*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

When the strait-laced, no-nonsense Claire Walker is unexpectedly swept off her feet by a romantic and passionate artist, Matías de León, the couple fall into a whirlwind romance. Within a year, they've become utterly devoted to one another... until Claire starts to question why Matías-- who is handsome, funny, charismatic, and chaotic-- would ever love her, his exact opposite. After a horrible accident that leaves Matías comatose in his home country of Spain, Claire is forced to face what life without him would be like. Until a chance encounter with him on the streets (while his body is still unresponsive at the local hospital) may give her a chance to set everything right.

This book was funny and sweet and so sincere. I loved Matías' love for Claire, and the author's wonderful descriptions of art, food, and the Spanish culture. The concept was original and intriguing, and I think certain ideas were pulled off successfully (i.e. the magical realism v. realist character). However, my biggest complaints are the lack of upfront romance development (the vast majority of the book takes place one year after their initial meeting and their relationship is already well established, with a few flashback chapters thrown in) and the multiple POVs. Many of the chapters were one-offs from supporting characters, which provided unique outsider perception of the situation, but didn't add to the story much.

Overall, ONE YEAR AGO IN SPAIN was fun and refreshing-- not a book to be taken seriously, but enjoyed as a palette cleanser with a good sangria.