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Keys to Love #1
Island Affair
Goodreads, Bookish, & Glitter Guide Best Of & Most Anticipated Books of April
Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, Booktrib, & Smexy Books Most Anticipated Romances of 2020
Frolic Book of the Week
USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras launches a new romantic comedy series set in Key West, Florida and filled with humor, Latinx culture, and fun family dynamics perfect for summer beach reading…
Sought-after social media influencer Sara Vance, in recovery from an eating disorder, is coming into her own, with a potential career expansion on the horizon. Despite the good news, her successful siblings (and their perfect spouses) have a way of making her feel like the odd one out. So, when her unreliable boyfriend is a no-show for a Florida family vacation, Sara recruits Luis Navarro—a firefighter paramedic and dive captain willing to play the part of her smitten fiancé . . .
Luis’s big Cuban familia has been in Key West for generations, and his quiet strength feeds off the island’s laidback style. Though guarded after a deep betrayal, he’ll always help someone in need—especially a spunky beauty with a surprising knowledge of Spanish curse words. Soon, he and Sara have memorized their “how we met” story and are immersed in family dinners, bike tours, private snorkeling trips . . . sharing secrets, and slow, melting kisses. But when it’s time for Sara to return home, will their fake relationship fade like the stunning sunset . . . or blossom into something beautiful?
Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, Booktrib, & Smexy Books Most Anticipated Romances of 2020
Frolic Book of the Week
USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras launches a new romantic comedy series set in Key West, Florida and filled with humor, Latinx culture, and fun family dynamics perfect for summer beach reading…
Sought-after social media influencer Sara Vance, in recovery from an eating disorder, is coming into her own, with a potential career expansion on the horizon. Despite the good news, her successful siblings (and their perfect spouses) have a way of making her feel like the odd one out. So, when her unreliable boyfriend is a no-show for a Florida family vacation, Sara recruits Luis Navarro—a firefighter paramedic and dive captain willing to play the part of her smitten fiancé . . .
Luis’s big Cuban familia has been in Key West for generations, and his quiet strength feeds off the island’s laidback style. Though guarded after a deep betrayal, he’ll always help someone in need—especially a spunky beauty with a surprising knowledge of Spanish curse words. Soon, he and Sara have memorized their “how we met” story and are immersed in family dinners, bike tours, private snorkeling trips . . . sharing secrets, and slow, melting kisses. But when it’s time for Sara to return home, will their fake relationship fade like the stunning sunset . . . or blossom into something beautiful?
283 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2020
About the author
Priscilla Oliveras
13 books1,422 followersPRISCILLA OLIVERAS is a USA Today bestselling author and 2018 RWA® RITA® double finalist who writes contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she strives to bring authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latinx culture with readers. She and her work have earned praise from the Washington Post, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Redbook, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, among others. Priscilla earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University and currently serves as adjunct faculty in the program and teaches the online class “Romance Writing” for ed2go. While she’s a romance genre junkie, Priscilla also considers herself a sports fan, beach lover, and Zumba aficionado, who often practices the art of napping in her backyard hammock.
To follow along on her fun-filled and hectic life, visit her on the web at https://prisoliveras.com/books/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/prisoliveras, or on Twitter and Instagram via @prisoliveras.
To follow along on her fun-filled and hectic life, visit her on the web at https://prisoliveras.com/books/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/prisoliveras, or on Twitter and Instagram via @prisoliveras.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,427 reviews
April 3, 2021
Entertaining, feel-good, let’s go to the Winchester hmm I mean Caribbean cruise, have a nice cold Cuba Libre and wait for this all to blow over book! (Yeap, you got me, I’m watching Shaun of the dead for 246th time!)
Fake charming firefighter fiancée, a cute social media influencer suffering from eating disorder join a cruise trip with the girl’s entire family who are successful members of society with impressive interrogation skills and intimidating manners and let’s add fake fiancée’s crowded, noisy, prying but also lovely, genuine, friendly Cuban family to the equation. Did you get interested? I certainly did.
Luis take one week forced leave from his work, after a big argument with his brother, storms out from his office and bumps into Sara having a volatile argument with her boyfriend on the phone who stands her up for meeting with her family at their cruise trip. Sara’s mother recovering from big C which means she doesn’t need more stress in her life by worrying more about her daughter’s love interest and her siblings are already judgmental about her occupation (they don’t consider “instagram influencer” as a real job) and her past relationships and now she has to face them alone.
Luis is concerned about her breakdown and as they resume their conversation, Sara comes with an offer to help them both: ( Mostly for herself, because Luis can do anything to spend his time for his one week leave) She offers him acting like her fiancée in exchange she’ll make donation for firefighters foundation. (At first she offered him money but you may imagine our too proud and good hearted hero rejected it.)
So they shake hands and start their pretending relationship as you may imagine, it turns into a real one.
The strengths of the story:
Couple’s sweet, hot chemistry, witty banters
Meeting with Navarro (Luis’ big family)Family! (The sequel about to come with another family member)
Romantic, sweet escapades, secret kisses
The author’s way to handle such an important health issue: “eating disorder” realistically without over dramatization.
Both characters’ past demons and the way they slowly destroy the barriers and come clean about the secrets.
The weaknesses of the story:
The beginning was too fast and the way of starting their fake relationship was too coincidental.
Luis acted like stubborn and immature at the ending parts and his beef with his brother was a little illogical. He is not the one to be blamed. And I agree Sara’s sister at one point: he had to grovel more for winning Sara’s heart back!!!
Overall: Sweet, cute chic-lit and great escapade for your lock-down days! 3.5 stars rolling up to 4! (It could be 3 starred Switzerland reading but Navarro family members already stole my heart!)
Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington to share this entertaining ARC in exchange my honest review.
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Fake charming firefighter fiancée, a cute social media influencer suffering from eating disorder join a cruise trip with the girl’s entire family who are successful members of society with impressive interrogation skills and intimidating manners and let’s add fake fiancée’s crowded, noisy, prying but also lovely, genuine, friendly Cuban family to the equation. Did you get interested? I certainly did.
Luis take one week forced leave from his work, after a big argument with his brother, storms out from his office and bumps into Sara having a volatile argument with her boyfriend on the phone who stands her up for meeting with her family at their cruise trip. Sara’s mother recovering from big C which means she doesn’t need more stress in her life by worrying more about her daughter’s love interest and her siblings are already judgmental about her occupation (they don’t consider “instagram influencer” as a real job) and her past relationships and now she has to face them alone.
Luis is concerned about her breakdown and as they resume their conversation, Sara comes with an offer to help them both: ( Mostly for herself, because Luis can do anything to spend his time for his one week leave) She offers him acting like her fiancée in exchange she’ll make donation for firefighters foundation. (At first she offered him money but you may imagine our too proud and good hearted hero rejected it.)
So they shake hands and start their pretending relationship as you may imagine, it turns into a real one.
The strengths of the story:
Couple’s sweet, hot chemistry, witty banters
Meeting with Navarro (Luis’ big family)Family! (The sequel about to come with another family member)
Romantic, sweet escapades, secret kisses
The author’s way to handle such an important health issue: “eating disorder” realistically without over dramatization.
Both characters’ past demons and the way they slowly destroy the barriers and come clean about the secrets.
The weaknesses of the story:
The beginning was too fast and the way of starting their fake relationship was too coincidental.
Luis acted like stubborn and immature at the ending parts and his beef with his brother was a little illogical. He is not the one to be blamed. And I agree Sara’s sister at one point: he had to grovel more for winning Sara’s heart back!!!
Overall: Sweet, cute chic-lit and great escapade for your lock-down days! 3.5 stars rolling up to 4! (It could be 3 starred Switzerland reading but Navarro family members already stole my heart!)
Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington to share this entertaining ARC in exchange my honest review.
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April 6, 2020This writing style was not for me. It was too repetitive and the set up of the fake dating was too quick for me to suspend my disbelief. DNF’d at 15%.
April 10, 2020
This one took me a while to get into. The writing is cute but cheesy and I loved the setting of Key West (wish I were there now) but the romance dragged too much in the middle for me! The hero is SO closed off, which would’ve been fine but he makes the heroine open up while he doesn’t. I wish I could’ve loved it more but am I am VERY excited that this will be a series! Hopefully Enrique is next 👀
July 9, 2020
how I even made it through this book is a mystery
February 20, 2020
Read this in one day: what a delightful vacation book, whether you’re actually on vacation or you just want to pretend you’re on one. I really liked both main characters a lot — I cared about them and understood their struggles, and I cheered for them to come together. They both have big complicated families and I LOVE books about big complicated families, and if you do too, you’ll love this one — I really understood the hows and whys of each of their problems with their families, but I never doubted how much they loved their families and their families loved them. Really charming book, and I can’t wait for the next one.
Oh. And also? THERE’S ONLY ONE BED!!!!
Oh. And also? THERE’S ONLY ONE BED!!!!
April 21, 2020
3 stars
An enjoyable read. A little bit cheesy. With a lovely island setting and a summary vibe.
*Thanks to NetGally for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.*
An enjoyable read. A little bit cheesy. With a lovely island setting and a summary vibe.
*Thanks to NetGally for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.*
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September 7, 2020CW: discussion of: eating disorder, cheating, car crash and death
I think I enjoyed this book...enough. I had a good time while listening to the audiobook and never felt bored of it but when I think about it, in hindsight, there wasn't anything about it that I particularly LOVED. The chemistry was there but there was such an huge unbalance in communication where Sara gave and laid her soul bare but Luiz really didn't reciprocate that it kind of got...tiring at one point. Especially since both of them had some pretty major issues to work through. The moments they *did* have together though were really adorable. I also loved the family aspect of the story. The way Luiz is close with his (save for his brother) and it's kind of the opposite for Sara but both of them trying to mend their broken and bruised relationships. I am a sucker for family dynamics, especially those with open communication that aren't always perfect but are actively working towards making things better and the book delivered on that front.
I want to point out that Sara is recovering from an eating disorder, and I cannot speak on how good or bad that representation was as it is not my experience so I can't judge it. I did like the fact that it showed that EDs aren't always triggered by body image issues. What I do want to point out, and something that made me a bit uncomfortable is that this book is weirdly focused on body shape and physical appearance especially when said book is supposed to be threading carefully around an ED. There were a lot of comments on how trimmed and toned and those seemed to be put on a bit of a pedestal and i just...wasn't a fan.
I think I enjoyed this book...enough. I had a good time while listening to the audiobook and never felt bored of it but when I think about it, in hindsight, there wasn't anything about it that I particularly LOVED. The chemistry was there but there was such an huge unbalance in communication where Sara gave and laid her soul bare but Luiz really didn't reciprocate that it kind of got...tiring at one point. Especially since both of them had some pretty major issues to work through. The moments they *did* have together though were really adorable. I also loved the family aspect of the story. The way Luiz is close with his (save for his brother) and it's kind of the opposite for Sara but both of them trying to mend their broken and bruised relationships. I am a sucker for family dynamics, especially those with open communication that aren't always perfect but are actively working towards making things better and the book delivered on that front.
I want to point out that Sara is recovering from an eating disorder, and I cannot speak on how good or bad that representation was as it is not my experience so I can't judge it. I did like the fact that it showed that EDs aren't always triggered by body image issues. What I do want to point out, and something that made me a bit uncomfortable is that this book is weirdly focused on body shape and physical appearance especially when said book is supposed to be threading carefully around an ED. There were a lot of comments on how trimmed and toned and those seemed to be put on a bit of a pedestal and i just...wasn't a fan.
April 27, 2020
3.5 stars-- can I just say how lovely it was to read a book filled with people who were just so nice? This is a book filled with nice people (with some glaring exceptions that are a bit cartoony, but just roll with it) who I wanted to see be happy in life. The family conflicts were great & I was rooting for the main characters. I will give TWs for ED & substance abuse, which I think are mostly handled with care, but of course, YMMV there. My biggest drawback was related to authorial voice in the dialogue-- there was something that rang slightly off in my ear that kept me from getting fully immersed. That said, I did very much enjoy the author's narration passages, so just a personal quirk on my part
All in all, this was a really nice rom com with a heavy emphasis on family dynamics that I found really enjoyable. I would recommend & look for more from the author!
All in all, this was a really nice rom com with a heavy emphasis on family dynamics that I found really enjoyable. I would recommend & look for more from the author!
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April 27, 2024Fake dating, influencer, island setting, and a firefighter paramedic - SIGN ME UP! I am in love, and was hooked from the start.
I love reading romcoms like this because to me they are the ultimate feel good story. They pick me up on cloudy days, and just make me feel warm and happy with everything.
I've recently become obsessed with firefighter tv shows and books. This is the type of romance that I need more of. Their jobs are just everything that I don't have in my real life (nor do I want lol).
The writing style of this book was beautiful and just so easy. It was a nice, get lost in the pages type read that just sucks me in and makes me want to keep going.
Dual point of view romances are always my favorite. I feel that all too often we only get to experience romance books purely from the female point of view, and I like the male point of view as well.
However, the one thing that this book was missing for me was clear chapter markers as to who's point of view we were currently in. The author did make it fairly obvious, it is just a reader pet peeve of mine that there be markers present for my ease of reading.
I read a firstlook sneak peak of this book on bookishfirst.com. All thoughts are my own.
I love reading romcoms like this because to me they are the ultimate feel good story. They pick me up on cloudy days, and just make me feel warm and happy with everything.
I've recently become obsessed with firefighter tv shows and books. This is the type of romance that I need more of. Their jobs are just everything that I don't have in my real life (nor do I want lol).
The writing style of this book was beautiful and just so easy. It was a nice, get lost in the pages type read that just sucks me in and makes me want to keep going.
Dual point of view romances are always my favorite. I feel that all too often we only get to experience romance books purely from the female point of view, and I like the male point of view as well.
However, the one thing that this book was missing for me was clear chapter markers as to who's point of view we were currently in. The author did make it fairly obvious, it is just a reader pet peeve of mine that there be markers present for my ease of reading.
I read a firstlook sneak peak of this book on bookishfirst.com. All thoughts are my own.
June 14, 2021
Content Notes:
I liked this with major caveats. I love Oliveras's writing, but some aspects of the storyline detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Pluses:
- LOVED the family dynamics, especially Luis's Cuban relatives and community. Their banter, their nosiness, their unflinching support. Easily my favorite part of the book. I even appreciated Sara's more tense family dynamics and her feelings of ostracization (e.g., that she doesn't meet their standards for success).
- The Key West setting is spectacular and practically a third character in the love story. I want to visit (not in the near future, of course! But I can dream). Also, I was SO HUNGRY the entire time and upset that I wasn't eating what the characters were eating.
- Look, is the super-quick "fake relationship agreement between strangers" premise unrealistic and telenovela-ish? Yes, but I loved it! It was cute, y'all. You have to buy into it and enjoy the ride.
Minuses:
- I dislike Evil Ex backstories (there are some exceptions to this rule but it's fairly consistent in my reading). I REALLY freaking hate Evil Ex backstories when said Evil Ex 1) cheats on the hero with his brother early on in the relationship (the brother claims that he doesn't realize she was dating the hero at the time), 2) makes another pass at the brother after her engagement, 3) when refused, drives away angrily and drunk (brother doesn't stop her), 4) gets into a car crash, 5) confesses her infidelity to the hero on her hospital deathbed, and 6) is responsible for the six-year estrangement between the hero and his brother.
There was no way in hell that I'd ever enjoy this backstory, even if it was executed well. I squirmed the entire time. The woman's dead. I felt no need to hear about her treachery/crimes six years after the incident.
- I feel super unsure about the eating disorder rep. I'm way out of my depth on this one. I can't tell if it was good or bad, and I don't want to discuss my preliminary thoughts (both positive and negative) as I'm so unqualified. I'll be on the lookout for a review by someone who knows more Sara's condition.
- Sara and Luis both have major issues to work through, but the breakdown of who confesses to who is unequal. Sara opens up way more than Luis (his issues are mostly worked out by himself). It feels uneven and unfair. She's the one who spills her entire heart and troubles. He does, too... but not enough. Not even close to how much Sara opens up to Luis.
- This complaint isn't limited to this book, but I am so tired of how recent romance novels end super quickly after the apology/making up. I need more, damn it! At least give me an epilogue. I need proof that these two kids will make it! Argh.
***
I guess the combination of these factors make it 3 stars? I liked ISLAND AFFAIR, just didn't love it. I am looking forward to upcoming books as I loved the setting (I presume Luis's siblings will be the protagonists. His sister is the best). YMMV as the writing is excellent and the overall relationship is flirty/fun.
Note: there are no open-door sex scenes. There is sexy foreplay but it fades to black before getting too explicit.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this with major caveats. I love Oliveras's writing, but some aspects of the storyline detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Pluses:
- LOVED the family dynamics, especially Luis's Cuban relatives and community. Their banter, their nosiness, their unflinching support. Easily my favorite part of the book. I even appreciated Sara's more tense family dynamics and her feelings of ostracization (e.g., that she doesn't meet their standards for success).
- The Key West setting is spectacular and practically a third character in the love story. I want to visit (not in the near future, of course! But I can dream). Also, I was SO HUNGRY the entire time and upset that I wasn't eating what the characters were eating.
- Look, is the super-quick "fake relationship agreement between strangers" premise unrealistic and telenovela-ish? Yes, but I loved it! It was cute, y'all. You have to buy into it and enjoy the ride.
Minuses:
- I dislike Evil Ex backstories (there are some exceptions to this rule but it's fairly consistent in my reading). I REALLY freaking hate Evil Ex backstories when said Evil Ex 1) cheats on the hero with his brother early on in the relationship (the brother claims that he doesn't realize she was dating the hero at the time), 2) makes another pass at the brother after her engagement, 3) when refused, drives away angrily and drunk (brother doesn't stop her), 4) gets into a car crash, 5) confesses her infidelity to the hero on her hospital deathbed, and 6) is responsible for the six-year estrangement between the hero and his brother.
There was no way in hell that I'd ever enjoy this backstory, even if it was executed well. I squirmed the entire time. The woman's dead. I felt no need to hear about her treachery/crimes six years after the incident.
- I feel super unsure about the eating disorder rep. I'm way out of my depth on this one. I can't tell if it was good or bad, and I don't want to discuss my preliminary thoughts (both positive and negative) as I'm so unqualified. I'll be on the lookout for a review by someone who knows more Sara's condition.
- Sara and Luis both have major issues to work through, but the breakdown of who confesses to who is unequal. Sara opens up way more than Luis (his issues are mostly worked out by himself). It feels uneven and unfair. She's the one who spills her entire heart and troubles. He does, too... but not enough. Not even close to how much Sara opens up to Luis.
- This complaint isn't limited to this book, but I am so tired of how recent romance novels end super quickly after the apology/making up. I need more, damn it! At least give me an epilogue. I need proof that these two kids will make it! Argh.
***
I guess the combination of these factors make it 3 stars? I liked ISLAND AFFAIR, just didn't love it. I am looking forward to upcoming books as I loved the setting (I presume Luis's siblings will be the protagonists. His sister is the best). YMMV as the writing is excellent and the overall relationship is flirty/fun.
Note: there are no open-door sex scenes. There is sexy foreplay but it fades to black before getting too explicit.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2020
I loved the sense of place, the main characters’ chemistry, and the Navarro’s Cuban-American family dynamics. I just can’t get enough Latinx in my romance novels!
I didn’t care so much for the implausibly rushed meet cute, awkward pacing & dialogue, or the heroine’s story. This was an enjoyable summer romance, but not sure if I’ll continue with the series.
I didn’t care so much for the implausibly rushed meet cute, awkward pacing & dialogue, or the heroine’s story. This was an enjoyable summer romance, but not sure if I’ll continue with the series.
April 30, 2023
It is unfortunate how boring this book was given the beautiful cover and the gorgeous setting. Oh well.
September 28, 2021
A breath of fresh sea salted air! This was my first book by Priscilla Oliveras and I loved the listening experience of the audiobook. Here's 4 things I loved about this book:
1) The atmospheric writing - I felt the Florida heat, smelled the salty air, and could visualize the island in the best way!
2) Our male lead, Luis, was just. so. dreamy. He was kind, considerate, thoughtful and gentle - a rarity in romance characters (at least of the ones I've read).
3) The family drama tied into the romance story effortlessly. This book is a romance, yes, but the romance ONLY happens because of family drama. It is intriguing, tense, and believable and fun all at once.
4) The portrayal of consent between the main characters. I'm the first to admit that I prefer closed door romance, and while this one was more of a "cracked door" romance, I loved how Oliveras did not leave out any details as the characters discussed where their relationship was going - both emotionally and physically.
One thing I did not love about this book:
1) This was incredibly minor and probably only a negative for me as someone who does not speak Spanish, but the Spanish used throughout the book was a little confusing/distracting for me. I do recognize, however, that this was realistic for the characters and absolutely necessary to bring them to life.
1) The atmospheric writing - I felt the Florida heat, smelled the salty air, and could visualize the island in the best way!
2) Our male lead, Luis, was just. so. dreamy. He was kind, considerate, thoughtful and gentle - a rarity in romance characters (at least of the ones I've read).
3) The family drama tied into the romance story effortlessly. This book is a romance, yes, but the romance ONLY happens because of family drama. It is intriguing, tense, and believable and fun all at once.
4) The portrayal of consent between the main characters. I'm the first to admit that I prefer closed door romance, and while this one was more of a "cracked door" romance, I loved how Oliveras did not leave out any details as the characters discussed where their relationship was going - both emotionally and physically.
One thing I did not love about this book:
1) This was incredibly minor and probably only a negative for me as someone who does not speak Spanish, but the Spanish used throughout the book was a little confusing/distracting for me. I do recognize, however, that this was realistic for the characters and absolutely necessary to bring them to life.
March 19, 2020
Both sweet and steamy, Island Affair is a fun and romantic read set in Key West. A social media influencer and a firefighter are both dealing with some serious issues in their personal lives and with family. Sara and Luis think they can help each other, and soon he's playing the part of her boyfriend in a game of make believe. But the more they learn the more difficult it becomes to stay just friends. The serious issues aren't downplayed, but they also don't take away from the romance. This is the first in a new series and I look forward to the next book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
April 9, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington publishing for providing me with an ARC.
DNF 20%
I am felling frustrated that i can't read more of this novel, i tried so hard to continue but i can't.
DNF 20%
I am felling frustrated that i can't read more of this novel, i tried so hard to continue but i can't.
May 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this! I am a sucker for a fake dating trope, and I think this is done well. Island Affair follows Sara, a social media influencer headed to a Florida vacation with her high-achieving family as her mother is recovering from cancer. Then her boyfriend cancels on her, when she's supposed to be keeping things low stress. But Luis is a local paramedic on leave, and offers to be her fake boyfriend and show her family around town. Obviously things turn into something real...
Sara is in recovery from an eating disorder, and has a complicated relationship with her family. I liked how that was handled. Meanwhile Luis has his own baggage with family from the past that he needs to unpack. As someone who likes romance with more external conflict, this really worked for me. It was enjoyable and I was rooting for them.
Sara is in recovery from an eating disorder, and has a complicated relationship with her family. I liked how that was handled. Meanwhile Luis has his own baggage with family from the past that he needs to unpack. As someone who likes romance with more external conflict, this really worked for me. It was enjoyable and I was rooting for them.
July 9, 2020
I don't know, I just wasn't into it..
March 1, 2021
ARC provided by Kensington Books and Priscilla Oliveras via NetGalley. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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"I'm not saying no to you.."
"More like to the sane voice in my head telling me there are a hundred reasons why this is a terrible idea, and only one that makes it right."
05-26: I don't read much in the way of standard romance or 'love stories,' so when I came across this title and it happened to center around a culture that is near and dear to my heart, I decided to give it a shot. I try not to limit myself by avoiding any particular genre, but admittedly this is just one that doesn't get my attention easily.
'Island Affair' by Priscilla Oliveras is a very modern tale about a social media influencer named Sara who has had her share of difficulties. Recovering from an eating disorder as her career is starting to really take off, she heads down to Key West for a family vacation following a health scare with one of her parents.
Things with her siblings are complicated at best. They're already hugely successful, having followed in their parents footsteps, which makes her a bit of an outcast. Not only did she not go into the family business, she's also the only one without a settled life and family. She spends a lot of time on the outside looking in.
When her boyfriend tells her he isn't coming, she feels like she's going to be the disappointment again..
Lucky for her, she manages to score a last minute stand-in. A sexy firefighter named Luis Navarro overhears her argument with her boyfriend and asks if he can help. Unfortunately for him.. helping comes by the way of a pretend relationship.
"The sane part of him that had been thinking maybe she'd reevaluate her offer over lunch and together they'd come up with a Plan B shriveled up like the potted plant his mami had saved off his back porch last week. He'd been ready to toss the plant in the trash, but his mom balked. Something about it needing water, food, and conversation. Silly him, he thought he'd bought a fern, not a metaphor for a date."
Luis is absolutely the best character in the book. I love him. I adore him. He deserves everything. He's warm and funny, conflicted and intense. All the things that can make a character irresistible to me.
Coming from a big Cuban family, Luis is a local. Like Sara's family, there's a family business.. but in his case, that's firefighting. Also like Sara's family, there's a deep divide. A fissure born between Luis and his youngest brother that he won't discuss and completely refuses to mend.
He's a mostly soft-spoken, strong, steady guy. Despite the painful betrayal he keeps locked away, he's got a serious savior complex. Even the locals call him Saint Navarro.
Wow.. is he lovely though. He's patient and kind. He doesn't push sensitive topics. Mostly he just let's people get to where they need to be on their own pace.. with a little help along the way. Oh.. he might nudge.. but he doesn't push.
"I don't know how the three of us manage to fit in your truck.."
"Three?"
"You, me, and your ego."
"Funny.."
"I'll be here all week. Maybe you can catch my show."
"Ha, I'm in your show, sweetheart. All the...What did you call me? Oh yeah, all the hunky parts."
Looking back.. I did like Sara most of the time, despite the character being a bit of a Barbie wrapped in a cliche. She's inherently a good person at least.. and she's fallible. She's also willing to own her mistakes, which you've got to respect.
It was enjoyable watching them try to navigate the untruths while also trying to avoid people who knew him in the area.. because that was impossible.. and left them quite the balancing act.
What I loved about the story though was that regardless of the imperfections in them.. they seemed really good for each other. Both Luis and Sara grew and benefitted from the other's presence.. and even with the lies they were telling.. their good intentions were so genuine.
If you're looking for a light romantic story with a good sense of humor, you'll enjoy this book. There are a couple of tear-jerking moments, but that just gave the story broader depth.
PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS | KOBO | WATERSTONES
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04-25: Great read overall, review to come!
04-24: Intend to finish this today. A little iffy on some cultural references, but it's not my culture and I'll leave that discussion for someone else. lol.
04-23: Okay, I'm already head over heels a little for Luis, admittedly. He's the loveliest man.
04-22: Starting this one today, it looks super cute.. which isn't normally my thing.. but I'm eager for a taste of the culture.
February 24, 2022
Rating ~2.5
A rather typical and overall familiar romance.
Once more, while I enjoy reading romance and watching rom-coms, I was not at all surprised by this book. Everything felt very formulaic.
We are hit with a case of insta-lust/maybe love? Basically, the two main leads are instantly drawn to each other. And I mean that's fine, since they are both apparently very attractive, super friendly people, that happens I suppose. But then after all this build-up and rather entertaining foreplay, we get only a fade to black sex scene. Like, excuse me? All that build-up and I don't even get a steamy hookup scene? Boo!
The ending also felt terribly rushed. Crammed into the last few chapters were: the appearance of Sara's ex (whose appearance honestly did not last more than a page), a misunderstanding between our main leads that result in Luis' walking out and leaving Sara in tears, Luis making amends with his brother Enrique and finally a tearful airport/makeup scene between the main leads.
Anyways, if you're looking for an easy beach read then I say plow right ahead with this one. It's pleasant enough. But if you're looking for a romance that really knocks your socks off, maybe go looking elsewhere.
A rather typical and overall familiar romance.
Once more, while I enjoy reading romance and watching rom-coms, I was not at all surprised by this book. Everything felt very formulaic.
We are hit with a case of insta-lust/maybe love? Basically, the two main leads are instantly drawn to each other. And I mean that's fine, since they are both apparently very attractive, super friendly people, that happens I suppose. But then after all this build-up and rather entertaining foreplay, we get only a fade to black sex scene. Like, excuse me? All that build-up and I don't even get a steamy hookup scene? Boo!
The ending also felt terribly rushed. Crammed into the last few chapters were: the appearance of Sara's ex (whose appearance honestly did not last more than a page), a misunderstanding between our main leads that result in Luis' walking out and leaving Sara in tears, Luis making amends with his brother Enrique and finally a tearful airport/makeup scene between the main leads.
Anyways, if you're looking for an easy beach read then I say plow right ahead with this one. It's pleasant enough. But if you're looking for a romance that really knocks your socks off, maybe go looking elsewhere.
April 10, 2020
I won this in a Bookish First giveaway and was sucked in buy the gorgeous cover. While it made for some pretty bookstagram photos I just couldn't get into this story. It required some suspension of belief that I just wasn't able to give and while the beginning was fast paced the middle was quite stagnant.
Fans of family driven, slow burn insta romances might enjoy this. Despite the sizzling chemistry I wasn't impressed.
Full review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Fans of family driven, slow burn insta romances might enjoy this. Despite the sizzling chemistry I wasn't impressed.
Full review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
October 7, 2020
Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras
Contemporary romance. Diverse story. Fake boyfriend troupe.
A romantic Caribbean escape for Sara and fake boyfriend Luis. Add in lots of family from both sides to stir interests and problems while the two dance around each other. Filled with Latinx culture and romance conflicts.
Some depth with Sara recovering from an eating disorder and her mother from cancer.
HEA with lots of family potential for the next romance.
Narrated by Carmen Vine who did a wonderful job with the Spanish accent and dialog.
Contemporary romance. Diverse story. Fake boyfriend troupe.
A romantic Caribbean escape for Sara and fake boyfriend Luis. Add in lots of family from both sides to stir interests and problems while the two dance around each other. Filled with Latinx culture and romance conflicts.
Some depth with Sara recovering from an eating disorder and her mother from cancer.
HEA with lots of family potential for the next romance.
Narrated by Carmen Vine who did a wonderful job with the Spanish accent and dialog.
June 15, 2020
Luis Navarro, a firefighter paramedic and dive captain with Key West Fire Department, is given a forced time off for a week to clear his head and is not at all happy about it. He meets Sara Vance, a social media influencer and blogger and when her unreliable boyfriend Ric does not show up for the Vance family vacation she hires Luis to play the part of her smitten fiancé.
This is such a feel-good, witty, charming, and entertaining book with lots of family drama. I loved it from start to end. All the characters are so real, believable, and relatable. The Navarro family is full of life and each member is so wonderful. Vance family dynamics were very similar to my own family and I could relate with them in a better way.
Sara and Luis are great together. They are intelligent characters, share witty banter, they understand each other and their chemistry is swoon-worthy. Luis Navarro is an absolute book boyfriend material. The main idea that spins around the book is you need to let go of your past to make your present and future great.
The author’s writing style is remarkable and the description of Key West is impressive and breathtaking. After reading this book I have become the biggest supporter of fake dating trope. I highly recommend it if you like reading contemporary romance.
This is such a feel-good, witty, charming, and entertaining book with lots of family drama. I loved it from start to end. All the characters are so real, believable, and relatable. The Navarro family is full of life and each member is so wonderful. Vance family dynamics were very similar to my own family and I could relate with them in a better way.
Sara and Luis are great together. They are intelligent characters, share witty banter, they understand each other and their chemistry is swoon-worthy. Luis Navarro is an absolute book boyfriend material. The main idea that spins around the book is you need to let go of your past to make your present and future great.
The author’s writing style is remarkable and the description of Key West is impressive and breathtaking. After reading this book I have become the biggest supporter of fake dating trope. I highly recommend it if you like reading contemporary romance.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
January 28, 2021DNF x 2 - first time the audio, 2nd time paper.
See, THIS is why I have to write DNF reviews bc otherwise I’m like huh, I must just not have been in the mood when there actually was a REASON. 1) I don’t read books about eating disorders because TRIGGER and after the first time forgot that was a big part of the book and 2) I liked Luis from page 1 but couldn’t see past Sara’s initial superficial start in the book and 3) Sara’s relating to Luis’ heritage via memories of her Latinx NANNY was just super weird and classist and somehow racist to me. Oh and I’m so sick of fake dating stories 🤷🏼♀️
Again, this was a DNF so maybe it all got way way better. I liked another book of the author’s and will try book 2 in the series - if it’s not about Sara maybe I’ll like it!
See, THIS is why I have to write DNF reviews bc otherwise I’m like huh, I must just not have been in the mood when there actually was a REASON. 1) I don’t read books about eating disorders because TRIGGER and after the first time forgot that was a big part of the book and 2) I liked Luis from page 1 but couldn’t see past Sara’s initial superficial start in the book and 3) Sara’s relating to Luis’ heritage via memories of her Latinx NANNY was just super weird and classist and somehow racist to me. Oh and I’m so sick of fake dating stories 🤷🏼♀️
Again, this was a DNF so maybe it all got way way better. I liked another book of the author’s and will try book 2 in the series - if it’s not about Sara maybe I’ll like it!
September 8, 2020
I don’t even know how I made it through this book
May 15, 2020
By chapter 4, I had already known this wasn't for me. I just wasn't interested in Sara or Luis fake fiancee storyline nor relationship, and just became bored by the content. "Island Affair" can definitely be a hit or miss for readers and this was surely a miss for me.
April 23, 2020
Priscilla Oliveras' Island Affair is a cute and breezy romance. Her descriptions of Key West were excellent, and I liked the world that was starting to take shape around Luis and Sara.
I think what bumped it down from three to two stars for me is that I really struggled to get through the first half of the book due to how repetitive it became, and a lot of the conflicts were resolved far too quickly. I also didn't love the dialogue; I found it a tad too pat at times, and several of the characters started to sound the same.
Just wish there was a little more in this novel!
I think what bumped it down from three to two stars for me is that I really struggled to get through the first half of the book due to how repetitive it became, and a lot of the conflicts were resolved far too quickly. I also didn't love the dialogue; I found it a tad too pat at times, and several of the characters started to sound the same.
Just wish there was a little more in this novel!
March 15, 2021
Firefighter? Fake romance? Florida Keys? SIGN ME UP!!
Both Luis and Sarah have things to hide in their pasts, but that doesn't stop them from teaming up for a week to convince Sarah's family that they're madly in love. The close proximity sends sparks flying and the two cross that line of no return. But until they both face the demons of their past, they'll never be able to move forward together.
I am normally not a fan of insta-love, but this book had me swooning over the characters! Their chemistry was amazing and I loved how they slowly opened up and tried to build their relationship without lies behind closed doors.
Both sets of families were fantastic and served as great secondary characters for the book. It was so interesting to see the different dynamics of Luis and Sarah's families, and how that impacted their actions and decisions throughout the book. I also LOVED the setting and the food! I was immensely hungry during the entire read.
My favorite part of the book was the diversity of the characters. I loved all the Spanish phrases and words and the food. This book was such a fun read. I loved it.
TW: eating disorder, cheating, car accident
Both Luis and Sarah have things to hide in their pasts, but that doesn't stop them from teaming up for a week to convince Sarah's family that they're madly in love. The close proximity sends sparks flying and the two cross that line of no return. But until they both face the demons of their past, they'll never be able to move forward together.
I am normally not a fan of insta-love, but this book had me swooning over the characters! Their chemistry was amazing and I loved how they slowly opened up and tried to build their relationship without lies behind closed doors.
Both sets of families were fantastic and served as great secondary characters for the book. It was so interesting to see the different dynamics of Luis and Sarah's families, and how that impacted their actions and decisions throughout the book. I also LOVED the setting and the food! I was immensely hungry during the entire read.
My favorite part of the book was the diversity of the characters. I loved all the Spanish phrases and words and the food. This book was such a fun read. I loved it.
TW: eating disorder, cheating, car accident
January 21, 2020
Island Affair is a perfect, romantic Caribbean escape. Much like a warm ocean breeze, Pricilla Oliveras’s beautiful take on the beloved fake fiancé trope sweeps readers into a heartfelt story about two people who fall in love while helping each other overcome substantial personal obstacles. The author has a real talent for weaving serious topics like eating disorders into the story without overwhelming the romance. Both the Navarro and Vance families are dynamic and sympathetic, even with their flaws. Better yet, I could almost feel the sand in my toes and the sun on my face as the couple moved through the story setting. Best of all, Luis is the honorable, strong hero romance readers (and rational women everywhere) desire. In fact, I might have to fight Sara for him. Don’t miss this lovely beginning to Ms. Oliveras’s new series. Can’t wait to take my next trip!
September 2, 2020
This one was just the escape I needed. Key West in the summertime? Yes please. Though predictable, it was a cute page turner. I love the fake dating trope and Oliveras navigated it so well.
Sara was an easy character to cheer for, while Luis couldn’t have been more perfect. What a sweet guy! Truly a night in shining armor who swooped in to save the day.
I think it was a little longer than it could have been and wished there was a little less filler, but I did enjoy learning more about Key West & the culture.
It’s a good summer read so if you can sneak it in this month, I say go for it!
Sara was an easy character to cheer for, while Luis couldn’t have been more perfect. What a sweet guy! Truly a night in shining armor who swooped in to save the day.
I think it was a little longer than it could have been and wished there was a little less filler, but I did enjoy learning more about Key West & the culture.
It’s a good summer read so if you can sneak it in this month, I say go for it!
May 3, 2022
Loved this book! Fake dating and connection to culture and family! I loved the aspect of talking about mental health and overcoming trauma! The setting was fantastic and felt like I was on the beach! Luis and Sara’s story was beautiful to read!
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