wblove's review
5.0
This story was so freaking cute!!!! I loved everything about it! I was obsessed with Lina and how even though they tried, she never let her family's machista ways break her. Gabe is absolutely EVERYTHING. The perfect book boyfriend. The found family and acceptance and love over everything else was such a heartwarming and beautiful part of this story. I loved how Chilean culture was weaved into the story in little bits. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
*I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review. *
*I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review. *
a_pisco's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was the comfort hug I didn't knew I needed!
It is a cozy, slow burn, fake dating, dual POV, Latinx romance, with all the feels, connection, and care that Leonor always delivers.
Lina and Gabe are both extremely committed to their work, and put their career at the forefront for the years to come, not worrying about love for now. And that goal is what leads them to start a fake relationship, since a partnership can help boost them both in each of their companies.
But the tension was there all along, and with each 'fake' interaction, the attraction keeps growing and feelings start to develop.
Lina and Gabe are both workaholics, and when feelings start to show, they both fight it, because they believe that romance will slow their careers and stop them from reaching what they aim for professionally.
As we are already beginning to expect with Leonor's work, the communication between this two characters is #goals - they are open and honest, do regular check-ins, and discuss their emotions in a truly wonderful way.
And since I am talking about the attention to detail and the genius of Leonor's writing, I have to commend the intentional use of language about gender, the natural depiction of queerness, and the fat representation - she always nails it beautifully, and this and other topics are always depicted with care and thoughtfulness.
Machismo and misoginy play a big part in this book, being something that Lina has been fighting against her entire life, and her uncle is the ultimate depiction of the obnoxious Latino middle-aged man, who sees no-worth in a woman besides marrying and having kids, and this had me in the edge of my seat, ready to punch him at all times he showed up and opened his mouth. But unfortunately this is still a reality for a lot of families, and I think it is really well written. And the way that Gabe shows Lina that things can be different is a great way to show how it should all be in the future. Oh, and the letter and reconciliation between Lina and her father in the end make up for all the frustration along the way.
And the food, OMG, the food! Mexican and Chilean food and culture are a constant throughout the book, and they bring everything together. You will find yourself craving alfajores and wondering where you can find some in your corner of the world!
The friend-group and family dynamics in Gabe's side are amazing, and I can't wait for the next stories about this chosen family and their shenanigans.
I received an eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review, and the opinions are all mine.
It is a cozy, slow burn, fake dating, dual POV, Latinx romance, with all the feels, connection, and care that Leonor always delivers.
Lina and Gabe are both extremely committed to their work, and put their career at the forefront for the years to come, not worrying about love for now. And that goal is what leads them to start a fake relationship, since a partnership can help boost them both in each of their companies.
But the tension was there all along, and with each 'fake' interaction, the attraction keeps growing and feelings start to develop.
Lina and Gabe are both workaholics, and when feelings start to show, they both fight it, because they believe that romance will slow their careers and stop them from reaching what they aim for professionally.
As we are already beginning to expect with Leonor's work, the communication between this two characters is #goals - they are open and honest, do regular check-ins, and discuss their emotions in a truly wonderful way.
And since I am talking about the attention to detail and the genius of Leonor's writing, I have to commend the intentional use of language about gender, the natural depiction of queerness, and the fat representation - she always nails it beautifully, and this and other topics are always depicted with care and thoughtfulness.
Machismo and misoginy play a big part in this book, being something that Lina has been fighting against her entire life, and her uncle is the ultimate depiction of the obnoxious Latino middle-aged man, who sees no-worth in a woman besides marrying and having kids, and this had me in the edge of my seat, ready to punch him at all times he showed up and opened his mouth. But unfortunately this is still a reality for a lot of families, and I think it is really well written. And the way that Gabe shows Lina that things can be different is a great way to show how it should all be in the future. Oh, and the letter and reconciliation between Lina and her father in the end make up for all the frustration along the way.
And the food, OMG, the food! Mexican and Chilean food and culture are a constant throughout the book, and they bring everything together. You will find yourself craving alfajores and wondering where you can find some in your corner of the world!
The friend-group and family dynamics in Gabe's side are amazing, and I can't wait for the next stories about this chosen family and their shenanigans.
I received an eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review, and the opinions are all mine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Biphobia
chelyely's review against another edition
3.0
Torn
This is a very progressive book in some ways, and it really showcases what I believe are conversations people are honestly having with anyone who enter their lives. Especially love interests.
This also has one of my favorite depictions of Latine parents in Gabe parents. What is shown of them has been a blueprint to my own parenting style.
The following are some things that left me feeling a little...unsettled.
First, the fake relationship, he was interested in her from the beginning and refused to acknowledge it, and it didn't make sense that they had to pretend.
Second is Lina's blanket latinidad and alluded background. While we hear throughout the book how Gabe is from Chile and the pride in his culture... we don't get to find out where Lina is from. I do believe this is due to the fact that, for the most part, Lina's family shines a bright light on negative stereotypes of Latine culture, specifically the machismo and misogyny, along with heavy gender role expectations.
Another thing that I wished would have been further explored is the fact that Lina is Bi. The one conversation about it felt very...brushed off and as if it needed to remain a secret. It made me feel like the only reason it was disclosed was to justify her attraction to a female character. As, again, there is very little mention of it, and when it is, it felt very hush hush.
Overall, this book has positive Latine representation that I know we as a community need as well as negative representation that we need to grow from. It has a solid couple who are self-aware enough to be good, supportive partners, friends, and siblings. It has a positive bro group and found family.
This is a very progressive book in some ways, and it really showcases what I believe are conversations people are honestly having with anyone who enter their lives. Especially love interests.
This also has one of my favorite depictions of Latine parents in Gabe parents. What is shown of them has been a blueprint to my own parenting style.
The following are some things that left me feeling a little...unsettled.
First, the fake relationship, he was interested in her from the beginning and refused to acknowledge it, and it didn't make sense that they had to pretend.
Second is Lina's blanket latinidad and alluded background. While we hear throughout the book how Gabe is from Chile and the pride in his culture... we don't get to find out where Lina is from. I do believe this is due to the fact that, for the most part, Lina's family shines a bright light on negative stereotypes of Latine culture, specifically the machismo and misogyny, along with heavy gender role expectations.
Another thing that I wished would have been further explored is the fact that Lina is Bi. The one conversation about it felt very...brushed off and as if it needed to remain a secret. It made me feel like the only reason it was disclosed was to justify her attraction to a female character. As, again, there is very little mention of it, and when it is, it felt very hush hush.
Overall, this book has positive Latine representation that I know we as a community need as well as negative representation that we need to grow from. It has a solid couple who are self-aware enough to be good, supportive partners, friends, and siblings. It has a positive bro group and found family.
bookworm_313's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rickireadss's review against another edition
4.5
omfg this put my heart THROUGH IT!! i simply wanted to fight catalina's family throughut the entire book i was absolutely eating up the fake dating in this & all the "it's just for show" moments. GABRIEL IS SUCH A MAN!!! he is literally a golden retreiver in the streets and a daddy in the sheets AND LINA?!!? i LOVE that woman. she's bi. she's hot af. I WANT HER. that's it, that's the review.
⚠️: misogyny, sexism, gaslighting, ableism, biphobia
Spoiler
BUT THE ENDING WITH HER DAD?!?!? that had me crying ngl because i know too many men who would have just continued to stay silent, but the way he communicated with her the only way he knew how :,)Spoiler
i would let him tie me up ANY day of the week ;)⚠️: misogyny, sexism, gaslighting, ableism, biphobia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Gaslighting, and Misogyny
Minor: Ableism and Biphobia
aranzazugarcia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bookish_den's review
5.0
First of all miles de gracias a Leonor for this ARC opportunity, this meant the world and I loved every second of it
carla_is_reading's review
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
4.75 stars
This was a wonderful read!
You get fake dating, workplace romance, wonderful Latinx representation and the wonderful bond that only Leonor can build between two MC's falling in love.
I enjoyed this book so very much. Both Lina and Gabe are such a perfect match. They are both so driven and have such admirable work ethic. I know they are workaholics but it was so inspiring to read how hard they work for their achievements.
The slow tension the two MC's develop with each interaction and "fake" date they attend, it make for this beautiful bond that none of them seems to notice is getting built. (Which I find adorable btw)
It's a slow burn romance that is just so yummy, it kept me on the edge of my seat when one would finally cave and give in to the chemistry.
There is lots of great talk on machismo in the family as well. I appreciate seeing a Latina lead curve unwarranted comments, but also dish them back. It was so awesome to read.
This was a wonderful read!
You get fake dating, workplace romance, wonderful Latinx representation and the wonderful bond that only Leonor can build between two MC's falling in love.
I enjoyed this book so very much. Both Lina and Gabe are such a perfect match. They are both so driven and have such admirable work ethic. I know they are workaholics but it was so inspiring to read how hard they work for their achievements.
The slow tension the two MC's develop with each interaction and "fake" date they attend, it make for this beautiful bond that none of them seems to notice is getting built. (Which I find adorable btw)
It's a slow burn romance that is just so yummy, it kept me on the edge of my seat when one would finally cave and give in to the chemistry.
There is lots of great talk on machismo in the family as well. I appreciate seeing a Latina lead curve unwarranted comments, but also dish them back. It was so awesome to read.
mgarcia23's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0