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Tres Fuegos #2
Before the Storm
Lucía Williams is going through a rough patch. She feels stuck: in life, at work, in love. And all of that is enhanced by the upcoming nuptials of her--allegedly--favorite brother. But then a sudden twist of fate brings her old flame, her "what if," to her charming small town.
A little bit of angst, a little bit of sparks flying, a cute cat, a bunch of rain, and a big, fat, second chance.
Tropes:
Second chance
Forced proximity
Shared grief
Brother's best friend
Mutual pining
Small town
Latina FMC
A little bit of angst, a little bit of sparks flying, a cute cat, a bunch of rain, and a big, fat, second chance.
Tropes:
Second chance
Forced proximity
Shared grief
Brother's best friend
Mutual pining
Small town
Latina FMC
- GenresSecond Chance
312 pages, ebook
Published February 29, 2024
23 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 3, 2024
This was an enjoyable visit back to Tres Fuegos, Argentina! I really liked getting to know Lucía on a deeper level and learning more about Francisco.
The story follows Lucía Williams three years after she moves back to her hometown where she is struggling with some emotional wounds. She feels as though she has lost her spark, until she runs into Francisco Gómez Alcorta, one of the biggest shadows from before, and someone who has his own share of hidden battles. They are forced to face their memories that are intertwined with unresolved grief and guilt.
I really felt as thought there was a lot of emotional depth to both of the characters, which made their retelling of the past, coupled with events in the present, really fascinating to uncover. Lucía perfectly represented that feeling when so many people are taking and taking but you’ve lost that willingness to care about what you actually want to give. Watching her start to find her love for medicine again and work through her grief was such a great part of the story.
Francisco was very vulnerable throughout the story, which I really enjoyed seeing. I didn’t feel like I got a true sense of his character, and some parts of his story (especially relating to his family) felt a little unclear to me by the end. Especially as everything wrapped up in the end, I found myself a little confused. That being said, I still enjoyed seeing him also discover what he wanted and going after it, especially as he was doing so in Tres Fuegos.
I loved seeing the flashbacks between Lucía and Francisco, and felt like that really added to the story overall. It might have been nice to split them into separate chapters, but they did help to understand the characters better. Also, special shout-out to Lucía’s cat and family for always keeping me entertained!
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion & review!
The story follows Lucía Williams three years after she moves back to her hometown where she is struggling with some emotional wounds. She feels as though she has lost her spark, until she runs into Francisco Gómez Alcorta, one of the biggest shadows from before, and someone who has his own share of hidden battles. They are forced to face their memories that are intertwined with unresolved grief and guilt.
I really felt as thought there was a lot of emotional depth to both of the characters, which made their retelling of the past, coupled with events in the present, really fascinating to uncover. Lucía perfectly represented that feeling when so many people are taking and taking but you’ve lost that willingness to care about what you actually want to give. Watching her start to find her love for medicine again and work through her grief was such a great part of the story.
Francisco was very vulnerable throughout the story, which I really enjoyed seeing. I didn’t feel like I got a true sense of his character, and some parts of his story (especially relating to his family) felt a little unclear to me by the end. Especially as everything wrapped up in the end, I found myself a little confused. That being said, I still enjoyed seeing him also discover what he wanted and going after it, especially as he was doing so in Tres Fuegos.
I loved seeing the flashbacks between Lucía and Francisco, and felt like that really added to the story overall. It might have been nice to split them into separate chapters, but they did help to understand the characters better. Also, special shout-out to Lucía’s cat and family for always keeping me entertained!
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion & review!
March 5, 2024
3 years have passed since Lucia and Francisco saw each other, both still trying to navigate the grief of Francisco's sister's passing. But when they meet again unexpectedly at her brother's wedding, their connection brings them both together romantically and in their journeys through grief.
I enjoyed the way the author wrote and expressed both characters' feelings, they felt very natural and raw, adding a real effect to it, and showing us how grief and love can impact us in very different ways. The small town/brother's best friend tropes are done nicely, although I would have loved to see more of the brother's reaction to them being involved romantically (as almost all of them left Tres Fuegos at the beginning of the book). I am not a fan of slow burns, but I liked the way this story developed between Lucia and Francisco because you could see from the moment they saw each other again that they both wanted to try and reconnect, and having both POVs made that more obvious and enjoying to read (who doesn't love a double POV ahahaha).
The little banter between both was funny and their little inside joke kinda of brings us into the story as well, the setting of Tres Fuegos was very spot on for a small town, and the constant summer blackouts and storms are something that we can see happening in real life as well, helping in the realness of the storyline.
The story is set in Argentina, and it was nice to see Spanish words and sentences being included. I didn't have a problem with it as Spanish is close to my language, and most of them have the English translation right after, but it is a warning for people who might not enjoy that.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for the eARC.
I enjoyed the way the author wrote and expressed both characters' feelings, they felt very natural and raw, adding a real effect to it, and showing us how grief and love can impact us in very different ways. The small town/brother's best friend tropes are done nicely, although I would have loved to see more of the brother's reaction to them being involved romantically (as almost all of them left Tres Fuegos at the beginning of the book). I am not a fan of slow burns, but I liked the way this story developed between Lucia and Francisco because you could see from the moment they saw each other again that they both wanted to try and reconnect, and having both POVs made that more obvious and enjoying to read (who doesn't love a double POV ahahaha).
The little banter between both was funny and their little inside joke kinda of brings us into the story as well, the setting of Tres Fuegos was very spot on for a small town, and the constant summer blackouts and storms are something that we can see happening in real life as well, helping in the realness of the storyline.
The story is set in Argentina, and it was nice to see Spanish words and sentences being included. I didn't have a problem with it as Spanish is close to my language, and most of them have the English translation right after, but it is a warning for people who might not enjoy that.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for the eARC.
March 1, 2025
disclaimer: I received an arc from the publisher via Love Notes PR in exchange for an honest review.
this book was cute for the most part. The romance between Lucia & Francisco was really cute & I enjoyed the discussion about grief and pain. I liked the found family aspects throughout this book. I just didn’t love the writing style at times it had me a little confused & I wasn’t as emotionally invested in the characters & story as much as I would have liked to be.
Thank you so much Love Notes PR & Maria Rigou for the ARC <3
this book was cute for the most part. The romance between Lucia & Francisco was really cute & I enjoyed the discussion about grief and pain. I liked the found family aspects throughout this book. I just didn’t love the writing style at times it had me a little confused & I wasn’t as emotionally invested in the characters & story as much as I would have liked to be.
Thank you so much Love Notes PR & Maria Rigou for the ARC <3
March 7, 2024
Before The Storm ARC Review
i was very fortunate to receive an ARC of Before the storm by Maria Rigou from LoveNotesPR, thank you so much!! 🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
content warning: please be aware that this novel contains topics that could be uncomfortable for some readers. these include but are not limited to mentions of death of a relative (although not explicitly on page), toxic familial relationships, mentions of grief, fears and mental health issues, vulgar language, and consensual sexually explicit content.
“and in the end, the things that we had were the things we needed the most. an “i love you” said at the right time. the silly, made-up excuses to see each other again. lasting silences that were not uncomfortable. that smell that took you back to before. the first kiss that said it all.”
lucía struggles after losing a patient and is uncertain of her future. she kind of loses herself and is stuck in a rut. francisco is is such a sweet and gentle person, i feel in love with him instantly. it was so heartbreaking seeing everything he’s gone though his family all while he’s still grieving the loss of his sister.
lucía and francisco’s relationship is so sweet and intimate! and while they both had a hard time dealing with past and moving on, i’m glad they were able to lean on each other. it was the little moments between them that had me smiling so big. as well as the on going joke with the tongue depressor 😂 but they were both so gentle with each other and i’m glad they got their happy ending!
my only issue while reading was the flashbacks throwing me off. I wish there had been more indication of when it was happening. but this was still a great book regardless!
once again thank you so much to lovenotespr and maria rigou for providing me with this arc 🩵
i was very fortunate to receive an ARC of Before the storm by Maria Rigou from LoveNotesPR, thank you so much!! 🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
content warning: please be aware that this novel contains topics that could be uncomfortable for some readers. these include but are not limited to mentions of death of a relative (although not explicitly on page), toxic familial relationships, mentions of grief, fears and mental health issues, vulgar language, and consensual sexually explicit content.
“and in the end, the things that we had were the things we needed the most. an “i love you” said at the right time. the silly, made-up excuses to see each other again. lasting silences that were not uncomfortable. that smell that took you back to before. the first kiss that said it all.”
lucía struggles after losing a patient and is uncertain of her future. she kind of loses herself and is stuck in a rut. francisco is is such a sweet and gentle person, i feel in love with him instantly. it was so heartbreaking seeing everything he’s gone though his family all while he’s still grieving the loss of his sister.
lucía and francisco’s relationship is so sweet and intimate! and while they both had a hard time dealing with past and moving on, i’m glad they were able to lean on each other. it was the little moments between them that had me smiling so big. as well as the on going joke with the tongue depressor 😂 but they were both so gentle with each other and i’m glad they got their happy ending!
my only issue while reading was the flashbacks throwing me off. I wish there had been more indication of when it was happening. but this was still a great book regardless!
once again thank you so much to lovenotespr and maria rigou for providing me with this arc 🩵
March 1, 2024
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️: 2/5
"I’m a mess.”
“You’re a mess that I want.”
"I was here with her, my lighthouse, after so many moments of darkness. Her."
the writing was great 1st of all and loved it cz the second chance trope was fulfilling!
The small town vibes were perfect, the whole aesthetic was great and the characters were enjoyable. Especially the side characters! Charlie and Valentina has my heart ♡
The plot seemed a little confused to me at 1st but worked out fine at the end.
One thing I loved the most about this book is the writing of mental health rep and grief. The author portrayed it so beautifully and perfectly ! The storyline was perfectly matched with it!
One thing I disliked a little was their past flashbacks, got a little confused throughout the story but as I said it worked out nonetheless.
Special mention to THE CAT!!! MY MOST FAVORITE CHARACTER 😂 all my fav scenes are where the cat is , loved it and it has such a mandatory appearance that I had to mention it😽
The main characters were lovable and sweet together, enjoyed their cute little moments and wished there were more 😔 the book ended way too early for me:)
Overall a good read but do check trigger warnings beforehand!!!
🌶️: 2/5
"I’m a mess.”
“You’re a mess that I want.”
"I was here with her, my lighthouse, after so many moments of darkness. Her."
the writing was great 1st of all and loved it cz the second chance trope was fulfilling!
The small town vibes were perfect, the whole aesthetic was great and the characters were enjoyable. Especially the side characters! Charlie and Valentina has my heart ♡
The plot seemed a little confused to me at 1st but worked out fine at the end.
One thing I loved the most about this book is the writing of mental health rep and grief. The author portrayed it so beautifully and perfectly ! The storyline was perfectly matched with it!
One thing I disliked a little was their past flashbacks, got a little confused throughout the story but as I said it worked out nonetheless.
Special mention to THE CAT!!! MY MOST FAVORITE CHARACTER 😂 all my fav scenes are where the cat is , loved it and it has such a mandatory appearance that I had to mention it😽
The main characters were lovable and sweet together, enjoyed their cute little moments and wished there were more 😔 the book ended way too early for me:)
Overall a good read but do check trigger warnings beforehand!!!
March 6, 2024
Hey Opinionated Bookworms! 🌟 Today's review is all about "Before the Storm" by Maria Rigou. Huge thanks to Maria Rigou and Love Notes PR for hooking me up with the eARC to spill the tea on this one! 🙌 Grab your reading glasses because we're diving into a tale of grief, love, and a town called Tres Fuegos. ⛈️ But spoiler alert: it's a bumpy ride, and we're only giving it 2 ⭐. Let's unwrap this literary gift and see what's inside!
🌎Set against the backdrop of Tres Fuegos, this book introduces us to Lucía, a brilliant paediatric oncologist, and Francisco, a lawyer with a family secret 🤐 The tragedy that brought them together in the past is as mysterious as the town itself. But buckle up, because it's not the cozy ride we anticipated.
👫Meet Lucía and Francisco – a doctor and a lawyer fleeing a shared tragedy. Lucía, once a shining paediatrician, struggles with guilt after losing a patient named Jazmín. Francisco, the lawyer with a hidden secret, crosses paths with Lucía during Jazmín's hospitalization. A supposed love story between them unfolds, but hold your horses, it's not the chemistry-packed romance you'd expect 😕
📖The story kicks off at Lucía's brother's wedding, where the duo, thinking the other forgot about Jazmín, ends up with no one to confide in. Cue the attempt to unravel their grief and, surprise, it feels super forced 😬 Throughout the book, their interactions lack the sizzle, and those supposedly spicy scenes? Well, they're more lukewarm than hot. The concept was there, but the execution missed the mark 🎯 The pacing was off, and before you know it, they're magically in a happily-ever-after bubble 🧚♂️
💔Oh, dear readers, this one left me in the feels but not in a good way 😢 "Before the Storm" felt like a never-ending cycle of grief, with no light at the end of the tunnel. Lucía and Francisco, even in their togetherness, couldn't break free from the chains of sorrow 💔 It was a tough pill to swallow, and I wish the characters had found genuine healing amidst the storm ✨ Despite the rollercoaster, remember, every book deserves a chance, and this one might just hit differently for you. Happy reading! 📚
🌎Set against the backdrop of Tres Fuegos, this book introduces us to Lucía, a brilliant paediatric oncologist, and Francisco, a lawyer with a family secret 🤐 The tragedy that brought them together in the past is as mysterious as the town itself. But buckle up, because it's not the cozy ride we anticipated.
👫Meet Lucía and Francisco – a doctor and a lawyer fleeing a shared tragedy. Lucía, once a shining paediatrician, struggles with guilt after losing a patient named Jazmín. Francisco, the lawyer with a hidden secret, crosses paths with Lucía during Jazmín's hospitalization. A supposed love story between them unfolds, but hold your horses, it's not the chemistry-packed romance you'd expect 😕
📖The story kicks off at Lucía's brother's wedding, where the duo, thinking the other forgot about Jazmín, ends up with no one to confide in. Cue the attempt to unravel their grief and, surprise, it feels super forced 😬 Throughout the book, their interactions lack the sizzle, and those supposedly spicy scenes? Well, they're more lukewarm than hot. The concept was there, but the execution missed the mark 🎯 The pacing was off, and before you know it, they're magically in a happily-ever-after bubble 🧚♂️
💔Oh, dear readers, this one left me in the feels but not in a good way 😢 "Before the Storm" felt like a never-ending cycle of grief, with no light at the end of the tunnel. Lucía and Francisco, even in their togetherness, couldn't break free from the chains of sorrow 💔 It was a tough pill to swallow, and I wish the characters had found genuine healing amidst the storm ✨ Despite the rollercoaster, remember, every book deserves a chance, and this one might just hit differently for you. Happy reading! 📚
August 16, 2025
This book is a cute story that drew me in right away. I especially loved and enjoyed the chemistry between Lucía and Francisco - their connection felt very natural and touching. Some parts really stayed with me and touched my soul, like the scenes about Francisco’s little sister, the moment when he and Lucía “remembered” each other, and especially the ending.
The final scene was incredibly well written. I felt every emotion Lucía and Francisco felt. It was such a beautiful and powerful way to end the story.
That said, the book felt rushed and a little too short to fully live up to its potential. The characters and their relationships had so much promise, and I would have loved to see them explored more deeply.
Overall, it’s a sweet and touching book filled with heartfelt moments, and while I wished it had been longer so I could spend more time with the characters in their own world, the story and emotions it delivered will stay with me.
4/5⭐️
The final scene was incredibly well written. I felt every emotion Lucía and Francisco felt. It was such a beautiful and powerful way to end the story.
That said, the book felt rushed and a little too short to fully live up to its potential. The characters and their relationships had so much promise, and I would have loved to see them explored more deeply.
Overall, it’s a sweet and touching book filled with heartfelt moments, and while I wished it had been longer so I could spend more time with the characters in their own world, the story and emotions it delivered will stay with me.
4/5⭐️
February 8, 2024
Second chance romance is never my fav trope BUT LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT LUCIA AND FRANCISCO!
The angst! OMD I feel it really hard!!! And is just natural how the relationship grew.
This book made me want to go back home to enjoy summer, the summer storms which I miss so much, the smell of jasmines. The peace and quiet of small towns 🥹
I was like SHOULD I BOOK A FLIGHT RIGHT NOW? I am crazy because I don’t even like summer but I do have that nostalgia. 🥹🥹🥹🥹
As it’s based in a small town in Argentina there is a lot of drama and gossips I love that too.
We got:
✅brother’s best friend
✅secret/second chance romance (love the secret part sooo good!)
✅Latinx MMC and FMC
Check trigger warnings before reading.
The angst! OMD I feel it really hard!!! And is just natural how the relationship grew.
This book made me want to go back home to enjoy summer, the summer storms which I miss so much, the smell of jasmines. The peace and quiet of small towns 🥹
I was like SHOULD I BOOK A FLIGHT RIGHT NOW? I am crazy because I don’t even like summer but I do have that nostalgia. 🥹🥹🥹🥹
As it’s based in a small town in Argentina there is a lot of drama and gossips I love that too.
We got:
✅brother’s best friend
✅secret/second chance romance (love the secret part sooo good!)
✅Latinx MMC and FMC
Check trigger warnings before reading.
February 28, 2024
I don't give many books 5-star reviews unless I think they deserve it and the truth is once I got to reading this book I could not put it down. Francisco and Lucia get to know each other through Francisco's sister who is in the hospital Lucia works at for cancer treatments.
After the death of Jazmin, Lucia quits her job at the hospital and flees town leaving Francisco heartbroken over his sister and Lucia. Years later, when they reconnect in Lucia's hometown at her brother's wedding, they can't ignore the sparks that are flying between them.
Side Note: I love how the tongue depressor became their thing! When he showed up to the hospital in the end and she gave him the tongue depressor!!!!
Tropes: Second Chance, Small Town, Shared Grief, Mutual Pining, Forced Proximity.
Spice? A few scenes! Mostly toward the mid-end of the book.
After the death of Jazmin, Lucia quits her job at the hospital and flees town leaving Francisco heartbroken over his sister and Lucia. Years later, when they reconnect in Lucia's hometown at her brother's wedding, they can't ignore the sparks that are flying between them.
Side Note: I love how the tongue depressor became their thing! When he showed up to the hospital in the end and she gave him the tongue depressor!!!!
Tropes: Second Chance, Small Town, Shared Grief, Mutual Pining, Forced Proximity.
Spice? A few scenes! Mostly toward the mid-end of the book.
February 19, 2024
It was a rollercoaster but it was so well written 💜
This was one of my first books of Maria and i enjoyed it
Tropes were Second chance, Small town, Forced proximity, Brothers best friend
Francisco was a sweetheart and Lucia was amazing as well 💜
Thanks you Maria and love notes pr for letting me arc read 💜
This was one of my first books of Maria and i enjoyed it
Tropes were Second chance, Small town, Forced proximity, Brothers best friend
Francisco was a sweetheart and Lucia was amazing as well 💜
Thanks you Maria and love notes pr for letting me arc read 💜
March 4, 2024
"Before the Storm" was my first read of Maria Rigou. It is a well-executed romance with nuanced exploration of heavy themes. Though it is the second novel in the Tres Fuegos series it can easily be read as a stand alone. Some aspects felt rushed towards the end and that the reactions of the family could have been explored more. However, I did like the length of the book and the overall portrayal of Lucía and Francisco's story is lovely. I also really enjoyed how Rigou infuses the story with elements of Latinx culture. It added authenticity and depth without alienating readers not familiar w/ Latinx cultures.
Thank you Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2024
Lucia and Francisco have a past they never expected to face in their present. Lucia's brother, Santiago's wedding brings Francisco and Lucia back together in a way they never could have expected.
They are forced to see each other again, and choose to make one another believe they don't remember each other, but manage to steal moments together moving forward as Fran house sits Santiago's home and Lucia waters the plants.
When they finally cave and allow each other into their minds and let each other know that they do in fact remember each other from that awful time 3 years ago.
When they finally admit to one another that they remember everything and are both still living with the grief they share, they are able to come together and mourn.
This smalltown, second chance with shared grief is a rollercoaster of emotion and such a full circle read.
Thank you so much for the ARC Maria!
They are forced to see each other again, and choose to make one another believe they don't remember each other, but manage to steal moments together moving forward as Fran house sits Santiago's home and Lucia waters the plants.
When they finally cave and allow each other into their minds and let each other know that they do in fact remember each other from that awful time 3 years ago.
When they finally admit to one another that they remember everything and are both still living with the grief they share, they are able to come together and mourn.
This smalltown, second chance with shared grief is a rollercoaster of emotion and such a full circle read.
Thank you so much for the ARC Maria!
February 29, 2024
"Before the Storm" by Maria Rigou is the second installment in her series, delivering a poignant second-chance small-town romance between the doctor, Lucía Williams, and the lawyer, Francisco Gómez.
Blurb: Lucía Williams faces a crossroads, feeling stuck in life, work, and love, exacerbated by her supposedly favorite brother's upcoming wedding. Fate takes a turn when her old flame, her 'what if,' reappears in her charming small town, setting the stage for a tale of angst, sparks, rain, and a big, fat second chance.
Tropes:
- Second chance
- Forced proximity
- Shared grief
- Brother's best friend
- Mutual pining
- Small town
- Latina FMC
4 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
TW: Grief, cancer, death of a sibling, toxic family, mental health topics
Lucía, a pediatric doctor, manages a small-town medical practice after a traumatic residency experience. Francisco, a city lawyer, visits Tres Fuegos for a friend's wedding, unaware that his friend's sister is Lucía. Three years prior, they met in the hospital where Lucía cared for Francisco's sister, Jazmín, an oncology patient. Despite their attraction, complications arose, impacting Lucía's career and Francisco's family dynamics.
Pretending not to know each other, they eventually reconnect, discovering shared grief that deepens their bond. As their feelings grow, Francisco is determined not to let this second chance slip away.
“Because the moment I pressed my mouth to Lucía’s, I was done for.”
Maria Rigou skillfully weaves heavy topics and emotions into this quick yet intense read. Lucía's grief process and the challenges doctors face are portrayed realistically. As a doctor, I resonated with Lucía's pain after facing a traumatic situation. We often form attachments to patients, and unfortunately, we can't save them all. The hospital failed her post-event by not providing adequate tools to manage the situation. Therapy is crucial for doctors to process the challenges we encounter daily, as explained in the book.
“I’m a mess.”
“You are a mess that I want.”
Francisco's complex family dynamics and his healing process through love contribute to the story's richness. Despite the intense connection between Lucía and Francisco, the book's romance is not overtly spicy, incorporating meaningful moments during blackouts, creating intense intimacy. Lucía's journey to self-discovery and Francisco's quest for healing are well-executed. The Williams family adds humor, and overall, the book adeptly combines romance with significant themes.
“I was with her, my lighthouse, after so many moments of darkness. Her.”
However, I felt the end was rushed, leaving some aspects unexplored, such as Santiago's, Lucía's brother, and Francisco's best friend's reaction. A deeper exploration of their family dynamics post-relationship would have added further depth.
“And in the end, the things that we had were the things we needed the most. An “I love you” said at the right time. The silly, made-up excuses to see each other again. Lasting silences that were not uncomfortable. That smell that took you back to before. The first kiss that said it all.”
In conclusion, "Before the Storm" offers a well-executed romance with nuanced exploration of heavy themes. While some aspects felt rushed towards the end, the overall portrayal of Lucía and Francisco's love story is compelling. I look forward to exploring more of the Williams family in future installments.
Blurb: Lucía Williams faces a crossroads, feeling stuck in life, work, and love, exacerbated by her supposedly favorite brother's upcoming wedding. Fate takes a turn when her old flame, her 'what if,' reappears in her charming small town, setting the stage for a tale of angst, sparks, rain, and a big, fat second chance.
Tropes:
- Second chance
- Forced proximity
- Shared grief
- Brother's best friend
- Mutual pining
- Small town
- Latina FMC
4 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
TW: Grief, cancer, death of a sibling, toxic family, mental health topics
Lucía, a pediatric doctor, manages a small-town medical practice after a traumatic residency experience. Francisco, a city lawyer, visits Tres Fuegos for a friend's wedding, unaware that his friend's sister is Lucía. Three years prior, they met in the hospital where Lucía cared for Francisco's sister, Jazmín, an oncology patient. Despite their attraction, complications arose, impacting Lucía's career and Francisco's family dynamics.
Pretending not to know each other, they eventually reconnect, discovering shared grief that deepens their bond. As their feelings grow, Francisco is determined not to let this second chance slip away.
“Because the moment I pressed my mouth to Lucía’s, I was done for.”
Maria Rigou skillfully weaves heavy topics and emotions into this quick yet intense read. Lucía's grief process and the challenges doctors face are portrayed realistically. As a doctor, I resonated with Lucía's pain after facing a traumatic situation. We often form attachments to patients, and unfortunately, we can't save them all. The hospital failed her post-event by not providing adequate tools to manage the situation. Therapy is crucial for doctors to process the challenges we encounter daily, as explained in the book.
“I’m a mess.”
“You are a mess that I want.”
Francisco's complex family dynamics and his healing process through love contribute to the story's richness. Despite the intense connection between Lucía and Francisco, the book's romance is not overtly spicy, incorporating meaningful moments during blackouts, creating intense intimacy. Lucía's journey to self-discovery and Francisco's quest for healing are well-executed. The Williams family adds humor, and overall, the book adeptly combines romance with significant themes.
“I was with her, my lighthouse, after so many moments of darkness. Her.”
However, I felt the end was rushed, leaving some aspects unexplored, such as Santiago's, Lucía's brother, and Francisco's best friend's reaction. A deeper exploration of their family dynamics post-relationship would have added further depth.
“And in the end, the things that we had were the things we needed the most. An “I love you” said at the right time. The silly, made-up excuses to see each other again. Lasting silences that were not uncomfortable. That smell that took you back to before. The first kiss that said it all.”
In conclusion, "Before the Storm" offers a well-executed romance with nuanced exploration of heavy themes. While some aspects felt rushed towards the end, the overall portrayal of Lucía and Francisco's love story is compelling. I look forward to exploring more of the Williams family in future installments.
March 7, 2024
ARC READER!
This was such a cute and heartfelt lil romance! And I did not expect it to get into feelings as much as it did lol.
I am always excited to read romance stories, especially when I find that they bring something different than stories I’ve read before. I loved reading about Latino characters, and also having a new setting (Argentina) which is unlike the typical romance set in the US (lol sorry not sorry), it was very interesting and refreshing to see!
Something that I liked in this story also was the character depth especially for Lucia (I think Francisco could a tad bit more depth so I could understand the his character a bit more but at the same time Lucia is the MAIN main character so like I can’t really say anything). I loved how through their relationship but also INDIVIDUALLY (which is very important), they grew and developed their character for the better. I consider both characters are headstrong, they’ve gone through a lot but still keep standing up no matter what life threw at them! Also Francisco was refreshing as MMC from the prospect that he wasn’t the typical asshole MMC but he was rather vulnerable and just nice globally.
The double POV was VERY appreciated, I don’t like not knowing what the MMC thinks and when we have to rely on the FMC’s emotions and thoughts about him, like I want to form my opinion on those characters by knowing both povs, both thoughts (that’s so libra of me lol). And the flashbacks were chef’s kiss, I really love when there’s that in stories I feel like it adds more depth and it did! It also allows the reader to be more “hooked” in a way, to be more invested in the story. Something that would’ve been interesting to do is if one chapter would be past and then the next present (and of course keep switching POVs).
Since one of the tropes was « brothers best friend) I kind of expected this to be a « forbidden romance » too (I’ll admit it was dumb of me since it wasn’t added in the tropes by the author) but I mean we didn’t really get that sense so it wasn’t.
Overall this was great beginning for this author, with a lot more room for future development, I am excited to see what’s to come next! Congrats Miss Rigou and thank you for giving me the pleasure of being your arc reader for this book!
This was such a cute and heartfelt lil romance! And I did not expect it to get into feelings as much as it did lol.
I am always excited to read romance stories, especially when I find that they bring something different than stories I’ve read before. I loved reading about Latino characters, and also having a new setting (Argentina) which is unlike the typical romance set in the US (lol sorry not sorry), it was very interesting and refreshing to see!
Something that I liked in this story also was the character depth especially for Lucia (I think Francisco could a tad bit more depth so I could understand the his character a bit more but at the same time Lucia is the MAIN main character so like I can’t really say anything). I loved how through their relationship but also INDIVIDUALLY (which is very important), they grew and developed their character for the better. I consider both characters are headstrong, they’ve gone through a lot but still keep standing up no matter what life threw at them! Also Francisco was refreshing as MMC from the prospect that he wasn’t the typical asshole MMC but he was rather vulnerable and just nice globally.
The double POV was VERY appreciated, I don’t like not knowing what the MMC thinks and when we have to rely on the FMC’s emotions and thoughts about him, like I want to form my opinion on those characters by knowing both povs, both thoughts (that’s so libra of me lol). And the flashbacks were chef’s kiss, I really love when there’s that in stories I feel like it adds more depth and it did! It also allows the reader to be more “hooked” in a way, to be more invested in the story. Something that would’ve been interesting to do is if one chapter would be past and then the next present (and of course keep switching POVs).
Since one of the tropes was « brothers best friend) I kind of expected this to be a « forbidden romance » too (I’ll admit it was dumb of me since it wasn’t added in the tropes by the author) but I mean we didn’t really get that sense so it wasn’t.
Overall this was great beginning for this author, with a lot more room for future development, I am excited to see what’s to come next! Congrats Miss Rigou and thank you for giving me the pleasure of being your arc reader for this book!
March 4, 2024
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Before the Storm is the second book in the Tres Fuegos series by Maria Rigou. FMC Lucía currently works as the small town's pediatrician but no one really knows why she left her residency in the big city to return to Tres Fuegos. At her brother's wedding, Lucía runs into Francisco, the man who she thought could be someone special but who didn't come back for her as she imagined he would. He is running from his past trauma and the last thing he expected was to run into Dr Lucía Williams. Will Francisco and Lucia get a second chance to explore their connection? Or will their past continue to haunt them?
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This book is like a love letter to Argentina, Rigou's homeland. I love the descriptions of the small town of Tres Fuegos which although fictional, is inspired by real life. I felt myself longing to visit Argentina and experience this type of rural majesty which Rigou describes so beautifully. I also love how she used numerous Spanish phrases and dialogue to give the characters an authentic voice and celebrate her own heritage.
Both the FMC and MMC are strong, lovable characters who are dealing with significant trauma and in Francisco's case, family drama. Their love story is sweet and I love how they support each other as they reconnect. Lucia has a beautiful big family who provide a great supporting cast and further add to the Argentinian culture which is integral to this book. Although I hadn't read the first Tres Fuegos book, I was still able to enjoy Before the Storm. Rigou has a fabulous ability to jump back into time to give insights into the character's past experiences without the prose being clunky or confusing. A very well written book which I definitely recommend!
Trigger Warnings
Explicit sex scene
Some coarse Language
Death of a sibling
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Before the Storm is the second book in the Tres Fuegos series by Maria Rigou. FMC Lucía currently works as the small town's pediatrician but no one really knows why she left her residency in the big city to return to Tres Fuegos. At her brother's wedding, Lucía runs into Francisco, the man who she thought could be someone special but who didn't come back for her as she imagined he would. He is running from his past trauma and the last thing he expected was to run into Dr Lucía Williams. Will Francisco and Lucia get a second chance to explore their connection? Or will their past continue to haunt them?
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This book is like a love letter to Argentina, Rigou's homeland. I love the descriptions of the small town of Tres Fuegos which although fictional, is inspired by real life. I felt myself longing to visit Argentina and experience this type of rural majesty which Rigou describes so beautifully. I also love how she used numerous Spanish phrases and dialogue to give the characters an authentic voice and celebrate her own heritage.
Both the FMC and MMC are strong, lovable characters who are dealing with significant trauma and in Francisco's case, family drama. Their love story is sweet and I love how they support each other as they reconnect. Lucia has a beautiful big family who provide a great supporting cast and further add to the Argentinian culture which is integral to this book. Although I hadn't read the first Tres Fuegos book, I was still able to enjoy Before the Storm. Rigou has a fabulous ability to jump back into time to give insights into the character's past experiences without the prose being clunky or confusing. A very well written book which I definitely recommend!
Trigger Warnings
Explicit sex scene
Some coarse Language
Death of a sibling
March 3, 2024
3 stars !! arc review <3
“i’m a mess.”
“you’re a mess that i want.”
this is the second book in the tres fuegos series, it’s an interconnected standalone so you can read lucía and francisco’s love story as a standalone.
TROPES:
✧ second chance
✧ forced proximity
✧ shared grief
✧ small town
✧ latino mcs
lucía and francisco know each other because of jazmín, francisco’s sister and lucía’s patient. today they both share a grief and guilt, francisco just wanted his sister’s safety and lucía couldn’t lose another soul but unfortunately it’s what happens. with so much in her head, she decides to leave all behind, including francisco, and she moves back to her hometown in tres fuegos.
three years later, lucía wants to become the town’s pediatrician and francisco needs a break from work so he joins his friend’s wedding in a little mountain. santiago and francisco are best friends but he had no idea that lucía and santiago’s sister are the same person, so none of them expected to see each other because they didn’t know they had another connection besides jazmín. old memories rise like ghosts and now they have a second chance to talk about the past and what can happen with their future.
i applied for this arc because i really enjoy reading second chance books but this wasn’t the case :( i read book one and i just don’t know if this series is for me because i didn’t connect with the characters. the flashbacks scenes were a bit confusing so maybe it would be better to do past x present chapters? instead of come back and forth in one chapter.
them taking so much time to address their past wasn’t for me, like okay they pretended they didn’t know each other at the wedding but after that ??? anyways, the scene in which he gets sick was the cutest one for me, also the best one, because her as a doctor getting worried because he feels terrible? i just love it.
i would like to thank love notes pr and maria rigou for the opportunity to read an arc in exchange for an honest review <3
“i’m a mess.”
“you’re a mess that i want.”
this is the second book in the tres fuegos series, it’s an interconnected standalone so you can read lucía and francisco’s love story as a standalone.
TROPES:
✧ second chance
✧ forced proximity
✧ shared grief
✧ small town
✧ latino mcs
lucía and francisco know each other because of jazmín, francisco’s sister and lucía’s patient. today they both share a grief and guilt, francisco just wanted his sister’s safety and lucía couldn’t lose another soul but unfortunately it’s what happens. with so much in her head, she decides to leave all behind, including francisco, and she moves back to her hometown in tres fuegos.
three years later, lucía wants to become the town’s pediatrician and francisco needs a break from work so he joins his friend’s wedding in a little mountain. santiago and francisco are best friends but he had no idea that lucía and santiago’s sister are the same person, so none of them expected to see each other because they didn’t know they had another connection besides jazmín. old memories rise like ghosts and now they have a second chance to talk about the past and what can happen with their future.
i applied for this arc because i really enjoy reading second chance books but this wasn’t the case :( i read book one and i just don’t know if this series is for me because i didn’t connect with the characters. the flashbacks scenes were a bit confusing so maybe it would be better to do past x present chapters? instead of come back and forth in one chapter.
them taking so much time to address their past wasn’t for me, like okay they pretended they didn’t know each other at the wedding but after that ??? anyways, the scene in which he gets sick was the cutest one for me, also the best one, because her as a doctor getting worried because he feels terrible? i just love it.
i would like to thank love notes pr and maria rigou for the opportunity to read an arc in exchange for an honest review <3
February 27, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ First time reading Maria and although it is a different story from the romance books I was used to reading, I enjoyed it. I think it is also influenced by the fact that the protagonists are in their mid-30s and greater maturity is reflected.
Tropes:
⛰️Small town
⛰️Second chance
⛰️Mutual pinning
⛰️Brother's best friend
⛰️Forced proximity
⛰️Latinos MMC & FMC (from Argentina)
⛰️Spanglish
Lucia and Francisco had met years ago in a difficult situation, she is a doctor and he is a lawyer, but they meet again in a small town called Tres Fuegos in Argentina at the wedding of Lucia's brother and Francisco's best friend.
If you don't want to read about topics of death or illness, then perhaps the book is not so simple for you and it could become complex, but if you don't have a problem with it, you can read it, and the chapters are short, which makes it quick. Thanks Maria & Love Notes PR for send me an ARC of this book.
Primera vez que leo a Maria y si bien es una historia diferente a los libros de romance que estaba acostumbrada a leer, la disfruté. Creo que influye también el hecho que sus protagonistas se encuentren en sus mid 30s y se refleja mayor madurez.
Tropes:
- Small town
- Second chance
- Mutual pining
- Brother's best friend
- Forced proximity
- Latinos MMC & FMC (from Argentina)
- Spanglish
Lucia y Francisco se habían conocido hace años en una situación difícil, ella es doctora y el abogado, pero se reencuentran en un small town llamado Tres Fuegos en Argentina en el matrimonio del hermano de Lucia y mejor amigo de Francisco.
Si no desean leer sobre temas de muerte o enfermedad, pues quizá el libro no sea tan sencillo para ustedes y se pueda tornar complejo, pero si no tienen problema con ello, pueden leerlo, además los capítulos son cortos, con lo que se hace ágil leer el libro. Gracias a la autora por enviarme una copia del libro.
Tropes:
⛰️Small town
⛰️Second chance
⛰️Mutual pinning
⛰️Brother's best friend
⛰️Forced proximity
⛰️Latinos MMC & FMC (from Argentina)
⛰️Spanglish
Lucia and Francisco had met years ago in a difficult situation, she is a doctor and he is a lawyer, but they meet again in a small town called Tres Fuegos in Argentina at the wedding of Lucia's brother and Francisco's best friend.
If you don't want to read about topics of death or illness, then perhaps the book is not so simple for you and it could become complex, but if you don't have a problem with it, you can read it, and the chapters are short, which makes it quick. Thanks Maria & Love Notes PR for send me an ARC of this book.
Primera vez que leo a Maria y si bien es una historia diferente a los libros de romance que estaba acostumbrada a leer, la disfruté. Creo que influye también el hecho que sus protagonistas se encuentren en sus mid 30s y se refleja mayor madurez.
Tropes:
- Small town
- Second chance
- Mutual pining
- Brother's best friend
- Forced proximity
- Latinos MMC & FMC (from Argentina)
- Spanglish
Lucia y Francisco se habían conocido hace años en una situación difícil, ella es doctora y el abogado, pero se reencuentran en un small town llamado Tres Fuegos en Argentina en el matrimonio del hermano de Lucia y mejor amigo de Francisco.
Si no desean leer sobre temas de muerte o enfermedad, pues quizá el libro no sea tan sencillo para ustedes y se pueda tornar complejo, pero si no tienen problema con ello, pueden leerlo, además los capítulos son cortos, con lo que se hace ágil leer el libro. Gracias a la autora por enviarme una copia del libro.
February 26, 2024
ARC REVIEW ——
This is the first second chance romance I’ve read and WOW.
Lucía and Francisco’s story begins 3 year prior, Lucía was the attending doctor of Jazmín, Francisco’s half-sister who had Leukemia, and they met through the many hospital visits Francisco would take to see his sister. Feelings had developed but Jazmín unfortunately passes and Lucía and Francisco disappear from each other’s lives. For the next 3 years they are both silently battling the grief that seems to consume them and they meet again at the wedding of Lucía’s brother, Santiago. They both pretend to not know each other but as they spend time together, those feelings come rushing back and eventually everything comes to light. They both carry guilt from Jazmín’s passing and disappointment and confusion towards each other for how things ended between them. I loved that we got to see both of their thoughts and feelings about Jazmín, each other, and everything going on in each of their lives because it allowed me to get a better understanding of each of them as a person.
I’ve seen books where they immediately get into a relationship so this one was really refreshing because they didn’t get into a relationship until they both had cleared things up with each other, themselves, and those in their lives. This is the first Maria Rigou book I’ve read and I will definitely be checking out her first book (the one before this one)!!
I always get so happy to see Latino/a characters and to see Spanish in books so this was a plus for me with this book.
Thank you to Maria Rigou and Love notes for allowing me to read it, I really enjoyed it!!
This is the first second chance romance I’ve read and WOW.
Lucía and Francisco’s story begins 3 year prior, Lucía was the attending doctor of Jazmín, Francisco’s half-sister who had Leukemia, and they met through the many hospital visits Francisco would take to see his sister. Feelings had developed but Jazmín unfortunately passes and Lucía and Francisco disappear from each other’s lives. For the next 3 years they are both silently battling the grief that seems to consume them and they meet again at the wedding of Lucía’s brother, Santiago. They both pretend to not know each other but as they spend time together, those feelings come rushing back and eventually everything comes to light. They both carry guilt from Jazmín’s passing and disappointment and confusion towards each other for how things ended between them. I loved that we got to see both of their thoughts and feelings about Jazmín, each other, and everything going on in each of their lives because it allowed me to get a better understanding of each of them as a person.
I’ve seen books where they immediately get into a relationship so this one was really refreshing because they didn’t get into a relationship until they both had cleared things up with each other, themselves, and those in their lives. This is the first Maria Rigou book I’ve read and I will definitely be checking out her first book (the one before this one)!!
I always get so happy to see Latino/a characters and to see Spanish in books so this was a plus for me with this book.
Thank you to Maria Rigou and Love notes for allowing me to read it, I really enjoyed it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
4.5✨
Tropes:
🤍 Second chance romance
🤍 Brother’s best friend
🤍 Latin MC’s
🤍 Small town
🤍 Dual POV
🤍 Forced proximity
En BTS, Lucía es médica en una clínica local, que decido ir a Tres Fuegos para la boda de su hermano (o eso es lo que le dice a sus familiares), pero en realidad está huyendo debido a la perdida de una paciente que le importaba mucho.
Francisco es un abogado de una familia influyente por asi decirse, que termina en Tres Fuegos de vacaciones para la boda de su amigo, pero en realidad está huyendo del dolor de perder a su hermana pequeña.
Cuando Lucía y Francisco se ven en la misma boda, hacen como si no se conocieran, cuando en realidad han pasado 3 años desde la última vez que se vieron.
Cuando empiezan a pasar tiempo juntos de nuevo, de dan cuenta que tienen que sanar su pasado para poder tener un futuro juntos
He visto libros en los que inmediatamente se lanzan a una relación (sin resolver por completo sus problemas), así que este fue realmente refrescante porque no entablaron una relación hasta que ambos aclararon las cosas entre sí y con todo a su alrededor.
Ha sido un libro en el que literal deje los ojos, me lo devore en dos días y es algo que resalto mucho de María porque sus libros te llegan a sacar de un bloqueo lector y ten enganchan para dejarte sin dormir (aparte es un buen libro para #parciales)
Gracias Maria por el ARC❤️ y gracias por escribir sobre una doctora y cómo pueden llevar el dolor de perder a un paciente 🫡 (obviamente cómo encuentran el amor / mi novio estudia med tmbn y ahora dice que lo cambiaré por un abogado 🤣)
Tropes:
🤍 Second chance romance
🤍 Brother’s best friend
🤍 Latin MC’s
🤍 Small town
🤍 Dual POV
🤍 Forced proximity
En BTS, Lucía es médica en una clínica local, que decido ir a Tres Fuegos para la boda de su hermano (o eso es lo que le dice a sus familiares), pero en realidad está huyendo debido a la perdida de una paciente que le importaba mucho.
Francisco es un abogado de una familia influyente por asi decirse, que termina en Tres Fuegos de vacaciones para la boda de su amigo, pero en realidad está huyendo del dolor de perder a su hermana pequeña.
Cuando Lucía y Francisco se ven en la misma boda, hacen como si no se conocieran, cuando en realidad han pasado 3 años desde la última vez que se vieron.
Cuando empiezan a pasar tiempo juntos de nuevo, de dan cuenta que tienen que sanar su pasado para poder tener un futuro juntos
He visto libros en los que inmediatamente se lanzan a una relación (sin resolver por completo sus problemas), así que este fue realmente refrescante porque no entablaron una relación hasta que ambos aclararon las cosas entre sí y con todo a su alrededor.
Ha sido un libro en el que literal deje los ojos, me lo devore en dos días y es algo que resalto mucho de María porque sus libros te llegan a sacar de un bloqueo lector y ten enganchan para dejarte sin dormir (aparte es un buen libro para #parciales)
Gracias Maria por el ARC❤️ y gracias por escribir sobre una doctora y cómo pueden llevar el dolor de perder a un paciente 🫡 (obviamente cómo encuentran el amor / mi novio estudia med tmbn y ahora dice que lo cambiaré por un abogado 🤣)
March 1, 2024
before the storm has
- small town
- brothers best friend
- Latina fmc
- lawyer + doctor (PLS)
- shared grief
- slow burn
what another beautiful book about healing from loss. where both of them are hurting from losing someone special to them but also losing each other during that time too and how differently they cope with it. my heart broke for them and maria has such a way of making it feel like you are experiencing everything they are. this is set during the summer time in a town where blackouts are common the two main characters find themselves together and yall the parallel from the blackouts and the dark hospital rooms had me feeling every type of way. i loved it and it made their relationship feel so intimate and special. Lucía and Francisco have a part of my heart that they took when i closed this book. it’s full of all the emotions and well written that you feel apart of this big family and rooting for fran and lu to be together. and yall i love Francisco with everything in me. pls the “im not a cat person” to “I’ll see you later too, sweet girl” while he’s petting it. MELTING. and him just wanting to be with Lucia. i just love. i don’t want to leave this town ever. also the scene where they finally talk about you know what had me bawling. like i was physically hurting for the both of them.
“I felt a tap on my shoulder, then a gentle squeeze. Our signal”
“And I stood like a fool, in the middle of the living room, just looking at her. I could have said something, but instead i was dazzled. Stunned into silence by the familiarity of having her around me.”
- small town
- brothers best friend
- Latina fmc
- lawyer + doctor (PLS)
- shared grief
- slow burn
what another beautiful book about healing from loss. where both of them are hurting from losing someone special to them but also losing each other during that time too and how differently they cope with it. my heart broke for them and maria has such a way of making it feel like you are experiencing everything they are. this is set during the summer time in a town where blackouts are common the two main characters find themselves together and yall the parallel from the blackouts and the dark hospital rooms had me feeling every type of way. i loved it and it made their relationship feel so intimate and special. Lucía and Francisco have a part of my heart that they took when i closed this book. it’s full of all the emotions and well written that you feel apart of this big family and rooting for fran and lu to be together. and yall i love Francisco with everything in me. pls the “im not a cat person” to “I’ll see you later too, sweet girl” while he’s petting it. MELTING. and him just wanting to be with Lucia. i just love. i don’t want to leave this town ever. also the scene where they finally talk about you know what had me bawling. like i was physically hurting for the both of them.
“I felt a tap on my shoulder, then a gentle squeeze. Our signal”
“And I stood like a fool, in the middle of the living room, just looking at her. I could have said something, but instead i was dazzled. Stunned into silence by the familiarity of having her around me.”
February 22, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Genre: Romance
Spice: 🌶️/5
What to expect:
🤍 Second chance romance
🤍 Brother’s best friend
🤍 Latin MC’s
🤍 Small town
🤍 Dual POV
🤍 Forced proximity
Dedication:
May you attract people that want to be supporting characters in your story.
Trigger warnings:
Make sure to read the trigger warnings
ARC Review:
First, I am absolutely so excited to read more books with Latin MC’s. It makes my heart happy. Thank you Maria for allowing me to read the eARC. I thought that Before the Storm had such a great take on second chance romance! I loved Lucia and Francisco who have a shared grief that originally brought them together.
Lucia spoke to the people pleaser in me and I related to her so deeply. Especially since she struggled putting herself and her needs first. Francisco was also such a sweetheart, even after all he went through with his parents. I was rooting for them to get their happy ending because they deserved all of the love they had for each other. The tattoo scene 😭. So many emotional moments. I would have loved to get to see their relationship more in the present, but I enjoyed how Maria wove the story together between the past and present.
Memorable Quotes:
“Because the moment I pressed my mouth to Lucia’s, I was done for. Unraveled. Everything drifted away until it was only us.”
“I was here with her, my lighthouse, after so many moments of darkness. Her.”
Genre: Romance
Spice: 🌶️/5
What to expect:
🤍 Second chance romance
🤍 Brother’s best friend
🤍 Latin MC’s
🤍 Small town
🤍 Dual POV
🤍 Forced proximity
Dedication:
May you attract people that want to be supporting characters in your story.
Trigger warnings:
Make sure to read the trigger warnings
ARC Review:
First, I am absolutely so excited to read more books with Latin MC’s. It makes my heart happy. Thank you Maria for allowing me to read the eARC. I thought that Before the Storm had such a great take on second chance romance! I loved Lucia and Francisco who have a shared grief that originally brought them together.
Lucia spoke to the people pleaser in me and I related to her so deeply. Especially since she struggled putting herself and her needs first. Francisco was also such a sweetheart, even after all he went through with his parents. I was rooting for them to get their happy ending because they deserved all of the love they had for each other. The tattoo scene 😭. So many emotional moments. I would have loved to get to see their relationship more in the present, but I enjoyed how Maria wove the story together between the past and present.
Memorable Quotes:
“Because the moment I pressed my mouth to Lucia’s, I was done for. Unraveled. Everything drifted away until it was only us.”
“I was here with her, my lighthouse, after so many moments of darkness. Her.”
February 28, 2024
This is Book 2 of the Tres Fuegos Series.
I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰
Before the Storm delivers a heartfelt and emotionally charged second-chance romance set against the backdrop of a charming small town. With its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and tender exploration of love and grief, this book is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end.
Lucía Williams finds herself at a crossroads in life, feeling stagnant and uncertain about her future. However, when her old flame, the one who got away, unexpectedly returns to town, everything changes. Rigou skilfully weaves together themes of second chances, forced proximity, shared grief, and mutual pining as Lucía and her former love confront their unresolved feelings and the possibility of a new beginning.
The chemistry between Lucía and her love interest is palpable, drawing readers into their tumultuous relationship and keeping them eagerly turning the pages. Rigou excels at building tension and anticipation, creating moments of heartwarming intimacy and fiery passion that leap off the page.
One of the highlights of the book is its portrayal of small-town life, complete with quirky characters, cozy settings, and a sense of community that adds depth and warmth to the story. From charming cafes to picturesque landscapes, the setting serves as a rich backdrop for the unfolding romance.
Additionally, Rigou infuses the narrative with elements of Latinx culture, adding authenticity and depth to Lucía's character and her experiences. This cultural richness adds another layer of interest to the story, making it both relatable and enlightening for readers.
Before the Storm is a captivating romance that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of second chances. With its well-drawn characters, evocative setting, and heartfelt storytelling, this book is a must-read for fans of second-chance romance and small-town tales.
I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰
Before the Storm delivers a heartfelt and emotionally charged second-chance romance set against the backdrop of a charming small town. With its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and tender exploration of love and grief, this book is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end.
Lucía Williams finds herself at a crossroads in life, feeling stagnant and uncertain about her future. However, when her old flame, the one who got away, unexpectedly returns to town, everything changes. Rigou skilfully weaves together themes of second chances, forced proximity, shared grief, and mutual pining as Lucía and her former love confront their unresolved feelings and the possibility of a new beginning.
The chemistry between Lucía and her love interest is palpable, drawing readers into their tumultuous relationship and keeping them eagerly turning the pages. Rigou excels at building tension and anticipation, creating moments of heartwarming intimacy and fiery passion that leap off the page.
One of the highlights of the book is its portrayal of small-town life, complete with quirky characters, cozy settings, and a sense of community that adds depth and warmth to the story. From charming cafes to picturesque landscapes, the setting serves as a rich backdrop for the unfolding romance.
Additionally, Rigou infuses the narrative with elements of Latinx culture, adding authenticity and depth to Lucía's character and her experiences. This cultural richness adds another layer of interest to the story, making it both relatable and enlightening for readers.
Before the Storm is a captivating romance that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of second chances. With its well-drawn characters, evocative setting, and heartfelt storytelling, this book is a must-read for fans of second-chance romance and small-town tales.
March 7, 2024
3.5⭐️
a small town, brother’s best friend/second chance, slow burn with a double pov 🙌🏻
** this book heavily deals with and mentions grief, so keep that in mind if that is a trigger for you. **
i’ve actually never read a book where the setting was in Tres Fuegos, Argentina (or anywhere in South America for that matter) and i was thoroughly surprised! i googled and referred to pinterest a lot while reading this to make sure what i pictured in my mind was as accurate as possible.
and here are some of my thoughts i had while reading:
- the combination of the names Lucía and Francisco is so so cute
- this book felt deeply honest in the way their thoughts and feelings were portrayed, i would even say some were very raw. as for someone who has dealt with some degree of grief before, i really appreciated this.
- i also haven’t read many brothers best friend tropes, but when i do i always look forward to when the brother finds out😂
- i took spanish in highschool so i caught on to some of it that was put thruout the book but the translations helped
- anytime a book has a character that’s a cat, it will get bonus points from me😻
- i will say this one took me a little longer to get through. it could be because of the heavier topics…or from the other book i was reading at the same time as this one🤷🏼♀️
overall, i enjoyed this book and i would read works by this author again! thank you so much LoveNotes PR and Maria Rigou for allowing me to read the ARC!! 💗
a small town, brother’s best friend/second chance, slow burn with a double pov 🙌🏻
** this book heavily deals with and mentions grief, so keep that in mind if that is a trigger for you. **
i’ve actually never read a book where the setting was in Tres Fuegos, Argentina (or anywhere in South America for that matter) and i was thoroughly surprised! i googled and referred to pinterest a lot while reading this to make sure what i pictured in my mind was as accurate as possible.
and here are some of my thoughts i had while reading:
- the combination of the names Lucía and Francisco is so so cute
- this book felt deeply honest in the way their thoughts and feelings were portrayed, i would even say some were very raw. as for someone who has dealt with some degree of grief before, i really appreciated this.
- i also haven’t read many brothers best friend tropes, but when i do i always look forward to when the brother finds out😂
- i took spanish in highschool so i caught on to some of it that was put thruout the book but the translations helped
- anytime a book has a character that’s a cat, it will get bonus points from me😻
- i will say this one took me a little longer to get through. it could be because of the heavier topics…or from the other book i was reading at the same time as this one🤷🏼♀️
overall, i enjoyed this book and i would read works by this author again! thank you so much LoveNotes PR and Maria Rigou for allowing me to read the ARC!! 💗
February 29, 2024
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for this Advanced Reader’s Copy, and the opportunity to give an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The book begins with Lucia returning home, and working as a doctor at a small practice in her hometown and living with her parents. No one knows why she returned home, and with her brother’s upcoming wedding her past and love life gets brought up.
Francisco, a guy from Lucia’s past comes back into her life when he comes to stay in her brother’s house as the newlyweds go away on their honeymoon. Between getting caught in the rain, a few blackouts, and the summer smell of jasmine, Francisco and Lucia truly get to know one another, and maybe fall in love.
I would rate Before the Storm 3 stars.I really loved Maria’s writing and flew through this book. There was something so special about the small town she created, and the characters were so loveable. I would definitely read another book of hers. Some of the flashback scenes were a little confusing, like because of the placement I wouldn’t know if this was the past or present until I read further.
This book does deal with some heavy topics, so definitely check the trigger warnings before reading.
If you love second chance romance and small towns, Before the Storm is a perfect heartfelt read.
The book begins with Lucia returning home, and working as a doctor at a small practice in her hometown and living with her parents. No one knows why she returned home, and with her brother’s upcoming wedding her past and love life gets brought up.
Francisco, a guy from Lucia’s past comes back into her life when he comes to stay in her brother’s house as the newlyweds go away on their honeymoon. Between getting caught in the rain, a few blackouts, and the summer smell of jasmine, Francisco and Lucia truly get to know one another, and maybe fall in love.
I would rate Before the Storm 3 stars.I really loved Maria’s writing and flew through this book. There was something so special about the small town she created, and the characters were so loveable. I would definitely read another book of hers. Some of the flashback scenes were a little confusing, like because of the placement I wouldn’t know if this was the past or present until I read further.
This book does deal with some heavy topics, so definitely check the trigger warnings before reading.
If you love second chance romance and small towns, Before the Storm is a perfect heartfelt read.
March 7, 2024
Before The Storm by Maria Rigou ARC Review
"You're a mess that I want."
Ohhh this book made my heart swell!
This story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
If you are an avid reader of second chances romances, and fast-paced books with a forced proximity and brother best friend trope, this book is for you.
Their story may have begun with a tragedy but they make something beautiful out of it.
A quick blurb :
"Three years after she moved back to her hometown, Lucía Williams finds herself drowning in her emotional wounds. With her past holding her hostage and her future hazy, she's lost her spark. Until she finds herself face-to-face with Francisco Gómez Alcorta, one of the biggest shadows from before, and someone whose charm masks a storm of his own."
Francisco is the kind of MMC you cannot dislike, you simply can't. He is the perfect mix of gentlemen and players. He will make your heart swoon with his easiness in showing what he wants...are rather than who he wants...
I was affected by their story and their struggles, and the honesty in which it was described. It was satisfying to read about two people healing their wounds on their terms.
Before the Storm by @mariarigouauthor is now live on Amazon and KindleUnlimited!!
"You're a mess that I want."
Ohhh this book made my heart swell!
This story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
If you are an avid reader of second chances romances, and fast-paced books with a forced proximity and brother best friend trope, this book is for you.
Their story may have begun with a tragedy but they make something beautiful out of it.
A quick blurb :
"Three years after she moved back to her hometown, Lucía Williams finds herself drowning in her emotional wounds. With her past holding her hostage and her future hazy, she's lost her spark. Until she finds herself face-to-face with Francisco Gómez Alcorta, one of the biggest shadows from before, and someone whose charm masks a storm of his own."
Francisco is the kind of MMC you cannot dislike, you simply can't. He is the perfect mix of gentlemen and players. He will make your heart swoon with his easiness in showing what he wants...are rather than who he wants...
I was affected by their story and their struggles, and the honesty in which it was described. It was satisfying to read about two people healing their wounds on their terms.
Before the Storm by @mariarigouauthor is now live on Amazon and KindleUnlimited!!
March 4, 2024
ARC Review. Honest opinion only.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes to expect here:
-Second Chance
-Small Town
-Brother's Best Friend
-Mutual Pining
-Shared Grief
Lucia, a paediatric doctor, was one the caregiver of Francisco's little sister. Through shared nights in the hospital, Lucia and Francisco form an irreplaceable bond, until one day it's snatched away from them in the cruelest of circumstances. Three years later they are thrust into each others lives again, and they won't let this second chance slip away again.
This story was written with so much emotion and depth; from Lucia's grief process as a doctor, to Francisco's complex family dynamics, and right the way through to their respective healing journeys. There is not much spice in this book with Maria choosing to convey their relationship through meaningful words and shared moments. A truly beautiful story, and something different and refreshing for me to read.
There is a lot of Spanish dialogue in this story which was fairly easy to follow as it was written to flow with the rest of the conversation being in English, and although this is not a bad point, it did often confuse my mind and I found myself having to backtrack quite often. I wished we were given the opportunity to find out the reaction of Lucia's brother (Francisco's best friend) to their relationship, and I would have loved a further insight to their relationship after the *cute as hell* ending; I'm a lover of bonus epilogues if you can't tell.
In conclusion, I thought this was a good read. Having not read Maria's writing before I felt I fared well, and it has definitely compelled me to keep an eye on the Williams family going forward. Thanks to Love Notes PR and the author for the ARC I recieved!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes to expect here:
-Second Chance
-Small Town
-Brother's Best Friend
-Mutual Pining
-Shared Grief
Lucia, a paediatric doctor, was one the caregiver of Francisco's little sister. Through shared nights in the hospital, Lucia and Francisco form an irreplaceable bond, until one day it's snatched away from them in the cruelest of circumstances. Three years later they are thrust into each others lives again, and they won't let this second chance slip away again.
This story was written with so much emotion and depth; from Lucia's grief process as a doctor, to Francisco's complex family dynamics, and right the way through to their respective healing journeys. There is not much spice in this book with Maria choosing to convey their relationship through meaningful words and shared moments. A truly beautiful story, and something different and refreshing for me to read.
There is a lot of Spanish dialogue in this story which was fairly easy to follow as it was written to flow with the rest of the conversation being in English, and although this is not a bad point, it did often confuse my mind and I found myself having to backtrack quite often. I wished we were given the opportunity to find out the reaction of Lucia's brother (Francisco's best friend) to their relationship, and I would have loved a further insight to their relationship after the *cute as hell* ending; I'm a lover of bonus epilogues if you can't tell.
In conclusion, I thought this was a good read. Having not read Maria's writing before I felt I fared well, and it has definitely compelled me to keep an eye on the Williams family going forward. Thanks to Love Notes PR and the author for the ARC I recieved!
February 9, 2024
This was an emotional rollercoaster in the best of ways.
Lucia is a character that caught my attention in After the Fire, so when I found out she was the next protagonist I got excited.
Her journey is an emotional one, it shows us that sometimes we think we can deal with things, but when they really happen we can be overwhelmed, and it's okay to feel a lot.
And most importantly, it shows that we have to prioritize ourselves, because at the end of the day our life is only ours. It's okay to have goals but we have to take care of ourselves too.
Francisco was epic. I love a man who is not afraid to cry and who gets what he wants, even using the dumbest of the excuses (The tongue depressor scene? Swoon worthy)
But he also has a hot side that got me hot and bothered.
Their relationship is the cutest ever, both of them are crazy about the other and are cautious and careful in their actions. I love second chance romances. Their scenes during the blackouts are soooo cute. Forced proximity at its finest.
I will never hear back to december in the same way, and I'm grateful for it.
It's always a pleasure to go back to Tres Fuegos, can't wait to go back with the next book!!
Lucia is a character that caught my attention in After the Fire, so when I found out she was the next protagonist I got excited.
Her journey is an emotional one, it shows us that sometimes we think we can deal with things, but when they really happen we can be overwhelmed, and it's okay to feel a lot.
And most importantly, it shows that we have to prioritize ourselves, because at the end of the day our life is only ours. It's okay to have goals but we have to take care of ourselves too.
Francisco was epic. I love a man who is not afraid to cry and who gets what he wants, even using the dumbest of the excuses (The tongue depressor scene? Swoon worthy)
But he also has a hot side that got me hot and bothered.
Their relationship is the cutest ever, both of them are crazy about the other and are cautious and careful in their actions. I love second chance romances. Their scenes during the blackouts are soooo cute. Forced proximity at its finest.
I will never hear back to december in the same way, and I'm grateful for it.
It's always a pleasure to go back to Tres Fuegos, can't wait to go back with the next book!!
March 2, 2024
Before The Storm leads us through loss and grief that will make you cry and smile at the same time. This story follows Lucía and Francisco, two characters that are broken because of a tragedy. They see each other again after a couple of years and it’s like no time has passed. They are drawn to each other like a moth a to a flame. They both go the small town of Tres Fuegos, for different reasons, in the summertime when blackouts are a common occurrence. They find themselves at each other’s doorsteps more than one time. The comfort and solace they recognize that they can get from the other person is heartwarming. Those moments are mirrored with their little moments in the hospital a few years prior and my heart broke. For both of them. Their relationship was intimate and genuine. Because they were genuine. Lucía and Francesco both have such big hearts but had a tough time leaving the past behind and setting some boundaries. That being said, they grew into a powercouple that made me smile so much.
* I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
* I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2024
Before the Storm by @mariarigouauthor is the second installment in her Tres Fuegos Series. A second chance small town romance between lawyer Francisco and Doctor Lucia. I am thrilled to have read this book and was excited to have a latina FMC with a brother’s best friend forced proximity romance all my favorite tropes. It was great to see Lucia and Francisco when they first met and how they shared something so traumatic that it impacted how they saw things when they found their ways to each other. I really enjoyed how Francisco took the lead in getting the girl back. The way Lucia and Francisco managed and dealt with the past to move forward was great, the book has great romance and fate to black passion. Francisco’s family definitely were a great contribution to the humor in the book. I enjoyed how the book has both english and spanish dialogue making it more authentic to the characters and their lives. The book was very emotional as it has mental health representation, death, and traumatic life experiences. Overall great read.
March 6, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars and 1.5 spicy peppers
Tropes
Second Chance
Brothers Best Friend
Small Town
Forced Proximity
Grief/Healing Journey
Doctor x Lawyer
This is the second book in the Tres Fuegos series but it can be read as a standalone. I loved the small town vibes and the culture that was mixed into the story. I felt this was less my type of romance novel and more about grief and healing after losing someone you love. I did think there were some super sweet scenes between Lucia and Francisco & love that they had each other to work through those feelings of losing someone you love. I would have loved the chapters to be more past/present timelines dealing with the flashbacks. I think that's why this one fell a little short for me as some parts were hard to follow.
Although the author does a wonderful job handling heavy topics please check trigger warnings.
Death of a family member, grief, mental health.
Thank you, Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
Tropes
Second Chance
Brothers Best Friend
Small Town
Forced Proximity
Grief/Healing Journey
Doctor x Lawyer
This is the second book in the Tres Fuegos series but it can be read as a standalone. I loved the small town vibes and the culture that was mixed into the story. I felt this was less my type of romance novel and more about grief and healing after losing someone you love. I did think there were some super sweet scenes between Lucia and Francisco & love that they had each other to work through those feelings of losing someone you love. I would have loved the chapters to be more past/present timelines dealing with the flashbacks. I think that's why this one fell a little short for me as some parts were hard to follow.
Although the author does a wonderful job handling heavy topics please check trigger warnings.
Death of a family member, grief, mental health.
Thank you, Love Notes PR and Maria Rigou for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
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