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My Train Leaves at Three
An electric coming-of-age novel that explores grief, family, sexuality, and love as an ambitious young woman from Washington Heights tries to make it on Broadway—by a striking new voice in fiction.
How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice in order to chase your dreams?
After her sister Nena’s sudden death, Xiomara, an Afro-Latina singer and actress born and raised in Washington Heights, is numb. With her sister gone, Xiomara is painfully close to thirty, living in a tiny apartment with her ultra-Catholic Puerto Rican mother, and having the same shitty sex with the same shitty men that she’s been entertaining for years. Behind on rent despite two minimum-wage jobs, one of which involves singing show tunes while serving pancakes to tourists at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Xiomara is bitingly cynical, especially in her grief, and barely treading water.
But when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to audition for Manny Santos, the most charismatic director of the moment, falls into her lap, it seems to Xiomara like a second chance to pursue the dream she thought she’d left behind has finally come. Meanwhile, something about Santi, a new coworker at the print shop where she spends half of her days photocopying other performers’ headshots, starts to tug at the threads of her apathy. Nothing is simple, and soon Xiomara finds herself interacting with the ugliest sides of the industry and the powerful men that control it. While Xiomara grapples with the hard truth that sometimes the closer you are to your dreams, the further away from yourself you become, she is forced to ask herself if she has what it takes to build a new shiny life without losing the truth of her old one.
With hopeful spirit and unapologetic energy, My Train Leaves at Three is a coming-of-age story about the balancing act between moving on and moving forward.
How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice in order to chase your dreams?
After her sister Nena’s sudden death, Xiomara, an Afro-Latina singer and actress born and raised in Washington Heights, is numb. With her sister gone, Xiomara is painfully close to thirty, living in a tiny apartment with her ultra-Catholic Puerto Rican mother, and having the same shitty sex with the same shitty men that she’s been entertaining for years. Behind on rent despite two minimum-wage jobs, one of which involves singing show tunes while serving pancakes to tourists at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Xiomara is bitingly cynical, especially in her grief, and barely treading water.
But when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to audition for Manny Santos, the most charismatic director of the moment, falls into her lap, it seems to Xiomara like a second chance to pursue the dream she thought she’d left behind has finally come. Meanwhile, something about Santi, a new coworker at the print shop where she spends half of her days photocopying other performers’ headshots, starts to tug at the threads of her apathy. Nothing is simple, and soon Xiomara finds herself interacting with the ugliest sides of the industry and the powerful men that control it. While Xiomara grapples with the hard truth that sometimes the closer you are to your dreams, the further away from yourself you become, she is forced to ask herself if she has what it takes to build a new shiny life without losing the truth of her old one.
With hopeful spirit and unapologetic energy, My Train Leaves at Three is a coming-of-age story about the balancing act between moving on and moving forward.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2025
105 people are currently reading
14842 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Guerrero
2 books58 followersNatalie Guerrero is a writer and producer based in Los Angeles. Her writing has been featured in publications such as Electric Literature, Byline, Goop, and Blavity. My Train Leaves at Three (2025) is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
April 21, 2025
3.75 stars
"I'll do anything to be desired."
Xiomara just feels so real and relatable. Every decision she made had me thinking, Would I do the same? Every moment of jealousy made me pause and go, Yeah, I'd probably feel that way too. She’s a little bit bitchy sometimes, but never in a mean-spirited way. It just felt honest, like the kind of emotional messiness we all go through as humans.
And yeah, Xiomara could be childish, moody like a sullen teenager at times. But honestly? I couldn’t even be mad. My grown-ass self still acts like that sometimes too.
Every character in this book felt real. Not like perfect, polished fiction. No Mary Sues, no impossibly supportive best friends or ideal families, just people, as they are. Flawed, raw, but still full of love in their own ways.
And I really loved how things turned out for Xiomara. It felt close to my own life. I’m not living my dream either, but I’m still happy. That hit home.
I really enjoyed this one. I debated between giving it 3.5 or 4 stars, and in the end, I went with 3.75,lol, because I saw a lot of myself in Xiomara. hehe.
Note: Thank you, Random House Publishing Group, for giving me this ARC.
"I'll do anything to be desired."
Xiomara just feels so real and relatable. Every decision she made had me thinking, Would I do the same? Every moment of jealousy made me pause and go, Yeah, I'd probably feel that way too. She’s a little bit bitchy sometimes, but never in a mean-spirited way. It just felt honest, like the kind of emotional messiness we all go through as humans.
And yeah, Xiomara could be childish, moody like a sullen teenager at times. But honestly? I couldn’t even be mad. My grown-ass self still acts like that sometimes too.
Every character in this book felt real. Not like perfect, polished fiction. No Mary Sues, no impossibly supportive best friends or ideal families, just people, as they are. Flawed, raw, but still full of love in their own ways.
And I really loved how things turned out for Xiomara. It felt close to my own life. I’m not living my dream either, but I’m still happy. That hit home.
I really enjoyed this one. I debated between giving it 3.5 or 4 stars, and in the end, I went with 3.75,lol, because I saw a lot of myself in Xiomara. hehe.
Note: Thank you, Random House Publishing Group, for giving me this ARC.
November 5, 2025
4/5
- This was such a great coming of age story. The fmc was truly doing anything she could to follow her dreams and was so relatable in how she struggled to figure out her next steps.
- Would have loved to read this in a book club because seeing the fmc push her morals to the side for her career was so sad, but a common occurrence you see in society.
- Still can’t believe this is the first book that this author has ever written. Ya girl is in her contemporary fiction era! I loved this one!
- This was such a great coming of age story. The fmc was truly doing anything she could to follow her dreams and was so relatable in how she struggled to figure out her next steps.
- Would have loved to read this in a book club because seeing the fmc push her morals to the side for her career was so sad, but a common occurrence you see in society.
- Still can’t believe this is the first book that this author has ever written. Ya girl is in her contemporary fiction era! I loved this one!
November 28, 2025
3.5 stars
A poignant coming-of-age story about an Afro-Latina woman trying to make it in New York City. I thought Natalie Guerrero did an excellent job of portraying the racism, sexism, and classism faced by our protagonist Xiomara as she tries to pursue her career as an actress. At the same time, Guerrero doesn’t just make this book about the oppression Xiomara faces – she’s gritty, determined, and messy yet relatable. I appreciated the plotline about Xiomara’s problematic white friend Cassie, Xiomara’s arc of coming into herself more, and the overall shape of her relationship with Santi.
I went back and forth between rounding up to four and rounding down to three because there were some elements of this book that didn’t land quite effectively for me. At times the writing felt awkward or not that mature; for example even though I vibed with Xiomara’s romance with Santi for what it represented, a lot of their scenes together, especially toward the middle and end, came across as forced. I also feel like this novel could have done without the plot of Xiomara’s sister who passed away. Still, politically and personally I resonate with what this book put down, so I’m rounding up to four stars.
A poignant coming-of-age story about an Afro-Latina woman trying to make it in New York City. I thought Natalie Guerrero did an excellent job of portraying the racism, sexism, and classism faced by our protagonist Xiomara as she tries to pursue her career as an actress. At the same time, Guerrero doesn’t just make this book about the oppression Xiomara faces – she’s gritty, determined, and messy yet relatable. I appreciated the plotline about Xiomara’s problematic white friend Cassie, Xiomara’s arc of coming into herself more, and the overall shape of her relationship with Santi.
I went back and forth between rounding up to four and rounding down to three because there were some elements of this book that didn’t land quite effectively for me. At times the writing felt awkward or not that mature; for example even though I vibed with Xiomara’s romance with Santi for what it represented, a lot of their scenes together, especially toward the middle and end, came across as forced. I also feel like this novel could have done without the plot of Xiomara’s sister who passed away. Still, politically and personally I resonate with what this book put down, so I’m rounding up to four stars.
July 27, 2025
Xiomara is careening toward thirty with a résumé full of “meh,” a bedroom she shares with a crucifix, a mother who prays like it’s a competitive sport, and a social life that could be staged as Greek tragedy with zero chorus. Her voice, however, could shatter glass or expectations, depending on the day. Between clocking hours at a dead end job, and dodging suitors whose appeal ranks somewhere below canned tuna, she clings to sarcasm like it pays rent. Her sister's death hit like a stage light dropped mid-performance, and Xiomara hasn’t stopped blinking through the daze since.
Manny Santos, part savior, part snake oil, all spotlight, enters her life. He flashes charm like a backstage pass and offers her the kind of break that comes pre-cracked. She leaves her job behind and steps into a velvet trap lined with compliments and coercion.
The checks clear, the roles roll in, and so do the compromises, quick and slippery. Manny doesn’t raise his voice; he rearranges the air. The deeper she sinks into his world, the more applause starts to sound like warning sirens. Meanwhile, Santi, the emotionally literate unicorn from her past life, hums in the corner like an off-key reminder that real might still be possible, though deeply inconvenient.
Guerrero packs the novel with heat, bite, and brass. Every page pulses with tension between who Xiomara performs and who she’s burying alive. The stage grants her volume but strips her tone.
Her mother wields religion like a smoke machine: obscuring more than it reveals, choking whatever tries to breathe. The spotlight illuminates nothing but cost.
This is a full-throttle, off-key, high-drama musical of survival with no intermission. It is a standing ovation to survivors, strivers, and anyone who's ever mistaken a red flag for a costume cue. No new ground is broken.
Manny Santos, part savior, part snake oil, all spotlight, enters her life. He flashes charm like a backstage pass and offers her the kind of break that comes pre-cracked. She leaves her job behind and steps into a velvet trap lined with compliments and coercion.
The checks clear, the roles roll in, and so do the compromises, quick and slippery. Manny doesn’t raise his voice; he rearranges the air. The deeper she sinks into his world, the more applause starts to sound like warning sirens. Meanwhile, Santi, the emotionally literate unicorn from her past life, hums in the corner like an off-key reminder that real might still be possible, though deeply inconvenient.
Guerrero packs the novel with heat, bite, and brass. Every page pulses with tension between who Xiomara performs and who she’s burying alive. The stage grants her volume but strips her tone.
Her mother wields religion like a smoke machine: obscuring more than it reveals, choking whatever tries to breathe. The spotlight illuminates nothing but cost.
This is a full-throttle, off-key, high-drama musical of survival with no intermission. It is a standing ovation to survivors, strivers, and anyone who's ever mistaken a red flag for a costume cue. No new ground is broken.
July 23, 2025
Grief is rarely linear, and this novel captures its complexity with striking honesty. Anger, in particular, is portrayed not just as a reaction, but as a mask—one worn by those who may not yet understand the full scope of their own sorrow. Layered with themes of religion, cultural expectations, and a turbulent past, this story explores emotional trauma through a deeply personal lens.
While the book’s opening pulled me in, the narrative gradually grew darker and more emotionally charged. The protagonist, Xiomara, navigates her grief with raw intensity—sometimes in ways that feel overwhelming. Her pain is palpable, and at times, it spills off the page in a way that left me feeling emotionally drained. I found myself both empathizing with her and internally pleading for her to pause, breathe, and process.
This isn’t a story of tears or melodrama—it’s one of quiet emotional weight, of internal chaos, and of grief manifesting in anger, confusion, and isolation. It’s not an easy read, nor is it meant to be. It may not resonate with every reader, but for those open to exploring the complexities of mourning and identity, this novel offers a sobering, thought-provoking experience.
While the book’s opening pulled me in, the narrative gradually grew darker and more emotionally charged. The protagonist, Xiomara, navigates her grief with raw intensity—sometimes in ways that feel overwhelming. Her pain is palpable, and at times, it spills off the page in a way that left me feeling emotionally drained. I found myself both empathizing with her and internally pleading for her to pause, breathe, and process.
This isn’t a story of tears or melodrama—it’s one of quiet emotional weight, of internal chaos, and of grief manifesting in anger, confusion, and isolation. It’s not an easy read, nor is it meant to be. It may not resonate with every reader, but for those open to exploring the complexities of mourning and identity, this novel offers a sobering, thought-provoking experience.
November 9, 2025
4.75⭐️
Xiomara is a complete mess! Immature, terrible decision maker and in a complete rut after her sister’s passing.
She’s trying to make a way for herself hoping to land on the Broadway stage despite her super catholic mother’s skepticism and the tough road tough road ahead of her.
This story will not be for everyone. The plot drags a bit towards the beginning , is almost nonexistent in the first 35% to the point that you’ll be reading just to be reading and confused as to where this is even going.
However, somewhere in this story, I looked up and realized that I forgot about everything that was throwing me off in the beginning and I got LOST. Maybe because it was so real, it was raw and it was different from the norm. This ended up turning into a beautiful debut novel and it was so unexpected for me.
I’ve had this book on my radar for a few months now and I’m soooo glad I gave it a chance.
The take away I got from this is that grief is a dark place that can take you down so many roads. But the day you decide that enough is enough and you decide to truly start to live again? That’s where the beauty in it all lies🕊️♥️
Xiomara is a complete mess! Immature, terrible decision maker and in a complete rut after her sister’s passing.
She’s trying to make a way for herself hoping to land on the Broadway stage despite her super catholic mother’s skepticism and the tough road tough road ahead of her.
This story will not be for everyone. The plot drags a bit towards the beginning , is almost nonexistent in the first 35% to the point that you’ll be reading just to be reading and confused as to where this is even going.
However, somewhere in this story, I looked up and realized that I forgot about everything that was throwing me off in the beginning and I got LOST. Maybe because it was so real, it was raw and it was different from the norm. This ended up turning into a beautiful debut novel and it was so unexpected for me.
I’ve had this book on my radar for a few months now and I’m soooo glad I gave it a chance.
The take away I got from this is that grief is a dark place that can take you down so many roads. But the day you decide that enough is enough and you decide to truly start to live again? That’s where the beauty in it all lies🕊️♥️
July 16, 2025
Review: MY TRAIN LEAVES AT THREE by Natalie Guerrero
"I've heard envy is just a sign pointing you toward what you want in life."
"America is obsessed with dead girls. It's sickening really, the idea that we are so much more valuable dead than alive."
Thanks to One World / Penguin Random House for the complimentary hardcover of MY TRAIN LEAVES AT THREE! 📖🚂
I really love Natalie Guerrero's writing style. Having been to NYC several times for different reasons throughout my life, I found myself falling for the city all over again through her incredibly immersive writing. Her vivid language truly brought the city to life, which was just amazing. I was completely engrossed in Xiomara's story and could relate to her plight. The aspiring actress storyline, the complex family drama 🎭, and the themes of grief all resonated deeply. This book is very well-done, and the prose is simply gorgeous.
I ended up highlighting so many lines because her words truly stood out. These few really stuck with me:
"It's always this way with men. I give you this if you'll give me that."
"When I finally make it to the audition, everyone looks just like me but better."
My thanks again to the publisher for this book. And just to be clear, this review is 100% voluntary! ✨
"I've heard envy is just a sign pointing you toward what you want in life."
"America is obsessed with dead girls. It's sickening really, the idea that we are so much more valuable dead than alive."
Thanks to One World / Penguin Random House for the complimentary hardcover of MY TRAIN LEAVES AT THREE! 📖🚂
I really love Natalie Guerrero's writing style. Having been to NYC several times for different reasons throughout my life, I found myself falling for the city all over again through her incredibly immersive writing. Her vivid language truly brought the city to life, which was just amazing. I was completely engrossed in Xiomara's story and could relate to her plight. The aspiring actress storyline, the complex family drama 🎭, and the themes of grief all resonated deeply. This book is very well-done, and the prose is simply gorgeous.
I ended up highlighting so many lines because her words truly stood out. These few really stuck with me:
"It's always this way with men. I give you this if you'll give me that."
"When I finally make it to the audition, everyone looks just like me but better."
My thanks again to the publisher for this book. And just to be clear, this review is 100% voluntary! ✨
Want to read
February 19, 2025"an electric coming-of-age novel that explores grief, family, sexuality, and love as an ambitious young woman from washington heights tries to make it on broadway—by a striking new voice in fiction."
thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
July 21, 2025
A grieving Broadway star has to hit rock bottom incthr industry before soaring to new heights.
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 8 hours
🎤: Rae De Vine
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Format: Singular POV
I enjoyed this audiobook. I loved the voice and tempo of the narrator. The narration was clear and concise. I never had to adjust my speed. The narrator was fantastic at making the FMC shine!
Themes:
🎵: Grief
🎵: Family relationships
🎵: Explores sexuality and various forms of love
Representation:
🎤: Strong female lead
🎤: Afro-Latina FMC Dominican
🎤: Conversational Spanish
Tropes:
💗: Broadway star
💗: Woman succeeding in a man's world
🥵: Spice: 🌶️
Potential Triggers: domestic violence **check authors page/socials for full list.
Short Synopsis:
Xiomara is dealing with the immense grief of losing her sister any way she knows how. Unfortunately, this means, jumping from man-to-man, self-destructive behavior and the eventual demise of her Broadway career. After witnessing the ugly side of the industry, the Xiomara decides that she's going to start living for herself, setting boundaries and moving forward in life.
General Thoughts:
Talk about a messy protagonist and an even messier plot line. But in the absolute best way possible. We watch Xiomara make bad decision after regretful decision and all the while wishing we could save her from herself. Watching Xiomara deal with immense grief amid the decline of her personal and family life is absolutely devastating in so many ways. But you also can't help but love her spunk and tenacity, and it makes her so easy to root for. Even though you basically just wish the entire book that she would just get a small break.
Xiomara was a relatable and layered character. She felt realistic and relatable in almost every way. She really was not just the center of the story but a showstopper as well. Watching her grow and developed throughout the book was extremely compelling and endearing.
This book did have some hard to read areas that I would suggest getting trigger warnings for. We do have to watch Xiomara hit rock bottom within the Broadway industry by putting her trust in the wrong people and making some decisions that absolutely were not in her best interest. This was done very well and felt very organic and added depth to the plot line. It definitely got the reader emotionally invested.
The only criticism I have during my read was I felt like things were resolved a little too simply between her and her mother. But this was a minor annoyance that was probably just personal to my reading and I don't feel affected the overall novel too deeply.
I would definitely read more by this author in the future. Her character work is immaculate.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through the Penguin Random House Audiobook Influencer Program. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Audiobook Stats:
⏰: 8 hours
🎤: Rae De Vine
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Format: Singular POV
I enjoyed this audiobook. I loved the voice and tempo of the narrator. The narration was clear and concise. I never had to adjust my speed. The narrator was fantastic at making the FMC shine!
Themes:
🎵: Grief
🎵: Family relationships
🎵: Explores sexuality and various forms of love
Representation:
🎤: Strong female lead
🎤: Afro-Latina FMC Dominican
🎤: Conversational Spanish
Tropes:
💗: Broadway star
💗: Woman succeeding in a man's world
🥵: Spice: 🌶️
Potential Triggers: domestic violence **check authors page/socials for full list.
Short Synopsis:
Xiomara is dealing with the immense grief of losing her sister any way she knows how. Unfortunately, this means, jumping from man-to-man, self-destructive behavior and the eventual demise of her Broadway career. After witnessing the ugly side of the industry, the Xiomara decides that she's going to start living for herself, setting boundaries and moving forward in life.
General Thoughts:
Talk about a messy protagonist and an even messier plot line. But in the absolute best way possible. We watch Xiomara make bad decision after regretful decision and all the while wishing we could save her from herself. Watching Xiomara deal with immense grief amid the decline of her personal and family life is absolutely devastating in so many ways. But you also can't help but love her spunk and tenacity, and it makes her so easy to root for. Even though you basically just wish the entire book that she would just get a small break.
Xiomara was a relatable and layered character. She felt realistic and relatable in almost every way. She really was not just the center of the story but a showstopper as well. Watching her grow and developed throughout the book was extremely compelling and endearing.
This book did have some hard to read areas that I would suggest getting trigger warnings for. We do have to watch Xiomara hit rock bottom within the Broadway industry by putting her trust in the wrong people and making some decisions that absolutely were not in her best interest. This was done very well and felt very organic and added depth to the plot line. It definitely got the reader emotionally invested.
The only criticism I have during my read was I felt like things were resolved a little too simply between her and her mother. But this was a minor annoyance that was probably just personal to my reading and I don't feel affected the overall novel too deeply.
I would definitely read more by this author in the future. Her character work is immaculate.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through the Penguin Random House Audiobook Influencer Program. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 30, 2025
@oneworldbooks | #gifted 𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 by Natalie Guerrero, a story of grief and life after loss, is a book that in many ways felt very personal to me. Its main character, Xiomara, suddenly lost her older sister nearly a year before the story begins and she’s been reeling ever since. The daughter of a Puerto Rican single mom, they depended on the income from all three women to keep their lives in Washington Heights afloat. Xiomara is now working 2 jobs trying to fill in the gaps, but the margins are woking against her. On top of all that, she’s abandoned her dreams of making it on Broadway.
Though I didn’t always feel good about Xiomara’s choices, I did like the way most of the book evolved. She was a mess and often made poor/impulsive decisions, which is so very realistic. At times I felt a little like I was rubber necking at a car accident as Xiomara took a torch to her own life, but that’s what grief will do to you. That’s what having few options can do. That’s what losing hope will do, especially for someone not yet out of their twenties. I know. I lost a sister when I was only 18. It was truly life shattering and Guerrero got that right.
I liked the last 20% of the book less because I felt like it went in a completely unexpected direction, taking the story from crushingly realistic to fairy tale land. I wish the author wouldn’t have made such a dramatic u-turn. There’s more I could say about why I didn’t care for this part, but that would take us into spoiler territory. Despite the ending, overall I enjoyed the reading experience I had with 𝘔𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫✨
Though I didn’t always feel good about Xiomara’s choices, I did like the way most of the book evolved. She was a mess and often made poor/impulsive decisions, which is so very realistic. At times I felt a little like I was rubber necking at a car accident as Xiomara took a torch to her own life, but that’s what grief will do to you. That’s what having few options can do. That’s what losing hope will do, especially for someone not yet out of their twenties. I know. I lost a sister when I was only 18. It was truly life shattering and Guerrero got that right.
I liked the last 20% of the book less because I felt like it went in a completely unexpected direction, taking the story from crushingly realistic to fairy tale land. I wish the author wouldn’t have made such a dramatic u-turn. There’s more I could say about why I didn’t care for this part, but that would take us into spoiler territory. Despite the ending, overall I enjoyed the reading experience I had with 𝘔𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫✨
September 19, 2025
Beautiful, propulsive writing about grief, loss, and ambition. So up my alley. I will always stand with a messy WOC protagonist, especially a Latina, ESPECIALLY a Dominican woman who is finding her voice, path, and purpose amidst crushing societal and financial expectations.
This is a novel that balances a lot, but the relationships between Xiomara and her friends and mother were so true to life. The characters were rich and fully realized, and Guerrero is an incredible conjurer of metaphors that situate you directly into the lives of these characters. New York is pivotal to this book, and the author's love of her city and hometown bleed through.
Highly recommend for readers of stories of women in their twenties coming of age, Latinx readers seeking a beautifully written story about seeking and finding, and people who love New York and the imperfect people within it.
This is a novel that balances a lot, but the relationships between Xiomara and her friends and mother were so true to life. The characters were rich and fully realized, and Guerrero is an incredible conjurer of metaphors that situate you directly into the lives of these characters. New York is pivotal to this book, and the author's love of her city and hometown bleed through.
Highly recommend for readers of stories of women in their twenties coming of age, Latinx readers seeking a beautifully written story about seeking and finding, and people who love New York and the imperfect people within it.
March 24, 2025
DNF'd at 45%. Couldn't get into the plot, setting, or main character at all. The main character, Xiomara, is pushing 30, but acts and thinks like she's barely out of high school. Unmotivated, irresponsible, lets her unemployed mother walk all over her when she's the one barely keeping them afloat. Then there were the cardboard male characters developing feelings for her for no discernable reason. Then the idea that she'd gotten good enough parts in musicals to contribute to her household, for I'm guessing 7-8 years, but was a terrible dancer? I couldn't read anymore; Xiomara wasn't likeable, her reasoning for her predicaments got old, and the opportunities coming her way were too far fetched.
2025
September 15, 2025Latine Heritage Month 2025 TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and One World
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and One World
October 2, 2025
For a debut, this is actually pretty good! What convinced me to pick it up was the mention of Ellen's Stardust Diner in NYC in the blurb - I love that place! The book is well written, and as a theatre enthusiast, it’s fun to read about Xiomara’s journey through NYC’s theatre scene. It could be better, though, but I can’t quite put my finger on what’s missing. Overall, it’s a solid 3.5 stars, and I can’t wait to read more from Natalie Guerrero!
April 25, 2025
4.5! the main character is messy and immature and emotionally stunted, and makes enough mistakes and self-destructive decisions to fill three lifetimes, but she is real and honest in her messiness in the way anyone drowning in grief from the death of their sister would be. her struggles as a Black Latina in upper manhattan weren’t romanticized, and I found it relatable to a lot of the challenges that immigrant communities of color without generational wealth face in an ever exorbitantly expensive world. also loved the extent of the characters’ development - they were fully fleshed out and complex and contain multitudes. even posthumously I felt like I came to know nena and the fierce love between her and xiomara.
the ending of the book with xiomara’s life suddenly and magically falling into place and her finding happiness, stability, and a deep sense of purpose through a coincidental networking connection feels quite idealistic and unrealistic…but you know what, I’m choosing to believe that people of color don’t always have to suffer to deserve a happy ending and to have things work out for them, and that sometimes, good things can just miraculously fall into our laps.
some lines that hit me:
“No matter where I go, I always seem to be catching my breath. I worry I’ll never outrun myself. That after everything that’s happened, I’ll always have some great load of catching up to do.”
“I think that love must be tender when women do it together.”
“This is my mother, and I think if I stay right here, nothing can hurt me.”
“I hear the mundane melody of ending something that was never meant for me at all.”
“Spinning pure gold from a thick and brutal stack of hay.”
the ending of the book with xiomara’s life suddenly and magically falling into place and her finding happiness, stability, and a deep sense of purpose through a coincidental networking connection feels quite idealistic and unrealistic…but you know what, I’m choosing to believe that people of color don’t always have to suffer to deserve a happy ending and to have things work out for them, and that sometimes, good things can just miraculously fall into our laps.
some lines that hit me:
“No matter where I go, I always seem to be catching my breath. I worry I’ll never outrun myself. That after everything that’s happened, I’ll always have some great load of catching up to do.”
“I think that love must be tender when women do it together.”
“This is my mother, and I think if I stay right here, nothing can hurt me.”
“I hear the mundane melody of ending something that was never meant for me at all.”
“Spinning pure gold from a thick and brutal stack of hay.”
August 16, 2025
Mamis, if you’re looking for another summer read, My Train Leaves at Three might be a good option. Guerrero’s debut gives Rosario in Chu, Hudes, and Miranda’s Into the Heights meets Nicky in Mellor’s Blue Sisters meets Alba in Honey (2003). 29-year-old Xiomara dreams of singing on stage, but her big sister Nena’s heart suddenly stops, and her death derails X’s plans. Mami shuts down, and X works two part-time jobs and slowly returns to auditioning for a Broadway role. Along the way, she makes enemies, loses friends, and gains more family.
I didn’t expect the novel to have a YA or NA tone, and I felt slightly bothered, actually, with Xiomara’s career shift at the end. Her job as a teacher provides an easy circumvention of X’s trajectory. Guerrero could have placed more obvious signs earlier in the book that X enjoys kids, communicating to a crowd, or teaching, so that the decision to become an educator would have cohered more.
As someone who cares about education and being a “good” educator, I find the “those who can’t” snub (e.g., as Wednesday Addams callously hurls at her new music teacher in S2 E1) sorely misunderstands the responsibility of helping shape minds so that we can build a better world. I don’t have issues with stumbling into something one enjoys and excels at doing, but my idealism towards academia makes me sensitive. Nevertheless, X’s spunky attitude and the Puerto Rican culture held my attention and outweighed this small blight.
CW: physical abuse by a partner.
I didn’t expect the novel to have a YA or NA tone, and I felt slightly bothered, actually, with Xiomara’s career shift at the end. Her job as a teacher provides an easy circumvention of X’s trajectory. Guerrero could have placed more obvious signs earlier in the book that X enjoys kids, communicating to a crowd, or teaching, so that the decision to become an educator would have cohered more.
As someone who cares about education and being a “good” educator, I find the “those who can’t” snub (e.g., as Wednesday Addams callously hurls at her new music teacher in S2 E1) sorely misunderstands the responsibility of helping shape minds so that we can build a better world. I don’t have issues with stumbling into something one enjoys and excels at doing, but my idealism towards academia makes me sensitive. Nevertheless, X’s spunky attitude and the Puerto Rican culture held my attention and outweighed this small blight.
CW: physical abuse by a partner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
The Afro-Latina coming of age story I wish I’d had at twenty one. A beautiful one of kind, yet universal story.
July 23, 2025
⭐️
I’ve learned that I am bitter when I’m close to the shore. Even when I think whatever is coming my way might be my life raft, it’s like I don’t want to be saved.
I wish someone would've saved me from reading this book.
As someone who loves Broadway, I really was looking forward to this book. However, just like Cameron Dallas' singing in Mean Girls, I was disappointed.
That's all I’m going to say.
Thank You for coming to my TedTalk.
I’ve learned that I am bitter when I’m close to the shore. Even when I think whatever is coming my way might be my life raft, it’s like I don’t want to be saved.
I wish someone would've saved me from reading this book.
As someone who loves Broadway, I really was looking forward to this book. However, just like Cameron Dallas' singing in Mean Girls, I was disappointed.
That's all I’m going to say.
Thank You for coming to my TedTalk.
February 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
Xiomara is almost 30. She is living is a small apartment with her ultra catholic mother in Washington Heights. She works at a copy store and also as a waitress. Since she was a child she has dreamed of being on broadway. She was very very close to landing her breakout role when her sister suddenly died. For the past year she has barely been able to function in her grief. This novel is about her coming to terms with the fact that her sister would want her to keep living.
I thought Xiomara was an immature and deeply troubled character. She makes a lot of mistakes trying to land the lead part in a broadway play. It was really interesting to see her blossom and grow as a person. In the beginning of this book I kept thinking that this girl must be 21. She was working two minimum wage jobs barely scraping by and living with her mother. The story telling and character development of this book were superb. I was rooting for Xiomara and hoping that everything worked out for her and her mom.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book.
Xiomara is almost 30. She is living is a small apartment with her ultra catholic mother in Washington Heights. She works at a copy store and also as a waitress. Since she was a child she has dreamed of being on broadway. She was very very close to landing her breakout role when her sister suddenly died. For the past year she has barely been able to function in her grief. This novel is about her coming to terms with the fact that her sister would want her to keep living.
I thought Xiomara was an immature and deeply troubled character. She makes a lot of mistakes trying to land the lead part in a broadway play. It was really interesting to see her blossom and grow as a person. In the beginning of this book I kept thinking that this girl must be 21. She was working two minimum wage jobs barely scraping by and living with her mother. The story telling and character development of this book were superb. I was rooting for Xiomara and hoping that everything worked out for her and her mom.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book.
November 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Xiomara isn't perfect, she's a person that makes a lot of mistakes, but is doing the best that she can as she navigates grief, financial difficulty, finding herself and helping her depressed mother.
I really like how raw and flawed this book was. It was a really nice ride. I flew through it. A great read.
I really like how raw and flawed this book was. It was a really nice ride. I flew through it. A great read.
September 17, 2025
This is a potent debut from Natalie Guerrero — and a rare instance where I wish a book was longer! She explored so many different elements of Xiomara's life ripping part at the seams and then coming together again, and I wish the novel breathed a little bit more to let those decisions really take shape.
CW: Sexual assault, intimate partner violence
CW: Sexual assault, intimate partner violence
December 16, 2025
Pocos libros me han hecho enojar tanto como este. Verdaderamente un libro yanki para yankis (en el peor de los sentidos)
Tenemos una protagonista treintañera que se comporta como una chica de quince, todo lo que hace da vergüenza ajena, es estúpida y se ahoga en un vaso de agua. Además de que durante el libro no hace medio cambio pero la autora se dió que cuenta que era demasiado verguera la historia y trató de en las ultimas cincuenta páginas hacer que esta mujer se rehabilite.
Por otro lado, la historia gira completamente en la muerte de la hermana de ella y cómo no lo puede ni siquiera hablar y que esto mismo hizo que se estanque su carrera musical. Ahora mi grandísimo problema es que ella menciona que en la ciudad de Nueva York ella podía mantener a su familia con su sueldo de cantante pero deja de trabajar y de la nada nunca más puede conseguir un trabajo así. Pero yo digo, lo FAMOSA que tenes que ser para mantener a tu familia siendo cantante en NUEVA YORK y no te quedó ningún contacto para que te metan a hacer coros? Permitime dudar
Y mi problema más grande: la representación borderline burlesca de la gente latina. La protagonista es una “latina” negra que como todo yanki ser latino es que sus papás o abuelos hayan vivido un poco de tiempo en un país de latam. Pero claro, ella tiene que demostrar que es negra latina! Entonces durante todo el libro la mina dice ay olí especias y solo pude pensar en mi madre cocinando en Puerto Rico (nunca estuvo en Puerto Rico) o vi gente bailando y pude sentir que mis raíces vibraban, porque claro el latino solo baila y cocina. Y lo mismo con su lado negro, hay varios momentos donde ella está rodeada de gente blanca y ella sola dice deseo que se suba alguien negro para sentirme segura peeeeero déjate de joder pelotudita. Eso entre miles de cosas así durante el libro que emanaban olor a yanki insoportable.
Y ni siquiera quiero mencionar el final donde ella se hace maestra y es todo tan alejado de la realidad que no podía creer que alguien estuviera escribiendo eso.
Hay libros que no deberían ser publicados
Tenemos una protagonista treintañera que se comporta como una chica de quince, todo lo que hace da vergüenza ajena, es estúpida y se ahoga en un vaso de agua. Además de que durante el libro no hace medio cambio pero la autora se dió que cuenta que era demasiado verguera la historia y trató de en las ultimas cincuenta páginas hacer que esta mujer se rehabilite.
Por otro lado, la historia gira completamente en la muerte de la hermana de ella y cómo no lo puede ni siquiera hablar y que esto mismo hizo que se estanque su carrera musical. Ahora mi grandísimo problema es que ella menciona que en la ciudad de Nueva York ella podía mantener a su familia con su sueldo de cantante pero deja de trabajar y de la nada nunca más puede conseguir un trabajo así. Pero yo digo, lo FAMOSA que tenes que ser para mantener a tu familia siendo cantante en NUEVA YORK y no te quedó ningún contacto para que te metan a hacer coros? Permitime dudar
Y mi problema más grande: la representación borderline burlesca de la gente latina. La protagonista es una “latina” negra que como todo yanki ser latino es que sus papás o abuelos hayan vivido un poco de tiempo en un país de latam. Pero claro, ella tiene que demostrar que es negra latina! Entonces durante todo el libro la mina dice ay olí especias y solo pude pensar en mi madre cocinando en Puerto Rico (nunca estuvo en Puerto Rico) o vi gente bailando y pude sentir que mis raíces vibraban, porque claro el latino solo baila y cocina. Y lo mismo con su lado negro, hay varios momentos donde ella está rodeada de gente blanca y ella sola dice deseo que se suba alguien negro para sentirme segura peeeeero déjate de joder pelotudita. Eso entre miles de cosas así durante el libro que emanaban olor a yanki insoportable.
Y ni siquiera quiero mencionar el final donde ella se hace maestra y es todo tan alejado de la realidad que no podía creer que alguien estuviera escribiendo eso.
Hay libros que no deberían ser publicados
July 21, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-arc. These are my own opinions.
This book came into my life at the perfect time. Although I haven't had the exact same experiences as Xiomara, this novel made me feel incredibly seen. As a Latina who also loves and works in theatre, it meant the world to see us represented in that field. Despite how it may seem, we do exist (and even thrive!) in these industries. Even moreso, as a native New Yorker, this book was so specifically NYC that I found myself nodding along with Xiomara when she made her complaints or gave her love to this city. This is a book that is going to stick with me for a long time.
The novel takes a little bit to get going, but once it does it's impossible to put down. You won't always agree with Xiomara's choices, but that makes her all the more real. It forces you to examine your own ideas about who deserves love, what success means, and how we show up for ourselves. The exploration of grief was done incredibly well, and with a lot of care. I'm so impressed that this is Natalie Guerrero's debut, and I can't wait to see what she does next.
This book came into my life at the perfect time. Although I haven't had the exact same experiences as Xiomara, this novel made me feel incredibly seen. As a Latina who also loves and works in theatre, it meant the world to see us represented in that field. Despite how it may seem, we do exist (and even thrive!) in these industries. Even moreso, as a native New Yorker, this book was so specifically NYC that I found myself nodding along with Xiomara when she made her complaints or gave her love to this city. This is a book that is going to stick with me for a long time.
The novel takes a little bit to get going, but once it does it's impossible to put down. You won't always agree with Xiomara's choices, but that makes her all the more real. It forces you to examine your own ideas about who deserves love, what success means, and how we show up for ourselves. The exploration of grief was done incredibly well, and with a lot of care. I'm so impressed that this is Natalie Guerrero's debut, and I can't wait to see what she does next.
December 30, 2025
Unexpected five star review at the end of the year!!
May 27, 2025
4 stars
Guerrero expertly captures the angsty, creepy phase we all go through of trying to find ourselves, taking known risks just because we're feeling reckless, and dating maniacs. Xiomara is going through it, but it's to the great benefit of Guerrero's readers.
When Xiomara's sister dies, she understandably crashes out. Her financial situation is bleak, she's working unappealing jobs (especially for her age), and she has a clear dream but no sense of how to realize it without doing herself incredible harm in the process. Much of that harm comes in the form of being exploited by a man who has the power to make her professional goals come true and the money to keep her on the hook. Their interactions are just PAINFUL to read, increasingly so over time, and Guerrero writes this situation so realistically. I suspect many readers will relate to aspects of Xiomara's experiences and deeply wish they didn't.
While I enjoyed the read throughout, I especially appreciate the way things wrap up for Xiomara. This isn't a hopeless novel, and Xiomara is capable of growth. She also doesn't have to receive some outlandish prize or be borderline magical to change her circumstances. The whole time I read, I thought of folks I'd like to recommend this to so that they feel less alone and more seen as they chart their own bumpy courses.
I already look forward to more from Guerrero.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and One World for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Guerrero expertly captures the angsty, creepy phase we all go through of trying to find ourselves, taking known risks just because we're feeling reckless, and dating maniacs. Xiomara is going through it, but it's to the great benefit of Guerrero's readers.
When Xiomara's sister dies, she understandably crashes out. Her financial situation is bleak, she's working unappealing jobs (especially for her age), and she has a clear dream but no sense of how to realize it without doing herself incredible harm in the process. Much of that harm comes in the form of being exploited by a man who has the power to make her professional goals come true and the money to keep her on the hook. Their interactions are just PAINFUL to read, increasingly so over time, and Guerrero writes this situation so realistically. I suspect many readers will relate to aspects of Xiomara's experiences and deeply wish they didn't.
While I enjoyed the read throughout, I especially appreciate the way things wrap up for Xiomara. This isn't a hopeless novel, and Xiomara is capable of growth. She also doesn't have to receive some outlandish prize or be borderline magical to change her circumstances. The whole time I read, I thought of folks I'd like to recommend this to so that they feel less alone and more seen as they chart their own bumpy courses.
I already look forward to more from Guerrero.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and One World for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
May 18, 2025
PUB DATE: 07/15/2025
How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice in order to chase your dreams?
After her sister Nena’s sudden death, Xiomara, an Afro-Latina singer and actress born and raised in Washington Heights, is numb. With her sister gone, Xiomara, approaching 30, lives in a tiny apartment with her super Catholic Puerto Rican mother, sleeps with the same boring men, is behind on rent, and is stuck in her two minimum-wage jobs. Her job at Ellen’s Stardust Diner at least offers her some relief in the form of singing show tunes, albeit while bringing coffee and pancakes to her mostly tourist customers. Then the opportunity of a lifetime comes around to audition for Manny Santos, a hotshot director who could propel her career into stardom. Xiomara gets a taste of the ugly side of the industry and wonders if approaching your dreams also means distancing yourself from who you really are.
Is there a phrase for “coming of age story” but for someone approaching their 30s and really trying to get her life together? Xiomara is the kind of young woman that is equal parts messy but figuring it out, and resilient and accountable. I really felt like I was her departed sister, Nena, watching her from heaven hoping she finds her away but not being able to reach out and help. When things in her personal and professional life started going south, I was not sure how she was going to pull herself out of it. One thing about Xiomara though, is that she is not going down without a fight. My biggest takeaway is that you won’t always know what life has in store for you (tragedy or triumph), but everything works out in due time, maybe not in the ways you may have predicted.
Thank you to oneworldbooks for the Advanced Reader Copy!
How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice in order to chase your dreams?
After her sister Nena’s sudden death, Xiomara, an Afro-Latina singer and actress born and raised in Washington Heights, is numb. With her sister gone, Xiomara, approaching 30, lives in a tiny apartment with her super Catholic Puerto Rican mother, sleeps with the same boring men, is behind on rent, and is stuck in her two minimum-wage jobs. Her job at Ellen’s Stardust Diner at least offers her some relief in the form of singing show tunes, albeit while bringing coffee and pancakes to her mostly tourist customers. Then the opportunity of a lifetime comes around to audition for Manny Santos, a hotshot director who could propel her career into stardom. Xiomara gets a taste of the ugly side of the industry and wonders if approaching your dreams also means distancing yourself from who you really are.
Is there a phrase for “coming of age story” but for someone approaching their 30s and really trying to get her life together? Xiomara is the kind of young woman that is equal parts messy but figuring it out, and resilient and accountable. I really felt like I was her departed sister, Nena, watching her from heaven hoping she finds her away but not being able to reach out and help. When things in her personal and professional life started going south, I was not sure how she was going to pull herself out of it. One thing about Xiomara though, is that she is not going down without a fight. My biggest takeaway is that you won’t always know what life has in store for you (tragedy or triumph), but everything works out in due time, maybe not in the ways you may have predicted.
Thank you to oneworldbooks for the Advanced Reader Copy!
May 15, 2025
This book left me wanting more, but still was a fun read!
Xiomara is relatable in many ways (if you’re in your early 20s/college age) but I also felt deep sadness for the situations she found herself in, in pursuit of her dreams. Other readers are critical of her behavior and describe her as messy and emotionally immature. While that isn’t entirely untrue, it doesn’t seem like her grief is entirely considered.
I wanted more context about her experience with loss, as it felt glossed over through out the whole story. I think this emphasis on that part of her journey as a character may have helped readers feel more connected to why she acted how she did, responded to people in positions of power etc.
Overall, a very modern and easy read!
Xiomara is relatable in many ways (if you’re in your early 20s/college age) but I also felt deep sadness for the situations she found herself in, in pursuit of her dreams. Other readers are critical of her behavior and describe her as messy and emotionally immature. While that isn’t entirely untrue, it doesn’t seem like her grief is entirely considered.
I wanted more context about her experience with loss, as it felt glossed over through out the whole story. I think this emphasis on that part of her journey as a character may have helped readers feel more connected to why she acted how she did, responded to people in positions of power etc.
Overall, a very modern and easy read!
July 24, 2025
A coming of age story of an aspiring broadway star dealing with the loss of her sister and trying to make it NYC. I enjoyed the writing, but it was really sad and I wasn't in the right frame to read it. I will definitely be on the look out for future reads from this author.
3.5 stars but rounding down.
Thanks for the advanced reader copy Random House Publishing Group - Random House | One World & Netgalley.
3.5 stars but rounding down.
Thanks for the advanced reader copy Random House Publishing Group - Random House | One World & Netgalley.
October 21, 2025
2.75 ⭐️
Being born and raised in Brooklyn I loved reading the references to NYC and its surrounding areas. Makes me miss home, the convenience of trains & buses, 24 hr bodegas, the culture and the people. That was a plus. But this is a tough one, I feel like it was missing something.
Xiomara, an aspiring Broadway singer (but a terrible dancer), is a 29 year old Afro Latina woman living in NYC. She's dealing with the recent death of her sister and the stress of living with her mom who treats her like a child, doesn't support her dreams and for sometime provided no financial help to their household.
She works two jobs, one at a Diner and the other at a print shop.
Since the death of her sister she's lost her motivation but at the same time still hopes to be discovered and get her big break.
There's two male interests
Santi, her new coworker at the print shop
Manny, a Broadway Director who dines at the Diner and leaves her a huge tip.
This book deals with grief, constant adversities and finding yourself. It was a decent read but I felt that Xiomara's story went at warp speed. She was flawed and immature but I was looking forward to grow with her. She went from nothing to getting a happy ending without much thought or effort to get it. All that said it was a quick easy and for me a nostalgic read.
Being born and raised in Brooklyn I loved reading the references to NYC and its surrounding areas. Makes me miss home, the convenience of trains & buses, 24 hr bodegas, the culture and the people. That was a plus. But this is a tough one, I feel like it was missing something.
Xiomara, an aspiring Broadway singer (but a terrible dancer), is a 29 year old Afro Latina woman living in NYC. She's dealing with the recent death of her sister and the stress of living with her mom who treats her like a child, doesn't support her dreams and for sometime provided no financial help to their household.
She works two jobs, one at a Diner and the other at a print shop.
Since the death of her sister she's lost her motivation but at the same time still hopes to be discovered and get her big break.
There's two male interests
Santi, her new coworker at the print shop
Manny, a Broadway Director who dines at the Diner and leaves her a huge tip.
This book deals with grief, constant adversities and finding yourself. It was a decent read but I felt that Xiomara's story went at warp speed. She was flawed and immature but I was looking forward to grow with her. She went from nothing to getting a happy ending without much thought or effort to get it. All that said it was a quick easy and for me a nostalgic read.
July 7, 2025
[4.25 stars]
Xiomara Sanchez has dreamed of making it big on Broadway, and she was almost there, until the sudden death of her sister. Since then, Xiomara has been splitting her time between two less-than-ideal jobs, barely making ends meet. She's also drowning in her grief, taking on a cynical view of the world. One day, the perfect opportunity presents itself. Xiomara, going against her normal aversion to open casting calls, decides to audition for an up-and-coming musical. Quickly, she is sucked into the darkest side of the entertainment industry, doing whatever it takes to get the role she thinks should be hers. Meanwhile, Santi, her new coworker at one of her jobs, starts to break down her apathetic side. As her life seems to continue to spiral out of control, Xiomara must decide if it's worth chasing her old dreams or if starting over is just what she needs.
I loved, loved, loved this book! So much that I read it in two sittings. I will admit that at points, I found Xiomara insufferable. However, her character arc is well worth the slight moments of annoyance. I was rooting for Xiomara the entire way, though. Her journey is tough, but so is she. The story was fast-paced and easy to keep up with, too. This is an excellent debut, and I cannot wait to see what else Guerrero has up her sleeve! If you are looking for a new coming-of-age book that will make you root for the underdog, this one is for you! I cannot say enough good things about it without spoiling it. Just go read it ASAP!
Thank you to Net Galley, Natalie Guerrero, and Random House for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Xiomara Sanchez has dreamed of making it big on Broadway, and she was almost there, until the sudden death of her sister. Since then, Xiomara has been splitting her time between two less-than-ideal jobs, barely making ends meet. She's also drowning in her grief, taking on a cynical view of the world. One day, the perfect opportunity presents itself. Xiomara, going against her normal aversion to open casting calls, decides to audition for an up-and-coming musical. Quickly, she is sucked into the darkest side of the entertainment industry, doing whatever it takes to get the role she thinks should be hers. Meanwhile, Santi, her new coworker at one of her jobs, starts to break down her apathetic side. As her life seems to continue to spiral out of control, Xiomara must decide if it's worth chasing her old dreams or if starting over is just what she needs.
I loved, loved, loved this book! So much that I read it in two sittings. I will admit that at points, I found Xiomara insufferable. However, her character arc is well worth the slight moments of annoyance. I was rooting for Xiomara the entire way, though. Her journey is tough, but so is she. The story was fast-paced and easy to keep up with, too. This is an excellent debut, and I cannot wait to see what else Guerrero has up her sleeve! If you are looking for a new coming-of-age book that will make you root for the underdog, this one is for you! I cannot say enough good things about it without spoiling it. Just go read it ASAP!
Thank you to Net Galley, Natalie Guerrero, and Random House for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
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