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mari1532's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I listened to this book through my library with Libby.
Brief Summary: Kamilah Vega is trying to keep her grandmother's bakery and dream alive. However, at every turn, she butts heads with her grandfather about the direction in which to take the business. However, when he seems willing to enter the bakery on a popular food tour in town Kamilah immediately agrees to anything he wants. Little does she know that he wants her to marry his best friend's grandson, who happens to be her childhood enemy, Liam Kane.
Thoughts: This was a charming and heartwarming romance novel. I enjoyed Caña's writing and in large part, I enjoyed the tension and chemistry between Kamilah and Liam. However, I did feel that the marriage of convenience and forced proximity of it all was a bit hard to buy into sometimes. The hidden aspect of the relationship went on a little longer than I felt was necessary.
My favourite parts of the book were the relationships between Kamilah and her grandfather and Liam and his grandfather. They were loving but complicated, and a large part of the entertainment throughout the book. Caña captured the complex relationships of grandchildren and grandparents well and nailed difficult, but endearing grandfathers.
I did enjoy the way that Kamilah and Liam were able to learn about their familial trauma together and develop a deep and vulnerable relationship with one another is the real highlight of the book. Overall this emotional connection made the romance feel real and well-rounded. There is sexual chemistry between the two of them but it accentuates the emotional connection between them.
Caña's writing is very good and the plot is heartwarming. I enjoyed this book, but the troupes were not my favourite.
Brief Summary: Kamilah Vega is trying to keep her grandmother's bakery and dream alive. However, at every turn, she butts heads with her grandfather about the direction in which to take the business. However, when he seems willing to enter the bakery on a popular food tour in town Kamilah immediately agrees to anything he wants. Little does she know that he wants her to marry his best friend's grandson, who happens to be her childhood enemy, Liam Kane.
Thoughts: This was a charming and heartwarming romance novel. I enjoyed Caña's writing and in large part, I enjoyed the tension and chemistry between Kamilah and Liam. However, I did feel that the marriage of convenience and forced proximity of it all was a bit hard to buy into sometimes. The hidden aspect of the relationship went on a little longer than I felt was necessary.
My favourite parts of the book were the relationships between Kamilah and her grandfather and Liam and his grandfather. They were loving but complicated, and a large part of the entertainment throughout the book. Caña captured the complex relationships of grandchildren and grandparents well and nailed difficult, but endearing grandfathers.
I did enjoy the way that Kamilah and Liam were able to learn about their familial trauma together and develop a deep and vulnerable relationship with one another is the real highlight of the book. Overall this emotional connection made the romance feel real and well-rounded. There is sexual chemistry between the two of them but it accentuates the emotional connection between them.
Caña's writing is very good and the plot is heartwarming. I enjoyed this book, but the troupes were not my favourite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
caitlyn_rehs's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
kbairbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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
4.25
I liked how fleshed out the characters were, I liked how laugh out loud funny it was, I liked the second chance romance aspect, I liked the pumpkin patch scene, and although it makes my heart hurt (and I hope it gets resolved later on if this turns into a series) I like the realistic aspect of what happened with Sofi. I liked the heart and culture and FOOD behind this book. Really enjoyable read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Vomit
kshertz's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It was good! It was cute! It was… like every other romance book I’ve read. I definitely love that they have known each other all their lives but the guy is not like able to me. Other than that, it feels like every other romance I’ve read. Good, not great. In romance, you have to stand apart more and be memorable! A good beach read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Chronic illness, and Death
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