. These two shouldn't make sense but they do. The pain, the passion, the love, it's a tangible thing that you feel with every word, every touch, every kiss. Love, in Spanish is a story about fighting for your heart despite the obstacles you face. I loved every minute I was reunited with Mateo and Vera and cannot recommend this book enough.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
November 16, 2014
5 Dios mío stars!
Love in Spanish was one of the most anticipated books of the year for me. I can't describe my delight when I got my hands on this wonderful sequel.
I know many people disliked the first one, mostly because Mateo was a married man when he met Vera and maybe others because of their age difference. I can't say I like cheating stories, but I was convinced with theirs. They fought against it until the very end and I loved their romance, so for me Mateo is a great book boyfriend. [Can't say Isabel would agree with me , but oh well xD]
In Love In Spanish, we see Mateo's POV & how their story continues for them a year later. This book made me fall all over him again. I can't imagine a person reading his thoughts and love for Vera and not feeling jealousy or affection for him.
“You are my everything,” I say, lips moving against hers.
“I’ve said it before and I will say it again, and I’ll go to my grave saying it. You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine.”
Their journey was tormenting. The storm was raging above their heads non stop, in a point that until the very end of the book you get panicked that they won't get their HEA. It was so heartbreaking, being able to read Mateo's feelings behind every obstacle in their way. And his letter..God, it tore me apart!! Also, it gave me a few explanations about some facts on their previous book, so I was glad to see his POV through this letter.
I love Karina's writing so much. She's definitely one of my favorite writers and I will keep reading whatever she writes. I'm so grateful for this sequel. I can't thank her enough.
Love in Spanish was one of the most anticipated books of the year for me. I can't describe my delight when I got my hands on this wonderful sequel.
I know many people disliked the first one, mostly because Mateo was a married man when he met Vera and maybe others because of their age difference. I can't say I like cheating stories, but I was convinced with theirs. They fought against it until the very end and I loved their romance, so for me Mateo is a great book boyfriend. [Can't say Isabel would agree with me , but oh well xD]
In Love In Spanish, we see Mateo's POV & how their story continues for them a year later. This book made me fall all over him again. I can't imagine a person reading his thoughts and love for Vera and not feeling jealousy or affection for him.
“You are my everything,” I say, lips moving against hers.
“I’ve said it before and I will say it again, and I’ll go to my grave saying it. You are my star, my light, my love. And it doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not because it is the truth and the truth always finds a way to shine.”
Their journey was tormenting. The storm was raging above their heads non stop, in a point that until the very end of the book you get panicked that they won't get their HEA. It was so heartbreaking, being able to read Mateo's feelings behind every obstacle in their way. And his letter..God, it tore me apart!! Also, it gave me a few explanations about some facts on their previous book, so I was glad to see his POV through this letter.
I love Karina's writing so much. She's definitely one of my favorite writers and I will keep reading whatever she writes. I'm so grateful for this sequel. I can't thank her enough.
November 11, 2014
And so Mateo and Vera's ending is not over. As a couple, Mateo and Vera still face challenges with their relationship. Jobs, co-workers, friends, ex-wife, Mateo's daughter and even the damn paparazzi play into their lives. You feel the heartache with them with trying to overcome one thing after another together. Sometimes it clicks and sometimes it doesn't. As individuals, they still struggle within. Mateo and his vulnerability to Vera. Vera and her "youth" to Mateo's "oldness". But even with all that the love they have is everlasting. Their connection is not broken no matter if words are said or not said, no matter if an ocean drifts them apart.
As always, the writing of Karina is flawless. I love how she can make simple words into a work of art. She never fails in drawing a reader into the world that she creates and makes you FEEL.
The simplicity of Love, in Spanish is that Mateo loves Vera and Vera loves Mateo.
As always, the writing of Karina is flawless. I love how she can make simple words into a work of art. She never fails in drawing a reader into the world that she creates and makes you FEEL.
The simplicity of Love, in Spanish is that Mateo loves Vera and Vera loves Mateo.
April 10, 2015
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book.
"Love, in Spanish" is written from Mateo's POV and continues Vera and Mateo's story from "Love, in English".
"I fear the day when it all becomes easy.
I fear that's the day when she'll be taken away.
My lover, my friend, my star.
She can only shine for so long.
Until she's gone for good." - Mateo Casalles
This story is such an amazing emotional journey and how Karina Halle writes the male point of view with will Blow. You. Away. I was seriously in tears on PAGE 4!
The beauty of this whole book is that you will ride a whole spectrum of emotions from happy to sad to passionate to insecure to anger and back again. If this book was a concert, it would receive a standing ovation.
Bravo Karina Halle, Bravo!
"Love, in Spanish" is written from Mateo's POV and continues Vera and Mateo's story from "Love, in English".
"I fear the day when it all becomes easy.
I fear that's the day when she'll be taken away.
My lover, my friend, my star.
She can only shine for so long.
Until she's gone for good." - Mateo Casalles
This story is such an amazing emotional journey and how Karina Halle writes the male point of view with will Blow. You. Away. I was seriously in tears on PAGE 4!
The beauty of this whole book is that you will ride a whole spectrum of emotions from happy to sad to passionate to insecure to anger and back again. If this book was a concert, it would receive a standing ovation.
Bravo Karina Halle, Bravo!
November 6, 2014
I didn't think it was possible to fall more in love with Mateo, but I was SO wrong. Karina successfully weaves a tale full of love and sacrifice, need and despair. It's impossible to read this story and not FEEL. Mateo's love for Vera is so profound the emotion oozes from the pages. The man has the soul of a poet.
I loved that the story was true to life and that not everything was perfect after the HEA in Love, In English. Mateo and Vera fought for every piece of happiness they found in each other, and in the end I think the ending of their story was perfect and fitting.
A must read if you are a Karina fan, a Mateo fan, or just a fan of true romance.
I loved that the story was true to life and that not everything was perfect after the HEA in Love, In English. Mateo and Vera fought for every piece of happiness they found in each other, and in the end I think the ending of their story was perfect and fitting.
A must read if you are a Karina fan, a Mateo fan, or just a fan of true romance.
January 18, 2020
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: Bummed. I was hoping this would ride me out on the wave that I was on from the first book all the way to their HEA, but I was left feeling rather bummed instead. I think it's the dreaded "duet" for me if I'm completely honest. Even though this one is labeled "1.5" and might not be considered a full duet since it was shorter, I feel as though these could've been put together (with some random scenes removed) and made into one book instead. I did, however, appreciate getting Mateo's POV though! If only we got some of his POV when they were falling in love...oh well! I'm giving this 3 "just okay" Stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Vera and Mateo's story. It continues where it left off but now in Mateo's POV. To be short and sweet in hopes of not ruining it-- This has a good bit of drama and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Mateo's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It felt slow in some parts but also too fast in others (like the end). I did skim some when it felt repetitive.
Instalove:No, but they were already in love when this began.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Mateo. I still liked him more than the h.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Vera. She was alright.
Sadness level: Low/moderate, but no tissues were needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This didn't have nearly enough closure for me. I would call this a HFN ending , and I really would've appreciated a farther glimpse into their cuter and HEA!
Safety: This one should be Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: Bummed. I was hoping this would ride me out on the wave that I was on from the first book all the way to their HEA, but I was left feeling rather bummed instead. I think it's the dreaded "duet" for me if I'm completely honest. Even though this one is labeled "1.5" and might not be considered a full duet since it was shorter, I feel as though these could've been put together (with some random scenes removed) and made into one book instead. I did, however, appreciate getting Mateo's POV though! If only we got some of his POV when they were falling in love...oh well! I'm giving this 3 "just okay" Stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Vera and Mateo's story. It continues where it left off but now in Mateo's POV. To be short and sweet in hopes of not ruining it-- This has a good bit of drama and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Mateo's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It felt slow in some parts but also too fast in others (like the end). I did skim some when it felt repetitive.
Instalove:No, but they were already in love when this began.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Mateo. I still liked him more than the h.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Vera. She was alright.
Sadness level: Low/moderate, but no tissues were needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This didn't have nearly enough closure for me. I would call this a HFN ending , and I really would've appreciated a farther glimpse into their cuter and HEA!
Safety: This one should be Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
November 12, 2014
Is there an opposite for book-hangover? I have no idea, but if there is a word for a feeling when you can't concentrate on any book because you're anxiously avaiting a book release, then I suffered from it. Days before the release date of Love, in Spanish I was so excited that no other book could keep my attention.
Love in English has been one of my favorite books this year, so there was no question whether I should read more about these characters.
Love, in Spanish was perfect and so beautiful it made my heart ache.
I'll try to explain what I felt while reading it, but it won't be an easy task.
Before I started Love, in Spanish I totally expected to feel the same feelings like when I was reading Love, in English. The vulnerable and beautiful feeling of watching the characters to fall in love with each other, the raw emotions that were all over the place. I expected to read about how happy and perfect their life was together. But it didn't happen that way. It COULDN'T happen that way!
Mateo's and Vera's love isn't a fairy tale. Their love is REAL. And real love is never perfect. Life isn't perfect. And these characters aren't either. That's what makes this book unique and that's what makes the author, Karina Halle to stand out. I'm actually happy that she didn't write what I expected but rather stayed true to Mateo and Vera and their real story.
"I close my eyes and make a wish."
Love, in Spanish made me smile and made me cry. It was beautiful and the same time painful to watch what these two lovers were going through. My feelings were all over the place. I wanted to hug them and tell them everything would be all right. Sometimes I wanted to slap some sense into them. But I couldn't. I could just hope that at the end they would be all right and they would get their happily ever afters like they deserved.
Being in Mateo's thoughts felt like heaven. I loved how passionately in love he was with Vera and how his love made this beautiful strong man vulnerable like a little child.
I loved how they fought for each other. It was like they were the only two people in a storm and the only thing holding them to this Earth was not gravity but their true love for each other.
Love, in Spanish is a must-read for everyone who loved Love, in English!
And Love, in English is a must-read for everyone who hasn't read it yet! I know a lot of people are wary because of the cheating in the book. I can understand that but, please, don't be! I don't support adultery but still LOVED the book.
Love, in English isn't a book about cheating. It's about two people who fall in love so deeply they can't help it. Two people that make mistakes and suffer for them afterwards. Two people who are not evil. They are just human. Their love is real and deep and it's the kind of love that happens maybe only once in a lifetime.
***** 5 Estrellas for Mateo and Vera *****
November 24, 2014
4.5 'I want more Mateo' Stars
I loved this book 2 soooo much.
For me it was like the real story, because book 1 didn't do it for me. Let me explain better. Book 1 had a 75% Learning English in a camp story of boring daily routine between tutors and grown up students and between hero and heroine didn't happen much. All happened in that last 25% of book 1...The last day of camp they kiss and sleep together and the gorgeous part of them living together in Madrid. So as I said in book 1 the story between H/h was too short. So all begins developing in book 2.
Book 2
Vera and Mateo are living since 1 year together and facing the first problems of their fragil union: the age difference (15
years), the different cultures, their fiery personalities, the ending of Vera's permit to stay in Spain, Vera loosing her job, Mateo selling his business and a new work proposition coming from his old FC. Atletico Madrid which put him in the eye and attention of Spanish media and press, Vera dealing with the little Chloe Ann, Isabel and her games to destroy Mateo and his new relationship, the press and the continuing scandals with the press ect.
But also it showed the Amazing love these two have and the fantastic sex. Mateo is such an amazing alpha, possessive and jealous like all the Mediterranean men. Ms Halle developed his Spanish personality so well. I loved him!!!! Loved the story development and I liked Vera too.
Sometime I couldn't understand why Mateo made some problems even more difficult, when the solution was so at hand...but maybe because he had too much fears and pressure.
Mateo Casalles is an amazing hero and officialy entered in my Top 10. He became like my fictional version of Pep Guardiola...ahh <3
This is the second and last book of this series. I loved the end but I wanted it to last. I wanted more chapters...I couldn't have enough of their fights, making ups, amazing sex and Mateo...I want more Mateo. His POV was awesome by the way, so I want a book 3. I think there's still a lot to be written about them...so pretty please Karina Halle give us an other book about them. It feels like now that Mateo is leading Atletico and Vera is back more drama and fun are coming.
I totally recommend it, it's a beautiful fiery romance!
I loved this book 2 soooo much.
For me it was like the real story, because book 1 didn't do it for me. Let me explain better. Book 1 had a 75% Learning English in a camp story of boring daily routine between tutors and grown up students and between hero and heroine didn't happen much. All happened in that last 25% of book 1...The last day of camp they kiss and sleep together and the gorgeous part of them living together in Madrid. So as I said in book 1 the story between H/h was too short. So all begins developing in book 2.
Book 2
Vera and Mateo are living since 1 year together and facing the first problems of their fragil union: the age difference (15
years), the different cultures, their fiery personalities, the ending of Vera's permit to stay in Spain, Vera loosing her job, Mateo selling his business and a new work proposition coming from his old FC. Atletico Madrid which put him in the eye and attention of Spanish media and press, Vera dealing with the little Chloe Ann, Isabel and her games to destroy Mateo and his new relationship, the press and the continuing scandals with the press ect.
But also it showed the Amazing love these two have and the fantastic sex. Mateo is such an amazing alpha, possessive and jealous like all the Mediterranean men. Ms Halle developed his Spanish personality so well. I loved him!!!! Loved the story development and I liked Vera too.
Sometime I couldn't understand why Mateo made some problems even more difficult, when the solution was so at hand...but maybe because he had too much fears and pressure.
Mateo Casalles is an amazing hero and officialy entered in my Top 10. He became like my fictional version of Pep Guardiola...ahh <3
This is the second and last book of this series. I loved the end but I wanted it to last. I wanted more chapters...I couldn't have enough of their fights, making ups, amazing sex and Mateo...I want more Mateo. His POV was awesome by the way, so I want a book 3. I think there's still a lot to be written about them...so pretty please Karina Halle give us an other book about them. It feels like now that Mateo is leading Atletico and Vera is back more drama and fun are coming.
I totally recommend it, it's a beautiful fiery romance!
Want to read
January 1, 2016
OMG. OMG. OMG!!!!
YES!!!!! WOOOOOTTTT!!!!!
FINALLY IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER!! :D
Wait... October ?! NOOOOOO!!
UPDATE: Now NOVEMBER !?! AHHHH!!!!
July 21, 2015
3 1/2 Stars
G&J: We were giddy with excitement to hear Mateo’s voice- his thoughts and feel his emotions first hand. Experience his strength of love for Vera; his inner turmoil and demons over what transpired and led to where we ended up in Love, in English. We have to applaud Karina Halle for not repeating a story through the male POV. What we cleverly got was an insight into Mateo from Love, in English whilst being in a whole new story, and for that – bravo Karina Halle. His voice was passionate, eloquent and at times it reduced us to tears.
‘You brought me colours and stars and cosmos and wonders. I wanted you so badly, craved you so much, that I knew I would suffer whatever bad things would come my way…’
Once again we enjoyed her beautiful writing style and the emotion laden words. We started off feeling completely immersed in this beautiful romance yet again. A romance we wholeheartedly believed in and celebrated for its purity and complimentary differences. A romance with trust, honesty, maturity and respect.
‘You don’t keep your eyes on the ground once you’ve seen the beauty of the stars.’
Sadly towards the middle point, we began to find the story somewhat repetitive and found the tension and drama hard to rationalise and understand. It felt like much was created for the sake of it, not because it added anything to the story, thus it became superfluous and in our opinion hurt the characters.
‘Everything weighs so heavy right now, I can feel it pressing down on my shoulders. There is Vera, and then there is loneliness. Sometimes I have both but now it only feels like I have the latter.’
This resulted in us feeling like the enthralling and beautiful romance; the beautiful souls of Mateo and Vera from Love, in English were compromised and acted out of character.
“I’m just tired of the universe giving me something and taking something away.”
The poignant and heart-warming importance in book one was placed upon the irrelevance in their ages, appearance and the pressure of the societal perceptions placed upon them. None of these were an issue for them in regard to their mutual love and affection. Now, this beautiful notion was made into something ugly between them and entered the beautiful sanctity of their own relationship. Hurtful, spiteful and questionable actions and words thrown out into the open which negated what was so incredibly beautiful and awe inspiring in book one. This coming particularly from Vera; a character we loved with all our hearts hence our sadness in feeling like this; us actually questioning her love and maturity.
“You’re breaking me. And I’m already broken.”
In some respects part of the story felt implausible when comparing the characters behaviour in book one and how they fought so hard to listen and act upon the emotions and their hearts. We believed so wholeheartedly in the characters of Vera and Mateo; their spirit, love and fighting strength which led us to question this shift in character that showed cracks and spite which we just couldn’t believe; didn’t want to believe.
‘Maybe it’s okay if the world is boiled down to just Vera and I. As long as we don’t let go of one another, as long as we can work together, as long as the rest of the world, one day, promises to catch up.’
Love, in English is one of our favourite books this year so it really hurts to say that whilst we enjoyed this one; we just couldn’t love it as much and we have to wonder whether much of this story was necessary. All the passion was contained within a single letter. A letter that told a whole story by itself. A letter we will never forget which had our hearts bleeding and rejoicing in the power of romance. Karina Halle is without question an amazing story teller which is why we did end up enjoying Love, in Spanish.
**Reviewed from an ARC copy kindly provided by the author with thanks**
Link to our 5 Star Review for Love, In English
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