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nothingforpomegranted 's review for:
West Side Love Story
by Priscilla Oliveras
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It's confirmed: Romeo and Juliet retellings are just not for me. I'm not into insta-love, and this West Side Story inspired contemporary romance had me rolling my eyes in disbelief. Mariana and Angelo shared an anonymous kiss on New Year's Eve, only to discover each other's identity while scoping out competition for the upcoming mariachi Battle of the Bands. Not only are they in competing bands, but their families have also maintained a decades-long rivalry.
This plot felt really forced to me. In addition to the insta-love situation, I also just didn't buy the rivalry, nor did I feel that it was ever sufficiently explained. Indeed, several plot lines, including the foster care and gentrification dynamics and all the details about the protagonists' families. I kept reading because it was quick, but I was pretty bored the whole time (and it didn't even have the steam factor to keep me going).
This plot felt really forced to me. In addition to the insta-love situation, I also just didn't buy the rivalry, nor did I feel that it was ever sufficiently explained. Indeed, several plot lines, including the foster care and gentrification dynamics and all the details about the protagonists' families. I kept reading because it was quick, but I was pretty bored the whole time (and it didn't even have the steam factor to keep me going).