Title: Chica Bella
Author: Carly Fall
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis
Landon “Blackhawk” Walker is ready to get out of the Navy SEALs. He has seen and done enough, and can’t wait to get to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where three tasks await him: get back into civilian mode, take a boat out to the El Arco Rocks, and win back the heart of the woman he lost because of his career.
Maya Gonzalez has tired of the heartbreak that comes with Landon’s deployments year after year. When he walks back into her life, she cannot deny her heart, despite her reservations.
As they lose themselves in each other and the beauty of Cabo, their passion is rekindled once again, but Maya knows that one phone call means deployment for Landon, putting an end to their reunion, and possibly their relationship.
Review
I was really excited when I was asked to review Carly Fall’s book Chica Bella. I had read one other book by this author and found her writing to be fun and engaging and such a humorus book to read. That previous book was a paranormal, so I was very curious as to how her writing style differed with a contemporary romance.
Again, the writing was smooth and the pace was quite fluid. But unlike the paranormal book, which were more along the light and fun side, Chica Bella was a bit more on the serious side. However, the charming qualities of her characters remain consistent in her writing.
We find in the beginning Landon Walker, having completed his fifth tour of duty in the Navy SEALS, has come back to Cabo San Lucas Mexico for a well earned time off. Landon has given seventeen years of his life to the Navy, protecting his country, and he has become irreplaceable. He is torn between his loyalties to serving his country and wanting to finally retire and lead a normal life. His commanding officer wants him to stay and Landon knows that if he would ask, Landon would still say yes, despite his need to resign. Landon is hoping that a replacement for him will be found, because he really wants is a different life.
He has no family to come home too, but he continues to come back to Cabo for the last three years because of one special woman.
Maya Gonzalez worked as a waitress at the hotel that Landon happened to visit three years ago. The attraction was instantaneous but the relationship was not without its complications. Maya knew Landon had a dangerous job. He would stay for weeks or months at a time and then all of a sudden, he would disappear to go on a mission; never having any communication while away on an assignment. During his times away Maya had no information of his whereabouts, if he was hurt, or if he even still thought of her. How completely agonizing that would be, tortuous almost.
Now he comes back and Maya wonders if the relationship is worth it. Is it worth reliving her feelings of loss and abandonment and the fear that she may never see him again while away on duty? Uncertainty rules, and Maya is not so easy to give him another chance this time around. But Landon is desperate because he knows that Maya, his chica bella, or beautiful girl, is the only one for him. Throughout the book he continues to convince her that they should be together, but he is unable to give her what she truly wants. That is, a commitment to stay with her for good. No more assignments, no more last minute goodbyes, no more wondering if he would ever come back.
For a story that was only 63 pages long, it packed a pretty hefty emotional punch. As I read the book, I think of all the servicemen and women that serve our country, and I think of my own brother when he served in the Air Force. I remember my sister-in-law, and how hard it must have been for her while he was away in Saudi Arabia years ago. The worry over loved ones that serve can be very overwhelming as some of you dear readers are already aware.
The author brought me back to that and I really felt Maya’s courage at giving Landon another chance. How brave she must have been to offer her heart, not knowing whether it would offer her happiness or pain. This was a book about people taking chances. To offer your heart all the while knowing there is a risk of it breaking; of it leaving and maybe never seeing or feeling it again with the one and only person whom you only ever connected with. If you want a short and light romantic read, I would suggest giving Chica Bella a try. A copy of this book was provided for this honest review.
Author Bio
Thank you for your interest in my books! I am a wife, a mother and a slave to Nicky the dog. I love to laugh, I think chocolate and wine should be considered their own food group, and I wish Christmas happened twice a year.I love hearing from readers, so please send me an email at carlyfall@gmail.com, or connect with me on Facebook, Goodreads or Twitter.Oh, one last thing. If you loved the book you read, please go and leave a review where you bought it!For more information on upcoming books as well as freebies and giveaways, visit her website at www.CarlyFall.com
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Enter the Chica Bella Tour Giveaway by clicking the Giveaway Graphic below.
I’d rather vacation at a warm destination :-). Thanks for the giveaway!!
I DEF want somewhere hot. I hate wearing sweaters and thick jackets and all that junk. I could live in anything suit.
Bathing suit**
I’m not sure what my phone was thinking.
Awesome giveaway! I’d rather vacation in a warm place!
Warm Place!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!
Someplace warm! But not too warm. Course, its been a long time since Ive had a vacation so I’d take pretty much anywhere right now, LOL!
I have always wanted a getaway to a secluded island or mountain cabin, with all the amenities. Water always features predominantly in my fantasy vacations.
I read “Chica Bella,” and thought Ms. Fall’s novella characters had more depth than some full-length novels, or trilogies. Landon and Maya’s relationship is characteristic of so many military families and beautifully written.
Thank you for having me today, and thank you for taking the time to read Chica Bella, and write the review. It is very much appreciated!
Definitely somewhere cooler. I live in the desert and the summers are killer.
I would rather go somewhere cooler. Not like 50 below or anything crazy like that but in the 40-60 range is good for me
Warm as long as I have plenty of sunscreen LOL
Definitely Warm.
Warm! Always warm.
I’d rather go some where warm. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Somewhere cold. Love the cold. Thanks.
Warm, for the most part. BUT, I’d love to go to Alaska sometime in the summer. 🙂 & ski trips are always fun, too!
I would definitely prefer somewhere warm for vacation!
Warm. Thanks for the giveaway.
I favor warm weather for vacation. Although the one exception to that would be NYC during winter/Christmas time; it’s so magical then.
I would generally rather vaction someplace warm, but not too warm. Right now, I would rather be someplace cooler, lol.
I like my vacation someplace warm, though going to the Smoky Mountains for a few nights in a log cabin isn’t bad either.
Somewhere warm/hot!
I would much rather visit someplace warm on vacation.
Definitely warm.