The thing I really love about this series (this is book 2 and reading book 1 is worth it here) is how beautifully Oliveras draws you into Key West. You really feel like you're there, feeling sand between your toes with a humid sea breeze blowing. I really like Anamaria - we catch her in the process of fully committing to her goals and growing into the woman she wants to be. However, she's still stuck on the dashing Alejandro, her high school sweetheart that broke her heart. When he comes home to recover from a nasty accident, their interfering mamis shove the two together in hopes of reconnecting them. A lot of the tension in the book comes from both of them figuring out how to manage family, connection, and their dreams at the same time - and they've chosen opposite approaches. While Ale and AM are good characters, the real selling point is the rich tapestry of their families/community. The supporting cast is super deep and feels fully formed. This is a transporting romance with a moderate heat level that'll make you feel like you're on an island getaway.

I can't wait for travel again so that I can go roam Key West with this novel in hand. Shout out to the author for writing a small-town tropical romance.

I get such a warm, happy feeling when I read stories of big, meddling families at the heart of a romance. When a second chance element gets thrown in, it's like catnip for me. This novel was such a perfect reflection on the importance of family, loving yourself and loving someone enough to let them go. The cultural references to Cuba and the impact of immigration on the lives of generations past and present were handled with care, experience and poignancy.
I have not read the first novel in this series and feel poorer for it, this author is clearly very talented and I'll be ready tidying that mistake pronto.
Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.