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Keys to Love #2
Anchored Hearts
Key West is the ideal backdrop for the summer read you need! Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Jasmine Guillory, and Jen DeLuca, this gorgeous and stirring new love story from the author of Island Affair will touch your heart…
Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn't been home to Key West in years--not since he left to explore broader horizons with his papi's warning echoing in his ears. He wouldn't be heading there now if it wasn't for an injury requiring months of recuperation. The drama of a prodigal son returning to his familia is bad enough, but coming home to the island paradise also means coming face to face with the girl he left behind--the one who was supposed to be by his side all along...
Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father's heart attack, there was no way she could leave--not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she's worked years to put out. And as motherly meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?
Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn't been home to Key West in years--not since he left to explore broader horizons with his papi's warning echoing in his ears. He wouldn't be heading there now if it wasn't for an injury requiring months of recuperation. The drama of a prodigal son returning to his familia is bad enough, but coming home to the island paradise also means coming face to face with the girl he left behind--the one who was supposed to be by his side all along...
Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father's heart attack, there was no way she could leave--not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she's worked years to put out. And as motherly meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?
337 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2021
184 people are currently reading
12484 people want to read
About the author
Priscilla Oliveras
13 books1,474 followersPRISCILLA OLIVERAS is a USA Today bestselling author and Tall Poppy Writers member who writes stories that stir your heart. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she brings authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latine culture with readers. Her books (including His Perfect Partner, Island Affair, and West Side Love Story) have earned Starred Reviews and praise from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, O, The Oprah Magazine, the Washington Post, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and more. Priscilla earned her Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University and now serves as adjunct faculty in the program while teaching the online class “Romance Writing” for ed2go.com. A long-time romance enthusiast, Priscilla’s also a sports fan, beach lover, and Zumba aficionado, who enjoys practicing the art of hammock napping and never says no to a slice at her favorite Brooklyn neighborhood pizzeria.
Find out more about her at https://prisoliveras.com and catch up with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/prisoliveras or on Instagram and other social media via @prisoliveras.
Find out more about her at https://prisoliveras.com and catch up with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/prisoliveras or on Instagram and other social media via @prisoliveras.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 636 reviews
March 7, 2021
SERIES: Keys to Love no.2 ( it can be read as standalone)
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: second chance, slow burn
CLIFFHANGER: no
RATING: 4⭐
SONGS: Hoy
Me solaste
Maldita Despedida
RELEASE DATE: April 27th
Alejandro left his family and friends in Key West 12 years ago, after graduating high school.. and he never looked back. Due to his issues with his father, he never came back, even for a visit. His high school sweetheart Anamaria should have joined him in exploring the world. However, she chooses to stay in Key West. That leads to them breaking up. Now, Alejandro is back to get back on this feet after a climbing accident that left him badly injured. Medling mamas won't let them ignore each other. Can they move past all the hurt? Will Alejandro repair his relationship with his father? Are there a happy ending for them as mature adults?
I liked Island Affair but really really enjoyed this book. It is centered around the same family. Book one is a book about Anamaria's brother.
As much as this book is about second chance romance, this is also a book about family ties, small community, and food. I love how the author wrote about different generations of the Cuban family and their dynamics.
"Tú te inventaste mariposas
Y ahora somos dos extraños..."
Reik
This song's lyrics reminded me of their love. It sums them up perfectly. You can tell there is a lot of love but also resentment, unresolved issues and they have left strangers that need to deal with it all as adults in order to move forward. Whether it is separate or together. Of course, this is a romance novel we do get a happy ending.
In the times when our traveling is restricted this was a great escape to sunny Key West.
A perfect comfort read for all romance readers in a need of a feel-good escape.
*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book!
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: second chance, slow burn
CLIFFHANGER: no
RATING: 4⭐
SONGS: Hoy
Me solaste
Maldita Despedida
RELEASE DATE: April 27th
Alejandro left his family and friends in Key West 12 years ago, after graduating high school.. and he never looked back. Due to his issues with his father, he never came back, even for a visit. His high school sweetheart Anamaria should have joined him in exploring the world. However, she chooses to stay in Key West. That leads to them breaking up. Now, Alejandro is back to get back on this feet after a climbing accident that left him badly injured. Medling mamas won't let them ignore each other. Can they move past all the hurt? Will Alejandro repair his relationship with his father? Are there a happy ending for them as mature adults?
I liked Island Affair but really really enjoyed this book. It is centered around the same family. Book one is a book about Anamaria's brother.
As much as this book is about second chance romance, this is also a book about family ties, small community, and food. I love how the author wrote about different generations of the Cuban family and their dynamics.
"Tú te inventaste mariposas
Y ahora somos dos extraños..."
Reik
This song's lyrics reminded me of their love. It sums them up perfectly. You can tell there is a lot of love but also resentment, unresolved issues and they have left strangers that need to deal with it all as adults in order to move forward. Whether it is separate or together. Of course, this is a romance novel we do get a happy ending.
In the times when our traveling is restricted this was a great escape to sunny Key West.
A perfect comfort read for all romance readers in a need of a feel-good escape.
*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book!
February 24, 2022
Rating ~3.5?
A straightforward, sweet, second chance romance.
Two high school sweethearts reunite after one takes a nose dive off a waterfall and winds up returning home to the care of his loving, but highly smothering family.
They are a prime example of right person wrong time. These two truly haven't loved anyone else since their breakup over a decade ago. Poor communication, however, wrecked them. But time and distance have allowed them both to mature. Grow into their own people. So when come together again sparks fly and happiness ensues.
Like the first book, this one was mostly predictable. But that being said, I found I enjoyed it a lot more because it did not have the insta-love vibe of the first book. Also, we at least not a little more steam in this one, which I appreciate.
So overall a quick and easy beach/summer read to enjoy when you have time to spare.
Also, I'm thinking we aren't leaving Key West quite yet, and that Enrique will be getting his own book. Which I 100% support because I am honestly so curious about him and his rather mysterious past.
I received a free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thank you to the Zebra Books for providing me with a copy to read and review!
A straightforward, sweet, second chance romance.
Two high school sweethearts reunite after one takes a nose dive off a waterfall and winds up returning home to the care of his loving, but highly smothering family.
They are a prime example of right person wrong time. These two truly haven't loved anyone else since their breakup over a decade ago. Poor communication, however, wrecked them. But time and distance have allowed them both to mature. Grow into their own people. So when come together again sparks fly and happiness ensues.
Like the first book, this one was mostly predictable. But that being said, I found I enjoyed it a lot more because it did not have the insta-love vibe of the first book. Also, we at least not a little more steam in this one, which I appreciate.
So overall a quick and easy beach/summer read to enjoy when you have time to spare.
Also, I'm thinking we aren't leaving Key West quite yet, and that Enrique will be getting his own book. Which I 100% support because I am honestly so curious about him and his rather mysterious past.
I received a free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thank you to the Zebra Books for providing me with a copy to read and review!
April 9, 2021
Ay Dios Mio! Anchored Hearts was such a delightful novel. Set in the Florida Keys, Anchored Hearts tell the tale of a second chance LatinX romance.
Alejandro Miranda left Key West to make a name for himself in the arts and photography world. A bold and contentious move since his family wanted him to continue the family legacy of Miranda’s. A Cuban restaurant made famous by Alejandro’s grandfather and subsequently his own father. Not to be swayed, Alejandro leaves the family business in a huff to pursue his dream of traveling the world, leaving his longtime girlfriend Annamaria Navarro back home — heartbroken.
After a horrible accident, Alejandro is forced to return home to recuperate. It’s been over a decade since he’s been home and not much has changed. Except his former girlfriend Annamaria is now a successful influencer, paramedic and fitness instructor. As Alejandro heals, old feelings for Annamarina are rekindled and fond memories of her return, leaving Alejandro to wonder if his feelings will be reciprocated.
Anchored Hearts is the perfect “beach read.” The characters are engaging and I just loved the Latin American phrases that are used throughout. Those phrases just added so much color to the story. The love and strength of family is on full display and the author adeptly incorporated all the elements that a wonderfully exquisite romance novel should have. Cinco (five) lovable, romantic stars.
I received a physical ARC from Kensington Books through Bookish First. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Alejandro Miranda left Key West to make a name for himself in the arts and photography world. A bold and contentious move since his family wanted him to continue the family legacy of Miranda’s. A Cuban restaurant made famous by Alejandro’s grandfather and subsequently his own father. Not to be swayed, Alejandro leaves the family business in a huff to pursue his dream of traveling the world, leaving his longtime girlfriend Annamaria Navarro back home — heartbroken.
After a horrible accident, Alejandro is forced to return home to recuperate. It’s been over a decade since he’s been home and not much has changed. Except his former girlfriend Annamaria is now a successful influencer, paramedic and fitness instructor. As Alejandro heals, old feelings for Annamarina are rekindled and fond memories of her return, leaving Alejandro to wonder if his feelings will be reciprocated.
Anchored Hearts is the perfect “beach read.” The characters are engaging and I just loved the Latin American phrases that are used throughout. Those phrases just added so much color to the story. The love and strength of family is on full display and the author adeptly incorporated all the elements that a wonderfully exquisite romance novel should have. Cinco (five) lovable, romantic stars.
I received a physical ARC from Kensington Books through Bookish First. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 22, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review.
Anchored Hearts is a 5 star read... I need to read Island Affair..
Happy Reading
Lisa
Anchored Hearts is a 5 star read... I need to read Island Affair..
Happy Reading
Lisa
April 20, 2021
Anchored Hearts: An Entertaining Latinx Second Chance Romance by Priscilla Oliveras, between the two very promising characters, Alejandro Miranda & Anamaría Navarro. It's good to read about a Latinx romance for a change, except for the original European and American romances.
I liked how the plot made me dive into a completely new world of Puerto Rico. The plot is sweet, and very straightforward. Both of them had met again after years, where they were madly in love during their school times. I have not read the first book in the series, but this can be read directly I guess.
But nevertheless, the book is a perfect summer and beach read, while enjoying it with a simple mocktail. The diversity and characters aspect was something I enjoyed as well. The story definitely is a slow burn romance and more about second chances.
_____
Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC!
I liked how the plot made me dive into a completely new world of Puerto Rico. The plot is sweet, and very straightforward. Both of them had met again after years, where they were madly in love during their school times. I have not read the first book in the series, but this can be read directly I guess.
But nevertheless, the book is a perfect summer and beach read, while enjoying it with a simple mocktail. The diversity and characters aspect was something I enjoyed as well. The story definitely is a slow burn romance and more about second chances.
_____
Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC!
June 5, 2021
Loved the setting and the families. Didn’t feel like I got to know either of the main characters well enough, and also......there was just so much EXPLAINING. Like no snappy dialogue because there was a paragraph of internal monologue every time they said anything. And the sex almost felt uncomfortable because I didn’t feel like I knew them well enough to have them be naked! I just wasn’t really ever excited to pick it up.
May 29, 2021
I'm really struggling to write this review, to be honest. There was just so much in this that felt underdeveloped or unresolved, and the ending just seemed way too neat, and between that and some odd pacing choices I'm not sure I believe the HEA.
February 11, 2021
A huge thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Anchored Hearts follows the second chance romance story between Alejandro and Anamaria, the second book in the Keys to Love series. Alejandro returns to Key West 13 years later, after being in an accident. He and Anamaria haven’t seen each other in all those years.
One of my favourite parts of the story was the fact that Cuban culture and family was such a big part of the story. Both of our main characters have such big families and I found that very relatable and so much fun. Another one of my favourite parts of the book was the setting. I just wish I could be by the beach reading this, and feeling the heat like I was in Key West!
I enjoyed Anamaria and Alejandro as separate characters, but together, there wasn’t really much chemistry. When we finally did reach the romance of the story (~75% in), there really was no sparks flying. I think they could have been really good friends and romance wasn’t the way to go for them.
Another major issue that I had with the writing this time, is that it was hard to differ between Alejandro and Anamaria’s point of view in the story. I feel like it needed to be more clearly defined, particularly since the book doesn’t use a first-person POV. I was so confused half the time and it wasn’t an enjoyable experience.
The ending was nice, but I wasn’t a huge fan of using miscommunication as a reason to break up, and the fact that there is still so much tension after 10+ years, doesn’t make sense to me.
If you’re looking for a tropical escape, check out Anchored Hearts, out on April 27th, 2021!
Anchored Hearts follows the second chance romance story between Alejandro and Anamaria, the second book in the Keys to Love series. Alejandro returns to Key West 13 years later, after being in an accident. He and Anamaria haven’t seen each other in all those years.
One of my favourite parts of the story was the fact that Cuban culture and family was such a big part of the story. Both of our main characters have such big families and I found that very relatable and so much fun. Another one of my favourite parts of the book was the setting. I just wish I could be by the beach reading this, and feeling the heat like I was in Key West!
I enjoyed Anamaria and Alejandro as separate characters, but together, there wasn’t really much chemistry. When we finally did reach the romance of the story (~75% in), there really was no sparks flying. I think they could have been really good friends and romance wasn’t the way to go for them.
Another major issue that I had with the writing this time, is that it was hard to differ between Alejandro and Anamaria’s point of view in the story. I feel like it needed to be more clearly defined, particularly since the book doesn’t use a first-person POV. I was so confused half the time and it wasn’t an enjoyable experience.
The ending was nice, but I wasn’t a huge fan of using miscommunication as a reason to break up, and the fact that there is still so much tension after 10+ years, doesn’t make sense to me.
If you’re looking for a tropical escape, check out Anchored Hearts, out on April 27th, 2021!
April 26, 2021
Actual review 3.5 stars
This is the second book in this series but either could be read as a standalone (but they are better together). I’ve read both and they are nice light beach books. The setting of this story is beautiful and it makes me nostalgic for the last vacation I took which ended with a day in Key West. I like the culture infused and I did finish the book feeling like I’d spent some time with a chaotic and loving Cuban family. The plot was super predictable but let’s face it this genre typically is. I did like since they had history it wasn’t so much a love at first sight deal which always feels a little more forced to me, The best character by far was little Lulu (our male protagonist Alejandro’s niece). The lack of communication was frustrating at first because I just wanted everyone to talk and work things out so much sooner, but when they did finally get there it was sweet. I definitely got and appreciated the hints of a third book in this series and look forward to learning more about those characters. I am grateful I received a copy of this book on Netgalley and was given the opportunity to read and review.
This is the second book in this series but either could be read as a standalone (but they are better together). I’ve read both and they are nice light beach books. The setting of this story is beautiful and it makes me nostalgic for the last vacation I took which ended with a day in Key West. I like the culture infused and I did finish the book feeling like I’d spent some time with a chaotic and loving Cuban family. The plot was super predictable but let’s face it this genre typically is. I did like since they had history it wasn’t so much a love at first sight deal which always feels a little more forced to me, The best character by far was little Lulu (our male protagonist Alejandro’s niece). The lack of communication was frustrating at first because I just wanted everyone to talk and work things out so much sooner, but when they did finally get there it was sweet. I definitely got and appreciated the hints of a third book in this series and look forward to learning more about those characters. I am grateful I received a copy of this book on Netgalley and was given the opportunity to read and review.
February 22, 2021
A sweet second chance romance with lots of family conflict and a lush setting that's perfect for an escape from winter isolation in colder climes. My favourite element of this particular story was the Cuban history woven into Alejandro's photographic journey. The images conjured were beautiful and evocative, and for me, the real Anchored Heart of the story. For those wondering, while characters and settings from book 1--Island Affair--appear in book 2, Anchored Hearts isn't reliant on that material, and this book can be read as a standalone.
In the acknowledgements, Oliveras writes, "My hope is that you dive into the books in my Keys to Love series and feel as if you’ve traveled to Key West, made some new friends, came to appreciate island life and the Cuban-Latinx culture, and were able to forget about life’s stresses for a while." I think she nailed it.
In the acknowledgements, Oliveras writes, "My hope is that you dive into the books in my Keys to Love series and feel as if you’ve traveled to Key West, made some new friends, came to appreciate island life and the Cuban-Latinx culture, and were able to forget about life’s stresses for a while." I think she nailed it.
March 7, 2021
Anchored Hearts
My reading habits have changed dramatically during the last year. For someone who was a predominately YA Fantasy/Romance reader, I had to pivot when some themes and settings became too close to real life. Last year during the pandemic I was also introduced to @netgalley so most of my requests have been romance and rom com.
I’ve also been trying to look at where books are set so I can use them as a vacation on the page. “Anchored Hearts” by Priscilla Oliveras fit the bill. Set in Key West, Anchored Hearts is a second chance romance between two high school sweethearts whose families are close. Meddling moms close. Anamaria and Alejandro went their separate ways a decade ago, but they had unfinished business. Alejandro left to follow his dreams and Anamaria stayed home to sort out what she wanted her dreams to be. When an unfortunate accident sends Alejandro home to recuperate, the meddling mamas ensure AM and Ale will be pushed together to sort out their issues.
The Cuban culture, the charisma of Alejandro, and the resilience of Anamaria kept me reading. I would have liked a little more action, a little more dialogue, and less of the internal monologue. Additionally I would have liked a little more build up to Alejandro’s confession of love. It felt rushed. Maybe that is because this is 2 in a series and I didn’t read the first.
My reading habits have changed dramatically during the last year. For someone who was a predominately YA Fantasy/Romance reader, I had to pivot when some themes and settings became too close to real life. Last year during the pandemic I was also introduced to @netgalley so most of my requests have been romance and rom com.
I’ve also been trying to look at where books are set so I can use them as a vacation on the page. “Anchored Hearts” by Priscilla Oliveras fit the bill. Set in Key West, Anchored Hearts is a second chance romance between two high school sweethearts whose families are close. Meddling moms close. Anamaria and Alejandro went their separate ways a decade ago, but they had unfinished business. Alejandro left to follow his dreams and Anamaria stayed home to sort out what she wanted her dreams to be. When an unfortunate accident sends Alejandro home to recuperate, the meddling mamas ensure AM and Ale will be pushed together to sort out their issues.
The Cuban culture, the charisma of Alejandro, and the resilience of Anamaria kept me reading. I would have liked a little more action, a little more dialogue, and less of the internal monologue. Additionally I would have liked a little more build up to Alejandro’s confession of love. It felt rushed. Maybe that is because this is 2 in a series and I didn’t read the first.
January 16, 2023
I recently read Priscilla Oliver's Island Affair (which I loved!) and immediately jumped into Anchored Hearts! This second novel in her Keys series did not disappoint. It has the same Key West island vibes of the first, great Cuban food descriptions, and an off-the-charts romance!
This time around, we see Luis' younger sister, Anamaría, reunited with her high school boyfriend, Alejandro. After a brutal break-up where Anamaría decided to stay in the Keys to be with her family following her father's heart attack and Alejandro decided to follow his dreams of being a photographer around the world, these two are not happy to be in the same room. But a brutal leg fracture forces Alejandro back to the Keys and the jurisdiction of their meddling moms...
This is a great, light, summer/beach reach, especially for fans of second-chance romance! I really enjoyed the pacing of this book, and felt it moved neither too fast nor too slow. Learning more about each MC's respective careers (Anamaría is building a fitness social media empire and Alejandro is an award-wining photographer) was also a cherry on top.
I know Oliveras has said Enrique's book is a long way off, but I hope it's sooner rather than later!
5 stars - 9/10
Thank you to Kensington/Zebra Books and NetGalley for my eARC! All opinions are my own.
This time around, we see Luis' younger sister, Anamaría, reunited with her high school boyfriend, Alejandro. After a brutal break-up where Anamaría decided to stay in the Keys to be with her family following her father's heart attack and Alejandro decided to follow his dreams of being a photographer around the world, these two are not happy to be in the same room. But a brutal leg fracture forces Alejandro back to the Keys and the jurisdiction of their meddling moms...
This is a great, light, summer/beach reach, especially for fans of second-chance romance! I really enjoyed the pacing of this book, and felt it moved neither too fast nor too slow. Learning more about each MC's respective careers (Anamaría is building a fitness social media empire and Alejandro is an award-wining photographer) was also a cherry on top.
I know Oliveras has said Enrique's book is a long way off, but I hope it's sooner rather than later!
5 stars - 9/10
Thank you to Kensington/Zebra Books and NetGalley for my eARC! All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2021
I really expected to love this one, so I'm super disappointed that I didn't. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't very good either. It felt like it was dragging on a bit at around the 75% mark, and I could feel my desire to read this drop.
I think my main problem with this was the romance. Namely, it being too slow burn. Don't get me wrong, I love slowburn romances. What I don't like is characters refusing to discuss their feelings until the 340th page of a 350 page book. Because the romance took so long, there was very plot. I loved the dynamics at the beginning, but my interest started lessening after after 50% mark.
I also had problems with the way this was written. I really disliked the bits of Spanish thrown in. I only speak English, so this is totally a personal preference. It did help set the atmosphere, but it also kept me from engaging fully. Every time I would start reading, I would immediately have to try and translate a bit of Spanish. I can see people loving this element if they speak the language, but it wasn't my thing.
This book wasn't bad, but I just don't feel any towards it. I had expected this to be a light romcom, and sadly, this didn't deliver
Thanks to BookishFirst for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I think my main problem with this was the romance. Namely, it being too slow burn. Don't get me wrong, I love slowburn romances. What I don't like is characters refusing to discuss their feelings until the 340th page of a 350 page book. Because the romance took so long, there was very plot. I loved the dynamics at the beginning, but my interest started lessening after after 50% mark.
I also had problems with the way this was written. I really disliked the bits of Spanish thrown in. I only speak English, so this is totally a personal preference. It did help set the atmosphere, but it also kept me from engaging fully. Every time I would start reading, I would immediately have to try and translate a bit of Spanish. I can see people loving this element if they speak the language, but it wasn't my thing.
This book wasn't bad, but I just don't feel any towards it. I had expected this to be a light romcom, and sadly, this didn't deliver
Thanks to BookishFirst for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
February 27, 2021
Actual Rating: 3.5
A huge thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. Why didn't I read Island affair last year? Pinch me, someone! This is a slow burn second chance romance between Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda and Anamaría Navarro. It takes place in Key West after Alejandro breaks his leg and returns to his parent's house. It just so happens that they knew each other as kids and were crazy about each other. It was interesting watching them rekindle their love again. The book also focused on family *sigh* and you can't read this book and appreciate family and the dynamic of the Cuban American family.
A huge thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. Why didn't I read Island affair last year? Pinch me, someone! This is a slow burn second chance romance between Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda and Anamaría Navarro. It takes place in Key West after Alejandro breaks his leg and returns to his parent's house. It just so happens that they knew each other as kids and were crazy about each other. It was interesting watching them rekindle their love again. The book also focused on family *sigh* and you can't read this book and appreciate family and the dynamic of the Cuban American family.
January 28, 2022
A heartfelt second chance at love story between two high school sweethearts who are reunited when photographer Alejandro gets injured and has to return home to recuperate. Thanks to the machinations of their Cuban American mothers, firefighter and paramedic Anamaria gets sent to make sure Alejandro is healing okay and of course they continue to get thrown together while he's home. But does their love have a chance if Alejandro can't stay and Anamaria can't leave? Lots of chemistry and banter, I loved the Florida Keys setting. A fun, armchair travel romance that's easy to listen to on audio. Definitely recommended.
April 11, 2023
Not as good as the first in the series. I was bored half way through.
June 20, 2025
hatedddddd
March 17, 2021
A special thanks to Netgalley and Kensington books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Island Affair, so Anchored Hearts is one of my most anticipated reads in 2021. It did not disappoint. The story picks up a year after Island Affair and follows Anamaria and her high school ex, Alejandro. The two parted on bad terms 12 years ago and neither wants to see each other again. Too bad they both have meddling mothers, who are determined to push the two together.
Alejandro left Key West with a chip on his shoulder, off to see the world without looking back. Now a famous photographer, he's less than thrilled to return home injured and dependent on his estranged family. Anamaria's fitness career is about to take off, but she's facing fear of failure and the comfort that Key West brings her. What happens when the pair can't resist the years of unanswered questions and unrequited feelings?
Anchored Hearts was a stellar second novel in this series. I absolutely love the Navarro family! Their meddling in each others' lives is hilarious, but it is also so endearing how they unconditionally support one another to reach their dreams. It was so fun seeing where Luis and Sara are a year later and I loved how their story continued in this book.
Key West is the perfect setting - the food, the sunsets, and the ocean. It's exactly what I want to read right now after a year in quarantine.
I really related to Anamaria's character as a personal trainer trying to figure out how her passion can turn into a viable career choice, especially as she has an already established career as a firefighter. There is a fear in the unknown and the author absolutely nails the struggle.
I am normally not a fan of second chance romances, but Anchored Hearts was well done. The chemistry is well-developed between the main couple and the shared background of their perspective families shapes their love story in a really authentic way. They share so much history, you can't help to root for them.
Overall, I loved this book and am hoping for a third book about the youngest brother, Enrique. He's so wild and carefree, I really want to see him settle down and have his world rocked by love.
I absolutely loved Island Affair, so Anchored Hearts is one of my most anticipated reads in 2021. It did not disappoint. The story picks up a year after Island Affair and follows Anamaria and her high school ex, Alejandro. The two parted on bad terms 12 years ago and neither wants to see each other again. Too bad they both have meddling mothers, who are determined to push the two together.
Alejandro left Key West with a chip on his shoulder, off to see the world without looking back. Now a famous photographer, he's less than thrilled to return home injured and dependent on his estranged family. Anamaria's fitness career is about to take off, but she's facing fear of failure and the comfort that Key West brings her. What happens when the pair can't resist the years of unanswered questions and unrequited feelings?
Anchored Hearts was a stellar second novel in this series. I absolutely love the Navarro family! Their meddling in each others' lives is hilarious, but it is also so endearing how they unconditionally support one another to reach their dreams. It was so fun seeing where Luis and Sara are a year later and I loved how their story continued in this book.
Key West is the perfect setting - the food, the sunsets, and the ocean. It's exactly what I want to read right now after a year in quarantine.
I really related to Anamaria's character as a personal trainer trying to figure out how her passion can turn into a viable career choice, especially as she has an already established career as a firefighter. There is a fear in the unknown and the author absolutely nails the struggle.
I am normally not a fan of second chance romances, but Anchored Hearts was well done. The chemistry is well-developed between the main couple and the shared background of their perspective families shapes their love story in a really authentic way. They share so much history, you can't help to root for them.
Overall, I loved this book and am hoping for a third book about the youngest brother, Enrique. He's so wild and carefree, I really want to see him settle down and have his world rocked by love.
March 5, 2021
Anchored Hearts is the second book in the Keys to Love series. I enjoyed the first one but wasn't overly thrilled. Despite that, I still decided to request this one to see how it compared!
Anamaria and Alejandro were high school sweethearts-until Alejandro left to pursue his passion of photography around the world. He returns when he is injured on a shoot, causing drama when Anamaria is called on by his mother to care for him. the two haven't spoken in years, although the connection between them is still quite strong. Anamaria is pursuing her own passion of starting a fitness brand, which has been quite successful. Alejandro is dealing with family drama-namely his father not forgiving or speaking to him. Throughout the story the two run into each other over and over again, both through a plot to get them back together, and by chance. They discover if their connection is strong enough to rekindle or if they should let it go for good.
I didn't really enjoy this story. For some reason I did at times want to keep reading-but it took me so long to get through. I would pick it up and read a chapter, then leave it for a week, then pick it up and skim and skim. I found so much of it unnecessary, it was easily understood just searching for the dialogue. Their connection seemed overly cheesy and I cringed at times. I appreciated that the author included Spanish in both the first book and this story, but found it annoying that every Spanish line or word had to be repeated in English for the reader to understand, it made it even longer than it needed to be. The intimate scenes were very lacking and I found the way the characters spoke very awkward and hypocritical. At times it was hard swearing, then it was very G rated, so odd. I couldn't connect with the family intervention and found it so overbearing and traditions. Although the cover is beautiful, this story is a total miss. I could predict what would happen from the beginning, and I have a very strong idea of what the next story will be, Enrique and Natalia.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review!
Anamaria and Alejandro were high school sweethearts-until Alejandro left to pursue his passion of photography around the world. He returns when he is injured on a shoot, causing drama when Anamaria is called on by his mother to care for him. the two haven't spoken in years, although the connection between them is still quite strong. Anamaria is pursuing her own passion of starting a fitness brand, which has been quite successful. Alejandro is dealing with family drama-namely his father not forgiving or speaking to him. Throughout the story the two run into each other over and over again, both through a plot to get them back together, and by chance. They discover if their connection is strong enough to rekindle or if they should let it go for good.
I didn't really enjoy this story. For some reason I did at times want to keep reading-but it took me so long to get through. I would pick it up and read a chapter, then leave it for a week, then pick it up and skim and skim. I found so much of it unnecessary, it was easily understood just searching for the dialogue. Their connection seemed overly cheesy and I cringed at times. I appreciated that the author included Spanish in both the first book and this story, but found it annoying that every Spanish line or word had to be repeated in English for the reader to understand, it made it even longer than it needed to be. The intimate scenes were very lacking and I found the way the characters spoke very awkward and hypocritical. At times it was hard swearing, then it was very G rated, so odd. I couldn't connect with the family intervention and found it so overbearing and traditions. Although the cover is beautiful, this story is a total miss. I could predict what would happen from the beginning, and I have a very strong idea of what the next story will be, Enrique and Natalia.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review!
August 3, 2021
In Priscilla Oliveras's Anchored Hearts, this second-chance contemporary romance is so heart-warming and tear-jerking to read and sweep you off your feet. For Anamaria Navarro and Alejandro Miranda, they were once high school sweethearts who grew up in Key West Florida and later split to go their separate ways. Twelve years later, Anamaria is a fire fighter/paramedic who's starting up her own fitness company, AM Fitness. She wants nothing more than to spread her wings and fly, while she had been tied down to Key West for a decade ever since her father had a heart attack. Now might be the chance she might do.. But when she received a call from her neighbor that Alejandro, now a professional photographer for National Geographic who traveled the world, had broken his leg during a photo shoot in the Amazon Rain forest. Her meddling interference required Anamaria's medical services to tend to his needs. And that brought them back together with a bittersweet reunion. While their mamis continued to meddle and to bring these former love birds together, Ale didn't expect to see Anamaria again after all these years. It brought back painstaking memories including the ones from his own father's harsh words. All he wanted was to receive his father's acceptance to his roots since he turned him down on not following the footsteps to work in the family restaurant with his brothers. During this time, they mended their own hearts and made new memories as they worked together to build their dreams their own reality. After one passionate kiss, one thing led to another to their no-strings-attached relationship when they both want something more.... permanence. During Ale's photo gallery exhibit, Anamaria overheard that Ale might be leaving for good... again. The same feeling she had a decade ago. Can Ale win back her heart for them to have a happily ever after and stay with her?
April 29, 2021
There’s nothing better than returning to Key West to visit the Navarro and Miranda families. Oliveras’ earlier book, Island Affair was my visit visit to the Keys (in real life or fiction) and it’s also the book that piqued my interest in romance novels. Island Affair was the first romance novel I had read since high school and I graduated in ‘87.
In Anchored Hearts, we return to spend time with Annamaria Navarro as she’s working hard as a paramedic / firefighter but also doing a fabulous job building her own business that centers on fitness and good nutrition. She’s making a name for herself in that industry and is making great progress at growing her business.
Enter Alejandro Miranda, her first love who ran off to Europe after high school to pursue his dream of photography - breaking her heart in the process. Now, 10-12 years later, he re-enters her life after a serious accident that has him laid up at his parents’ home. It’s definitely a challenge since he doesn’t get along with his father who still harbours resentment towards his son for not joining the family business.
Now, combine two broken hearts with their Cuban Mamis and there is sure to be a lot of fun and friction.
Remind me never to say anything but yes, ma’am to any Cuban Mami who crosses my path. They sure are forces to be reckoned with - especially when they’re right!
I love the rekindling of emotions between Annamaria and Ale that built throughout the story. Priscilla Oliveras’ writing style drew me in from the first page, as she has on all her other books I’ve made a point to read in the last several months.
Following a constant theme of familia present in all her books, Anchored Hearts did not disappoint. I look forward to her next book. Definitely an author whose books I pick up on sight!
In Anchored Hearts, we return to spend time with Annamaria Navarro as she’s working hard as a paramedic / firefighter but also doing a fabulous job building her own business that centers on fitness and good nutrition. She’s making a name for herself in that industry and is making great progress at growing her business.
Enter Alejandro Miranda, her first love who ran off to Europe after high school to pursue his dream of photography - breaking her heart in the process. Now, 10-12 years later, he re-enters her life after a serious accident that has him laid up at his parents’ home. It’s definitely a challenge since he doesn’t get along with his father who still harbours resentment towards his son for not joining the family business.
Now, combine two broken hearts with their Cuban Mamis and there is sure to be a lot of fun and friction.
Remind me never to say anything but yes, ma’am to any Cuban Mami who crosses my path. They sure are forces to be reckoned with - especially when they’re right!
I love the rekindling of emotions between Annamaria and Ale that built throughout the story. Priscilla Oliveras’ writing style drew me in from the first page, as she has on all her other books I’ve made a point to read in the last several months.
Following a constant theme of familia present in all her books, Anchored Hearts did not disappoint. I look forward to her next book. Definitely an author whose books I pick up on sight!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2021
This book was a fresh of breath air. It’s the second book in a series but I hadn’t read the first one and it worked perfectly fine.
.
-Takes place in Key West
-Told in dual POV
-Second Chance Romance
-Slowww Burn 🔥(all the tension)
-Bada$$ Female firefighter/entrepreneur
-Cute niece
-Meddling Cuban Mami’s
-Spanglish
.
I loved the tension and slow burn. It wasn’t the steamiest read but it didn’t need it. Once it got to steamier parts it went to closed door. Anamaría followed her dads and brothers footsteps and became a firefighter while also trying to establish her personal training business. Alejandro is an award winning photographer who left Key West and his families restaurant behind along with Anamaría. Now that he has to recover from an injury he’s back home for the first time in years.
.
I loved the meddling of the moms(it always is unless it’s your life) and all the Spanglish. Even after years apart they still have a strong connection. What I thought was great was that I could see the chemistry they had. Alejandro doesn’t plan to stay long especially since he has had a fallout with his dad. I enjoyed the romance but I also enjoyed how it touched on forgiveness and putting ones pride to the side. The importance of family. I thought it was also great how it highlights Operation Peter Pan (60’s) and how it touched how on the trauma that many Cubans are dealing with today even if they have made the US their home. Overall, I thought this was a great read.
.
Thanks to netgalley and Kensington books for my review copy
.
-Takes place in Key West
-Told in dual POV
-Second Chance Romance
-Slowww Burn 🔥(all the tension)
-Bada$$ Female firefighter/entrepreneur
-Cute niece
-Meddling Cuban Mami’s
-Spanglish
.
I loved the tension and slow burn. It wasn’t the steamiest read but it didn’t need it. Once it got to steamier parts it went to closed door. Anamaría followed her dads and brothers footsteps and became a firefighter while also trying to establish her personal training business. Alejandro is an award winning photographer who left Key West and his families restaurant behind along with Anamaría. Now that he has to recover from an injury he’s back home for the first time in years.
.
I loved the meddling of the moms(it always is unless it’s your life) and all the Spanglish. Even after years apart they still have a strong connection. What I thought was great was that I could see the chemistry they had. Alejandro doesn’t plan to stay long especially since he has had a fallout with his dad. I enjoyed the romance but I also enjoyed how it touched on forgiveness and putting ones pride to the side. The importance of family. I thought it was also great how it highlights Operation Peter Pan (60’s) and how it touched how on the trauma that many Cubans are dealing with today even if they have made the US their home. Overall, I thought this was a great read.
.
Thanks to netgalley and Kensington books for my review copy
January 7, 2022
I picked this up at my local library while looking through romance books without realizing this was the second book in series!
This was a cute read though I found it lacking in a few ways. The things I did enjoy were the family ties and strong cultural presence. I also really liked how Anamaria and Alejandro's dreams were being achieved in different ways.
The romance was being given a second chance but...they danced around their feelings for so long in this book. The inner monologues kept referring to the way they left things the first time, how hurt they both were by the other, and the misunderstandings between them that never really got addressed. The misunderstandings were never really discussed. It literally took until the last few pages for the two of them to really talk about it and even then, it wasn't really discussed. This frustrated me a lot.
Repetitiveness was an overall issue I had with this book. We get it that the family loves each other. We also get that the same nicknames are being used over and over again. We know.
I definitely had a disadvantage of not knowing the full backstory to some of the characters that likely made an appearance in the first book which impacted how I connected to those characters here. I think the author did a decent job trying to fill in those gaps here but I did wish I knew this was a book two before I picked it up (which is my fault!).
Overall, this book was okay. This definitely feels like a decent summer read.
This was a cute read though I found it lacking in a few ways. The things I did enjoy were the family ties and strong cultural presence. I also really liked how Anamaria and Alejandro's dreams were being achieved in different ways.
The romance was being given a second chance but...they danced around their feelings for so long in this book. The inner monologues kept referring to the way they left things the first time, how hurt they both were by the other, and the misunderstandings between them that never really got addressed. The misunderstandings were never really discussed. It literally took until the last few pages for the two of them to really talk about it and even then, it wasn't really discussed. This frustrated me a lot.
Repetitiveness was an overall issue I had with this book. We get it that the family loves each other. We also get that the same nicknames are being used over and over again. We know.
I definitely had a disadvantage of not knowing the full backstory to some of the characters that likely made an appearance in the first book which impacted how I connected to those characters here. I think the author did a decent job trying to fill in those gaps here but I did wish I knew this was a book two before I picked it up (which is my fault!).
Overall, this book was okay. This definitely feels like a decent summer read.
March 27, 2021
Anchored Hearts is a second-chance romance set in Key West and is the second book in Keys to Love series by Priscilla Oliveras. It can be read as a stand-alone. Second-chance romance is my favorite trope and I love books with a destination setting, so I was very excited to read Anchored Hearts.
Alejandro and Anamaria were childhood sweethearts, who despite their love for each other, couldn't stay together because they had different goals and passions. They didn't part on good terms and blame each other for the break-up. Alejandro, against his father's wishes, followed his passion for photography and traveling the world, while Anamria stayed behind in Key West after her father's health scare. She built her life and her growing business on her beloved island with love and support from her family. After a devastating injury, Alejandro is forced to come back home, where he will have to confront his estranged father and the only woman he ever loved.
I loved Alejandro, Anamaria, their angsty relationship, and their chemistry. I also loved Anamaria's big Cuban family, especially Anamaria's and Ale's meddling mothers, who just wanted their kids to be together despite the years of hurt. The descriptions of Key West and the mouthwatering Cuban food made me want to jump on a plane and visit the beautiful island. I haven't read the first book, Island Affair, but I will be picking it up for sure!
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Alejandro and Anamaria were childhood sweethearts, who despite their love for each other, couldn't stay together because they had different goals and passions. They didn't part on good terms and blame each other for the break-up. Alejandro, against his father's wishes, followed his passion for photography and traveling the world, while Anamria stayed behind in Key West after her father's health scare. She built her life and her growing business on her beloved island with love and support from her family. After a devastating injury, Alejandro is forced to come back home, where he will have to confront his estranged father and the only woman he ever loved.
I loved Alejandro, Anamaria, their angsty relationship, and their chemistry. I also loved Anamaria's big Cuban family, especially Anamaria's and Ale's meddling mothers, who just wanted their kids to be together despite the years of hurt. The descriptions of Key West and the mouthwatering Cuban food made me want to jump on a plane and visit the beautiful island. I haven't read the first book, Island Affair, but I will be picking it up for sure!
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
June 24, 2022
Anchored Hearts was a cute read, but there were a few things I didn't see in it. It's about Alejandro, an award-winning photographer who hasn't visited his birthplace of Key West in years. Now, due to an injury, he is back at home. To complicate things further, his family calls up his ex-girlfriend, a paramedic. They haven't seen each other in ten years since their breakup.
I admired the author's ability to vividly describe Key West. I haven't been there, but everything was so realistic. The family and cultural participation were two of my favorite aspects of the story. It was wonderful to return to the group of folks featured in this series. The author did a fantastic job of presenting Latinx culture. The setting of this novel is one of my favorites. Anchored Hearts' tropical sensations are real, and I'm here for it. The story's family theme touched my heart. The story's mix of Cuban culture and family relationships was incredible and fun to read. The humorous situations caused by their family's interference and meddling were hilarious.
Anchored Hearts was enjoyable, although it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I felt Alejandro and Anamaría's love story to be a little dull, with not enough sensuality and swoon-worthy scenes. Overall, it was a little slow, and I wanted more closure on some parts, but I would recommend it, especially if you want slow-burn romance with a strong emphasis on second chances.
I admired the author's ability to vividly describe Key West. I haven't been there, but everything was so realistic. The family and cultural participation were two of my favorite aspects of the story. It was wonderful to return to the group of folks featured in this series. The author did a fantastic job of presenting Latinx culture. The setting of this novel is one of my favorites. Anchored Hearts' tropical sensations are real, and I'm here for it. The story's family theme touched my heart. The story's mix of Cuban culture and family relationships was incredible and fun to read. The humorous situations caused by their family's interference and meddling were hilarious.
Anchored Hearts was enjoyable, although it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I felt Alejandro and Anamaría's love story to be a little dull, with not enough sensuality and swoon-worthy scenes. Overall, it was a little slow, and I wanted more closure on some parts, but I would recommend it, especially if you want slow-burn romance with a strong emphasis on second chances.
March 29, 2021
Thanks to Zebra/Kensington and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras.
I loved Island Affair last year and was so excited that there was a second book in the Keys to Love series.
This is a slow burn/second chance romance between Anamaria, who is a firefighter/EMS and also runs a fitness side business and Alejandro who was her high school boyfriend, who is a travel photographer. Their well meaning but interfering mothers get involved when Alejandro returns home after an injury and the mom's work their magic to get Anamaria to stop by to help since she has some medical knowledge.
I loved their families and how close they are, their strong Cuban heritage and the mixing of Spanish/English dialogue in the book. Reading this book makes me want to be in Key West eating the delicious food and exploring their paradise!
This was a fun and enjoyable book to read and I highly recommend checking it out (along with Island Affair too!). Plus they have such fun covers!
I loved Island Affair last year and was so excited that there was a second book in the Keys to Love series.
This is a slow burn/second chance romance between Anamaria, who is a firefighter/EMS and also runs a fitness side business and Alejandro who was her high school boyfriend, who is a travel photographer. Their well meaning but interfering mothers get involved when Alejandro returns home after an injury and the mom's work their magic to get Anamaria to stop by to help since she has some medical knowledge.
I loved their families and how close they are, their strong Cuban heritage and the mixing of Spanish/English dialogue in the book. Reading this book makes me want to be in Key West eating the delicious food and exploring their paradise!
This was a fun and enjoyable book to read and I highly recommend checking it out (along with Island Affair too!). Plus they have such fun covers!
February 23, 2021
When I read Island Affair, there was no indication it would be a series, so I was very pleased to find about this one.
Where back with the Navarro family, this time with Luis's sister Anamaría, whom we met in the first book. Alejandro, her ex, also friend, neighbor, is back in town to recover from an injury, and his presence brings a lot of turmoil for her and his family.
I loved the atmosphere in the island setting and in the social/cultural interaction of a large Latinx family, with their friends and neighbors, and how everything relates to one another.
Cant' wait for the next one!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Where back with the Navarro family, this time with Luis's sister Anamaría, whom we met in the first book. Alejandro, her ex, also friend, neighbor, is back in town to recover from an injury, and his presence brings a lot of turmoil for her and his family.
I loved the atmosphere in the island setting and in the social/cultural interaction of a large Latinx family, with their friends and neighbors, and how everything relates to one another.
Cant' wait for the next one!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
July 15, 2021
This was so freakin adorable!!! I loved the first book in the series and this one did not disappoint!! Anamaría and Alejandro were amazinggg and the romance was again, adorableee
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
June 5, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up. I loved visiting the island and the characters from the first book! I realize though that I don’t enjoy second-chance romances as much as others, but with that being said, it’s the perfect beach, feel-good read!
May 20, 2021
2.75 Stars
If you really like photography/the arts, entrepreneurship, and Latinx culture, you will likely really enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I don't think I am the right audience for this series.
I am Puerto Rican. It is so very hard to find a book staring a Latinx MC/romance portraying the culture (reflecting language AND food), family dynamics, and values of the Latinx community. The fact that this book surrounds Cuban families (very similar to Puerto Ricans, culturally speaking) AND a romance, *AND* the author is Puerto Rican herself - I impulse bought this right away, desperately hoping she'd get the Latinx-side of things right.
The way Oliveras captured the Latin Caribbean culture and values resonated so strongly with me. I could see my own father in Anamaria's father. I could see my brother in the siblings of our MCs. The conversations and dynamics - the things you argue about and the values that make your family function as a whole unit was so beautiful because it's so true for the Latinx culture. Oliveras truly captured the Latin Caribbean people so well that I was delighted to continue reading the romance between Anamaria and Alejandro!
But unfortunately, this is where the story is just meh for me. I didn't have any qualms with Anamaria or Alejandro, I just didn't care about their careers, which the book focuses on as the main crux of the plot (nothing against their careers or anything, I just don't find them interesting myself is all). I was willing to look past my disinterest in their careers had their romance been delicious...but it was just predictable, formulaic, and by the end, disappointing. I think I would have been fine too, with the predictable romance (I mean, really, who doesn't love a good romance to escape real life with?), had their romance been palpable. Honestly, their relationship lacked substantial development and intensity for me to really *feel* what they were feeling for each other. When Anamaria and Alejandro finally cave and rekindle their romance, it just kind of felt abrupt - I didn't feel the necessary tension to feel the satisfaction with their union (that was SUPER disappointing). And to add even more disappointment, the intimacy is pretty YA/mature YA, not adult *sigh* (no shame here guys! I picked up an ADULT romance - I expected *ADULT* romance XD).
So this is why my rating is a 3, but technically falls short of "I liked it," because, as you've read, it's a bit more complicated than that for me. I am truly devastated that I found an author who can create characters I can truly identify with, culturally, but can't write a romance/set-up characters that catches my interest. *cries in dismay*
*NOTE: As someone who speaks Spanish fluently, it was really nice reading the Spanglish woven into the dialogue, because that's real too! It was odd to see the translation [seamlessly] woven into the text because it felt kind of awkward when *I* already know what it means, but I recognize that this book is for English and Spanish audiences, so it is forgiven. :}
If you really like photography/the arts, entrepreneurship, and Latinx culture, you will likely really enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I don't think I am the right audience for this series.
I am Puerto Rican. It is so very hard to find a book staring a Latinx MC/romance portraying the culture (reflecting language AND food), family dynamics, and values of the Latinx community. The fact that this book surrounds Cuban families (very similar to Puerto Ricans, culturally speaking) AND a romance, *AND* the author is Puerto Rican herself - I impulse bought this right away, desperately hoping she'd get the Latinx-side of things right.
The way Oliveras captured the Latin Caribbean culture and values resonated so strongly with me. I could see my own father in Anamaria's father. I could see my brother in the siblings of our MCs. The conversations and dynamics - the things you argue about and the values that make your family function as a whole unit was so beautiful because it's so true for the Latinx culture. Oliveras truly captured the Latin Caribbean people so well that I was delighted to continue reading the romance between Anamaria and Alejandro!
But unfortunately, this is where the story is just meh for me. I didn't have any qualms with Anamaria or Alejandro, I just didn't care about their careers, which the book focuses on as the main crux of the plot (nothing against their careers or anything, I just don't find them interesting myself is all). I was willing to look past my disinterest in their careers had their romance been delicious...but it was just predictable, formulaic, and by the end, disappointing. I think I would have been fine too, with the predictable romance (I mean, really, who doesn't love a good romance to escape real life with?), had their romance been palpable. Honestly, their relationship lacked substantial development and intensity for me to really *feel* what they were feeling for each other. When Anamaria and Alejandro finally cave and rekindle their romance, it just kind of felt abrupt - I didn't feel the necessary tension to feel the satisfaction with their union (that was SUPER disappointing). And to add even more disappointment, the intimacy is pretty YA/mature YA, not adult *sigh* (no shame here guys! I picked up an ADULT romance - I expected *ADULT* romance XD).
So this is why my rating is a 3, but technically falls short of "I liked it," because, as you've read, it's a bit more complicated than that for me. I am truly devastated that I found an author who can create characters I can truly identify with, culturally, but can't write a romance/set-up characters that catches my interest. *cries in dismay*
*NOTE: As someone who speaks Spanish fluently, it was really nice reading the Spanglish woven into the dialogue, because that's real too! It was odd to see the translation [seamlessly] woven into the text because it felt kind of awkward when *I* already know what it means, but I recognize that this book is for English and Spanish audiences, so it is forgiven. :}
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