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The Sun Still Rises
Erik’s father lived for Pamplona’s yearly festival and the running of the bulls. Now he’s gone, and Erik flies to Pamplona on a whim to see the festival his father loved—without booking a room first. He’s looking at sleeping on the ground until friendly David from the tourism office offers to share his home.
When Erik realizes he trusts David, that he might even be willing to face his anxiety to get to know David better, he begins to understand what this trip could mean. Pamplona is even more beautiful when seen through David’s eyes, and Erik might have traveled around the world just to find himself. But can he hold on to his newfound confidence—and to David—when it’s time to go home?
World of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.
When Erik realizes he trusts David, that he might even be willing to face his anxiety to get to know David better, he begins to understand what this trip could mean. Pamplona is even more beautiful when seen through David’s eyes, and Erik might have traveled around the world just to find himself. But can he hold on to his newfound confidence—and to David—when it’s time to go home?
World of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.
86 pages, ebook
First published May 17, 2017
73 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bailo
18 books72 followersLaura Bailo is an asexual Spanish author of queer romance. She’s an anxiety-ridden writer who, when not writing or reading, loves exploring the narrow streets of Pamplona and thinking about all the stories she wants to write in the future. She has a penchant for writing sweet stories with a Spanish flavor, be it fantasy or contemporary, and she’s still dreaming about writing her first historical.
She loves hearing from people and you can find her at:
https://www.facebook.com/laura.bailo
https://twitter.com/LauraBailo
https://www.laurabailo.com/
She loves hearing from people and you can find her at:
https://www.facebook.com/laura.bailo
https://twitter.com/LauraBailo
https://www.laurabailo.com/
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 5, 2017
3.5 stars
First of all, I thought the author -- whom I believe actually lives in Spain and have walked the streets of Pamplona -- successfully brought Pamplona alive for me as a reader. So much that I actually Googled how to get there!!
Yep, if I ever be lucky enough to visit Spain in the future, I will make sure to include Pamplona on my itinerary, San Fermín festival or not. And that is what I love the most from Dreamspinner Press' World of Love series -- the ability from the authors to transport me to places I've never visited.
Now for the story itself ... I could really feel Erik's pain of losing his father. I was choked up a couple of times when Erik remembered his father. So again, kudos for the author to be able to describe that.
Unfortunately, due to the limitation of the novella length, I thought the exploration on Erik's anxiety wasn't enough. And the relationship did feel a bit instant -- even if .
This is one of the times where I wish the story to be a bit longer because it definitely has potential. But, I really liked it, and I think I'll check out Bailo's stories in the future.
First of all, I thought the author -- whom I believe actually lives in Spain and have walked the streets of Pamplona -- successfully brought Pamplona alive for me as a reader. So much that I actually Googled how to get there!!
Yep, if I ever be lucky enough to visit Spain in the future, I will make sure to include Pamplona on my itinerary, San Fermín festival or not. And that is what I love the most from Dreamspinner Press' World of Love series -- the ability from the authors to transport me to places I've never visited.
Now for the story itself ... I could really feel Erik's pain of losing his father. I was choked up a couple of times when Erik remembered his father. So again, kudos for the author to be able to describe that.
Unfortunately, due to the limitation of the novella length, I thought the exploration on Erik's anxiety wasn't enough. And the relationship did feel a bit instant -- even if .
This is one of the times where I wish the story to be a bit longer because it definitely has potential. But, I really liked it, and I think I'll check out Bailo's stories in the future.
November 25, 2019
David and Erik
Erik is a writer and visiting Pamplona, Spain. To remember and honor his dad who past away.
At the local tourist agency he meets David who works there.
With every hotel fully booked his only chance to sleep in a bed is to accept David’s offer.
We get to know them on tour together through Pamplona, the anxiety of Erik, the always kind and understanding David and, their blooming relationship.
To be honest I rushed a bit through this story. It was kind, nice, well written, but I missed some
action. The process of grieving, acceptance and learning their own strength was well done.
The place where it all took place was nice. The personalities ditto. But for real entertaining I missed something.
Erik is a writer and visiting Pamplona, Spain. To remember and honor his dad who past away.
At the local tourist agency he meets David who works there.
With every hotel fully booked his only chance to sleep in a bed is to accept David’s offer.
We get to know them on tour together through Pamplona, the anxiety of Erik, the always kind and understanding David and, their blooming relationship.
To be honest I rushed a bit through this story. It was kind, nice, well written, but I missed some
action. The process of grieving, acceptance and learning their own strength was well done.
The place where it all took place was nice. The personalities ditto. But for real entertaining I missed something.
August 19, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my goodness, this was the cutest! I will admit I squealed a little already at the blurb--specifically the fact that the story is set during the San Fermín festivities in Pamplona, Spain. I've never actually been there, myself, but I've watched the running on tv almost every year since I was a child. With that, the very Spanish sandwiches (all that tuna <3 ), and of course the tortilla that the MCs make together (the author insists on calling it a 'Spanish omelette', which is technically true but doesn't do the unique deliciousness justice—on the other hand, Laura Bailo's writing really does, so I forgive her, haha), the setting truly shines in this novella. And I'm not going to lie—I may have cried a few times just because of the recognition and the feeling of having a physical place you (sort of) know represented in fiction like that. Of course, representation is great in general, but this is the first time I've had a reading experience that nailed it in terms of a location. The backdrop for this story is truly alive.
But those were far from the only moments I cried while reading The Sun Still Rises. There are so many feelings in this story: nostalgia, grief, hope, anxiety, comfort, caring and love—and they're all so . . . real, and wonderfully grounded within the characters, who are absolutely adorable together. This may be a shorter read, but the story still manages to go deep into those feels, and all my tears were of joy. If you are looking for a sweet, romantic little piece of sunshine of a story, The Sun Still Rises is it.
Oh my goodness, this was the cutest! I will admit I squealed a little already at the blurb--specifically the fact that the story is set during the San Fermín festivities in Pamplona, Spain. I've never actually been there, myself, but I've watched the running on tv almost every year since I was a child. With that, the very Spanish sandwiches (all that tuna <3 ), and of course the tortilla that the MCs make together (the author insists on calling it a 'Spanish omelette', which is technically true but doesn't do the unique deliciousness justice—on the other hand, Laura Bailo's writing really does, so I forgive her, haha), the setting truly shines in this novella. And I'm not going to lie—I may have cried a few times just because of the recognition and the feeling of having a physical place you (sort of) know represented in fiction like that. Of course, representation is great in general, but this is the first time I've had a reading experience that nailed it in terms of a location. The backdrop for this story is truly alive.
But those were far from the only moments I cried while reading The Sun Still Rises. There are so many feelings in this story: nostalgia, grief, hope, anxiety, comfort, caring and love—and they're all so . . . real, and wonderfully grounded within the characters, who are absolutely adorable together. This may be a shorter read, but the story still manages to go deep into those feels, and all my tears were of joy. If you are looking for a sweet, romantic little piece of sunshine of a story, The Sun Still Rises is it.
November 3, 2019
Laura Bailo is turning into one of those authors I want to read when I'm stressed out and need some good, low-conflict romance. The big highlight of the book is the bull running, of course, but most of the actual substance is characters being kind to each other and enjoying a really beautiful setting/eating some good food. David and Erik were both great characters, and all of the side characters were really funny and charming as well.
Something I also find really impressive is the anxiety rep. I can literally think of nothing more frightening than dropping everything to go to a new place where I don't speak the language, all for the sake of a really stressful event like the bull run. Erik doesn't magically get over his anxiety, and it doesn't lessen over time. Instead, he finds something that's worth more to him than the stress and constantly reminds himself that he is more than his fear. Bailo carefully shows effective coping strategies, like his meditation and like getting to know the area, and demonstrates how to be a good partner to an anxious person through David.
Something I also find really impressive is the anxiety rep. I can literally think of nothing more frightening than dropping everything to go to a new place where I don't speak the language, all for the sake of a really stressful event like the bull run. Erik doesn't magically get over his anxiety, and it doesn't lessen over time. Instead, he finds something that's worth more to him than the stress and constantly reminds himself that he is more than his fear. Bailo carefully shows effective coping strategies, like his meditation and like getting to know the area, and demonstrates how to be a good partner to an anxious person through David.
August 23, 2017
This book needed to be about 20% shorter. There was a lot of behind the scenes talk that the characters could have engaged in, well, behind the scenes. That said, the characters themselves were super adorable and the setting very interesting, so 3.5 stars. (Since GRs doesn't have half stars, I'm bumping it up to 4)
May 20, 2017
Erik, a young American writer grieving the death of his father & struggling with an anxiety disorder, travels to Spain to run with the bulls at the famous festival in Pamplona, a journey undertaken in honor of his late father, who had loved & attended the festival every year There he meets David, a handsome, kindhearted young man who comes to his rescue in an upsetting situation & love quickly blossoms.
Very sweet, touching and innocent romance with a sort of comfortable domestic feel to it at times. This is a first time author and it shows a bit in the writing, conversations felt a bit stilted, there was a lot of unnecessary descriptive detail at times & there wasn't an obvious hook drawing me into the story, so I had trouble engaging with it initially. But I was ultimately charmed by the endearingly sweet & shy main characters.
It's very insta-love, but it kind of has to be in a book this short. And I really didn't care, because they were just, such lovely young men, you can't help smiling over their budding interest in each other and cheering for them to find their HEA. Which, of course, they do :)
Very sweet, touching and innocent romance with a sort of comfortable domestic feel to it at times. This is a first time author and it shows a bit in the writing, conversations felt a bit stilted, there was a lot of unnecessary descriptive detail at times & there wasn't an obvious hook drawing me into the story, so I had trouble engaging with it initially. But I was ultimately charmed by the endearingly sweet & shy main characters.
It's very insta-love, but it kind of has to be in a book this short. And I really didn't care, because they were just, such lovely young men, you can't help smiling over their budding interest in each other and cheering for them to find their HEA. Which, of course, they do :)
December 15, 2019
Impulsive decisions and anxiety attacks don’t really go together, but Erik, who recently lost his father, is going to have to figure out how to deal with the decision. His story is about dealing with his father’s death, embarking on a new life, and finding what he never expected to be his – a boyfriend and lover on top of a better way of dealing with his own shortcomings. This is a story of hope, and it’s set in a wonderful city that comes alive with a lot of interesting and fun details, written by someone who obviously knows and loves Pamplona, Spain, a lot. While I can’t see myself going there to “run with the bulls” like Erik, it’s a nice addition to my “maybe one day” list of places to visit.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 28, 2017
4.5
This novella is a definite go-to read if you want a sweet, feel-good, low-angst romance.
I loved the beautiful chemistry between the characters, and the way the MC's anxiety was handled. The way David offered his support to Erik during his anxiety attacks was so sensitive and unobtrusive., and it made their unexpected connection so much more strong and meaningful.
The city of Pamplona is a character in itself within the book. Laura Bailo did an amazing job describing its unique charm, so much so that I could almost see the winding streets and smell the aromas of the local food. I only wish that more time was spent on the actual race itself, since it was so important for Erik to participate.
This novella is a definite go-to read if you want a sweet, feel-good, low-angst romance.
I loved the beautiful chemistry between the characters, and the way the MC's anxiety was handled. The way David offered his support to Erik during his anxiety attacks was so sensitive and unobtrusive., and it made their unexpected connection so much more strong and meaningful.
The city of Pamplona is a character in itself within the book. Laura Bailo did an amazing job describing its unique charm, so much so that I could almost see the winding streets and smell the aromas of the local food. I only wish that more time was spent on the actual race itself, since it was so important for Erik to participate.
May 31, 2017
This was an incredible story that resonated with me. I read it all in one sitting, and I regret nothing. Laura Bailo weaves an intriguing plot with interesting, engaging, fully-developed characters that really lead you to get invested in their story. The descriptions of locations and settings did exactly what I think the World of Love series of novellas is intended to do: it made me feel like I was there in Spain. Such a great insight into the people there. This will definitely NOT be my last book by this author. She jumped onto my "One-Click Without Reading the Blurb" list!
November 26, 2017
Despite this being a short read, I found myself intrigued by the main characters. The story focuses on Erik who leaves America spontaneously and heads to Pamplona, Spain, on the eve of the Running of the Bulls. He does this because his father had died earlier that year and attending the Running of the Bulls was his father’s tradition. However, because of his spontaneously trip, Erik ends up in the city without a place to stay. Luckily for him, a kind and attractive tour guide, David, learns of his plight and lets Erik stay with him.
Erik is on this trip to learn about his father but also ends up facing his own anxiety issues. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for David so quickly. David is kind, friendly, and to Erik, very attractive. Together they do the Running of the Bulls and spend the rest of their time exploring Pamplona. During this adventure, Erik learns to take risks and not let his anxiety hold him back. He begins to form a romantic relationship with David and despite it’s quick timing, it is a healthy relationship for him. While their time together in Spain is cut short, the reason is for Erik to go home and see a therapist about his anxiety as well as the effect of his father’s death, something that would not have occurred without meeting David. Their relationship manages to endure the long distance and the reader is able to watch Erik grow and cope with his issues. This was a short book but achieved a lot with a small number of pages, including creating a believable relationship between Erik and David.
Erik is on this trip to learn about his father but also ends up facing his own anxiety issues. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for David so quickly. David is kind, friendly, and to Erik, very attractive. Together they do the Running of the Bulls and spend the rest of their time exploring Pamplona. During this adventure, Erik learns to take risks and not let his anxiety hold him back. He begins to form a romantic relationship with David and despite it’s quick timing, it is a healthy relationship for him. While their time together in Spain is cut short, the reason is for Erik to go home and see a therapist about his anxiety as well as the effect of his father’s death, something that would not have occurred without meeting David. Their relationship manages to endure the long distance and the reader is able to watch Erik grow and cope with his issues. This was a short book but achieved a lot with a small number of pages, including creating a believable relationship between Erik and David.
November 11, 2019
The Sun Still Rises is a contemporary mlm romance novel written by Lauren Bailo.
Erik’s father went to Pamplona every year for the Running of the Bulls, and he always asked Erik to go with him. Erik always declined the invitation, and after his father’s death, Erik decides to go to Pamplona as a means to closure.
But his last-minute trip leaves him in a foreign country without any plan- no itinerary, no accommodations, nothing at all. The realization that he may have been too impulsive is exacerbating his anxiety.
Luckily, Erik meets David, a tour guide who speaks fluent English. David says that Erik can stay with him at his house.
And no, this isn’t as lurid as it sounds. The focus of the book is on the development of a friendship, and they don’t even kiss for the longest time, and then as soon as they do, they’re already talking about being boyfriends and how are they going to manage their long distance relationship. Maybe it’s just me, but they’ve only known each other for a couple of days, and sure, love connections are real, but it seems a little too hasty to be that much in love after kissing.
I would give this book 2.5/5, rounded up to 3. I did like the idea of a travel romance, and I did appreciate the inclusion of Erik’s struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. The romance was more like a YA with high schoolers, but the characters were both adults.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Erik’s father went to Pamplona every year for the Running of the Bulls, and he always asked Erik to go with him. Erik always declined the invitation, and after his father’s death, Erik decides to go to Pamplona as a means to closure.
But his last-minute trip leaves him in a foreign country without any plan- no itinerary, no accommodations, nothing at all. The realization that he may have been too impulsive is exacerbating his anxiety.
Luckily, Erik meets David, a tour guide who speaks fluent English. David says that Erik can stay with him at his house.
And no, this isn’t as lurid as it sounds. The focus of the book is on the development of a friendship, and they don’t even kiss for the longest time, and then as soon as they do, they’re already talking about being boyfriends and how are they going to manage their long distance relationship. Maybe it’s just me, but they’ve only known each other for a couple of days, and sure, love connections are real, but it seems a little too hasty to be that much in love after kissing.
I would give this book 2.5/5, rounded up to 3. I did like the idea of a travel romance, and I did appreciate the inclusion of Erik’s struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. The romance was more like a YA with high schoolers, but the characters were both adults.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2017
I really liked this one.
The Sun Still Rises is a sweet little read with a touch of sadness that keeps it grounded.
Erik suffers from anxiety and after the death of his father feels a bit rudderless which leads him to make a decision that will change his life. A spontaneous trip to Pamplona to run with the bulls finds him in the city with no accommodations because he didn't plan ahead. Que David, a hot local with a spare room, and you've got the perfect set up for sparks to fly.
Bailo does a great job of setting the scene. I've never been to Pamplona but after reading this book I sort of feel like I have. The descriptions of the city were great without being so detailed that I felt the need to skim over them. But this also leads me to the one thing that kept this book from being a 5 star read for me because the setting, at times, overshadowed the love story. (I get that the novella is part of the World of Love collection from this publisher but having the author put so much emphasis on the setting takes away from the actual story which already feels rushed by the fact that it's in novella form and therefore short by design.)
Overall this was a cute little love story that dealt with some heavy issues without being preachy or heavy handed.
*I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Sun Still Rises is a sweet little read with a touch of sadness that keeps it grounded.
Erik suffers from anxiety and after the death of his father feels a bit rudderless which leads him to make a decision that will change his life. A spontaneous trip to Pamplona to run with the bulls finds him in the city with no accommodations because he didn't plan ahead. Que David, a hot local with a spare room, and you've got the perfect set up for sparks to fly.
Bailo does a great job of setting the scene. I've never been to Pamplona but after reading this book I sort of feel like I have. The descriptions of the city were great without being so detailed that I felt the need to skim over them. But this also leads me to the one thing that kept this book from being a 5 star read for me because the setting, at times, overshadowed the love story. (I get that the novella is part of the World of Love collection from this publisher but having the author put so much emphasis on the setting takes away from the actual story which already feels rushed by the fact that it's in novella form and therefore short by design.)
Overall this was a cute little love story that dealt with some heavy issues without being preachy or heavy handed.
*I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This is a book in the Dreamspinner Press World of Love collection and features what becomes an intercontinental romance. Erik is laughably naïve about his travel and plans in Pamplona. I chalk this up to his introvert personality and his grief, and it suited him. He’s certainly frustrated with himself for his quirks, which made him more endearing. David is a treasure, and I enjoyed spending time with him. I rather wished we had a bit more of his culture present, and I’ve got me a hankering for true Spanish omelet now, too. The book wraps with a happy ending, which includes the only other characters in the book: Erik’s agent and David’s online gaming friend. That seemed a bit perfunctory, mostly because the book was pretty much “meet and fall in love”—-“happy ending.” There’s a long time and a lot of work that lay between those experiences for David and Erik. While I loved how Erik broke through his emotional barriers, I just wished I’d seen more of it happen in real time.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This is a book in the Dreamspinner Press World of Love collection and features what becomes an intercontinental romance. Erik is laughably naïve about his travel and plans in Pamplona. I chalk this up to his introvert personality and his grief, and it suited him. He’s certainly frustrated with himself for his quirks, which made him more endearing. David is a treasure, and I enjoyed spending time with him. I rather wished we had a bit more of his culture present, and I’ve got me a hankering for true Spanish omelet now, too. The book wraps with a happy ending, which includes the only other characters in the book: Erik’s agent and David’s online gaming friend. That seemed a bit perfunctory, mostly because the book was pretty much “meet and fall in love”—-“happy ending.” There’s a long time and a lot of work that lay between those experiences for David and Erik. While I loved how Erik broke through his emotional barriers, I just wished I’d seen more of it happen in real time.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
February 12, 2022
David and Erik . . .
Erik’s father went often to the festival of the running of the bulls in Pamplona. He always invited Erik to go with him, and Erik always refused. So when his father died, Erik made a rash, unplanned decision to go there this time in remembrance of his father. But he did not arrange accommodations and found there was no place to stay except a park bench. Then he met David from the tourism office. The two of them get to know each other as David shows Erik around Pamplona. He offers Erik his spare room and this is the beginning of their relationship as Erik begins the process of healing over his dad’s death. Will Erik return home after the festival? Or will he stay and see where their relationship takes them?
The author does a wonderful job of making the reader visualize the places being described and feel the emotions and reactions of the characters. The story line captures the reader’s attention and David’s kindness and patience in helping Erik was very moving.
Erik’s father went often to the festival of the running of the bulls in Pamplona. He always invited Erik to go with him, and Erik always refused. So when his father died, Erik made a rash, unplanned decision to go there this time in remembrance of his father. But he did not arrange accommodations and found there was no place to stay except a park bench. Then he met David from the tourism office. The two of them get to know each other as David shows Erik around Pamplona. He offers Erik his spare room and this is the beginning of their relationship as Erik begins the process of healing over his dad’s death. Will Erik return home after the festival? Or will he stay and see where their relationship takes them?
The author does a wonderful job of making the reader visualize the places being described and feel the emotions and reactions of the characters. The story line captures the reader’s attention and David’s kindness and patience in helping Erik was very moving.
February 12, 2022
This was such a sweet and endearing read! Erik's father always loved running with the bulls in Spain, and has been doing so for twenty years. Whenever he invited him to go, Erik always declined. After his father passed away, Erik traveled to Pamplona for the festival his father had loved so dearly. But not having prepared beforehand, he found no place to stay and planned to sleep in the park. David worked at the tourism counter that had helped Erik earlier. When he ran into him in a store and found out he had no where to go, offered him his spare room. These two characters were so wonderful. I loved the way they bonded and had great chemistry. Erik was still grieving his father's death, and suffered from anxiety attacks. He felt very human and relatable to me. I also loved hearing about Pamplona in this book. It sounds like such a beautiful place I'd love to visit. This book was a little short, but a really enjoyable read. 5 stars.
December 15, 2019
Impulsive decisions and anxiety attacks don’t really go together, but Erik, who recently lost his father, is going to have to figure out how to deal with the decision. His story is about dealing with his father’s death, embarking on a new life, and finding what he never expected to be his – a boyfriend and lover on top of a better way of dealing with his own shortcomings. This is a story of hope, and it’s set in a wonderful city that comes alive with a lot of interesting and fun details, written by someone who obviously knows and loves Pamplona, Spain, a lot. While I can’t see myself going there to “run with the bulls” like Erik, it’s a nice addition to my “maybe one day” list of places to visit.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 29, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
For being a story about running with the bulls, it was a quiet little story. Erik's dealing with his grief over his dad's death by traveling to Pamplona to run with the bulls. I appreciated the realistic portrayal of Erik's grief and anxiety.
I also loved the descriptions of the city and the information about the festival.
The premise of Erik ending up in David's guest room, and then them starting a relationship was a little far-fetched, but I was willing to suspend disbelief. I wanted a little more from why they were willing to put in the work of a long distance relationship other than the attraction and proximity, but it worked for the length of the story.
For being a story about running with the bulls, it was a quiet little story. Erik's dealing with his grief over his dad's death by traveling to Pamplona to run with the bulls. I appreciated the realistic portrayal of Erik's grief and anxiety.
I also loved the descriptions of the city and the information about the festival.
The premise of Erik ending up in David's guest room, and then them starting a relationship was a little far-fetched, but I was willing to suspend disbelief. I wanted a little more from why they were willing to put in the work of a long distance relationship other than the attraction and proximity, but it worked for the length of the story.
November 30, 2017
I found this story delightful, meaningful, and full of emotions. Watching Erik go through the cycles of grief hurt my heart. Watching him do so in a manor not befitting himself was a hoot. Erik suffers from anxiety yet plans a last minute trip from Phoenix to Spain to feel a connection to his father. He makes no further arrangements other than getting there. Once he arrives he realizes just how out of his element he is and no place to go.
Thank goodness for David, the local tour guide.
You can see my full review here: http://christinasbookshelf.net/2017/1...
Thank goodness for David, the local tour guide.
You can see my full review here: http://christinasbookshelf.net/2017/1...
November 17, 2019
This was a fairly enjoyable and quick read. There's definitely some suspension of belief necessary. The relationship goes from 0 to 100 over the span of about 2 days. I would have liked a little.... more. I understand it was a shorter book but it definitely could have used some more time in the city. For a book about traveling they sure stayed inside a lot. There were certain aspects of the city mentioned but it didn't give a real FEEL for the city at all. I would have liked a bit more of that, more of the characters relationship developing, etc. For the length it was, it did what it could, though.
February 7, 2022
This is a very sweet story, where we have Erik deciding on a whim to fly to Pamplona after losing his father because he misses him so much. Of course, Erik being the anxiety-riddled mess he is, he flies there without booking a hotel or having any idea what to do with himself in a town full of people (really, not his thing!) and without speaking a word of Spanish.
Thankfully he runs into David, a tourist guide whose kindness goes so far as to offer Erik his spare room. As the two of them get to know each other, while David shows Erik the town he grew up in and adores, their connection is both effortless and very troubling, as they live an ocean apart. Meanwhile being in the bull festival, which his father was so fond of, is allowing Erik to start facing his grief.
A very sweet, but emotional story, and a beautiful portrait of an intriguing city and traditions.
Thankfully he runs into David, a tourist guide whose kindness goes so far as to offer Erik his spare room. As the two of them get to know each other, while David shows Erik the town he grew up in and adores, their connection is both effortless and very troubling, as they live an ocean apart. Meanwhile being in the bull festival, which his father was so fond of, is allowing Erik to start facing his grief.
A very sweet, but emotional story, and a beautiful portrait of an intriguing city and traditions.
February 8, 2022
This story is about a guy who impulsively decided to make a trip to Pamplona in remembrance of his father who had passed away. His father would attend the running with the bulls every year so he wanted to do this. However, he did not plan anything and nearly got stuck sleeping in the park until the guy who worked in the tourism office invited him to stay with him. There, a relationship seems to develop.
This is such an endearing story which I enjoyed reading very, very much! It was easy to visualize the activities and the feelings the MC would commit. I had received this free book in exchange for leaving a honest review. I loved the story and I would read it again!
This is such an endearing story which I enjoyed reading very, very much! It was easy to visualize the activities and the feelings the MC would commit. I had received this free book in exchange for leaving a honest review. I loved the story and I would read it again!
November 20, 2017
Sweet story based in Pamplona, Spain. I enjoyed reading Erik's story and the love he had for his father. After his father's passing, Erik takes over the tradition his father had of going to Pamplona every year for the 'Corrida de Toros' (the bull run). What he finds there is the help and the love of David, a tourism officer, who offers him shelter once Erik realized he didn't have a place where to spend the nights. I liked how their romance develops and grows into something more; caring, and love. Well written and enjoyable.
February 10, 2022
I loved how Pamplona came to life on the page here— the author describes the city in ways that make it feel vivid and real in interesting ways that run alongside Erik’s process of grief and healing and discovery. Erik and David’s connection has some lovely moments, and for me these shine most in gestures of support and understanding— like David’s response to Erik’s anxiety attacks. They fall for each other quickly, but it’s nonetheless a plausible and healthy bond.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2018
Nice. Liked the exploration of Erik's anxiety and how they both dealt with it. A bit surprised by their emphatic declarations for each other after so short a time together, not sure I believed it within the story. But I liked both characters a great deal (though would have liked more about David) and overall enjoyed the story.
November 25, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. There’s not one thing I’d change. It’s a very realistic view of people in society today. It handled the subject of mental health problems so so sensitively. Furthermore it dealt with sexuality problems too. No spoilers but I would highly recommend.
I absolutely loved this book. There’s not one thing I’d change. It’s a very realistic view of people in society today. It handled the subject of mental health problems so so sensitively. Furthermore it dealt with sexuality problems too. No spoilers but I would highly recommend.
kindle
November 12, 2019This was an enjoyable read and I was able to read it in one sitting due to it being a shorter read. Erik's struggle with anxiety was relatable.
November 29, 2019
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
The story is cute, it's about a young man, Erik, a writer, who is dealing with the grief of his father's death and who decided to go to Pamplona, in Spain, because his father loved the festival with the running of the bulls. Arriving there without a clue, a word in Spanish and a reservation he meets a cute man, David, who decided to host him in his house. Of course they fall in love. They are actually very sweet, but the story is a bit predictable, the only real part was the main character's anxiety attack and even in that case I didn't like how it was written. Unfortunately, I didn't like the writing style. It's like the story have pontential, but the author listed everything like a shopping list. He slept, he ate, he went to the bathroom. It felt only an action list and really, really how many showers in three days one could have? He showered and ate. Slept and watched, blushing, David and viceversa. There are almost no places descriptions or feelings, emotions shown. There was a lot to be explored. Erik's relationship with his father, his anxiety attacks and everything felt so flat, like it was put there and not developed.
I found the story very unrealistic. First of all, David complimenting Erik when they just met and Erik falling in love with him right away, trusting him so soon. I found it weird,above all because he suffered from panic attacks. You trust a complete stranger and after a dinner go to his house? Pour your heart to him? No, absolutely. Too soon, too rushed, too underdevoped. "There was something about you that led me believe I can trust you" Are you for real? There are a lot of dialogues and it's really not my style, because I wanted to know more about their feelings and thoughts. It was interesting, though, learning a bit about the festival.. But, after reading everything in less of an hour, I have to give 1.5 stars
The story is cute, it's about a young man, Erik, a writer, who is dealing with the grief of his father's death and who decided to go to Pamplona, in Spain, because his father loved the festival with the running of the bulls. Arriving there without a clue, a word in Spanish and a reservation he meets a cute man, David, who decided to host him in his house. Of course they fall in love. They are actually very sweet, but the story is a bit predictable, the only real part was the main character's anxiety attack and even in that case I didn't like how it was written. Unfortunately, I didn't like the writing style. It's like the story have pontential, but the author listed everything like a shopping list. He slept, he ate, he went to the bathroom. It felt only an action list and really, really how many showers in three days one could have? He showered and ate. Slept and watched, blushing, David and viceversa. There are almost no places descriptions or feelings, emotions shown. There was a lot to be explored. Erik's relationship with his father, his anxiety attacks and everything felt so flat, like it was put there and not developed.
I found the story very unrealistic. First of all, David complimenting Erik when they just met and Erik falling in love with him right away, trusting him so soon. I found it weird,above all because he suffered from panic attacks. You trust a complete stranger and after a dinner go to his house? Pour your heart to him? No, absolutely. Too soon, too rushed, too underdevoped. "There was something about you that led me believe I can trust you" Are you for real? There are a lot of dialogues and it's really not my style, because I wanted to know more about their feelings and thoughts. It was interesting, though, learning a bit about the festival.. But, after reading everything in less of an hour, I have to give 1.5 stars
January 10, 2018
When I started reading The Sun Still Rises, I did not expect it to be so charming. This story is heavily influenced by it’s setting, the Spanish city of Pamplona, where our main character travels to in order to get in touch with a little piece of his recently deceased dad.
Erik, a well known author, travels to Pamplona to see the festival his father loved so much and Erik himself never really payed attention to before. Seeing as it was an impulse-trip, saying Erik didn’t come prepared is kind of an understatement; He didn’t know how to actually get to the city, where to go when he got there and also didn’t have a room reservation in any hotel, which, during the busiest time of the year for the city presented a big problem. And that is when Erik meets David, a tourist guide who loves his city and it’s history, and is unwilling to abandon Erik to his own fate.
I really liked the whole feel of this book. You could clearly tell how much the author knows and loves Pamplona.
David and Erik’s romance is slow and sweet, and it was a pleasure to watch them slowly get to know and fall in love with one another. David is so sweet and so kindhearted it was impossible not to fall for him along with Erik.
Despite the adorableness of the romance, and how happy I was to read a romance that really takes it’s time developing its lead characters’ relationship, this book was a story about the process of grieving and letting go. As a person who’s recently been through that exact thing, I felt that that aspect of the book was very well portrayed. Erik and his dad were close, and losing him was a very heavy blow, which obviously translates into Erik’s difficulty in letting go and accepting such loss.
Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed was how it dealt with Erik’s anxiety disorder and panic attacks. Erik has insecurity issues, most of which are related to how his mental health affects his life and relationships. David, however, shows himself to be exactly what Erik needs, which for me, as a person with similar issues, was incredibly nice to read. It felt like a warm hug, like acceptance.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a short, sweet yet deep romance with a side of Spanish traditions and beautiful scenery.
Erik, a well known author, travels to Pamplona to see the festival his father loved so much and Erik himself never really payed attention to before. Seeing as it was an impulse-trip, saying Erik didn’t come prepared is kind of an understatement; He didn’t know how to actually get to the city, where to go when he got there and also didn’t have a room reservation in any hotel, which, during the busiest time of the year for the city presented a big problem. And that is when Erik meets David, a tourist guide who loves his city and it’s history, and is unwilling to abandon Erik to his own fate.
I really liked the whole feel of this book. You could clearly tell how much the author knows and loves Pamplona.
David and Erik’s romance is slow and sweet, and it was a pleasure to watch them slowly get to know and fall in love with one another. David is so sweet and so kindhearted it was impossible not to fall for him along with Erik.
Despite the adorableness of the romance, and how happy I was to read a romance that really takes it’s time developing its lead characters’ relationship, this book was a story about the process of grieving and letting go. As a person who’s recently been through that exact thing, I felt that that aspect of the book was very well portrayed. Erik and his dad were close, and losing him was a very heavy blow, which obviously translates into Erik’s difficulty in letting go and accepting such loss.
Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed was how it dealt with Erik’s anxiety disorder and panic attacks. Erik has insecurity issues, most of which are related to how his mental health affects his life and relationships. David, however, shows himself to be exactly what Erik needs, which for me, as a person with similar issues, was incredibly nice to read. It felt like a warm hug, like acceptance.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a short, sweet yet deep romance with a side of Spanish traditions and beautiful scenery.
May 17, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
For the Full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-ax3
From that review: " For the most part, the author delivered a delightful, layered story of recovery, connection, and closure that was also a romance. That's a lot for a book that includes a sightseeing trip to Pamplona, Spain for its well-known running of the bulls. Did I mention it's 86 pages long?
It starts off with a conversation between Erik and his father, someone who loves the City of Pamplona and goes yearly for the running of the bulls. Erik has never gone with him for a number of reasons that will be revealed. It's a typical father son talk but layered over with the painful foreknowledge for the reader. We know what's coming..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and other things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
For the Full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-ax3
From that review: " For the most part, the author delivered a delightful, layered story of recovery, connection, and closure that was also a romance. That's a lot for a book that includes a sightseeing trip to Pamplona, Spain for its well-known running of the bulls. Did I mention it's 86 pages long?
It starts off with a conversation between Erik and his father, someone who loves the City of Pamplona and goes yearly for the running of the bulls. Erik has never gone with him for a number of reasons that will be revealed. It's a typical father son talk but layered over with the painful foreknowledge for the reader. We know what's coming..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and other things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
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