This book is proof that you can know the endgame that a book will bring, but still be surprised, delighted, and emotional along the way.

It took me a bit to get into this story as I did not care for the narrator, but once I was hooked, there was no putting it down. There were so many layers: family, immigration, gender & sexuality, family separation, and more. Each chapter brought new discoveries and they were all woven into a beautiful love story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC!

This was a beautiful book. Ander & Santi Were Here was a tender and endearing read that brought me to tears.

The characters in this book were some of my favorites ever. This beautiful family of Ander’s warmed my heart. They were so full of love and full of life. Ander themselves, was a feisty and charismatic little artist with so much wit. Santiago was the perfect counterpart, too. Stoic and kind, I loved the way he reacted to Ander whenever they were around.

When young love strikes the hearts of these two in the city of San Antonio, Texas, the world seems to open up… until Santi’s secret comes to light. He is undocumented and ICE is closing in. Through the pain and struggle of the devastating notion that Santi could be taken in an instant, he and Ander may end before they really got a chance to begin.

This book was heartbreaking and uplifting simultaneously. The love between Ander and Santi was so strong and persistent. Ander was this fantastic ball of creative energy and sass and I adore them! Avi Roque was the absolute perfect voice to capture the feel of both of these characters. The audiobook is the way to go, for sure.

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. Avi Roque really brought Ander to life. LOVE LOVE LOVE Ander & Santi Were Here!

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!