Reviews

Twice a Quinceañera by Yamile Saied Méndez

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lizthunder's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted slow-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

freadomlibrary's review against another edition

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3.0

I received an e-ARC of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Trigger warnings: mentions of death, depictions of dementia

TWICE A QUINCEAÑERA follows Nadia Palacio who ends her engagement to her cheating fiancé one month before the wedding and her birthday. However, her big, Argentinian family is already on the way and she has no idea how to break the news. After reading a magazine piece of a woman celebrating herself with a second quinceañera, she decides to create her own happily-ever-after by celebrating her thirtieth at the paid-for venue. She’s enthralled by the idea until she finds out her ex-college fling is the man in charge.

As someone who has plans for her own double quinceañera in a few years, I was really excited for this book, but overall, I was disappointed. First of all, the book is advertised as a rom-com, but I cannot call it a romance. Romantic situations didn’t really start between the couple until 65% into the story and they became established at 80% after an extremely quick love declaration after 10 years of no contact. The story mostly revolved around the main character and her journey toward self-love which I really enjoyed reading about! It just wasn’t what I was expecting when I picked up the book. There were a lot of side characters which made it hard to keep them all straight and the party, which is a big part of the synopsis and the title, was in the last 5% of the book. We mostly saw Nadia struggle with her choices, her future and her party planning. I will say that I did read an e-ARC so I hope there were some improvements in the final, but it seems like a long shot. Wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for a romance.
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….I have a lot of thoughts. The first of which is this is not a romance haha. Rating to come

danniphantomreads's review

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4.0

Being a latinx woman this book was really great to read! I loved the representation of culture throughout and loved seeing the cover with bursts of color! I have to say I wish I could formed better relationships with alot of the characters throughout but its a great little romance with lots of fun threw in! Ill be ordering a paperback asap!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

dcequeen77's review

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lighthearted relaxing

2.0

sunniedey's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

I want to have the strong traits of Nadia!

leannkaylatig's review

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

cristalmh's review

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3.0

Nadia realizes that her engagement isn’t what it should be and cancels the wedding. With family coming in from all over the world, she decides to throw a treintañera! Her college summer flame happens to be the son of the owners of the venue. They slowly reconnect.

Talks about aging and dementia. Huge latine family. Dual POV. No spice.