I'd been dying to read this since I finished the first book in the series, Island Affair. Don't get me wrong this book had good parts, but about halfway through it was so slow I about put it down for a different read. I love the plot continuing with the same characters, just different main characters in this book, but it was predictable and just a meh for me.

I’ve been reading Priscilla Oliveras’ books for what seems like forever. I’m a big fan of how important families are in her romances, even if those family relationships aren’t always on the best footings, as is the case for this book. It’s also an extremely slow burn second chance romance, the second in her series set in the Florida Keys. I think you’d be fine reading this as a standalone, however.

“The odds of her being nice to the man who had broken her heart were about as good as a snowball’s chance of surviving a Key West summer day.”


Anamaría is busier than ever. Besides her job as a firefighter, she’s seriously stepped up how much effort she’s putting into her fitness company, AM Fitness, and business is booming. The last thing she needs is for her mom to guilt trip her into checking on her high school boyfriend, who’s back in town for the first time in twelve years after seriously injuring himself. Alejandro has spent his time since high school exploring and photographing all corners of the world – well, everything except his hometown. After a giant blowup with his father over his refusal to take over the family restaurant, he’s made himself scarce, but his broken leg means he’s back in the thick of all the family guilt, and, perhaps even worse, the matchmaking Cuban mamas. Because even though they both pretend they’re over it, neither Anamaría nor Alejandro ever got over each other or the hurtful way they broke up. But with Alejandro stuck on the island until he’s better, events (and those Cuban mamas) keep conspiring to throw them together again.

“She wanted what he couldn’t give her. Stability, a home here on their island.
He wanted what she refused to consider. A life of their own outside of familia obligations, on their own terms.”


The main tension in this story is about following your own dreams versus fulfilling your family obligations. While Anamaría had initially intended to go with Alejandro to Spain for the summer following their high school graduation, a family health emergency and then Alejandro’s insistence that his move away was permanent, led her to follow in the rest of her family’s footsteps and join the local fire department. She loves her family and how close they are, complete with mandatory weekly family dinners and daily phone calls with her mom and siblings. Her passion, however, is fitness and healthy living, and with her brother’s fiancée’s help, she’s working on building her AM Fitness brand. I loved how strongly she believed in what she was doing, from creating healthy (but still tasty!) versions of her family’s favorite foods to donating her time to run a free class for women at her church. What Alejandro can’t understand is why it took her so long to turn her “hobby” into a serious pursuit. Quitting her firefighting job – her family job – to pursue it full time seemed almost unthinkable.

“This was the real Ale. On set, Canon in hand, enjoying the people and places he captured through his lens. Living his dream.
And now he was lending his talent to help her get closer to living hers before he left.”


Alejandro is quasi-estranged from his family, especially his father. While he’s an award winning photographer, his father still hasn’t forgiven him for what he sees as turning his back on his family. Alejandro does still love them; after all, one of the reasons he hasn’t come back is because he doesn’t want to cause strife between his father and the rest of his family. But he strongly believes in being free to pursue his own dreams, and his breakup with Anamaría was because he felt like her not moving to Spain with him meant she didn’t support him – never mind what her own dreams were. Being back in Key West just means being faced with how much he feels like his family doesn’t support him, something that’s even more clear when he sees how Anamaría’s family is working to help her business.

“His earthy patchouli scent blended with the smell of spices and sautéed onions and peppers redolent in the restaurant’s contained space, and somehow she knew she would always seek this special blend whenever she was here.”


When I say this is slow burn, I mean it’s slooooow burn. While there’s lots of accidental falling into each other and faces smooshed against chests due to Ale’s crutches, the first chaste kiss is at almost 60% into the book and it’s over 70% into the book before there’s anything more than that. It’s understandable considering how badly everything ended twelve years ago, and they both have to relearn each other. It also takes quite a bit of self-realization for them both to see why their relationship failed so spectacularly. And obviously, since they know Alejandro is leaving as soon as he’s medically cleared, what’s the harm in trying to end things on a better note?

“Sometimes, you might need to peek out from behind your camera. Try connecting with those who are important to you. Try showing them why you see the world the way you do. You have a gift, Ale; don’t use it as a buffer. Use it to unite, the way your stunning photographs do.”


I loved the Key West setting. It’s obvious Anamaría (and even Alejandro) love their hometown, and all the touristy descriptions felt like a mini-vacation. And as I’d expect from this author’s books, especially one involving a restaurant-owning family, there’s lots of delicious Cuban food. I was definitely craving piccadillo! There’s bits of Cuban Spanish sprinkled throughout the text (and not italicized, which I loved) but the author’s great at incorporating a translation into the text for people like me who, despite a pandemic Duolingo habit, still barely speak it.

Overall, this was another enjoyable entry into the Keys to Love series, and I’m very much looking forward to the next one. If you’re looking for a summery read with lots of family angst, a slow-burn second chance romance, and delicious food, I’d recommend this book!

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This was a fun read to follow up Island Affair!

1. I liked that we got to follow a different sibling from the Navarro family and delve into their roots in the Key West!
2. The second chance romance with childhood friends was sweet and understandably a slow burn. These characters simply weren't ready to make such big decisions when they were so young and rebuilding that connection that has been neglected (but never forgotten) over the course of ten years was going to take up most of the book! But he adored her and she adored him and their mutual pining was lovely.
3. The family drama! This meddling Cuban-American family is funny and heartwarming. There were definitely instances that resonated with my own family and their meddling ways. Although, I will say I would have like a deeper look into Alejandro's strained relationship with his father. It was such a pivotal aspect to his arc and I feel like it needed more attention throughout and especially at the end of the book.
4. As for the main characters. I liked them well enough. I cannot say they were my favourite, but for the most part I enjoyed being around them. I liked that Anamaria was very connected to her home and family, while also focusing on herself and her business (we love to see that), but sometimes I felt that she was wishy-washy. She'd put her foot down about something and the next second her thoughts would back track to opposite side. As for Alejandro, he was slightly--nay--definitely self-centred. Sir, you have daddy issues. We got it. Was there evidence of any character growth by the end? Perhaps a bit, but it was very surface level.
5. This book is a bit cheesy. I am frankly okay with it. It added to the fluff, fun and flirting that I was hoping to get from this book! Were some of the lines a tad cringey? Maybe, but given that I expected nothing less from it means I wasn't disappointed.

Overall, this is a sweet and simple read. If you are looking for a book to enjoy the summer heat and love the childhood friends-to-lovers in combination with the second-chance romance tropes than I think this might be the read for you!

I absolutely loved this book! What a great time to be a Latinx romance reader, when we have so many great stories with characters that feel and think like us!

I loved how the history of Ale and Anamaría is intertwined with snippets of the stories of how families came from Cuba. I don't think people really understand how intrinsic the immigrant experience is to Latinx living in the US, so although it can weigh down a story, you can't have one without the other. It simply wouldn't make sense. And in this case, that experience is what makes the story.

Ale and Anamaría's story it was one familiar to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Priscilla Oliveras did the impossible: Make me miss Florida!
In a way, this story is a love story to Key West. But also a love story to Latinidad and the passion that's in our veins. Fantastic book, fantastic story that'll remind you of your own scheming latina abuelas and mami!

I loved the cover and I enjoyed this book more than the first one - although I would have liked to feel the chemistry more with the main characters! I think there was more room to expand there. But it was good!

I have been waiting to read Anchored Hearts since last year when I finished Island Affair.
Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father’s heart attack, there was no way she could leave—not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she’s worked years to put out. And as famillia meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?

I just loved Anamaría! She’s such a tough independent woman. She didn’t hold back any punches and generally was very open and honest about what she was feeling. Alejandro seemed like a jerk at first, but the more I read through flashbacks, I started to understand where he was coming from. I loved both of their families. Yes, they meddled, but that’s typical in a Latinx family, especially the moms. Because Alejandro’s family owned a restaurant, they constantly talked about Cuban food, and omg I was hungry the whole time I was reading this book. I hope there is a third book, and that it’s Luis and Anamaría’s brother!

This books was a perfect little getaway to the Florida Keys. It’s such a sweet book about first love and second chances. I was pulled right in and couldn’t read it fast enough. I highly recommend!

Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this book.

First of all ... that cover!!!! It’s just so gorgeous!!

Although this is book 2 in the Keys to Love series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. There are some slight references to the first book, but nothing that a reader will miss if skipping the first book.

However, I will say that I enjoyed the first book a bit more than this one. I didn’t find the story to be quite as repetitive as the first one, however, I did find myself skimming through a lot of the scenes. I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between the two main characters like I should have. Especially under their circumstances.

Anamaría Navarro had her heart broken years ago. When the love of her life and childhood best friend, Alejandro Miranda, decided to chase his dream of being a photographer across the world. Leaving her behind. Their paths cross again years later. But there’s no way she will fall for him again. Will she?

He’d missed her. Just not enough to come back. Not until he was forced to.

I absolutely loved the FMC in this book. Anamaría is a strong, independent,and family based main character with a heart of gold. Her chemistry with Alejandro was definitely a slow burn. This book was steeped in rich Cuban roots with lively cultural influences and a sense of strong family ties. Even though the plot took a long while to come to the climax, it was worth the wait.
Although I felt that the basis for the plot was excellent, it felt like the book had something missing. I loved the premise for this book as well as the character building. The sense of family that I got from this book was such a great addition to the plot. I absolutely loved the world building. I felt the cultural influences really tied it together. These characters were so relatable that I think I fell in love to!

A second chance RomCom with all the ingredients to leave readers in love with the island and its flavors
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It is one of the few romcom lantinx that is faithful to the culture of its characters and that commits them to a background that leaves you wishing they can disarm their distance and reach a good ending
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The history of Cuba, the uprooting and hope of migrants through endearing characters makes any heart melt
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It is a beautiful story about roots, love, family and finding your way home.
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Ana María had my heart from the beginning, she and her family transmit that happy feeling that keep you rooting, the complexity of feelings that separated her from Alejandro years ago unfold little by little in a plot that, thank God, has no shenanigans or third parties in discord, beyond of a well intend cubans moms in the middle creating their own novela to watch
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Thanks to Kensington Books and Priscilla Olivera for give me this Beautiful and heartfull book to read in exchange for my honest review

An endearing second chances romance, I really enjoyed the characters Alejandro and Anamaria and reading how they navigated the balance between their separate careers and this memory of their first love. A few parts of this book dragged, but the interfering family members added enough spice to keep me going. They were funny and charming, and I loved revisiting the family members that were first introduced in "Island Affair."

This was my first time reading a second chances trope, and I'm not sure I'm a fan of the trope. Still though, I enjoyed the journey and the ending. One of my favorite parts of the book though were the descriptions of food and Key West, and appreciated the Cuban culture. I give this one 3.5 stars and would happily recommend.

Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Books and Priscilla Oliveras for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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A slowburn, second chance romance that has you rooting for the characters to find a way to make it work. If you were a fan of Luis and Sara’s story in Island Affair, you’ll for sure be a fan of Anamaria and Alejandro! Childhood sweethearts turn first heartbreak, Anamaria and Alejandro have a history more complicated than just being exes. Feeling hurt and abandoned, they both have things to work through solo and together. Anamaria has spent years putting off expanding her business and going after her dreams. And Alejandro has spent years hiding behind his dreams, and convincing himself it was enough for him. Alejandro gets injured badly while in another country and finds himself back in Key West for the first time in over ten years. Anamaria refuses to let him back in, but as their meddling mothers and their careers bring them together again and again, it’s impossible to deny the spark they still share. They have a second chance to do things right, but should they take it?
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A fun read that leaves you craving a vacation to Key West for some Cuban food and the beautiful beaches! While things in Island Affair moved lightning fast, Anchored Hearts was written at the complete opposite pacing. It says a lot about Priscilla Oliveras as a writer and I’m excited to see how she tackles her next book! (Which by the way, I’m really hoping/guessing is Enrique’s story! Alejandro and Anamaria had obvious chemistry and their problems weren’t shallow or immature. I honestly understood their issues they had to tackle and I was rooting for them the entire time! I can’t wait to revisit these two in the future because I’ll definitely be buying myself a copy for my home library!

I'm not sure what I loved more - the scene or the characters. I loved the latinx flair, the romance, and the heat. Priscilla Olivares has a way of writing a story that begs to be read. From meddling mommas to independent daughters, this one isn't to be missed!

I absolutely loved this book. It had a such a happy good feel vibe to it. It transported me to Key West and those summery vibes.
I really enjoyed the way the story started straight off with our two main characters, and love interests, reuniting and facing each other from the start. It was fun to learn about their past and to second guess about their futures. They were likeable characters and the families and other characters that surrounded them were all likeable too.

A fun book which was a really easy and enjoyable read.

I loved this book! It took me a few chapters to get into it but once I did, I couldn't put it down. Second chance romance is a trope that I really enjoy and this one checked every single box for me. The hero and heroine each had strong reasons why they ended it the first time and the reasons made sense. It was heartwarming to see them grow and come back together.

Highly recommend. Can be read as a standalone but characters from the first do show up.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Kensington Books for letting me read an eARC of Anchored Hearts! This book came out yesterday, April 27, so make sure you go grab it now!

Anchored Hearts 4/5 Stars

Summary from Goodreads:

A PopSugar Best Romance of April
Key West is the ideal backdrop for the summer read you need! Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Jasmine Guillory, and Jen DeLuca, this gorgeous and stirring new love story from the author of Island Affair will touch your heart…
Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn't been home to Key West in years--not since he left to explore broader horizons with his papi's warning echoing in his ears. He wouldn't be heading there now if it wasn't for an injury requiring months of recuperation. The drama of a prodigal son returning to his familia is bad enough, but coming home to the island paradise also means coming face to face with the girl he left behind--the one who was supposed to be by his side all along...
Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father's heart attack, there was no way she could leave--not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she's worked years to put out. And as motherly meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?

So, this book is the second book in a series of sorts, and while these books can be read separately (I haven't read book 1 yet), having read book 2 first, I definitely think reading book 1 will give you some insight into Anamaría's family that you pick up along the way, but it might have been useful coming into the book with it. Overall though, Anchored Hearts was an adorable second chance romance with lots of focus on family and community and coming back to your roots while also fulfilling your dreams and being able to do them both at once. As someone who is really close to my family, I really appreciated that aspect of the book. Alejandro's leg injury grossed me out, mainly because thinking about something like that with my own leg makes me nauseous. I really liked how so much of the book was about Anamaría getting out of her comfort zone and embracing her personal training and nutrition side business are more of her full time business and Alejandro confronting his demons at home and trying to get on better terms with his father, even though he'd never work in the family business. I loved their mothers meddling in their affairs and I honestly didn't even mind that the real intense romance wasn't in more than maybe a quarter of the book (so if you're looking for an intense romance book, this probably isn't the book for you). Overall, I highly recommend Anchored Hearts and I can't wait to hear more about the love lives of the Navarro fam!

After loving Island Affair last year, I was super excited to get my hands on Anchored Hearts - and @priscillaol did not disappoint!! This second chance Latinx romance full of meddling family members made me smile and transported me straight to Key West!! 🌴

I adored both Ana and Ale, as well as their big tight knit families. Their chemistry was obvious from the start - I was definitely rooting for them to figure it out! The Key West setting shines again in this book and I cannot wait to make it there someday! Oliveras has a way of incorporating a Spanish lesson into a romcom without you even noticing - and I appreciate that so much!

Thank you so much Greys Promo and Priscilla Oliveras for the free e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a cute and fun read! It reached my expectations. I loved all the family relationships as well as all the representation! It was quick and warmed my heart.

The photography was so fun to read and learn about. Alejandro had great character development and I was here for it! Lulu was so adorable. Anamaría was an amazing strong female. I loved her!

I loved this story so much over all. It's perfect for a beach read!

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲: Second-Chance Romance, Family, Finding Yourself.

Anchored Hearts is the first book I've read by Priscilla Oliveras. its the second in the Keys to Love series, but I didn't read the first book, and was able to fully enjoy this one. So first, can we talk about how much I love this cover! Its seriously the picture perfect cover for an incredible beach read. Not only that, its a second chance romance, which are my absolute favorite. At first I wasn't sure how much I would be able to read, since this is written in third person, and those are not favorite. However, this one was written so good, that I really didn't notice it. Thats the first clue that I was completely immersed in this book. I loved the Navarro family. Alejandro and Anamaria's story was do fun to read. When young love it meant to be, they will always find their way back to each other! I will absolutely be reading the first book, and look forward to more from this author.

Themes, Elements & Review Notes: Anchored Hearts is the second book in the Keys to Love series. Although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first in series because you’ll fall in love with the characters and will want to have started from the beginning!

I love the history between Ale and AM! The pacing is slow, a little slower than the first, but definitely worth the read. Anchored Hearts is the perfect book for enjoying on a long lazy day to have time to sink your teeth into the story and soak in the brewing romance!

Warning: This book is filled with delicious food descriptions and may make your mouth water! Alejandro’s father has a restaurant and they clearly make some seriously delicious food. Makes me wish the restaurant was real so I could go visit on a vacation to the Keys!

Fun note: Like the first book, this has a bit of Spanish/English spread throughout lends itself to a fun Latina flair!

In a Nutshell: A fun flirty romance novel to enjoy on a long lazy day. Be prepared to have your mouth water for the delicious food throughout. Highly recommend reading book 1 in series first ‘Island Affair’!