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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
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
Priscilla Oliveras’ refreshing romance West Side Love Story is the first book in her new Queens of Mariachi series. Set in San Antonio, Texas, the reader is immersed in the Latin culture of two rival families as they compete in the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. Inspired by West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet, I adored this enemies to lovers tale about sisters, music, and a secret romance!
Living in Texas, I’ve been to San Antonio multiple times, but I can’t recall ever reading a book set in the beautiful city. It brought the book alive even more for me, especially when some of the scenes are set in locations I’ve been to, including the well-known Mi Tierra restaurant where we always stop to eat when we visit. I enjoyed the familiarity of the setting, which is always a nice bonus.
West Side Love Story is told from two points of view, Mariana the eldest of the Capuleta sisters and Angelo Montero, nephew to Hugo Montero, who has a long-standing grudge against Mariana’s adoptive parents. After a Shakespearean-inspired prologue, the book opens with an enchanting meet-cute between our two star-crossed lovers.
I liked our leads from the start. Mariana has a heavy load on her shoulders, feeling responsible for her siblings, her parents, and her patients where she works at the local hospital. She takes her role very seriously, but she can’t resist how being with Angelo seems to lighten her burdens, reminding her to enjoy life, as well.
Angelo was forced to grow up fast when his parents passed away, leaving him responsible for his younger sister. He’s kind and self-assured and he doesn’t fight his feelings for Mariana, which I found so refreshing.
While this one is promoted as an enemies to lovers romance, just like its inspiration, it’s the families that are enemies, forcing our love interests into a secret relationship, which is fun to read. Especially when our two leads hold themselves to a high moral standard, wanting to do the right thing, but unable to fight their attraction. While this one is a closed door romance, it still had plenty of spice with Oliveras’ gift for captivating love scenes.
Besides the romance, this story also centers on Mariana’s relationship with her sisters, especially her younger foster sibling, Nina, who has recently come to stay at the Capuleta home but is struggling to accept her new family. And, of course, at the heart of the book is the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. I’m always a fan of books that also feature music, and knowing Oliveras was inspired by her own family’s musical history made the story even more endearing.
Make sure to add West Side Love Story to your summer reading list, especially if you’re longing to immerse yourself in a local culture and a romance with a satisfying ending!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Priscilla Oliveras and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlists at A Book Wanderer
Living in Texas, I’ve been to San Antonio multiple times, but I can’t recall ever reading a book set in the beautiful city. It brought the book alive even more for me, especially when some of the scenes are set in locations I’ve been to, including the well-known Mi Tierra restaurant where we always stop to eat when we visit. I enjoyed the familiarity of the setting, which is always a nice bonus.
West Side Love Story is told from two points of view, Mariana the eldest of the Capuleta sisters and Angelo Montero, nephew to Hugo Montero, who has a long-standing grudge against Mariana’s adoptive parents. After a Shakespearean-inspired prologue, the book opens with an enchanting meet-cute between our two star-crossed lovers.
I liked our leads from the start. Mariana has a heavy load on her shoulders, feeling responsible for her siblings, her parents, and her patients where she works at the local hospital. She takes her role very seriously, but she can’t resist how being with Angelo seems to lighten her burdens, reminding her to enjoy life, as well.
Angelo was forced to grow up fast when his parents passed away, leaving him responsible for his younger sister. He’s kind and self-assured and he doesn’t fight his feelings for Mariana, which I found so refreshing.
While this one is promoted as an enemies to lovers romance, just like its inspiration, it’s the families that are enemies, forcing our love interests into a secret relationship, which is fun to read. Especially when our two leads hold themselves to a high moral standard, wanting to do the right thing, but unable to fight their attraction. While this one is a closed door romance, it still had plenty of spice with Oliveras’ gift for captivating love scenes.
Besides the romance, this story also centers on Mariana’s relationship with her sisters, especially her younger foster sibling, Nina, who has recently come to stay at the Capuleta home but is struggling to accept her new family. And, of course, at the heart of the book is the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. I’m always a fan of books that also feature music, and knowing Oliveras was inspired by her own family’s musical history made the story even more endearing.
Make sure to add West Side Love Story to your summer reading list, especially if you’re longing to immerse yourself in a local culture and a romance with a satisfying ending!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Priscilla Oliveras and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlists at A Book Wanderer
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
If you loved West Side Story I think you're going to love all the little references throughout this book. Likewise if you're a Romeo and Juliet fan.
I loved the meet cute in this book. I loved how fate brought these two together but I also hated how a family fued kept them apart.
I loved the romance in this book. True to Oliveras' style it is mostly closed door but you definitely get a little more passion than some closed door books and she writes excellent kisses. But what I really loved in this particular book were the glimpses into mariachi culture, the importance of foster families and adoption, and the dangers of gentrification. Oliveras didn't shy away from anything.
I of course loved all the Spanish too, but if you don't speak Spanish Oliveras is one of the best Latinx authors at weaving the translations into her text.
Feuding families is not my favorite trope but I still really enjoyed this book. It definitely spends a lot of time setting up back story for Mariana's huge family, but it will be worth it when we get to read Cat's story next.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I loved the meet cute in this book. I loved how fate brought these two together but I also hated how a family fued kept them apart.
I loved the romance in this book. True to Oliveras' style it is mostly closed door but you definitely get a little more passion than some closed door books and she writes excellent kisses. But what I really loved in this particular book were the glimpses into mariachi culture, the importance of foster families and adoption, and the dangers of gentrification. Oliveras didn't shy away from anything.
I of course loved all the Spanish too, but if you don't speak Spanish Oliveras is one of the best Latinx authors at weaving the translations into her text.
Feuding families is not my favorite trope but I still really enjoyed this book. It definitely spends a lot of time setting up back story for Mariana's huge family, but it will be worth it when we get to read Cat's story next.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
challenging
hopeful
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:
Yes
I had high hopes for this book. I mean rival Mariachi bands in a battle of the bands style contest with romance involved? I AM IN! I loved the dynamic of an all female family mariachi band and the pushing boundaries for women. While I enjoyed the book, I also found myself looking to see how much I had left and kept wanting it to be over. I also didn't feel like this was really a West Side Story / Romeo and Juliet retelling. Sure there were enemies to lovers, and a side plot of family tiff, but I didn't really see anything past that. If anything it felt like the family tiff was one sided and the Capuleta's were just protecting themselves from the Montero's. If anything it was sugar coated so they could get a happily ever after out of it, when in reality this story doesn't have one. If you're looking for a cute Latinx love story, you'll definitely enjoy this one!
Thanks Netgalley and the author for an ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 6/1
Thanks Netgalley and the author for an ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 6/1
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
So good! This is a modern day blend of Romeo + Juliet and West Side Story. I love that it's about dueling mariachi bands of two families that have a long sated hated for each other.
Mariana and her sisters are so ready to prove that an all female band of mariachis CAN and SHOULD be allowed to be. But when Mariana accidently kisses a man, Angelo, unknowingly from the family her father has a feud with; she knows she about to be in trouble. He can't distract from her plan for her family's band to win the mariachi competition to help save their business and pride of their community.
Mariana is such a caring person. I loved her passion for her family, her job as a nurse, and as a musician. I loved that Angelo could see the wrongness of this feud and the pain it causes seeing the way his uncle acts. I see his love for his sister and know that he can give her the best life from under their uncle's thumb.
The Capuleta sisters and their adoptive parents are such a wonderful family. I love the support they give and the help they give to all they can!
Mariana and her sisters are so ready to prove that an all female band of mariachis CAN and SHOULD be allowed to be. But when Mariana accidently kisses a man, Angelo, unknowingly from the family her father has a feud with; she knows she about to be in trouble. He can't distract from her plan for her family's band to win the mariachi competition to help save their business and pride of their community.
Mariana is such a caring person. I loved her passion for her family, her job as a nurse, and as a musician. I loved that Angelo could see the wrongness of this feud and the pain it causes seeing the way his uncle acts. I see his love for his sister and know that he can give her the best life from under their uncle's thumb.
The Capuleta sisters and their adoptive parents are such a wonderful family. I love the support they give and the help they give to all they can!