This was ok but just not for me. It was very slow (I almost DNF) and there was a lot of talk about art that I didn’t really cared out. It also felt like it had unnecessary drama and I just wanted to get to the end of the book. I know some people has loved this book but didn’t do it for me. Not sure if the fact that I’m Mexican and have faced immigration challenges changes how I saw this book and my enjoyment of it. Talks on immigration and ICE are hard for me.

Ander has so much support in their art but wants to help the family restaurant before they leave for art school. Their replacement at the restaurant, Santi(ago) is attractive and they are interested.
I love their relationship so far even though it might be temporary with art school and Santi's status.
ICE and the threat of deportation is discussed with Anders family and those that work at their business. Even though the owners are citizens they get targeted.
I'm halfway through the book but the blurb said it's like the Sun is Also a Star and that book made me cry.
This one definitely made me cry at the end too but the epilogue helped. This was a beautiful book about love in an world with so many faults and neverending inequalities. But the art that Ander brought to the world was his voice and told his story. Love will find a way not always in the way we expected or wanted.
Thank you stmartinspress and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

Ander Lopez only knows their neighborhood in San Antonio and focuses on their job at their family's taquería. Ander is also a muralist getting ready for art school but isn't sure they're ready to leave. When their family "fires" them so they can prepare for college, they meet Santiago Garcia, the hot new waiter. Falling for each other is easy; Ander learns more about themself and their art, and Santi begins to feel like the United States is home. When ICE agents come for Santi, Ander realizes how fragile that really is.

Ander wanted some real-life experience as a muralist, especially when some schools rejected him after reducing them to only Mexican styles and subjects. Ironically, the advisor coaching them at the school they deferred for the year wants them to only focus on those themes and doesn't bother to actually get to know their interests. Ander gets too locked in their doubts, but their good friends and then Santi help them open up. It's a teen romance in the beginning, with awkward moments and family members butting in. Santi tried to slow the connection between them; we know why even as Ander doesn't, because he doesn't want to make close connections he'll have to drop at a moment's notice. It happened to other workers in the taquería, but Ander hadn't been as personally affected before.

I love how the characters are casually bilingual in a real way, not fake fumbling for words. The tension from ICE agents coming into the restaurant or following them made me clench my teeth in fear. Ander makes a decision no one expects, but it's one they commit to and can feel good about. It's a bold move, and I wish them all the best of luck.

This book. Ugh. That's a good ugh by the way. It's hard to put my feelings on this one into words. What I really want to do is just shove a copy in your hands and say here, read this, read it now and don't stop until you are done. I don't think I've read a book before that portrays the sense of utter fear people must face when dealing with ICE. As a white female, I recognize my privilege talking here when I say that I never thought about how utterly terrifying it must be to be in a country trying to make a life for yourself, send some money to your loved ones and just exist and along comes these assholes who want to intimidate you and send you away. I mean I thought about it but this book made me sit with the thoughts for a while instead of just moving onto the next thing.

Anyway, what I've very poorly trying to say here is read this book and do some soul searching and thinking about it. You won't be sorry. Oh and eat something before reading because it's partially set in a restaurant and I want to go there now.

Many many thanks to Wednesday Books for a gifted e-copy.

I loved learning about the characters development in this one. It was such a wonderful book. I loved the writing of the author. I highly recommend this book to any YA reader, though be aware there are some more mature themes and the main characters are nineteen.

Gorgeous and heartbreaking, this story is a must read for all humans. Beautifully written and tender.

This was an absolutely delicious novel. Full of romance, art, heart-felt feelings, intense longing, and is unapologetically queer, Ander and Santi Were Here was perfection from start to finish.

Ander is queer, non-binary, and Mexican-American. Born in 'The Land of the Free, Home of the Brave,' Ander has been witness to many an ICE incursion, but has never really had to fear what they were capable of. That is until Santi waltzes into their life. Now the threat of separation hangs constantly over the pair's heads, and Ander isn't sure how to handle that, especially with them leaving for college at the end of summer. With so many things trying to pull the pair apart, with their love be strong enough to withstand all opposition?

This book was a refreshing, and eye-opening read. Written beautifully with some genuinely laugh out loud moments that helped lighten the sometimes heavy subject matter, it is definitely a favorite of mine for the year.

I’ll start with a quote from this book that primarily lends itself to Ander’s struggle reconciling their identity as an artist but feels like a much bigger sentiment and encompasses the larger themes in this book:

"[T]here are times where I don’t know whether I love or hate where I am right now."

Ander is a nonbinary Mexican American artist. Santi is a bisexual undocumented Mexican boy. This is their story of a burgeoning romance, of loss, hope, pain, and life.

Love, expansive and fully realized, permeates this novel. We have these two queer kids falling in love. And we have Ander’s wonderfully supportive family, their taquería, and all the ways in which they have concreted community in San Antonio, TX. We see evolutions of friendship and identity as it relates to the individual and the diaspora. We reckon with what allyship means, the ways we fail at it, and the ways we work to do better. Ander & Santi Were Here has so much to say, and it is achieved through Jonny Garza Villa’s precise command of language.

Every word the author strings together in this book is remarkable – there’s charming banter, Spanish left untranslated and de-gendered, the most delightful references to pop culture, and a powerful undercurrent of emotion that comes with the exploration of the politics of racism, immigration, and capitalism in the United States. But stars, the way Ander & Santi epitomize queer joy through it all. Queer and trans identity are the nucleus, and it just is. It’s a texture, or something mellifluous, washing over you and painting your heart with promise.

Like I said that quote came from Ander grappling with his heritage and his artistic identity. But, in a way, it speaks to the space Ander & Santi carves out for queer existence and intimacy. And it’s me wondering about MY identity, my inheritance, my citizenship. And about this country that disregards humanity to deem people capital or criminal, and, as the author’s note put it, objectifies “the potential of migrants” as a measure of who deserves to be given a chance.

And what you need to know is this: Ander & Santi Were Here is a meditation—on home and where you belong—and an affirmation—of here and with us.

Finished this and IMMEDIATELY came to write a review because wow. Wow. What a beautiful book.

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Secondly, Jonny Garza Villa. You icon. I’m immediately adding you to my “auto-buy” authors list because you are everything I love reading.

As a queer Latina reading this book, with a mainly queer BIPOC friend group, this book was so beautiful and so amazingly written. The spark we feel between Ander and Santi the first time they meet hooks us in so quickly and we immediately want more information on Santi. Ander was also just… the biggest mood. I can’t tell you how many times I was audibly laughing at their reactions and thoughts to things.

I love books about soft queer babies falling in love. I really do. But the Latine focus on this hits so much harder for me. Seeing how sweet Ander’s family is and how supportive they are about their dreams and relationship and just, their gender identity and sexual orientation filled me with so much happiness because I feel thats so hard to find in Latine families in my experience.

I love this book. And it will leave you sobbing. But it does end beautifully and I am so happy.

4.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.
This was such a good book, and I don't even know how to begin listing everything I loved about it. The romance was swoony without being cheesy, which was lovely. The character development for all characters was amazing; upon finishing this book, I feel like Ander is actually a real person that I know because the way their feelings were portrayed was so genuine. This was true for all of the characters; even people like Santi and Zeke and Ander's family who we don't get to read from their POV, it's still very clear who they all are because their personalities just shine through. I think that tells of amazing writing skills. The characters are flawed in realistic ways that make them seem more human. There were multiple times where I was giggling at Ander's sarcasm, and also multiple times where I was almost in tears over their emotions. This book presented an amazing range of feelings. I also loved the art aspect and I deeply wish I could see some of Ander's art. I also wish I could eat all of the food that was talked about in this book!
I also want to talk on the diversity piece of this book. I'm definitely not an expert, but as a reader I thought it was extremely well done. Ander's gender identity is explored in a way that makes it very clear to the readers but isn't pushy. I love reading books about LGBT+ characters, but there are times where it seems forced or over-complicated. This is absolutely not true in this book, and I thought this aspect of Ander's personality was covered perfectly. I also loved reading about their exploration of how they wanted their culture to shine through in their art; again, I can't speak on this personally, but I feel like that's probably a realistic struggle for some artists and I think it was a great aspect to highlight. I also feel that the immigration piece was handled well. Again, obviously I can't speak on the part of individuals who have shared this struggle. My personal opinion is that it did a great job showcasing the very human part of what some individuals may go through when immigrating, and I think that's something that needs to be shared more often.
I would 100% recommend this book! If you enjoy art, romance, LGBT+ stories, coming of age stories, this book hits on all of these topics. It's an important read that shares aspects of cultural diversity that I feel are sometimes overshadowed.

"And don't ever get to the end of anything wishing you'd done more. Felt more."

4.25 I knew this was going to make me emotional, because the author's note already had me in tears, and I am happy to confirm that Villa really did deliver on vulnerability, pain, and hope.

There are some truly beautiful passages in this book, the writing hits deep into your soul. The way that the characters talk about love and family and belonging made me feel so much, it was such an amazing experience. I loved all the types of relationships that were highlighted in this, from passionate romance, to protective family ties, to unwaveringly reliable friendships. It just felt so good to put yourself in the main characters' shoes and feel surrounded by all the love they have in their life.

Of course, as beautiful and full of love as this book was, it was also filled with some very authentic, very distressing realities. And I think Villa did a great job of showcasing those realities, of getting the pain and the fear and the panic that the characters experience across to the reader. It was heartbreaking, and the last 80 pages or so had me sobbing my way through half a tissue box. And I appreciate that while the novel stayed true to the realities of our world and didn't perfectly resolve all our characters' issues in a miraculous flick of a magic wand, it did also create a sense of hope and possibility that I absolutely adored.

My one "issue" with this book was the pacing. And I put "issue" in quotes because I think some people may actually see this as a positive selling point for them. But there were definitely some chapters in the middle of the story that I found were kind of unnecessary. It was very slice-of-life for a moment, which isn't bad in and of itself, it just didn't do much for me. It didn't give me any new insight into our main character or their relationships or their future or any other part of the plot, message, or character development. (view spoiler) But there was definitely a moment while I was reading that I was considering rating this 3.5 stars or even DNFing it. The ending completely redeemed it for me, so I am confident in giving it 4.25 stars now, but the pacing did get in the way of my reading experience.

All that being said, I do absolutely recommend this novel and I am so happy that I had the chance to pick this up.

Ander has decided to wait a year before going to college to figure what their art should be like, and that year will change their entire life. Turns out Ander's family doesn't want them to work the family's restaurant anymore so that they truly focus on art. And that's when Santi enters. He is hired in their stead and the two begin a friendship that turns into something else but it's not just all sunshine and rainbows as the two have to fight against more than anyone ever should.

I absolutely loved this book. It was emotional and impactful and captivating. I fell for Ander immediately, they were smart and dumb and flawed in the best way. I laughed, I cried, I loved this from beginning to end. I enjoyed the setting and the family relationships and the romance between Ander and Santi as well as all the friendships we got to witness. I also had a great time following Ander's artistic choices and career choices.
A big part of this book is also about immigration and how ICE shouldn't exist and it was as powerful as it was enraging. It made me so angry and I cried some. To me, that's one of the many reasons everyone should read this book. Truly a must read.
I also truly enjoy Jonny Garza Villa's writing and this second book was just as amazing as their first. I cannot wait for more.

This book read how the Spanish language feels - lush, sensual, fun, and exciting, Between the writing style of Johnny Garza Villa and narrator Avi Roque this was just perfection. I will admit to struggling through the first 15% just because of my reading mood - it was good but nothing was happening. The first section is very character focused which is usually my jam so if you love that then it's consistency throughout this book will suck you right in. Some of the plot points hit hard and fast and then immediately got resolved so the pacing feels very off in the second half of the book and yet....this feels no less poignant and perfect as a whole. This would be pretty great for fans of All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir or even A Very Large Expanse of the Sea by Tahereh Mafi.. Go into this one with an open mind and an open heart and be prepared to get swept away.

I thought Ander & Santi Were Here was going to be a pretty heavy read because I knew it dealt with undocumented immigrants. I was pleasantly surprised to find that although Jonny Garza Villa handles the topic seriously and with care, this book is really a very adorable YA romance. It was refreshing to read a romance where the drama was coming from outside sources and the characters could just be in love without causing each other pain. No third act break ups or big miscommunication drama! I love that this book features a nonbinary artist as the main character as well. It was really nice to see Ander grappling with being both nonbinary and Mexican and how both of those identities affected their art and relationship with their Mexican heritage. I would absolutely recommend this one! It was just as beautiful as the cover.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ander & Santi Were Here is a wonderful contemporary romance, heart-warming while also dealing with being an undocumented immigrant in the US. I feel like the story deals with this issue compassionately. It personalizes something a lot of people may only see in the news.

The representation is great: Ander is nonbinary, the primary relationship is queer, and there are multiple queer side characters as well. They are all just allowed to be. There is queer joy here ❤️

Ander's artistic exploration and expression is one of my favourite elements in this story. Trying to balance outside expectations to make "Mexican" art and the desire to do the exact opposite to break away from stereotypes is fascinating and thought-provoking. Art feels important here. It's not just a hobby mentioned a couple of times as a personality trait with no impact on the story.

Ander and Santi are very sweet and young without feeling cringey or ridiculous. Although the attraction is immediate, the relationship does have time to develop. The family and friends surrounding Ander, and by extension, Santi, are incredible and supportive as well. Even if they do not have their own deep storylines, the characters still feel real and distinct.

The author builds tension well and I felt genuinely nervous and afraid for the characters at times. I also like the untranslated Spanish as it feels quite realistic. My only critique is that a couple of the conflicts resolve rather quickly on the page, but that's quite minor.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet, queer contemporary love story with supportive family, important modern concerns, and the warm feeling of home.

as the grand child of immigrants, as someone who grew up in san antonio, and as someone who is both queer and non-binary, i have never felt more represented than i did whole reading this novel. it’s beautiful and heartbreaking and tragic all at once.

What a beautiful book! I loved Ander and Santi and their relationship. It’s such a tender and heartfelt story and I was so moved by it. Definitely a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of #anderandsantiwerehere

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this eARC of <i>Ander & Santi Were Here</i>. All opinions are my own.

When a book makes me cry, I automatically give it five stars, but I honestly wouldn't even have to think twice about giving <i>Ander & Santi Were Here</i> by Jonny Garza Villa five stars even without the waterworks because it is just that beautiful.

The book is about Ander "AJ" Martinez, a nonbinary artist on a bit of sabbatical after deferring from a prestigious art school for a year to focus on what they're best at—painting murals in their South Texas border town community. Their Mexican-American family, who runs a popular local restaurant, is supportive of Ander in all the ways: of their career, their choice to take year off, of their nonbinary identity. I absolutely adore how Villa creates a supportive family for Ander, one who uses their pronouns with authority and figures out how to change the gendered language of Spanish to work. It was a joy to see this, and to see that yes, it is possible to be supportive of all identities in all languages.

The character of Santi was beautifully rendered as well. He's guarded yet open, curious about being with Ander, yet holding him at arm's length until he finally can't take it anymore. Santi's precarious position as an undocumented immigrant puts both him the entire Martinez family in danger and creates tense moments of suspense throughout the book. I felt like I couldn't feel the bottom of my stomach at some points. Villa has such a way of allowing us to feel empathy for Santi and everyone else who cares about him.

If you've never once thought about what a day in the life of an undocumented worker is like, please read this book. Not only is it a love story to beauty, through Ander's murals and art, but to loyalty, love, and devotion. <i>Ander & Santi Were Here</i> will make your heart swell, hurt, and smile at the same time.

This is a spectacular story of queer brown love. This book offers so much wonderful diversity of representation in its characters, highlighting the injustices of our modern immigrant policies and the rippling effect such policies have on communities like Ander and Santi’s. This books is such a beautiful ode to modern love and what love can overcome.

I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for allowing me access to an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed Ander & Santi Were Here. This is a phenomenal love story. I usually prefer to review Sci-fi and fantasy, but I picked this up on a whim, and I am so happy that I did. Ander’s family operates a Taquería in San Antonio. Ander is a talented artist with big plans to paint the town in their own image. Santi is the new boy who turns up and turns their world on its ear.

There is so much to love about this book. Ander immediately swept me up as a main character as they struggled to cope with their place in society and trying to find a voice as an artist that feels genuine to them. They meet a new waiter who turns out to be their replacement as their parents try to give them some freedom to pursue their art full time. As the two begin the awkward initial rights of all young romances, they are also confronted daily with the racial tensions that come with being young brown people in modern America and especially in Texas.

As for my complaints, there aren’t very many. Ander is definitely the kind of person who wears their heart on their sleeve, so sometimes they swing towards the dramatic in situations that seem otherwise normal, but even that complaint is more an illustration of how Ander is uncompromising in being true to how they are.

If you are looking for a good romance story with a lot of art and an abundance of amazingly detailed food references, then you will fall in love with this book. As my final warning, some of the scenes get a little steamy, but overall not as graphic as a lot of the modern romance books out there. If you pick this one up, I hope you enjoy it a lot.