Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Everything in moderation. Including virtue.

I step off the plane in Madrid and meet his warm eyes. His crooked smile. His devastating charm.
Worse, he’s courteous. Honorable. Sensuous. Impossibly attractive.

Tavo awakens my desires—my body—without even touching it.
I don’t want to be attracted to him. I’ve made my promises.
My future has already been determined. I'm wearing a ring.

But I can't control this pull to him.
He wants to explore my shadows.
I want to get out of the light.

I shouldn't feel this way...
Problem is, I can't restrain my heart.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2018

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Leslie McAdam

28 books1,357 followers
Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie's first published book, The Sun and the Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world's largest online writing competition. She's gone on to receive additional literary awards and has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies.

USA Today interview: http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20...

Cosmopolitan: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
132 (60%)
4 stars
65 (29%)
3 stars
11 (5%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Deb M.
320 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2018
Sombra is a stunningly beautiful story that will burrow into your heart, take hold of your emotions as well as your senses, and leave you in a puddle of feels.
Leslie McAdam has written a moving and intimate story of young love, set against the enchanting and intriguing, centuries old landscape and culture of Spain and its people. The lifestyle and food, as seen through Kim’s inexperienced and naive eyes are gorgeously descriptive, authentic and fresh. Tavo is one sexy AF guy—sensitive and talented, devoted to his family yet torn between pursuing his dreams and doing what is expected of him.
This is such a dreamy love story! The writing is lovely, the characters are real, the chemistry is scorching, and the sex is oh so hot. Do yourself a favor and take a trip to Spain with Tavo and Kim!
Profile Image for Leslie.
Author 28 books1,357 followers
April 26, 2018
My dearest wish is that you fall in love with Tavo enough that your autocorrect changes taco to Tavo.

Tavo Tuesday
Tavo Bell
Do you want soft or hard Tavos? (Always HARD.)
Let's go out for Tavos and margaritas.
Man, I could use a Tavo right now.

Tee hee. Thanks for reading!
Love,
Leslie
Profile Image for Spellbound Stories.
686 reviews400 followers
April 27, 2018
5++++ stars!!!

description

“…our love blossomed in the dark.”


“…They had a sombra. Everyone does. But they had spent their time pretending their shadow did not exist… If you face the sun, though, you will always have a shadow. That’s the way it works. We all cast shadows behind us. Better to take a look and see what’s in there than to be scared of it…”


description

As an avid reader, I love a lot of authors and a vast number extent of troupes. Leslie McAdam is certainly on that list of authors’ that I one-click before I even read the blurbs… She just writes stories that speak to your heart and leave you desperately in need of a cold shower 😉 and when you read romance, that’s the perfect combination. As much as I have loved previous work by Leslie McAdam, she has really, really outdone herself with her latest book Sombra. This sexy contemporary romance is the second book in the Love in Translation series and introduces readers to Tavo and Kim. Breathtakingly beautiful, this story is stunningly written. Readers couldn’t ask for a better plot or pace for this story. You will be drawn into the story from the first page and will be so enthralled that you will be reading the last sentence before you even know it. So, I knew going into Sombra that I would love it…I just didn’t realize that Leslie McAdam would mesmerize me so much with a story that I would be left truly utterly speechless and it would actually take two days for my thoughts on her work to possibly do justice to Sombra.

description

In addition to the superbly well written book, readers will feel the connection between Tavo and Kim from the start of Sombra. I actually got butterflies and goosebumps much like the heroines in romances do. The chemistry between Tavo and Kim is intense and pulls you in just as surely as the excellent writing. The story is told in duel perspectives and readers will love the insights this gives into both characters. Then there is the exotic location, the story is set in: Spain where Tavo’s family has owned an olive orchard for generations. For the first time in her life, Kim travels to experience life in a foreign country as an exchange student… only she never expected to find a man who complemented everything about her and who she could not live without. Sombra is exceedingly sexy, a cold shower will be an absolute must, and I personally would advise you to have a fresh pair of panties and batteries on hand 😉. As a hero, Tavo is simply h.a.w.t!!! He’s sensitive, extremely gifted and deeply sexual. He’s torn between his family and his dreams… He really is the idyllic combination for your next book boyfriend. And Kim…Oh I loved Kim! With her desire to truly experience life and to stop living in the shadows. Her rainbow-colored hair and the passion she finds in the simplicity of life in a foreign country. There is nothing, absolutely nothing about this book that you won’t love. You will be left deeply moved and completely enthralled by Leslie McAdam’s talents as an author. And I can guarantee those of you that are new to Leslie McAdam, after reading Sombra, you will absolutely go on to binge read everything else she has written!Without a doubt, Sombra is a truly Stunning and Spectacular read that should not be missed!!!

description

description
Profile Image for Everything Marie.
312 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2018
Five SWEET STARS!

Ahhhhh...this book was so beautiful! Sombra is a sensual story of finding yourself and finding the love of your life. We watch as two people from different parts of the world fall so in love that nothing will stop them from being together.

Kim goes to Spain for her last semester of college. She has wanted to be free from Iowa and her parents and this is the perfect chance for her to find herself. She is staying with the de la Guerra family on their Olive Farm. What she wasn’t expecting was to fall for Tavo the instant he picks her up from the airport.

Tavo is running his families Olive Farm since his fathers tragic death. Always feeling as though he was being held back from what he really wanted to do. Taking care of his family. Though decisions have been made that he doesn’t want, he gets a twist in his life as he meets Kim.

We follow these two as the both learn more and more about themselves and each other. We get to read about how true love happens. These two are hot! They are so good together and you feel their love throughout the words in the book. They have a few bumps in their journey but like always true love wins.

Sexy, emotional and so sweet it will make your teeth hurt. Highly recommended for any romance lover.

Andrea B
Reviewer for Everything Marie Book Blog

**I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**


Profile Image for Katy Cuthbertson.
43 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2019
I. Love. Leslie McAdam.
Her words give me all the feels. I always enjoy her books, but Sombra?? Sombra is another level. I feel that this is her best work yet! I have read it in its entirety 3 times, and partial reads several more than 3 🙀. I plan to reread it again as soon as the release hits my Kindle! This felt less like a book to me and more like a memoir... a memoir that I was THERE for. I smelled the smells. Saw the sights. Felt the pain and the joy. I cried. I laughed. I loved. I despised. I also found myself taking stock of my life and I realized that I, too, found my path to a life lived in color, while owning my shadows. Thank you, Leslie, for bringing this beautiful story to life! Especially the messy parts.
Profile Image for Booked & Busy Book Blog.
927 reviews33 followers
April 30, 2018
This is the most beautiful story of self discovery and love that I have ever read. Tavo by Leslie McAdam is a must read!

Sombra is the intimate story of Tavo, a man trying to save his family’s farm all while putting his dreams aside, and Kim, who has a passion for life, finding each other when she rents a room from his family while studying abroad.

I truly have no words for Tavo and Kim. They are each so perfectly written, I feel like I can see into their souls. Watching their relationship grow and flourish into something beautiful and sensual made this book unquestionably perfect.

Every moment, every feeling was just so perfectly described, I felt as though I was there in each moment, so much a part of the story. Kim and Tavo’s story was just so real and so intense that I was completed enamored and didn’t even realize I was at the end! You desperately need to come along for this entertaining ride!! I HIGHLY suggest this book to fans or even newbies to Leslie McAdam. Kudos to Leslie for another excellent book!

Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,814 reviews164 followers
April 28, 2018
Love certainly was in translation in this beautifully written story by Leslie McAdam. This story speaks volumes of uncertainty, growth and sensual love.

For me this story started off a little slow as I was just so eager for Kim, the heroine in the story, to get her butt to Spain; where she is on a trip of a lifetime to finding herself without others dictating to her what she should do. Along comes, Tavo, the sexy Spaniard that Kim is living with while in Spain on their olive farm and here is where the sparks fly and the colours of life become sharper and brighter.

Their chemistry is instant. From the moment they meet they are just pulled towards each other, both needing and desiring each other even though both are spoken for. The subject of arranged marriage is definitely in this complicated love story but also settling down for all the wrong reasons is also brought to the forefront.

I loved the vibrant descriptions of the Mediterranean lifestyle versus the westernised world. It brought back so many wonderful memories of Europe and it spoke volumes about finding yourself by standing on your own. I loved the no rush lifestyle and enjoyment of just eating a meal, and the desire and longing of the characters.

I recommend this book to the dreamers and to the people who feel like their lives are scripted by other people instead of themselves.
Profile Image for Andrea Britton.
1,787 reviews36 followers
September 25, 2018
Five SWEET STARS!

Ahhhhh...this book was so beautiful! Sombra is a sensual story of finding yourself and finding the love of your life. We watch as two people from different parts of the world fall so in love that nothing will stop them from being together.

Kim goes to Spain for her last semester of college. She has wanted to be free from Iowa and her parents and this is the perfect chance for her to find herself. She is staying with the de la Guerra family on their Olive Farm. What she wasn’t expecting was to fall for Tavo the instant he picks her up from the airport.

Tavo is running his families Olive Farm since his fathers tragic death. Always feeling as though he was being held back from what he really wanted to do. Taking care of his family. Though decisions have been made that he doesn’t want, he gets a twist in his life as he meets Kim.

We follow these two as the both learn more and more about themselves and each other. We get to read about how true love happens. These two are hot! They are so good together and you feel their love throughout the words in the book. They have a few bumps in their journey but like always true love wins.

Sexy, emotional and so sweet it will make your teeth hurt. Highly recommended for any romance lover.

Andrea B
Reviewer for Everything Marie Book Blog

**I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Love & Lavender Book Review.
484 reviews38 followers
April 30, 2018
I'm hooked on Sombra!!! My heart...I'm DEAD! I've left my heart in Spain with Tavo and Kim, and this magical olive farm. Sombra is an assault on my senses. I could hear every whisper of wind, taste every strawberry, smell the orchards, and feel the divine instant connection between Tavo and Kim.

This story of self exploration and growth is exquisite. Not only is it exotic, but the combination of Spanish and English text heightens every conversation. The verbiage is quick, proficient in it's meaning and lyrical in it's poetry.

Sombra is decadent. It's passionate. It's up-apologetically thorough in capturing the soul of Kim and, especially, Tavo. He's a beautifully sculpted, open book. Any path he wants to travel, I will gladly follow. I can't get enough of Kim and Tavo!!! They've swallowed me up whole, and left me a drooling mess. I need more....pleaseeeeee!!

Make sure Sombra is on your TBR - it's a MUST READ!!


*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review *
Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews40 followers
April 27, 2018
Sombra is a poetically written story of self discovery. It's beautiful, heartfelt and filled with tearful moments. The story is set in the inspiring county of Spain, a perfect location for the exploration of the mind, body and soul.

Kim Brown is finally getting the college experience, she's studying abroad in Spain. It's an opportunity for her to spread her wings and explore. Kim needs to get from under her boyfriend and parents influence. As it turns out there's a lot more to explore in Spain then just the language and culture.

Gustavo 'Tavo' de la Guerra Cantor has found himself in a pickle. He has been promised to a girl he does not love. If he doesn't marry her his family loses their land, their business, their home. If he had any intentions on marry her it all disappeared when he picked up Kim Brown for Iowa, EE.UU from the airport.

Sombra is an exploration of desire. A desire to find one's path in life and love. It's a beautiful romance that reveals that what is in the shadows is just as important as what is in the light. I loved Tavo and Kim's story! 5 Stars!
Profile Image for Liz.
3,495 reviews58 followers
April 29, 2018
Such a beautiful story! Loved it and completely got lost in the story!
Profile Image for Pauline (Passionate About Books).
789 reviews14 followers
April 30, 2018
" Self-realization occurs when you're ready to face your truth."
Ignorant, naive, inexperienced, living a very sheltered life, Kim takes a trip to Spain where her entire life changes. Everything she ever believed in alters with all the new experiences she is enjoying on a quaint, family-run farm, surrounded by olive groves. By breaking her routine and venturing out on her own she has discovered a whole new world, one she truly needs to bloom as an individual... and discovering an all encompassing love at the same time. Take this beautiful, romantic trip to Spain with Tavo and Kim and allow their adventures to free your mind, your soul, your heart! 5 Swoon-Worthy Stars for "Sombra" which teaches us to face our fears...to walk out of the shadows and to face the sun!
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,067 reviews565 followers
May 27, 2018
Let’s talk about a couple things before we get into the meat of this book. The cover … #stunnedstupid if you don’t jump on this book based solely on the cover, I just can’t help you. The Spanish … THANK YOU JESUS, finally a book where every Spanish phrase used throughout the book is not immediately translated into English. Let me explain a little bit. I have no clue what it’s like to read Spanish and not understand it. Same goes for English. You could say I learned both languages simultaneously. I can speak and think both languages without a single slip. I can also go back and forth in a conversation without missing a single beat. Because of that, when I read Spanish, my brain doesn’t even pause to think, it just knows what it read. When authors take the time to put Spanish in their books just to turn around and translate it, it takes people like myself out of the story. It’s almost like we’re reading something twice. IT IS AGGRAVATING AS FUCK. This book doesn’t do that and I almost cried tears of joy over it. So obviously I had to mention it :)

Alright … let’s talk about this story. As sexy as that cover is, it doesn’t even do the story justice. But not it a dirty kind of way, or kinky even. It was sweet sexy. Delicious sexy … heart full of sexy. All the sexy. GAH … so good. It’s not just a journey of two people. It’s also a growth journey for both Kim and Tavo. They come together when they’re both at a cross-roads in their life, a fork in the road if you will, and it makes their coming together so much more meaningful and just ridiculously heartwarming. I wasn’t expecting to feel so much when I read this book. I expected it to be #hotsexy not #feelysexy and I was pleasantly surprised. It was perfectly written for Kim and Tavo!

Copy provided for blog tour
Profile Image for Amanda.
192 reviews11 followers
April 23, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I haven’t read the first one but this can easily be read as a standalone. I wasn’t confused at all. I fell in love with the characters and I was completely invested with Kim and Tavo. Together they are complete. I enjoyed this so much that I’ll definitely have to go read the first one. Definitely a great story!
Profile Image for Tanaka K.
897 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2018
This year, I made a lot of reading resolutions. There were typical ones like read a new genre or tackle more risqué topics in romance. But my major one was expose myself to new authors. Find more stories that will touch my heart and make it fuller. I found that in Sombra. This magnificent book. This colourful book with a burst of life. This perfect and enigmatic read. Sombra was the highlight of my month. I was stunned. I was electrified. I was doused in a beautiful book with an ferocious story that catapulted my heart. Sombra ignited my soul. Sombra lit a fire on my body. Sombra set sparks and flames to cinch me. Leslie McAdam is a new to me author and she can write one hell of a book. Why haven’t read any of her books. She is phenomenally talented and wrote a book with depth and heart. Sombra was a breath of fire and tenacious beauty that absolutely mesmerized me. The breathtaking plot. The smoking hot and magnificent characters. Sombra was a story of transcendence. A story of perfect symphony. And I fell in love with the beat.

Love is a translation. Love is deep. Love is a rendition. Sombra is love. Sombra is soul. Sombra is heart. My heart was beating to the music of Sombra. My soul was cleansed to the deep waters of Sombra. Sombra made me a prisoner to the words and its poetry. I was moved. I was astounded. I was swept away by an exceptional beautiful book which made my soul sigh. Sombra absolutely delighted me. Sombra absolutely gave me goosebumps. Sombra just drifted me into an unforgettable story full of love and deep emotion. I felt it. I revelled in it. I bathed into it. I cascaded into it. Wonderful. Brilliant. Emotional. Sexy. Suspenseful. Seductive. Exotic. Sombra was a truly sensational romance with a plot that spoke of love, self-discovery and growth. A romantic escape. An illuminating love story set in the sights and sounds of Spain. A tantalizing and mouth watering epic of desire. Sombra brilliantly captured a passionate and perfectly sculpted romance with a plot to inspire and transport to the heart and pleasures of Spain. Leslie McAdam’s writing is impeccable. Her talent absolutely made me awe. It pierces. It penetrates. It strokes the embers of my soul. Her writing speaks and I definitely listened. I am definitely will remember Sombra because it breath new life to my soul.

Characters hold the story. Characters bring something extra to the story. Tavo and Kim hold a piece of my heart. They were perfect together. Their love absolutely sparkled. They had amazing chemistry. It was hot, spicy, exhilarating and just divine. Full of obstacles, I felt the power of their love. It was exquisite. I related to Kim so much. She was full of life, vibrant, fun and open to learn. She wanted to discover who she was. Sometimes we feel that in our lives to discover who we are. I felt a kingship towards Kim. In a way reading about Kim inspired me to set out in the world and experience life to fullest. Take time to find your beat. Tavo. My oh my, I need a fan. He was hot, sexy and charming. He was an alpha with a heart of gold. A hard worker who sacrifices for his family. Tavo truly ravished a part of me. Tavo and Kim are definitely one of my favourite couples.

Sombra is a life experience. This book just echoed. I am sitting and writing this book with a smile of my face, content and happy because I read a truly special book. Real and open. I fully recommend Sombra. It is a fresh story with an outlook on life. You will not be disappointed. What an introduction to a fabulous author. I will definitely eill be reading more of her books

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,692 reviews45 followers
April 26, 2018
Moving & intimate.

Kim has always lived a sheltered life in Middle America. Now having the opportunity to study a semester in Spain, she is about to embark on a journey of self-discovery that she has only dreamed of.

Tavo is young, but as the eldest son is running his family's farm. His dream is to pursue music and move to America.

Kim and Tavo's journey is moving and so intimate. Their passion for one another is all-consuming. A deep and moving story of young love and how deep into our souls it can go. It will captivate you. 4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P -.
3,318 reviews47 followers
April 30, 2018
I loved this sensual and sweet story.
Kim and tavon are the stars of this book and ms mcadams really has a way of writing outstanding characters.
I highly reccomend this series of standalones.
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,622 reviews78 followers
May 2, 2018
Second page in and my heart rate increased. My body coiled with anticipation. I started to imagine all that he could accomplish with my body. Forbidden desires and secret liaisons… TAVO!

Sombra is decadent. It is desire. It is freedom. It is growth. It is a love story that ensnares its own characters. A tale of desire that amps up the readers own bodily responses. The tension, lust, and needs of the characters come alive in the reader. So much so that you (the reader) may carry on the fantasy in your own head- create your own as you get swept away in the hedonistic edge.

Sombra is all the above and more. Yes it HOT! But it’s more than incredibly tempting, torturously steamy encounters. It’s passion. It’s understanding. It’s self discovery. It’s swooning at the feet of a man who makes you his all. (Tavo is mine!) Sombra is embracing both the light and the shadows.
So you have to fan yourself and have a large supply of … chocolate around for the unavoidable “moments” that trigger an incredible need…for chocolate. What were you thinking?! (It is totally what you were thinking! Panties. Tavo will have you making a mess of yourself without even trying.)

I highly encourage you to experience the temptation that is Tavo and to learn to love all your hidden parts.

Reviewed for the Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,459 reviews140 followers
April 26, 2018
Stunning this book is simply stunning, the words flow like poetry and draw you into a beautiful story of true love.

It was easy to be swept along with the story of Kim and Tavo. The author did an amazing job describing the landscape of Spain and Kim’s reaction to being in a new country.

Kim has been sheltered all her life and has come to Spain to have her first taste of independence, she’s staying with Tavo’s family who are interesting to say the least.

I fell in love with Tavo and Kim from the start it’s a story that took me away from my dreary home to stunning Spain with a young couple who have become one of my favourite couples.

reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
135 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2018
Gah…this book! Honestly I absolutely LOVED it to the point that when I was in Church today, I started crying just thinking about it. I was crying because I was so thankful that authors like Leslie have a gift for writing and use them for good.

Seriously…y'all just have to read the book. It's sweet. It's innocent. It's thought-provoking. It's hopeful. It's funny. It's suspenseful. It is simply wonderful.

Given how amazingly awesome this book is, normally I'd comment on the characters, their stories, their interactions, and the lessons they learned, but honestly, I don't want to. I don't want to ruin it for you. Y'all will just have to go into this book blind and then thank me for it. You're welcome :)

Seriously, Leslie, I don't know how you do it, but…thank you for this book! You have NO idea how amazing and helpful and teachable it was to me. So…thank you again!

Merged review:

Gah…this book! Honestly I absolutely LOVED it to the point that when I was in Church today, I started crying just thinking about it. I was crying because I was so thankful that authors like Leslie have a gift for writing and use them for good.

Seriously…y'all just have to read the book. It's sweet. It's innocent. It's thought-provoking. It's hopeful. It's funny. It's suspenseful. It is simply wonderful.

Given how amazingly awesome this book is, normally I'd comment on the characters, their stories, their interactions, and the lessons they learned, but honestly, I don't want to. I don't want to ruin it for you. Y'all will just have to go into this book blind and then thank me for it. You're welcome :)

Seriously, Leslie, I don't know how you do it, but…thank you for this book! You have NO idea how amazing and helpful and teachable it was to me. So…thank you again!
Profile Image for Amy Stephens.
Author 126 books523 followers
April 30, 2018
Leslie McAdam is a new author to me and boy, did I pick a great story to start with. The writing is stunning, very touching, and so, so good.

I wasn't really sure I was going to like Sombra as I sometimes have trouble when there's foreign translations throughout the story. It's just something that I struggle with, but let me tell, you, I think the translations added so much depth with this one. This isn't just a love story written on the surface--it's deep and full of passion and angst.

Kim and Tavo are two characters that are going to stick with you for a very long time. I will admit, though, it took me a bit to really get into the story. I think if Kim had been introduced first instead of getting all the background info about Tavo, I would've latched on quicker. I'm just glad I stuck with it because it was more like a beautiful journey. What woman hasn't dreamed or lusted for a sexy Spanish man. That accent, that charm. Tavo was one heck of a man!

Such a fulfilling story that I definitely recommend!
May 6, 2018
What an amazing book by Leslie McAdam! This story hit all my “love it” buttons. We have wonderfully evolving characters that both want to be their own person and decide for themselves what lies ahead in their lives. We have drama, conflict, and angst. We have steamy, hot chemistry between the heroine and hero. And my favorite part of this book is that I felt truly immersed into the Spanish culture. I felt like I myself visited the place and that I experienced so many things through the eyes of the heroine —from the language barriers to the countryside beauty— and that is something I find less and less in other books these days. Major kudos for that!
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! It’s within a series of stand-alones and you can read it today!

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2rtrAtt

reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Christine.
452 reviews27 followers
April 30, 2018
This coming of age book is sexy, poetic, delicious and addicting. There’s something about this book and the characters that make you want them to find their place in the world. With the perfect balance of character development, story development and the magical prose of Leslie McAdam, Sombra is a book that I highly recommend. 5 Olive Oil Stars

*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***
April 30, 2018
Kim Brown has spent her entire life pleasing those around her. For the first time, she has the chance to really do something just for her . . . she’s headed to Spain on scholarship for a semester and while she’s nervous, she really can’t wait to embrace all that Spain has to offer her. What she didn’t expect was the instant connection with the young man, Tavo, who picks her up at the airport and becomes her lifeline in Spain.

Gustavo de la Guerra became the man of the family at a young age when his father passed away. H has the weight of the world, and a somewhat arranged marriage, on his shoulders in order to help his family keep the home that has been theirs for hundreds of years. All Tavo wants is to go to America and explore a music career and be free from everyone’s expectations. He didn’t expect Kim Brown to be “the one” but he immediately knows he can’t live without her and will fight both his family and hers to make it happen.

Both Tavo and Kim have major responsibilities placed on them by their families however. Can they balance their own wants and needs against their family’s wishes? What happens when Kim’s scholarship is up and they are an ocean apart? And, what happens when life gets a bit to real and comes crashing down into their secret love and relationship?

Leslie McAdam knocked it out of the park with Sombra. It’s a real coming of age story for both Kim who is experiencing the life she wants to live for the first time and for Tavo who knows what he wants, but not quite how to make it happen. Kim’s zest for life and new experiences is truly exhilarating! Tavo’s ability to love deeply and fiercely and take care of those that matter most shows maturity beyond his years. Together, this couple is exceptional and not only have off the charts chemistry, but also make one another more confident and better as individuals.

I loved catching up with Trent and Dani again from Sol. Leslie McAdam also did a fabulous job of describing the food and sights of Spain with incredible imagery! It was easy to feel like you were right there with the characters.

Kudos to the author for giving readers a beautiful story. I was fully engaged from start to finish and kept cheering for Tavo and Kim to be the couple I knew they could be. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Samantha Ortegon.
Author 1 book50 followers
April 29, 2018
What can I say about Sombra by Leslie McAdam? Well, where do I begin? This story had my senses on overdrive. The description of the food and locations felt as if I could smell the aroma, taste the cuisine and virtually place myself on an olive farm or on the streets of Spain. It's perfectly written and had me falling in love with two characters that steal my heart from the start.

Gustavo "Tavo" de la Guerra Canto, try and say his name three times and seriously you would wish you'd be saying his name more than three times and in any accent. His family owns an olive farm and he finds himself in a bind to save his family's business. He has too many responsibilities and those dreams he had planned on, may have to pushed aside. His family business, his studies and his want to avoid a commitment all become beautifully complicated, when his family rents a room to a young lady studying abroad.

Kim Brown's zest for life, discovering new things, wanting to absorb all that's around her and realizing she has let too many people influence her, had me falling in love and rooting for her throughout the story. Kim melts my heart every time she goes after what she wants and discovers something new about herself. She has one goal and that is to study hard and learn everything she can while she's in Spain. Things for Kim may not go as planned, especially if Tavo is her biggest temptation.

Sombra, is a beautiful story of self discovery, the love of family and falling in love. It's filled with heartfelt moments, reacquainting ourselves with old friends and making new ones. The passion is felt off of my kindle with every swipe, it had me feeling as if every word I want to say is in Spanish.

5 Hola Tavo Star Read!!!
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews219 followers
April 30, 2018
When I first started this book, it was slow going for me and I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but it ended up being an enjoyable book for the most part. There was a lot of back and forth between using Spanish and English which kind of got confusing because at times, I couldn't understand what they were saying. For the most part, the author translated it for us but there were parts that she didn't and I had to go and look it up myself.

Sombra is a story about self-discovery and finding one's true self. Kim has grown up in a sheltered home in the middle of Iowa, never really going anywhere or trying anything new. When she gets the chance to travel to Spain and study abroad for a semester, she jumps at the chance to finally get away from her sheltered life. At twenty years old, she finally gets the chance to travel the world and try something new. Tavo has grown up on his family farm and is expected to take over it someday, but that is not his dream. When Kim comes to stay, will he finally get the chance at following his dreams?!

The author wove a beautiful story that completely immerses you in the lifestyle and culture of Spain. I really felt like I was there living it and wanting to learn everything about it. It was a little bit angsty, steamy, and heart warming. I can't wait to see what the author brings us next.
328 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2018
Five perfect stars!! Kim is headed to Spain for a semester of college, leaving behind a fiancé and her family in Iowa. She will be living with a family outside of Granada on their olive farm. Tavo, the middle son, is the lucky one that gets to pick her up form the airport in Spain. Holy hotness!! The sparks between Kim and Tavo!! Woah! But Kim has a fiancé. And Tavo is promised to Sonia. They were so perfect for each other, but had so many obstacles to overcome. The writing in this book...I felt like I was experiencing Spain right along with Kim. So detailed, so amazing! I felt like I was sitting at the table with everyone eating the multi course dinners with everyone. The foods themselves were described with so much detail...I have now started saving for my next vacation...Spain here I come!
Profile Image for Tish.
1,474 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2018
5 beautiful stars!! Kim and Tavo's story is so very sweet and touching. This story is so well written and the characters are perfectly developed, I loved them right away. Tavo is so swoon worthy and Kim is so passionate about life. Together they make a perfect pair.

This book was given to me at my request and I provided this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Kim.
716 reviews19 followers
April 27, 2018
Jesús, Maria, y José!! Talk about a riveting, provocative and arousing story with stunning plot twisting surprises.

Our open and enthusiastic main character, Kim leaves for Spain for her studies but also a clean slate and a exploration of herself but what she finds is Tavo, an enticing gorgeous man that lives and works on his family’s olive oil farm but dreams of moving to America until Kim shows up and he finds Spain a more an attractive place to be.

Leslie has not let us down with another stimulating and a heartwarming story to have us believing that love shouldn’t be comfortable it should be motivating and intoxicating.

Kim and Tavo’s families are pushing them to find love with someone else, someone more of a convenience, someone of suitability, someone without chemistry but they rather take a chance on desire and explore this new and igniting love but will they get burned...?

Leslie writes with so much detail and perception that you can taste the olive oil, you can visualize the ancient roman countryside and you can feel the chemistry between these characters.

You are placed into the world of Sombra and you are entangled by Leslie’s beautiful interpretation of the struggle for Kim’s discovery of oneself without disappointing the ones she loves with her newfound discoveries of her life, real love with some obstacles along the way.

Sombra’s formulation of characters, landscapes and narrative creates this world of comfort and gratification like that sweater you look forward to putting on on those crisp cool nights. When I read one of Leslie’s stories, I know I will be enveloped with that feeling of familiarity and pleasure.


‘Estupendo, magnifico, marcavillioso, fantástico.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,469 reviews6 followers
April 25, 2018
4.5 stars

this is a story of young love and finding ones true self. Kim has grown up in a very sheltered home in Iowa and gets the chance to study abroad in Spain.. At twenty years old she needs to see the world and find herself so she doesn't even hesitate. Tavo has grown up on his family farm and know he needs to run the farm someday but this is not his dream. .When Kim comes to stay with his family will he open up to his dreams?

Tavo and his family also have secrets..Some good and some well.. Can these secrets show Kim that life is not what it seems or will they show her a whole new way of living?

This book is a long one but an absolutely amazing young love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.