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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
emotional
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
West Side Love Story is, as the title implies, a modern retelling of West Side Story (and in turn Romeo and Juliet), but as a genre romance with a happy ending. And it more or less fulfilled my expectations in that regard. Priscilla Oliveras is an author I know I can rely on for stories about complex Latin-American family dynamics that perfectly complement the romantic arc, and this one was no exception.
I immediately was drawn to the Capuleta family, because of how the parents adopt children in need. While adoptive families are slowly starting to become more common in romance, it’s still quite refreshing to see it here. The commentary about gentrification that impacts the Capuletas’ community center was particularly moving.
I also love the bonds between the sisters and how they really come together to help with the family activities, whether it be saving the community center or representing women mariachis in the local Battle of the Bands.
Mariana, as a result of her environment, is an incredibly caring and family-centric person. She’s selfless, and she definitely carries a lot of burdens on her shoulders as a result.
Angelo is the son of the Capuletas’ long-standing rival, and that creates a compelling conflict for him and Mariana as attraction summers. Like Mariana, he’s also dedicated to his family, but rather than allowing that to come between them, it allows them to have some common ground and someone to lean on, even if only privately.
I do feel that, while Angelo is a well fleshed out counterpart for Mariana, it would have been nice to get more context for the Montero family. There’s some information about Angelo’s father, but given what pillars the Capuletas are for the community, it’s hard for the Monteros to compete in that area.
This is another fun book from Priscilla Oliveras, as well as what looks to be the start of another intriguing series. If you enjoy multicultural contemporary romances, I recommend picking this one up!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book hits in all the right places.
Does it take me longer to read books that remind me of Latine Family Guilt? Yes, yes it does. Does not mean it's not a good book.
Oh Angelo Angelo Angelo, where can I find him? He is how I wish most Latine men were, but sadly he is fictional.
Adored the family dynamics in this book. The connections and every single bit of it had me balling and loving it at the same time. I am very excited to read Catalina's book, which luckily I have the arc for.
Do not go into this book expecting it to be very spicy.
Does it take me longer to read books that remind me of Latine Family Guilt? Yes, yes it does. Does not mean it's not a good book.
Oh Angelo Angelo Angelo, where can I find him? He is how I wish most Latine men were, but sadly he is fictional.
Adored the family dynamics in this book. The connections and every single bit of it had me balling and loving it at the same time. I am very excited to read Catalina's book, which luckily I have the arc for.
Do not go into this book expecting it to be very spicy.
Firstly a heartfelt thanks to Priscilla Oliveras and Montlake for my complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own
West Side Love story is the Romeo and Juliet retelling you have been waiting for. The book is about two star-crossed lovers who absolutely love their families but have to fight their feelings for each other. It’s the perfect read because it has everything you would need in a romance – a forbidden romance, an all female Mariachi Band, culture and some yummy pastries if I must say so myself. Read it yáll!
West Side Love story is the Romeo and Juliet retelling you have been waiting for. The book is about two star-crossed lovers who absolutely love their families but have to fight their feelings for each other. It’s the perfect read because it has everything you would need in a romance – a forbidden romance, an all female Mariachi Band, culture and some yummy pastries if I must say so myself. Read it yáll!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
funny
slow-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:
Yes
I was eager to begin reading this story. It seemed like everything I would enjoy. A Romeo and Juliet retelling with a fun twist. The characters are lovable, the story is complex and interesting. Though I must confess the romance was very insta-lovey. Yet I just kept having to put this book down. Unfortunately, the writing style didn’t mesh well with me.
Oliveras writes with a heavy hand. She over-explains all emotions and interactions. The story is dense and flowery. I love flowers, and I crave good descriptions but this felt a bit much. I didn’t care for it. It’s such a shame because had I liked the writing style this could’ve been a perfect book for me.
Oliveras writes with a heavy hand. She over-explains all emotions and interactions. The story is dense and flowery. I love flowers, and I crave good descriptions but this felt a bit much. I didn’t care for it. It’s such a shame because had I liked the writing style this could’ve been a perfect book for me.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Content Warnings
Minor: Hate crime
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Felt like this could have been shorter without the over explaining, I understood the gist of the story pretty early on but the author kept mentioning it in every chapter.
Eh, the romance was fine but a little lackluster. I actually found the family dynamics and relationships to be the more interesting aspect of the story. *shrug*
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
No
Disappointed with this one… spelling mistakes, pace, unlikeable characters… just wasn’t for me.