Member Reviews
Full Moon Over Freedom is an interesting continuation of the Milagro Street series. This short sampler gives a nice taste of what's to come and makes you want to read the book.
I loved After Hours on Milagro Street so much, so I think I’ve just been edging this because I wanted the hype to be real. And the hype is real, the Milagro Street series is so so so good. I’m so glad there’s one more sister, because I don’t want my time in Freedom, Kansas to end.
Thank you for this preview! I can't wait to read the rest of the book as soon as I can! Although I am going to have to read book 1 first now though. Gots to see it through!
I'm glad that I waited to write my review until I read the entirety of this book vs. only the first handful of chapters in this preview. If I would have based not only my review, but also my recommendation, on the first five (5) chapters, I feel that my thoughts would've been very different than reading through to the end.
As a whole, I LOVED this book! I gave me everything I wanted it to and Angelina M. Lopez has a way of pulling on my heart strings. Both this book, and the first in the series (AFTER HOURS ON MILAGRO STREET), gave me way too many feelings and the entirety of the story is what I wanted it to be.
What I've noticed with the first handful of chapters for this series is that it tends to be a slow build up to set the stage for the plot. There were certainly things that occur to propel the plot forward and establish the two main characters and give a bit of feel of the backstory of the two. With this being a second chance romance and childhood friends to lovers, understanding the dynamic was super important. You can tell there's an immense amount of research that goes into these books and I think is woven into the story nicely to tell the story of the historical figures within the plot. Because of the need for the build up, it took me a bit more than five chapters to get sucked into the story.
If you are struggling with the the beginning of this book, I urge you to keep reading. This is a story of love, forgiving ourselves and learning to move on in life. There was beautiful representation with Gillian's children (autism) and I loved watching all of the adults love over this kids and foster the community aspect that I love seeing within stories. It truly takes a village and community is important now more than ever.
Overall, I loved this and cannot to continue reading Angelina M. Lopez's books for years to come (yes I still have some of her backlist to get through).
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced preview in exchange for an honest review! NOTE: my rating is inclusive of my full feelings of the book.
the first 5 chapters really had me intrigued to read more of this story! it was steamy so fast i wasn’t expecting it but i didnt mind!! the main characters had good chemistry that’s for sure!
This story was well-written, but ultimately I was uninterested in finishing it. I didn’t end up reading to halfway through before I decided to DNF. I’m sure it would spark someone else’s interest, though
Great preview! Loved the sneak peek of this book. Definitely can't wait to read the whole book and see what happens.
I've been looking forward to this book since I read the first book and LOVED it. Even after only reading a few chapters of this book, I'm hooked! I can't wait for the full book to be released!
Thanks NetGalley for the sneak preview into the first few chapters. The writing sucked me right in. Looking forward to publishing day to pick up where I left off. The author’s meet cute and other plot points also felt original - another plus to her easy, good flowing writing.
What a wonderful preview of a book lovers of multicultural romance are sure to devour!
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Opinions are mine.
I received this as a ARC & it got lost on my TBR🫣
This is the second book in this series about the oldest sister Gillian. Second chance romance with her childhood sweetheart Nicky. She returns home while going through a nasty divorce from her rich white husband. I have to be honest, I wanted to love this like I did the first book but sadly I didn’t.
Gillian got on my nerves so bad like girl how could you be so dumb and sign a prenup like that. Her & Nicky’s lack of communication was crazy.
A few spicy scenes but I would not call this Steamy like I’ve seen other reviews say. Overall this was a quick read with a ok ending.
Thank you NetGalley
Back in her hometown of Freedom, KS and picking up the pieces of a failed marriage and complicated divorce, Gillian runs into an old comfort-her childhood friend and once lover, Nicky. Gillian confides in her once trusted confidant, spilling out her secrets and shame, knowing they will both be leaving their hometown soon enough. However, a twist of fate has them working closely together in Freedom for the summer-leaving them both facing their own demons as well as the lightening bolt chemistry between them.
The first 5 chapters of this spicy comfort read promises fun and delicious tropes such as small town romance, friends to lovers, and second chance romance, mixed with magic and Latinx culture and representation.
The preview alone has me excited to get to know Gillian and Nicky better, and I look forward to reading the rest of the book and following their individual journey as well as their tension filled summer romance! I have a feeling the town of Freedom will offer some interesting characters and serve some lovable small town vibes. I am most excited to escape in a story with my favorite and familiar tropes that are told through a lens of Latinx magic and culture. Even more exciting, is the discovery that this is book 2 of a series, and I can’t wait to go back and read the first after finishing this one!
From the preview alone, “Full Moon Over Freedom” is perfect for readers who want to explore magical Latinx culture and small town second chance romances that are cozy and steamy.
Gillian is a recently divorced mom of two who feels like she has failed at everything she set out to do in life. Nicky just happens to be in their hometown when Gillian arrives-- although he claims he never wanted to see her again, since he's been in love with her his whole life and he knows she doesn't feel the same.
After reading the first five chapters of Full Moon Over Freedom, I can't wait to read the rest! I am already rooting for Gillian and Nicky and have a feeling that their journey back together will be both steamy and hilarious.
There's a small magical element to the story, as Gillian is a formerly practicing bruja who has lost her abilities and Nicky is haunted by a spirit that appears as a dog with yellow eyes. I like how these elements are woven in seamlessly and can be interpreted as fantastical or not fantastical.
I am simply loving Angelina’s writing! This sniper was perfect and of course I need to go buy the book and finish it immediately! The chemistry between her characters is amazing and the dialogue and humor just suck me in. I’m thinking she needs to be an auto buy for me for any future releases!
I really enjoyed the first book in The Milagro Street series, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the second book. I love reading about characters that look like me and grew up like me - with large, rowdy families. I especially love seeing all these people that grew up in less than ideal situations make it out of a small town and make something of themselves in spite of all the hurdles they faced. I'm excited to read about Gillian, how she became "Gillian" and how she shed her Mexican-ness and what it cost her.
"Full Moon Over Freedom" by Angelina M. Lopez presents a captivating narrative filled with mystery, curses, and complex relationships set in the backdrop of Freedom, Kansas. This description promises a story that combines elements of magical realism and romance, making it an intriguing read.
The premise of Gillian returning to her hometown with the intention of breaking a curse, all while hiding from her Mexican American family, immediately piques curiosity. Gillian's determination to do everything wrong to achieve her goals sets the stage for a character-driven journey filled with challenges and growth.
Nicky Mendoza's presence as an artist and a figure from Gillian's past adds depth to the story. His enduring love for her, contrasted with his personal struggles, promises a rich exploration of emotions and relationships.
The inclusion of the mysterious cadejo, the phantom black dog, adds an intriguing supernatural element to the narrative. It hints at a deeper layer of complexity and symbolism within the story.
The tension created by Nicky's reluctance to touch Gillian due to his fear of emotional devastation adds an emotional depth that can resonate with readers. It suggests that the novel will delve into themes of vulnerability, love, and self-discovery.
Overall, "Full Moon Over Freedom" appears to be a unique blend of romance, magic, and personal growth, with well-drawn characters and an intriguing plot that holds the promise of an engaging and emotionally resonant reading experience.
Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for providing me the first 5 chapters of this book to review. This was the perfect amount to get a feeling for the book.
I am familiar with Angelina M. Lopez through her first book After Hours on Milagro Street. While I started After Hours, the audiobook wasn’t for me (learning that printed books are my preference) and meant to return to a physical copy. I was excited to give the first few chapters of this book a try (plus the cover is beautiful). Full Moon Over Freedom also takes place in the same town of Freedom, KS. I enjoyed that these first few chapters introduced us to Mexican American culture and arts with a touch of magical realism. If you like old flames or second chance romances, this would be a good book for you. The plot twist related to Nicky’s relationship definitely got me as I’m not a fan of the cheating trope.
I would need to read the rest of the book to see if this is a 4 or 5 star read, but will definitely give it 3 for now! It has me interested.
I fell in love !!!! Nicky and Gillian’s story, history and interactions were so swoon worthy , so incredibly beautiful. I love a book that can make me feel …. I’m so happy to have been able to read an advanced version. #fullmoonoverfreedom #netgalley
So sad I only got the first 5 chapters! This was already magic. Glad it comes out tomorrow so I can finish this story!!!
Lopez’s voice is boisterous and leaps off the page! This preview enticed me from the first page and had me ready for absolutely more. You have a backstory, characters filled with plenty of personality, and so much drama. It was *chef’s kiss.*
As much as I enjoyed the writing, unfortunately the start of the story with a huge life and allowing a main character to believe that and feel poorly about that is just not something up my lane.