This book had a lot to love about it. No third act breakup, the sexiest of sex scenes without getting too vulgar, cousins with a strong friendship, and a caring boyfriend open to communication who listens.

After Ava's husband leaves her to "follow his dreams," she vows to let loose and follow her heart--ending up partaking in a one-night stand in a hotel penthouse suite with a handsome hotelier. He seems to want more, but she isn't ready for a relationship so fresh off of a divorce, especially with her prying, judgmental family to put her in her place. But when one night becomes one night every few months, feelings start to develop, and Ava wonders whether it might be worth feeding her man to the familial wolves.

FINALLY! I have been waiting for the third and final book in this trilogy after reading and loving the first two (and Take the Lead--love that one, too). This book did not disappoint. I will forever be an Alexis Daria stan and read whatever she writes. But something about Ava and Roman's story resonated with me, and I loved seeing the divorce bag a hot, rich, successful man. This truly brought the heart and the heat.

Thanks to Avon for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC; all opinions mine.

This is a case of a book not coming to me at the right time. I read 55% of Along Came Amor, and then I ended up skimming the rest for reasons I'll go into below.

First of all, the premise of this, finding love after divorce, is wonderful. I love the idea of things not being over after someone loses the person they thought they'd be with forever. Ava's people-pleasing tendencies, and how those complicate her understanding of romance and relationships, is relatable and moving, and hottie Roman is prepared to meet them with patience and care. Finally, Along Came Amor is generous in so many ways, particularly with its background of secondary characters who keep things interesting and lively.

But as much as part of understood Ava's insecurities, the other part grew frustrated about how they came into play with Roman. The relationship felt one-sided to me, and I longed for more of an assertive moment with her family.

YMMV with Along Came Amor, but for me, it just didn't click.

I really loved this! I loved the first one, so I wasn't at all surprised that I loved this one as well

Along Came Amor is a vibrant, heartwarming romance bursting with culture, humor, and undeniable chemistry. Alexis Daria delivers a joyful celebration of love and family that feels fresh, fun, and full of soul. A total must-read for romance lovers!

I love absolutely everything I’ve read from Alexis Daria so far, and this was no exception. This was fun, sexy and had the same amount of heart as her other romances. The curse of the Latina daughter that bears the weight of others because it’s how she feels it’s the only way she can contribute to the family unit vs learning that her worth is more than what others can take from her gotta be one of my favorite genres! I like that her romance with Ramon helped in her figuring that out, but I also like that the book showed her standing up for herself in his absence — it was a thing she needed to navigate on her own, but that didn’t mean she /was/ alone. Which I think is an important distinction that Daria puts in all of her books. Loved loved loved the Primas of Power series, cannot wait for what’s next in Alexis’s world.

Thank you Avon and Harper Collins for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

It feels bittersweet to say goodbye to the Primas of Power trilogy. I remember the first time I picked up “You Had me at Hola” and fell in love with Alexis Daria’s writing and heartfelt characters. Her writing carries charm and strong voices. Her characters bring empowering stories to the page. It is easy to get lost in Daria’s writing for hours on end and learn something new about yourself along the way.

This novel was a masterclass in exploring family trauma, unhealthy boundaries, and how hard people pleasers have to work to undo that nurtured trait. However, I can see why these themes and main characters may not resonate with all readers. Both Ava and Roman are people pleasers. This means they are people who want to fix things, make life easier for others, and, in Ava’s case, not be perceived. Being a people pleaser is exhausting in real life, and the same can be said for this book. It was exhausting to read the constant anxiety cycle Ava found herself stuck in. However, there was an honesty to Ava’s people pleaser portrayal. It feels insurmountable to stand up for yourself when faced with the judgmental pressures of family, which is something Daria captured beautifully.

Halfway through this novel, I realized the story is a character-driven, not plot-driven. I say that because, despite this being an almost 500 paged novel, there weren’t many subplots. Most of the novel was focused on the push-and-pull nature of Ava and Roman’s relationship (in terms of Ava struggling with her internalized people pleaser and her anxiety over facing her family). Which is fine! There was a cozy feeling to watching two characters fall madly in love with each other. But the narrative did feel a little empty because no other external pressures were truly applying stakes, apart from Ava’s fears and the upcoming wedding.

Outside of the lack of subplots, I did adore this novel. Ava and Roman were such a sweet couple and I loved seeing the way they challenged each other and helped each other heal from the trauma they carried. Ava’s storyline, especially, resonated with me. I found myself in tears as I reached the final three chapters, and she learned to advocate for herself and know her worth. There is something magical about reading stories that empower women, female friendships, all well celebrating the love that comes along the way.

This may be goodbye to the Primas of Power, but I look forward to cracking open my copies and rereading them in the future. Alexis Daria created captivating novels with romance plots that I will continue thinking about for a long time to come.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Loved, im a huge fan of Alexis Daria and this series, (do not need to read the previous books, can be stand alone but of course it helps! Ava needs help she doesn't stand up for herself and is a people pleaser, she loves her family, her job but sometimes felt like not herself- she then meets Ramon who she lets herself be with and he accepts that it's at her pace - however through some rom com twists and turns they are of course connected- totally enjoyed this one can not wait for what ever Alexis does next.

Thank you net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

This was a good conclusion to the series. The character development was really strong, and I liked how mature of a relationship dynamic Ava and Roman had together. The only thing holding me back from a full five stars is that the last quarter of the book could have been much shorter, and the epilogue was just a little over the top for my tastes. Well worth a read and I think I still need to read the first installment!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for this review.

This was the book i was waiting for for so long! And it stood up to my expectations!….. For the most part. I was a little disappointed that this book ALSO made me side with a man, so I had to put romance down for a little bit because WTF you mean you said no you two wouldn’t work and then kept using him for when you needed. No matter that he was catching feelings? WHAT?

Ok so I know that people are going to be like “You loved the other book by Danielle Allen and she was also a player. And yes, that’s true, but she was also HONEST WITH THE PERSON WHEN THEY STARTED CATCHING REAL FEELINGS. And then she left them alone. I felt so bad for how Roman was being treated when he was the sweetest. Honestly, he settled and I was mad at it. If he had done that to her we’d be pissed. And I know she was hurt, but without communicating that to at least him, how was he to know what not to do? How not to hurt her? Idk it was weird af and I didn’t like it.

When they finally got it together and stopped playing with each other, they were cute together. I was a little mad at the Fast Forward in the Epilogues tho. Because they should have another book just with their futures lol I loved this series and I would have paid money to visit all of them in the future. And like what about Gabe and ______? ( just in case) I need to check in on all of them. But as far as Ava and Roman, I think their future looks just like I thought it would and I’m so happy for them about that.

Other than the thing I didn’t like, I thought this was a cute fun read. And I usually don’t like billionaire romances. Because for the life of me I will never understand why they have to say no to the money even after they have already proved they don’t care about their money. It’s ok if you don’t ask for it but they buy it for you. I’mma need more women to get hip to that fact lol

I felt bad for Ava tho. She held so much and was the victim of so much misogyny and she didn’t deserve that. And I was sad that she didn’t recognize that she didn’t deserve that. She worked hard and fought for the soft life she ended with and for that I was so proud. And to be with Roman too? From the way Daria wrote him, that made was FINE lol Ava deserved a Roman 110% and I’m sorry that her family made her feel like she didn’t. And like, that

This was a cute book, but I wish the execution had been a little bit different. I just wasn’t a fan of leading him on and he’s a good man. I still enjoyed it, but this made me really question what I would allow from someone if I were in this situation. (And yes I know I’m married, but I was Ava while i was reading this book and even then I felt like I was hurting him.)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I continue to enjoy Alexis Daria’s books- steamy and fun!

I loved the first two in the series, and this one was really cute, but I sadly didn’t connect as much to the main characters. Ava was just really frustrating and had a couple conversations she could’ve easily had with people in order to take out all the problems in their relationship ? It just felt unfair that she was keeping Roman from a relationship and love just because she was worried about what her family might say? what an exhausting way to live! I loved Roman and honestly had no notes for him 💞🥹

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for my copy! All thoughts are my own.

I shouldn’t be surprised at this point because I have loved every book by this author that I’ve read before, but I am pleased to once gain have a 5 star read from Alexis Daria! This might be my second favorite in the Primas of Power series and I’m so glad she was able to take the time she needed to write it because it was fantastic. Such a fun Summer read but it can be enjoyed all year long.

Synopsis:

“No strings

After Ava Rodriguez’s now-ex-husband declares he wants to “follow his dreams”—which no longer include her—she’s left questioning everything she thought she wanted. So when a handsome hotelier flirts with her, Ava vows to stop overthinking and embrace the opportunity for an epic one-night-stand complete with a penthouse suite, rooftop pool, and buckets of champagne.

No feelings

Roman Vasquez’s sole focus is the empire he built from the ground up. He lives and dies by his schedule, but the gorgeous stranger grimacing into her cocktail glass inspires him to change his plans for the evening. At first, it’s easy for Roman to agree to Ava’s rules: no strings, no feelings. But one night isn’t enough, and the more they meet, the more he wants. 

No falling in love

Roman is the perfect fling, until Ava sees him at her cousin’s engagement party—as the groom’s best man, no less! Suddenly, maintaining her boundaries becomes a lot more complicated as she tries to hide the truth of their relationship from her family. However, Roman isn’t content being her dirty little secret, and he doesn’t just want more, he wants everything. With her future uncertain and her family pressuring her from all sides, Ava will have to decide if love is worth the risk—again.” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Setting and Set Up—I was so happy to see Jasmine and Ashton again along with Michelle and Gabe, but I love that this all took place during Jasmine and Ashton’s wedding. The stakes felt so high and really worked for the conclusion to this series.

The Discussion of Love after Divorce—I think this so important and something that isn’t always explored in romance novels.

The Banter—Excellent, excellent, excellent. And not just the romantic banter! All the characters have such great connections.

What Didn’t Work for Me:

Nothing! A 5 star read.

Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 4/5 Overall Rating: 5/5

Content Warnings:

divorce, abandonment, death of a parent, pregnancy

This was a great ending to the Primas of Power series! I really felt for both of them.

Ava has just been through a divorce, one that she didn’t ask for, when she meets Roman. They have an electric one night stand that leads to a fraught meeting every few months. Just when they think there could be something more, Ava realizes that Roman is in her life more than she realized. Can they continue with a relationship threatened by family?

This is really about standing your ground with family and choosing what’s important in your life. I’m sad to see the series end but I really enjoyed it! Also this was 🔥 in terms of spice!

I love Alexis Daria and I adored this series, I was so excited for this book to wrap up the Primas of Power. Along Came Amor did NOT disappoint! It may actually be my favorite of the three, as a divorcée myself (a girl can dream), with fiery chemistry, but an emotional core. Ava deserved her happy ending SO BADLY and her family annoyed me so much- as families do- and I'm so glad she got all the green flags from Ramon. You have to love a man who listens.

Read this book. Now.

This one was worth the wait. Not only is Along Came Amor my favorite book of Alexis Daria's exceptional Primas of Power trilogy, it's also one of my favorite books I've read this year and Roman and Ava, one of my favorite couples.

Once again, Daria's big, loving, but wholly dysfunctional, Latinx family took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. My heart broke for Ava. I just want to wrap her up in a big hug and tell her she is absolutely worthy of love just as she is without having to be the perfect "good girl" to earn it. I loved watching her slow evolution even if, at times, I wanted to move it along. Daria knew what she was doing though. The indoctrination of Ava to always put everyone else before herself had taken years to accomplish. To feel authentic, changing that mindset would have to take time as well.

And that's where Roman comes in. I love this character! Is he perfect? No, he isn't. He's a workaholic, tends to be a fixer, and has some emotional baggage to work through himself. But, he is perfect for Ava. His respect, his understanding of her and her needs, his willingness to give her the time and space she needs, all while falling hard (and first) and wanting more proved to me just how right he is for a woman who has never, in her entire life, been put first by anyone. I also love how he opens himself, how he also grows, and the changes in his life he's willing to make to prove the commitment he's promised. He's such a swoon-worthy hero.

One of my favorite facets of this book, as well as the two preceding, is the cultural representation. I love the food, history, and traditions that are intertwined throughout this story, the little insights into life in a large, meddling, Puerto Rican family. I especially enjoyed the parts of the story set in Puerto Rico - some funny, some steamy, some poignant, and some deeply emotional.

I've read Along Came Amor twice. Pretty sure I'll be reading it again. It checks all my happy reader boxes and then some. Each of the books in this trilogy can be enjoyed on its own, however, it's my opinion that reading them in order will deepen your understanding of this family and your enjoyment of each couple's journey. I highly recommend them all.
Top Dish

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

*~* Dreamiest MMC *~*

Well now I need to go back and read not only the rest of this series, but anything Alexis Daria has written that I can get my hands on.
A book usually has me hooked with a "he falls first" but I feel like each layer of this story hooked me more and more. As a true people pleaser, I related so deeply to Ava and not only her desire to meet everyone's expectations, but the fact that the root of that is a nurturing nature wanting to care for those that she loves - even when they don't deserve it.
Then we meet Roman who is the dreamiest of dream MMCs. He is truly what a lot of us women desire in a man. His love for Ava runs so deep and his way of loving so open and honestly is so refreshing.
Loved. Loved. Loved. this one!

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Alexis Daria for an eARC of this story.

I have been waiting for YEARS for the final book in the Primas of Power. Ramon is right up there with Mav from Can’t Get Enough for green flag billionaire book boyfriends. (I don’t think Ramon is a billionaire, but he’s RICH rich, so you get it.)

Ava has lived her life following her family’s rules: get a good job, get married, take care of everyone around her. But now she’s divorced and is convinced that she’s never going to put herself through another marriage. She’s the kind of good girl perfectionist I *love* to read about - especially when they start to let their walls down and find their safe place.

Ramon has spent his life building his empire, and micromanages every detail of it. He works hard and loves to provide for his mom and sister. He’s content with having occasional flings with his PR dates for events. I feel like he’s a modern, updated version of the players of old - his flings are mutual, he has emotional intelligence, he’s just never had the time or desire to focus his attention on one romantic partner.

These two have such fiery chemistry, but with an emotional core. If you like spice, difficult but loving family relationships, and a man who is down BAD, pick this one up!

I absolutely loved this book! I was completely engrossed in the story. Normally a no strings relationship isn't my favorite but this one was very well done and felt like more even before the characters admitted it.

Roman was absolutely delightful. I loved reading about a hero who was older and more mature. I loved his relationships with his friends and family. I loved how successful he was. And I loved how he was all in with Ava and worked for it.

Ava...she frustrated me because was so easily taken advantage of. I was also frustrated by her attitude toward relationships even though she had just cause. If I hadn't loved Roman so much I wouldn't have been able to deal with her.

I loved all the Spanish in this book. It was just perfect. I loved the terms of endearment and just everything. So we'll written.

I also loved getting to revisit the characters from book 1 which was my favorite of the series!

Ahhhh! I love the Primas of Power series and this was such a good end to the three books! I love the origin of Ava and Ramon - it is so organic and fun. They both are successful in their own rights, but I love how they also balance each other so well! I wish the cover properly showed how Ramon was described with greying at the temples and I do wish the book at least mentioned their 7- year age gap (based on my calculations?). I enjoyed the little plot twist on Ava and Ramon’s social circles and loved the honest and open communication. Even if the full conversation didn’t happen right away, the characters tended to acknowledge their feelings and eventually have a healthy talk. The character growth was also excellent and seeing how “life” in general can have a strong impact on a relationship. I personally think the book would’ve benefited from being a little shorter, but I loved the epilogue and how it covered important updates over several years. Overall, this is a fun read and a really excellent series to pick up! 4.25⭐️, 2.25🌶