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notinjersey's review
3.0
I am not sure why I didn’t love this book about two Latinx teens who are dealing with family dynamics in a restaurant setting. I tried both the audio and the print and I couldn’t seem to get into it. Maybe I didn’t believe in the love story, as it was insta love, which is my least favorite! However, I know others who did really enjoy it! This book covered topics included being undocumented and threatened and mental health. One thing I loved in the book was all of the food!
jennrobyn's review
4.0
Friends I LOVED this book. Like every time I hit play on my phone my heart burst and I felt warm all over kind of love.
The character development was probably the best I’ve read all year. Told in alternating voices between Pen and Xander, each chapter was a beautiful continuation or overlap of the previous and the story wove together seamlessly. There was humour and sadness, hilarity and sweetness and a found family to cherish in your heart. Ugh...I can’t express how wonderful this story was.
Not to mention the FOOD! Mexican cuisine is my absolute favourite and this book had my mouth watering from beginning to end.
I love a book that teaches us about overcoming obstacles, in this case anxiety and self doubt, being undocumented in a country where you want to lay down roots and a family who doesn’t always see or support you in ways you need to be seen and supported. Pen and Xander were two steadfast and strong main characters and I loved their journey so, so much. I could’ve listened to hours more!
Thank you so much to @librofm and @hachetteaudio for my advanced listening copy. Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet is available on April 6!
The character development was probably the best I’ve read all year. Told in alternating voices between Pen and Xander, each chapter was a beautiful continuation or overlap of the previous and the story wove together seamlessly. There was humour and sadness, hilarity and sweetness and a found family to cherish in your heart. Ugh...I can’t express how wonderful this story was.
Not to mention the FOOD! Mexican cuisine is my absolute favourite and this book had my mouth watering from beginning to end.
I love a book that teaches us about overcoming obstacles, in this case anxiety and self doubt, being undocumented in a country where you want to lay down roots and a family who doesn’t always see or support you in ways you need to be seen and supported. Pen and Xander were two steadfast and strong main characters and I loved their journey so, so much. I could’ve listened to hours more!
Thank you so much to @librofm and @hachetteaudio for my advanced listening copy. Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet is available on April 6!
bex0926's review
3.0
3.75/5
This was such a cute book! I loved how it wasn’t just a romance but also focused a lot on family and identity and growing into yourself.
The one thing is I wish there was a lil more development on Pen and Xander’s relationship. All of a sudden after their first date they’re saying I love you which just seems a little unrealistic? Idk but other than that, super cute and love how the restaurant is a safe place for so many people who need it. Thought that was special :)
This was such a cute book! I loved how it wasn’t just a romance but also focused a lot on family and identity and growing into yourself.
The one thing is I wish there was a lil more development on Pen and Xander’s relationship. All of a sudden after their first date they’re saying I love you which just seems a little unrealistic? Idk but other than that, super cute and love how the restaurant is a safe place for so many people who need it. Thought that was special :)
thenextgenlib's review
4.0
I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact meets Maurene Goo’s The Way You Make Me Feel.
moxiegirlzriot's review
5.0
Full of laughter, love, and delicious Mexican food. Totally recommend, especially for fans of Acevedo's With The Fire on High. If you aren't hungry at the beginning, you'll be starving by the end. A lovely Latinx story dealing with family, mental health issues, immigration, and following your passion.
danacoledares's review
4.0
Both plots were great; wonderful characters. Xander getting out of the hospital without being reported was a stretch, but one I was willing to accept.
Docked a star because the romance did not seem believable to me AT ALL. I really wish the characters had been allowed to develop as friends.
Docked a star because the romance did not seem believable to me AT ALL. I really wish the characters had been allowed to develop as friends.
shellysbookcorner's review
4.0
Thank you Libro.fm for my advanced listening copy.
Pen was determined to forge her own path and follow her dreams. That takes a lot of guts at any age, but especially at age 18.
Xander was a sweetheart who was struggling with abandonment issues and trying to find a sense of belonging and family.
I loved how the author addresses stereotypes that the Chicanx community deals with in this book. I enjoyed the food, the family vibe and sense of community in this story. I did feel that the ending was wrapped up rather quickly, but overall I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
This book does contain some content that may be hard for some readers.
Mentions of self harm, anxiety, police brutality, ICE, intimidation.
Pen was determined to forge her own path and follow her dreams. That takes a lot of guts at any age, but especially at age 18.
Xander was a sweetheart who was struggling with abandonment issues and trying to find a sense of belonging and family.
I loved how the author addresses stereotypes that the Chicanx community deals with in this book. I enjoyed the food, the family vibe and sense of community in this story. I did feel that the ending was wrapped up rather quickly, but overall I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
This book does contain some content that may be hard for some readers.
Mentions of self harm, anxiety, police brutality, ICE, intimidation.