Single in Buenos Aires - Reviews
1. https://brmaycock.wordpress.com
The best part of being a blogger will always be finding a book from an author that you didn’t know you absolutely HAD to read. This is where I am here. When I saw this blog tour I basically saw horses and jumped, little did I know I’d be getting fantastic settings and en pointe romance too!!!
But, as usual, I digress. Let’s go back to the beginning, where we’re meeting Roxy, who’s telling us about Argentina, a country she’s arrived in, after a fall that’s damaged her in more ways than one.
Roxy speaks of the ways of the country, of how there’s certain phrases that are used, that for example basically mean no problem, don’t worry about it, and I was floored. The demeanour, the way of life of the Argentenians had me, their relaxed, chilled approach to, say, someone turning up at a moments notice, was something I wish we could see more of, less about etiquette and expectation, more about heart. Roxy isn’t quite in this mindframe and I learned a lot about her from the off.
I totally empathised with Roxy. I myself trained to teach horse riding, but as my instructor put it, had no glue, and after one particularly bad fall the day before the riding part of my exams, had to concede that me and horses could only do an On/Off thing. Saying that horses inject me with a light I can’t explain, and Roxy, who has a goal to get back playing polo (one of my goals in life is actually to give this game a go at least once!) has definitely had her light dimmed. Saying that this book is definitely not just for horsey people, with the politics and history of the country at times taking centre stage and the romance definitely as much at the forefront.
This post could go on all day so basically here’s how it is. Pacing wise its a slow, beautifully languid, unputdownable one, a book for those who love swoonworthy, tumultuous romance (you’ll note the blurb mentions Bridget Jones. I wouldn’t see it myself, I see the legends that are Belinda Missen and Lucy Coleman), the passion of the game of polo, so many fantastically drawn characters of the friends she makes along the way, all delivered in an unmatchable setting. Thanks so so much to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review.
Rating: Five out of five. Fantastic!
2. http://litflits.blogspot.com
I'll be honest: before starting this book I thought that Single In Buenos Aires would probably be too much of a chicklit romance novel for my tastes and had primarily chosen to give this novel a try because of its Romanian authorship. It's ideal for my WorldReads project. As it turned out though, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Roxy! Single In Buenos Aires is written in the first person so it actually feels like one is reading a memoir rather than a fictional work. Roxana Valea's own Argentinean travels do, apparently, quite closely resemble those of her alter ego Roxy so I got a strong sense of authenticity from her portrayals of people and places.
Roxy is a polo player and the sport is of ultimate importance to her, but it doesn't feature too much in this story. Games are played, obviously, but I never felt that my total ignorance of the sport held me back from understanding the storyline or any of the events which occur. Instead the focus is more on Roxy's search for potential love which is frequently very funny. Her sense of humour chimes closely with my own so Single In Buenos Aires often had me giggling. I'm also now completely in love with the city of Buenos Aires myself. If one has enough of a budget to blow, it does sound like the most amazing place!
3. https://booklover.water.blog/2020/01/10/single-in-buenos-aires-roxane-valea/
This is a new author to me and I have really enjoyed reading this series.
This is not romance as such, more a diary of the author’s journey. However, it is an extremely enjoyable and easy read which has been utterly needed after a busy day. I can honestly say that I cannot wait to read more by this author.
This is definitely chick lit with a twist. I have liked the characters, the story and honestly I have nothing negative to say about this book. I’m excited to read more by this author.
This is definitely an authentic and enjoyable read, with a superb original story.
4. https://norwayellesea.blogspot.com
I've had a fascination for Argentina for as long as I remember, so jumped at the chance to read Single in Buenos Aires because I thought it was a sports romance novel. So, I was a bit surprised to find out it's written as a memoir.
Diving in, it took time to get used to the writing style as I was expecting a narrative full of romantic emotions, however, Roxy's adventures managed to keep me entertained throughout her documented time in this South American country.
Written in the style of entries of a diary, Polo games are featured, yet, there's so much more to this story which focuses on a single woman obsessed with the sport and her determination to find love. With the Argentinian backdrop and captivating culture details, Roxy's exploits are humorous and realistic. The characters feel authentic in a way, I felt transported to the city I've longed to visit.
I've always liked reading fictional books where I can learn something new. In this first instalment of Ms Valea's Polo Diaries, I've achieved that goal and look forward to where Roxy ventures to next.
Overall an enjoyable, quick read and perfect for readers who like a mix of intriguing characters within a plot set in a far off land.
5. https://jolliffe01.com/?s=single+in+buenos+aires
An independent woman travels to Argentina, to experience everything it has to offer. A devotee of polo, she wants to recover from a sports injury to play again, whilst meeting her soulmate. She has a to-do list and sets about completing it in a forthright way, but life is never simple as she finds out. (...)
As a holiday read, and an informative guide on all things Argentinian, including their obsession and proficiency with polo, it is interesting.
6. https://nursebookie.blogspot.com/search?q=single+in+buenos+aires
Roxy is a 41 yo single Romanian living in London whose hobby is playing polo. Where else in the world can you play polo than Argentina. So she sets off and travels to Argentina with a clear focus and a checklist in mind. She gives herself three months to spend in the exotic Buenos Aires, Argentina to complete her list!
Her checklist includes 5 must do items: heal from her wrist injury, play lots of polo, watch and attend polo parties, fall in love with a handsome Argentine man while attending those polo parties and all the while also doing a full body rehab. With a list now written, her competitive spirit beckons her to check off the boxes. But in her quest, Roxy quickly learns the culture of love with her heart on the line. What is she willing to risk? Will she risk heart break in order to accomplish her goals?
The book was written in a diary style, and was also inspired by the authors’ own experiences as a polo player who also travelled to Argentina - maybe that’s why our main character is named ‘Roxy’!!
This was a quick and fun read. I loved learning the insights on the Argentine culture both in love, language, polo and friendship. I enjoyed this very much and look forward to the next installation of this series.
7. https://lexirees.co.uk/?s=single+in+buenos+aires
Argentina, polo and a dash of romance
This series is like catnip to me: travel, adventure, horses and a dash of romance. It’s literally my dream combo. I recently reviewed the Sweetbriars pony series for kids, so this time it’s a grown up horsey treat, but I must stress, you do not need to know anything about horses or polo to enjoy this series.
The series is based on the author’s own experiences and as it’s written in the first person and reads like a travel journal, I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction.
The Polo Diaries starts with a list. I love a list, and this one is particularly funny, especially the order of priorities.
I connected with the narrator from the opening lines. She’s very Bridget Jones (it’s always a relief when a big claim in the blurb turns out to be 100% accurate) and I’m pleased she is older (at a mere 41) than the stereotypical mid-thirties romcom character. She’s a typical horsewoman – despite repeated broken bones, she can barely wait to get back in the saddle. Given I’ve skied with my arm in plaster cast, and yesterday was debating with a 9yo who has fractured her shoulder from a fall and is banned by the doctor from riding for a month, how long she really had to take off, I can totally relate to this. NOTE – this should not be considered medical advice – you must always listen to your doctor!!
The second book follows on so I would suggest reading them in order. The feeling of “home” when she lands back in Argentina is so strongly described, I’m practically packed and on the next plane to Buenos Aires.
Now I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author. You know when people ask you which author you’d like to invite to a dinner party, I’m definitely putting Roxana Valea on my wish list. Or perhaps we could just meet for a Campari and orange …
