What I look for in literature besides beautiful prose and captivating characters is a story that will stretch me. Personally, I don’t usually find this in the romance genre, which is one of the reasons I don’t tend to enjoy it as much. However, Spanish Surrender has me rethinking my prejudice hard.
Here’s the premise-
After her vacation plans are hijacked by her boss, Simone Price has to spend a week in Spain learning anything she can about the culture, history, and people of this beautiful country so that she can convince a small publishing house to sell their business to the corporation she works for. Success in this endeavor will likely lead her to her promotion and everything she’s been working so hard for all these years. Loreto Molina is tasked with guiding this woman through the country, providing tours, insights, and translations. The two struggle to make nice at first, but as the tension between them builds, the depth in these characters is revealed and passionate encounters result in the most lovely of prose. Complications between such culturally different people is inevitable and Simone and Loreto are forced to reassess their dreams and desires before going forward.
This book is rich with Spanish culture and history which I absolutely loved. It provided some fun learning and insights that probably can’t be found by a simple google search. There are so many beautiful details; I could practically imagine myself in Spain. The imagery is superb, which I think was essential as the setting of this book was practically a character. From architecture to food- I could see/taste it all.
The difference between Loreto and Simone’s thought process and way of life led to many conversations between them that I thought were really interesting. Like how Spain’s more relaxed attitude about work doesn’t lessen their productivity- working hard and enjoying life can occur simultaneously. These characters were really engaging and I enjoyed their strengths and flaws equally as well as the growth they accomplish.
I can’t believe I’m admitting this but I was very much rooting for that blockbuster ending where everyone admits their true feelings and live happily ever after. Maybe it was the desert heat or the hours (and I mean hours) I spent at the airport reading and finishing this novel (I’ve heard airports have that type of magical power- re: love actually) or perhaps Spangler’s writing is just that good. I actually really wanted these two to find a HEA together which was an unusual, yet welcomed feeling after reading this book. The ending to this book was beautiful and satisfying.
Follow Spangler on Twitter: @RachelSpangler and Instagram: @authorrachelspangler