Sol is full of emotion and meaning, and along with its lovely setting in Spain, I really enjoyed this touching romance!

The army taught me discipline. Order. Control.

None of that matters the day I walk into her classroom.

Or her bedroom.

What’s more important than my grade?

Not failing her.

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This was a lot different than I expected it to be… in a really good way!

I didn’t doubt that Leslie McAdam would deliver a great story, but after reading the synopsis, I wasn’t really sure how the military and teacher/student scenario would work for me. Honestly, neither of these are a big draw for my romantic reading escapes. At the end of the day, I don’t think that the synopsis did this story justice. With its lovely setting in Spain, Sol was an emotional romance of friendship and loyalty, understanding and overcoming indifference, and choosing to live in the light and embrace your life.

‘You can pick. You can live your life in the sun. Buy that ticket. Or you can buy a ticket to stay in the shade. But it’s your decision.’

Trent and Degan were the best of friends growing up, and Trent had always had a ‘thing’ for Degan’s older sister, Dani. She had such a brightness about her, and he was completely drawn to her carefree spirit. Right before he and Degan were set to leave for army training, Trent and Dani shared a kiss. Only a kiss goodbye possibly, but with that kind of passion, Trent was determined to pursue her to find when he returned from his service. However, when the unthinkable happens, Trent is left lost and broken and has to find Dani to share the worst news possible. He knows it will hurt her, but deep down he can’t help but wonder if they can heal each other and possibly have the chance to finally be together.

I always enjoy Leslie McAdam’s flawed and relatable characters, and she creates such emotion to really draw you to them. Trent’s character had so much loyalty and heart, and I admired the way he always put others first in his life. I was very intrigued by Dani’s eclectic ways and her carefree spirit towards life and travel. Trent and Dani had two completely different views on life and some of Dani’s single minded and almost selfish views were quite maddening. Where Trent offered his life to protect his country and those he loved, Dani was against the Armed Forces altogether and looked at being a part of it as almost a betrayal to the peaceful life she wanted. However, their passion was stronger than their indifference, and once they reached understanding, they found what was truly important in life.

‘But you can still decide which ticket to buy, and how you’re gonna react.’

This was a very unique storyline, and in particular, I liked how McAdam went beyond the student/teacher plot in the story. She brought attention to those that fight for our country and how their courage is not always appreciated or understood, as well as the lasting effects that they come home with from their fighting with Trent’s PTSD. She also balanced the individual point of views between Trent and Dani very well in each direction. The plot was very insightful and thought provoking, and I really liked how McAdam reached out to bridge the gap and possibly broaden other’s perspectives on this issue.

‘It’s not for you to complain about sitting in the sun if you buy a ticket there. You’re the one who chose that course of action.’

I really enjoyed this story! It was very well written, and it encompassed so much feeling on many levels with friendships and family and dealing with loss and healing. I also loved how creative the title and its meaning fit into this story in finding your courage to embrace life in either the Sol or Sombra. The next book in Leslie McAdams’ Love in Translation Series is Sombra, which is Dani’s friend, Kim, and Tavo’s story. I would definitely recommend this read for those looking for a little getaway to Spain along with a very unique and meaningful romance!

‘Sol. We bought our ticket in the sun.’

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Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance, Little Dude, and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie always encourages her kids to be themselves – even if it means letting her daughter wear leopard print from head to toe. An avid reader from a young age, she will always trade watching TV for reading a book, unless it’s Top Gear. Or football. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men you fantasize about. She’s unapologetically sarcastic and notoriously terrible at comma placement (that’s what editors are for!). Always up for a laugh, Leslie tries to see humor in all things. When she’s not in the writing cave you’ll find her fangirling over Beck, camping with her family, or mixing up oil paints to depict her love of outdoors on canvas.

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Leslie McAdam also has a Southwinds Coffee Facebook Group where you can see her true heart and spirit shine. Taylor Lotre, the super handsome gentleman on the cover, is also in the group, and a some of this story was inspired by him and his service to our country. They are a very warm, kinda crazy, and a very welcoming family!

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