Reviews

Amor Actually by Mia Sosa, Mackenzie Walton

kaitalytic's review

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ilovecafeandlibros's review

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 Amor Actually is a deliciously spicy anthology of interconnected holiday romances, which gives more than a passing nod to the movie Love, Actually - just without the problematic bits. The stories focus on La Nochebuena, predominantly feature Latinx characters, and there is a whole heap of diversity sexuality wise, but also some age diversity as well. It’s a really sex positive collection and includes stories featuring sex toys, porn stars, polyamory and threesomes. I loved the way consent was centred in these stories. The majority are open-door, often explicitly so - definitely not one to listen to when little ears are around. But if you want diversity and spiciness in your holiday romance reading, and favour feel-good rather than sappy, this is the collection for you. Its New York City setting it earned bonus points from me.

Many thanks to @NetGalley and @dreamscape_media for my ALC. Amor Actually is available now and will be perfect to listen to as you complete your holiday preparations. Just remember your earbuds!
 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

whitwein's review against another edition

4.5

I love an anthology that weaves together at the end just like Love, Actually but this was better. Some of the more problematic storylines in the movie are not problematic and HOT in this. 

Make the Yuletide Gay- Adrianna Herrera
This one starts the whole book of with a BANG! It was so hot and so sweet. We have an older popstar with her very attentive assistant- The mutual pining for each other was great and it was low but realistic conflict. One of my top favorites in this anthology. 

Only Yours- Sabrina Sol
On the other hand this one was my least favorite idk if it was because it came after the first being so hot and quickly paced that this one felt like it draaagged and I just didn’t care if this guy got to kiss the girl… 

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe-Priscilla Oliveras
Héctor and Eneida challenge each other to bring dates to Nochebuenas and he is able to see he really does want something to happen with his son’s music teacher. Honestly a little forgettable but I remember enjoying it. 

All I Want for Nochebuena- Alexis Daria
Two adult film stars that have watched each other’s careers closely finally get to work on an ad campaign for a new sex toy line. 🥵🥵🥵 incredibly hot and such a fun story. Another top fav 

Santa’s Eager Little Helper- Mia Sosa
Sarina works for her brother but he doesn’t see her as someone that can handle the job she really wants so she uses a Santa cooking show to show him she’s got what it takes whilst letting her cohost Carlos know she’s interested in dating him. This one was fun although Carlos was kind of a crank. 

The Nochebuena Dating Dare-Diana Muñoz Stewart
The other story in the Hector and Eneida challenge to find a date for nochebuenas. Eneida is a newly divorced librarian and she and the new acting teacher hit it off quickly but is it too quick for her and her family? It was cute. 

Love in Spanglish-Zoey Castile
The Colin firth storyline but she’s the writer and he is the most romantic man alive. This was very cute. 

To Us You are Perfect- Alexis Daria and Adrianna Herrera
The Keira Knightley story but a million times better because they are all in love not trying to steal any wives from besties. It could have been spicier but it was good. 

The Great Holiday Escape- Zoey Castile 
Gigi is the one hosting this party everyone is getting ready for but before the party she meets the men of her dreams on a trip and then has the party where everyone gets together. 

A great anthology. I didn’t dislike any of the stories and it was great for the holidays. 


Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for an advanced listening copy.

bookclubbitches's review against another edition

4.0

Spicy and lovely! 

after_i_finish_this_chapter's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

kristyb_readsromance's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

Did it take me until halfway through the fourth story to realizes each one is a take on a story in the movie Love Actually?  Yes, yes it did. Are these nine stories wayyyyyyy better than the movie versions, also yes! 

I can’t pick a favorite as I loved something about each story including the fact that each one reflects the author’s signature style; from banter, to emotion, to steam/heat level you get a full story that still feels true to the rest of their backlist. 

I’ve preordered the audiobook as this is now a required holiday reread. 

brennasherrill's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

dennikel's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a great anthology of spicy romance short stories. I love Alexis Daria and was pleased to be approved for an ARC audiobook. My only wish is that they were longer stories, but that would defeat the purpose I suppose!

lit_with_lauren's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted 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

4.75