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A review by what_karla_reads
The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
4.5/5 stars
1.5/5 spice
An enchanted flower farm, a family with magical powers directly connected to their flowers, and an intense love affair... loved it.
Tropes:
Enchanted flower farm
Strangers to lovers
Writer FMC
Magical realism
Hidden magic
Angsty 3rd act break up
Family dynamics
Single POV
HEA
I kept hearing about how this book is like an adult version of Encanto but with the magic tied to the flowers. And in a way, yes, it has those elements if you strip it down to its bare bones, but this was definitely a different story. I didn't expect the angsty romance and the emotional damage of the 3rd act break up. Ben and Harlow had an interesting meet cute and just tumbled (literally) into a tumultuous romance that was very insta-love... until it wasn't. I don't like spoliers, so my only argument for those who don't like insta-love in contemporary romance would be that THIS story isn't anywhere near that kind of cringe fest. The magic plays a huge part in Ben and Harlow's romance and what leads to their breakup... but there is an HEA! Just to remind y'all...
Aside from the romance, I really liked that Harlow was able to connect to her roots after being lost for so long in a complacent relationship. She found herself and her creativity while helping her family at their flower farm. She grew as a person, and she was able to use what she found to create a better life for herself.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for any fans of magical realism, latinx representation, and cozy witchy vibes. There are a few spicy scenes, but they aren't overly detailed and focused more on the emotion.
1.5/5 spice
An enchanted flower farm, a family with magical powers directly connected to their flowers, and an intense love affair... loved it.
Tropes:
Enchanted flower farm
Strangers to lovers
Writer FMC
Magical realism
Hidden magic
Angsty 3rd act break up
Family dynamics
Single POV
HEA
I kept hearing about how this book is like an adult version of Encanto but with the magic tied to the flowers. And in a way, yes, it has those elements if you strip it down to its bare bones, but this was definitely a different story. I didn't expect the angsty romance and the emotional damage of the 3rd act break up. Ben and Harlow had an interesting meet cute and just tumbled (literally) into a tumultuous romance that was very insta-love... until it wasn't. I don't like spoliers, so my only argument for those who don't like insta-love in contemporary romance would be that THIS story isn't anywhere near that kind of cringe fest. The magic plays a huge part in Ben and Harlow's romance and what leads to their breakup... but there is an HEA! Just to remind y'all...
Aside from the romance, I really liked that Harlow was able to connect to her roots after being lost for so long in a complacent relationship. She found herself and her creativity while helping her family at their flower farm. She grew as a person, and she was able to use what she found to create a better life for herself.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for any fans of magical realism, latinx representation, and cozy witchy vibes. There are a few spicy scenes, but they aren't overly detailed and focused more on the emotion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content