Shall I Stay + Giveaway

Like it or not, it’s fight or flight when it comes to love and legacy.

Professor Magdalena Martín needs to find a man—or at least find out why he disappeared in the sixteenth century. Research leads her from Spain to picturesque Puerto Rico. Accustomed to being a team of one, she finds herself working alongside a too-charming-for-his-own-good fellow historian who proves to be an unfortunately distracting necessity.

The last thing Rico Morales expected when he left Wall Street was to end up going on a wild-goose chase with a snooty academic. Can’t a man aimlessly search for his life’s purpose in peace? His loose itinerary did not include bantering through a genealogical investigation with a captivating colleague—or grappling with their undeniable connection.

‘Lena’ is on a singular mission to solve this career-defining mystery and return to her life in Salamanca. Yet the more time she spends with Rico, the more she falls for the enchanting island and his smoldering smile. When they’re together, possibilities hum. Like the possibility of something that would stand the test of time—if only she were the sort to stay.

First in the Los Morales series, “Shall I Stay” is an opposites-attract, witty contemporary romance with swoony kisses only and no swearing. Extra dose of yearning tension included.

My Review:

“There is no history without ‘story’…Without the stories of the people who lived, people who belonged somewhere, without the tangible and intangible that they’ve passed on, history is just a timeline of dates and events.” (p 173)

Eeeepppp!!!!! A romance centered around a genealogist on the hunt for a client’s lost ancestor? Eeeeppp — yes please! Rich in Puerto Rican history and culture, this romance is full of lush, vivid descriptions and delicious foodie references that fed all my senses. A bookish smorgasbord of literary delights.

And the enemies-to-more romance is divine! (The meet-cute!!!!!) Their love story is funny and touching and toe curling. She’s a reserved workaholic with a fear of relationships. He’s an easy going and oh-so-debonair romantic. And his commitment to his family — swoon! His Abuela is a riot…as well as a force to be reckoned with! Loved the comedy and drama the Morales clan contributes to the story.

As Lena and Rico embark on a journey to solve a sixteenth century mystery, they are drawn together with a clashing of wills and rapid-fire banter that lights a spark neither of them wants to ignite. Loved the push-pull of their developing relationship and, mercy, when that spark finally does ignite, well, I think my fingertips are singed from the heat emanating off the pages. 🙂

I’ve been charmed by the entire Morales clan and am thrilled that this is the first in a series. The second book comes out in July and features one of Rico’s sisters so – yay- well be back on the island with more love and laughter Morales style and I can’t wait!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Shall I Stay,  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 19 2025.