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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
This West Side Story retelling follows Mariana Capuleta and Angelo Montero whose feuding families have rival mariachi bands. The pair met at a New Years party and shared an anonymous kiss at midnight months before running into each other again at a mariachi performance. The two keep their budding relationship secret to make things easier on their bands and families before the whole thing blows up in their faces.
I liked but did not love this one. It felt a lot longer than it actually was and was one I started, read 3 other books, and then forced myself to finish. There wasn’t any one thing that I could pin-point on why this book didn’t click for me. I’m fluent in Spanish so it wasn’t the Spanish language interspersed in. I love West Side Story so it wasn’t the source material. I find Priscilla’s writing style easy to read. I’m not sure why I struggled so much to get through this one. I really liked both Mariana and Angelo and found their story compelling. I also liked the side characters. Maybe I’ll revisit this book again in the future and enjoy it more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked but did not love this one. It felt a lot longer than it actually was and was one I started, read 3 other books, and then forced myself to finish. There wasn’t any one thing that I could pin-point on why this book didn’t click for me. I’m fluent in Spanish so it wasn’t the Spanish language interspersed in. I love West Side Story so it wasn’t the source material. I find Priscilla’s writing style easy to read. I’m not sure why I struggled so much to get through this one. I really liked both Mariana and Angelo and found their story compelling. I also liked the side characters. Maybe I’ll revisit this book again in the future and enjoy it more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute love story and a great take on the classic story. There was a lot of love, a lot of culture, and drama - a perfect cozy read.
A West Side Story/ Romeo and Juliet Retelling with a rich cast of characters, lots of culture and music.
Synopsis: Mariana and Angelo have an instant connection after meeting on New Years Eve. However, at the time, neither of them realize that their families are long time rivals. When they are both signed up for the upcoming Battle of the Mariachi Bands, the two come together to keep their families in line and have to fight the urge to pursue their attraction.
Thoughts: I enjoyed the West Side Story retelling and learning more about the LatinX culture and community in Texas. The Mariachi concept was clever and forbidden love/ forced proximity is a great trope combo. However, I will say the writing style did not make this romance the easiest of reads, particularly the dialogue. When I switched to the audio, I was more engaged and had an easier time following the plot. I wish the final performance was in the actual story and not just mentioned in the epilogue.
Read if you like:
-Forbidden love
-Forced Proximity
-Fueling families
-Spanish words/ phrases in books
-San Antonio setting
-Lots of Texas references
Synopsis: Mariana and Angelo have an instant connection after meeting on New Years Eve. However, at the time, neither of them realize that their families are long time rivals. When they are both signed up for the upcoming Battle of the Mariachi Bands, the two come together to keep their families in line and have to fight the urge to pursue their attraction.
Thoughts: I enjoyed the West Side Story retelling and learning more about the LatinX culture and community in Texas. The Mariachi concept was clever and forbidden love/ forced proximity is a great trope combo. However, I will say the writing style did not make this romance the easiest of reads, particularly the dialogue. When I switched to the audio, I was more engaged and had an easier time following the plot. I wish the final performance was in the actual story and not just mentioned in the epilogue.
Read if you like:
-Forbidden love
-Forced Proximity
-Fueling families
-Spanish words/ phrases in books
-San Antonio setting
-Lots of Texas references
Oliveras always writes fun families and yummy heroes. This one is no exception. If you like West Side Story but wish it had a different ending, then this one is for you. Bonus points for a heroine who plays trumpet.
Five stars without a doubt.
I loved this from start to finish and I have nothing bad to say about this book.
Angelo and Mariana are perfect together, from the beginning you can feel the chemistry between them. The fact that they communicate and don't lie to each other is everything I love and as someone who hates lying and miscommunication in books, this was a top-tier romance for me.
I loved seeing the family dynamics and how they interacted with each other and their community. The characters were distinct and individual, you could really get a feeling for who everyone was and how they would react to situations.
I am so glad I read this and I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on book 2.
I loved this from start to finish and I have nothing bad to say about this book.
Angelo and Mariana are perfect together, from the beginning you can feel the chemistry between them. The fact that they communicate and don't lie to each other is everything I love and as someone who hates lying and miscommunication in books, this was a top-tier romance for me.
I loved seeing the family dynamics and how they interacted with each other and their community. The characters were distinct and individual, you could really get a feeling for who everyone was and how they would react to situations.
I am so glad I read this and I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on book 2.
I can’t even with how much I love this book. Mariana is perfection, and honestly, Angelo is too. I grew up surrounded by mariachis (in Tucson), and I was so happy to read this book whose story is just so good. I just, yeah, I love it!
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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:
Yes
Absolutely Amazing
I saw the cover and yes please. The city, the meeting, the rivalry! The relationship between the families and themselves. The lines of respect drawn even when the children are fully grown. The stress and relatability of being the daughter in charge who fixes things and is everyone’s rock. Ugh. Fabulous book. Can’t wait for the second one.
I saw the cover and yes please. The city, the meeting, the rivalry! The relationship between the families and themselves. The lines of respect drawn even when the children are fully grown. The stress and relatability of being the daughter in charge who fixes things and is everyone’s rock. Ugh. Fabulous book. Can’t wait for the second one.