The backdrop for this story is truly alive.īut those were far from the only moments I cried while reading The Sun Still Rises. Of course, representation is great in general, but this is the first time I've had a reading experience that nailed it in terms of a location. And I'm not going to lie-I may have cried a few times just because of the recognition and the feeling of having a physical place you (sort of) know represented in fiction like that.

With that, the very Spanish sandwiches (all that tuna <3 ), and of course the tortilla that the MCs make together (the author insists on calling it a 'Spanish omelette', which is technically true but doesn't do the unique deliciousness justice-on the other hand, Laura Bailo's writing really does, so I forgive her, haha), the setting truly shines in this novella. I've never actually been there, myself, but I've watched the running on tv almost every year since I was a child. Oh my goodness, this was the cutest! I will admit I squealed a little already at the blurb-specifically the fact that the story is set during the San Fermín festivities in Pamplona, Spain.

But, I really liked it, and I think I'll check out Bailo's stories in the future.ĭisclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is one of the times where I wish the story to be a bit longer because it definitely has potential. And the relationship did feel a bit instant - even if it took two years for Erik to finally move to Pamplona, as mentioned in the Epilogue.

Unfortunately, due to the limitation of the novella length, I thought the exploration on Erik's anxiety wasn't enough. So again, kudos for the author to be able to describe that. I was choked up a couple of times when Erik remembered his father. I could really feel Erik's pain of losing his father. And that is what I love the most from Dreamspinner Press' World of Love series - the ability from the authors to transport me to places I've never visited. Yep, if I ever be lucky enough to visit Spain in the future, I will make sure to include Pamplona on my itinerary, San Fermín festival or not. So much that I actually Googled how to get there!! First of all, I thought the author - whom I believe actually lives in Spain and have walked the streets of Pamplona - successfully brought Pamplona alive for me as a reader.

The Sun Still Rises by Laura Bailo