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britwalsh16's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.0
This book was a nice spin on West Side Story/Romeo & Juliet. I enjoyed reading it. & the music competition was a joy for me. I liked Mariana & Angelo, they were so sweet & caring! I would read this book again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Abandonment, Cancer, Fire/Fire injury, and Gun violence
iamsammie27's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, and Sexual content
bookedwithgloria's review
4.0
The way I would have given this story a 4.5 if it didn’t have a fade to black scene.
Maybe I’m too prone to reading the spicy books but THE TENSION, THE ANGST, THE LEADUP… HIM CARRYING HER TO THE ROOM… all had the potential to be explosive and than nada… left me annoyed to say the least.
But this was a Romeo and Juliet retelling with mariachi bands and honestly? It was adorable! We love a second chance romance and Angelo being away from the machismo we usually see in Hispanic households was amazing. I love how the author really captured just how deep loyalties are between families and that machismo runs even deeper. I loved the feminism and CHOSEN family bonds because family doesn’t always mean blood.
Overall this was such a cute book I’m glad I picked it up and I might be getting the authors second book when I wrap my head around that not all romance needs spice and that fade to black isn’t really all bad.
Maybe I’m too prone to reading the spicy books but THE TENSION, THE ANGST, THE LEADUP… HIM CARRYING HER TO THE ROOM… all had the potential to be explosive and than nada… left me annoyed to say the least.
But this was a Romeo and Juliet retelling with mariachi bands and honestly? It was adorable! We love a second chance romance and Angelo being away from the machismo we usually see in Hispanic households was amazing. I love how the author really captured just how deep loyalties are between families and that machismo runs even deeper. I loved the feminism and CHOSEN family bonds because family doesn’t always mean blood.
Overall this was such a cute book I’m glad I picked it up and I might be getting the authors second book when I wrap my head around that not all romance needs spice and that fade to black isn’t really all bad.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence, Death of parent, Death, Child abuse, Deportation, Sexism, and Panic attacks/disorders
vaniavela'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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Drug use
bekkasbookclub's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
West Side Story meets Romeo and Juliet, all while set in San Antonio? Yes, please😍! I loved everything about this book, the San Antonio references (Market Square, San Antonio Pearl District, and let’s not forget Mi Tierra🤤), the multiple mentions of Whataburger, and of course the love story. Mariana and Angelo’s romance started as a kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve, and they saw fireworks💥, for real. I’m not usually a big fan of instalove but this one worked for me because of the retelling aspect. I also loved the strong family dynamics, the feud, and all drama that came with it. The focus of mariachi music and the strong Latin roots really made me feel connected with the characters. Slight I’m glad no one died in this version though! I would definitely recommend this for anyone that likes a Romeo and Juliet retelling or if you’re a Texas reader who loves romance.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
this_momma_is_booked's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
This was a cute and quick romance read, perfect for summer! As a Latina, I so appreciated the callbacks to our culture: the food, the music, the family dynamics. While I am not Mexican, there's so much overlap between Latinx cultures that I felt incredibly seen in the book. I also really loved the discussion around found family and the foster care system. When Priscilla came to speak to Bad Bitch Book Club, she told us how much research she did for this book and it definitely shows. There's also an interesting thread in the book about gentrification and how much is too much.
There are a couple things that I didn't love about the book, however. I'm not a fan of insta-love because I feel it's so unrealistic, but it was even more unbelievable in this book. Mariana and Angelo barely had a full conversation the night they first met and shared a kiss - I don't think this is enough to hold two people over for MONTHS. I could understand being a little hung up on the attractive person you made out with last week, but months ago? I don't buy it. Additionally, on the same train as insta-love, the whole story with Nina and her acclimation into the family was a little hard to digest. Per the story, Nina just joined the family six months prior and Mariana is already calling her a sister, expecting her to mesh with the rest of the family and acknowledge that she's a part of it too. I feel like that would be difficult for anyone to do in the best of circumstances; Nina has had a life of trauma and it felt disingenuous and unsympathetic to expect her to be grateful to be a part of the family and play the role.
If you're not a fan of steam or maybe are just dipping your toes in the romance pool, this is a great book to pick up! It is considered closed-door, which doesn't take away from the relationship at the center of this book at all. I think it's a great summer read with big heart!
There are a couple things that I didn't love about the book, however. I'm not a fan of insta-love because I feel it's so unrealistic, but it was even more unbelievable in this book. Mariana and Angelo barely had a full conversation the night they first met and shared a kiss - I don't think this is enough to hold two people over for MONTHS. I could understand being a little hung up on the attractive person you made out with last week, but months ago? I don't buy it. Additionally, on the same train as insta-love, the whole story with Nina and her acclimation into the family was a little hard to digest. Per the story, Nina just joined the family six months prior and Mariana is already calling her a sister, expecting her to mesh with the rest of the family and acknowledge that she's a part of it too. I feel like that would be difficult for anyone to do in the best of circumstances; Nina has had a life of trauma and it felt disingenuous and unsympathetic to expect her to be grateful to be a part of the family and play the role.
If you're not a fan of steam or maybe are just dipping your toes in the romance pool, this is a great book to pick up! It is considered closed-door, which doesn't take away from the relationship at the center of this book at all. I think it's a great summer read with big heart!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexism, and Grief
Minor: Drug use and Fire/Fire injury
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
This book is fun and cute retelling of West Side Story but with Dueling mariachi bands. I enjoyed this book a lot and could relate to Mariana’s perfectionism. Angelo was very sweet and caring. This would make great material for a movie or limited series adaptation so we could actually see the mariachi performances. Overall I would recommend this read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Grief
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
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