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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
To start off, I went in knowing this was a forbidden love scenario but this one just dragged a little too much for my liking. I would kinda consider this a slow burn. And I understand and this is just my personal opinion and I completely that I fall into the naive eneas of the problem but the whole “gentrification” talk literally the whole book annoyed me. As a Mexican I’m glad it’s bringing awareness to the topic but at one point for me it was just too much for me. One of the main reasons I wanted to read this was because I love my Mexican culture and I feel like there isn’t enough representation in contemporary books for us. So of course I had to give it a try. Honestly I got kinda bored with the plot but I was okay with the romance between Angelo and Mariana. The spice was alright nothing too crazy
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a cute travel read, especially since I love San Antonio! I also love the idea of an all female mariachi band, thanks to the wonderful play American Mariachi. As a retelling, it hit all the right notes (music pun!) and I appreciated the cultural perspective from the author. The mix of Spanish and English came across beautifully on the audio version, and while I probably won’t continue the series, I thought it was a great read for Hispanic Heritage Month.
This is more like a 3.5 but we all know how Goodreads feels about half stars.
I did enjoy this book, especially all the Shakespeare reference. Those were well done, such as the part about the Juliet character being a nurse. True, in the play it was Juliet's nursemaid that was her confidant and her sister Cat (who is in the sequel, Kiss Me Catalina, yet another play on Shakespeare) filled in for that part, horniness and all. And the opening prologue.
That said, some parts were a tough read for me and it had everything to do with all the patriarchal bull. Maybe it's because the world is currently the dumpster fire it is due to men still trying to control women and their bodies and a break from that would be nice. It seems the last few F/M romances I've read have that play a big heart so it's been a bit of "ugh" thing. And I know that was part of the conflict but still it was tough to read sometimes.
Plus I didn't like how everything about the conflict was put on Angelo's uncle. One of the good things about the play is that you never find out the reason for the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets; you just know it's there. Here, it was obvious that it was all due to Hugo and, as a result, he was over-vilified to me. He was still a dick for his views don't get it twisted. But the underhanded things he did in addition to that was just a bit too much overkill for me personally.
Again overall I enjoyed it but there were drawbacks to it as well. Would recommend.
I did enjoy this book, especially all the Shakespeare reference. Those were well done, such as the part about the Juliet character being a nurse. True, in the play it was Juliet's nursemaid that was her confidant and her sister Cat (who is in the sequel, Kiss Me Catalina, yet another play on Shakespeare) filled in for that part, horniness and all. And the opening prologue.
That said, some parts were a tough read for me and it had everything to do with all the patriarchal bull. Maybe it's because the world is currently the dumpster fire it is due to men still trying to control women and their bodies and a break from that would be nice. It seems the last few F/M romances I've read have that play a big heart so it's been a bit of "ugh" thing. And I know that was part of the conflict but still it was tough to read sometimes.
Plus I didn't like how everything about the conflict was put on Angelo's uncle. One of the good things about the play is that you never find out the reason for the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets; you just know it's there. Here, it was obvious that it was all due to Hugo and, as a result, he was over-vilified to me. He was still a dick for his views don't get it twisted. But the underhanded things he did in addition to that was just a bit too much overkill for me personally.
Again overall I enjoyed it but there were drawbacks to it as well. Would recommend.
Angelo and Mariana meet and hook up at a New Years party, parting ways but never forgetting their one incredible night. Then they end up meeting again at the popular Mariachi battle of the bands competition. With the excuse of the competition, Angelo and Mariana end up spending more time together and falling for each other even more. But will their feuding families ever ever set aside their differences and let them have a real chance at love? This story is a prime example of why I love to read. It helps give insight to an unfamiliar culture, has strong moral undercurrents and at the surface is an entertaining love story. After reading this I am looking up mariachi music and other books by Priscilla Oliveras to enjoy. What a treat!
Super cute ‘star crossed lovers’ romance story. Loved that this was set in San Antonio! Such a fun read. A little spicy too!
I love any Romeo & Juliet adaptation, just glad Mariana & Angelo don’t die at the end & they aren’t dumb 13 year olds lol!
I love any Romeo & Juliet adaptation, just glad Mariana & Angelo don’t die at the end & they aren’t dumb 13 year olds lol!
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The story of Romeo and Juliet is a classic that has been retold many times. In this story the Capuleta family and the Montero family are pitted against each other in a battle of the bands and over land. It’s set the Latinx culture of Texas. This is one of the first Latinx books I’ve read and I liked reading about the culture. The cover of the book is absolutely beautiful and made me want to read it.
I could not get into this book. I read the first chapter like 10 times before I could finally get past it. The whole thing was very predictable.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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