I understand that this is a romance novel overall, but Ava's biggest issue was never her lack of a relationship, or her divorce, or anything related - it was that she needed to learn to love herself.

And this, like SO MANY romance novels, had me saying PLEASE GET THERAPY to the main character. Perfectly understandable issues, definitely relatable family dynamics but GIRL you have to talk to someone to work on yourself.

That said - this definitely bypassed all of my normal romance trope hates. <spoiler>There was no real third act breakup! They actually TRIED to communicate (yeah, it was tough!).</spoiler> And maybe the ending resolution was a little awkward, but overall it was a nice conclusion for both characters who got to work on themselves while finding each other.

Cute. Book three in the series, but I've read one and didn't know there was a two, so you're definitely okay reading as a standalone. Thanks to netgalley/publisher and more importantly the author for letting me read.

I will say I read this without reading the prior two books in this series. I don’t know much about what happened there but didn’t feel lost about any of the background info on the other couples that showed up.

This poor baby Ava though! Omg killing herself to be everything for everyone. For what girl? For what??? I get it but also it was too much. No wonder the girl was in therapy. Roman was one of the greenest flag MMC I have ever read. The spice was spicy. I hated that Ava felt she couldn’t even tell the other cousin besties. But again, since I didn’t read the first two books, I might’ve lost some context there.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Along Came Amor is a moving romance about two characters who complete each other. Ava is recently divorced and emotionally vulnerable. She wants to move on but she’s scared to get wrapped up in another person again. After growing up in a judgmental extended family, she’s internalized protective behaviors - don’t rock the boat and always be helpful. Roman is a very successful entrepreneur whose structured life doesn’t allow for a lot of spontaneity or free time. Having grown up poor, he’s constantly thinking about work and family responsibilities.

Roman helps Ava ask for what she wants and to question what she might do if she didn’t have to be perfect. Ava helps Roman take time away from his obligations and to feel comfortable that she doesn’t want him for his money or connections. Together, they help each other to live in the moment. You will empathize with Ava and Roman is the ultimate book boyfriend.

The plotline is that this is a secret relationship. After a “meet cute” and a one night stand at Roman’s hotel where Ava is attending a conference, they begin meeting up. Their “no strings attached” hook ups gradually turn into something more as they share with each other. Ava is terrified about her family learning about and interfering in this relationship, so it’s a big surprise when she learns that they will be serving as Maid of Honor and Best Man at her cousin’s wedding.

While they connect intimately almost immediately, this is a slow burn emotionally as Ava and Roman learn to open up and reveal their true selves to each other.

3.5 stars.

Ava Rodriguez is newly divorced, having been dumped by her husband out of the blue after ten years together. He was her one and only, and this change in status rocked her already shaky confidence and sense of self. She constantly puts on a resting pleasant face, suppressing her feelings and trying to be “good” so that those around her are comfortable even if it’s to her detriment.

Roman Vasquez is a workaholic whose love languages are acts of service (he’s a doer and a problem solver) and words of affirmation (he has quite a few pet names for Ava). He never takes time to slow down and just enjoy life; that is until his path crosses with Ava’s at the bar of one of his hotels and he decides to through his jam-packed schedule out the window for a night with her.

It was supposed to be just one night, with no strings, but that plan got shot when Ava reached out time and again for a repeat and Roman couldn’t resist dropping everything to make it happen.

Tropes:

One-night stand turns to more
He falls first
Secret relationship
Forced proximity
He cares for her when she’s sick
CEO romance

Roman was very lovely. He wasn’t afraid to show his affection loudly and often once he came to the realization that it was more than just physical for him. He also learned from his mistakes and took accountability for his actions (or inactions). He was understanding (to a point) of why Ava was insistent on their relationship being a secret, yet at the same time he was clear about his wants and needs and his desire to negotiate terms so it wasn’t always so one-sided. He fell first and hard but he also wasn’t going to be made a complete fool of.

Personally, I had a hard time connecting with Ava. She was giving “martyr” for sure. It was obvious she has a lot of trauma from her upbringing as well as the dissolution of her romantic relationship. There was mention of therapy, and she probably should have still been going to be honest. I could understand how hard it would’ve been for her to say “no” when asked to help or wanting to volunteer (I am afflicted with a similar issue) but with Roman constantly having to talk her down, it felt like a never ending cycle of self sabotage.

Given how their relationship started, there was definitely a fair amount of spice as it was the undercurrent of their connection. There were moments in a couple of the scenes that weren’t quite for me, but overall you can see how passionate they are for one another.

As a whole, this was a nice wrap-up to the series with strong Latinx characters and family dynamics, and I especially liked parts at the end of this book and how some things were tied up.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I began reading this book and only realized that it was the ending to a trilogy once I was truly invested in Ava and Roman. Despite not reading the initial two, I feel like I got a good sense of their stories as they merged with Ava's. I'm sure everyone who has read the earlier two and this one, and will read this one, will have favorite characters but I have to say that mine is Ava. Purely that I connect with her on a personal and professional level and I really empathize with her as she goes on her journey. And I loved Roman for his care and attention and sweetness with Ava. This was such a monumental book and that is where I will end it to avoid giving spoilers. Overall, it was a beautiful book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy! I’m rating this 3.5 stars but could be 4

I really enjoyed Ava and Roman’s story. As someone who felt completely lost after her divorce, I really related to Ava as she tried to figure out who she was and what she wanted in this new phase of life. Although at times I thought Roman was pushing Ava too fast, I could understand why his personality was like that. Overall I thought Roman was a great MMC, he was kind and supportive of Ava’s journey. My only wish was to see her face her fears a littler sooner in the book.

The third book in the Primas of Power series. This book is Ava and Roman’s story. Secret dating, he falls first, found family. They both have some great family and friends, but Ava also has some family members who… are not so great. Besides the romance, a lot of the storyline is Ava working through family issues and learning to set boundaries. And just a heads up, this is a steamy one!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Along Came Amor to come out May 27, 2025.

The last book in the Primas of Power series, I've been waiting for this one for awhile! Ava is the responsible prima. She has always done everything she can to fit the expectations of her family - at the expense of her well-being. As a teacher, Ava attends an education conference. In an effort to move on from her divorce - which her family did not respond well to - she goes to the hotel bar. A chance encounter with Roman Vasquez at that bar will put her on a path to being New Ava - who is more outspoken and open with her feelings. As Ava helps her cousin Jasmine plan her wedding, she learns that Roman, who she thought had no connection to her family, is in the wedding party! Will Ava cut things off to save herself from her family, or will she give in to her feelings for Roman? I loved this book because while it's fun, spicy, and a feel-good book, it also examines Ava's feelings about being a people pleaser, doing things for everyone else but herself, and what that means for her and her future. This was a great ending to the Primas of Power series - though I'm sad there will be no more!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy!

I've really loved Alexis Daria's series "Primas of Power" and have been waiting for this one to come out. It was a strong ending to the series and it was fun to be back with the characters from the first two books again. Ava and Ramon meet in a hotel bar, that he owns, while she is traveling for a teacher conference - sparks immediately fly and they have a one night stand that was supposed to only be one time. Over the next year, they meet many times and form a strong connection with each other as Ava navigates healing from a divorce, being available for her family's needs (to a fault, she really can't say no to anyone), and finding a job that fits her passion. As they fall in love, Ramon is so patient with Ava - she pushes him away many times and wants to keep him a secret from her nosey/judgmental family. I was rooting for them the whole time but her delay in being with him and reasons for pushing him away and his falling harder/having to fix everyone's problems got a bit annoying at times. Overall the first in the story was still my favorite but I did really enjoy the multi-year epilogue at the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ava Rodriguez’s divorce has been finalized, and she’s left questioning everything she’s wanted. Unfulfilled with her job, she’s not sure how to go about taking charge of her life. At a teacher’s conference she meets Roman, the handsome hotel owner, and the sparks fly. What starts off as a one night stand quickly turns into regular meetings with very clear boundaries. But when the man she’s been secretly seeing turns up at her cousin’s engagement party, maintaining the boundaries becomes complicated. Roman quickly grows tired of being her dirty little secret, but will Ava be brave enough to let go of the boundaries and bring their relationship out in the open?

While I loved the Latinx rep, I had a really hard time connecting with the FMC. She was grating. Her family is extremely toxic and rather than setting boundaries with them, she’s a doormat that they walk all over. I understand that this is part of her journey, but it was frustrating to be a part of. Roman had the patience of a saint. Her constant need to push him away was tiring. He’s a great MMC. He’s kind and considerate and supportive. And like I said, has the patience of a saint. I wanted more of a connection between them, but at times it felt very one sided. There were moments I enjoyed, but they were outweighed by moments of frustration.

I devoured this book.

My favorite out of the series. For so many reasons, Ava's story touched me. And the way she had to fight with herself to find herself. She felt as if she couldn't take up space or else she was a bother to everyone. which could not have been more from the truth. I loved that she found herself worth and her safe space all in the same place.

Roman, My man, My man uh he is ultimate heart eyes. this man was the definition of "If he wanted to he would" and oh boy does he ever. the way he loved hard before he even put his feelings into words, and how he cared for his mother and sister. swoon.

There is so much that i could say but i don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but this needs to be on your to be read list.

Note that this is more of a 3.5 star rating rather than a 4.
This book felt like a book I've read countless times before -- and I don't mean that in a bad way. It was the perfect book to binge for a silly little romance time. Even aside from that though, Ava felt so relatable and I was rooting for her the whole time. I seriously wanted to fight Ramon whenever he was pushing Ava a little too fast in their relationship and felt like he was all in too early (I was like sir, please chill). But still super fun!

A fun, sexy, tender story that plays on one of my favorite tropes--a one night stand turned more. I love the way Alexis develops this story and brings these two together in more ways than one!

I absolutely LOVE the Primas of Power series! This one did not disappoint. Along Came Amor is the third series instalment that really is the perfect ending to this series.

In this third book we follow Ava and Roman’s story. And talk about a swoon worthy love story with a love that is hard fought and absolutely deserved.

Ava is a middle school teacher, finalizing her divorce. A divorce she is not sorry for even if she is crushed to have “failed” at something she had built. That doesn’t stop her in wanting to find the new Ava and commemorate this new chapter. Roman is just a guy she meets at first, who turns out to be a great bartender, a great listener and the CEO of the very same hotel she is attending a conference at. After a night spent together, we navigate through their no strings attached affair, that like every good latine story had A LOT of strings attached.

From the very moment we met Roman, I knew we would love him. Strong willed, gentle and determined Roman, even with his flaws he is everything a true book boyfriend should be (and a few things I would not hate on a real partner). Ava is a full-on reformed people pleaser. She learns how to navigate her life, rediscover who she is and come out on top despite her fears and anxiety.

I also love that we get a glimpse at everyone’s lives. Everyone’s stories coming together. How actions in this book have consequences and an actual timeline. AND NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! We have our missteps, but our characters know how to communicate! Even when it is hard for them. Must thank Alexis Daria for that.

As a Puerto Rican, I love to see all these little details that represent my culture. It had me laughing out loud at all the Puerto Rican family drama, chisme and every aspect that I can see reflected upon my own family and life experiences. It also fixed something in me. I can see myself in Ava and Roman. I take failures hard, I hate to disappoint people, I love fixing other people’s problems, and often I forget to take care of myself or put me first.

Along came amor is an ultra-steamy, feel-good, funny romance, full of lovable and large characters, emotional family moments, and deeply rooted latine culture dynamics. I guarantee you will LOVE it. There is no way of avoiding getting sucked into this beautiful and mind-blowing story.

I do recommend reading the entire series as characters, storylines and plot may be spoiled in this one about the first two.

Thank you Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and Alexis Daria for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Contemporary Romance. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series so was excited to see the third one. Ava is a school teacher, finalizing the divorce from her ex-husband while she's at a conference. When she goes to the hotel bar to celebrate, the bar owner ends up making her a drink. Boldened by her newfound single status and the relative anonymity of the bar, she agrees to go up to his room. The two share a passionate night, and he gives her his business card in case she wants round 2.

Ava explicitly states she wants no strings and Roman finds himself agreeing. But after a few more texts that lead to more shared nights, both of them realize maybe they do want more. Ava is happy to have something that is hers alone, reluctant to share with her cousins. She is still reeling from the emotional onslaught her family put her though after her break-up. Roman is a wealthy CEO with his every minute scheduled, but finds himself clearing his schedule whenever Ava gets in touch. They both have a lot of past issues to deal with. Everything comes to a head when it turns out they are the maid of honor and best man at Jasmine and Ashton's wedding. Suddenly it becomes a lot harder to keep this love interest out of her family's eye.

This book is spicy from the get-go, starting as it did with an intended one-night stand. But Roman's real appeal is how he listens to Ava, and tries to overcome his inherent desire to fix things and just be with her. There's a lot to reflect on here with Ava's people-pleasing personality, and the toll it takes on her mental health. The descriptions of lux hotels in NYC and Puerto Rico are fun settings to read about. An enjoyable multi-faceted romance with a good supporting cast. Sad to see this series come to an end.

I read an advanced copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley.

I love Alexis Daria and anything she writes! Although not my favorite in the series, it's still a great book!

Along came Amor is one of the best arcs I read in 2024. The book is absolutely swoon-worthy. Alexis is a fantastic storyteller and I need to read the rest of their books.

An excellent conclusion to the Primas of Power series. Roman is an excellent hero. It both jumps right into the sex but it also a kind of slow burn which is fun

This book broke me and healed me in a way I never knew I needed. It healed partially the problem fixer person in the family in me.

I needed Ava to heal so badly. I wanted her to not think her value in her family depends on what she did for other, for myself. I am selfish that way. I needed this happy ending for me too. Alexis did this couple justice. I love Roman, but I'm not here for him. I'm here for Ava and I need other people to read this book for her. Her strength and her big ass heart.

The respect I have for Roman so much. I wish more men respected boundaries when they know the woman they want, the woman they love needs to heal. This relationship just was mind-blowing beautiful that I was happy to wait this long for this book.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've been a huge fan of the series and the finale did not disappoint. Excellent story, character development and spice level. One downfall was that Ava's insecurities did get frustrating after a bit but overall enjoyable read.