6 Mateo Stars
I have been seeing a lot of Karina Halle books on my Goodreads and Facebook feeds but it wasn't until Love, in English came out that I 1-clicked her book with no hesitation. So as much as I would love to say I bought it because of the author's writing, I'd say the cover and the synopsis hypnotized me instead. (As of this writing, I have yet to write my Love, in English review)
I am incredibly happy that I read LiE, that book and everything about it reeled me in and left me wanting more. When Karina Halle announced Mateo's POV will happen, I was beyond myself with excitement! I've always wanted to get in Mateo's head, get a feel on his emotions, see how his mind and feelings work. I wanted to know more about him and about Vera and their relationship from the other party, his side. That's what I got.
Love, in Spanish is all Mateo's thoughts. He was passionate, in every sense of the word, arresting, and absolutely compelling. Karina Halle is a stunning storyteller. Her talent in writing each word will bewitch you, every sentence will seduce your feelings, and the overall story will captivate you. It did me. The first words that Mateo voiced had me on a trance, it was emotional, heartfelt and I just couldn't stop. I had tears in my eyes reading those words he wants to say to Vera.
I love even more that this is not a re-telling of Love, in English. This is a completely new book that happens after LiE and Mateo and Vera are now facing new challenges in their relationship. Changes are happening, in Mateo's career, in Vera's lack of one, the public perception of their relationship, it's like now they are being tested to find out how strong their love for each other is and until what depths they will go through to keep what they have. I was holding my breath for most of the time because I don't know how things will end for them. Of course, I'm optimistic for their happily-ever-after, I want, need that for them, but their circumstances are a bit different from all the love stories I've read and which ever way this ends will somehow make sense. It can go my way, the HEA way, or it can go the other way, and that's what kept me on edge. I kept going though, because it's like I was watching a good drama on TV.
Mateo, being older, I expected him to be mature and controlled, and he was. There are times it was easy to picture him as younger man with how much love and intensity he have for Vera, yet at the same time, how vulnerable his feelings are when it comes to her. As fierce as his love for Vera is, he is also terrified what their future holds for them. And I understand him, I was kept on edge, remember? In Love, in English, I was partial to my feelings for Mateo although I didn't think poorly of him or judged him like the others, but in reading his words, feeling his voice in the Mateo and Vera love story, I can now say that I love this man. I love that he is still a father first but being a friend and a lover to Vera comes in close second. I love how he says he is almost 40-years old in love with a 24-year old young woman but when you read his thoughts, you'll feel the passion like he was a younger man without it seeming like he is immature. Does that make sense?
Everything seemed to be threatening their relationship. Mateo is soon-to-be coach for Atletico and now he's back in the public eye, paparazzi hounding him. Vera is about to lose her job and her 6-month work Visa. The paparazzi spins stories, of Vera, of Mateo and of Mateo's daughter. Can you now imagine how worried I was? I held my breath as each problem solve its own until that last one. That last complication that Mateo so gallantly solved. Thank goodness it didn't take him long to act on it!
Everything in Love, in Spanish is passionate. It oozes lust and love. Emotions. Mateo and Vera is my perfect hopeless romantic couple. They endured the distance, their age difference, the judgments, their insecurities, and I would like to believe that they were each other's stars. They shine bright for each other. They fought for each other.
I started the book with tears in my eyes and I ended it the same way, this time they were happy tears.
Stars: 6 stars
POV: First person. Male POV.
Recommended to: Everyone who believes love conquers all, especially if its with the right person.
Series: Yes. Sequel to Love, in English.
Extra Comment: I'm crossing my fingers for another book. I'll take a novella. Anything. Because you all know how much of a sucker for cliché, mushy Epilogues I am.
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