Canto Contigo is one of my favorite books of 2024! It follows Rafie’s journey, a Mariachi who is devastated after the death of his abuelo. When he is transferred for his senior year, Rafie is desperate to regain his status as the frontman for his school’s Mariachi group. The only problem is Rey. Rey has come up through the group for years and was slated to be the lead. As Rafie and Rey battle for the role, chemistry sparks between them. Rafie will have to decide if anything matters more than winning in this heartfelt story.

I loved this book! Jonny Garza Villa is now an auto-buy author for me. They always create such vivid and realistic characters. Rafie is a force that is determined to win at all costs. Underneath this drive is a deep sense of mourning and grief for his abuelo. I loved the little skull that Rafie had conversations with. Rey is a more sensitive soul who has fought to find his place in Mariachi despite transphobia and racism. Rey and Rafie have an epic rivals-to-lovers romance that explodes with chemistry and longing. They are truly at eachother's throats to win the lead role and it makes their eventual romance even more sweet.

There’s a strong sense of family, both found and biological, that knits the story together. I loved how supportive Rafie’s parents were of him and how he took care of his little brothers. As Rafie wrestles with his grief and feelings of loss, his family and friends were always there for him even when he didn’t realize it. Xope, Xolo, and so many more create a beautiful ensemble cast. I also learned so much about Mexican culture and what it means to be a Mariachi. Villa showcases many great songs and important Mariachi traditions. Canto Contigo is one of my favorite reads of the year and I only wish I could see Todos Colores perform!

Readers who enjoy Anna-Marie McLemore, Gabe Cole Novoa, and Edward Underhill should check out Canto Contigo! I would highly recommend Canto Contigo to anyone. If you seek outstanding LGBTQ+ rep, rivals-to-lovers, and heartfelt storytelling then you need to read this book.

Thank you to Jonny Garza Villa, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Instagram, Storygraph, Amazon, Barnes & Noble etc.

My Thoughts:
I realize that I have a lot of 4-star books. I also realize that I have not given 5 stars. 5 stars of any genre are saved not only for culturally relevant books, but books that I would buy as textbooks for my methods class. 5-star books are mentor texts. However, this is a GREAT book. I want to say that I enjoyed it. I believe that the author, Jonny Garza Villa, has a writing style that is easy to read. The characters are complex and also swoon worthy. The author is able to bring readers in for a light, romcom-y tale while also using words as political weapons to break stereotypes within the Mexican and Mexican American community. In the first Villa book I read, Ander & Santi Were Here, the author takes on immigration and undocumented workers, including the stereotypes and vitriole other Mexican Americans feel toward the undocumented.

In this book, the author examines the power of Mexican music, and more specifically, mariachi. But perhaps examine is not the right word. The author sheds light on the fact that mariachi, as a traditional art form, is also queerphobic, transphobic, and racist. Rey and Rafie are courageous enough to shine unapologetically in mariachi. The two rivals-to-lovers are a lot, they are too much, but in a good way. Rafie is extra, extra, extra. He is arrogant, entitled, and as the author describes, Rafie has a god complex. However, Rey may seem like the more passive pair, but Rey is stronger than anticipated.

This was a celebration of queer love and the passion of mariachi. This was a celebration of grief and family strength. This was a celebration of friendship. I don't know if universities with Spanish studies and Spanish arts like mariachi exist in the United States, but I hope they do exist.

From the Publisher:
When a Mariachi star transfers schools, he expects to be handed his new group's lead vocalist spot―what he gets instead is a tenacious current lead with a very familiar, very kissable face.

In a twenty-four-hour span, Rafael Alvarez led North Amistad High School’s Mariachi Alma de la Frontera to their eleventh consecutive first-place win in the Mariachi Extravaganza de Nacional; and met, made out with, and almost hooked up with one of the cutest guys he’s ever met.

Now eight months later, Rafie’s ready for one final win. What he didn’t plan for is his family moving to San Antonio before his senior year, forcing him to leave behind his group while dealing with the loss of the most important person in his life―his beloved abuelo. Another hitch in his plan: The Selena Quintanilla-Perez Academy’s Mariachi Todos Colores already has a lead vocalist, Rey Chavez―the boy Rafie made out with―who now stands between him winning and being the great Mariachi Rafie's abuelo always believed him to be. Despite their newfound rivalry for center stage, Rafie can’t squash his feelings for Rey. Now he must decide between the people he’s known his entire life or the one just starting to get to know the real him.

Canto Contigo is a love letter to Mexican culture, family and legacy, the people who shape us, and allowing ourselves to forge our own path. At its heart, this is one of the most glorious rivals-to-lovers romance about finding the one who challenges you in the most extraordinary ways.
Publication Information:
Author: Jonny Garza Villa

Publisher: Wednesday Books (April 9, 2024)

Hardcover length: 352 pages

3.5 stars
I've read each of Jonny Garza Villa's books and love that they write for this generation unapologetically. Jonny Garza Villa gives teens books of hope, but does it in a way that is real and relatable.
<B>Canto Contigo</b> is Villa's latest YA book and it's not only a love letter to Mariachi, but it's a love letter to being different and being accepted. To having family and them supporting you and who you are. But it's also a story of grief and expectations along with one of my favorite tropes, rivals to lovers.

Rafael is a top mariachi singer and transfers his final year in school. Only his teacher does not want to give him the front spot that he is used to and would rather give it to Rey since he is the one with heart. While Rafie is technically good, he has room to improve his "soul". But there's a little secret these two are keeping. There is history between them and they both fight it because they feel like they have to.

While I wasn't exactly in the mood for a YA book, I knew JGG would deliver a story that taught me about a subject I didn't know amuch about nd they would give me diverse characters in the LGBTQ community. I know I wasn't the target audience for this book and I don't speak a lot of Spanish, but luckily was able to decipher plenty of the book and understand the coming of age story that is told completely in Rafie's POV. He was a hard nut to crack, but I liked seeing him evolve over the duration of the story and his close relationship he had with this grandfather. Family was obviously important to him and it showed. Rey wasn't as fully fleshed out with his family, but he did fit into the story and into Rafael's life. I liked seeing how they worked together and overcame obstacles that life through at them. AND I loved them together.

While this book wasn't my favorite of JGG's, it still left me in awe of who Raf and Rey were and the whole mariachi lifestyle that I was 100% unfamiliar with before.

If you enjoy diverse YA stories that include LGBTQ+ characters that find their HEA, definitely give this one a shot.

I really love this book the romance between the two main leads was so cute and heartwarming and the fact that the book also dealt with heavy themes too which gave depth to both the plot and the characters really made this book a 5 star read. Thank you Netgalley for the arc !!!

5 stars for Canto Contigo and forever my thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and Jonny Garza Villa for an ARC.

Part love story for Mariachi, part love story between two boys who love Mariachi, all beautiful. I'm not going to lie, Mariachi is not something I know anything about, other than a few tiktok videos I've come across. But now I'm looking for a playlist to listen to while at work tomorrow.

God, I did not like Rafie at first. He was insufferable and just hardheaded. But he grew on me, mainly because I knew he was lashing out in grief, but also because he was told his whole life his importance only to have it taken out from under his feet. Enter Rey. I really loved their antagonism and I love that, despite everything, they were able to understand each other better.

I loved Ander and Santi, but I think Rafie and Rey will have a bigger place in my heart.

A love letter to mariachi while tackling head-on what it means to love a tradition that doesn't always love you back. It's also very much a novel about grief and how the expectations we put on ourselves are a slow poison.

Rafie is so caught up in the idea that he has to be the best and the center of attention and recognition to make his grandfather proud (which also begs the question what was going to be his next goal after Extravaganza, but such are the tunnel-vision anxieties of grieving teens), to the point that he is absolutely terrible to almost everyone around him. It was a thin line between being aggravating enough that I had to keep pausing and believably teenage-bratty, so that's something to be aware of. It was nice though, watching his love for mariachi come through again, like a flower blooming as he realized what he truly loved about performing and the joy of music (and that a performance didn't have to be /perfect/ for it to be affecting). His love for performing is so tied up with his love for his grandfather that the book is as much a story of Rafie's process of grieving as much as it is his romance with Rey or coming of age.

Rey I would have really appreciated more time with - I don't feel like we got a good sense of why he really liked Rafie (their near-hookup was more instalove (and then Insta love, from both sides), despite his saying he saw Rafie's real personality then) - and the community he and Todos Colores had created was so powerful that I would've loved to see more: more of them all just hanging out together or enjoying music in more casual settings, like the scene we got of Rafie and Eric in the backyard.

Construction-wise, there's a lot I'm not particularly fond of - a lot of unanchored pop culture references, memes, and multiple sentences in Spanish with no surrounding context clues (which then just makes people turn to mtl when context clues would have carried it off) - which just make it feel more transient in its staying power than I'd like it to be.

I was anticipating this one and it did not dissapoint at all. It did drag for me halfway through which is why it received a three stars from me. I did enjoy the romance aspect and this was explored greatly. I also like what I was able to learn through the culture. The authors writing was so missed after reading Ander and Santi.

Jonny Garza Villa has done it again. Sign them on to write a dozen more books because wooooweeeeee, this knocked me off my feet with how beautiful it was. Garza Villa’s writing is so vulnerable, authentic, and truly takes its time. I will continue to read everything Jonny Garza Villa writes because I am moved to tears every time!

This book was phenomenal. Jonny deserves MUCH more than Wednesday Books/SMP gives to him and I will read anything JONNY writes.

I will not elaborate further nor post my review anywhere else to adhere to the Wednesday Books/SMP Boycott at this time.

First things first, I just want to say that I would have loved to have access to this kind of book while I was still a teenager. Being a queer Latine, growing up in Midwest America, there was little to no representation and it would have been nice to even just read about others with a similar story to my own.

Now, onto my thoughts about this book. It was splendid! The cultural call outs are so well-written, and it’s definitely nice to see the problems within the Latine culture be acknowledged. It’s about time that the ideas/customs start changing as there’s quite a bit of toxicity within.

From the queer perspective, it feels great to see and read representation. It was a very moving narrative. And even if we expected to see a happy ending, it’s truly deserved because we deserve more happy endings!

I cannot wait to add a copy of this book to my shelf!

Rating this 3.5 star rounded down.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and SMP for setting this to a "read now" book. I have requested and read Jonny Garza Villa's books in the past and have absolutely loved them, so I knew I was going to do the same with his newest book. I feel like I am going to be in the minority here and say that this book was just okay.

The lose of losing his grandfather has hit Rafie hard, and it changes his whole behavior to the point where I almost DNF'ed the book. His behavior was very jerk-y and he treated everyone around him like crap. I understand he wants to make his grandfather proud, by being the best Mariachi, but I don't think his grandfather would have been proud of his behavior. He was very egotistical and no one wanted to be around him, and it's understanding why. Just when I thought he was starting to redeem himself, he goes and stabs Rey, his one true love, in the back, and it almost ruined the whole story for me. Rey, Xope, and Erik are the lights at the end of the tunnel that redeem this book. They all treat Rafie like an absolute gem and I really don't get why they want to be around him with the way he acts.

Outside of all this, the themes in this book are wonderful and handled very well. It includes a love story to Mariachi, how family can shape us, the process of grief, and finding your own place in this world. I love the queer rep in this book and, as always, it's handled so well. It portrays queer-teenage love in such a passionate and healthy way. Rey is my absolute favorite character in this book, and like I said, redeems the book in every way possible. He is such a fun-loving, hardworking character and wants to prove to the world who he is. The book makes you feel like you're in San Antonio with this crew, listening to Mariachi, and being on stage with them. It's a mix of English and Spanish, and I'm glad I read this on my kindle because I was able to translate a lot of the dialogue.

It makes you think and feel about your own life, about hard grief is, how hard it is to find yourself in a world you don't know, to navigate a world without your true number one people by your side, and to find the realest people in your life. Overall, this was a deep, hard-hitting book. and I think anyone who has read Jonny's books in the past will definitely enjoy this one.

I will be holding off on sharing my review until the SMP boycott comes to an end. Rating is also a placeholder.

i will not be rating or reviewing outside of netgalley as long as st. martin's press is still under boycott.

In support of the SMP boycott, I will be withholding my review of this title until SMP speaks out. If the boycott is resolved, I will update with a full review.

This was a really great read, thank you so much for letting me read an ARC. I don't know that I've read a book with a Mariachi star so that was definitely a fun piece.

Jonny Garza Villa does an amazing job creating characters that allow his readers to be seen in places they usually stay hidden. This story differs from others he has told, but his amazing characters remain. I hope the author knows how many lives he has changed for the positive because he is amazing. This story, about a queer mariachi dealing with the death of his grandfather and moving schools his senior year, is absolutely amazing.

Withholding my review during the SMP boycott. Will edit and update this once SMP addresses the concerns of readers and reviewers.

***I will not be posting this review online***

Canto Contigo is a YA, queer, coming-of-age, enemies-to-lovers romance centered around two queer Mexican-American boys with a shared passion for mariachi. Regrettably, I had to discontinue reading this book after reaching 57%, an unusual decision for me as I rarely DNF books. It marks the second book I've ever set aside.

Acknowledging the preliminary nature of ARCs, it's essential to keep in mind that the editing process may still be underway. While some grammatical errors are expected, it's also reasonable to anticipate potential changes to the story by the publication date. However, if this version closely mirrors the finalized one, I personally found it didn't resonate with me.

As a queer Mexican-American who has sung since childhood, I initially believed this book would be an ideal fit for me, regardless of its YA rating. I am an avid fan of YA literature, appreciating the youthful spirit it maintains. The inclusion of specific pop culture references in YA queer romance is a matter of personal preference, and I always find it to be a pet peeve. Such references can potentially date the narrative without contributing to humor, character development, or plot progression. While younger audiences may connect more with these elements, it didn't resonate well with me as a reader in my late 20s. Unfortunately, the specific pop culture references, such as nods to SpongeBob and the "why not both" meme felt cringe-worthy.

The protagonist, Rafie, significantly contributed to my overall dissatisfaction with the book. From the opening line on page one to nearly 60% of the way through, he appeared as an angry, egotistical, constantly horny, self-absorbed character with a god complex, often resorting to disrespectful language towards teachers and parents. As a first-generation Mexican-American, that behavior would typically lead to a chancla to the head, which felt disconnected from the cultural context. Not to mention, the multiple times Rafie referenced his “d*ck” was too much.

Addressing another aspect of Mexican-American identity, the use of Spanglish is a significant cultural element. However, the book's portrayal of certain Spanish words when predominantly conversing in English felt artificial, akin to the exaggerated "my mamá says I’m muy handsome" trope–when random Spanish words are placed in an English sentence. Similar observations extended to the portrayal of food, which seemed disconnected from authentic Mexican-American experiences. Most of my family lives in Texas and Mexico and Rafie has eaten more tacos than they have.

The overwhelming representation of queer characters in almost every role at the performing arts school felt somewhat forced. While the revelation of Rey being trans was appreciated, the subsequent unveiling of multiple queer characters, including Xope, Xolo, and even Arturo, felt more like pandering than genuine representation. As a queer individual, I believe that one's sexuality is just one facet of their identity, and the book's approach seemed to overly emphasize this aspect.

Amidst my reservations about certain elements, there was one aspect of the book that genuinely resonated with me: the exploration of the spiritual context and the significance we attribute to our departed loved ones. Family holds a paramount role in Latin culture, and even after their passing, we carry forward the love and reverence for their legacy, beautifully manifested in the magical tradition of Dia de Los Muertos, adorned with calavera imagery. The inclusion of the calavera mariachi, serving as Rafie's confidant and potentially embodying his grandfather's energy or spirit, struck me as a poignant and inventive concept within the narrative.

Sadly, I found most of Canto Contigo neither enjoyable to read nor entertaining. Considering its current state, I don’t believe it can stand among other queer Latino books as a commendable addition to our community's required reading list.

1.5 Stars.

Jonny Garza Villa's Canto Contigo upends the traditional YA romance formula, blossoming into a vibrant exploration of identity, love, and cultural heritage.

Villa imbues the narrative with a distinct cultural flavor. Yet, beyond that, he delves into the intricacies of identity, particularly for Rafie, a cisgender gay boy navigating his Mexican-American heritage and expectations. His internal conflicts resonate deeply, offering a relatable portrayal of the struggles young adults face when forging their own paths.

But it's Rafie and Rey's romance that genuinely shines, unfolding in a refreshingly trans-normative setting where Rey, a trans gay boy, simply exists and thrives. This normalcy empowers both characters and readers, celebrating love in its purest form. And their dynamic goes beyond the typical rivals-to-lovers trope, simmering with genuine connection and begrudgingly mutual respect.

Rafie's mariachi calavera, an heirloom passed down from his late grandfather, adds further depth to this love story. More than just a symbol of his cultural heritage, it becomes a tangible manifestation of their connection. As Rafie confides in the calavera, seeking guidance and solace, it acts as a stand-in for the grandfather he lost, whispering encouragement and reminding him of the love that transcends physical presence. This unique element enriches the narrative, highlighting the enduring power of love and memory.

Canto Contigo is a celebration of identity, a love letter to cultural heritage, and a poignant exploration of love in all its forms. With grounded writing, relatable characters, and a setting that empowers diversity, Villa's story is a captivating read that leaves a lasting impression. It reminds us that love can bloom in unexpected places and that sometimes, the most powerful connections transcend even the boundaries of life and death.

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin's Press for this advanced copy! You can pick up Canto Contigo on April 9, 2024.

This was my first Jonny Garza Villa book, and it was absolutely beautiful. I loved Rafie and Rey and all the other characters Jonny created, and the way he wove their relationships together was just gorgeous. Rafie's struggles with his grandfather's death felt so visceral and helped us understand his character, and I love how Rey was the perfect foil for him.

It was so heartwarming to read a book full of queer rep, and set in a culture I'm not as familiar with. Jonny did a phenomenal job making the reader feel like they were stepping into Rafie's shoes, and he blended in so many cultural references seamlessly.

I'm still thinking about the ending and how it made me really reflect on my own family relationships and friendships. I'd definitely recommend this to someone who loves music, queer relationships, and tight family bonds!