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jrae_miller's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Good buildup for a second chance romance - I had some quibbles with the self-awareness of some of the characters but overall fun to read. Gave Google translate a good workout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gun violence and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, and War
claracavanaugh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Cursing, Confinement, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Gun violence, Body shaming, War, Medical content, and Colonisation
Minor: Colonisation and Car accident
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
Lola León is a preschool teacher and also works with unhoused LGBTQ+ youth who have been disowned by their families. Saint Vega is set to take over his uncle Luis' construction company, and he has been navigating why his four-year-old daughter Rosie is not speaking at school, and even at home sometimes. He is a single dad, and while her teachers are quick to diagnose her with an intellectual disability, Lola steps in and hopes to give Rosie and Saint the space to figure this out.
Lola has recently returned home and is also dealing with the gentrification of her neighborhood, including the homeless shelter that she volunteers at. She teams up with Saint to find a new space for the unhoused LGBTQ+ youth that rely on this space, and this forced proximity forces them to confront their falling out years ago. Their grandfathers are also pranking each other at the senior care home that they live in, so that's yet another thing these two need to worry about.
Lola is a main character you really root for: she is an incredibly independent, passionate, self-deemed social justice warrior. She is fat and has no time for fatphobia or body shaming. Her brother and father were well-known gang members and she is constantly reckoning with the bias she receives from others because of this association. She cares deeply about her neighborhood, has no qualms protesting loudly and proudly, and she is not easily swayed. She has absolutely wondered if she was "too much" for people, but she mostly stands strong in her convictions, almost to a fault if you ask Saint.
On the other hand, Saint is grappling with his own past with the military as such a young kid, being a single father, and now worrying over Lola's safety in addition to his own and his daughter Rosie's. I appreciated that Lola called attention to the manipulative tactics that armed forces take when it comes to targeting minors from communities of color and framing it as one of their "only" options for a bright future. Saint can be a bit condescending at times, but it felt rooted in his deep concern over the consequences, which he knew all too well from his time in the military.
I enjoyed the flashbacks in this second-chance romance, and my favorite moments are always when folks divulge what caused it to all unravel so long ago, or when they are so bravely sharing their deepest cuts.
I listened to the audiobook on Kobo, and thought the narration by Valentina Ortiz was excellent!
steam rating: 2/5
cw: ableism, classism, gentrification, mention of armed forces/military, gun violence, injury detail, incarceration/prison system, fatphobia, body shaming, homophobia, biphobia, unhoused/abandoned/kicked out LGBTQ+ youth
Lola León is a preschool teacher and also works with unhoused LGBTQ+ youth who have been disowned by their families. Saint Vega is set to take over his uncle Luis' construction company, and he has been navigating why his four-year-old daughter Rosie is not speaking at school, and even at home sometimes. He is a single dad, and while her teachers are quick to diagnose her with an intellectual disability, Lola steps in and hopes to give Rosie and Saint the space to figure this out.
Lola has recently returned home and is also dealing with the gentrification of her neighborhood, including the homeless shelter that she volunteers at. She teams up with Saint to find a new space for the unhoused LGBTQ+ youth that rely on this space, and this forced proximity forces them to confront their falling out years ago. Their grandfathers are also pranking each other at the senior care home that they live in, so that's yet another thing these two need to worry about.
Lola is a main character you really root for: she is an incredibly independent, passionate, self-deemed social justice warrior. She is fat and has no time for fatphobia or body shaming. Her brother and father were well-known gang members and she is constantly reckoning with the bias she receives from others because of this association. She cares deeply about her neighborhood, has no qualms protesting loudly and proudly, and she is not easily swayed. She has absolutely wondered if she was "too much" for people, but she mostly stands strong in her convictions, almost to a fault if you ask Saint.
On the other hand, Saint is grappling with his own past with the military as such a young kid, being a single father, and now worrying over Lola's safety in addition to his own and his daughter Rosie's. I appreciated that Lola called attention to the manipulative tactics that armed forces take when it comes to targeting minors from communities of color and framing it as one of their "only" options for a bright future. Saint can be a bit condescending at times, but it felt rooted in his deep concern over the consequences, which he knew all too well from his time in the military.
I enjoyed the flashbacks in this second-chance romance, and my favorite moments are always when folks divulge what caused it to all unravel so long ago, or when they are so bravely sharing their deepest cuts.
I listened to the audiobook on Kobo, and thought the narration by Valentina Ortiz was excellent!
steam rating: 2/5
cw: ableism, classism, gentrification, mention of armed forces/military, gun violence, injury detail, incarceration/prison system, fatphobia, body shaming, homophobia, biphobia, unhoused/abandoned/kicked out LGBTQ+ youth
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Gun violence, Ableism, Body shaming, War, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Fatphobia, and Classism
zarzar22's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
solid book, but after the third act I was not wholeheartedly rooting for them
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: War
legalplanner's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I am absolutely in love with the Vega Family series. Caña has done it again with this one, and i'll be not so patiently waiting for the next one to arrive.
The quiet brother and the firecracker former love collide again, you'd think instant sparks. But time changes people and that was absolutely the case for Saint and Lola. I had been curious about who Saint was and what his impact would be to this story line for a while because he was the quiet brother in the previous story. It seemed like he would be the easy brother who didn't really have problems. Boy was I wrong. Saint is working through survivor guilt, anxiety, PTSD, and so many other mental health problems that many Veterans experience. Lola is atoning for the sins of her father, wanting to do good in the community despite how hurtful her father was.
Through all of this I loved how involved the Vega family was and how much they wanted Saint to find his happy. The real star of the show was Rosie. I was in love with her personality and she was such an integral piece of the story even though you wouldn't think a 4 year old child could be that much of a piece. I was wrapped up with her development and her relationships with Saint and Lola and her Vega family.
Overall, this is so much more than just about actual family. It's about the family you find and fight for. It's about being proud in who you are. It's also about how you can be loyal to your beliefs while also having to do something you don't want to do. I loved the complexity of this novel because it wasn't clear at times what might happen and if we would get a happy end. I will gladly read as many books as Caña publishes.
Thanks to NetGalley, MIRA, and Natalie Caña for my advanced copy in return for an honest review.
The quiet brother and the firecracker former love collide again, you'd think instant sparks. But time changes people and that was absolutely the case for Saint and Lola. I had been curious about who Saint was and what his impact would be to this story line for a while because he was the quiet brother in the previous story. It seemed like he would be the easy brother who didn't really have problems. Boy was I wrong. Saint is working through survivor guilt, anxiety, PTSD, and so many other mental health problems that many Veterans experience. Lola is atoning for the sins of her father, wanting to do good in the community despite how hurtful her father was.
Through all of this I loved how involved the Vega family was and how much they wanted Saint to find his happy. The real star of the show was Rosie. I was in love with her personality and she was such an integral piece of the story even though you wouldn't think a 4 year old child could be that much of a piece. I was wrapped up with her development and her relationships with Saint and Lola and her Vega family.
Overall, this is so much more than just about actual family. It's about the family you find and fight for. It's about being proud in who you are. It's also about how you can be loyal to your beliefs while also having to do something you don't want to do. I loved the complexity of this novel because it wasn't clear at times what might happen and if we would get a happy end. I will gladly read as many books as Caña publishes.
Thanks to NetGalley, MIRA, and Natalie Caña for my advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
booknerderika's review
lighthearted
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Natalie Caña has done it again!
There was so much representation in this book (Plus-size, LGBTQ+, mental health/trauma, etc) and tropes that I normally don't like but actually enjoyed here (2nd chance romance, single parent romance, "good boy" smut).
Lola is a plus-sized bisexual activist who stands firm in her beliefs and loves everyone so fiercely. Then there is Saint, the caring father and military veteran who feels it's his duty to protect everyone while neglecting his own struggles withanxiety and PTSD.
I appreciate that this was not a pro-war book and that the topic of how marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by military recruitment out of high school was brought up.
Saint wasn't a favorite character for me in the first book, but I have gained a new view of him and want nothing but the best for him.
I am curious to see how things are going to work out for the next couple. Especially with the drama from book 1. I am very much looking forward to book 3.
There was so much representation in this book (Plus-size, LGBTQ+, mental health/trauma, etc) and tropes that I normally don't like but actually enjoyed here (2nd chance romance, single parent romance, "good boy" smut).
Lola is a plus-sized bisexual activist who stands firm in her beliefs and loves everyone so fiercely. Then there is Saint, the caring father and military veteran who feels it's his duty to protect everyone while neglecting his own struggles with
I appreciate that this was not a pro-war book and that the topic of how marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by military recruitment out of high school was brought up.
Saint wasn't a favorite character for me in the first book, but I have gained a new view of him and want nothing but the best for him.
I am curious to see how things are going to work out for the next couple. Especially with the drama from book 1. I am very much looking forward to book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Biphobia, Gun violence, Sexual content, Body shaming, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Fatphobia
Minor: Car accident
kbairbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A sequel as incredible and as intoxicating as the first! Something about Natalie Caña’s writing is so delicious. I love the characters, I love the romance, the spice, the ABUELOS, everything. I could probably gush about this book, and the Vega family, forever. It’s genuinely so much fun and so heart warming! I love it, I love it, I love it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent, Grief, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Medical content, and Police brutality
aromanticreadsromance's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book had A LOT going on, and it felt much longer than its 400 pages. It is raw and real, rife with depictions and descriptions of gang violence, LGBTQIA+-related hate crimes, and PTSD (please read content warnings before starting this book!). To counteract these heavier themes, Natalie Caña provides lighthearted humor with feuding and matchmaking grandfathers who cause trouble in their nursing home. This is what ultimately reunites our two main characters, Santiago "Saint" and Lola, who were high school sweethearts before Saint enlisted in the military and Lola had to run away with her mom for her safety. Now, seventeen years later, Lola is back to care for her grandfather and work with the community center (El Hogar) for unhoused LGBTQIA+ youth, a cause near and dear to her heart.
Saint is a single dad to four-year-old Rosie. He left the military to raise her after his wife died. Rosie is one of the BEST (portrayals of) children I've read in romance novels, probably because she acts her age (not younger or older). She has selective mutism, only speaking when she's with her family (i.e., not at school). Lola is Rosie's new teacher, and she doesn't try to change her or punish her for not speaking. She provides a safe space for Rosie to learn, and she doesn't take it personally when Rosie still doesn't speak to her outside of the classroom. The connection they form is so pure and wholesome. Rosie wants to be exactly like Lola, dressing like her and doing her hair like her. So cute. And when Rosie utters her first words to Lola? I had tears in my eyes. Be still my heart.
The Vegas have to be one of my favorite fictional families. This book confirms my love for meddling families, ESPECIALLY grandparents. I liked the... unconventional "friendship" (camaraderie?) that forms between Benny (Lola's abuelo) and Papo Vega. Those two are adorable in a way that only old people can be.
I LOVED the representation in this book. Not only that, but the discussions that the characters had about social justice-related topics. Every character is Latine/Latinx (with the exception of one white teacher who quit at the beginning); Lola is half Mexican and half Puerto Rican, and Saint is Puerto Rican. Lola is fat and bisexual (the author is also bisexual). There is talk about the effects of gentrification, the slow acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people in some Latine/Latinx communities (because they are not a monolith), white saviorism, and fatphobia/discrimination.
A forewarning to those who do not speak Spanish: there is a lot of untranslated dialogue that isn't always easy to figure out through context clues. I can't be mad at this, because the author clearly envisions her primary audience as other Latine people. But if this is something that will bother you because of how much time it will take to type into Google Translate, then this book might not be for you. As someone who does not speak Spanish, though, I can say that I still found this book worth reading. I personally did not choose to translate the text. From knowing another romance language, I was able to piece together the gist of some dialogue, and the rest I knew I would figure out if it were consequential to the story.
I think some of the conflict, especially the conflict involving Lola's brother that leads to the third act breakup, is unnecessary and doesn't add to the storyline. I could have done without the third act breakup. I would have liked to see more intimacy (not just physical!) between Saint and Lola. The heavier themes, as well as the characters' individual personal growth, overshadowed the romance; that is to say, the romance was secondary to other subplots. There is only one short sex scene, so this book is not spicy (that's either a pro or con, depending on your tastes!). I usually read character-driven books, and this one felt mostly plot-driven. It is incredibly slow-paced, which is probably why its 400 pages felt like they dragged on. I wouldn't necessarily call it a slow burn, but it was a slow read (for me). Although this book is written in third person, it somehow felt like a first person book (I can't explain why or what that even means, but I do usually prefer first person narration). The ending perfectly set up Leo and Sofi's impending romance (all best friend's brother lovers, be prepared!), so I can't wait for book three!
I recommend this book if you love:
🎃 badass, fierce FMCs
🎃 duty-driven MMCs
🎃 single dad romance
🎃 second chance romance with (secret) high school sweethearts
🎃 "it's always/only been you"
🎃 social justice
🎃 family loyalty and shenanigans
🎃 meddling relatives
🎃 feuding grandfathers
🎃 duty-driven MMCs
🎃 single dad romance
🎃 second chance romance with (secret) high school sweethearts
🎃 "it's always/only been you"
🎃 social justice
🎃 family loyalty and shenanigans
🎃 meddling relatives
🎃 feuding grandfathers
Thank you SO much to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Hate crime, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body shaming and War
sincerelykayladawn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I enjoyed the hell out of myself reading this book. I giggled, I cried both happy & sad tears, and i found myself several times chewing over some of the words and narratives in between reading sessions, which I cant say happens often when Im reading romance. I didnt anticipate some of the tenser moments towards the end, but in hindsight, I probably should have.
I fell instantly in love with Saint and Rosie. The Vega Family has my whole heart.
I didnt give it 5 stars because there were several spelling & grammatical errors that probably shouldn't have made it through editing. There were a couple times the story moved forward in a way that felt abrupt, almost like a whole chapter was missing and I had to go back & make sure I didnt miss something. And there was at least one storyline i was anticipating seeing through, and that was left unresolved. (though, this is a series so maybe the next book will show that resolution).
Despite all that, I loved this book and will without a doubt read every other book the author gives us about this family of characters.
I fell instantly in love with Saint and Rosie. The Vega Family has my whole heart.
I didnt give it 5 stars because there were several spelling & grammatical errors that probably shouldn't have made it through editing. There were a couple times the story moved forward in a way that felt abrupt, almost like a whole chapter was missing and I had to go back & make sure I didnt miss something. And there was at least one storyline i was anticipating seeing through, and that was left unresolved. (though, this is a series so maybe the next book will show that resolution).
Despite all that, I loved this book and will without a doubt read every other book the author gives us about this family of characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent
cover2covertx's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Dish Best Served Hot, the connected standalone for A Proposal They Can't Refuse, was a really fun read and not entirely what I expected it to be. I assumed after the first book that this one would also be a little more light-hearted and witty, which it absolutely had it's moments but this story had a bit of a more serious tone, and for good reason given the topics dealt with in this story. It's not just a rom com "dramedy" spanning across families and cultures- which is definitely a HUGE part of its charm- but it also landed a bit on the side of romantic suspense.
For all of these reasons, this book is definitely a five star read for me. The book has a slow start, building on the characters and their pasts and especially fleshing out the side characters from the previous story as well; giving them even more of a backstory AND setting up the perfect scenarios for future books. :)
There's fantastic representation of diverse characters including Latinx families from different backgrounds, a bi-sexual female main character who is also plus-size, and a variety of different family dynamics (single dad, grandparents raising grandkids, etc.)
Book Tropes: slow burn, childhood friends, friends to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity (related to business)
For all of these reasons, this book is definitely a five star read for me. The book has a slow start, building on the characters and their pasts and especially fleshing out the side characters from the previous story as well; giving them even more of a backstory AND setting up the perfect scenarios for future books. :)
There's fantastic representation of diverse characters including Latinx families from different backgrounds, a bi-sexual female main character who is also plus-size, and a variety of different family dynamics (single dad, grandparents raising grandkids, etc.)
Book Tropes: slow burn, childhood friends, friends to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity (related to business)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Cursing, Gun violence, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Racism, Classism, Death, and Xenophobia
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Police brutality, War, and Fatphobia