Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
This was an emotional story about two people with deep-seated family issues that kept them from wanting committed relationships. As the oldest in her family, Isabella ended up caring for her four younger siblings when first her mother, then her father, passed away. Once the last one moved out, she was free to live her life as she wanted. But with that freedom came some hard feelings because it felt like her brothers and sisters couldn't wait to get away from her. So she was a bit of a mess regarding family relationships.
Carlos grew up in Cuba as the son of a single mother. He never knew his father and resented that he abandoned her when she needed him. He spent his childhood fending off bullies and haters because of his illegitimacy, leaving him determined never to put a child through the same thing. After his mother's death, Carlos discovered that he had an uncle living in Barcelona, so he moved there to get to know the only family he had left.
Isabella and Carlos are both medical professionals. Isabella is an EMT, and Carlos works as an ER nurse. They met on the beach when both came to the rescue of a tourist in distress. They work together as if they'd been partners for years, and when the crisis is over, they decide to spend a little more time together. Drinks turn into more, and they part ways the next morning, not expecting to see each other again. They are shocked when they meet again two months later, as Isabella delivers a patient to the ER. Isabella plans to maintain her distance but, in an ironic series of circumstances, discovers she's pregnant with Carlos's baby.
I felt for Isabella and her shock and dismay. A baby had never been in her plans for her future. Now that it is, she gears herself up to handle things on her own, just as she always has. I liked that she didn't keep the news from Carlos even though she expected nothing from him. Carlos was shocked, but he immediately let Isabella know he was there for her, no matter what she needed. He won't put a mother and child through what he experienced.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Isabella and Carlos. He is determined to get to know her better though Isabella tries to keep some distance between them. It doesn't take long for Carlos's easy-going nature to get past her defenses, and a sweet friendship grows between them. Because of their work schedules, their time together is limited, so they cram a lot in when they get together. I loved seeing how well they got along and how much they had in common. They have so much fun together, from sightseeing to dancing. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow, but their fears keep them from saying anything.
Those fears take center stage when Isabella panics over something Carlos says and pulls away, saying some hurtful things and breaking off their growing relationship. I ached for Carlos, who wants Isabella and their child in his life. Turning to his uncle for comfort and advice opens up a new set of shocking revelations that leave him reeling. Carlos is left with a lot to think about and apply to what he's always believed. I liked seeing him use what he's learned in the situation with him and Isabella.
Meanwhile, Isabella has an eye-opening conversation with one of her brothers. They are shocked to discover that they have entirely misinterpreted each other's actions and attitudes since the family has grown and gone their separate ways. I loved seeing Isabella and Diego take the first steps toward reuniting the family. I liked Diego's advice to her and that she wastes no time following it. Their big moment at the end was sweet and romantic, and the epilogue was terrific.
One of my favorite things about the book was seeing Barcelona through the eyes of Isabella and Carlos. As a native of the city, Isabella loves showing it off to Carlos, and I loved being part of the tour. With a trip planned to Barcelona over the holidays this year, I found many things to add to my "must-see" list. I will certainly make reservations for the restaurant they went to - it looks fantastic! The fountain reminds me of Las Vegas's Bellagio fountain, and I'm looking forward to the Sagrada Familia. I will definitely read the rest of the series and see if any other sights jump out at me.
#netgalley
Carlos grew up in Cuba as the son of a single mother. He never knew his father and resented that he abandoned her when she needed him. He spent his childhood fending off bullies and haters because of his illegitimacy, leaving him determined never to put a child through the same thing. After his mother's death, Carlos discovered that he had an uncle living in Barcelona, so he moved there to get to know the only family he had left.
Isabella and Carlos are both medical professionals. Isabella is an EMT, and Carlos works as an ER nurse. They met on the beach when both came to the rescue of a tourist in distress. They work together as if they'd been partners for years, and when the crisis is over, they decide to spend a little more time together. Drinks turn into more, and they part ways the next morning, not expecting to see each other again. They are shocked when they meet again two months later, as Isabella delivers a patient to the ER. Isabella plans to maintain her distance but, in an ironic series of circumstances, discovers she's pregnant with Carlos's baby.
I felt for Isabella and her shock and dismay. A baby had never been in her plans for her future. Now that it is, she gears herself up to handle things on her own, just as she always has. I liked that she didn't keep the news from Carlos even though she expected nothing from him. Carlos was shocked, but he immediately let Isabella know he was there for her, no matter what she needed. He won't put a mother and child through what he experienced.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Isabella and Carlos. He is determined to get to know her better though Isabella tries to keep some distance between them. It doesn't take long for Carlos's easy-going nature to get past her defenses, and a sweet friendship grows between them. Because of their work schedules, their time together is limited, so they cram a lot in when they get together. I loved seeing how well they got along and how much they had in common. They have so much fun together, from sightseeing to dancing. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow, but their fears keep them from saying anything.
Those fears take center stage when Isabella panics over something Carlos says and pulls away, saying some hurtful things and breaking off their growing relationship. I ached for Carlos, who wants Isabella and their child in his life. Turning to his uncle for comfort and advice opens up a new set of shocking revelations that leave him reeling. Carlos is left with a lot to think about and apply to what he's always believed. I liked seeing him use what he's learned in the situation with him and Isabella.
Meanwhile, Isabella has an eye-opening conversation with one of her brothers. They are shocked to discover that they have entirely misinterpreted each other's actions and attitudes since the family has grown and gone their separate ways. I loved seeing Isabella and Diego take the first steps toward reuniting the family. I liked Diego's advice to her and that she wastes no time following it. Their big moment at the end was sweet and romantic, and the epilogue was terrific.
One of my favorite things about the book was seeing Barcelona through the eyes of Isabella and Carlos. As a native of the city, Isabella loves showing it off to Carlos, and I loved being part of the tour. With a trip planned to Barcelona over the holidays this year, I found many things to add to my "must-see" list. I will certainly make reservations for the restaurant they went to - it looks fantastic! The fountain reminds me of Las Vegas's Bellagio fountain, and I'm looking forward to the Sagrada Familia. I will definitely read the rest of the series and see if any other sights jump out at me.
#netgalley
