Throughout their conversations they got to know each other by sharing tidbits of their daily lives, family, hopes, fears and doubts. Starting out as strangers they slowly and gradually worked their way to being friends. The letters between Ruby and Aaron were super sweet. I think all of us Slow Burners know what to expect when we read a Mariana Zapata book, but still, I don’t think I was quite prepared for that long of an exchange. In Dear Aaron, the exchange of letters and emails, and later on the messaging between Ruby and Aaron lasted almost 40% of the book. I didn’t know exactly how different it would be but I’ve read pen pal books before, so I had an inkling of what was to come. I’ve known since the author announced it on FB that this book would be different. I think what makes her books so unique is her way of writing about real people and her characters are so easy to connect with.

I love her unique style, the slow burn, and all of her books have been devour-in-one-sitting kind of books. Her last three books have all been amazing and 5 star reviews. She is hands down one of my all time favorite authors. “You’re my Ruby, and you have been for a long time.” If you’re a fan of friends to lovers, military romance, and want a unique and heartwarming romance, pick up Dear Aaron! Her books have this way of sucking me in. Mariana Zapata is such a talented writer. As much as I loved the emails, letters etc, I wish it was only 25% of the book or so. I guess that’s the only reason this wasn’t a 5 for me.

It was apparent to me that these two were made for each other. It was almost strange to read a hero in a Zapata book that wasn’t a grouch LOL! Ruby had some insecurities, but I adored her as well. I loved how Ruby’s letters and messages got him through such a hard time in his life. I wouldn’t call the first half slow, but the last 40-50% was sooooo much faster. I liked that the characters got to know each other this way.

The first 40% of the book was a mostly letters, emails, and IM’s. They don’t have the animosity and ‘rub’ to start with. Aaron and Ruby start out as friends, or pen-pals to be exact. I flew through this long book in a day and a half.ĭear Aaron has MZ’s signature slow burn quality, but it was a little different to me. What I love so much about MZ’s books is that they’re long, but they don’t feel long. Every Mariana Zapata book I’ve read, I’ve LOVED, so when this book went live, I one-clicked it and started reading it straight away.

Dear aaron by mariana zapata