Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for proviiding me with an e-arc of this!

This was a stunningly beautiful book filled with so much love and art. I really liked that there was no homophobia or transphobia in this book, Ander's family was all really supportive which was so refreshing to see since it allowed for the focus to be on him and Santi. Their relationship was heart-warming and such beautiful representation :) Totally recommend.

Ander and Santi Were Here was a roller-coaster of a ride with uplifting and immensely sad moments. Whenever I read Garza Villa’s books, I smile and tear up throughout the book. I loved Ander and Santi’s relationship as it went from getting to know each other and not getting too invested in each other to full blown relationship and the love they had for each other.

Also, the Mexican culture throughout this book was so fun to read and learn about and all the food described made me so hungry! The paintings that Garza Villa described that Ander created sounded so beautiful that I wish I could see them in person and experience them for myself.

Ander and Santi Were Here talks about real life events happening to this day regarding undocumented citizens. It’s so heartbreaking that people go through this in everyday life and live their life looking over their shoulder and wondering if that is the day that ICE will find and take them.

I highly highly recommend this book to everyone and I can’t wait to read Garza Villa’s next book!

Beautiful, romantic and painful in the best way. This book broke my heart. These characters are so real and so worth rooting for. I’ll be honest I didn’t write this review right away, so all the details have left my brain already. But the feelings this book gave me have stayed long after reading. And I look forward to rereading this soon!

One of my favorite reads of the year so far! I loved Ander and Santi individually and together, and it was impossible not to root for them. This was a beautiful and tender story of growing up and falling in love. It was one of those books that I just wanted to hug when I was finished. These characters will stay in my heart for a long time, and I’ll definitely be adding a physical copy to my library! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

DNF at 15%

This was a me thing and not the book’s fault. I was not in the mood for the writing style and character wasn’t really working for me at all. I might try again at a different time.

This book really defines such a pure, heartfelt kind of love. There was so much happiness and lightness in this book but yet it was so emotional at the same time.

Two teens falling in love, something that is so gloriously messy. The author did a beautiful job here creating the story and making characters that you truly connect to and root for.

What a beautiful, tender, and challenging YA romance.

Ander is a queer nonbinary artist born in San Antonio. They nearly run into Santi, an undocumented worker from Mexico at their family restaurant, with their car & a friends-to-lovers romance quickly ensues.
Their love story is set against the structural inequities of the US immigration system, especially in border states. Meanwhile, Ander is also struggling to figure out their future and whether it will take them to art school where they will be tokenized ny white professors.

Garza Villa manages to write both a tender story of learning to open your heart to another wholeheartedly while also exploring big trauma.

It may be a YA/NA crossover: there were a few borderline spicy scenes, but it felt appropriate for older teens.

A beautiful & required addition to any lovers of YA, queer lit, or Latine lit.

Thanks to Wednesday Books & NetGalley for the e-ARC. All thoughts my own.

This was such a painfully beautiful story. I immediately fell in love with the characters and the writing. I think the inclusion of ICE was very important to the storyline and made it harder to read knowing how young Santi was and having to go through that. I'm not a big fan of insta love, but I could see it. Especially in young adults. I saw the author is coming out with another book next year so I'm looking forward to that!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

This book took me on a journey of feelings and emotions from over-the-moon joy, heartbreak, and total shock. We meet Ander, and from the start you know they're passionate about their passions, and you cannot help but want all their dreams to come true. Ander is a talented artist, we get to see their art throughout this story and it brings me so much joy. Santiago aka Santi... my heart. As soon as these characters meet you can't help but root for them, wishing them their happy ever afters. They go through a lot as a young couple. I have realized that I tend to be drawn to and enjoy stories set around family's restaurant. Ander's family is such a huge part of this story and I love that. YA books that have family in it and on the pages in many scenes it amazing. There is so many theme and important topics through these pages and the author, Jonny Graza Villa does a good job of talking and sharing about these topics without taking away from the story. The writing style is easy to follow. I do have to say there is one thing that I felt was such a woah moment that it took me out of the story, it felt like a storybook. Other than that I have a rollercoaster of a time reading this book. Ander and Santi's story is real, and bittersweet and shows hope that young people are powerful and can make a difference; their voices matter, no matter if it's a huge audience or just a few family members, they matter. With that said, if you are looking for a queer love story about real-life issues and topics told in a powerful story of family, finding one's path, and the power of art, then this is the book for you.

Beautiful story on love, to be young, and culture. Also, such a beautiful cover to go along with the book!

Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for the earc

This was a stunningly beautiful book filled with so much love and art. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator brought so much life to the characters! I also really loved that there was no homophobia or transphobia in this book, Ander's family was all really supportive which was so refreshing to see since it allowed for the focus to be on him and Santi.

🌈Queer rep: SO MUCH QUEER REP! Main characters are a queer nonbinary person and a queer (bi/pan) man. Secondary character queer rep includes bi/pan, gay male, grey ace, poly, lesbian couple.

"Ander & Santi Were Here" by Jonny Garza Villa is a heartfelt and poignant novel that beautifully captures the essence of teenage love blossoming in the vibrant backdrop of the Santos Vista neighborhood in San Antonio, Texas. This four-star review celebrates the novel's exploration of young love, identity, and the harsh realities that test the strength of that love.

Set in the rich tapestry of the Santos Vista neighborhood, the story immerses readers in a world of pan dulce aromas, the harmonious blend of Spanish and English, and the Martínez family's taquería, which serves as the heart of the community. Ander Martínez, the binary gay older sibling, finds inspiration for their art as a muralist in this very place. As Ander prepares to leave for art school, readers can't help but feel their hesitancy about leaving behind everything they've ever known.

The novel takes an engaging twist when Ander 's family "fires" them to encourage their artistic pursuits, and in walks Santiago "Santi" López Alvarado, the charismatic new waiter who ignites a passionate romance between the two. The portrayal of their budding relationship is as natural as breathing, and through Santi's eyes, AJ discovers a deeper understanding of their identity as an artist. Ander , in turn, becomes Santi's anchor as he takes his first steps toward making Santos Vista and the United States feel like home.

The novel skillfully weaves in the harsh realities faced by immigrants, exemplified when ICE agents come for Santi. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the sense of home and love in the face of a world that can be hostile. Jonny Garza Villa's writing evokes a powerful emotional response, making readers keenly aware of the challenges that young people like Ander and Santi face as they navigate love and life in an unforgiving world.

"Ander & Santi Were Here" is a moving and relevant story that skillfully captures the essence of young love while shedding light on the struggles of those living on the margins of society. It's a compelling narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish, offering a fresh perspective on the power of love and resilience. While it might not be a perfect five-star read, it's a solid four stars for its ability to evoke empathy and spark important conversations about the world we live in.

This book honestly sent me on a whirlwind. I would say that this is my first book dealing with a non-binary latino character and I loved it. I love how the book put emphasis on Anders community and how close knit and supportive his family is because many people do not have that. I love how it dealt with the upper spectrum of the YA genre but still had classic teenage things such as the instant falling in love,

5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Ander & Santi Were Here” by Johnny Garza Villa

Edition: ARC ebook via @netgalley

Jonny Garza Villa delivered a stirring YA contemporary love story! This captivating novel took me on a poignant journey of self-discovery, young love, and the enduring quest for belonging.

Set in the vibrant Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, the story introduces us to Ander Martínez, a nonbinary Mexican American teenager who finds solace and inspiration in their family's taquería. The narrative beautifully captures the tapestry of Ander's world—pan dulce aromas, the harmonious blend of Spanish and English, and the powerful role of their mural artistry. As Ander prepares to leave for art school, the familiar surroundings that have nurtured their creativity give rise to hesitation and uncertainty.

Ander's transition from taquería life to full-time muralist, thanks to a "firing" from their family, marks the beginning of a transformative journey. However, it is their chance encounter with Santiago López Alvarado, the enigmatic new waiter, that sets the heart of this story in motion. The love that blossoms between Ander and Santi feels as natural as breathing, and their relationship becomes a conduit for profound self-discovery.

Through Santi's eyes, Ander gains fresh insights into their identity as an artist, igniting a creative flame that propels them forward. Meanwhile, Ander becomes Santi's guide to understanding the intricacies of Santos Vista and the United States, eventually helping Santi establish a sense of home. But their love story isn't without challenges, as the shadow of ICE agents looms, threatening to shatter their newfound happiness.

Jonny Garza Villa masterfully addresses the complexities of identity, love, and belonging in a world fraught with uncertainty. As Ander and Santi navigate the treacherous waters of immigration, readers are reminded of the fragility of home and the resilience of love. The story delves into the stark reality of living in a world that often feels against them and beautifully depicts the power of love to persevere even when the odds seem insurmountable.

- thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc to review!

- a powerful story of love, trying to fight against the world, and finding those who make you feel happy. Garza Villa writes a painful story of love with casual and well-represented queer representation, and with characters whose struggles mirror the ones of many in real life. a story you don't want to miss.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

I was not prepared for the emotional ride this book took me on, but I am so glad I read it! I loved Ander & Santi's story, and I have high hopes for them to be together for the long haul (you never know with YA).

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Ander is a non-binary Mexican-American who live in San Antonio, TX. Their family, friends and neighborhood are everything. They have just found out they've been fired from their job at their family's restaurant. Yet, their family is doing it as a favor so they can focus on their murals/art and prepare for college in Chicago. The new waiter taking their open spot is Santiago or Santi and Ander falls for him right away. And, Santi is falling for Anders too. As their relationship grows, Santi helps Ander to see themselves and what they want in life - being an artist. Santi has encountered tragedy in the past and came to the US for a better life. Ander helps Santi find home. Yet, Santi does not have legal documents to be in the US and he's picked by ICE while Santi is getting snacks at the store. Ander is devastated and it feels like the world is against them. But Ander's relationship with Santi is their future and they're willing do what it takes to make sure Santi doesn't get deported. This was a beautifully told story in the first person from Ander's point of view. The author did a wonderful job of developing Ander's character and creating a community. This is described as a YA novel and it does cover alot of important topics - immigration, coming of age/finding one's way in life.

Title: Ander and Santi Were Here
Author: Johnny Garza Villa
Summary: The Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, is all Ander Martínez has ever known. The smell of pan dulce. The mixture of Spanish and English filling the streets. And, especially their job at their family's taquería. It's the place that has inspired Ander as a muralist, and, as they get ready to leave for art school, it's all of these things that give them hesitancy. That give them the thought, are they ready to leave it all behind?
To keep Ander from becoming complacent during their gap year, their family "fires" them so they can transition from restaurant life to focusing on their murals and prepare for college. That is, until they meet Santiago López Alvarado, the hot new waiter. Falling for each other becomes as natural as breathing. Through Santi's eyes, Ander starts to understand who they are and want to be as an artist, and Ander becomes Santi's first steps toward making Santos Vista and the United States feel like home.
Until ICE agents come for Santi, and Ander realizes how fragile that sense of home is. How love can only hold on so long when the whole world is against them. And when, eventually, the world starts to win.
Copy provided by @netgalley in exchange for honest review.
Likes: The variety of queer representation, important subject matter, the story was well balanced between the main character’s passion and talent for art and the constant threat of deportation/ICE.
Dislikes: The pace of the story was a bit slow for me at times.
#mlm #NetGalley #LGBT #LGBTQIA #pride #mexicanheritage #mexicanart #poc #queerbookstagram #anderandsantiwerehere #jonnygarzavilla #yafiction #stmartinspress #macmillanusa #QPOC #books

Ander and Santi's story was a beautiful and rarely-seen look into the life of a queer, undocumented teenager, and the chosen family he finds in Texas. This is such an important book and I am so happy it is out in the world for young adults to read, learn, and see themselves in.

Garza Villa built a vibrant word for these two characters, with vivid descriptions of Ander's art, fluid transitions between Spanish and English dialogue, and a lively group of characters who had me laughing and rooting for them throughout. Despite this being a difficult story to tell, there was a great balance between heartbreak, worry, laughter and joy. You can truly see why Ander and Santi believe their love is worth the pain they go through to protect it.

My only qualm was the pacing. While I loved the descriptions of Santi's art and process, I found that they sometimes went on long enough that I lost focus and found myself wishing we could get back to the plot. This was especially noticeable at the end, when all I wanted was to know how Ander and Santi's story was wrapped up.

Overall, this was a heartwarming, heartbreaking and special read that I highly recommend.

Sweet, cute, fun, touching, romantic, lovely YA Romance. This book will definitely fill your craving for a feel-good romance, as it did mine. You will come to love Ander & Santi, as did I. You will not regret picking up this book, so go grab a copy asap!