Synopsis:
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.
REVIEW:
As a Mexican American Texas woman, I love a good Mariachi band. What I love even more to see is an All-Female group when you typically see that industry as all males.
Set in San Antonio, Texas, "West Side Love Story" is Romeo and Juliet retelling, set in a "Battle of the Band" setting.
Mariana Capuleta is a 29-year-old woman. Along with her adopted sisters, she has her band, Mariachi Las Nubes. Mariana is also an ER nurse. Being the oldest in the family and leader of the music group, she has a lot on her plate.
Angelo Montero is also a part of a mariachi band. When his parents were killed by drunk drivers, he took on the role of caring for his younger sister when they went to live with his uncle. He also works for him for his firm.
Safe to say they both responsible for a lot within their families.
To let off some steam, which she rarely does, Mariana goes to a New Year's Eve party with her younger sister, Catalina. Some drunk guy tries to get handsy with her, and Angelo steps in when he sees this. When the ball drops, they share a kiss, not really knowing who each other were.
While crashing a Quinceanera with his cousins and bandmates, Angleo discovers that Mariana is performing there, and that her parents are nemesis with his uncle, who took him in when he needed it the most. Her band was also recently announced to be one of the bands competing for "Battle of the Mariachi Bands" against them.
When they both show up to the competition that can ultimately save Mariana's family and their financial problems, they realize they have a chemistry they cannot deny.
But their families feuding past would forbid their romance.
Angleo and Mariana's love story of forbidden romance was so much fun to witness and be a part of. The love they have go their families and doing the right thing is very noble.
I love retellings, especially with a modern Latinx twist. Family obligation and feminism in a male-dominated industry is something I highly appreciate.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters along with the side cast on both sides. Their love story was very heartwarming.
If you love forbidden romance, family rivalries and a competitive "Battle of the Band" storyline, I couldn't recommend this book enough. I really enjoyed my time in San Antonio with Angelo and Mariana.
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