I absolutely loved this book, and it will easily rank in my 2022/2023 favorites. There were so many good, intentional choices here: my favorite was the lack of translation. I think it was such an authentic way of sharing that cultural note, and it makes me angry when publishers make authors translate every thing for english-speaking-only readers: that part of the book is meant for those who understand it, if that makes sense. I also loved the lack of graphic sex, as this is a book for (presumably) young adults, and the intimacy that was described was so tastefully done. I also loved how easy it was for Ander to be non-binary. It wasn't the crux of the book, it was just great representation. I am beyond excited to see what Jonny Garza Villa writes next.

Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I enjoyed this books so much! Ander decides to stay home from college for a year to work with Beautify and be able to create murals and art around San Antonio. One day they meet Santi, the cute new boy their family hired to work at their taqueria! Ander and Santi grow closer, Santi helping Ander with their art! But Santi is undocumented and ICE is breathing down their necks. Can these two make it work? I am a big fan of Jonny Garza Villa’s work and this book was no different! Jonny has a way of writing connections between the main characters that I can’t describe! I feel all the feels for them! I think that they create deep meaningful relationships and have the characters fight through obstacles for each other! I just love the way they write the relationships between characters! I also really enjoy that the main characters have such strong support systems in their lives! I think there are a lot of people that are going to be able to relate to the struggles that Ander and Santi face and a lot of people who will be seen with these characters! I’m predicting great things for this book! Absolutely a must read for 2023!