Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata Series: Santos #1
Published by Mariana Zapata on June 10th 2017
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 485
Format: Kindle Edition
Source: Kindle Unlimited
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Ruby Santos knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she signed up to write a soldier overseas.
The guidelines were simple: one letter or email a week for the length of his or her deployment. Care packages were optional.
Been there, done that. She thought she knew what to expect.
What she didn’t count on was falling in love with the guy.
Dear Aaron follows a young woman named Ruby Santos, who knew exactly what she was doing when she signed up to write to a soldier overseas. The guidelines were pretty simple, one email or a letter a week for the length of his or her deployment and care packages were options. What Ruby didn’t expect when she finally got to writing to Aaron was falling in love with him.
This was cute, my first Mariana Zapata book and needless to say it will definitely won’t be my last.
Dear Aaron was a sweet, slow burn romance that follows a very inexperienced Ruby (who is around 23/24 years of age) and a 29-30 year old soldier Aaron. Both seem to be at an odd point in their life. Ruby is a seamstress and loves doing her work, but she works for two of her aunts that seem to mistreat her and Ruby doesn’t have a backbone to stand up to them until she starts corresponding with Aaron.
Aaron is a soldier that is almost done with his deployment, but serving is the only thing he knows. To his family, he feels like a failure because he didn’t follow the steps of the family business and chose the military life instead. Aaron and his father are on a bit of a rocky terms, but despite his father’s anger they still seem to get along.
When we first meet Ruby her age is a bit confusing at first because she does tend to sound like a child due to her inexperience and being sort of a pushover, but I found her character to be someone I could and could see myself in her shoes.
I love that despite knowing what was coming that the author took the time to develop the relationship and friendship between the two characters, I adore my slow burn romances.
I was also pleasantly surprised that this was a romance more primary focus was the growth between characters emotionally and as people.
I didn’t know how to feel about Aaron’s sudden flip in the book about being open in his feelings, I was actually expecting the moment to maybe go a bit differently, it just felt like an awkward transition - but it was still fine.
The writing was great. I did have the hardest time putting the book down and read it in a day.
I’ve been meaning to read one of her books. Wall of Winnepeg caught my eye, but this one with its correspondence romance sounds great, too.
I still haven’t read a Zapata book, Lily. But I really want to - I even own one… And she’ll be at a book fest I’m going to later this month.
Great review!
This sounds very sweet. There is something endearing to me about Penpals.
This is an author I really want to try!! I like the sound of this one to start with. Great review!!
This really sounds good. This would be a good one from this author to start with. Great review.
I’ve seen this book around but haven’t actually investigated what it was about. I love this idea and it does sound like a super sweet romance! Wonderful review, Lily! I’m going to check this out. Maybe they have an audio version. 🙂
This was my first Zapata book too and I adored it! It was so lovely and sweet. I’m happy you liked it too! You mus read From Lukov with Love which features Jasmine, Ruby’s sister. It’s just as wonderful! 🙂
Awww. It sounds like a really cute story. I haven’t read anything from the author yet but I think I already have something in mind what story to read first 🙂
I really like the sound of this one, and your review really sparked my curiosity! Yep, it could definitely be my first Zapata book 🙂
I should try one of hers
I really like the sound of this one. I love that they get to know each other through letters. I am so glad that you enjoyed this one.
I like the premise of how they meet! Sounds like a really good book all around. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!
I think Zapata might be the queen of the slow burn romance. I love how she develops the characters and their relationship with one another without the romance first. I’ve been curious about Dear Aaron so I’m happy to see you liked it, Lily. I’ll make sure I get to it sooner than later. 🙂
This sounds utterly lovely — and I am loving the fact that the author focused on each character separately before the both of them as a couple
I thought it’s a standalone, but glad to see that’s it’s first in the series. Great review!
I feel like I see Zapata’s books *a lot*, especially this one. And reading your review makes me think Dear Aaron is right up my alley and one that I will probably enjoy a lot. I’m a little concerned that Ruby might come across as a bit immature but hopefully it won’t be an issue. I enjoyed your review!
Oh wow. I love books that deal in letters and emails, even texts and this sounds as though it has a tremendous amount of depth as well. I remember seeing this on Netgalley at one point I think but just kept scrolling I’ll definitely be grabbing a copy after reading your review, it sounds lovely. Wonderful review Lily, absolutely loved it! <3
Growth and a cute romance. Oh this sounds like something I would enjoy. Brilly review.
This must be a sweet read. I like that the guy is a soldier and the girl has nothing to do with the military (if I understood correctly from the review), and they still must understand each other’s feelings somehow if they fall in love.
Is the whole book written in letter form?
Nice review as always, Lily!
Ronnie @ Paradise Found