West Side Love Story
A heart-stirring romance of star-crossed love, feuding familias, and the bonds of sisterhood by USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras.
Two familias in Texas, both alike in dignity, rivalries, and passion...
Having grown up in the nurturing household of Casa Capuleta, Mariana will do anything for familia. To solve her adoptive parents' financial problems amid their rapidly changing San Antonio comunidad, Mariana and her younger sisters are determined to win the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. That means competing against Hugo Montero, their father's archnemesis, and his band and escalating a decades-old feud. It also raises the stakes of Mariana's forbidden attraction for a certain dark-eyed mariachi who sets her heart racing.
To Angelo Montero's familia, Mariana is also strictly off-limits. But that doesn't stop him from pursuing her. As their secret affair intensifies and the competition grows fierce, they're swept up in a brewing storm of betrayals, rivalries, and broken ties. Against the odds, they vow to bring peace. But sacrifices must be made and consequences weighed for two star-crossed lovers to make beautiful music together.
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Community Reviews
Living in Texas, I’ve been to San Antonio multiple times, but I can’t recall ever reading a book set in the beautiful city. It brought the book alive even more for me, especially when some of the scenes are set in locations I’ve been to, including the well-known Mi Tierra restaurant where we always stop to eat when we visit. I enjoyed the familiarity of the setting, which is always a nice bonus.
West Side Love Story is told from two points of view, Mariana the eldest of the Capuleta sisters and Angelo Montero, nephew to Hugo Montero, who has a long-standing grudge against Mariana’s adoptive parents. After a Shakespearean-inspired prologue, the book opens with an enchanting meet-cute between our two star-crossed lovers.
I liked our leads from the start. Mariana has a heavy load on her shoulders, feeling responsible for her siblings, her parents, and her patients where she works at the local hospital. She takes her role very seriously, but she can’t resist how being with Angelo seems to lighten her burdens, reminding her to enjoy life, as well.
Angelo was forced to grow up fast when his parents passed away, leaving him responsible for his younger sister. He’s kind and self-assured and he doesn’t fight his feelings for Mariana, which I found so refreshing.
While this one is promoted as an enemies to lovers romance, just like its inspiration, it’s the families that are enemies, forcing our love interests into a secret relationship, which is fun to read. Especially when our two leads hold themselves to a high moral standard, wanting to do the right thing, but unable to fight their attraction. While this one is a closed door romance, it still had plenty of spice with Oliveras’ gift for captivating love scenes.
Besides the romance, this story also centers on Mariana’s relationship with her sisters, especially her younger foster sibling, Nina, who has recently come to stay at the Capuleta home but is struggling to accept her new family. And, of course, at the heart of the book is the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. I’m always a fan of books that also feature music, and knowing Oliveras was inspired by her own family’s musical history made the story even more endearing.
Make sure to add West Side Love Story to your summer reading list, especially if you’re longing to immerse yourself in a local culture and a romance with a satisfying ending!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Priscilla Oliveras and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
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Priscilla is the Jane Austin of current times. She evokes the deepest feelings in me with just light touches of the hand, held stares across the room. I am clenching my heart over the smallest of moments.
I don't know what magic she possess when she writes romance, but I am under her spell and I love it.
The loose Romeo and Juliet slash West Side Story retelling with a full Latinx cast is so heartfelt!
The flair of forbidden romance and the clandestine meetings are my actual catnip and it had me on the loveliest chokehold.
The book also addresses the prevalent topic of gentrification as well, all this proves that the romance genre can teach so much (socially) and emotionally!
The full family of the sisters are also so near and dear to my heart. Their connections both the life long ones and the newer ones (some sisters are more recently adopted/fostered) are so special and add such depth to the story.
I love this book so much. It's light, yet deep with emotions. Just like the queen Priscilla can muster up with every book!
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