Despite the outstanding representation, I couldn't connect with the writing style and abundance of pop culture references. Although, I will admit the Lorde and Shawn Hunter ones made me laugh. My final complaint is how quickly the romance developed because I am not a fan of that trope, I guess you could call it. The other thing I liked was the food descriptions, and while reading, I felt hungry.

I genuinely love this book. I thought the representation was incredible and the story was extremely impactful. I was invested in every character and loved the growth throughout.

The Texas/Mexico setting was one I have not read before and I thought it was very insightful and well done.

I loved that Ander was an artist who focused primarily on murals, it set a really beautiful picture that added a lot to the story.

The discussions around immigration are one of the most central parts of the story and I felt they were very well done and eye opening.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me an advance reader copy for an honest review!

This book was honestly very moving. The whole story was so very well executed, and I really loved the representation of the characters! Santi's story was by far my favorite, yet the most heart-wrenching. All of the characters were very well written; this book is just overall amazing.

My only issue was the pacing and some of the writing was a little repetitive. Again, this book was was great. I would definitely read the trigger warnings before reading though! I highly recommend this book to anyone, and should for sure be read by everyone.

5 stars

Yes. You *can* judge this book by its stunning cover. If you, like me, were drawn to this book because of this cover, author, and synopsis, I anticipate you'll also be thrilled by what you get from this meaningful read.

Ander, the m.c., works at their family's taqueria, loves hanging with family and friends, and finds some of their best moments in creating art. In this pivotal moment, Ander has some interesting decisions to make about who they are and who they'll become as they move toward a long-term goal of attending art school and further developing their passion away from their Texas hometown. All of this takes a backseat - or at least a sidecar - when Ander sets eyes on Santi, a new server at the taqueria. The two hit it off so fast, and readers can swoon and feel their hearts nearly burst from cuteness overload when these two share a scene. Their banter is good, and their relationship is so well drawn.

As is the case in life and in YA, no romance is all flowers and rainbows all the time, and while these two are everything together, there are some serious barriers that they must face.

This is a super charming romance, and while the struggles are real, it's the healthy and charming relationship, not the tortured souls, that shine from the heart of this book. I'm already recommending it to students: especially the fantastic audio version.

Ander (they/them) has a pretty good deal going on. They're working at their family's restaurant, and they'll be going to art school in Chicago in the fall. But Ander's world is upended when they meet Santi, the new guy at the restaurant. The two are soon swept up into a whirlwind romance. However, Santi has been keeping the truth from Ander that he was not born in the United States and lives in constant fear of being picked up by ICE agents.

Oh Jonny Garza Villa, I loved this book so much! Ander is an amazingly beautiful and very real character. I can't remember the last time I laughed and I cried and I rooted for a couple as much as I did Ander and Santi. Don't even get me started on this GORGEOUS cover art, I cannot recommend this book enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. LOVE LOVE LOVE Ander & Santi Were Here!

"Through happiness and destruction."

P H E W, this book!!!!

Like, I *knew* Jonny Garza Villa was going to write a stunner, because FIFTEEN HUNDRED MILES FROM THE SUN was one of my top favorites of 2021, but they still blew me away with this story.

This YA contemporary is a heart-wrenching love story about a Mexican-American teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican boy. It's emotional, it's incredibly rich, it's heartbreaking AND heartbreakingly tender, and so funny it had me cackling. Jonny expertly weaves heart, humor, and meaning into a tale full of real-world challenge and unrestrained joy in its midst. It's rich in its conversation of culture, immigration, and gender & sexuality, and Jonny handles them with knowledge and respect.

Simply beautiful, thought-provoking, and life-changing.

A big thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

First off: I’m really glad that this book exists. I’m glad that teens will be able to read and see themselves in Ander and Santi, and I’m glad that they can hopefully find strength in their story. This is a book that discusses some really heavy topics, and I think it does so in a way that many people of all ages will be able to connect with them.

While I hesitate to call it “instalove,” I will say that Ander and Santi definitely developed an interest in each other very quickly. It’s purely a personal critique, but I found it difficult to really understand their “instant connection” since it’s something I haven’t really experienced myself; as a result, some of the basis of their relationship was a little hard for me to believe. Even so, I loved reading as they began to get closer and fall in love. There were lots of sweet moments of intimacy between the protagonists, as well as a strong sense of community with the other characters.

The pacing was a little inconsistent, though: the first three quarters of this book felt pretty fast as Ander and Santi’s relationship quickly bloomed, then the last quarter slowed down as the tension ramped up. This change in pace is understandable, but I found myself really savoring the last portion—in spite of how heavy the tone shift was—because of its pace. The last section of the book also feels like it’s where so many of the main themes around identity, community, and activism are fully realized. There’s a sense that Ander, our narrator, has really grown and changed over the course of the novel—and that we have, hopefully, changed with them.

This is a book about flawed characters trying to find love and community in a flawed world. It’s heavy and hopeful and a resounding message that messy queer Latines deserve love and justice. I hope lots of readers can find a home in this novel and its story.

Ander's strong personality along with wits and talents will pull you in. I loved the art and joy Ander and Santi brought to each other. Hearing how the community and Ander's parents were always there. You can feel and see the paintings and the battles of going back and forth with what to do through Ander's words. Nothing was stopping the chance to love, the chance to create and be as artistic as one's heart will allow. It wasn't about race it was about the passion the joy.

This is the story of Ander Lopez, a young muralist from San Antonio, Texas. Ander is working at his family’s restaurant, Lupe’s, when he meets Santi, an undocumented Mexican immigrant. Through Ander’s eyes, we are able to see the unfortunate reality that many people face daily in the United States through Santi’s encounters with ICE. It is truly impossible not to love Ander, Santi, the whole Lopez family, and Lupe’s staff which only makes their traumas even more heartbreaking and their triumphs even more heartwarming. Releasing May 2nd, this is a must read for everyone. Many of us have the privilege of never facing this current reality first hand but through Ander’s eyes I think we all could stand to gain a little more empathy.

A really moving queer YA romance between a nonbinary muralist in Texas and the undocumented Mexican immigrant they fall for the summer before they're supposed to go off to college. A tender romance between two queer teens of color who just want the freedom to love who they want and have to fight against ICE. Highly recommended for fans of Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe or Somewhere between bitter and sweet. Great on audio too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital copies in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed this book and at times it had me emotional. This is a very important read. I loved the characters and how the author described the different places in the book. Ander and Santi's relationship did not feel rushed and I loved how it evolved through the book.

DNF 50%

Slow pacing that I found hard to keep interested in
Didn’t feel any chemistry between the main character, and could’t get invested into their story.
Alot of unrealistic dialogue, and second hand embarrassment humor which is my Least favorite as a reader. I alos can’t stand when writers try to throw in a ton of pop culture and social media refs into YA to try to sound like a teen.

I’m glad this story exists and is being told, but it did not work for me

Ander & Santi Were Here was one of my anticipated reads of the year and it didn't disappoint. This book was so good that I forgot I was even reading, I wanted more, I needed more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Ander & Santi Were Here was such a beautiful story. It highlighted so many important topics that I almost never see in anything I’ve ever read.

I never felt so shook in my entire life after reading this. Especially towards the end. I almost cried, and that says a lot.

Ander was such an amazing character to follow throughout their journey and seeing them grow with his art, and his skills of being more independent.

Santi, literally, is such a sweetheart. I just wanted to go up and give him a hug. What he’s been through is so sad, and Ander’s family being so supportive of them is amazing.

The ending. That. Ending. I’m a loss of words. It’s so good that you just need to read it for yourself. This is seriously one of the best books I have ever read, ever.

Thanks NetGalley for an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jonny Garza Villa is such a talented writer. The atmosphere in this book was incredible - I felt like I was there with Ander and Santi and Zeke and Mami and Tita and Pa in a neighborhood full of delicious food, colorful murals and even more colorful characters. He combines the beautiful and heartbreaking with humor and love. 4.5 stars because I did feel the beginning was a little slow but ultimately a really beautiful, heartfelt and important story that I would highly recommend.

This was a beautiful, bittersweet story about two lovers facing all odds to be together. Ander is a brilliant artist with an incredibly supportive, loving family. Santi arrives in town with no support and is promptly swept into the fold. They are drawn to each other and then forced apart by immigration, while their family bands together to keep them in the same place.

I felt this was definitely more new adult than YA. There are heavy themes and very horny (late) teens. Most of the spice is fade to black, but Ander is keen for it and that is front and centre. Love that for them!

Bilingual text is a huge part of this story and as someone with no background in Spanish I was able to get most words though context, however I was grateful to have an e-ARC where I could translate phrases directly. This did not detract from the story in my eyes - I really loved the translanguaging that was happening, it felt truly authentic.

This was a beautiful book and I felt all the feels. Definitely recommend.

CW: racism, transmisia, ICE/deportation, death of a grandparent (mentioned), death of a parent (recounted), death of a sibling (recounted), kidnapping, recreational drug and alcohol use

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

My heart is so full after reading Ander & Santi Were Here and you absolutely need to read this book.

Ander & Santi Were Here is a bittersweet, queer BIPOC love story about Ander and Santi falling in love and fighting to stay together when ICE threatens to deport Santi back to Mexico. From the first page, I fell in love with Ander & Santi’s story and you could clearly see that they were made for each other. Every interaction between the two has you feeling a wave of emotions from super cute to bittersweet to heartfelt. Additionally, I absolutely loved the cast dynamics that tie everything together.

To be clear, there are very mature themes that Garza Villa addresses in Ander & Santi Were Here that aren’t as addressed in other YA novels (though I would argue that this title could fall appropriately under New Adult) and I understand that this title might not be for everyone. Yet, I think Garza Villa really conveys a message of love and belonging by telling Ander & Santi’s story and I think that makes reading Ander & Santi Were Here worth it.

Also, I know people who reviewed this title have mixed feelings about the bilingual text that Garza Villa includes in the book. Personally, I really liked this approach because it provides more authenticity to the story as well as creates an inclusive reading environment for Spanish readers. Additionally, since I have more familiarity with Spanish, I didn’t think it was that big of an issue to follow along or was able to get most of the context clues that Garza Villa provides so that you can kind of get an idea of what they’re saying. Though, I can understand that if you aren’t as familiar with Spanish that you would have a hard time reading the book.

Ander & Santi Were Here is a book we need now more than ever. For fans of Felix Ever After, readers will appreciate the themes/motifs of finding identity in art as well as fighting to be who they’re meant to be. For fans of the They Both Die at The End series, readers will feel all the feels for the bittersweet love story. And for anyone looking for a great new read, you came to the right place.

What a beautiful story. I love when authors do such a great job balancing heavy themes and topics with light hearted ones. I loved Ander and Sanyo’s dynamic with eachother and I always enjoy stories that revolve around families and communities which this one definitely did!

The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that I felt some of the writing was a bit repetitive and there were moments where not too much was happening in the story and I hoped for it to be more engaging.

With that being said, this is an amazing story about coming into your own, overcoming adversity (while still rightfully saying “f*ck the institution that is causing this adversity), and love between two beautiful souls and the family and friends that surround them and I highly recommend it.

DRC provided by St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

We do not deserve authors like Jonny Garza Villa. They created such a moving tale, I bawled my eyes out.

Ander is taking a gap year, so their family "fires" them so they can focus on their murals and prepare for college. That is, until they meet Santiago Garcia, the new waiter who has replaced them at the family restaurant. Falling in love with each other becomes as natural as breathing. Until ICE agents come for Santi, and Ander realizes how fragile everything is.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, but I have to say I have mixed feelings about it. I'll start with the positive. This book exudes a queer joy in a way, it also has some really difficult parts for the main character and love interest, however I loved the way Ander is always supported by their family, the love and acceptance they have was great. Which brings me to the next part, the family. Family is very important in this book, family, friends and community, I loved seeing those relationships. The love that Ander’s parents have for them, the support system they have, is incredible.

Now the romance I feel like it was a little rushed at first, I'm not the biggest fan of instalove so that's something I wasn’t particularly fond of, I still think there are cute moments and as the story goes we see that relationship between Ander and Santi blossom into something big, which I loved for both of them. It's a very emotional story in many ways, the characters have to go through bad times and that was really heartbreaking, but you can also feel the good times and those are incredibly heartwarming.

The main character, Ander, when I first heard about this book, all I really knew was that it followed a queer Mexican artist. And that was enough to convince me. Ander is a great main character, they’re funny, confident and a bit of a mess. I loved the growth they had with their art and discovering what they wanted to do with it.

Now, what I didn't like. Honestly, I'm not sure, first of all, this book took me almost two full months to finish, which is maybe my fault, but I read several books between this one and faster so. The pacing felt off, I was really bored at first because everything felt slow somehow, it wasn't until around 40% that it really started to pick up, but I was underwhelmed for most of the book. I didn't love the writing style either; you know how there’s books where the writing feels timeless? Well, this isn't one of them, which isn't necessarily a bad thing I guess, but it's not my favorite either. One thing I will say about the writing is that I loved the way the author described things, from Ander’s art to the setting, it made the story really come alive that way. Next, the use of Spanish. Spanish is my first language, it is what I use the most in my day to day. I feel some of the phrases a bit awkward? I don't know how to explain it, but considering the fact that Santi grew up primarily in Mexico, some of the sentences didn't make sense to me personally.

Overall, it wasn't the best read for me and there's nothing technically wrong with it, but my experience with the writing and pacing of the book and the structure as a whole wasn't the best. Nonetheless, I think the story itself was good and impactful, so I would still recommend it.