Once again, I'm giving a Flora Kidd book an extra star for background info; in this case, Colombia, its cities and countryside, as well as some of the customs and culture. The same goes for the history of bullfighting, and the place it has in society (not always easy for an animal lover to appreciate).
The story itself could have been better, as the h, Sorrel, though understandably a bit overwhelmed by the enigmatic H, Juan, went overboard when it came to running away, having made four attempts (one successful, the others thwarted) to escape from facing her feelings for a man whose country, culture, ideas and outlook on life seemed so different from her own, not to mention his dangerous profession.
For a woman who prided herself on being sensible, Sorrel more often acted TSTL, like when she fell for a married man (she's a physiotherapist and he was a patient of hers) and allowed herself to believe he and his estranged wife would divorce, then was thrown for a loop by their reconciliation. (This happens offscreen, so to speak, as Sorrel thinks about him in the beginning of the book, then he's never mentioned again.) While it wasn't an affair (not sure they even kissed), it was pretty unethical - as well as dumb - to get romantically involved with a patient.
Then, she shows more foolishness in believing the words of a troublemaking woman, Isabella, who not only causes problems between Sorrel and Juan, but almost wrecks the marriage of the SC, Monica and Ramon. These two were also foolish to be influenced so much by Isabella, and for all her conniving and manipulation, she doesn't get the comeuppance she deserves.
So much of this book was wasted time, which should have been devoted to Sorrel and Juan together. It would have been better if Ms. Kidd had focused more on Juan's career as a matador, which Sorrel wasn't happy about, and the effect it had on their life together. That would have made for a better story.