Book Review: Shall I Stay (Los Morales #1) by Nuria Muñoz

About the Book:

Like it or not, it’s fight or flight when it comes to love and legacy.

Professor Magdalena Martín needs to find a man—or at least find out why he disappeared in the sixteenth century. Research leads her from Spain to picturesque Puerto Rico. Accustomed to being a team of one, she finds herself working alongside a too-charming-for-his-own-good fellow historian who proves to be an unfortunately distracting necessity.

The last thing Rico Morales expected when he left Wall Street was to end up going on a wild-goose chase with a snooty academic. Can’t a man aimlessly search for his life’s purpose in peace? His loose itinerary did not include bantering through a genealogical investigation with a captivating colleague—or grappling with their undeniable connection.

‘Lena’ is on a singular mission to solve this career-defining mystery and return to her life in Salamanca. Yet the more time she spends with Rico, the more she falls for the enchanting island and his smoldering smile. When they’re together, possibilities hum. Like the possibility of something that would stand the test of time—if only she were the sort to stay.

First in the Los Morales series, “Shall I Stay” is an opposites-attract, witty contemporary romance with swoony kisses only and no swearing. Extra dose of yearning tension included.

| Goodreads |

My Review:

Shall I Stay by Nuria Muñoz
Rating: 4/5
Pages: 259
Published: January 28, 2025
Series: Los Morales

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Ahh!! These two are so cute together! Okay, give me a moment to collect my thoughts and I will try to make this a helpful and coherent (or, maybe cohesive would be the better word choice here?) review. First off, I’ll start by saying that there is a lot that I love about Nuria Munoz’s stories, a trend or ‘author’s voice’ if you will developing as she continues to hone her craft. I’m excited for that, and to be here near the beginning to see it unfolding. Such a treat!

Not all is perfect and rosy, although I know not everyone is going to agree with my thoughts on a few things, I’ll try to share some of the good, and the not-so-fun thing, in a way that is both loving and full of grace. (I’m learning! I hope at least.)

I wasn’t quite sold on Rico and Lena at first, I mean I liked them well enough, and thought their humor was funny (especially his) once it started to appear, but it was honestly his family that first won me over. (Don’t worry, they both stole the show and got the spotlight back soon after!)

I will say, the main thing I (honestly, I hated it, more so when Rico jokingly agreed. Total heart-break) was the comments about ‘kismet’. I know, not something most people understand or will agree with, but the most God teaches me, the more I realize that I *must* view everything in light of His Word, and if it’s not from Him, or honoring Him, then it is against Him. Kismet, karma, chakra, yoga, and anything the least bit related if very much on the list of things God says in His Word that He hates, and as such, I admit I cringed when it was mentioned, but I was really upset and almost DNFed the story when Rico made a comment about kismet in response. Ugh! So, close!

I love so much about this one, and that was really the one thing that really stood out and screamed in a way I couldn’t ignore, and at this point I don’t want to ignore these things. I am called to be honest, and even promise an honest review, that is what I hope to provide in all aspects of my life. To be honest, that’s my goal here, so the kismet comments had to be addressed, although I am very grateful that it was a fairly short scene, and not a major reoccurring conversation.

Dancing was another, and while I love music and dancing, as with anything I’ve come to learn that there is a good and a bad, and right and a wrong to everything. Not saying anything directly about music, dancing, or even those scenes in this one, just that it’s become a difficult thing for me to talk about without a sort of forewarning I guess. The dancing in the story was very energetic, passionate, and very much a result of the expressive and proud nature of the Puerto Rican culture. I love that the author enjoys sharing that culture with outsiders like myself, and after having spent some time around a few Puerto Ricans personally, I can see it. I can absolutely see them breaking out in dance, loving a large meal with friends and family, and just overall having a good time. And honestly, I love it!

But we must also be cautious of what we do, what we think, and what we consume. This includes books and music as well as many other things. While I don’t feel or consider anything directly wrong in the story where the dancing was concerned, it was clear that it was more about proving their abilities and later became something special between them, both things are find in moderation, but as with anything too much of a good thing can become toxic. So, while I loved the story, and it was clean, I also know that for many music and dancing can become an idol of sorts, so for me it’s always harder for me to promote a story while at time same time cautioning against a thing or belief. Am I saying that the story is bad, or that dancing and cultural music is? Nope, not at all. Just that… while I love learning about new cultures and their traditions such a food and dance, I’m also increasingly aware that many of those customs and traditions are steeped in religious beliefs, which it’s clear in the Bible that anything not of God is of the world, as there is only one God, and He makes it clear that those to belong to and believe in Him are to be set-apart. Not from people and cultures so much, but from the teachings and ways of the world. So, my love for different cultures, foods, ethnicities, and customs can sometimes become a little difficult to balance with my faith in Jesus Christ, which must always come first. Yeah, probably not the place and maybe over-sharing, but hey, if you’ve followed me or known me for any amount of time, you know it’s bound to happen at some point. I’m sorry I’m not better with words and describing or explaining things like this, I’m working on it. Hopefully I’m getting even the tiniest bit better along the way?

Regardless, the sum of my review is that I loved this one. Absolutely adored these characters! Such a cute couple. Not the way Matt and Toni are (seriously, check out her novella if you haven’t already!) but in their own way I think I ended up loving both couples equally. Some of the things I loved about each story were the same, or similar reasons. The food, the family (blood related or not, Mr. Jose is an example. Again, go read The Super Big Favor if you haven’t yet!), the excitement that bubbles out of these characters is infectious, and I can’t help grinning and cheering along-side them. They are adorable together, but again Matt and Rico aren’t the same, like at all, although am I wrong for wanted to see them meet at some point? (Is it possible?) These couples, and even the rest of the Morales gang, I bet it would be amazing!

Anyway, I digress I was saying that the characters in this one are completely original in a lot of ways, but I loved that her characters maintain a sweet, kind, compassionate, true authenticity that makes them all the more special. Not just Matt and Rico, but the women too, oh can she write some sassy ladies, but we love them! She has the ability to make that perfect balance of sassy and independent with a good measure of grace and compassion that draws me in every time. Rico’s grandmother is a great example, and honestly, can she adopt me? Where do I sign up? Because that is just the type of person she is. I loved it, and this whole story has that type of ‘warm-hug’ feel that makes it so special and so very beautiful!

Other books in the series:
_{(Below is a list of the other books I’ve read & reviewed for this series)}

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