
Member Reviews

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!

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan audio for the free alc. MY opinions are my own. The version I had was 4 chapters long I reported it and so far nothing more. This review will be based on 4 chapters. I loved book 1 it qas a favorite from February 2023 it was phenomenal so i was pumped to see this one and know when I get to read read I'm gonna absolutely love it.
5/5☆

NOTE: This ALC was only the first 49 minutes of this audiobook and cuts of in the middle of chapter 2.
Jonny Garza Villa writes the kind of YA contemporary that I love, filled with emotion and culture and love. Alejandro Antonio Ruiz narrates, and while this is the first I've listened of their narration it will not be the last. While I was initially disappointed Avi Roque wasn't returning to narrate this Jonny Garza Villa book, within 5 minutes I was fully immersed in Ruiz's narration and now they are the voice of Rafie for me.
Rafie is such a compelling main character. He is clearly grieving and that can make watching some of his decisions hard, but you know where he's coming from. The audiobook cut off before he was reintroduced to Rey so I can't make any comments on how Alejandro Antonio Ruiz narrates the rivals to lovers aspect of their relationship but I will be interested in picking it up upon its release.