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scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
Terrific book. Val is a chef and co-owner of her family's Puerto Rican restaurant. She is also active in her neighborhood's fight against the development company attempting to gentrify the area. As the book opens, Val agreed to go out dancing with her friends for the first time since a public and humiliating breakup. Less than enthusiastic about being there, Val's evening improves when she meets Philip. They connect immediately, finding it easy to talk and flirt with each other. Sparks fly and plans are made to see each other again.
But Philip hasn't been entirely upfront with her. He picked up on Val's dislike of the development company and kept his involvement to himself so he could see her again. Telling her that Wagner Development belongs to his family, and he designed the plans she hates won't make a good impression. Keeping it secret isn't an option if he wants to keep seeing her.
I loved seeing Val and Philip's relationship develop. Their first two encounters highlighted their connection and the things they had in common. I especially enjoyed seeing them bond over Star Wars and music. Things progress nicely between them until Philip drops the bomb about who he is. Val reacts exactly as Philip feared - with anger, a feeling of betrayal, and obvious hurt. But Philip isn't about to give up. When Val and her neighborhood coalition show up to protest at the company headquarters, Philip becomes the bridge between them and his father. Val opens Philip's eyes to the personal effects of his plans on the neighborhood's people during an excellent tour of the area. An invitation to accompany him to one of his mother's fundraisers allows Val to get through to Philip's father. Philip and Val also grow closer, their chemistry becoming stronger each day.
But while Philip falls hard for Val, she holds part of herself back. Thanks to her previous relationship, trust doesn't come easily, and part of Val remains suspicious. When her plans for the restaurant building fall through, she blames Philip. I ached for Philip, who was blindsided by the accusations. His hurt over her distrust was understandable, as was his fury over what he believed happened. It took Val some time and an epiphany of sorts to realize how wrong she was. I loved her "aha" moment, helped along by an unexpected source of advice, and her need to make things right. Their conversation in the restaurant was heartfelt and honest. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved how it showed realistic progress to their relationship and the deepening of their feelings for each other.
I loved the setting of the story with its focus on the contributions of immigrants. I especially enjoyed that it also touched on the Wagner family history and how Philip used that history to deal with his father. The descriptions of the food and the neighborhood made the story come alive. The background of the conflicts between the residents and the developer informed without preaching and showed the importance of respect and compromise. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
#netgalley
But Philip hasn't been entirely upfront with her. He picked up on Val's dislike of the development company and kept his involvement to himself so he could see her again. Telling her that Wagner Development belongs to his family, and he designed the plans she hates won't make a good impression. Keeping it secret isn't an option if he wants to keep seeing her.
I loved seeing Val and Philip's relationship develop. Their first two encounters highlighted their connection and the things they had in common. I especially enjoyed seeing them bond over Star Wars and music. Things progress nicely between them until Philip drops the bomb about who he is. Val reacts exactly as Philip feared - with anger, a feeling of betrayal, and obvious hurt. But Philip isn't about to give up. When Val and her neighborhood coalition show up to protest at the company headquarters, Philip becomes the bridge between them and his father. Val opens Philip's eyes to the personal effects of his plans on the neighborhood's people during an excellent tour of the area. An invitation to accompany him to one of his mother's fundraisers allows Val to get through to Philip's father. Philip and Val also grow closer, their chemistry becoming stronger each day.
But while Philip falls hard for Val, she holds part of herself back. Thanks to her previous relationship, trust doesn't come easily, and part of Val remains suspicious. When her plans for the restaurant building fall through, she blames Philip. I ached for Philip, who was blindsided by the accusations. His hurt over her distrust was understandable, as was his fury over what he believed happened. It took Val some time and an epiphany of sorts to realize how wrong she was. I loved her "aha" moment, helped along by an unexpected source of advice, and her need to make things right. Their conversation in the restaurant was heartfelt and honest. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved how it showed realistic progress to their relationship and the deepening of their feelings for each other.
I loved the setting of the story with its focus on the contributions of immigrants. I especially enjoyed that it also touched on the Wagner family history and how Philip used that history to deal with his father. The descriptions of the food and the neighborhood made the story come alive. The background of the conflicts between the residents and the developer informed without preaching and showed the importance of respect and compromise. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
#netgalley
elizelizelizeliz's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a joy except that it did that thing that romance novels often do where they try to make me like real estate developers??? It ended up better in this one than often happens, and also i just loved the MC's family so much that i cannot wait to read the book about her brother!
elizelizeliz's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a joy except that it did that thing that romance novels often do where they try to make me like real estate developers??? It ended up better in this one than often happens, and also i just loved the MC's family so much that i cannot wait to read the book about her brother!
milly1112's review
5.0
Sera has written a wonderfully diverse and fresh debut novel. Her characters shine off the page and there isn't a single slow moment in this lovely romance. The chemistry between Val and Philip is off the charts but my most favourite part? The fact that the conflict and black moment is baked into the novel right from the beginning. It is natural and uncontrived. These two have to overcome real obstacles and when they do, we are left with that satisfying feeling that they will be OK. Beware the food! You will get hungry reading this novel.
jkatiemarks's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
- allocishet m/w, he’s white she’s brown-skinned latine (puerto rican?)
- class differences, secrets, insta-chemistry
- this was an amazing exploration of class and family and community, all through the lens of a swoony romance
- really loved philip’s staunch adherence to consent and vulnerability with val, and val’s ferocity and bravery
- there was a third-act breakup, but i actually really believed this conflict — they needed a bit more time to come together
chelsea_jack's review
4.0
Delightful contemporary romance.
I enjoyed the pacing, the gentle conflict at the heart of it, and especially appreciated this take on a modern hero.
I would definitely read more by this author!
I enjoyed the pacing, the gentle conflict at the heart of it, and especially appreciated this take on a modern hero.
I would definitely read more by this author!
dobbsthedog's review
3.0
Solid romance, I quite enjoy Taíno’s writing and will probably get to book three soon (started with book 2 because I didn’t realize it was a series!).
Fairly low heat, but lots of feelings and I really enjoyed the discussions on gentrification. Please, please, give me romance with a side of social justice, it is my catnip.
Fairly low heat, but lots of feelings and I really enjoyed the discussions on gentrification. Please, please, give me romance with a side of social justice, it is my catnip.
blueskyreview's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
thisboricuareader's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.0
Cute Story, a bit slow.
chulaisreadingromance's review against another edition
5.0
Aaaahhh my heart is pumping so hard right now!
This romance was an absolute DELIGHT!Val and Phillip’s love story combined with Spanglish, the cultura, the food and the music felt like a warm hug and I loved every second of it!
First, I have to give a standing ovation to Sera Taino for creating a complex plot with such an important message about gentrification and the power of a community coming together. It was beautifully mixed with the romance storyline and made the entire read and intriguing and exciting roller coaster of emotions.
With that being said, I absolutely LOVED Val and Phillip together! They made me feel all the feels since they first laid eyes on each other! The tension, the intrigue, the stolen glances and the mutual pining made me swoon from start to finish.
Val was the epitome of a badass Latina! The kind of Latina I can look up to! She was brave, knew her worth and the power she had in her! She loved fiercely and wanted to fight for those around her sacrificially. I was 100% on her team and understood her hesitations and doubts about Phillip but also cheered for her as she allowed him to prove he was worthy of her trust.
Phillip was GOALS! He was a good man at heart, fully aware of his privilege and willing to use it for what was right! I loved how honest and honorable he was and how he went above and beyond, not only because of Val, but because it was the right thing to do. I swooned hard seeing him falling in love with Val’s strength and passion. He learned so much from her and appreciated everything about her and what she was fighting for.
I loved how great they were together, they chemistry, all the things they had in common, especially the heart they had for others and how pure their love became to be.
Can we make this a Netflix series? I would definitely binge watch the whole thing in a day!
If you’re looking for a spicy, inspirational and sweet romance with strong Latinx representation, you NEED to read this book!
This romance was an absolute DELIGHT!Val and Phillip’s love story combined with Spanglish, the cultura, the food and the music felt like a warm hug and I loved every second of it!
First, I have to give a standing ovation to Sera Taino for creating a complex plot with such an important message about gentrification and the power of a community coming together. It was beautifully mixed with the romance storyline and made the entire read and intriguing and exciting roller coaster of emotions.
With that being said, I absolutely LOVED Val and Phillip together! They made me feel all the feels since they first laid eyes on each other! The tension, the intrigue, the stolen glances and the mutual pining made me swoon from start to finish.
Val was the epitome of a badass Latina! The kind of Latina I can look up to! She was brave, knew her worth and the power she had in her! She loved fiercely and wanted to fight for those around her sacrificially. I was 100% on her team and understood her hesitations and doubts about Phillip but also cheered for her as she allowed him to prove he was worthy of her trust.
Phillip was GOALS! He was a good man at heart, fully aware of his privilege and willing to use it for what was right! I loved how honest and honorable he was and how he went above and beyond, not only because of Val, but because it was the right thing to do. I swooned hard seeing him falling in love with Val’s strength and passion. He learned so much from her and appreciated everything about her and what she was fighting for.
I loved how great they were together, they chemistry, all the things they had in common, especially the heart they had for others and how pure their love became to be.
Can we make this a Netflix series? I would definitely binge watch the whole thing in a day!
If you’re looking for a spicy, inspirational and sweet romance with strong Latinx representation, you NEED to read this book!