This book had A LOT going on, and it felt much longer than its 400 pages. It is raw and real, rife with depictions and descriptions of gang violence, LGBTQIA+-related hate crimes, and PTSD (please read content warnings before starting this book!). To counteract these heavier themes, Natalie Caña provides lighthearted humor with feuding and matchmaking grandfathers who cause trouble in their nursing home. This is what ultimately reunites our two main characters, Santiago "Saint" and Lola, who were high school sweethearts before Saint enlisted in the military and Lola had to run away with her mom for her safety. Now, seventeen years later, Lola is back to care for her grandfather and work with the community center (El Hogar) for unhoused LGBTQIA+ youth, a cause near and dear to her heart.

Saint is a single dad to four-year-old Rosie. He left the military to raise her after his wife died. Rosie is one of the BEST (portrayals of) children I've read in romance novels, probably because she acts her age (not younger or older). She has selective mutism, only speaking when she's with her family (i.e., not at school). Lola is Rosie's new teacher, and she doesn't try to change her or punish her for not speaking. She provides a safe space for Rosie to learn, and she doesn't take it personally when Rosie still doesn't speak to her outside of the classroom. The connection they form is so pure and wholesome. Rosie wants to be exactly like Lola, dressing like her and doing her hair like her. So cute. And when Rosie utters her first words to Lola? I had tears in my eyes. Be still my heart.

The Vegas have to be one of my favorite fictional families. This book confirms my love for meddling families, ESPECIALLY grandparents. I liked the... unconventional "friendship" (camaraderie?) that forms between Benny (Lola's abuelo) and Papo Vega. Those two are adorable in a way that only old people can be.

I LOVED the representation in this book. Not only that, but the discussions that the characters had about social justice-related topics. Every character is Latine/Latinx (with the exception of one white teacher who quit at the beginning); Lola is half Mexican and half Puerto Rican, and Saint is Puerto Rican. Lola is fat and bisexual (the author is also bisexual). There is talk about the effects of gentrification, the slow acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people in some Latine/Latinx communities (because they are not a monolith), white saviorism, and fatphobia/discrimination.

A forewarning to those who do not speak Spanish: there is a lot of untranslated dialogue that isn't always easy to figure out through context clues. I can't be mad at this, because the author clearly envisions her primary audience as other Latine people. But if this is something that will bother you because of how much time it will take to type into Google Translate, then this book might not be for you. As someone who does not speak Spanish, though, I can say that I still found this book worth reading. I personally did not choose to translate the text. From knowing another romance language, I was able to piece together the gist of some dialogue, and the rest I knew I would figure out if it were consequential to the story.

I think some of the conflict, especially the conflict involving Lola's brother that leads to the third act breakup, is unnecessary and doesn't add to the storyline. I could have done without the third act breakup. I would have liked to see more intimacy (not just physical!) between Saint and Lola. The heavier themes, as well as the characters' individual personal growth, overshadowed the romance; that is to say, the romance was secondary to other subplots. There is only one short sex scene, so this book is not spicy (that's either a pro or con, depending on your tastes!). I usually read character-driven books, and this one felt mostly plot-driven. It is incredibly slow-paced, which is probably why its 400 pages felt like they dragged on. I wouldn't necessarily call it a slow burn, but it was a slow read (for me). Although this book is written in third person, it somehow felt like a first person book (I can't explain why or what that even means, but I do usually prefer first person narration). The ending perfectly set up Leo and Sofi's impending romance (all best friend's brother lovers, be prepared!), so I can't wait for book three!

I recommend this book if you love:

🎃 badass, fierce FMCs
🎃 duty-driven MMCs
🎃 single dad romance
🎃 second chance romance with (secret) high school sweethearts
🎃 "it's always/only been you"
🎃 social justice
🎃 family loyalty and shenanigans
🎃 meddling relatives
🎃 feuding grandfathers

Thank you SO much to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

I had a really hard time getting into this novel. It was difficult to follow at the beginning and I had to reread a couple times. This is limited romance in this novel, one spicy scene, which is totally fine - I just wouldn't classify this as romance.

The novel follows 2 MCs, with dual POV. They knew each other in high school but haven't seen or heard from each other in 17 years. The FMC is fighting to save a building and the MMC's daughter is a student. There are many obstacles they must overcome in this story.

For me personally this book was just OKAY, but what doesn't fit for me, might be better for someone else!

This is an easy 5 of 5 for me.

Natalie Caña has done it again for me. A Dish Best Served Hot will be in my list of comfort reads.

This is a slow burn second chance romance between Saint Vega (Kamilah’s older sibling) and Lola Leon. Saint is quite with a lot of unprocessed trauma including his time in the military. He has been mourning his late wife for 5 years being on single dad duty to Rosie ever since. Lola on the other hand is this fiery, assertive woman who comes from a line of political activist and social warriors, some of which veer of path and end up in the criminal world. Her passionate activism and desire for the underrepresented LGBTQIA+ to have a place when their parents kick them out of their house is what brings Saint and Lola together, also Lola is Rosie’s teacher. There is a good amount of emotional issues, a lot of internal struggle, and some meddling old folks.

I loved both of these characters because I felt connected to some part of their struggle. Their dynamic felt fresh, but also seasoned in a way. They talked through the resentment they had for each other from their youth which I applaud. I also loved how much effort Lola put in her dynamic with Rosie, there is a moment between the two of them that made me cry because I was so happy.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It has many things I enjoy like crazy Latine family dynamics, lovable characters, a sweet slow burn that has a sizzling payoff. Topping it off with the fact that “he falls first, and harder” with a side of “it has always been you”. Overall another fun rom-com, with good tension and emotional moments.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

Natalie Cana does it again! Her sophomore album is absolute perfection! Every time I read her books I feel as if I'm watching a movie. But I gotta say this one was better than the last. I definitely fell in love with Saint and Rosie. Lola is so relatable. I fell for their love story as second chance love stories are my favorite tropes. There's plenty of suspense and drama there. So much character representation. I love the therapy on page and the mention of anxiety and the actual panic attacks and the reality of them. The books are so realistic especially to marginalized communities without victimizing them, we need so much more of this in our community.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

definitely such an improvement from her last book! i thoroughly enjoyed A Dish Best Served Hot and have already added the next book to my TBR. there was so much growth in the writing, plot, and character development of this book. the only area that was cringe for me was some of the dialogue.

An action packed, family filled, second chance journey! The amount of times I yelled author Natalies name was comical. It happened at every tear, laugh, and angst filled moment!
Lola & Saint brought all the feels. We got to see how it all began, and all that occurred in between. There was a bit of angst, humor, cariño, and much more! I felt like we could have been given a bit more info in certain areas, but thats just me as a reader who loves & doesn’t mind every/any little detail.
Also have to acknowledge that the diverse characters throughout the story felt authentic and liberating to read in a Latinx/e novel.
Honestly love this series, and secretly hope every Vega/Cruz member gets a HEA. Selfishly speaking.
But thats how great this series has been so far. Im glad we’ll get the chance to see Papo Vega work his magic, and hopefully get some answers about a certain relationship.

So, I didn’t initially realize that “A Dish Best Served Hot” was a sequel, which I really think would have helped me connect more to the characters and the story. I still enjoyed my time with this book, but I think there was a lot to gain with reading them in order, especially since the side characters are such a highlight! I also personally wish there had been more spice, tho I know that’s not everyone’s preference.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read this book before it comes out!

Abuelo Vega is back and up to his same old antics, and I was so ready to see it. I fell for the Vega family in the first book and was highly anticipating this next installment in the series.

This one follows the oldest of the Vega siblings, "Saint" who is a single dad to a sweet little girl (and boy, do we get some swoon-worthy moments of him doing daddy things). Saint goes to the school to meet his daughter's new teacher, and finds Lola there, the one that got away when he committed his young adult life to serving in the military. The beginning sets up their story, during which Saint is sworn to secrecy in helping a family member on a project that sells out their community to a developer with money. For the sake of his own morals, he offers to help Lola find new locations for the community centers which have been displaced as a result of this project.

I loved both of these main characters - they are both fiercely loyal to their values, even though those values have them fighting against one another at times. Unfortunately, I struggled with the execution of this story. There was a lot more telling than showing here. Weeks would go by between chapters and it often felt as if the plot and relationship development was happening in those time gaps. Additionally, there was minimal dialogue which left me wanting in terms of the romance and character development. Overall, the premise of the story was interesting, but I didn't get the romance or plot details I was hoping for.

3.5⭐️ This was a fun second chance, single dad romance and I would definitely recommend that others pick up the Vega family series. Community is a really big aspect of this series which I enjoy. However, I found the cast of characters to be a little too big. Sometimes people would get brought up and I would have no idea who they were.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this Advanced Readers Copy of A Dish Best Served Hot by Natalie Cana!

This book is EPIC!

I wasn't sure what to expect especially since I loved book 1 so much. But this story is so different in such a wonderful way. This sibling is completely different so his voice and his story is as well.
The depth of feelings, family, and being so completely human is still a common thing in Cañas writing.

This is a high school friends, turned to slight crush, turned to strangers, turned to enemies, turned to lovers. Also single DADDDDDDDY. Also great plus size rep.

And swooony moments to fill my dreams for life.

I loved this book and will be a pick for our Fall Steam Box! The characters, the found family, the grandparents it was all so so good!

The Vegas family is back, and Natalie Cana’s writing was perfect as the first book! This book focuses on Saint, Kamilah’s brother and the oldest of the Vega family. The book also focuses on Lola, whom Saint knew from high school and secretly dated and who just returned to town after suddenly disappearing. This book is the second installment of the Vega Family Love Stories series but can be read as a standalone. There is not much background information that can confuse you, but I highly recommend reading both books if you’re looking for a good feel series.

The writing of this book was so perfect. The dual perspectives were done well, and Cana gave Saint and Lola some depth and a good backstory that many people will resonate with. They are very loyal to family, and both are passionate people. I loved how both communicated well with each other and with respect. Saint’s daughter Rosie gave the book some lighthearted moments. I also loved that this book had mischievous grandparents who helped Saint and Lola see how perfect they were for each other. I am a sucker for a second-chance romance, and this book delivered!

Thank you to NetGallery and to Harlequin Trade Publishing for giving me a copy of the book.

This was such an enjoyable read! While I didn’t love it as much as the first, it still kept me captivated and interested the whole time I was reading.

This was a second chance romance for Saint and Lola and it was fun watching it all unfold. Especially when you have the mildly meddling benefit of Papo and Benny and their ridiculous pranks. My heart broke that we lost Killian in book 1 so I’m glad he found someone even if that person is a frenemy haha.

Lola and Saint were flawed and far from perfect but they worked well together as a couple imo. Lola helped Saint work through ways to help his and Rosie’s anxiety and Saint was there to support her as family. Im thankful the third act breakup didn’t last long and they got the HEA they deserved.

Special shout-out has to go to Rosie. That kid is an absolute trip and I love her audacity 😂

Overall this was a fun and exciting read despite featuring heavier topics around racism, homophobia, gentrification, etc. Natalia Caña has a powerful way with words that transports you into the story and culture and this book was no exception.

This review is already posted to my goodreads page and will be on Amazon come release day.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AHUMQGVPEPDOPCMZTD5D27H5R2DQ?preview=true

Social justice advocate Lola Leon has returned to her hometown of Chicago to be near her grandfather, Benny and give back to her community by working for the local community center. An incident at her grandfather’s retirement home brings Lola’s high school sweetheart, Saint Vega back into her life. 17 years ago, Saint left for basic training and Lola disappeared to hide from her father’s enemies. After not seeing or speaking to each other for almost two decades, Lola and Saint find their lives colliding and intertwining in multiple ways. Their grandfathers are frenemies, Lola becomes Saint’s daughter Rosie’s preschool teacher, and then Saint takes over the renovation of the community center’s teen shelter into condos. The renovation has displaced the unhoused teens and drawn the ire of Lola and her coworkers. Saint’s uncle needs the money from the project to pay for expensive RA treatments and Saint hates the position he’s been placed in, but family is everything. Saint offers his expertise to help Lola find and renovate a new shelter building. Spending so much time together revives old feelings between Saint and Lola, but time and experiences have changed them from the young kids they used to be. Can these two hard headed people learn to compromise and find their happily ever after?

Natalie Cana’s A Dish Best Served Hot is full of richly detailed settings, characters, culture, and community. The Hispanic community, especially the Puerto Rican community, is a fully realized character in this book. It gives the reader a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of the cultures represented. Lola is a fiery, balls to the wall advocate for those needing help. A body positive megaphone for LGBTQ+ youth, the unhoused, and the underserved members of her community. Saint is a strong, stoic, and responsible man whose family is the foundation of his life and character. The main characters and the supporting characters are solidly developed, realistic, and fluid. The second chance romance highlighted the beauty of a human’s ability to change, grow and compromise to become stronger and happier. A beautiful and emotionally resonant book.

I read the first Vega Family Love Story earlier this year and felt like it was a hidden gem of bookstagram. The audio is phenomenal!

This one I read as an e-ARC, so I can’t comment on the audio, but the story is just as compelling and the characters as loveable. I can’t help but adore the story of a strong as hell woman finding strength in the vulnerability of falling in love and trusting someone. And I’m a sucker for a well-written kid - Rosie is a perfectly written four year old! The chaotic full Vega family returns for hijinks and drama and I love them all.

I don’t usually love second chance romances, but this one I loved! I definitely recommend A Dish Best Served Hot!

A Dish Best Served Hot returns to Humboldt Park and the Vega family for the second in a series of interconnected standalones. This time, our MMC is the eldest brother, Saint Vega, a widower former Green Beret who has returned home to raise his daughter and work for the extended family's construction company. After a disagreement gets his daughter's preschool teacher fired, recently returned Lola León is hired as a long-term substitute. It turns out she and Saint have a history, they were high school sweethearts who broke up when Saint went to basic training and Lola had to flee with her mother to avoid becoming a pawn in her father's gang wars.

The two get a second chance at love, but there's a lot of individual and collective baggage they have to work through before they can be good partners with each other. Caña does an excellent job grappling with serious issues without the topics weighing the story down too heavily, though I think working through both Saint and Lola's backstories slows the front half of the book down a bit.

Despite that, the book doesn't suffer from a sophomore slump. There's a badass, plus-size FMC, a doting single-dad MMC, and two hilarious elders who continue the string of comic relief paired with wise advice. The extended Vega family is also well-represented and we gain a picture of where the series will go moving forward.

* Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! *

I was very excited to revisit the Vega family once again, glimpse former characters, as well as see the unfolding of a whole new love story.

In this case, the central characters were Saint and Lola. Saint is the oldest of the Vega siblings, a single father to a four year old, and a veteran. Lola is a fierce, passionate, social justice warrior and the one who got away. The two haven’t crossed paths since a not so fond parting at the end of high school.

They’re thrown back together when the two have to deal with an ongoing feud between their respective grandfathers who live in the same senior center and are engaged in an ongoing prank war. Now both are back in their hometown and seemingly crossing paths at every turn - feuding grandpas, preschool classrooms, etc…

Overall I really enjoyed this second chance romance featuring another Vega sibling (and a scheming Abuelo Papp of course). This book had a nice balance of serious topics / issues touched upon and levity. I enjoyed both our MCs and of course once again the grandpa antics had me laughing and stole a bit of the show.

I thought both Lola and Saint had interesting journeys forward and I liked them as a pairing. No spoilers, but in a typical romance read fashion there is a third act breakup - not my favorite but but it was resolved fairly quickly.

In the end, I really enjoyed it and I loved the note it left off on - Papp cracks me up and I can’t wait to see what will come next 😊

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early read! All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.

I enjoyed the hell out of myself reading this book. I giggled, I cried both happy & sad tears, and i found myself several times chewing over some of the words and narratives in between reading sessions, which I cant say happens often when Im reading romance. I didnt anticipate some of the tenser moments towards the end, but in hindsight, I probably should have.
I fell instantly in love with Saint and Rosie. The Vega Family has my whole heart.

I didnt give it 5 stars because there were several spelling & grammatical errors that probably shouldn't have made it through editing. There were a couple times the story moved forward in a way that felt abrupt, almost like a whole chapter was missing and I had to go back & make sure I didnt miss something. And there was at least one storyline i was anticipating seeing through, and that was left unresolved. (though, this is a series so maybe the next book will show that resolution).


Despite all that, I loved this book and will without a doubt read every other book the author gives us about this family of characters.