Tatum Vega is in college when she picks up M. Domínguez's debut collection of short stories. Impulsively, she writes him a fan letter telling him how much his writing affected and inspired her, and she can hardly believe it when he responds. And so begins a tumultuous relationship between Tatum and the much older writer, one marked by blurred lines, power imbalances, obsession, and subtle manipulation. Now, more than a decade later, Domínguez has been accused of sexual misconduct, and Tatum is compelled to reexamine her relationship with him.

Like Happiness joins a growing number of contemporary novels that seek to explore toxic relationships and the complex power dynamics that often go hand in hand with them. This book, though, is a bit more subtle, because Domínguez doesn't actually have any defined power over Tatum; he isn't an authority figure in her life. It's a more understated version of grooming and manipulation that relies on Domínguez ensuring that Tatum consistently feels off-balance, inferior, and naive. Tatum's idolatry of Domínguez is at first intellectual rather than physical, with his writing/mind serving as the basis for her initial attraction. The sexual aspect of their relationship is secondary, and largely lacking --which is one of the ways Domínguez influences Tatum and ensures her continuing obsession and feelings of inferiority. It's only years later, removed from the maelstrom of the relationship and with the wisdom of lived experiences, that Tatum can fully reckon with his treatment of her.

Ursula Villarreal-Moura's writing is luminous and emotional as she weaves a bittersweet coming of age story with fascinating commentary about gender and power imbalances, the nature of fame, and Latinx identity. I enjoyed the structure of the book, which alternates between Tatum in the present and a letter she writes to Domínguez dissecting their relationship. Although, frankly, Domínguez doesn't really deserve such a letter, and Tatum's present-day life, and how she found her way to it, could have been further explored. But overall this is a strong, thought-provoking debut, and the audiobook is brilliantly read by Marisa Blake, who infuses Tatum with both vulnerability and strength.

This wasn’t the obsession story I was hoping for and I even found the dynamic of her current relationship lacking in plot. I think this could have dug a little into those two storylines to be on the darker side that I was hoping for.
That being said, the storyline was enjoyable for what it was, the narrator was well paced.
Thank you netgalley!

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for a free ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

This novel was definitely more literary than I usually tend to read. I enjoyed it well enough overall, but it ended very abruptly, and ultimately it felt that there were a lot of directions the novel could've taken to delve into things more deeply, but didn't. I wished Tatum and Vera had a bigger part of the book. The time jump between Tatum in her happy future in Chile with Vera versus her unhappy past in New York left too big an unexplained gap.

This book is a very interesting story about a famous writer and a young woman and how their relationship is extremely toxic, destructive and tumultuous.

Tatum Vega falls in love with a book by the author M Domínguez and begins a relationship with him which becomes an on going toxic on an off relationship with very interesting power dynamics that change throughout their relationship.

Tatum now lives in Chile in a happy relationship with her partner Vera and feels like finally everything is how it should be but suddenly a reporter calls asking for an interview regarding her relationship with author M Domínguez. He has been of accused of assault and the reporter is looking for more information. Tatum has stayed away from her past for many years and has not wanted to relive it but this interview forces her to revisit her past and her relationship with the author.

The story is told in a very interesting dual timeline between the past and the present describing their toxic on and off relationship with the author. I really enjoyed the book and was very surprised by it!

I completed a hybrid reading of this book- I read the physical copy while listening to the audiobook and really enjoyed both! The narration was well done and book was very good!

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan for the ALC and Celadon books for the physical ARC of this book.

I enjoyed listening to Like Happiness for the most part, but I didn't absolutely love it and I didn't feel like I was listening to a story that was necessarily new and fresh. It reminded me of several stories I've read before. I think the premise also gave me a little bit of the ick as it's focused on a college student's relationship with a much older author whom she admires.

The book flashes back and forth from when Tatum Vega was in college and first starts conversing with Mateo Domínguez to the current time when Tatum is living in Chile with her partner when she's contacted by a journalist who's writing a story about Mateo and recent sexual assault allegations.

I do think these are important stories to tell and I especially appreciated the growth of Tatum and revelations she experienced after her relationship was done. I also want to make it clear that I'm not at all knocking the fact that the book gave me the "ick." I don't think the author could have written a book on this topic that didn't bring a lot of ick with it! Ultimately, I just didn't love reading it and that's OK as every book will hit every person differently. I do think it's beautifully written and will be a hit for many.

Forced to re-examine her murky relationship with an older author in her early years of adulthood, ‘Like Happiness’ by Ursula Villarreal-Moura is an examination of power dynamics and obsession in a relationship that lies between the lines of friendship and romance.

Huh. I don’t know how I feel about this. I’ll be honest, going into this novel I felt a little lukewarm, but it surprised me and consumed me almost immediately. As Tatum reflected on the nature of her relationship, I found myself glued to her inner monologues, at times in discomfort with its honesty. There were parts of the book that cut me to my core, some parts felt a little too close to home. I will be keeping my eye out for Villarreal-Moura’s work from here on out.

I listened to an advanced listener’s copy, and I really enjoyed the narrator and the production. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoyed ‘Anita De Monte’s Laughs Last’ and ‘My Last Innocent Year.’

LIKE HAPPINESS by Ursula Villarreal-Moura (#gifted @netgalley @macmillan.audio) is a thought-provoking debut novel about Tatum Vega, a college student transplanted from San Antonio to New England, who comes across a short story collection titled “Happiness” by the author M. Domínguez. As it quickly becomes her favorite book, she sends him a fan letter about how much it means to see herself represented in literature. Surprisingly, he responds—and thus begins a friendship that will change Tatum’s life.

Written in the form of a letter from modern-day Tatum (now living in Chile) to Domínguez three years after breaking off contact with him, the engaging, highly readable first-person prose conveys Tatum’s voice with flair, which was my favorite part of the novel. She’s funny, well-read, and a touch naïve as she moves to NYC and rearranges her life around to Domínguez while he strings her along (or grooms her). Villarreal-Moura crafts a sympathetic character in a relatable scenario, and I was very invested in Tatum’s trajectory throughout.

LIKE HAPPINESS pairs perfectly with Xochitl Gonzalez’s ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST in its probing consideration of the nebulous power dynamics of the art and literary worlds, especially in romantic relationships, and the gray areas that arise when vast disparities in fame and money exist between two people. While some readers may want LIKE HAPPINESS to go a bit deeper or spell things out more clearly, the murkiness is part of what will stick with me—that a smart, promising young woman like Tatum can get ensnared (willingly?) in a relationship with exploitative patterns; the crossing of lines, blurred as they are; the in-between spaces that some “friendships” occupy. Powerful men preying on younger women is nothing new, but through her compelling protagonist, Villarreal-Moura raises fresh questions around the interplay of race and class with in these situations. The audiobook is narrated Marisa Blake, who perfectly captures Tatum’s character – I loved the listening experience!

This book was beautifully written and very well done. It tackled it all and was truly an excellent read. Many of Tatum’s emotions she experienced while remembering her past with Mateo were palpable because they were explained with such precision. Not my normal go to at all but I’m glad I read it.

I found the story that Tatum was telling kept me captivated. Revisiting her past decisions and relationship with Matteo and how those choices led her to where she was in present day had me hooked.
I felt as though the ending lacked closure. Being able to read the news article that was written for the Times or learning about how Tatum moved to Chile and met her partner, or even learning about Matteo's crimes - it just seemed like the ending was missing something.

LIKE HAPPINESS is a story of power, relationships, and those two ideas interact with and influence one another when they're wrapped up int he same situation. Power dynamics are a heavy theme in this book, which feels timely and right on the money for discourse happening in pop culture as of 2024. However, for a book with the craft of writing as such a heavy theme, I felt the writing lacked in here just a bit. Maybe it's not to my taste and others will devour Villarreal-Moura's flow, but I just couldn't get into it. It felt a bit too monotoned and flat for me.

I love unique and original stories and this one really surprised me. I love the format of how is told, our protagonist tells her story like she is reading her own memoir.
Like Happiness is a powerful coming of age story about abuse, power, class and race.
A complex and compelling debut.

Thank you Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for this gifted copy.

𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 by Ursula Villarreal-Moura releases today March 26, 2024.

It sounds like "Like Happiness" by Ursula Villarreal-Moura is a compelling debut novel that delves into themes of love, obsession, and abuse through the perspective of its protagonist, Tatum Vega. Tatum's journey, as depicted through dual timelines set in the US and Chile, offers readers a nuanced exploration of her past and present.

The novel appears to tackle the complexities of relationships, particularly Tatum's involvement with Mateo, which evolves into an unhealthy dynamic characterized by manipulation and grooming. The use of dual timelines allows readers to witness Tatum's growth and self-realization as she navigates her troubled relationship and confronts her abuser.

The pivotal moment in the plot seems to revolve around Tatum's decision to write a letter to her abuser, which serves as a significant turning point in her journey towards healing and empowerment. This letter not only confronts her abuser but also provides readers with insights into Tatum's inner struggles and the traumas she has endured.

The parallel perspectives offered by the dual timelines offer readers a deeper understanding of Tatum's experiences and the emotional complexities of her journey. By juxtaposing her past and present, the novel seems to highlight the transformative power of self-reflection and resilience in overcoming abuse and reclaiming agency over one's life.

Overall, "Like Happiness" appears to be a thought-provoking exploration of love, trauma, and empowerment, with a narrative structure that keeps readers engaged and invested in Tatum's journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Thank you Celadon #partner for gifting me an ARC copy and thank you Macmillan Audio for the audiobook via NetGalley and thanks to Marisa Blake for the narration!
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Like Happiness explores the unbalanced relationship between a young Tatum who becomes an ardent fan of an older and influential author, Mateo. A now grown Tatum living in Chile is contacted by a journalist to enquire her past with Mateo, who’s now being accused of sexual abuse by another woman. This sets the tone of the entire book where Tatum starts writing a letter to Mateo - but really to herself - reflecting on the entire relationship from start to finish, where Mateo had been progressively grooming her.

Tatum realizes much later that her entire life and decisions revolved on being close to Mateo, while she never held any meaning to him. The climax of the book was utterly heart wrenching in the way Mateo’s narcissistic self acknowledged his lack of respect for her as a woman.

The first person POV and the letter format were absolutely perfect in grasping Tatum’s personal emotions throughout the book. Ursula Villareal-Moura is an author to watch out for. Like Happiness is her debut novel but her lyrical prose and lexicon of words feel like reading from a veteran writer. My favorite word I learned is Limerence

TW: Abuse

Themes:
Latinx
#MeToo
LGBTQ+
Present-past narratives

What beautiful prose. This poetic language flows like water down a stream. The narrator did a beautiful job telling this story. It was a delight to listen to this novel. It was elegant yet complex. The story explores the nuances of a relationship among a young woman and a famous author, and gives you a front seat to the struggles of manipulating and abuse of power. I loved this book, and I will definitely read more from the Ursula Villarreal-Moura. I can’t wait for her next release.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen this beautiful story in exchange for my honest review.

I like the way this book flashes back in time to tell two stories at once. I feel many women will relate to this story. Loved the Latina representation in this book and the Spanish used throughout.

"Like Happiness" is Ursula Villarreal-Moura's debut novel, publishing date of 3/26/24 (happy publishing day!!).
I was given an early access to this audiobook courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. It is narrated by Marisa Blake, who does a good job but somehow her narration sounded a bit too sharp for my own personal taste. I wonder if I read the physical book, maybe my impression would have been better.

I really liked the book cover, which has the font and graphics in "X" which I read as "Latinx" as well as a cross-road in the main character, Tatum's life. Tatum grew up in a working-class household from San Antonio, TX and attending college in New England, much like her beloved English lit authors such as Sylvia Plath. While attending college, she read an influential novel, "Happiness," and send a letter to its author, M (Matteo) Dominguez. From there, a relationship with an older and famous author begins. Written from a two timelines of Tatum's life, it explores her feelings towards her beloved author while she navigates growing up in a city far away from where she was from. I thought her life in collage was well described and interesting. It has a lot of reference to books, authors, musicians and artists. There are a LOT of name dropping, as well as section of Tatum befriending a friend from Japan, and some cultural references. I feel that there is a very fine line one must walk when making cultural references, because it could alienate readers if it is not done well. Maybe somewhat unfortunately, I am familiar with some of those references, and it didn't add up for me - plus name dropping was way excessive for my taste. Further, I wasn't convinced of the attraction (or the relationship) to this author. Maybe he just didn't appeal to me, and it made a very flat read personally. The book has over 4 + star ratings on GoodReads and seem to be popular - so if one is interested, I would encourage to give it a try - you may end up liking this book.

I was underwhelmed by this book. The narrator was fine but I didn’t care much for the characters or story. I only finished it to review.

If you loved how Anita De Monte Laughs Last took down the whiteness and elitism of the art world, as well as how mysogyny protects men, then you will ADORE Like Happiness that examines the power imbalance between and adult best-selling author and his teen fan-turned-friend. This book will have you SCREECHING at the top of your lungs and hoping for better Tatum Vega. Reckons celebrity culture, Latinx identity and even with the #MeTooMovement.

Like Happiness, by Ursula Villarreal-Moura, debuts today! I am so excited for others to read this book. I absolutely loved it. I think my favorite trope is ‘person becomes disillusioned with life goals’. What’s your favorite niche trope?

Like Happiness dissects the predatory relationship between a famous writer and his devoted younger fan. The story is told through the fan’s, now older, perspective. Through a letter written to the artist mixed in with flashbacks, the reader dives into their relationship and long history. I love that the writer is not really the center of the novel. His ”genius” is in the wings and the Tatum Vega is at the center.

The novel questions power dynamics in relationship, what predatory relationships look like, but not just in a physical way. It also delves into betrayal, idolization. I read this at the same time as Anita de Monte Laughs Last and I think they are a great compliment to one another. Both discuss art, creators, and women.

Part literary appreciation, part coming of age story and part disturbing manipulation... Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura is a novel that will evoke a magnitude of emotions from readers and for me, this is the best kind of story.

Soon after starting this book, I stopped reading, closed my Kindle cover and asked out loud "what even is this book?" It was at that moment I knew this novel would become a five-star book for me! Once I started reading, I devoured this story, but was always aware of and waiting on the impending car crash at the end.

This is dual timeline, told from the awareness that comes with age in Chile 2015, and an earlier time looked back on in memory, hinting at the naivety present during Tatum’s younger years. This book is disturbing in its nuanced ways, and shows just how powerful it is to have the upper hand in a relationship. I was repulsed and my skin crawled with indignation as I read. This would be an amazing book club read, where it can be discussed and dissected at length.

The audiobook is well done, performed with respect for the words and subject matter. Marisa Blake's voice somehow had an air of conceded acknowledgement in one timeline, yet innocence and trustfulness in the other.

There is a powerfulness to the cover’s depiction, and it's a beautiful symbolism to the story inside.

This novel made me think and question: if the protagonist of a story feels a certain way towards the antagonist, is the reader expected to feel the same way, or is it acceptable to have a completely opposite opinion of that same character?

Thank you NetGalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.