I really enjoyed this book, even though it made me seethe with rage. You see, Rose is a woman in a world where women have no agency. She’s trying to own and run a business, and is interacting with men who see women as objects for them to use and nothing more. It’s infuriating.

And Luna, is a person of color in a world in which people who are less than lily-white aren’t really considered people at all. Her family ekes out space in an unwanted portion of the city that they are well aware they’ll be pushed out of as soon as some white person wants it. Worse, Luna’s brother is furious at her perceived “privileges” because she can pass for white. It is a tenuous, anxiety-ridden passing, in which she is afraid constantly and can’t even acknowledge her own family, and he doesn’t understand the intersectionality of being both a woman and a person of color. But sure. It’s passing.

Did I mention that Rose and Luna are the same person? It’s enough to tip anyone over the edge into madness.

Here are the facts: Luna is determined to open her own Jazz club in the middle of Prohibition and she knows she’s going to have to align with mobsters and other shady characters to do that. But she needs to do it without having any of those shady men decide that she’s going to give up more than she’s willing to. Because Luna also has a secret: she’s a witch whose only magic is that she can use her charms to sway men to her cause. Unfortunately, it’s a double-edge sword because once she’s enthralled them, they’re hard to get rid of.

tl;dr is: This book is a good story that was worth reading. It also pissed me the hell off. Which was maybe the author’s point. If so, she’s certainly made it.

This is a great story about finding oneself and self-identity. Without explicitly mentioning it, code-switching is a huge focus throughout the book not only for the MC but also for a lot of the cast.
Sprinkle in some magic, bootlegging, and the underbelly of Kansas City, Missouri, and it's definitely a 10 out of 10 for me. I would consider this New Adult/General Adult Fiction. I don't think the characters' ages are explicitly mentioned, but it's definitely very sex-forward without being spicy.

I unfortunately had to DNF this one at about 15%.
The concept drew me in, and I could tell even reading only a few chapters that this writer had done meticulous research. This book had so much potential.
But I believe the writer was let down by her editors. The writing here needed excessive trimming. From page 1, the novel was repetitive to the point of insanity which is why I couldn’t continue reading. Information and ideas were repeated mere sentences or paragraphs from each other. A close reading editor should have caught this and trimmed the story up.

With bootlegging gangsters, jazz, flapper dresses, and a bit of bruja magic, "Bindle Punk Bruja" by Desideria Mesa is one entertaining read! I love historical fiction with a touch of magic! Luna/Rose is one of my favorite literary characters of the year; she is smart, ambitious, and tough as nails. The author's quality writing deftly unveils a complex plot that is compulsively readable. Even with the magical elements, the characters were vivid and realistic, and they came alive from the pages. Though set during the Prohibition Era, the characters face timely issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism. At its heart, this book is about people who are just trying to make in in a world into which they don't quite fit. It's about people striving to be true to themselves in a world that doesn't approve of who they are.

This book starts slow, but it definitely picks up and is worth the slow burn at the beginning. It's a memorable book with characters that will stay with me.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy of this magical book in exchange for my honest review.

By day she is a reporter for the Kansas City Star. By night she is the tough but charming owner of the River Rose, a speakeasy. Her mother is a Mexican immigrant, her father a white businessman; Rose lives in two worlds. But all she wants to do is run the hottest jazz club and juice joint in KC. She has to fight prejudices, corruption, and greed to get there, but she has a secret weapon. Rose Lane is a Bruja, an earth witch with her own brand of charm.

Bindle Punk Bruja is the debut novel by Desideria Mesa. This historic prohibition-era fiction is a flashback to the Roaring 20s. The lingo and attitudes fit the times like a short skirt on a flapper. Mesa attacks racism, sexism, and homophobia with solid characters and a protagonist that ain't no Dumb Dora. Mesa is a master of descriptive prose, transporting the reader to a smoky bar without being too wordy or boring. The way she illustrates the smells and tastes of her mother's kitchen is enough to make anyone hungry. Bindle Punk Bruja is the "bee's knees" and the "cat's meow."

3.5ish

This is a historical fantasy set in the 1920's and tells the story of a white-passing, half-Mexican woman who wants to own and run her own club. She is driven and independent and also possesses magic that allows her to "charm" and basically mind read. The 1920's aesthetic is very much there with descriptions of fashion, politics, and spoken accents. This book also takes a fiercely feminist lens as the main character fights the patriarchy, is very independent, sexually liberated, and encourages all of her friends to accept and stand up for themselves when they are attacked (literally) for being gay, female, or Mexican.

This is an easy-to-read, rollicking tale with gangsters and one night stands, but it also deals with racial violence, domestic violence, and homophobia. I enjoyed it a lot, but by the end of the book I was a little bored with the story being one precarious situation after another. I wanted a stronger through line that felt less episodic. The journey wasn't as satisfying as I'd hoped.

Sexual violence? Yes. Other content warnings? Racial violence, racism, homophobia, torture, fire, guns, misogyny, domestic violence, some gore.

Bindle Punk Bruja is the debut novel of Desideria Mesa which combines historical fiction set in the Roaring 1920’s with a little witchcraft.  Rose has a secret identity hidden deep down just like her popular speakeasy, she is actually Luna who is pretending the Mexican half of her identity doesn’t exist so she can make a living since her immigrant family are thought of as “bindle punks” or bums.  Many of the other characters are also hiding secrets whether it be their religion or sexual orientation.  Luna’s earth magic is a metaphor for this, although her grandmother is a powerful bruja (witch), Luna’s magic is weaker in comparison, she can make men fall in love with her but believes she lacks the power to do more, it is only when she opens herself fully and connects with her roots that she finds her magic blossoms.  She’ll needed that magic to keep her and those she loves safe from harm.  The twenties slang throughout was amusing and there were many enjoyable characters; I particularly was charmed by the Luna’s business partner Heck.  I also appreciated that the novel brings light to groups who were often hidden and discriminated against during that time period.  Check out Bindle Punk Bruja and fall under its spell.

"I am who I say I am. "

Set in 1920's Kansas City this book follows the main character, Rose. She runs a popular underground bootlegger and gambling club. But is also Luna Alvarado. That's her Mexican family name. She is a white passing earth witch. who can charm anyone she hooks up with. That means most white men in her case. and give her some power and need to protect her.

Her club employs black and brown employees. Not to mention her brother and a gay rich white man. It puts her and her family on the line. And the tension builds when she begins drawing too much attention. From the criminals to white greedy leaders. Each of them wants to put her in place. Below them. I was rooting for all of them to survive these horrific interactions that were impossible to avoid.

Rose is a totally daring and brave female character. Every move she made throughout this book is full of tension. Each realistic action protects against hatred. One most white men held against anyone who defied their rules.

Every character deserved a happy ending. They all got in their own ways some trust. Overall this was hopeful and adventurous.

This review is a slightly different version of my review on my bookstragram page @escapismforlife that you can find linked below

I thought this book was fantastic! It dealt with deep topics such as racism, homophobia, colorism, etc. in such a new and thrilling way. I also particularly loved the vibes.

The prose were amazing, and I really liked Luna as a character. I didn't love the swanky dialogue, but I think that is just the era it was set in. Overall, I thought this was an interesting story.

Sex positivity, feminism, diversity, and witchy magical realism🖤. This historical fantasy has it all.
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Rose is the white-passing daughter of a Mexican immigrant mother. Her real name is Luna, but she must keep this and the bruja part of her identity a secret in order to survive as an independent businesswoman in 1920s Kansas City. As an illegal jazz club owner and part-time reporter, Rose must walk a dangerous line while negotiating deals with bootleggers and mobsters. She casts love spells to manipulate shady men, but will her magic be enough to protect her family?
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Mesa expertly handles numerous complex subjects in this book including sexism, racism, and homophobia. Rose’s
run-ins with mobsters and the KKK were absolutely chilling. She is a lone wolf boss lady who is not afraid to stand up for herself.
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I read and listened to this book. The narration is wonderful, and I loved hearing the 1920s inflection on some phrases used during that time. Thank you to @harpervoyagerus , @netgalley , @librofm , and @harperaudio for these digital ARCs in exchange for an honest review.
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Bindle Punk Bruja - Desideria Mesa
4/5⭐️

So what allured me to this book was obviously the fact that it considered to be somewhat of a fantasy being as the MC is an earth witch. Set in the 1920"s she's trying to make her own way without having to depend on a man. But building a business in a world ran by men is no easy feat. It seems every time Rose is about to finally make a step forward someone comes knocking on her door and pushes her back two steps.

With the help of her neighbor, the well respected Heck Kessler, Rose is finally able to get into the sort of nightclub where she can retain control, not having to answer to any sort of upper level mobsters who are all involved in some sort of way with all of the underground clubs.

Rose is also only part witch, will she be able to learn to use her magic to an extent where it'll benefit in this man's world ? The book was a great and detailed read. I would say my only complaint would be the length of the book chapters. They were extremely long but had lots of detailed information to add to world building and the establishment of character personalities. All in all I give the book a 3.75 leaving me to put it a 4 star review.

I started this and felt like it was written by someone who watched a few episodes of Drunk History and then threw in some vague LGBT stereotypes about the 19020s and sprinkled in a bit of Mexican folklore.

I'll pass.

It has been a long time since I’ve come upon a book that I knew was not going to get better no matter how much I read of it. I was really looking forward to this one since there is so much about it that I normally enjoy; the 1920’s, magic, history, and Latinx characters.

To start off it was so depressing and really hit one in the face with Luna being out of sorts with her family and the rest of her world because of her lighter skin. And then it jumped from depressing to confusing. There are so many issues that are being tackled that it felt as if the author wanted to throw all of her opinions and research into one book in case this is the only one that she wrote. There are also so many questions that don’t get answered especially when it comes to the magic aspect.

There is just too much going on in Bindle Punk Bruja. If Desideria Mesa had decided to turn this into a four or five book series (even with spin-offs of some of the characters, like Heck), I could see it turning out really well. Or maybe even changing it to a historical novel since there is so much research done. Or switch it to fantasy or a story with magical realism… I don’t know. Lots of potential, but her editors let her down on this one.

I enjoyed the idea of "Bindle Punk Bruja" a bit more than the execution of first time author Desideria Mesa was able to provide. I absolutely loved that this was a story of half Mexican, half white main character Luna (something I have in common) and that it takes place in Kansas City, (not far from where I was born and went to college).

I think that Luna's story gets more interesting around the 60% mark and that was when I couldn't put the book down to see what was happening in the tangled web of Luna's life. Some of the 20s vernacular threw me a bit, because I didn't expect it but it made reading the book feel more authentic. Especially combining with the malevolent forces of the time racist homing laws, corrupt politicians and even the Klan.

Overall I enjoyed this book quite a bit and thank you so much to NetGalley, Desideria Mesa and Harper Voyager for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 stars

I have a few problems with this book. First, it’s set in the 1920s, but the characters talk like the modern era. They are calling out sexism and racism in a way that pulls you out of the story. Second, the heroine’s narrative feels like a Kate Daniel’s novel. She is sassy and irreverent, but again, unclear how a woman of the 20s would be this way. Third, she has sex with a guy she put a love spell on, so I’m pretty sure she’s a rapist? I’m just not sure what’s going on here.

Unfortunately I did not enjoy the writing style of this book. I could immediately tell it wasn't for me with its lack of exposition. instead there's a lot of tension dumped on the reader that just made for an unenjoyable open I couldn't make myself push through. A dnf at 10%

Come for the historical fiction, stay for the magical realism. A good debut book that could use a little finesse, but absolutely a new author to watch. The first half of the book seemed to drag, but then picked up in the last half. The characters were well thought out but lacked something I just can't put my finger on.

I made it 40% of the way through this book, but I don't know that I'll finish. The dialogue is rife with 20s era slang, and rather than immersing me in the setting, I constantly have to stop and try to figure out what the words mean. It's a fine line with historical fiction (especially for an era where it's easy enough to simply pick up a book written then), For me, at least, the author's stylistic choices were not successful. and the story is not compelling enough to override that (I was hoping for more magic). However, I'm well aware this is largely a matter of personal preference. It's not a poorly written book and I hope it finds its audience.

Summary: We follow Luna/Rose in her endeavour to own an illegal jazz club set in the 1920s. She must skirt monsters, gangsters, and businessmen which despise her and her culturally diverse staff. She has a passion, a dream, and she is bound to make it work through it all.

Review: Although, rule one is to not talk about jazz club, we must. I really enjoyed the time this story was set in and I liked Luna/Rose's character and her drive. What I did not like so much was the lack of motive for what these gangsters and businessmen were doing except for it being racially driven. It could've been much deeper and more personal than this motive. Alot of it was just surface level and there was very little risk factor which made me want to keep reading The book. Overall my score for this book is 3.75/5.

Extended Breakdown:
Story: 3/5
Characters: 2.5/5
Setting: 4/5

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"Boardwalk Empire meets The Vanishing Half with a touch of earth magic in this sexy and action-packed historical fantasy set in the luminous Golden Twenties from debut author Desideria Mesa, where a part-time reporter and club owner takes on crooked city councilmen, mysterious and deadly mobsters, and society's deeply rooted sexism and racism, all while keeping her true identity and magical abilities hidden - inspired by an ancient Mexican folktale.

Yo soy quien soy. I am who I am.

Luna - or depending on who's asking, Rose - is the white-passing daughter of an immigrant mother who has seen what happens to people from her culture. This world is prejudicial, and she must hide her identity in pursuit of owning an illegal jazz club. Using her cunning powers, Rose negotiates with dangerous criminals as she climbs up Kansas City’s bootlegging ladder. Luna, however, runs the risk of losing everything if the crooked city councilmen and ruthless mobsters discover her ties to an immigrant boxcar community that secretly houses witches. Last thing she wants is to put her entire family in danger.

But this bruja with ever-growing magical abilities can never resist a good fight. With her new identity, Rose, an unabashed flapper, defies societal expectations all the while struggling to keep her true self and witchcraft in check. However, the harder she tries to avoid scrutiny, the more her efforts eventually capture unwanted attention. Soon, she finds herself surrounded by greed and every brand of bigotry - from local gangsters who want a piece of the action and businessmen who hate her diverse staff to the Ku Klux Klan and Al Capone. Will her earth magic be enough to save her friends and family? As much as she hates to admit it, she may need to learn to have faith in others - and learning to trust may prove to be her biggest ambition yet."

On this past season of Charmed there was an episode involving a magic night club in the 1920s, "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Sandwich," which made me want all the magic and all the 20s nightclubs, which means I was desperate for this book. Desperate I say!