West Side Love Story (Queens of Mariachi #1)

West Side Love Story (Queens of Mariachi #1)

Priscilla Oliveras

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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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  • StephReads
    Dec 16, 2024
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  • MichelleM
    Apr 02, 2025
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  • Apr 06, 2025
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    It's confirmed: Romeo and Juliet retellings are just not for me. I'm not into insta-love, and this West Side Story inspired contemporary romance had me rolling my eyes in disbelief. Mariana and Angelo shared an anonymous kiss on New Year's Eve, only to discover each other's identity while scoping out competition for the upcoming mariachi Battle of the Bands. Not only are they in competing bands, but their families have also maintained a decades-long rivalry. 

    This plot felt really forced to me. In addition to the insta-love situation, I also just didn't buy the rivalry, nor did I feel that it was ever sufficiently explained. Indeed, several plot lines, including the foster care and gentrification dynamics and all the details about the protagonists' families. I kept reading because it was quick, but I was pretty bored the whole time (and it didn't even have the steam factor to keep me going). 

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