Once upon a time I was fortunate enough to live in the Florida Keys. The slow pace, afternoons spent in blue water, staring up at bluer skies and taste of fresh key lime pie will never leave me. Alas, I did not have a sexy Cuban-American firefighter as part of my time spent there. Which is a good thing, because I was in 4th grade at the time. However this book has me wanting to throw caution to the wind, pack my bags and book a ticket in hopes of finding my new favorite book boyfriend, Luis. In him the author has written the perfect male lead. Alpha yet sensitive, responsible and thoughtful, yet a little tortured. A family man through and through with a body worthy of being Mr. July in the charity firefighter calendars that are apparently a thing but no one ever tries to sell me.

Oh and there is a really good storyline with some excellent chemistry without needing to cheapen it with overly graphic sex details.

There is literally nothing I would change about this book. Five hundred stars.

Family strife in Paradise!
Sarah and Luis both have family issues. Throughout their fake relationship, they lean on each other for guidance. I loved how the serious issues were handled without an overload of emotion. I adored Luis and his family. I thought the resolution to the family and relationship issues was a little to perfect. I would recommend this book and would read the other books in the series. The author has a gift for describing place. The descriptions of Key West were phenomenal. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Included in April New Releases Part 2, which highlights exciting upcoming releases: https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2020/04/aprils-new-releases-part-two/

Included in Whatcha Reading roundup: https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2020/04/whatcha-reading-april-2020-edition-part-two/

My most recent read was Priscilla Oliveras’s Island Affair (out April 28). ( A | BN | K | AB ) It’s a fake-relationship/Only One Bed romp between a social media influencer and a firefighter in the Key West. I liked it but my conflicted feelings make it a recommendation with caveats. I loved Luis’s Cuban relatives and the sunny setting (seriously, I’d book a flight to the Key West if it wasn’t for, well, everything). The relationship was flirty and fun.

The Subtweet
A | BN | K | ABBut I had issues with the hero’s backstory (the estrangement with his younger brother) because it deployed a storyline that I consistently dislike. I also feel unqualified to assess the heroine’s eating disorder (bulimia and binge-eating). There were things I liked and disliked about the rep, but I know so little that I don’t feel comfortable critiquing it. Finally, I didn’t like that the heroine was more open about her problems than the hero was with his; the distribution of emotional support/sharing felt uneven.
Despite my qualms, I liked the book and I think many folks would enjoy it. Oliveras has a terrific voice and there were enough cute/poignant/funny moments to make it a worthwhile read. Definitely check it out if the blurb sounds appealing.

***

Review:

CW: [heroine's mom is in cancer remission (breast cancer); heroine has eating disorder ("mix of bulimia and binge-eating, with a propensity for over-exercising"); discussion of someone dying from brain aneurysm; discussion of someone dying from drunk driving (hide spoiler)]

I liked this with major caveats. I love Oliveras's writing, but some aspects of the storyline detracted from my overall enjoyment.

Pluses:

- LOVED the family dynamics, especially Luis's Cuban relatives and community. Their banter, their nosiness, their unflinching support. Easily my favorite part of the book. I even appreciated Sara's more tense family dynamics and her feelings of ostracization (e.g., that she doesn't meet their standards for success).

- The Key West setting is spectacular and practically a third character in the love story. I want to visit (not in the near future, of course! But I can dream). Also, I was SO HUNGRY the entire time and upset that I wasn't eating what the characters were eating.

- Look, is the super-quick "fake relationship agreement between strangers" premise unrealistic and telenovela-ish? Yes, but I loved it! It was cute, y'all. You have to buy into it and enjoy the ride.

Minuses:

- I dislike Evil Ex backstories (there are some exceptions to this rule but it's fairly consistent in my reading). I REALLY freaking hate Evil Ex backstories when said Evil Ex 1) cheats on the hero with his brother early on in the relationship (the brother claims that he doesn't realize she was dating the hero at the time), 2) makes another pass at the brother after her engagement, 3) when refused, drives away angrily and drunk (brother doesn't stop her), 4) gets into a car crash, 5) confesses her infidelity to the hero on her hospital deathbed, and 6) is responsible for the six-year estrangement between the hero and his brother.

There was no way in hell that I'd ever enjoy this backstory, even if it was executed well. I squirmed the entire time. The woman's dead. I felt no need to hear about her treachery/crimes six years after the incident.

- I feel super unsure about the eating disorder rep. I'm way out of my depth on this one. I can't tell if it was good or bad, and I don't want to discuss my preliminary thoughts (both positive and negative) as I'm so unqualified. I'll be on the lookout for a review by someone who knows more Sara's condition.

- Sara and Luis both have major issues to work through, but the breakdown of who confesses to who is unequal. Sara opens up way more than Luis (his issues are mostly worked out by himself). It feels uneven and unfair. She's the one who spills her entire heart and troubles. He does, too... but not enough. Not even close to how much Sara opens up to Luis.

- This complaint isn't limited to this book, but I am so tired of how recent romance novels end super quickly after the apology/making up after a dark moment. I need more, damn it! At least give me an epilogue. I need proof that these two kids will make it! Argh.

***

I guess the combinations of these factors make it 3 stars? I liked ISLAND AFFAIR, just didn't love it. I am looking forward to upcoming books as I loved the setting (I presume Luis's siblings will be the protagonists. His sister is the best). YMMV as the writing is excellent and the overall relationship is flirty/fun.

Note: there are no open-door sex scenes. There is sexy foreplay but it fades to black before getting too explicit.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing beats a beautifully illustrated cover! I was so excited when I received this ARC from Netgalley. Island Affair follows the story of a fake dating scheme between a social media influencer and a hunky friendly Cuban firefighter. Their romantic escapade is sweet, exhilarating, and alluring. This story is set in the beautiful island of Key West and offers a scenic getaway with rich culture and refreshing outdoor activities.

The writing may come off as corny at times but it also highlights the endearing style romantic fiction has nowadays. The pacing can be slow, especially in the first few pages, I had to push through to get through 20-30% but it slowly picked up. The characters have quite a different dynamic. The hero seems closed-off at times which can be frustrating because there were a lot of things that can be solved if they choose to communicate. But alas, we got what we got. And who can deny a few angst here and there?

Overall, this is an okay read. I might have expected too much (from the cover alone). It is a light romantic read and can be enjoyable if you like this sub-genre.

I'll be honest: I kind of struggled to rate this book. There were parts that I really liked and parts that I really didn't like and not a ton in the middle. I guess that means that it's OK overall?

I really enjoyed the premise of Sara needing a substitute for her flaky ex-boyfriend and Luis having some time on his hands and could help. Plus Key West! I wish I could be there. I liked their quick banter, even though the book was really hard to get into overall. I struggled with the writing, as well as the pacing for the majority of the book. I felt like they were pushing each other to share their deep secrets without a solid foundation so I didn't fully buy into their relationship. I did, however, really enjoy the last bit of the book where they finally had to face their families and their fears and really work through things individually. Luis should have groveled a bit more though... :)

I have to say that I really loved this story by Priscilla Oliveras! My best friend in college had a big, loud Cuban family, so I can totally relate to the family dynamics in the book. Sara was a strong, but silent member of her family. She never felt like she truly belonged because she wasn't a physician like her parents or her sister. When she propositions Luis to be her boyfriend for the week she doesn't expect it to develop into anything. Luis cannot deny that he's attracted to Sara. He's so patient with her and very encouraging. Although there were problems in both families, Sara and Luis were great for each other! Luis encouraged Sara to settle things with her sister and Sara told Luis the same regarding his younger brother. Oliveras made this a slow burn romance that brought the steamy factor at the appropriate moments. If you like Jill Shalvis, you will love Priscella Oliveras! Island Affair was a fabulous story and a perfect beach read! 5 stars

I stumbled across Island Affair a few months back. I liked the colorful cover so I added it to my TBR without reading the blurb. I then saw it on NetGalley and requested it. I was so happy to have gotten my hold on this book a little early. IT. WAS. AMAZING!

Island Affair is a story about love and forgiveness. It's a story about a girl, Sara, who is an up and coming social media influencer, who has to spend a week vacationing with her family in the Florida Keys. The family is celebrating her mother's cancer remission. This trip is for her mom; a stress free trip. Having been born thirteen years late, Sara was a surprise baby. She has always lived in the shadows of her two older siblings and wants nothing more but her parents to see her for what she is: a successful young woman who has achieved her goals. When her boyfriend fails to show up, Sara strikes up a deal with the charming Luis Navarro to pretend to be her boyfriend for the week. Luis, a firefighter paramedic , is trying to forget the past six years of his life. He was a saint of man who goes out of his way to help any and everyone. When the vivacious Sara Vance stumbles into his life with an offer to be her pretend boyfriend, he accepts the job willingly. Sara and Luis are thrown together over the next seven days. The two becoming very close and left wondering, "what will happen when the seven days are up?"

Island Affair is a heartfelt read. There are moments where I laughed out loud and moments where I shed a tear. I loved Sara and Luis. They had great chemistry together. I wish I could get more of them! I will definitely be buying this book when it comes out!

Thank you NetGalley for this book!

This book took me a while to get into and unfortunately it wasn't a favourite.

The concept is great - fake relationship tropes are some of my faves, but there was just something about this book that didn't completely grip me.

I loved the family dynamics in this book. Sara's reconnection with her parents and older siblings was lovely to read, and I adored Luis' big, loving family - I wish there had been more of them! Sara and Luis also had amazing chemistry which was fantastic, but it took so long for it to go anywhere and I was frustrated at the 'fade to black' scene when. they did finally turn their relationship physical!

I didn't like that certain topics covered in this book were discussed again and again in a repetitive way. Sara's eating disorder was constantly mentioned and at times it felt forced - like it wasn't really critical to the scene. I personally haven't had experience with eating disorders, so I am not the person to comment on this topic really, but I just felt like it was not always adding anything to the plot.

I also didn't like that Sara bared her secrets to Luis early on in the story, but we didn't find out his secrets until near the end. This frustrated me because his history was talked about a lot, but we never really knew the backstory which again made it feel kind of forced.

The other thing that I didn't like was the quick ending. I would have loved an epilogue to get more on what Sara and Luis' relationship looked like post vacation.

I will say that I did read this while I wasn't feeling 100% which might explain some of my views.

This book definitely isn't a bad one, but I may have just read it in the wrong frame of mind.

I will look out for the next book in this series however, especially if it means I can read more about the Navarro family!

Huge thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rated 3.5 Stars

Island Affair is cute and sweet. I loved that family played a major role in it and that it dealt with heavier topics. While I found it enjoyable it didn't fully work for me, the repetition among other things took away from my overall enjoyment. That said I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

This was a fun, beach read romance.
Our main characters, social media influencer Sara, and firefighter Luis have great chemistry together. They both also stand really well on their own, and each has growth within the story.
I really enjoyed reading the relationship between these two characters over the course of this boyfriend-for-hire week-long vacation. The island was the perfect backdrop for this story.

I wish we had gotten to see more! due to the book being around 300 pages, we missed so much of their growth together. it also affected the ending, which felt abrupt. I wanted to see how our couple ended up!

Overall it was a fun quick read, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Oliveras.

Wow, that all happened quickly! I think this is the definition of whirlwind romance. I'll admit that it's hard to suspend my disbelief for two strangers to fall in love in under seven days, but, hey, it's a romance, anything goes. It was an enjoyable read, although there were some things I still want to be cleared up. I wish Sara's eating disorder had been explored more, as I am personally not convinced that she has it under control. There were too many times it was noted that all she ate were some sides or appetizers or nothing at all for me to believe her when she said she was fine. I also felt like Sara's issues with her family - her mother and sister in particular - could have been detailed some more. Maybe through flashbacks? But overall, this was a light, enjoyable read.

A very special thanks to NetGallery and Kensington for allowing me the pleasure of reading this amazing ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The chemistry between Sara and Luis was hot from the jump. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Sara is a social media influencer and the youngest in a long line of doctors. So you can imagine the hardships she faced not only being the youngest daughter but also not following into the family business. Sara's family decides to take a visit to Key West to celebrate her mother's diagnosis of being cancer-free.

Of course, all of the significant others are going to be there so Sara can't show up alone, but the douche bag boyfriend she is dating decides he doesn't want to come anymore. Incomes Luis to the rescue.

Luis is a firefighter who lives in Key West, who has a past he is avoiding. Luis is a natural hero who needs to be saving someone, so when he sees Sara is in need, he is more than willing to go along with this fake relationship to help Sara keep her family off her back. But not long into their fake relationship do the two start falling for each other.

I have to say from the moment that I "met" Luis, I was slowly falling in love with him. Who doesn't want a hunky Spanish speaking firefighter who is close to his family to come to their rescue? I know I can say that I definitely wouldn't mind that. And my heart went out to Sara because I felt like I could connect with her, always feeling like the odd one out in her family.

Overall the book was an enjoyable read. It made me want to go visit Key West again. The only thing I wish that there was an epilogue at the end of the book to be able to know what happened afterward to Sara and Luis.

The premise of a fake relationship sounded very interesting to me, as did the setting in Key West. I was really excited to read this book. I will have to admit I had to suspend belief at the beginning because the heroine Sara just got into a stranger’s car in an unfamiliar place and decided to completely trust him... But I knew the story had to get rolling somehow. I liked how Sara’s issues with her family rang true, but Luis’s problems seemed a little forced. I couldn’t really understand why he was mad at his brother (the reason behind it all didn’t really make sense to me) and how that had such a huge effect on his life & job. I enjoyed the build up to Sara & Luis’s relationship, but once that really got going, the book seemed to slow down for me. I even found myself skimming pages. The ending felt a bit rushed, as well.
My biggest problem with the book was the descriptions. I know the author was trying to really draw the reader into the world of Key West, but everything was so detailed that it took me out of the action constantly. Just knowing that they were driving down the road to the beach would have been enough; I didn’t have to know that they turned left at the light and what the parking space they got. The author also added in very specific details in the middle of a “scene,” like what color tennis shoes were or the shape of a bowl by the door. It drew me out of what was happening every time. And if I had to read about the bedspread with ocean life on it one more time I’m not sure what I would have done. Telling the readers about that one time would have been quite sufficient.
All in all, it was a quick, light read. I would probably recommend it to those who enjoy the “fake relationship” trope, tropical settings, or Latinx themes. But I am not sure I would read another book by this author.

I was excited to read Island Affair because I love a good fake-dating trope, but this one fell a bit flat for me. I thought the main characters had good chemistry together, but I couldn't get excited about their story. One thing I did like was how the author portrayed a character with an eating disorder. I have never come across this in a romance book before, and I think the author handled it really well.

When I think of Priscilla Oliveras’ books, 'joy' is the word that comes to mind. I don’t consider her novels fluffy romps (at least not the ones I’ve read so far), but there’s a deeply joyful quality to her stories that never fails to lift my mood. Island Affair deals with deeply emotional topics, but there’s also a 'happy to be alive' quality to it that left me a very satisfied reader.

As the book opens, both Sara Vance and Luis Navarro are somewhat at loose ends. Luis has an unwanted week of mandatory leave from his job as a firefighter so that he can deal with the psychological impact of working an accident that brought up memories he would rather not acknowledge. Sara, on the other hand, is being faced with a week’s vacation in Key West with the family that always makes her feel inadequate.

While she has a successful career as a social media influencer, Sara comes from a family of high-achieving doctors and she feels like she can never meet their expectations. She had planned to bring her boyfriend to the week of family togetherness, but he calls to cancel just as she arrives in Key West. As luck would have it, Luis happens to be walking out of the fire station. The two meet and just like that, Sara has picked up a fake boyfriend for the week.

It’s a little crazy, but I was in the mood to just roll with it, so I kept going. As it turns out, this was a good decision because the ensuing story is not only fun but also warm and charming. In the opening chapters, one can feel the distance between Sara and her family, and it really is awkward. However, even before romantic feelings develop, it’s clear that Luis has Sara’s back. That made me like him right off the bat even though as a reader, I knew he and Sara were keepings secrets from one another.

There’s not a lot of external plot action in this book, but as we see Sara and Luis navigate a week of family vacation together, there’s a lot of emotional development going on beneath the surface and Oliveras handles it adeptly. It quickly becomes clear that Luis has the gift of being able to talk to and connect with lots of different types of people, and this comes in very handy as he quickly wins over both Sara and her family. Throughout the book Luis acts as something of a bridge, helping Sara learn how to relate to the family she has long held at arms’ length.

And then there’s the connection between Luis and Sara. Their budding romance feels natural even when the circumstances bringing them together are anything but. Not only do we see Luis fitting in beautifully with Sara’s family, but we also get to see Sara in Luis’s hometown, complete with chance encounters with his friends and an impromptu family dinner. These scenes show people from two very different backgrounds getting comfortable with each other, and convinced me that this whirlwind romance could work.

There's a plot twist thrown in near the end that felt unnecessary. The story had plenty of tension to it without that plot point, and it jerked me out of the story just a bit. However, aside from that, I enjoyed this sweet and emotional novel. If you need a pick-me-up during this challenging year, give Island Affair a try. This book is first in a new series, and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Buy it at: Amazon or shop at your local independent bookstore
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I dived into this book thinking it would have been a nice read with a fake fiancé trope but it surprised me because it was so much more.
Island Affair is also a story of self acceptance and forgiveness, mixed up perfectly with a lot of laugh, attraction and the hot sun of The Keys.

Luis, a firefighter, and Sara, a social influences, meet at the Key West airport by accident.
After he has overheard her disastrous phone call with her boyfriend who has stood her up for her family holiday he decides to be her plus one for the week on the island.

This is only the beginning of their journey I recommend you to pick up Mrs. Oliveras book as soon as possible to know how it will end, I can guarantee that you won’t regret it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.~* 5 SMOKING HOT STARS*~.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am in LOVE with 'Island Affair'!

I fell in love with these characters in 1 single, throbbing heartbeat! They were so relatable, funny, and full of cheesy love! I fell for these characters on such a high level that I kinda forgot that these a fictional characters! <3

(Deep Breaths Rhianna, Deep Breathes)

Oh Lordy, Lordy. Here we go again. *Screams in FanGirl*. Where do I even start?

<3 Sara Vance and Luis Navarro <3

Sara Vance is one of the most known social media influences out there. She is giving the public, what they want and in return she isn't stuck in the long family tradition of Doctors. Undergoing recovery from an eating disorder and her mothers success in beating cancers butt, the Vance family is on a trip. A long needed one. Sara has a plus one to bring though, her boyfriend. Until that falls through too, and all shes left with is a phone call saying he isn't coming after she lands herself in Key West. Now she is going to be causing stress to her mom. The one thing they can't do. Until she's face to face with Luis Navarro.

Luis Navarro is one of the so called Conch's. After living and growing up in Key West he has gotten used to the usually brush of tourists who would like his assistance going snorkeling or walking the beaches for private tours. He hasn't ever given much thought of tourists and what the ask for before. He is one always one to give the helping hand to anyone who needs it. But then he meets her. Sara Vance. Who would of known someone as beautiful as she could have such a large vocabulary of Spanish curse words? He's expecting the ask for a tour, but what she has planned is way more than what he thought. Pretend to be her boyfriend for a week. He is going to deny but who could say no to someone like her? After study guides and memorizing their "meet cute" stories, there ready for a week of pure relaxation and then everything ends. But what if a week could last longer than 7 days? Or will their flaming love burn as bright as the sun and set like nothing happened?

Take a trip to Key West, and get ready for the best ride of your life with 'Island Affair'
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*Huge thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me this for free in exchange for an honest review*

Sara and Luis go from fake boyfriend to real boyfriend!

Social media influencer Sara Vance needed some help when her sort of long distance boyfriend cancelled a trip to Key West to meet her parents when she ran into Key West firefighter Luis Navarro who was on a mandatory break from work. Luis had a reputation for always helping people and when he ran into Sara crying, he decided to help her out by acting as her boyfriend. Luis knew that was going to be a problem since he was a Key West native and the chance of running into people that know him was high. Sara and Luis had planned out their story to tell her family but when her family wanted Luis to spend time with them that things started to become real.

I loved Island Affair because Priscilla Oliveras has written a book that makes you feel Sara and Luis fix their problems and each other s and finally realize they are in love and that a relationship is possible.

P.S. I want to read the next book about the Navarro family!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

2.5

There was something missing in ISLAND AFFAIR but I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Here is what I did like:
- Sara
- family dynamics from both families, would have loved to see them all in a room together
- the setting because despite it being April 21, it is snowing where I am so I am CRAVING sunshine

What I didn't like:
- the discrepancy between how much Sara opened herself up to Luis and how much he didn't open up to her. It felt unfair in the end.
- The writing a little too repetitive for me
- At the beginning it felt like a lot, their instant attraction and how much they were both THINKING while the other was waiting for an answer. I think it all came about a little too easily and left me kinda bored.


Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

An enjoyable read. A little bit cheesy. With a lovely island setting and a summary vibe.

*Thanks to NetGally for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.*