I love it when an author goes in-depth into traditional heritage and we learn a lot about culture along with the rest of the story.
This upcoming release is a perfect example of that type of story and a lot of it reinforced things that I already knew due to friends and their family relationships, along with a few frustrations too. But the series name, Love & Tacos? How could I pass that up??
Check out my review below on this sweet new release.
Kiss Me, Mi Amor by Alana Quintana Albertson
Series: Love & Tacos #2
Publisher: Berkley (July 4, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-0593336243
Synopsis:
Enrique Montez, smooth-talking heir to the Taco King empire, is man enough to admit that he made a critical error when he underestimated Carolina Flores. The agricultural hotshot should have been an easy conquest—who would turn down the chance to partner with California’s largest fast-food chain? But instead of signing her name on the dotted line, Carolina has Enrique eating out of the palm of her hand, and when fate steps in with an unexpected opportunity, Enrique is willing to do whatever it takes to capture her heart.
Growing up as the daughter of farmworkers, Carolina spent her youth picking strawberries in the fields of Santa Maria and vowing to improve the lives of people like her parents. Now, as one of only a few Latina farm owners, she has no time for romance and she’s certainly not about to let the notorious Montez brother anywhere near her business—even if just being near Enrique makes her skin tingle.
But she is willing to let him help get her overinvolved family off her back. When Carolina’s father and her lovelorn sisters mistake Enrique for her (nonexistent) boyfriend, she reluctantly agrees to a series of pretend dates to their town’s traditional Mexican-American holiday celebrations. Soon the fake feelings turn real and both Carolina and Enrique must convince each other to take a chance on love before their vacation romance is over.
Kiss Me, Mi Amor by Alana Quintana Albertson Review
Having lived in California for over 40 years, I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the story is set in what is called The Salad Bowl. I happen to also live in that central valley area that is included within the setting. It certainly makes everything familiar and the author did a fabulous job with the descriptions which brought the area and the region to life.
This book is definitely a cultural read. You are going to learn a lot about the culture of the Mexican Americans. I love the fact that Carolina, the female lead, is a landowner and a business owner. Very difficult to do in this arena, but she is positively depicted as a strong leader in many ways.
The story also dives into stereotypical familial issues that tend to make me a little crazy. I personally would have a terrible time living in that sort of situation, but I appreciate the fact that it’s addressed in this book.
The author tells a wonderful story that includes romance and relationship-building along the way. I love their connection and the respect between each other that had to grow right along with the development of the relationship.
I appreciate that they’re both strong independent people with goals and care for the community. Strong family ties and structure make this an interesting read. The two main characters have a lot to learn about each other and do so with a little bit of heat and spice built in too.
There were definitely some frustrations for me being who I am. I appreciate and enjoyed the ending but what her father did I have a really hard time accepting, especially because of what she gave up in order to get back into the family. That type of ending really bothered me.
Overall Kiss Me, Mi Amor is intriguing and engaging. A sweet romance with strong family ties.
3.5 rolled to 4 STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.