Physical appearance
For someone who seemingly hates the arrogant Aaron Blackford, Catalina is well aware of his attractive physical appearance. She often refers to him as ocean eyes because of his striking blue eyes and doesn’t fail to emphasize the height difference between the two of them. It is clear from the start that there is an attraction between the two of them, despite her efforts to deny it. Physical appearance plays a significant role in the novel, whether it be for the emphasis on sexual tension or delivering a message on body image issues that Catalina develops ahead of her sister’s wedding.
Emphasis on being small as a woman
There is a huge emphasis on height and body size in the novel. Catalina’s shortness is being mentioned numerous times, especially in comparison to Aaron. Phrases and sentences like “my short limbs”, “my small-frame immediately cradled in his much larger one”, “feeling extra tiny, sitting there while he towered over me”, are a common occurrence throughout. This amount of emphasis on the height difference could be seen as difficult because it follows the traditional gender roles and stereotypes, promoting the idea that women are supposed to be small and frail, helpless to appeal to a man’s interest.
Culture and language
What the author does really well in the novel is implementation of the Spanish culture and language into the plot. Phrases and words in Spanish are scattered throughout and serve to emphasize Catalina as a character. Catalina’s Spanish family might appear nosy and assertive at first, but it is a part of the culture that values family connection greatly, and it shows the warmth and closeness of Spanish culture.
