Anchored Hearts | ARC Review

Synopsis

Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn’t been home to Key West in years–not since he left to explore broader horizons with his papi’s warning echoing in his ears. He wouldn’t be heading there now if it wasn’t for an injury requiring months of recuperation. The drama of a prodigal son returning to his familia is bad enough, but coming home to the island paradise also means coming face to face with the girl he left behind–the one who was supposed to be by his side all along…

Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father’s heart attack, there was no way she could leave–not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she’s worked years to put out. And as motherly meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?

Review

I wasn’t crazy about this book, but there were some nice parts to it.

Something I loved about this book was the meddling from both Alejandro and AnnaMaría’s mothers. They were pushing them together from the beginning and it was hilarious! I loved seeing all the excuses they gave them to get them to just be in the same room. The funniest part is that, while AM and Ale were aware of it happening, it still worked! I love it!

I also really loved AM and her strength. She was like the cool aunt that goes to Pride rallies and stands up for women’s rights. I enjoyed seeing her hard shell of confidence and strength contrasted against her soft love for Alejandro. She’s probably the coolest character in this book and I’m so glad I had a chance to get to know her.

The last thing I really loved about this book was the Cuban/Latinx pride! There is a lot of Spanish mixed in with the English throughout this book (which I so loved!) that adds to the Cuban heritage homage, but it was really everything else that spoke to me. The restaurant, the community involvement, the food, etc was all so spectacularly Latinx and I loved it. It made me feel like I was experiencing everything happening firsthand. Almost like I was really there. It was great!

As for the negative part of my review…There wasn’t one thing that I can pinpoint that I disliked about this book. It just felt dull. There wasn’t anything particularly exciting or exhilarating about the plot or the characters. It just fell a little flat for me.

Although this isn’t a book I can see myself re-reading, I mostly enjoyed my time spent reading it. I think a lot of people will end up liking this book a lot; it’s just not one of my favorites.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating

To check out my other reviews, click here. Or to check out more books by Priscilla Oliveras, go to her GoodReads profile or her website.