Priscilla Oliveras writes gorgeous Latinx family and culture. If you’ve read her other books, you know. And they’re definitely the strong suits in her Romeo and Juliet inspired-West Side Love Story.
The Capuletas have fostered several girls who have become a family of musicians with unbreakable bonds. Mariana, who also works as an ER nurse, is their ringleader. I loved the girl power of an all-female mariachi band going up against the Goliath in the Battle of the Bands.
Overall, I liked this unique take on Romeo and Juliet between two rival mariachi bands/families, but just found the pacing so slow. After the halfway point, I was checking almost every 10%. I think it was because the book was juggling multiple storylines — integrating grumpy teenager Nina, their latest foster daughter, into the family; uncovering what was driving the rift between the Capuletas and the Monteros; and the Battle of the Bands.
The romance is insta-attraction at first (it is Romeo and Juliet-inspired after all) but steadily grows into something more grounded despite the fact that Mariana and Angelo have to keep it on the down low for quite awhile. (BTW – no one dies). As is usual with Priscilla, it’s closed door.
While it wasn’t my favorite of hers, I’ll be back for book 2 in the series: Kiss Me, Catalina.
CW: ICE raid
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Check out my reviews of Priscilla’s previous books: