cute little teen book that has some fun vibes, and i'm a sucker for a cool lGBTQ love story so cool!

I loved this book! It was so cute & I instantly felt connected to Joaquin. His relationship with his mother broke my heart. This is the perfect book for anyone looking for a book that’ll pull at their heart strings.

Joaquin is about to celebrate his eighteenth birthday. His dad and his sister had the best idea to celebrate with a bang by doing a Queerceanera! But not everyone is happy about it, especially his religious mother. And his childhood best friend, Felix, who just came back for the summer, is not making things easier when he mentions he's Jaoquin's chamberland and boyfriend. They just have to fake it 'til they make it, right?

I did not finish this in one sitting but I did finish this book in a day! It just shows that the pace of the book is pretty good, and the writing is interesting through out that it holds my attention for so long. So, well done to the author. It was pretty good and the plot was adorable.

The family aspects of this book made me miss my extended family. Majority are in a different country, and I definitely loved those parts of the book. And the gossip within the family was definitely realistic. I loved that the book touches different family members in the book and how those relationships pan out.

Friendships are also part of this book, and I love how it managed to navigate that fragile relationship. That's the best thing that I loved in this book, the relationships. Whether they were bad or good relationships, I really like how the author did it. But I also do think they went too well that it was leading to a happy ending whether we like it or not.

Finally, the romance. I'm honestly not a fan of it... I loved the fake dating troupe out of all the romance troupes, but this was not the best for me. I'll leave it at that so I won't spoil anything.

Overall, it was good. As much as I love the family aspects of the book, there were things that didn't land for me. This was a definite feel-good, and quick book to read that a lot of people will enjoy.

It was a perfect read for me.
This is my first novel from this author, and it won't be the last. I really enjoyed this addition to the queer prom/coming out/celebration of me subgenre in YA and will look forward to recommending it .

I really didn’t need much besides the cover and the title of this before I knew I needed it in my hands. And let me just tell you, I know what I like because as soon as I read it, I fell in love with it. This is definitely going to be one of my most fave books this year.

So the reason I was so excited for this was very simple. I’ve always been fascinated with quinces. I even told my mom I wanted one when I was a teen. She had to explain what they were and how they were actually part of someone’s culture. I just always thought the girls were princesses and they looked so beautiful. So imagine my surprise when I found out that Joaquin acted like he didn’t want one lol But I do get it because his dad was making him do too much lol But other than that small weirdness, I LOVED Joaquin! He was very consistent and realistic and that’s pretty hard to find in YA books now a days. I also loved how authentic he was. I hated that he didn’t get that authenticness from everyone in his life tho. Like his mom was a piece of work. We’re not all like that I promise.

The romance was adorable. I gotta say, the love interest is so sweet. He was just very, very oblivious. Which is funny because he said that Joaquin was guilty of doing the same thing. But nope, he just had no idea that their ex was a terrible ass person lol (Idk I think he did, but I can’t be sure lol) But I do think he was so into Joaquin that he wasn’t looking at anything else. From the dance lessons, to the taking up for him and agreeing to this farce when he didn’t have to from the beginning, they were just too cute together.

Since this is a character driven novel, I think it’s only right to talk about the rest of the characters in this book. The adults in this were terrible listeners. His mom was just terrible. I did like that there was a bit of a redemption arc for her, BUT I also liked that it was very realistic also. Because we all know, especially in Texas, it’s not like a switch that can be turnt on and off. I was glad that she made the decision she did, but I’m also sad that he didn’t have that. HOWEVER, with his sister and his dad, I felt like that’s all he needed. They were there for him in the ways that mattered. I know it stung and that will be a mar on that beautiful day, but I hope that he will remember his sister and how she did what she did just for him. Their relationship was beautiful and they sacrificed so much for each other. As a sibling, I don’t have that type of relationship with mine, so it was amazing to read about theirs.

As for the writing style, I liked it, but I did wish that there was more of the party. It was like this entire book was about this party, but it was at the very end and then it was over. Idk, I wanted to see more of them together and more of the party. I wanted to see the way their friends handled it. Crespo does mention it, but it’s like in passing. Idk, I wanted more. And I REALLY wanted to know what the ex thought when Joaquin came out and said what he said and gave the thing he gave to the love interest. Because he had to have known that he was stupid for just sitting there saying anything.

There was so much to love about this book and I really hope more people find it. I also REALLY want to see more Queerceañeras in real life. This was a magical day and Joaquin deserved all of it. And they both deserved everything they gave to each other as well. I’m also going to put my bid in for a story for the sister sooooo there’s that lol (No seriously, PLEASE)

Joaquin is an out and (mostly) proud gay high school junior of Mexican descent living in Austin, Texas. His parents are divorced and he lives with his father, who’s a full-throated supporter of Joaquin and his sister Carmen, who attends college, but is home for the summer. The relationship between Joaquin and his mother is strained, because she seems to be excessively critical of her children–they could always try harder, do better. Particularly, Joaquin feels like his mom is always after him to “tone down” his gayness, but he’s an introverted artist who’s never even had a boyfriend. How loud could he be?

Sensing that Joaquin needs a bit of cheering up, and to really give him the family support he needs, Joaquin’s dad and Carmen offer to throw him a “queerceañera,” a big party to celebrate his seventeenth birthday, and his coming out. It’s a twist on the “quinceañera” that all his female cousins and Carmen had when they turned fifteen. Joaquin’s not exactly thrilled with the limelight, but he also has fond memories of his family all being united in celebration. In the post-divorce life, there isn’t a lot of call to have the extended family get together, and he really feels like Joaquin could use that support. Maybe his mom would be really involved and they could find a way to connect that doesn’t involve her backhanded comments about his behavior or his grades.

One big wrinkle is that Felix, his mom’s godson, is staying with her over the summer to take some coding classes. Joaquin and Felix grew up together–were each other’s first kiss several years ago–but Felix’s family moved far away from Austin shortly after their kiss and Felix ghosted Joaquin. Joaquin had such a huge crush on his dearest friend, and felt crushed when Felix blocked his calls. But, seeing Felix now after several years is totally uncomfortable, because Felix is beautiful, gay, and newly single. He’s also the golden boy Joaquin’s mom brags about, creating more conflict between them. Joaquin’s all set to hate Felix, but he can’t. Because Felix is so awesome and really wants to support Joaquin’s life, goals, and queerceañera. In fact, he lies–just a bit–to Joaquin’s mom, insisting they’re in a relationship, and Felix will escort Joaquin at the queerceañera in the traditional chambelán role.

This obviously puts Joaquin in a weird position. He knows his mom will support him more if she thinks Felix is involved, but does he want that kind of lukewarm support? And, Felix is a terrible flirt and totally hot. Joaquin’s afraid playing fake-boyfriends will cause him to fall back into crushing on Felix, only to have him not feel the same. Or worse, ghost him when the summer coding workshop is over and Felix returns home.

I was super excited to read Queerceañera, and I’m glad to say it really was adorable. It is a fabulous story that had me right inside Joaquin’s head the whole time. His problems, while they aren’t enormous, are valid and relatable. No teen wants parents who don’t love and support them fully, and Joaquin’s relationship with his mom is fraught with insecurity–not all of which is him being “sensitive.” In truth, her microaggressions are toxic, and he’s struggling with going low contact, like Carmen already has, or no contact at all. I could empathize with his plight, and I loved how the other people around him understood his issues. The budding romance doesn’t overwhelm the family dynamics, and the navigation of all the party planning, and friendships getting stretched in different ways was also super relatable.

If you don’t know a lot about Mexican culture, that’s okay. Quinceañeras are a THING and, where I live, the families spend nearly as much on a quinceañera as a wedding. This book celebrated that beautiful experience with a coming out twist that had me cheering. Joaquin’s a great character and so is Felix. I liked both of them, and had a great time watching them connect in ways that were truly supportive. I definitely recommend this story for fans of YA queer romance, and readers who like Latin culture celebrations.

This was a really sweet young adult rom-com. This would definitely be a great read for Pride month (or honestly any time, because queer ought to be year round!). Joaquin is trying to have a normal summer day when an anti-queer post his mother made on social meeting freezes him because it feels like a personal attack. His sister notices and she and his father decide to compensate by planning a “Queerceanera” to celebrate Joaquin and show their support. Joaquin is kind of shy but reluctantly agrees. His childhood crush Felix (and first kiss) is staying with his mother and after an awkward lunch everyone believes he and Felix are dating. What can go wrong? I love fake dating/fake relationship so it’s no surprise I loved this one. I thought Joaquin and Felix had great chemistry and were sweet. The obstacle to their relationship (cause let’s face it, it’s a part of the formula) was a little weak, but overall the story definitely worked. I also really liked the family drama piece and loved that Joaquin found his voice his mother. I also liked that piece didn’t get one percent resolved as I think that’s realistic. Overall I gave this one 4.5 stars rounded up for the cute, cultural, original idea of a queerceanera.

This was a moving YA queer summer romance that sees Joaquin fake dating his childhood crush, Felix, who is back in town for the summer after suddenly moving away years ago. Funny with telenovella level drama and a complicated mother-son relationship and a heartbreaking amount of homophobia. This was good on audio and would make a perfect Pride month read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

QUEERCEAÑERA is a vibrant must-read young adult novel, brimming with unconditional love and support, about being *you* and true to yourself and how that's something always worth celebrating, and how the people who want to be in your life will always be there to celebrate with you. Joaquin, this novel’s star, is proudly out, with unwavering support from his family—save his religious mother. When his dad and sister band together to throw a celebration of him for his birthday, a queerceañera, Joaquin finds himself overwhelmed by the whirlwind month of planning, his childhood best friend and crush suddenly re-entering his life to be his fake-boyfriend and chambelán, the disheartening subtext of homophobic comments from his mother—unsure if he'll survive this final summer of his senior year without everything falling apart.
Joaquin's complicated dynamic with his mother is unfortunately relatable for many queer kids, and I couldn’t help but be proud of the way he navigated the situation in a way that didn't compromise who he is. I loved his relationship with Felix, his childhood best friend—the type of dynamic that makes me laugh out loud and want to affectionately shake the characters. The second chance romance, loud and proud family dynamics, and a summer to remember with supportive, pop-off-the-page best friends was everything I wanted!

A sweet, fun and family-oriented book about a boy struggling to find his place as a queer teen.

Joaquin came out recently and most of his friends and family have been totally supportive. But his mom, a conservative Catholic, is still not comfortable with the idea. Then his dad and sister have an idea: a Queerceañera. While he's past 15, his 17th birthday is coming up, so why not have a great big party celebrating his culture, his queerness and his birthday.

Along the way there is a fauxmance, plus lots of humor and joy.

Thank you so much, HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperTeen and NetGalley, for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

Joaquin is out and proud of it. What he didn't expect was his father and sister wanting to throw him a surprise party, to celebrate him being queer and out: a queerceañera, a coming out party. Now his life is filled with preparations, clothes, tastings, foods and such, while also dealing with his complex relationship with his mother, who seems to have replaced him with her godson, Felix, Joaquin's ex best friend and first kiss.
When Felix helps him getting out of a difficult conversation with his mother, Joaquin finds himself with a date for his party, a chambelán. A simple lie becomes a more complex deal when all his family starts to believe he's Joaquin new boyfriend, so the boys decide to make a deal: Felix will help Joaquin with the party and, in order to avoid his own family's pity and ill timed questions about his breakup, Joaquin will be his fake boyfriend. They will be fake boyfriend until the party, but, slowly, spending more and more time together will change everything about them.

I LOVED reading this book! It's incredible, funny and so so sweet! It's a cute romcom with fake dating, messy relationships, childhood best friends to ex friends to fake boyfriends to lovers and a lovely and intense family, in a whirlwind family drama and friends drama.
I loved this book, because I felt so hugged and loved by reading it. Joaquin has a wonderful relationship with his father, sister and best friend, eager to help one other, a relationship filled with music, messages, supporting one other. I also loved Joaquin's relationship with art, family and growing up, becoming more and more confident in himself and in what he loves.

The whole book revolves around relationships: Messy but caring with his family, complex with his mother, complicated with himself and the book is about embracing, loving and supporting oneself and, at the same time, realizing which relationship is worth fighting for.
Joaquin is a complex MC, I loved his growth and how much he decided he can take and what he deserves in order to be healthy and strong, loved and cared for.
Lovely is his relationship with Felix and how cute and supportive they are to each other, slowly building their relationship that changes from a fake to a real one, from friends to more, from fake dating to fighting to get the chance to get something real.

Sweet, swoony and totally recommended!

This type of book fills me with so much joy and sadness. I am so happy that Joaquin is able to find a way to feel comfortable embracing who he is and is able to find someone who loves him as much as Felix does. Yet it breaks my heart to see a mom who is so vocal against their son and so hurtful with comments. While I know that this is a lived truth of so many in the community, I can only hope that with time this becomes less and less of an issue. This book is beautifully written and gives a real life look into the life of a struggling gay young man who just wants to be loved for who they are by those they love the most. It is a hard path but one that many in this community are forced to go down daily. It is lovely to have books that show this representation for those in the community who are looking for something that might reflect their current or past experiences.
Thank you so much to HarperCollins Children’s Books, HarperTeen, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

This is a very character centric story, taking us through Joaquin’s emotional journey with his identity and his relationship with his mom. The idea of a coming out, identity acceptance party for teenagers is also so fun. If you love sweet second chance romance stories with a splash of fake dating, definitely pick this one up when it comes out in May!

Joaquin is out and proud, and has the support of his dad and sister. However, he’s not quite ready for them to throw him a whole party for it and call it a queerceañera. As everyone speculates about the upcoming party, the biggest question is: who will be his chambelán?

While everyone is focused on that, Joaquin is more focused on whether or not his mom will come to the party. Or if he’s finally been replaced by Felix. However, when a small lie snowballs into something bigger, Felix is now Joaquin’s chambelán and they might be fake dating. But what happens when Joaquin starts to develop real feelings for Felix?

Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Queerceañera by Alex Crespo to review! I loved Alex Crespo’s debut last year, so I was excited to see another book, especially a romance. One of my favorite genres!

This is a very character centric story, taking us through Joaquin’s emotional journey with his identity and his relationship with his mom. Outside of his mom, he does have a support group, and a lot of the book is about him learning to accept their help when he needs it. His journey will definitely be relatable to a large number of queer teens reading this book.

The idea of a coming out, identity acceptance party for teenagers is also so fun. There’s another book that came out last year that also features a coming out party, Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett. Just the idea of teens being able to throw a party for themselves and have support for their identity just gives you the warm fuzzies inside.

If you love sweet second chance romance stories with a splash of fake dating, definitely pick this one up when it comes out in May!

4 stars

Prepare to experience all the feels with Joaquin and his titular queerceanera!

Joaquin, the m.c. of this charming young adult contemporary novel, has a mixed bag in terms of family support. While his dad and sister are extremely supportive of who he is, Joaquin's mom is fully gross in terms of her behavior and lacking support of Joaquin. Her attempts to shame and silence Joaquin and to hide behind biased institutional beliefs are upsetting but also important. After all, unfortunately, Joaquin's experience is a fictional version of many people's real lives. Various other family members - due to cultural mores, their ages, and other factors - share a range of energizing to demoralizing responses. These details set the stage for the titular event, which Joaquin's dad has the wild idea to host.

On top of Joaquin's challenging family relationships and exploration of his identity, Joaquin is quite preoccupied by his relationship with an important person from his past. The romantic subplot is definitely age appropriate (drama, third parties, poor communication, etc.), but it's sweet to read.

This is my first novel from this author, and it won't be the last. I really enjoyed this addition to the queer prom/coming out/celebration of me subgenre in YA and will look forward to recommending it to students (especially those looking for nuanced family responses to this issue).

Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A wonderfully charming story! Joaquin wakes up to find that his mother has posted an Instagram photo with some micro aggression towards the queer community. He can’t help but feel it’s directed at him. When his dad and sister find out they decide they want to through him a coming out party, even though he’s already out, a party to celebrate him and show him that he has love and support. They’re calling in a Queerceanera! He doesn’t love attention but decides to go through with it anyone. Of course when his mom finds out she wants to discuss it and suggests lunch. Only problem is she wants to bring Felix, his childhood friend who ghosted him. Felix is also his mother’s godson and gay, but it doesn’t seem to bother her like it does with Joaquin. Things are a little weird but go from bad to worse when Felix announces he’s going to be Joaquin’s chambelán. All the sudden his mother sees the idea in a new light. But when the rest of his family find out and the rumor has moved Felix to his boyfriend instead of just his chambelán, the two come to an understanding about fake dating. Can they keep it up until the Queerceanera? Will Joaquin be able to approach Felix about why he ghosted him? Will his mother support him? And what if his feelings about Felix start to resurface? A quick read that will have you consuming the book! Sweet, charming, and will give you all the warm and fuzzies! If you’re like me there will be a few tears in there too! Highly recommend to all who like feel good romance stories! Especially queer ones!