Thank you to NetGalley and Carina for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

The second book in the series but this one can be enjoyed entirely as a standalone

CW: toxic relationship (past, emotional abuse towards spouse/children and gaslighting), toxic divorce, death of a loved one (overdose, past), sick older loved one, parent with alcholicism, family tensions, racism, ablism

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-second chance romance
-single parent
-it's always been you
-forced proximity
-a dash of magic
-mutual pining

Gosh this book. I felt so many emotions and just loved every minute. Gillian is rebuilding her life with her two children in the midst of a messy divorce from her terrible ex, who treated her and her kids terribly and set her in a mindset that made it difficult for her to rely on anyone else. But in walks her Nicky (or you know she almost crashes into him with her car) the boy who in high school gave her sex lessons.

Gahhh Nicky, trying not to let Gillian wreck him again just been pining away for her. he's been dealing with his own struggles, but gosh was this man all in eeven if he couldn't' admit it. He was just team Gillian from the beginning. Soft on her, soft for her kids, and hot for her. I adored his interactions with Gillian's sweet kids especially in contrast to her ex (this man deserves even worse than he got, maybe paper cuts on a daily basis). Watching him trying to fight his attraction (and cough failing spectacularly) was just fun and just the right level of second chance angst.

Gillian finding her confidence again, figuring things out with her family, and also demanding what she wants out of her life all while fighting for the best life for her family while keeping in mind her family's cultural history and the magic she felt to her soul. This was a beautiful story and I was so glad to revisit this world after book 1. But the beating heart of this book is Nicky and Gillian realizing that yes it has always been you and I got you no matter what. Loved this one and can't wait for this series to continue.

Steam: 3.75

The second in the Milagro series follows oldest sister Gillian (Juliana) as she returns to freedom with her two children, having left her emotionally abusive and controlling husband in D.C. She has lost her way, lost her magic, and on a drive down a deserted road, finds her childhood sweetheart by the side of the road. Memories and emotions come bubbling back to the surface. This man who worshipped her and showed her how it felt to be worshipped was back in her life after 13 years.

Nicky is back in Freedom to see his father figure, William, and like a vision , Gillian comes back into his life , reigniting the passion and adoration he felt for her all those years ago that never left him.

In search of her purpose, and her magic, Gillian starts to help her sister, Alex and her husband Jerimiah with plans to revitalize Milagro street and restore it to its former glory as the hub of Mexican culture and pride in Freedom, Kansas. They enlist Nicky, a successful artist, to paint a huge mural to capture the history of Milagro Street and celebrate the culture. Gillian and Nicky are forced to work side by side to uncover the tales of the once-thriving community and its people. The tension and passion of that summer they shared 13 years ago is impossible to ignore, but when this summer ends, they are both setting off on different paths. Can Gillian learn to ask for help, build herself back up, and create a meaningful career and safe place for her and her children while learning to let people in? And can Nicky confront the demons of his past and learn to forgive himself, first and foremost.

I adored this book. Stepping back into this world with these characters was a joy in itself. Their passion and love, not only for one another but for their family and community, is just beautiful. Gillian and Nicky's chemistry is electric but also so tender. The beauty of watching these characters find each other and themselves again brought tears to my eyes. The story is steeped in Mexican culture, magic and legends, and pride, while providing sharp social commentary that enriches this book and is a privilege to read. I cannot wait to see where this series goes and will be eagerly awaiting book 3.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is out September 5th. If you haven't already, read After Hours on Milagro Street ❤️

This story proved we all need to read her books. Fantastically written and paced with interesting characters that keep you reading

I love the amount of history -- forgotten, untold history -- Lopez sneaks into her book. I use that word, "sneaks," because it doesn't feel like you're reading history, but it's also not quite right, because the whole book, the whole series, revolves around that history, is inspired by the history. So much love for that.

Lopez's books also are really steamy. Right from the start, no waiting until a third of the way through for a first kiss. That's not everyone's thing. So of course not everyone is going to love this.

But for the right readers, Lopez has created a world that's nice to spend time in. Really enjoyed the return of Milagro Street characters and places in this one. Looking forward to seeing what Cici is up to in the next book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

I someone how missed on Lopez's last novel and I'm so grateful this one popped up on my radar. If you love a spicy second chance, friends to lovers romance this is absolutely the Fall read for you. So damn good.

Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M. Lopez
“He stole my power by being cruel. Don’t you steal it by being nice.”
~~~~
This was a nice little read about a summer in a small town. Loved the representation, especially with the single mom romance. Let's also talk about the finding of the childhood romance, it was awesome. The spice was awesome.
I enjoyed the use of the cultural myths of Mexican culture, it was great! This was a great quick read. I would like to thank Angelina M. Lopez, Harlequin, and Netgalley for the eARC. Go and preorder today, Full Moon Over Freedom is available 9/5/23!

Woooo this is a SPICY one! Many eggplants for this one. But aside from all the spice, I loved this story of finding one's inner strength and realizing we are all the makers of our magic. What a great story of love, loss, healing and forgiveness amid a backdrop of a small, struggling town trying to revitalize after years upon years of racism and white supremacy took their toll. A solid 4/5 for me!

Love the diverse characters and the chemistry between the main characters I love that there are more and more couples of color getting the chance to be centered in romance book. Definitely a 10/10 in my book.

I wish Freedom was a real place so I could visit these places and people! I love the setting Lopez has setup, the family dynamics and the magic she instills her in books. In this book, Gillian and Nicky were childhood/high school friends who collide back together right when it's needed the most. They spend the summer facing hard-truths and working to overcome their struggles, while also getting a second chance on love and the shaping of their lives.

Full Moon Over Freedom felt a bit deeper than After Hours because of the struggles the characters are going through. But I love the way real-life is depicted - for better or worse. (CW: divorce, toxic relationship/mental abuse).

Gillian left Kansas behind.... Now she needs to move back to Freedom with her children after her divorce. She sees Nicky - her first love... Will they fall in love all over again?

Love the small town setting.... The large loving family is fun... The heroine is brash and blunt... and I love her for it. Terrific fun book.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

5 stars, hands down!!

Angelina Lopez does it again! The second in the series based in Freedom, Kansas, this Latina romance is something to be read and cherished.

This beautiful story leaves you feeling humbled and full of love. With strong character development and a second chance romance, this is one not to be missed!

Can be read as a stand-alone, but so much better as part of the series!

This was such a sexy follow up to After Hours on Milagro St. Angelina Lopez doesn't disappoint. . Nicky and GIllian are too hot for words. Magic, sex and love... perfect mix

Straight up, just no. To all of it. Everything.

Gillian is so unlikeable, I wanted to shake her. She kept referring to herself as the Pride of the East Side with zero explanation. Others called her the smartest person they know but honestly, again, no. No well-educated financial planner worth their salt would sign a pre-nup that gave them *nothing*, nor would they sign a divorce agreement that gave them *nothing*. And then she has the audacity to whine about everything else when there are multiple opportunities beneath her nose that would fix every problem, if only she would just get over herself.

Nicky gives me a big 'ol ick. Plain and simple. Any man who constantly refers to a woman he actually has no claim over as "his woman" or "his girl" creeps me out so much. The lie that he started the book out with was so pointless too, and honestly felt really spineless on top of selfish. His part in the third act breakup was also so ridiculous and without purpose.

Milagro Street is one of my favorite books and I didn’t think this book could live up to it! I was wrong! It is beautifully written and I felt as though I knew the Torres family! Like they were my friends/family! Ms. Lopez has solidified her position as an author who will remain in my ‘must read’ list. Love this book!

This was my first time reading one of Angelina’s books and it won’t be my last! I am always eager to read a novel with Latinx main characters and this one did not disappoint. Everything about the characters really hit close to home and it was easy to relate to the family dynamics. Small town romances are too often white washed so this was a welcome and refreshing change.

I loved both Gillian and Nick so much but I wish we could have seen more from Nick’s POV and his back story. Overall, this was a beautifully written story about loving your true self and self discovery!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Angelina Lopez and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I truly loved this story! I really enjoyed the authors writing style as well. I felt interested from start to finish.

While on the service this book is giving second chance romance in a small diverse town it is much much more than that.

It really gives so much on finding your self identity and accepting yourself for exactly who you are - past and present versions of yourself.

I also really enjoyed being emmersed in the culture.

I would definitely read more from this author.

I loved Milagro Street and wasn’t sure a sequel could live up, but I was blown away. Like the first book, this one masterfully weaves together so many elements of the character’s lives, creating a rich and complex tapestry without anything feeling rushed or glossed over.

This book is on the surface a second chance romance in a diverse small town setting, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about rebuilding yourself after life doesn’t go the way you expected, it’s about addiction and loss, it’s about family and culture, forgiving yourself, accepting help when you need it, and getting justice. Oh, and there’s a hot romance with some fucking incredible steam in there, too! All around fantastic, now absolutely can’t wait for book three.

Damn Angelina M. Lopez's books are so freaking good! The love, the passion, the connection!! All of it was amazing! I really enjoyed this and I can't wait to read more from this author! truly such a great read!

I absolutely adored this second chance romance!!! Both main characters were strong and vulnerable and their chemistry was off the charts!!!

Have you ever read a book that made you feel like you're too dumb for the book? This book made me feel that way, and honestly, I think it might be in part to how little I know and understand about Mexican culture. The book made me realize that even though I try to read diverse and inclusive books, I have accidentally skipped over this entire demographic and will be making more of an effort to broaden the range and scope of what I read. The book is beautiful and mysterious and pulls at the aches in your heart. I have not read the first in the series and I think I would have benefitted from doing so prior to reading this one. I do wish we got more information and depth into Nicky's life and history, though.