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Spanish Surrender
Simone and Loreto don’t have to like each other. They only need to work together, but the heat and the history around them and between them conspires to demand so much more.
When Simone Price lands in southern Spain, she has one job upon which the future of her entire career She must convince a small, Spanish publishing house to sell their business to her much larger American corporation. The job should be easy, but many others have failed. Refusing to repeat their mistakes, she hires a guide, translator, and purveyor of Andalucían culture for the week leading up to her big meeting.
The plan seems simple enough until she meets Loreto Molina, and it quickly becomes apparent that Loreto knows more than her casual demeanor might suggest. The complications only escalate as the two set out on a scorching path through a region that shatters all expectations. As their time together stretches on, both women must confront not only their assumptions about each other, but also their own world views amidst a steamy landscape of temptation, power, purpose and raw attraction. Spain acts as both catalyst and conduit for unearthing desires long buried and threatening carefully planned futures.
As the stakes and emotions rise like the hot, unrelenting sun, Simone and Loreto fight to hold onto the ideals they hold dear, but what if the only way for either of them to truly win is to surrender?
When Simone Price lands in southern Spain, she has one job upon which the future of her entire career She must convince a small, Spanish publishing house to sell their business to her much larger American corporation. The job should be easy, but many others have failed. Refusing to repeat their mistakes, she hires a guide, translator, and purveyor of Andalucían culture for the week leading up to her big meeting.
The plan seems simple enough until she meets Loreto Molina, and it quickly becomes apparent that Loreto knows more than her casual demeanor might suggest. The complications only escalate as the two set out on a scorching path through a region that shatters all expectations. As their time together stretches on, both women must confront not only their assumptions about each other, but also their own world views amidst a steamy landscape of temptation, power, purpose and raw attraction. Spain acts as both catalyst and conduit for unearthing desires long buried and threatening carefully planned futures.
As the stakes and emotions rise like the hot, unrelenting sun, Simone and Loreto fight to hold onto the ideals they hold dear, but what if the only way for either of them to truly win is to surrender?
292 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2019
35 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Spangler
33 books855 followersRachel Spangler never set out to be an award winning author. She was just so poor and so easily bored during her college years that she had to come up with creative ways to entertain herself, and her first novel, Learning Curve, was born out of one such attempt. She was sincerely surprised when it was accepted for publication and even more shocked when it won the Golden Crown Literary Award for Debut Author. She also won a Goldie for her second novel, Trails Merge. Since writing is more fun than a real job, and so much cheaper than therapy, Rachel continued to type away, leading to the publication of The Long Way Home and LoveLife. She plans to continue writing as long as anyone anywhere will keep reading.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 6, 2020
I love Spangler so much that I had to pull this out of the DNF (Did not finish) pile and make an honest attempt at finishing it. To be honest, it was a struggle up until the 67% mark. Then it began to have a pulse.
Simone is a major publishing house shark that is in Spain to have her first vacation in forever. But then gets called to go in for the kill and bid for a company for the sole purpose of gaining rights to one author's body of work. But in order to seal the deal, she will have to learn about the customs and general essence of Spain in order to win them over.
So she finds herself attached to Loretto, a sexy soft butch tour guide who lives life quite the opposite of strict-schedule-loving Simone.
So let's get down to it. I originally marked this as DNF because I was bored. But I have to tell you that many of you probably wouldn't be. Spangler takes the reader on a journey of discovery through Spain. You feel like you are on tour with Simone and Loretto. She was clearly so passionate about this place and tried to do it justice. If you love history and learning and have a desire to learn about Spain, then you will be very delighted with this. If you are like me, and find history lessons repellent, then this will be hard to get through.
I battled through all of that because I love Rachel Spangler, Darn it. It didn't sit well with me that I had one of her books in my DNF list when I have adored all of her books to the grade of 4 and 5 stars. I'm glad that I did, because the last part was really good. I suppose that the amount of conflict and arguments Loretto and Simone had led to a bigger payoff when they began to shed their protective barriers. I had a lump in my throat the entire remaining 33%, trying to safeguard my OWN heart.
The first part I am giving a 2 and the last part a 5. So overall, this gets a 3 star rating. It seems like a shame, given how much the ending touched me. But I really can't rate something I almost DNF'd twice higher than that. So sorry to Rachel Spangler. I do adore your writing. It isn't your fault that I am deficient the desire for history lessons.
I DO recommend this to people who like to read about history, Spain, romance, ice queen, enemies to lovers, arguments, politics, citizenship, publishing, really hot intimate scenes, and violent monkeys.
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You aren't going to believe this but...
I cannot get through this new Rachel Spangler book. It is a snooze fest. I am 30% through and literally nothing has happened except the butch tour guide giving a history of Spain. I don't even like either of the main characters. At all. I just can't.
Very surprising. I think I have rated every Rachel Spangler book I've read as 5 star. Most, of them at least.
Wish I wouldn't have bought this.
Simone is a major publishing house shark that is in Spain to have her first vacation in forever. But then gets called to go in for the kill and bid for a company for the sole purpose of gaining rights to one author's body of work. But in order to seal the deal, she will have to learn about the customs and general essence of Spain in order to win them over.
So she finds herself attached to Loretto, a sexy soft butch tour guide who lives life quite the opposite of strict-schedule-loving Simone.
So let's get down to it. I originally marked this as DNF because I was bored. But I have to tell you that many of you probably wouldn't be. Spangler takes the reader on a journey of discovery through Spain. You feel like you are on tour with Simone and Loretto. She was clearly so passionate about this place and tried to do it justice. If you love history and learning and have a desire to learn about Spain, then you will be very delighted with this. If you are like me, and find history lessons repellent, then this will be hard to get through.
I battled through all of that because I love Rachel Spangler, Darn it. It didn't sit well with me that I had one of her books in my DNF list when I have adored all of her books to the grade of 4 and 5 stars. I'm glad that I did, because the last part was really good. I suppose that the amount of conflict and arguments Loretto and Simone had led to a bigger payoff when they began to shed their protective barriers. I had a lump in my throat the entire remaining 33%, trying to safeguard my OWN heart.
The first part I am giving a 2 and the last part a 5. So overall, this gets a 3 star rating. It seems like a shame, given how much the ending touched me. But I really can't rate something I almost DNF'd twice higher than that. So sorry to Rachel Spangler. I do adore your writing. It isn't your fault that I am deficient the desire for history lessons.
I DO recommend this to people who like to read about history, Spain, romance, ice queen, enemies to lovers, arguments, politics, citizenship, publishing, really hot intimate scenes, and violent monkeys.
-----
You aren't going to believe this but...
I cannot get through this new Rachel Spangler book. It is a snooze fest. I am 30% through and literally nothing has happened except the butch tour guide giving a history of Spain. I don't even like either of the main characters. At all. I just can't.
Very surprising. I think I have rated every Rachel Spangler book I've read as 5 star. Most, of them at least.
Wish I wouldn't have bought this.
July 22, 2019
As a Spaniard I love lesbian books with Spanish main characters or travels through Spain. So this book got my attention immediately, as "Spanish Heart" did a few years ago. And for your information, yes, Ren and Lina, the main characters of "Spanish Heart", show up and make a cameo in this book.
Of course I liked this book. It's always very interesting a foreign point of view of my country and my culture. But I hope next time Ms. Rachel Spangler will be a little more thorough with the Spanish translations. Not overly terrible but could be better. A couple of examples:
"Corazones Española": "Corazones" is a male plural noun while "Española" is a feminine singular adjective. So it should be "Corazones Españoles" or "Corazón Español".
"Que paso?" (What happened?): That's Mexican Spanish! In Spain it's "Qué ha pasado?".
I specially liked the mention at the end of the book of Editorial Egales, a well-known Spanish LGBT publisher. A very thoughtful detail.
All in all, very well done!
Of course I liked this book. It's always very interesting a foreign point of view of my country and my culture. But I hope next time Ms. Rachel Spangler will be a little more thorough with the Spanish translations. Not overly terrible but could be better. A couple of examples:
"Corazones Española": "Corazones" is a male plural noun while "Española" is a feminine singular adjective. So it should be "Corazones Españoles" or "Corazón Español".
"Que paso?" (What happened?): That's Mexican Spanish! In Spain it's "Qué ha pasado?".
I specially liked the mention at the end of the book of Editorial Egales, a well-known Spanish LGBT publisher. A very thoughtful detail.
All in all, very well done!
July 21, 2019
She had me at "Andalucía."
This is a good book, but the setting was what made it for me. I've been to most of the places mentioned in this book. The history, the details... It was written with so much love and respect.
I consider Malaga my third home, so it was great to read a LesFic with that backdrop. Rachel Spangler captured the city's atmosphere and vibe perfectly.
This is a good book, but the setting was what made it for me. I've been to most of the places mentioned in this book. The history, the details... It was written with so much love and respect.
I consider Malaga my third home, so it was great to read a LesFic with that backdrop. Rachel Spangler captured the city's atmosphere and vibe perfectly.
October 25, 2019
I’m trying to think what to put here. Mmphs. I mean sure, there’s the easy stuff, so I’ll do the easy stuff and then think if there is more. The book has two point of views, Simone Price and Loreto No-Last-Name (she’s secretive about her past, and stuff, but her last name might have come up at some point).
Simone Price is a self-described ‘closer’. She works in the publishing business, and is, reluctantly, in Spain to attempt to buy a small ‘Mom-and-Pop’ publishing house simply to ‘get’ a specific author. Reluctantly not because she didn’t want to be in Spain, or anything like that, but because she was supposed to be spending the week on vacation for the first time in like decade(s). I’ve a vague idea she’s probably in her 30s, though I do not recall if an actual age was given. She has blonde hair, which I mention because the other character keeps calling her ‘the blonde’ in Spanish.
Lereto might be around thirty (I think there was a comment either about her wandering to Spain in her mid-twenties (to which the other said something like ‘so the last five years?’), or she’d said something like ‘I’ve bene here for five years’ and the other said something like ‘so you are thirty now?’). Eh, whatever. Let’s restart this paragraph.
Lereto is somewhere around Simone’s age. Has been in Spain for something like the last five years, and somewhere along the line got a job as a tour guide in Spain (giving the author the opportunity to have a beginning of the book and ending of the book (and brief glimpse elsewhere in the book) of the two main characters of Spanish Heart, a book I’ve not read).
The book opens when Ren and Lina find out that Lereto has, once again, slept with one of the people on her tour. They’d previously extracted a promise (or warned her?) about sleeping with the students on the tour; to which Lereto counters that she didn’t sleep with a student, but with the teacher. It’s not outright stated but implied, but this is something like the 900th ‘second chance’ Ren and Lina have given Lereto, and so they decide to force her to take time off working for them directly. (The way I’ve worded things reminds me that it the book might have started with Simone in control at the beginning of the book). I forget now if they’d told her this before or after bumping into Simone. Which is important because they’ve decided to put the two together and suggest Simone to hire Lereto, and suggest to Lereto to take the job.
And so – the two main leads of the book are thrust together as employee-employer. With Lereto operating as a guide and translator for Simone. Simone is in the country to buy a specific book publisher, as noted, who seems very reluctant to sell. And so Simone believes she needs to ‘get a feel’ of Spain, and learn as much as possible of its culture and ways. And that’s what Lereto is specifically hired to guide Simone through h- a cultural examination of the country and people.
Lereto is an angry person, and has been so for a very long time. Borderline self-destructive, but ‘trying to get better’. Simone is a ‘work hard, play hard’ type person, who doesn’t have much of a middle ground. Therefore the two clash early and constantly. And continue to do so throughout the rest of the book. Even when their relationship morphs into include sex. Which was somewhat awkward with Lereto getting paid a massive amount of money each day.
The culture stuff was interesting. The romance between the two was good.
Rating: 4.80
October 25 2019
Simone Price is a self-described ‘closer’. She works in the publishing business, and is, reluctantly, in Spain to attempt to buy a small ‘Mom-and-Pop’ publishing house simply to ‘get’ a specific author. Reluctantly not because she didn’t want to be in Spain, or anything like that, but because she was supposed to be spending the week on vacation for the first time in like decade(s). I’ve a vague idea she’s probably in her 30s, though I do not recall if an actual age was given. She has blonde hair, which I mention because the other character keeps calling her ‘the blonde’ in Spanish.
Lereto might be around thirty (I think there was a comment either about her wandering to Spain in her mid-twenties (to which the other said something like ‘so the last five years?’), or she’d said something like ‘I’ve bene here for five years’ and the other said something like ‘so you are thirty now?’). Eh, whatever. Let’s restart this paragraph.
Lereto is somewhere around Simone’s age. Has been in Spain for something like the last five years, and somewhere along the line got a job as a tour guide in Spain (giving the author the opportunity to have a beginning of the book and ending of the book (and brief glimpse elsewhere in the book) of the two main characters of Spanish Heart, a book I’ve not read).
The book opens when Ren and Lina find out that Lereto has, once again, slept with one of the people on her tour. They’d previously extracted a promise (or warned her?) about sleeping with the students on the tour; to which Lereto counters that she didn’t sleep with a student, but with the teacher. It’s not outright stated but implied, but this is something like the 900th ‘second chance’ Ren and Lina have given Lereto, and so they decide to force her to take time off working for them directly. (The way I’ve worded things reminds me that it the book might have started with Simone in control at the beginning of the book). I forget now if they’d told her this before or after bumping into Simone. Which is important because they’ve decided to put the two together and suggest Simone to hire Lereto, and suggest to Lereto to take the job.
And so – the two main leads of the book are thrust together as employee-employer. With Lereto operating as a guide and translator for Simone. Simone is in the country to buy a specific book publisher, as noted, who seems very reluctant to sell. And so Simone believes she needs to ‘get a feel’ of Spain, and learn as much as possible of its culture and ways. And that’s what Lereto is specifically hired to guide Simone through h- a cultural examination of the country and people.
Lereto is an angry person, and has been so for a very long time. Borderline self-destructive, but ‘trying to get better’. Simone is a ‘work hard, play hard’ type person, who doesn’t have much of a middle ground. Therefore the two clash early and constantly. And continue to do so throughout the rest of the book. Even when their relationship morphs into include sex. Which was somewhat awkward with Lereto getting paid a massive amount of money each day.
The culture stuff was interesting. The romance between the two was good.
Rating: 4.80
October 25 2019
July 31, 2019
Just a quick note on this one. I thought it was fantastic. The settings, culture, MC's, et. all. I'm somewhat hit or miss on Spangler books but this one really worked for me. It felt very organic, not forced or contrived and the MC's actually acted like adults, which I truly appreciated.
November 12, 2019
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but what I got was beyond expectations. I love reading about places, as I always imagine myself visiting them and playing out the events of books I read set in those places. And this book made me crave Spain so badly. I've always been fascinated by this country, and this book just added to that fascination.
I knew of Alhambra from a TV series I saw and that allowed me to imagine the scenes and god that made the book so much better. And I can't talk enough about the characters. I loved Simone and Loreto. They were such contrasting characters, and I loved reading about their arguments and conflicts. And the romance just made it so much better. I don't know why, the Spanish backdrop made this all the more dramatic to me.
I think I've found a new favourite author. It all began with 'Timeless'. That book ripped me apart and this book has influenced me in its own way. I believe that novels have raised me and built my beliefs and ideas. So I'm so glad this book is one of them :)
I knew of Alhambra from a TV series I saw and that allowed me to imagine the scenes and god that made the book so much better. And I can't talk enough about the characters. I loved Simone and Loreto. They were such contrasting characters, and I loved reading about their arguments and conflicts. And the romance just made it so much better. I don't know why, the Spanish backdrop made this all the more dramatic to me.
I think I've found a new favourite author. It all began with 'Timeless'. That book ripped me apart and this book has influenced me in its own way. I believe that novels have raised me and built my beliefs and ideas. So I'm so glad this book is one of them :)
July 8, 2019
After reading Edge of Glory and Love All, I thought I'd found a new auto-buy in Rachel Spangler. But Spanish Surrender really disappointed me. It's not awful, but the chemistry between the two lead characters feels forced to me. The too-hard-worker-who-learns-to-appreciate-life trope has been much more successfully done elsewhere (e.g., Good's Tropical Storm, Miller's Accidental Love, Jae's Under a Falling Star, and on and on).
Also, a truly substantial portion of this book makes you feel like you're being lectured to. And not in a good way. Spangler (via a character) lectures us on the vibrancy of the Spanish economy without the understanding that even a cursory Wikipedia investigation would have given. Such a wonderful economy, such a powerhouse, but with such balanced lives! Says the American who briefly vacationed in Spain. The actual Spanish economy, boosted for a while by a huge influx of money from northern Europe, cratered and is still in the long, slow process of digging out (held back by the euro and Germany's intolerance of inflation). Unemployment topped 26%, with youth unemployment over 55%. Unemployment in the US has never been this bad, ever, not even during the height of the Great Depression. And hold off on the anecdotes of work-life balance and a laid-back culture - note that the unemployment rate measures those trying to find work and unable to. And even within Spain, Andalucía is among the worst-off regions.
So this book is a mostly uninspiring romance, an ill-informed lecture, and an abrasive polemic. The last may be justified, but isn't something I want in my romances. Spangler is a very good writer, speaking in a technical sense, and certainly has the capability to craft a delightful story. And this isn't a bad book per se - it's just very much not to my tastes. Your mileage may vary.
Also, a truly substantial portion of this book makes you feel like you're being lectured to. And not in a good way. Spangler (via a character) lectures us on the vibrancy of the Spanish economy without the understanding that even a cursory Wikipedia investigation would have given. Such a wonderful economy, such a powerhouse, but with such balanced lives! Says the American who briefly vacationed in Spain. The actual Spanish economy, boosted for a while by a huge influx of money from northern Europe, cratered and is still in the long, slow process of digging out (held back by the euro and Germany's intolerance of inflation). Unemployment topped 26%, with youth unemployment over 55%. Unemployment in the US has never been this bad, ever, not even during the height of the Great Depression. And hold off on the anecdotes of work-life balance and a laid-back culture - note that the unemployment rate measures those trying to find work and unable to. And even within Spain, Andalucía is among the worst-off regions.
So this book is a mostly uninspiring romance, an ill-informed lecture, and an abrasive polemic. The last may be justified, but isn't something I want in my romances. Spangler is a very good writer, speaking in a technical sense, and certainly has the capability to craft a delightful story. And this isn't a bad book per se - it's just very much not to my tastes. Your mileage may vary.
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February 2, 2021Este libro es asombroso! That could be Spanish for ‘this book is amazing!’ or it could be Spanish for ‘I have travelled to Spain through Rachel Spangler’s fabulous novel ‘Spanish Surrender’ and you must as well, I implore you’.
Coincidentally, I read ‘Spanish Surrender’ only two weeks after reading ‘Spanish Heart’, and if I hadn’t checked the front covers, I would have stated categorically that two different people had written the stories. This is how much Spangler has improved as an author. Clearly, she has a deep love for Spain, the culture and the language, but instead of sounding like a travel blog where the writer travels to Spain, meets a couple of locals, eats some tapas, and declares themselves a citizen with voting rights, this novel is a beautiful tapestry, where the stories of the people, their connection to their country and the psychology of place is woven around Loreto and Simone’s relationship.
The relationship is quick. Like, speak-glare-drink-eat-glare-kiss-sigh-sex-angst-sex, then moving-continents-uprooting-my-whole-life level of quick. But, if it’s love, it’s love. Right?
The MCs have a baking-soda-and-vinegar-level of chemistry for half the story, which is explosive, and fun to watch, but then when Simone stops being so bloody obtuse and judgemental, and Loreto pulls her head out of her arse, they are delightful together. Cheering on love from the sidelines.
I had to Google the Spanish that I used at the top of this review, which is terrific because it means that the novel didn’t try to teach me a foreign language. Instead, this novel invited me into the language’s home, offered me a drink, and told me a story.
See more at https://lesreveur.com
Coincidentally, I read ‘Spanish Surrender’ only two weeks after reading ‘Spanish Heart’, and if I hadn’t checked the front covers, I would have stated categorically that two different people had written the stories. This is how much Spangler has improved as an author. Clearly, she has a deep love for Spain, the culture and the language, but instead of sounding like a travel blog where the writer travels to Spain, meets a couple of locals, eats some tapas, and declares themselves a citizen with voting rights, this novel is a beautiful tapestry, where the stories of the people, their connection to their country and the psychology of place is woven around Loreto and Simone’s relationship.
The relationship is quick. Like, speak-glare-drink-eat-glare-kiss-sigh-sex-angst-sex, then moving-continents-uprooting-my-whole-life level of quick. But, if it’s love, it’s love. Right?
The MCs have a baking-soda-and-vinegar-level of chemistry for half the story, which is explosive, and fun to watch, but then when Simone stops being so bloody obtuse and judgemental, and Loreto pulls her head out of her arse, they are delightful together. Cheering on love from the sidelines.
I had to Google the Spanish that I used at the top of this review, which is terrific because it means that the novel didn’t try to teach me a foreign language. Instead, this novel invited me into the language’s home, offered me a drink, and told me a story.
See more at https://lesreveur.com
July 19, 2019
Simone has worked all her life to slowly move up the ranks at a publishing house, so that one day when she's in charge she can publish the stories she wants to tell. So when her boss hijacks her first real holiday in years and turns it into a business trip to pull in a small Spanish publishing house into their larger one, she doesn't hesitate. She hires Loreto, a local tour guide, to show her around the region so that she can woo the clients. The two women clash over just about everything, but there's something simmering between them. Are the women too different? Or is it their differences that make them stronger?
Rachel Spangler's writing is off the charts amazing. Every single book is better than the last! The writing style is gorgeous, I love the way the setting is used to draw the reader in. It was so real, I could feel the heat, see the vibrant colours, and smell the olive groves and the salty maritime air. Simone and Loreto are incredible characters, strong and independent and brilliant in their own ways. Spangler has such a way of writing that I immediately connect to the characters, and it fells like a comfortable friendship between the reader and the characters. This only acts to fuel the reader's investment in their relationship, which was absolute FIRE. The sexual tension and chemistry was insane, and it was only heightened by the way Spangler portrayed the slow deepening of their feelings for each other.
As perfect as the characters, the writing, the romance, and the chemistry was, there was another important layer to the story. Loreto's story. I don't want to spoil it. But this part of the story was heart-wrenching and an important reminder of the privileges we might have and that we take for granted. I hope this book can be an enjoyable romance but also an important conversation starter, especially in the time we're living in right now.
I just recently read Spanish Heart so it was nice to catch a glimpse of where Ren and Lia ended up. There's no need to read Spanish Heart before this one, Ren and Lia have a minor role in the story, but it's an extra special treat for those who have.
I highly recommend this book and any other by this author. I'm looking forward to Fire and Ice to come soon!
Rachel Spangler's writing is off the charts amazing. Every single book is better than the last! The writing style is gorgeous, I love the way the setting is used to draw the reader in. It was so real, I could feel the heat, see the vibrant colours, and smell the olive groves and the salty maritime air. Simone and Loreto are incredible characters, strong and independent and brilliant in their own ways. Spangler has such a way of writing that I immediately connect to the characters, and it fells like a comfortable friendship between the reader and the characters. This only acts to fuel the reader's investment in their relationship, which was absolute FIRE. The sexual tension and chemistry was insane, and it was only heightened by the way Spangler portrayed the slow deepening of their feelings for each other.
As perfect as the characters, the writing, the romance, and the chemistry was, there was another important layer to the story. Loreto's story. I don't want to spoil it. But this part of the story was heart-wrenching and an important reminder of the privileges we might have and that we take for granted. I hope this book can be an enjoyable romance but also an important conversation starter, especially in the time we're living in right now.
I just recently read Spanish Heart so it was nice to catch a glimpse of where Ren and Lia ended up. There's no need to read Spanish Heart before this one, Ren and Lia have a minor role in the story, but it's an extra special treat for those who have.
I highly recommend this book and any other by this author. I'm looking forward to Fire and Ice to come soon!
February 3, 2021
Simone Price is ambitious and hardworking, climbing her way up the ladder in a publishing house. Loreto Molina is a laidback, irreverent tour guide in Malaga. Simone’s holiday is Italy is hijacked by her work when she is sent to Spain to buy out a smaller publishing house in Malaga. Simone wants to quickly soak in everything Spain in a week so that she can convince the reluctant owners of the publishing house to sell. She engages Loreto to aid her quest for local culture and also to be her translator.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
July 16, 2019
Highly recommend this book. This is a very good book.
I enjoyed this book the characters were very well developed and likable. The tour of parts of Spain and the stories were well done. The love story was exciting and sweet. The story also told a story of the broken immigration system in this country and sending them back to a country they don't know. Very well written book highly recommend this book. Loved this book.
I enjoyed this book the characters were very well developed and likable. The tour of parts of Spain and the stories were well done. The love story was exciting and sweet. The story also told a story of the broken immigration system in this country and sending them back to a country they don't know. Very well written book highly recommend this book. Loved this book.
August 6, 2019
Excellent Book Club choice. A riveting drama with a healthy dose of sex. This is a hugely compelling novel. For most of the story I was waiting for Loreto to incinerate. Simone is a 40 year old who has made it her dream to reach the pinnacle of the publishing industry and the peak is within sight. She is called to Málaga , Andalusia Spain with a week's notice to make the pitch of a lifetime. With no time to learn anything about the business or the owners of a publishing house she seeks to succeed where everyone else has failed. Loreto is an enigma, she is foisted on Simone as her only hope of getting a tour guide and translator. They are like oil and water with Loreto calling her employer Blondie, but she has Simone over a barrel and Simone has no choice but to suck it up. They spend 6 days together because Simone feels the key to success is getting to absorb as much culture as Loreto can provide before she meets the publisher to pitch her purchase of their company. You will be tearing through every page to find out what happens next, there is excitement, drama and beauty on every page. You will also be planning your next vacation to be Andalusia. the author gives just the right amount of color and history. The ending is a beaut!
August 9, 2019
This book is the embodiment of the quote, “Reading can take you places you have never been before.”
I feel like I fell in love with Spain as much as Loreto and Simone did. As I googled the locations the MCs were travelling to, I had nothing but hope in my heart that someday, I'd get to see those places with my very own eyes.
What surprised me more about this book was, from reading the synopsis alone, it doesn't give you the impression that the book could contain deep emotions at play, let alone justify the extremity of these emotions. Yet, the story was able to do just that. And it was done beautifully.
You could feel the frustrations of the MCs are valid and timely. Spangler was able to delve into politics without sounding condescending. Reading this book was beyond educational, it's an experience in itself.
As for the romance, I am positive it takes unbelievable skill to convince us readers two characters could fall in love in a span of a few days. But guess what. Spangler has got that covered.
I feel like I fell in love with Spain as much as Loreto and Simone did. As I googled the locations the MCs were travelling to, I had nothing but hope in my heart that someday, I'd get to see those places with my very own eyes.
What surprised me more about this book was, from reading the synopsis alone, it doesn't give you the impression that the book could contain deep emotions at play, let alone justify the extremity of these emotions. Yet, the story was able to do just that. And it was done beautifully.
You could feel the frustrations of the MCs are valid and timely. Spangler was able to delve into politics without sounding condescending. Reading this book was beyond educational, it's an experience in itself.
As for the romance, I am positive it takes unbelievable skill to convince us readers two characters could fall in love in a span of a few days. But guess what. Spangler has got that covered.
November 27, 2019
Two different people, but what a journey..
Their journey starts in Spain and continues over several cities, where both spend a lot of time together and learn to like each other at first.
The story is full of beautiful description of scenery. It almost feels like you are there with both characters.
It is complex relationship, lots of push/pull, but I really liked the ending
Their journey starts in Spain and continues over several cities, where both spend a lot of time together and learn to like each other at first.
The story is full of beautiful description of scenery. It almost feels like you are there with both characters.
It is complex relationship, lots of push/pull, but I really liked the ending
July 19, 2019
Excellent story.
Five stars for excellent writing. Five stars for the compassionate handling of so called illegal persons or immigrants. This country needs more voices like this. Thank you.
Five stars for excellent writing. Five stars for the compassionate handling of so called illegal persons or immigrants. This country needs more voices like this. Thank you.
January 15, 2022
Plot: The book starts with Simone arriving in Spain with the intention of buying a publishing company for her employer. The publishing house has refused offers from other big American companies that seek to change the values and integrity of the Spanish publisher. Simone decides that she needs to understand the Spanish culture and priorities in order to properly manipulate the publishing house.
She hires Loreto to give her a crash course on Spanish culture. At first Simone tries to apply American values to her environment and struggles. Eventually Loreto is able to make her see that there are more important things than money.
As Simone starts to enjoy her time in Spain she also starts sleeping with Loreto. At first they both try to keep each other at arms length but as they start opening up to each other Simone is desperate to know more about Loreto.
Throughout the book Loreto obviously has some deep seeded anger about her nationality and government regulations of various countries. Simone accidentally upsets Loreto a couple times without understanding why since she doesn’t know Loreto’s backstory. Once Simone finds out what is troubling Loreto she is supportive of her. They finally are able to communicate without tiptoeing around a minefield of unknown issues and quickly settle into their HEA.
Characterization: Loreto was amusing when she was dealing with Simone struggling to acclimate to Spanish sensibilities but she was annoying when she kept snapping at Simone for something Simone had no idea about.
Simone starts the book off committed to the corporate grind. As she spends time with Loreto she learns that there is a better way for her to live a happier more balanced life.
Writing: This was written in third person perspective. Loreto continuously snapping at Simone and assuming that she would think the worst of her was irritating. It makes sense for Loreto to feel the way she does but she repeatedly punishes Simone without telling her why. By the end of the book I was tired of feeling preached at.
She hires Loreto to give her a crash course on Spanish culture. At first Simone tries to apply American values to her environment and struggles. Eventually Loreto is able to make her see that there are more important things than money.
As Simone starts to enjoy her time in Spain she also starts sleeping with Loreto. At first they both try to keep each other at arms length but as they start opening up to each other Simone is desperate to know more about Loreto.
Throughout the book Loreto obviously has some deep seeded anger about her nationality and government regulations of various countries. Simone accidentally upsets Loreto a couple times without understanding why since she doesn’t know Loreto’s backstory. Once Simone finds out what is troubling Loreto she is supportive of her. They finally are able to communicate without tiptoeing around a minefield of unknown issues and quickly settle into their HEA.
Characterization: Loreto was amusing when she was dealing with Simone struggling to acclimate to Spanish sensibilities but she was annoying when she kept snapping at Simone for something Simone had no idea about.
Simone starts the book off committed to the corporate grind. As she spends time with Loreto she learns that there is a better way for her to live a happier more balanced life.
Writing: This was written in third person perspective. Loreto continuously snapping at Simone and assuming that she would think the worst of her was irritating. It makes sense for Loreto to feel the way she does but she repeatedly punishes Simone without telling her why. By the end of the book I was tired of feeling preached at.
December 16, 2019
The Spanish heat and the levanter winds…you must surrender! Revisiting the AndalucÍa region through the pages of Spanish Surrender was hypnotic. The story is richly written in such flowing and lush language describing the regional scenery, then fold in the two M/C’s, Simone and Loreto. In such a feverish and enticing environment filled with exotic history serves as the perfect backdrop for these two strong-willed, fiercely independent, survivors of their own worlds, and smart. Loreto serves as a tour guide to the well-heeled, business savvy Simone, who is in Malaga, Spain to close a publishing house business deal. The personally secretive(for good reason) Loreto has met her match. Simone, as it turns out, will not turn out to be the usual “dumb-it-down” tourist to show a few sites too. Oh no! Both women have met their ultimate challenge. How to keep business, personal life, and physical attraction separated and business only. Read this story and watch it grow from “show me around” to the ultimate Spanish Surrender. Discover the beauty and history of the AndalucÍa region while witnessing the personal revolution of two people resisting, wanting, and letting go. Such an engaging story with an ending that was surprising. RECOMMEND!
October 14, 2019
First of all, I think it's necessary to point out that I´m a huge fan of Rachel Spangler´s work. I have read almost all of her books and ALWAYS it´s pleasure to sit and read her stories.
Although, this one, in particular, it´s not the case.
I hated both of main characthers. They were awful and they didn´t have ANY chemistry between they in-the-entire-book!
Simply I don´t know the point of this book. Probably the author would like to show us a great trip that she had in Spain, but sorry, this is not a book that you´ll feel the romance building in an foreing country and etc that it´s the foundation of any f/f book.
Although, this one, in particular, it´s not the case.
I hated both of main characthers. They were awful and they didn´t have ANY chemistry between they in-the-entire-book!
Simply I don´t know the point of this book. Probably the author would like to show us a great trip that she had in Spain, but sorry, this is not a book that you´ll feel the romance building in an foreing country and etc that it´s the foundation of any f/f book.
June 26, 2020
Disappointing
I loved the previous six books I've read from this author but this one fell flat for me. Unlike her other books, I didn't feel like I ever really got to know the main characters, and their relationship didn't drive the plot. Honestly, this read more like a tour book of Spain than a romance novel, complete with wordy descriptions that sounded like they were pulled straight from Wikipedia only loosely disguised as dialogue. I only made it about 40% through the book before I couldn't muster enough interest to continue reading. Love the author, just not this particular book.
I loved the previous six books I've read from this author but this one fell flat for me. Unlike her other books, I didn't feel like I ever really got to know the main characters, and their relationship didn't drive the plot. Honestly, this read more like a tour book of Spain than a romance novel, complete with wordy descriptions that sounded like they were pulled straight from Wikipedia only loosely disguised as dialogue. I only made it about 40% through the book before I couldn't muster enough interest to continue reading. Love the author, just not this particular book.
November 4, 2020
Spain, here I come.
This book gave me an insight to a country that has fascinated me for years, even after numerous visits. After reading this I have decided another visit is in the cards.
For those that enjoy a great romance filled with wonderful characters in exotic places, this is your book. The description of the characters surroundings will have in wonderful places without leaving you favourite reading spot.
Enjoy.
This book gave me an insight to a country that has fascinated me for years, even after numerous visits. After reading this I have decided another visit is in the cards.
For those that enjoy a great romance filled with wonderful characters in exotic places, this is your book. The description of the characters surroundings will have in wonderful places without leaving you favourite reading spot.
Enjoy.
August 22, 2019
So far this book is boring. I'm over 30% in and ain't nothing happened. I love Spanish culture and I appreciate the information but there's a reason I've always hated history. I knew this wanna gonna involve history when I bought it. And I was hesitant believe you me. I appreciate the variations of imagery and colourful descriptions but this show needs to get a move on!
February 8, 2020
This tale is an interesting combination of travelog, Spanish history lesson and personal growth with some romance thrown in for good measure. Through most of the story arc Simone and Loreto's relationship might best be described by the phrase "It's complicated." Despite long odds there is a satisfying, if slightly contrived, resolution with the expected HEA (and probably a little more sangria.)
August 13, 2020
Loved it
Now I’m quite biased as I adore Spain, but the way the author brought it to life was as good as the actual tale the book tells. I loved the two main characters and how they interacted and whilst to believe it took only a few days is not logical, it’s a fabulous story!
Now I’m quite biased as I adore Spain, but the way the author brought it to life was as good as the actual tale the book tells. I loved the two main characters and how they interacted and whilst to believe it took only a few days is not logical, it’s a fabulous story!
February 21, 2021
There is just something about one saying really spiteful things to the other and then comes back without a heartfelt apology that just never sits right with my soul. You hurt someone and you actually know you hurt them and then you don't sincerely ask for forgiveness.. Nope.
July 15, 2020
How to experience Spain without leaving your chair
I loved learning all about Spain through the author’s eyes. I feel like I have just returned from a wonderous trip.
I loved learning all about Spain through the author’s eyes. I feel like I have just returned from a wonderous trip.
October 28, 2022
This was a beautiful book. I think the love story is wonderful and flows perfectly. I wish that the epilogue was longer. I'd love to read a sequel!
August 6, 2023
So good I stayed up until almost 2am to finish it!
July 21, 2025
The ideology expressed in this story is disgusting
August 25, 2025
makes me want to fall in love
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