The Best Man's Problem Sera Taíno is a forthcoming release from Harlequin Special Editions. It's coming out on February 21st which is just in time to be a late Valentine's Day gift for avid romance readers. This is the first book I've read by this author. This title is the second in that Navarro family series, but I hadn't read the first book and it didn't present a problem for me.

This book begins with wedding arrangements. Phillip and Val are getting married, and Étienne Galois is the best man. Rafael Navarro is a groomsman. Normally, this wouldn't present a problem, but the two men shared a kiss in the past that was heated and impulsive.

Rafael fled from the connection in spite of the fact that it was amazing because he just doesn't "do" impulsive. High School teacher Rafael is a planner, he likes to control where he's headed - and possibly there's more going on that he doesn't want to deal with.

Étienne is almost Rafael's opposite. He's impulsive and fluid, moving through life and letting it take him on an adventure. The fact that Étienne survived the horrendous earthquakes in Haiti has prompted him to live his life freely; he's a free spirit and wants to go where life takes him.

The two men are thrown together when Val asks them to partner up on the best man duties. Étienne is a busy photographer and Rafael can provide some back up. Secretly it seems, the friends are determined that Étienne and Rafael would be a great couple but that's not in the cards for the two reluctant co-planners.

The attraction between them is undeniable and soon they are expanding their partnership beyond working on a Bachelor party. When hearts get involved, things get complicated and Rafael bolts once more.

This book is rich in diversity! There are some lovely descriptions off Caribbean, and Latinx culture, food, family... it's got a great feel to it. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the way that MC's respective cultures were woven into the story.

This is a great HEA and I enjoyed it.

I did have some minor issues with some of the language choices. I found that some of the language was a bit overly descriptive for my liking... there were a few odd word choices. The author, at one point, referred to eyes as pellucid and although it was meant to be complementary all I could think of was Pellucid Marginal Degeneration which gives peoples' eyes a clouded and bizarre look.

Overall, a solid story.

Sera Taíno is a new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this book. While some familiar phrases were written in an unusual manner, they did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. I have not read A Delicious Dilemma (M/F), the first book in the Navarros series, but I had no problems picking up where this book begins. The story was fun and heartwarming, making my eyes sometimes tear up. The characters had depth, and once I started reading, I had to keep going until the end.

Both of our MCs have tragedies in their pasts that have heavily impacted the choices they make in their everyday lives. While the author could have turned this book into a high-angst read, it was done so that I understood and felt each of their pain but wasn’t overwhelmed by it. And while the Navarro family immigrated to the US from Puerto Rico one generation back, and Rafi and his family’s loss is not to be diminished, Étienne’s immigration from Haiti at age 18 was based on real-world tragedy and devastation I remember from the news.

Étienne’s exuberance and seemingly haphazardness threaten the forced dogmatic structure of Rafi’s existence. Rafi fears the consequences of giving up control of his strict routines could be devastating. For the first time, Étienne feels unaccepted by someone outside of his family’s judgment. After a disastrous first experience, they must learn to work together and somehow navigate the feelings that are building inside.

This is a slow-burn romance, with misguided guilt and insecurities thwarting happiness at what seems like every pass. When they finally give in to their desires, they heat up the pages and we see Rafi finally let go of his inhibitions. Although it goes sideways at the pivotal point, things are finally righted before it’s too late.

This was a queer-friendly atmosphere, with both families fully supporting their children’s right to love whom they love. Without being a fluent Spanish or Creole/French reader, I did miss a bit of the conversation here and there, but I recognized enough words and context not to be left unsatisfied. We get a wonderful happily ever after, and I look forward to seeing what else Taíno has in store.

Happy reading!

* I received an ARC of this Harlequin book from NetGalley. *

I was provided an arc e-copy by the publisher Harlequin special edition by the author
Sera Taíno so I can give a honest review thank you so much so I can give a honest review.

When I saw the cover of The Best Man's Problem I knew I had to request I was so thrilled when I got approved. I have enjoyed reading books by Sera Taíno. I finished reading this gem off a book a few hours. I will buy a physical book and ebook as well. 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟











Happy Reading
Lisa 📚

This passion-filled rekindling story was so well done. I loved that the author put different languages in. I feel that it really helped the story.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Publisher for this advanced copy.

First thing first... I didn't really like the cover...
But, then, when I started read this book, I couldn't stop. I finished this 281 pages in a day. Yes, the storytelling was so good, so the book wasn't cheesy and cringey at all. The relationship dynamic between Étienne and Ravi was so realistic to me. I loved how Sera Taino wrote the characters' feelings and problems, just made me felt the same way.

Overall, I really loved and enjoyed reading this book. I am gonna check the first book about Val because God, she was such a sunshine.

I received a copy for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story. It is part 2 of the Navarros Series, so it begins with events directly from the first book. Even though I didn't read the first book, I could still follow the story without getting lost. The main characters, Rafi and Etienne had chemistry and history. I was routing for them from the beginning. The story progressed nicely, was funny, entertaining and emotional is some parts. I'm glad they get a happy ending. I would enjoy reading more LGBTQ+ stories from this author.

Sera Taino is a new author for me. And this book is a wonderful introduction to her work. An engaging, passion-filled story of two men who are opposites in many ways, but who are actually perfect for each other. It was quite fun watching their relationship rekindle after a passionate kiss shared between them. When Rafi ghosts Etienne afterwards, it shakes Etienne up. But then they get together through the manipulation of Rafi's sister who is marrying Etienne's best friend. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and loved how the Taino threw in Spanish and Creole dialogue in. It helped to provide an authentic flavor to the story. I intend to read more of her work.