A vibrant and interesting romance
4 stars

I always enjoy reading what Priscilla Oliveras writes. She manages to weave her romances with such a vibrant sense of the Latinx community and family - I never fail to become engrossed in the world she creates for her books.

In this tale we get a modern re-telling of Romeo and Juliet. Just take out the death and destruction - and add in mariachi music! Hell yeah! Why have we not had other books set around a battle of the bands, mariachi style? Well, since this is the start of a new series, I guess we do now!

Our heroine is Mariana - the eldest Capuleta daughter and leader of Mariachi Las Nubes. After her younger sister enters the group into a battle of the bands, Mariana is determined to win and give back to the parents who gave so much to her and her adopted sisters. She’s more of a sensible sort but I liked her from the first. Especially since she found herself throwing her sensible-ness out the window when she meets - and kisses - a delicious stranger on New Year’s Eve. I saw a lot of myself in her and liked that she was the person in our couple who needed a little more convincing to take a chance on love.

Angelo is one of my favourite types of heroes in that he’s the one that’s more of a smitten kitten and so wants Mariana to give them a chance. I liked that he was loyal to his family but not ignorant to their faults. He was a sweetheart - but a deliciously hot one. He was fab.

While there was a chemistry between our couple, and some nice smooching, the steamy scenes with this story are very much behind closed doors. That seems to suit the feel of the book but I do tend to prefer a bit more sex in the book.

I loved the parallels to Romeo and Juliet in the story - but only the non-tragic bits, obviously! Making the animosity come to a head with the battle of the bands was a stroke of genius and I loved hearing all about that - as well as the importance and history of it.

I was slightly overwhelmed by the number of characters, names and the setting of the scene that went on with the story. Understandable in the first of a series but it was the main reason that I dropped a star. I fully expect that not to be a problem in the next book in the series, Kiss Me, Catalina which features Mariana’s sister, Cat, and Patricio Galán. I can’t wait to go back and meet this rowdy rabble once again for another happily ever after.

I enjoyed this but it didn’t capture my attention fully and was easy to put down. I loved the family aspects but wish there was a little more chemistry between Mariana and Angelo

We are traveling to Texas in a Romeo and Juliet retelling. Out now is West Side Love Story.

As with any Romeo retelling, there are 2 feuding families where a member of each fall in love. It just so happens that each family also are involved in a Battle of the Mariachi Bands, and the Capuleta’s are trying to save their home and community center.

This was a cute romance read that I enjoyed. I loved reading about the Latinx culture and I loved when Angelo and Mariana were together, as I felt the spark between them. At times the author would get a little repetitive in the characters thoughts, so there would be paragraphs reiterating the same idea between 2 lines of dialog. I began to skip over those paragraphs and I didn’t feel that I lost any part of the story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this easy romance!

3 stars.

“One step forward, two steps back. A sometimes tiring, patience-testing dance when it came to dealing with your past.”

Highlights:

- competing mariachi bands
- Lots of Hispanic culture
- Foster family rep

My thoughts:

Mariana and Angelo meet eachother and instantly connect but when they realize who eachother is and the rivalry between them, Mariana really struggles to let Angelo close to her.

We have a retelling of Romeo and Juliet (yes- also West Side Story- but this felt much more Romeo and Juliet for me than WSS). The premise- Angelo’s Tio and Mariana’s dad are former best friends and former business partners. Inseparable until Arturo (Mariana’s dad) betrayed Hugo (Angelo’s Tio) by stealing the woman he loved.

I thought this book was cute. I loved the Hispanic culture and the Spanish lingo thrown in. I grew up with my parents speaking English with Spanish thrown in- and that aspect felt very real with how my family talks to eachother. The mariachi story line was cute. The rivalry between the two families definitely felt very angsty. Mariana and Angelo had an instant love vibe (not my favorite trope)- but they spent so much time with Mariana pushing him away that it didn’t feel too fast for me. It actually took a long time for anything to happen between the two MCs.

The pacing of the book felt a bit touch and go but overall, I think this was a cute book with a unique setting.

🔥 mostly closed door; steamy kissing/touching


Thank you so much to the author and publisher for providing me with this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

thank you NetGalley for the arc!

this one took me awhile to get into and i didn't really get into it until about 150-ish pages in (which is roughly half way). i just think the beginning dragged out sooo much more than it needed to. but i loved the idea that went into the book and i love a modern adaptation of a classic!!

synopsis:

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.

I really enjoyed the newest from Priscilla Oliveras who has become one of my favorite contemporary romance writers! West Side Love Story is (as you might imagine) a West Side Story retelling featuring dueling mariachi bands competing for the title in a Battle of the Bands. Mariana Capuleta is an ER nurse, oldest daughter and member of an all female mariachi band who is juggling lots of plates and taking responsibility for everything in her family. When she has a stolen moment with a handsome stranger who turns out to be from her family’s biggest rival, she and Angelo decide they need to keep their budding relationship on the down low during the competition.

I really enjoyed the elements of found family in this book which shows us that family is often who chooses you and who you choose back. I also loved getting an inside peek at life in a mariachi band. The first half of the book was slow but it really picked up once we got to see Mariana and Angelo on the page together. They had excellent chemistry! All the West Side Story Easter eggs were also a super fun addition. Overall I’ll look forward to future books in this series!

Content warnings: both MCs have dead parents; minor references to arson and off page drug use

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Happy Pub Day to WEST SIDE LOVE STORY! This is the first book in The Queens of Mariachi series and I'm looking forward to reading more about these wonderful sisters!

This is a Romeo and Juliet retelling with a Mariachi band (and family) rivalry that is a fun love story! I liked Mariana and Angelo's relationship. It was fun learning about Mariachi music and it had a lot of little Texas-ism in the book. And just like all of her books it was just fun to read!

Super cute fun retelling with a great Latinx twist. Priscilla in the past I think has held back on the Latinx or over explained it, where with this book it is at the forefront.

Super swoony. Not overtly spicy, if that is your thing!

West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras is the first book in the Queens of Mariachi series, published yesterday in print, audio, and digital, and I’m so excited to help promote it!
This is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet (or West Side Story if you’d prefer), centered around a group of sisters in a mariachi band in San Antonio. The sisters join a competition of top mariachi bands from all over Texas, hoping to win the cash prize to help their foster parents’ money problems. Mariana, the oldest, had unknowingly met Angelo, related to her father’s arch nemesis and a member of the reigning mariachi band winner. The star-crossed lovers attempt to bring peace to their families as the competition rages. I loved the focus on music throughout! Funny story - I started reading this outside last weekend. I heard mariachi music wafting over from my neighbors, and it helped set the mood so much that I continued to listen on my headphones while I was reading the rest of the book! I look forward to continuing this series - I love reading anything written by Oliveras 💕
Thanks for the advanced copy Montlake and NetGalley, and thanks to my neighbor for the soundtrack!

Priscilla Olivera’s “West Side Love Story” is a story including an old feud, forbidden love, and sweet mariachi music. The cover instantly grabbed me, and I was thrilled to know that this retelling of the classic movie promises a HEA.

As a fan of music competition shows, I was drawn to this story of two feuding families competing against each other in the Battle of the Mariachi Bands in San Antonio, Texas. Mariana Capuleta and her younger sisters compete against Hugo Montero, their father’s archnemesis, and his band and this certainly escalates a decades-old feud. But that doesn’t stop Angelo, Hugh’s nephew and part of the band, from giving in to his forbidden attraction to Mariana.

“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.”

I loved how Angelo was careful and patient with his pursuit of Mariana. She’s fully committed to her family and he’s very understanding about that. He’s a loving big brother and fatherly figure to his teen sister, and for me, well, that’s kinda hot. I am a little bit like Mariana in that she is the older one and feels like she needs to sacrifice her life for her “familia”. It was nice to see her let go, however, when life was screaming “seize the moment”.

This was my second book by the author and like the first one, the strong family ties and memorable side-characters were a plus for me. I resonate with family duty and its commitment to do anything for them. Besides learning some Spanish along the way, I especially enjoyed the music element; all the collaboration banter and singing practices were aspects of my life written on paper.

“West Side Love Story” is a slow burn fade-to-black romance that will continue into a series. It’s now available so check it out. Thanks to the author, Montlake, and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

A few things to expect:
‣ forbidden love/relationship
‣ two feuding families
‣ mariachi band competition
‣ family dynamics!
‣ siblings who have each other’s back

This was such a fun read!! The mariachi competition was an entertaining aspect. I loved the secrecy of the romance as Mariana and Angelo had to hide it because of their long-standing family feud. I also admire how much love they both have for their families. They both have a strong sense of family duty and have often put other first before their own selves. It’s one of the reasons they formed a connection and ultimately helped them find comfort in each other.

I was excited about this book, but it didn’t totally meet my hopes.

I did like the references to West Side Story. I love that musical. I also always love the use of Spanish words and phrases throughout the text. It feels natural and I get to test my Spanish knowledge.

Unfortunately, the writing style is repetitive and slow-moving. The same word choices are often used; plot points don’t move forward and instead actually move backwards, with flashbacks that could have been told in real time. There is so much of the characters’ internal monologues that a page or two can go by before someone answers a question another character has just asked.

The characters are lovely people, and the Capuleta family was amazing and doing so much good. I felt for Mariana and Angelo and sympathized with the pressure and responsibilities they face. But compared to the feuds in Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, the feud in this book just didn’t feel realistic. It seemed like the feud was really just two older guys acting immaturely, whereas the younger generation didn’t do anything bad or even have a problem with each other beyond wanting to win the competition. The lack of real tension made the conflict less compelling.

One of the author’s greatest strengths is making the setting believable, with specific details and knowledge. She did this for Key West and now she brings San Antonio to life with iconic and everyday locations.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing a complimentary e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

𝘈 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥!

Priscilla Oliveras did it again, this story was everything I was expecting! Enemies to lovers, lots of banter, likeable characters, yummy food, sweet and sexy moments and of course a story that you won’t be able to put down.

Priscilla Oliveras has written a story that is rich in culture and strong characters. The Capuletas immediately had me hooked on their story, from an all female mariachi band to strong family and sister connections. This story was a fantastic nod to "Romeo and Juliet" with a modern, latinx romance! Mariana and Angelo are great characters, whom I loved getting to know throughout the story. I binged this book so quickly, I was immersed in the story! Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

"Familia by choice or by blood, sometimes you can't tell the difference..."

I have long been a huge fan of West Side Story, so when I heard Priscilla Oliveras was writing a re-imaging of it set in the world of mariachi bands, I was incredibly excited. I really enjoyed West Side Love Story and the beautiful world that is created within the pages. With two families that have deep-seeded shared animosity for each other, the stakes are high for Angelo and Mariana as they fell in love.

The meet cute in the prologue set the stage for the couple's eventual chemistry and I loved the banter between the two. With their respective mariachi group in the competition, the forced proximity created was so well done. I loved that Angelo was the one to heavily pursue Mariana. He was dead-set on showing Mariana that they could be together, no matter the costs. Mariana has the biggest, most empathetic heart. The way she cared for her sisters was endearing. Her internal struggle between her family's needs and her own personal goals added a layer of character growth that gave the novel depth and relatability.

West Side Love Story also explores theme of the foster care system, as well as gentrification. Perfect for fans of Romeo & Julieta, West Side Love Story is a beautiful and well-told tale.

I about DIED when I found out Priscilla Oliveras was writing a mariachi romance set in Texas 😍🤩⁣
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This book was soooo full of Mexican culture & it made my heart so happy 🥰🇲🇽⁣
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💃🏻 rival mariachi groups⁣
💃🏻 enemies to lovers/star-crossed lovers⁣
💃🏻 family drama⁣
💃🏻 all-female mariachi bans⁣
💃🏻 single guardian⁣
💃🏻 swoony hero⁣
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The mentions of barbacoa breakfast tacos, pan dulce (orejas), Whataburger, and Selena were 🤌🏼⁣
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I live in Texas and high schools here have huge mariachi groups so this book was really special ❤️⁣
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This is releasing just in time for summer ☀️

Priscilla Oliveras writes gorgeous Latin(e) family and culture. If you’ve read her other books, you know. And those are the strong suits in her Romeo and Juliet inspired-West Side Love Story. The Capuletas have fostered several girls who have become a family of musicians with unbreakable bonds. Mariana, who also works as an ER nurse, is their ringleader. I loved the girl power of an all-female mariachi band going up against the Goliath in the Battle of the Bands.

Overall, I liked this unique take on Romeo and Juliet between two rival mariachi bands/families, but just found the pacing so slow. I think it was because the book was juggling multiple storylines — integrating grumpy teenager Nina, their latest foster daughter, into the family; uncovering what was driving the rift between the Capuletas and the Monteros; and the Battle of the Bands.

The romance is insta-attraction at first (it is Romeo and Juliet-inspired after all) but steadily grows into something more grounded (and no one dies). As is usual with Priscilla, it’s closed door.

While it wasn’t my favorite of hers, I’ll be back for book 2 in the series: Kiss Me, Catalina.

CW: ICE raid

Priscilla Oliveras’ refreshing romance West Side Love Story is the first book in her new Queens of Mariachi series. Set in San Antonio, Texas, the reader is immersed in the Latin culture of two rival families as they compete in the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. Inspired by West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet, I adored this enemies to lovers tale about sisters, music, and a secret romance!

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!

Ok I have never seen Westside Story the musical so I had No idea what to expect going in this novel. West Side Love Story is slow-build romance novel. There is immense background shared on the families so maybe I was anxious for some good ole' romance, but the story got bogged down in the backstory.

This novel was easy to read, and love the female Mariachi band. The cast characters were incredibly fun. Great start to a new series by Oliveras. Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy.

I devoured this book. A chance encounter at a club on New Year’s Eve. An instant connection. A longstanding feud between families. Rival mariachi bands in a major competition. Some egos the size of Texas. Two strong caregivers drawn together, but pulled apart by circumstances and familia. A caring foster family. A deep and abiding hurt. A hint of corruption. Gentrification versus maintaining the history and culture of a community. New ethos versus tradition. Two main characters who just give and give and give some more to others. How “nice” he is. His desire to support her. Slow burn. Their chemistry. Their goodness. Sparks, sparks, and more sparks.

All of this adds up to a delicious Latinx twist on the familiar Romeo and Juliet / West Side Story tale.

Thank you to Priscilla Oliveras, Montlake, and NetGalley for a copy of the book. All opinions here are my own.

***SPOILERS IN THE CONTENT WARNINGS***
CW: deceased parents, foster care system, ICE raid, teenage runaway, parent in prison