Musings:

This book has become my all time favorite book I’ve ever read. It has been a long time since I even read a contender to add to my list of all time favorites. Let alone to find a book that would steal that #1 spot. To be fair Rafi wouldn’t have had it any other way.

When I first opened this book I was waiting for my boyfriend to finish helping his sister so we could continue the movie we had been watching together. I read the first chapter of this while he was away and immediately I was sobbing. I opened this book thinking this would be an adorable contemporary love story with boys who love mariachi and while it is that still it is so much more.

In the very first chapter Rafi loses his Abuleo. It personally crushed me because I was in the hospital with my dad just like Rafi does with his abuelo and I sang to my dad after he had a particularly bad stroke and couldn’t recognize me. Rafi wants to use his singing to bring home another gold trophy to make his abuelo proud. The way music is a living part of him and his connection to his abuelo made my heart ache because it is similar for me and my dad. Even though my dad is still with me and I haven’t lost him yet, remembering that day in the hospital, singing to him, I felt more heartbroken then I’d ever felt and so from the very first chapter I felt connected to Rafi deeply.

Rafi is messy in his grief and he makes choices that hurt people for the sake of thinking it’s the right thing to do out a fear that was borne from his sadness. His back and forth with Rey especially in the beginning of the book broke my heart, but I also understood it. Canto Contigo is such a beautiful encapsulation of grief and what it means to struggle with it.

I loved how even though his Abuelo has passed on, his abuelo has a huge living presence throughout the book. Rafi receives advice from his abuelo throughout the novel via an old Calavera (skeleton) figure that was passed down from his abuelo. Rafi hears his abuelos advice and the way his abuelo is with Rafi at the end of the book was one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever read.

I loved how much Spanish is in this book and it’s left for you to either know the words or look it up. I enjoyed learning new words and being pleasantly surprised when I realized that I knew a lot more then I thought I did. Spanish is unapologetically a part of this manuscript and it’s perfect in every way as part of this novel.

I loved the discussions of sexuality in this book. I loved that it was about being in love and claiming a space that they have every right to claim that has long had homophobia as a part of it and shattering those ideas.

I want to talk more about Rey and Ravi’s love story and who they are as characters and the growth they go through together and how much I loved them, but this is a story that deserves to be read for yourself. I don’t want to spoil it or any of the major things that happen. All you really need to know it’s beautiful.

A Note:

Also, I wanted to say that while I am white I was raised in a Hispanic household. I grew up listening to Spanish being spoken at home. Eating pupusas and drinking jarritos. My dad always would play mariachi music and when we’d go to the swat meet or to church fiestas I’d always watch mariachi perform and I would be a part of the sea of people that were dancing, clapping, and cheering. Even though I don’t feel I can claim Mexican culture for my own, it is the culture I grew up with. This book felt so true to me also because I connect to it on such a personal level.

Also I loved the authors note. I knew that by them saying that I didn’t ever have to read this book because I’d felt grief in my life that I absolutely had to read this book. While they were right that it would hurt, it was a beautiful healing hurt. I appreciate Jonny so much for their beautiful words.

Afterward: I was not intending to write a review today. I wasn’t intending to finish this book today. This review happened because last night after being 10% of the way through for a few days I decided to continue this and it had me in a chokehold I had to force myself away from when it was 3am and I was at 50%. I was supposed to write about April’s book releases today, but this book had other plans. I will always have this book inside my heart.

Another big hearted, make you laugh through your tears winner from Jonny Garza Villa. Lead singer Rafie Alvarez has only ever been center stage- in mariachi, in his abuelo’s heart, and in his own mind. But when his abuelo dies from Parkinson’s the same year Rafie’s family moves three hours away from his hometown & 3x national champion mariachi group, Rafie has to learn to share the stage. If his ego, perfectionism, and grief, will let him that is. Lovers to rivals to lovers hijinx ensue with Jonny’s signature big cast of beloved, funny af friends & family & a winning love interest in Rey, a trans mariachi who is a literal saint for putting up with the (un)believably flawed Rafie.

A love letter to mariachi, abuelos, putting in the work, and above all love. Highly recommend. 5 stars.

4.5 - “How do I be happy again when I’ve let down the people who made me happier than I’ve ever been?”

This is such a beautiful story of grief, gender identity, and perseverance. Rafie is struggling with the death of his grandfather and a move to a new school, away from his champion mariachi group. He’s bitter and upset, and expects to be handed lead vocalist. At the beginning, hems definitely difficult to root for. He’s a bit spoiled and entitled, and Rey is definitely not going to give up his rightfully earned position of lead vocalist easily.

What’s so incredible about this story is the way that it explores grief and gender identity in teenagers. It’s not so cut and dry, and the way both Rafie and Rey act seem so typical of people their age. They don’t always handle their emotions or react well, so a lot of their interactions and conflicts feel realistic. Rafie’s arc is also so well done. He is in a completely different place by the end, adjusting to his new school and life, as well as the death of his grandfather.

Villa also does such a great job with Rey's trans representation, as well as all of the LGBTQ representation throughout the story. I think that young adult stories with this representation are so important. They weren't around when I was in high school and I know a lot of people who would have benefited from being able to see themselves represented so well in media. The way it's portrayed here is that it's just another fact of life and not something to be ashamed about.

This was such a beautiful book, and I will read anything Jonny Garza Villa writes.

Great story really enjoyed the writing from this author for this book. Thus author knows how to write and the main characters did not disappoint.

Canto Contigo is my first Jonny Garza Villa book, but it won’t be my last. When Rafie, a Texas high school mariachi king, loses his abuelo, he is devastated. His goal is to continue to make his abuelo proud by carrying on his mariachi family heritage. But what Rafie doesn’t anticipate is having to transfer to another high school for his senior year—the school that has come in second to his high school for the last three years at the big Mariachi Extravaganza competition. Rafie assumes that he’ll slide right into lead vocalist of the new school’s second place mariachi band and continue his winning ways…what he doesn’t anticipate is a fellow musician who is also a great vocalist and a teacher who wants to make him better. Oh and his vocal competition is the hottie he hooked up with at last year’s Extravaganza. Will Rafie learn something and continue his abuelo’s traditions or will he be so frustrated that he gives up?

This story had great characters and I loved all the cultural parts of Rafie’s mariachi heritage. I loved how Garza handled the homophobia and transphobia in this young adult way. I can’t wait to read another one of his stories that bring the LGBTQIA+ young people to the front and center.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I've been meaning to read a Jonny Garza Villa book for ages, and this did not disappoint. I loved this book. My favourite romances are ones that go deep and this rivals to lovers YA romance explored grief, homophobia, transphobia and mental health in a nuanced and beautiful way. Rafie is an asshole for most of the book, he's struggling with the loss of his abuelo and the idea that he must win at all costs to honour his abuelo's wishes. I like that Garza Villa didn't shy away from having Rafie be a self-centered jerk at times. It was refreshing to see, frustrating at times, but ultimately worth it. It's a realistic journey with setbacks and poor choices that Rafie has to grapple with, I do wish we had seen more of Rey, I would have loved to see his POV because it was difficult especially near the beginning to understand why Rey was still interested in Rafie.

I know next to nothing about Mariachi and I was worried that would affect my enjoyment, but it didn't. Missing a few references and not knowing any of the songs didn't matter (though I will be listening to them soon for the full effect).

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves queer romance and especially music lovers.

Canto Contigo. What a gorgeous, gorgeous novel. Sometimes I love YA because it reminds me of how I was as a teen, always thinking the world rested on my shoulders. Holding myself to impossible standards (something I still do today), and feeling all consuming crush and want for someone.

Rafie, in my opinion, was a lot like me. I thought his heartbreak over the loss of his grandfather, the person he loved most in the world, was so relatable. His mental health days. My heart. I just wanted to hug him. It was obvious he was trying to protect himself.

Rey, oh how I loved Rey! Wanting to prove himself. Falling for Rafie. His unwavering belief in them together. When Rafie hurt Rey, I felt devastated and could totally understand his distance.

I loved the new group of friends who accepted Rafie even when he wasn’t at his best. I loved watching Rafie’s growth. And honestly, Rey’s growth too. Lovely!

This novel was a love letter to Mexican heritage and culture, and it was beautiful. I loved so much of this. And when they kissed again I was like FINALLY!!!! Their grand gesture of a reunion was gorgeous and heartfelt.

Loved that ending so much! This was a beautiful book. While the trans rights readathon is over, I don’t plan to stop reading trans stories. I hope you don’t either!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨ Review ✨ Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa; Narrated by Alejandro Antonio Ruiz

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, Macmillan Audio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

Okay, I'm absolutely obsessed with this book. I'm a sucker for any books set in San Antonio, if we're being honest, but there's just something so special about the way Garza Villa captures this place and the stories of his characters.

Rafie Alvarez, teen mariachi star, has a lot to grapple with -- the death of his beloved abuelo, his family moving from North Amistad (the center of his family and their legendary mariachi status), and his arrival in San Antonio at the Selena Quintanilla-Perez Academy, where Mariachi Todos Colores already has a lead vocalist. ...and the lead vocalist is Rey Chavez—the boy Rafie made out with in the first chapter of the book! The perfect set up of lots of tension of all varieties!

Rafie finding his place in a new city, a new school, and a new circle of friends is just so poignantly written. At times, he's a bit of a total jerk and very unlikeable, but in a way that felt very real, as you try to find your way as part of a larger whole.

The book is guaranteed to make you laugh and cry and love and mourn across its pages. Especially memorable are scenes with his abuelo's calavera figure that speaks to him (love this touch of magical realism), the open mic night (set somewhere special to me and to this story!), and so much queer and trans rep throughout the book!

A giant kudos to Garza Villa for writing another magical book!

PS: The audio and print copies are both fantastic -- either/both are a great choice!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: m/m YA romance, trans rep
Setting: San Antonio, Texas
Reminds me of: Garza Villa's other books
Pub Date: April 9, 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ mariachi & Selena & Bad Bunny and more
⭕️ your abuelo
⭕️ queer love
⭕️ coming-of-age stories

rafie never expected to leave behind his mariachi band right before his senior year. what’s more, he didn’t expect to not get the role of lead singer at his new school…instead, that position goes to rey, the boy that rafie made out with after last year’s competition. rafie is determined to best him, but his feelings won’t stop getting in the way.

i adored ander & santi were here last year, so i was very excited to read the author’s newest book! this had its heavy moments, as rafie is dealing with the grief from his grandfather’s death and wanting to honor his memory. i thought this aspect was depicted well and handled with respect. however, it also had fun moments, especially when the mariachi competitions happened. i loved learning more about mariachi and seeing rafie’s relationship to it develop. he and rey also had a great relationship development and i was so invested the whole time.

i highly recommend this to YA romance readers!

While I wouldn't call myself a die-hard fan of mariachi music, I do appreciate its cultural significance. In fact, I even had a mariachi band play at my wedding. But let me tell you, "Canto Contigo" changed everything for me. The way this book had me curating playlists inspired by its heartfelt melodies was unexpected, to say the least. Rafie and Rey's journey defied stereotypes and embraced their true passions, challenging the constraints of machismo along the way. As someone who craves diverse representation, I found solace in the vibrant portrayal of Latinx and QTBIPOC characters in these pages. These stories are not only beautiful; they're essential.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for the eARC

3.5 stars rounded up. There's so much to love about this book. I was hooked on the cast of characters and really enjoyed learning more about Mariachi. The only thing I struggled with was the main character, Rafie. I definitely don't think it's unrealistic to make teenage MCs self-centered and entitled and messy. But Rafie was so frustrating! He spends so much of the book being such a jerk. And yes he has reasons, but he still chooses over and over again to put himself first at the expense of other people. The romance was tricky because there was so much I felt was wonderful, but Rey (the love interest) being so completely amazing and Rafie treating him so badly for so long was rough. I was particularly frustrated by the third act low point, because Rafie had already been such a jerk for so much of the book. I think the romance would have worked better if Rey had been the one to struggle towards the end and Rafie had been there to boost him up, instead of it always being the other way around. Still, there was enough to love that I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

What a special story! After Raphael’s abuelo passes away while he is at Mariachi competition he makes it his mission to win again and keep his grandfather legacy going. When his parents move him to a new school and he has to win with a team that has never won the competition he may have his work cut out for himself. Especially when he gets there and his last year’s competition hookup is the lead singer and he has to be his backup…

I love a story that works through grief in different ways and what losing your person does to all aspects of your life and attitude. So even though I understood where Rafi was coming from he was a bit exhausting- and made me question his love interest a smidge. The grief aspects were my favorite and definitely hit me in the chest 😭

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an eARC.

DNF. I really liked the premise but the writing did not work for me at all. It wouldn't be fair to the book if I finished reading and gave it a low rating.

4 stars

While I have little background in Mariachi stars, I do have some Jonny Garza Villa knowledge, and I'm an incoming fan. So, this was an obvious addition to my immediate reading list.

Rafie and Rey are at the center of this charming and sweet YA romance. Rafie is a competitive mariachi star who has to leave his big fish in a small pond life when he's forced to transfer schools. Rafie should really have known things would work out because the new school is called Selena Quintanilla-Perez Academy, and this is an obvious sign of impending success and excitement. Rey is already holding down the mariachi fort at SQ-P Academy, so the two develop an instant rivalry...with chemistry!

Though they definitely reflect some of the saddest parts of the novel, I loved every mention of Rafie's recently departed abuelo. This added a layer of complexity to what could have otherwise become a bit of a one-note (yep, intended) romance. The representation also really appeals to me here, and it's one of the many reasons that I'll be recommending this book to students.

This is another hit from this author, and I look forward to reading what JGV produces next!

this was an arc from netgalley, gotta say that this was not as sad as i expected it to be. it was comforting in a way , knowing that there’s always an after and that we don’t cease to exist after a loss. loved the singing loved the bonds loved the kissing a bit too. overall 3.75 could be higher ngl if i weren’t dehydrated the whole time i was reading 😔

Unfortunately, I did not love this. I am a huge fan of Jonny’s but I never connected with Rafie. I also had trouble connecting with the story as a whole. I think the best part of the entire novel was Rey. I fucking loved him. But at a certain point I just couldn’t root for these two and the story felt oddly predictable.

Canto Contigo is one of my favorite books of 2024! It follows Rafie’s journey, a Mariachi who is devastated after the death of his abuelo. When he is transferred for his senior year, Rafie is desperate to regain his status as the frontman for his school’s Mariachi group. The only problem is Rey. Rey has come up through the group for years and was slated to be the lead. As Rafie and Rey battle for the role, chemistry sparks between them. Rafie will have to decide if anything matters more than winning in this heartfelt story.

I loved this book! Jonny Garza Villa is now an auto-buy author for me. They always create such vivid and realistic characters. Rafie is a force that is determined to win at all costs. Underneath this drive is a deep sense of mourning and grief for his abuelo. I loved the little skull that Rafie had conversations with. Rey is a more sensitive soul who has fought to find his place in Mariachi despite transphobia and racism. Rey and Rafie have an epic rivals-to-lovers romance that explodes with chemistry and longing. They are truly at eachother's throats to win the lead role and it makes their eventual romance even more sweet.

There’s a strong sense of family, both found and biological, that knits the story together. I loved how supportive Rafie’s parents were of him and how he took care of his little brothers. As Rafie wrestles with his grief and feelings of loss, his family and friends were always there for him even when he didn’t realize it. Xope, Xolo, and so many more create a beautiful ensemble cast. I also learned so much about Mexican culture and what it means to be a Mariachi. Villa showcases many great songs and important Mariachi traditions. Canto Contigo is one of my favorite reads of the year and I only wish I could see Todos Colores perform!

Readers who enjoy Anna-Marie McLemore, Gabe Cole Novoa, and Edward Underhill should check out Canto Contigo! I would highly recommend Canto Contigo to anyone. If you seek outstanding LGBTQ+ rep, rivals-to-lovers, and heartfelt storytelling then you need to read this book.

Thank you to Jonny Garza Villa, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Instagram, Storygraph, Amazon, Barnes & Noble etc.

My Thoughts:
I realize that I have a lot of 4-star books. I also realize that I have not given 5 stars. 5 stars of any genre are saved not only for culturally relevant books, but books that I would buy as textbooks for my methods class. 5-star books are mentor texts. However, this is a GREAT book. I want to say that I enjoyed it. I believe that the author, Jonny Garza Villa, has a writing style that is easy to read. The characters are complex and also swoon worthy. The author is able to bring readers in for a light, romcom-y tale while also using words as political weapons to break stereotypes within the Mexican and Mexican American community. In the first Villa book I read, Ander & Santi Were Here, the author takes on immigration and undocumented workers, including the stereotypes and vitriole other Mexican Americans feel toward the undocumented.

In this book, the author examines the power of Mexican music, and more specifically, mariachi. But perhaps examine is not the right word. The author sheds light on the fact that mariachi, as a traditional art form, is also queerphobic, transphobic, and racist. Rey and Rafie are courageous enough to shine unapologetically in mariachi. The two rivals-to-lovers are a lot, they are too much, but in a good way. Rafie is extra, extra, extra. He is arrogant, entitled, and as the author describes, Rafie has a god complex. However, Rey may seem like the more passive pair, but Rey is stronger than anticipated.

This was a celebration of queer love and the passion of mariachi. This was a celebration of grief and family strength. This was a celebration of friendship. I don't know if universities with Spanish studies and Spanish arts like mariachi exist in the United States, but I hope they do exist.

From the Publisher:
When a Mariachi star transfers schools, he expects to be handed his new group's lead vocalist spot―what he gets instead is a tenacious current lead with a very familiar, very kissable face.

In a twenty-four-hour span, Rafael Alvarez led North Amistad High School’s Mariachi Alma de la Frontera to their eleventh consecutive first-place win in the Mariachi Extravaganza de Nacional; and met, made out with, and almost hooked up with one of the cutest guys he’s ever met.

Now eight months later, Rafie’s ready for one final win. What he didn’t plan for is his family moving to San Antonio before his senior year, forcing him to leave behind his group while dealing with the loss of the most important person in his life―his beloved abuelo. Another hitch in his plan: The Selena Quintanilla-Perez Academy’s Mariachi Todos Colores already has a lead vocalist, Rey Chavez―the boy Rafie made out with―who now stands between him winning and being the great Mariachi Rafie's abuelo always believed him to be. Despite their newfound rivalry for center stage, Rafie can’t squash his feelings for Rey. Now he must decide between the people he’s known his entire life or the one just starting to get to know the real him.

Canto Contigo is a love letter to Mexican culture, family and legacy, the people who shape us, and allowing ourselves to forge our own path. At its heart, this is one of the most glorious rivals-to-lovers romance about finding the one who challenges you in the most extraordinary ways.
Publication Information:
Author: Jonny Garza Villa

Publisher: Wednesday Books (April 9, 2024)

Hardcover length: 352 pages

3.5 stars
I've read each of Jonny Garza Villa's books and love that they write for this generation unapologetically. Jonny Garza Villa gives teens books of hope, but does it in a way that is real and relatable.
<B>Canto Contigo</b> is Villa's latest YA book and it's not only a love letter to Mariachi, but it's a love letter to being different and being accepted. To having family and them supporting you and who you are. But it's also a story of grief and expectations along with one of my favorite tropes, rivals to lovers.

Rafael is a top mariachi singer and transfers his final year in school. Only his teacher does not want to give him the front spot that he is used to and would rather give it to Rey since he is the one with heart. While Rafie is technically good, he has room to improve his "soul". But there's a little secret these two are keeping. There is history between them and they both fight it because they feel like they have to.

While I wasn't exactly in the mood for a YA book, I knew JGG would deliver a story that taught me about a subject I didn't know amuch about nd they would give me diverse characters in the LGBTQ community. I know I wasn't the target audience for this book and I don't speak a lot of Spanish, but luckily was able to decipher plenty of the book and understand the coming of age story that is told completely in Rafie's POV. He was a hard nut to crack, but I liked seeing him evolve over the duration of the story and his close relationship he had with this grandfather. Family was obviously important to him and it showed. Rey wasn't as fully fleshed out with his family, but he did fit into the story and into Rafael's life. I liked seeing how they worked together and overcame obstacles that life through at them. AND I loved them together.

While this book wasn't my favorite of JGG's, it still left me in awe of who Raf and Rey were and the whole mariachi lifestyle that I was 100% unfamiliar with before.

If you enjoy diverse YA stories that include LGBTQ+ characters that find their HEA, definitely give this one a shot.

I really love this book the romance between the two main leads was so cute and heartwarming and the fact that the book also dealt with heavy themes too which gave depth to both the plot and the characters really made this book a 5 star read. Thank you Netgalley for the arc !!!