Last month, I was helping Rebecca with her science project when she casually mentioned she's never read a military romance. I was shocked—absolutely shocked—that my daughter had no idea how compelling stories about soldiers could be. That conversation stuck with me, so when I picked up 'Dear Aaron' by Mariana Zapata, I couldn't wait to share why this slow-burn romance about a soldier and his pen pal absolutely captivated me. It's the kind of book that makes you believe in the power of words before you ever meet face-to-face.
Plot Summary
Dear Aaron follows Ruby Santos, a twenty-three-year-old seamstress who signs up to write letters to soldiers through the Help a Soldier Foundation. When she's paired with Aaron Hall, a military man stationed overseas, she doesn't expect much. But as their emails, letters, and instant messages pile up over nine months, something magical happens—they fall for each other through words alone. When Aaron finally returns home and they meet in person, everything they've built through correspondence is put to the test.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Zapata uses the epistolary format—the letters, emails, and IMs—to build a genuine connection between these two characters. There's no physical attraction to distract from their personalities, so you really get to know them. Ruby is quirky, insecure in the most relatable ways, and fiercely loyal. Aaron is quiet but present, genuinely funny, and utterly devoted. The chemistry that builds throughout their correspondence feels earned and authentic. When they finally meet, the tension and emotion are electric. The slow burn here isn't frustrating—it's beautiful. I also loved the supporting cast, especially Ruby's chaotic but loving family, which added warmth and humor throughout the story.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love slow-burn romance, military fiction, friends-to-lovers stories, or epistolary novels, this is absolutely for you. This is perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with emotional depth and meaningful character development. The book is clean in terms of language and relatively sweet in its approach to intimacy. ⚠️ Trigger warning: mild mentions of family conflict, insecurity, and emotional vulnerability. This is a feel-good book overall.
Tagged As
contemporary romance, military romance, slow burn, friends to lovers, epistolary, pen pals, military fiction, new adult, emotional, sweet, small-town vibes, long-distance romance, found family, grumpy-soft hero, quirky heroine, first love, deployment, emotional depth, relationship building, HEA
Steam Level
This book prioritizes emotional intimacy over physical passion. There are some steamy moments, but they're not graphic or frequent. The focus is on the emotional connection and the vulnerability of these characters as they navigate their relationship in person.
