I really enjoyed this story! I loved that it was set in Miami and had some diversity that is not typically found in Hallmark stories! I also really enjoyed the two main characters, Tony and Sara, and their connections that they shared. I also really loved that this story was set in the restaurant world, which is one of my favorite settings to read about! I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style of the author, and I will happily read more from her in the future!

I absolutely loved this book. It was the perfect pick me up book I’ve needed as I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately!

Sara and Tony were the perfect match. I felt the story was set perfectly as the two came together, was mixed up wit by a bit of competition, and ended together as well. You could feel all along that they were perfect together and, as always, would end up together in true Hallmark fashion.

There’s always a twist coming so the competition between them as chefs was expected along with there being a problem leading to them having to end up working together and realizing they were better together than apart.

This story didn’t have the underlying theme of enemies to friends which I liked as they seemed fit for each other throughout the entire story. It gave it a more heartfelt and deep connection and a more believable love story. Would 100% recommend as I couldn’t stop listening to the story!

Super cute, Hallmark style story! Love the family aspect and all the food!

At first I felt like the two stories didn't really mesh well, but they progressed very nicely and I enjoyed both the love story and the girls' "drama" with their Quinceañera.

For the audiobook side of things: I really enjoyed this narrator - she did a great job! I'd like to see if she's narrated more books!!

I love a good hallmark pub book! These feel good stories always get me right back into reading after a slump. Highly recommend

I received an arc of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 stars

There is just something about books involving food that has really been speaking to me lately. This one is about two chefs/ restaurant owners who end up competing with their menus for two different quinceaneras so they can be featured in a newspaper or magazine which would help each one in a different way. Along the way they fall in love but the competition might prove to be too much for this budding romance.

Overall I found this to be really cute and I loved how the two rival girls actually handled the situation and the growth that we see between them. The romance was also really cute but I definitely would've loved to have seen a bit more between them. Especially with the ending it just seemed really rushed and not fully believable. However it was nice to see the two work things out and not let the competition completely weigh them down. It was sweet but at times a little too rushed to fully enjoy the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

South Beach Love is about two childhood friends who reunite in their hometown when they are both asked to handle the catering for their individual nieces' quinceañeras, which happen to be on almost the exact same days. Their blossoming love is hindered when a journalist for a local magazine that could make or break their individual cooking careers decides to pit the two against each other for coverage of their events. They have to decide if their attraction to each other can overcome the unfortunate situation they've been placed in.

I really enjoyed this easy and light read, which is a good option if you're looking for a fun and low pressure storyline. The steam level is very low on this one, which makes it a perfect read for someone who enjoys cute over hot romances.

I listened to this book on audio and thought the narrator fit the story and the tone well.

Absolutely loved this story! Fun story about family , friendship, and lots of mouth watering food...Love the culture influence , two Chefs bringing in old family recipes to make the girls Quinceanera the best it can be , despite a local reporter trying to make it a competition, these two chefs may find that there's a love connection brewing as well . I would love to see this made into a movie !

I was absolutely primed to love this book... I mean, a potential Hallmark movie? Delicious Cuban cooking? A competition between two childhood friends that may be more? Sounds like a fun and light hearted read! However, South Beach Love, really failed in its execution and that was disappointing.

South Beach Love is a new book by Caridad Pineiro, a prolific writer and representative of the Cuban community who is best equipped to share a story such as this with American readers. The primary theme is the planning and orchestration of the quinceañeras for two rival young ladies. They compete in soccer, school governance, and academics.

Angelica Rodriguez, daughter of Sylvia Rodriguez, a high powered lawyer, and Esteban Rodriguez, a real estate mogul, and Samantha Kelly, whose Cuban mother, Delores, is the influence for the celebration. Delores is also a talented seamstress. Samantha’s father, Matt Kelly, would do anything for his wife and daughter, including bringing this tradition to fruition.

When Angelica’s famous New York chef uncle, Tony Sanchez, comes to Florida to carry out the meal for her quinceañera, and Samantha’s South Beach aunt, chef Sara Kelly, is brought on board to do the same for her niece, a South Beach reporter pits them, one against the other, in a competition for a major write up on their work. Both could use this publicity but at what cost? The Sanchez and Kelly families grew up in the same neighborhood, were friends and classmates, and, for Bridget and Sara Kelly the feelings were even deeper.

This is a delightful story with rich characters and a wonderful setting. Perhaps I am swayed because, although not of this descent, I am a child of South Florida. I don’t think so, though! It is because of the delightful storyline, wonderful dialogue, and lovely plot that I am a fan of this book. I very much enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it!!

Tony Sanchez is a celebrated New York chef, having recently received his first (Michelin?) star. He agrees to come back home to Miami for a month to cater his niece's quinceañera party. Sara Kelly has also agreed to cater her niece's quinceañera party, taking place the same weekend. A local reporter learns about the quinceañeras and tries to pit the two chefs against each other to earn attention for her magazine. However, the two chefs already have a burgeoning attraction between them. Can anything happen when Tony is slated to go back to New York when the parties are over.

This story was sweet and wholesome in true Hallmark style. I think my favorite part of the book is how the two girls went from being rivals to best friends. Hallmark always loves to include a recipe at the end of their books, but I don't find it believable for this recipe that a chef who has received a Michelin star would use a cake mix to make his tres leches cake with banana and coconut. Those with a love for Cuban food will love all the mouth-watering descriptions in the book. Frankie Corzo did a wonderful job narrating the audiobook.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

South Beach Love by Caridad Pineiro is so cute! This book has diversity and multi-pov's. This book shows the growing developments of teenage rivals to friends. South Beach Love is also older brothers best friend romance story what more could you want.

South Beach Love: A Feel-Good Romance from Hallmark Publishing by Caridad Pineiro
Narrated by Frankie Corzo
Publisher: Hallmark Publishing
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Multicultural Interest | Romance
Publication Date: May 24, 2021

South Beach Love by Caridad Pineiro is a beautiful romance set in Miami. I highly recommend this book!

I absolutely loved this story! It brought me home. This book reminded me of so many things I loved about living in Florida. This story revolved around food and I could actually taste the foods that were talked about. I had forgotten how much I loved Cuban toast with butter and how enjoying that with friends is such a beautiful experience.

I also found myself reminiscing about the first quinceañera I went to. Such a beautiful tradition.

The story was absolutely magical and everything you would expect from a Hallmark romance. I fell in love with each of the characters and felt like I was part of their story! I truly loved this book!

The narration by Frankie Corzo was incredible! She gave each character his/her own voice with accents and speech patterns.

I'm so grateful to Caridad Pineiro, Hallmark Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

South Beach Love is a true Hallmark-style book. It is full of family relationships, food, and love.

Executive Chef Tony Sanchez, originally from Miami, owns a Park Avenue restaurant in New York City. Chef Sara Kelly, who was inspired to cook by her Irish grandmother, owns the Miami-based eatery, Munch, specializing in small bites. Tony and Sara each agree to cater their niece's Quinceañera celebrations in Miami. Tony's niece, Angelica, and Sara's niece, Samantha, are high school rivals, so that adds to the competition. Each cook is trying to win the competition and be featured in a news article, but what will happen along the way?

It is a cute story, very predictable, but makes for light reading.#NetGalley

Hallmark is excellent at finding talent to tell stories be it through movie or books, this book is no exception. I would love to see it turned into a movie because it was so good. Perfect for summer!

Five Flavorful, Romantic Stars!
Fall in love with delectable regional and eclectic cuisine, vividly described by Caridad Pineiro in South Beach Love, as you meet Chef Tony and Chef Sara Kelly, who have a love storyline of their own. Readers of South Beach Love will be rushing, like me, to find a local Cuban restaurant. After finishing the book, I found myself craving not only dishes described in the book such as tostones with mojo sauce, but also more knowledge about Cuban culture and cuisine.
Accomplished Executive Chef Tony Sanchez, originally from Miami, owns a Park Avenue restaurant in New York City. Chef Sara Kelly, who was inspired to cook by her Irish grandmother, owns the Miami based Munch, specializing in small bites. She also learned to cook with Cuban flair from her sister-in-law. Tony and Sara each agree to cater their niece's Quinceañera fifteenth birthday celebrations in Miami, planned for different nights. Tony's niece, Angelica, and Sara's niece, Samantha, are high school rivals, though, so that adds flavor to the spicy story about celebration, competition, cooking, and community connections in Little Havana. There is potential for one chef to be featured in a Miami news article.
PIneiro excels at vibrant descriptive imagery of setting, food, decor, and relationships. Narrator Frankie Corzo's pleasant voice blends perfectly for a pleasing listening experience. Whether it's a romantic date night at an oceanside Miami restaurant or preparation of ramekins of flan with caramel, your senses will enjoy being in the moment with these two chefs. A bonus is a surprise recipe, featuring two of my favorite flavors, banana and coconut!

Thank you to Net Galley, Hallmark Publishing, and Dreamscape Media for an Advance Reader's copy audiobook, and I'm happy to provide my review.
#SouthBeachLove #NetGalley

4 stars

Offering sweetness and spice in equal measures, South Beach Love is chock full of romance, friendship, and tons of mouthwatering cooking montages. It is a love letter to both Miami and the traditions of its Cuban community.

Caridad Pineiro does a fantastic job of bringing the tight-knit neighborhood Little Havana to life, giving the book wonderful local color. The romance that blossoms between chefs Tony and Sara as they prepare for their nieces' respective quinceaneras is really sweet and the additional side romances are a wonderful bonus. I also really appreciated that this subverted the trope of the girl being the one who has come back to her hometown. This is my favorite Hallmark book that I have read so far and I sincerely hope that this gets turned into a future Summer Nights movie!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review!

South Beach Love is VERY in the Hallmark realm. It had family, relationships, food, and romance. It was a fun read and I liked it, very predictable.

I was so hungry as I was reading this book! The receipes, the food, I could almost taste it! I don't think I have ever read a book this focused on the food the characters were preparing, but I am here for it.
Award winning Chef Tony Sanchez is back in Little Havana for his niece's big party. He is helping his sister plan and also prepare the food for the party.When he gets home, he realizes just how much he misses his family. He also runs into an old college friend, Rick, who tells Tony to go visit his sister's restaurant, Munch. He remembers Sara from when they were younger and always liked her a lot. He wasn't aware that she was a chef too, and when he tastes her food, he realizes she is amazing.
Sara has always had a thing for her brother's friend Tony, so when he shows up at Munch wanting to taste her food, she is all flustered. She will also be cooking for her niece's party, and the two girls are rivals. Feelings quickly become involved and Sara is left wondering how badly she will break when Tony goes back to New York.
Tony has other plans, he is taken by Sara and can't let her go, but will the two of them be able to conquer all of the obstacles put in their way and a long distance relationship? This book was so heartwarming and cute, but did I mention the food? It made the book. This was a very clean romance, which is what I expected from a Hallmark book. I loved how it set us up for the rest of the characters in the book to get their own stories.
The narrator did a great job and I loved the accents. The book was very low angst and just a feel good listen. Thank you to Netgalley, Caridad Pineiro and Hallmark Publishing for an early audio copy.