What do you think?
Rate this book
A Slice of Love
Avocado Bliss
Dacre Vinson has spent the majority of his life in quite the predicament—even the surf and his books can’t erase his Type 1 diabetes. But when Dacre’s family moves to a new Mexican town, an eccentric girl obsessed with trees offers him a job on the spot, leading to what could be the perfect distraction from his problems. Salbatora Tames has one true love, her avocado farm. Her family constantly nudges her to be more social, but Sal much prefers the dirt, the sun, and the solitude. Besides, trees listen better than people do. For Sal and Dacre, their job won’t stay easy breezy for long, not when an avocado delivery to Palenque, Mexico pops up on their radar. Together, they embark on a road trip across the jungle, where they form a tighter bond. However, as obstacles arise, their new-found troubles may lead to more woes than bliss.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2020
4 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Candace Robinson
61 books1,114 followersI spend my days consumed by words and hoping to one day find my own DeLorean time machine. My life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, watching classic movies, and living with my husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next!
Sign up for my newsletter to hear about awesome things! http://eepurl.com/dhV0yv
Sign up for my newsletter to hear about awesome things! http://eepurl.com/dhV0yv
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 22, 2020
Avocado Bliss is the latest novel co-written by Candace Robinson and Gerardo Delgadillo. Like some of their previous work, it revolves around young adults from (or living in) Mexico who deal with the art of growing up, identifying with different cultures, and figuring out how to balance falling in love and not getting hurt. I've read several books by both authors and always enjoy them, and this is definitely the case again. I highly recommend this book, and let's talk a little bit about why...
Dacre, who must manage Type 1 diabetes, is the oldest of three siblings whose parents live separately in the US and Mexico. On a return trip back to Mexico, Dacre learns his mother has a much younger boyfriend, and he's having none of it. Upon arrival, he tries to stay far away and ends up accepting a job at an avocado farm where he gets more than he bargained for. Meanwhile, Sal, who runs the farm for her widowed father, is tough and robot-like, according to her friends. He encourages her to let loose more, but she's reticent ever since her favorite aunt died from Type 2 diabetes recently. When she has to take a trip to deliver avocados to a somewhat dangerous area, several scary and funny scenes occur. Will these two end up together? You'll have to read the book to find out!
So... these characters are quite lovable. Dacre is generous and witty. Sal is stubborn and thoughtful. In Sal's world, her father and her flirtatious friend Flor balance out the rough edges. In Dacre's world, his brother Lach provides the drama. There's a little bit of everything from dangerous gang fights to sweet love and first-time heartbreak. It's fantastic to see how two writers with similar and different styles merge their work into a story that really makes you think and worry about the characters. I felt the suspense when they were in danger, and I wanted them to fall in love while tending to the avocados. That's a sign of great authors!
So... light but full of strong messages and emotions, this book will make you feel happy and sad, but it's authentic and surprising at the same time. I read it in two sessions, and I only stopped because it was time to cook dinner and have a bit of a break from sitting still. Definitely give this one a chance, and you'll find two authors with a charming style and excellent sense of storytelling. I can't wait to see what they dream up next!
Dacre, who must manage Type 1 diabetes, is the oldest of three siblings whose parents live separately in the US and Mexico. On a return trip back to Mexico, Dacre learns his mother has a much younger boyfriend, and he's having none of it. Upon arrival, he tries to stay far away and ends up accepting a job at an avocado farm where he gets more than he bargained for. Meanwhile, Sal, who runs the farm for her widowed father, is tough and robot-like, according to her friends. He encourages her to let loose more, but she's reticent ever since her favorite aunt died from Type 2 diabetes recently. When she has to take a trip to deliver avocados to a somewhat dangerous area, several scary and funny scenes occur. Will these two end up together? You'll have to read the book to find out!
So... these characters are quite lovable. Dacre is generous and witty. Sal is stubborn and thoughtful. In Sal's world, her father and her flirtatious friend Flor balance out the rough edges. In Dacre's world, his brother Lach provides the drama. There's a little bit of everything from dangerous gang fights to sweet love and first-time heartbreak. It's fantastic to see how two writers with similar and different styles merge their work into a story that really makes you think and worry about the characters. I felt the suspense when they were in danger, and I wanted them to fall in love while tending to the avocados. That's a sign of great authors!
So... light but full of strong messages and emotions, this book will make you feel happy and sad, but it's authentic and surprising at the same time. I read it in two sessions, and I only stopped because it was time to cook dinner and have a bit of a break from sitting still. Definitely give this one a chance, and you'll find two authors with a charming style and excellent sense of storytelling. I can't wait to see what they dream up next!
May 13, 2020
I started reading this book and, unfortunately, there were a few things in the opening pages (and many more later on) that didn’t set the story right for me.
They say write what you know. But writing what you know doesn’t mean that you should only write about the things you already know. What it means, I think, is that you should know what you’re writing about, and if you don’t know, you better research until your brain can’t hold any more information on the subject.
Following this advice and canon, I was dubious about how much the authors (yes, this book has two of them: Candace Robinson and Gerardo Delgadillo) really knew about many of the things that figured as themes in their novel.
So many little details, from not knowing that, in any plane, the compartments above the seats are called overhead compartments, to how Dacre talks about needing insulin during a flight to the flight attendant, the lack of veracity took me out of the story way too often to make this an enjoyable read. And veracity becomes even more important when you have embarked in depicting a culture that is not your own, as in this case.
The story in itself is nothing new, what could have given originality was the execution and the integration of important things like intercultural relations and people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes. The thing is, I don’t thing those two things was properly placed (and/or researched) into the story.
Instead of Dacre’s condition becoming a vehicle to better understand the emotional and everyday reality of living with diabetes it became a crutch, the one single thing defining Dacre. Hence turning him into something of a victim, which is exactly the opposite of how people living with diabetes want others to see them.
Beyond those drawbacks, the story is simple enough. Boy meets girl, girls shows boy how to grow avocados, girl had aunt with diabetes, boy hides his diabetes not to worry girl, it all comes crashing down when things get dangerous (in the most unrealistic, or better said unresearched, possible way).
All in all, not my cup or tea, because of the flavor and how it was prepared.
They say write what you know. But writing what you know doesn’t mean that you should only write about the things you already know. What it means, I think, is that you should know what you’re writing about, and if you don’t know, you better research until your brain can’t hold any more information on the subject.
Following this advice and canon, I was dubious about how much the authors (yes, this book has two of them: Candace Robinson and Gerardo Delgadillo) really knew about many of the things that figured as themes in their novel.
So many little details, from not knowing that, in any plane, the compartments above the seats are called overhead compartments, to how Dacre talks about needing insulin during a flight to the flight attendant, the lack of veracity took me out of the story way too often to make this an enjoyable read. And veracity becomes even more important when you have embarked in depicting a culture that is not your own, as in this case.
The story in itself is nothing new, what could have given originality was the execution and the integration of important things like intercultural relations and people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes. The thing is, I don’t thing those two things was properly placed (and/or researched) into the story.
Instead of Dacre’s condition becoming a vehicle to better understand the emotional and everyday reality of living with diabetes it became a crutch, the one single thing defining Dacre. Hence turning him into something of a victim, which is exactly the opposite of how people living with diabetes want others to see them.
Beyond those drawbacks, the story is simple enough. Boy meets girl, girls shows boy how to grow avocados, girl had aunt with diabetes, boy hides his diabetes not to worry girl, it all comes crashing down when things get dangerous (in the most unrealistic, or better said unresearched, possible way).
All in all, not my cup or tea, because of the flavor and how it was prepared.
February 14, 2020
Type 1 diabetes, avocados, Mexico, road trip, Welcome To The Jungle, and more!
March 3, 2020
Young love, new, just beginning, full of the insecurities of youth and for Dacre, the embarrassment of a medical condition that is out of his control. As a teen juggling living with each of his parents, he doesn’t have the connection, the platform to spring into adulthood or even the mysteries of finding love, let alone being caught in between childhood and adulthood.
Sal has built her life around her father and their avocado farm. Socializing is not her strong point, but her quirky ways and a trip that she and Dacre are about to take will bring them closer together, through thick and thin, broken down trucks and the maze of the jungle. Being secluded through danger is one thing, do they have what it takes to commit to each other’s hearts?
AVOCADO BLISS by Gerardo Delgadillo and Candace Robinson is a charmingly sweet romance between teens that may at times go a little too far, but is quite realistic, emotionally! Wonderful dialogue, cultural differences and an actually “kind of sad” insecurity about being a diabetic (showing oneself as being less than perfect), makes this a delightful teen tale that is easy to relate to and fascinating to read!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Gerardo Delgadillo! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Evernight Teen (March 27, 2020)
Publication Date: March 27, 2020
Genre: YA Romance
Print Length: 232 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Sal has built her life around her father and their avocado farm. Socializing is not her strong point, but her quirky ways and a trip that she and Dacre are about to take will bring them closer together, through thick and thin, broken down trucks and the maze of the jungle. Being secluded through danger is one thing, do they have what it takes to commit to each other’s hearts?
AVOCADO BLISS by Gerardo Delgadillo and Candace Robinson is a charmingly sweet romance between teens that may at times go a little too far, but is quite realistic, emotionally! Wonderful dialogue, cultural differences and an actually “kind of sad” insecurity about being a diabetic (showing oneself as being less than perfect), makes this a delightful teen tale that is easy to relate to and fascinating to read!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Gerardo Delgadillo! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Evernight Teen (March 27, 2020)
Publication Date: March 27, 2020
Genre: YA Romance
Print Length: 232 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 4, 2020
Get your avocados on!
This novel is a sweet, contemporary romance adventure, co-authored by Candace Robinson and Gerardo Delgadillo, and spans from the US to Mexico where avocados know no bounds because let's face it, who can live without avocados? No one can!
After the last few moves due to his parents' separation, Dacre is pretty tired of the prospects of doing so again, but he will be fine - will always be fine. What was wrong with staying in Texas, enjoying the surf, and hitting the waves? That was the life!
So, together with his siblings, he packs it up and takes a trip to see his mother in Mexico only to find a big surprise at the airport upon their arrival: Francisco, their mother's new boyfriend, close to Dacre's age! Well, this doesn't go over well at all! His mother with a younger man, a great cook, and living together too? No way.
Dacre is getting out the house the first opportunity he gets to explore the town and ends up with a job on an avocado farm, hired, on the spot, in a meet-cute with Sal, who loves her bandannas a different color each day.
Sal is working the family avocado farm from sunrise to sundown. No one takes greater care of these fruits and their trees then she does, doting over the baby plants, the plantation, and the market stands. But the family is still mourning the loss of her aunt, who died from type 2 diabetes not too long ago and who was a whiz at everything on the farm.
When Dacre and Sal get to working the fields and plantation, they hit it off perfectly without pretense. After a few weeks, they work well as a team, except for Dacre's strange needs to disappear several times a day for a few minutes. When an amazing opportunity comes along for the business, Sal's father puts her in charge of delivering a large load of avocados to a town far away, and packed up with their van, Sal and Dacre hit the road to an unforgettable and dangerous adventure.
As Dacre finds out soon, he should have told Sal that he was diabetic too, but he didn't in order to spare Sal's worries. A mistake that ends up potentially fatal - in a Mexican jungle, full of dangerous animals!
***
I found this novel to be super cute. I adore the cover and love a sweet adventure down the romance lane with hick-ups. The idea of spanning a novel across borders added some interesting cultural aspects and spice into the mix but also uncovered boundless similarities.
The mashup of characters was refreshingly unique, albeit parts of the plot were too predictable to me, especially in the last quarter of the novel. However, I can't get over adoring this novel from cover to bandannas and the tending for avocados!
This is a novel full of heart, obstacles, and some angst in young love.
Remember, the avocado is a fruit!
Happy Reading :)
I received a digital copy of this novel from the authors in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
This novel is a sweet, contemporary romance adventure, co-authored by Candace Robinson and Gerardo Delgadillo, and spans from the US to Mexico where avocados know no bounds because let's face it, who can live without avocados? No one can!
After the last few moves due to his parents' separation, Dacre is pretty tired of the prospects of doing so again, but he will be fine - will always be fine. What was wrong with staying in Texas, enjoying the surf, and hitting the waves? That was the life!
So, together with his siblings, he packs it up and takes a trip to see his mother in Mexico only to find a big surprise at the airport upon their arrival: Francisco, their mother's new boyfriend, close to Dacre's age! Well, this doesn't go over well at all! His mother with a younger man, a great cook, and living together too? No way.
Dacre is getting out the house the first opportunity he gets to explore the town and ends up with a job on an avocado farm, hired, on the spot, in a meet-cute with Sal, who loves her bandannas a different color each day.
Sal is working the family avocado farm from sunrise to sundown. No one takes greater care of these fruits and their trees then she does, doting over the baby plants, the plantation, and the market stands. But the family is still mourning the loss of her aunt, who died from type 2 diabetes not too long ago and who was a whiz at everything on the farm.
When Dacre and Sal get to working the fields and plantation, they hit it off perfectly without pretense. After a few weeks, they work well as a team, except for Dacre's strange needs to disappear several times a day for a few minutes. When an amazing opportunity comes along for the business, Sal's father puts her in charge of delivering a large load of avocados to a town far away, and packed up with their van, Sal and Dacre hit the road to an unforgettable and dangerous adventure.
As Dacre finds out soon, he should have told Sal that he was diabetic too, but he didn't in order to spare Sal's worries. A mistake that ends up potentially fatal - in a Mexican jungle, full of dangerous animals!
***
I found this novel to be super cute. I adore the cover and love a sweet adventure down the romance lane with hick-ups. The idea of spanning a novel across borders added some interesting cultural aspects and spice into the mix but also uncovered boundless similarities.
The mashup of characters was refreshingly unique, albeit parts of the plot were too predictable to me, especially in the last quarter of the novel. However, I can't get over adoring this novel from cover to bandannas and the tending for avocados!
This is a novel full of heart, obstacles, and some angst in young love.
Remember, the avocado is a fruit!
Happy Reading :)
I received a digital copy of this novel from the authors in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
March 2, 2020
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
4.5 stars.
An amazing take on living with Type 1 diabetes.
Raw and very tender.
“Avocado Bliss”, by Candace Robinson & Gerardo Delgadillo (Evernight Teen), is a sweet, emotional, heartfelt story, with an amazing, realistic depiction of a 17-year old boy living with Type 1 diabetes.
A very slow burn romance set in Mexico, a refreshingly different heroine, Sal, and a hero, Dacre, who stole my heart. Dacre (and Sal, too) is wise beyond his age, but he’s still fresh and full of innocence .
Despite the serious matter, the story is very entertaining and well written and I read it in one setting. The authors must have put a lot of thought into it while also writing a light tale of young love.
Showing how a teen deals with a chronic condition, “Avocado Bliss” is also a story full of humor, with great dialogue and interesting and vivid characters. The love bonds in these two families are wonderful.
Dacre’s predicaments as a diabetic, his experiences and pain are poignant and raw to read sometimes; and his will and tenacity to live a normal life like any other teen are admirable. There’s a message of hope and resilience despite the adversity.
There’s a softness and gentleness about this romantic couple that I loved; their relationship is sweet and light without being cheesy. Dacre’s reluctant tenderness is also very well written and makes him such a touching character and a delight to read.
4.5 stars.
An amazing take on living with Type 1 diabetes.
Raw and very tender.
“Avocado Bliss”, by Candace Robinson & Gerardo Delgadillo (Evernight Teen), is a sweet, emotional, heartfelt story, with an amazing, realistic depiction of a 17-year old boy living with Type 1 diabetes.
A very slow burn romance set in Mexico, a refreshingly different heroine, Sal, and a hero, Dacre, who stole my heart. Dacre (and Sal, too) is wise beyond his age, but he’s still fresh and full of innocence .
Despite the serious matter, the story is very entertaining and well written and I read it in one setting. The authors must have put a lot of thought into it while also writing a light tale of young love.
Showing how a teen deals with a chronic condition, “Avocado Bliss” is also a story full of humor, with great dialogue and interesting and vivid characters. The love bonds in these two families are wonderful.
Dacre’s predicaments as a diabetic, his experiences and pain are poignant and raw to read sometimes; and his will and tenacity to live a normal life like any other teen are admirable. There’s a message of hope and resilience despite the adversity.
There’s a softness and gentleness about this romantic couple that I loved; their relationship is sweet and light without being cheesy. Dacre’s reluctant tenderness is also very well written and makes him such a touching character and a delight to read.
March 27, 2020
If you’re looking for a sweet young adult romance with plenty to give in terms of characters, plot and overall romance, then you HAVE to give Avocado Bliss a shot! I fell in love with Dacre and his sweet strength, and Sal and her quirkiness. The banter and love/hate/friends relationship between these two totally made the book! You’ll get to see how two teenagers deal with very adult-like issues in the shape of grief and diabetes, but also see a sweet romance bloom. When a delivery sidetracks them onto the other side of danger, Dacre and Sal will really discover the meaning of working together. I loved, loved this!
Read
November 7, 2020This is my second published collaboration with the amazing Candace Robinson. On the fun side, Avocado Bliss features many-many avocados, a gorgeous Mexican setting, and an adventurous road trip. On the serious side, this novel deals with teen type 1 diabetes, loss, grief, and self-discovery.
Writing Avocado Bliss involved lots of laughs, tears, and countless revisions!
Writing Avocado Bliss involved lots of laughs, tears, and countless revisions!
February 19, 2020
Read my full review here: https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/20...
Opinions: OMG. I can't remember the last time I read a book as rich and stimulating as Avocado Bliss! Each page was more exciting than the last and a range of emotions were drawn forward by the complex and realistic protagonists. Rage, anticipation, sympathy, fear, excitement, and utter bliss just begin the list of things I felt during this rollercoaster of emotion! As a reader, I enjoyed multiple things about the book. Setting aside the entertainment aspects (because those are a given with anything written by Robinson or Delgadillo) I was most impressed with the themes taught in this YA contemporary! I learned a lot about getting over stupid mistakes, accepting yourself and each other for your differences, and taking baby steps until you're comfortable in a relationship. Avocado Bliss lays everything out on a table and normalises it for teens! This is also a very engaging feature, as young adult readers will feel more at home with the characters. Guess what, parents? Teens ponder, worry about, and even imagine sex, and so do these characters! Everything about the characters, relationships, setting, and conflicts in Avocado Bliss is entertaining, representative, thematic, and heartfelt. This book will definitely be added to my all-time favourites list!
Is This Book For Me? Sometimes, it's difficult to make up our minds on whether to read a book or not. Here are a few notes regarding whether you should or shouldn't read Avocado Bliss!
Should: If you the type of reader who laughs, cries, screams, and throws books across the room out of emotion!
Shouldn't: If you're here to learn about avocado recipes.
Should: If you could do with learning a bit about self respect, the effects of nostalgia, and first love!
Shouldn't: If you're looking for intense, steamy, full-on romance.
Should: If you've read and loved anything else by either author!
Opinions: OMG. I can't remember the last time I read a book as rich and stimulating as Avocado Bliss! Each page was more exciting than the last and a range of emotions were drawn forward by the complex and realistic protagonists. Rage, anticipation, sympathy, fear, excitement, and utter bliss just begin the list of things I felt during this rollercoaster of emotion! As a reader, I enjoyed multiple things about the book. Setting aside the entertainment aspects (because those are a given with anything written by Robinson or Delgadillo) I was most impressed with the themes taught in this YA contemporary! I learned a lot about getting over stupid mistakes, accepting yourself and each other for your differences, and taking baby steps until you're comfortable in a relationship. Avocado Bliss lays everything out on a table and normalises it for teens! This is also a very engaging feature, as young adult readers will feel more at home with the characters. Guess what, parents? Teens ponder, worry about, and even imagine sex, and so do these characters! Everything about the characters, relationships, setting, and conflicts in Avocado Bliss is entertaining, representative, thematic, and heartfelt. This book will definitely be added to my all-time favourites list!
Is This Book For Me? Sometimes, it's difficult to make up our minds on whether to read a book or not. Here are a few notes regarding whether you should or shouldn't read Avocado Bliss!
Should: If you the type of reader who laughs, cries, screams, and throws books across the room out of emotion!
Shouldn't: If you're here to learn about avocado recipes.
Should: If you could do with learning a bit about self respect, the effects of nostalgia, and first love!
Shouldn't: If you're looking for intense, steamy, full-on romance.
Should: If you've read and loved anything else by either author!
February 21, 2020
Robinson and Delgadillo do it again! These authors have knack for fleshing out fun characters who have a quirky dynamic and share witty dialogue. Dacre and Sal are complex and realistic, full of angst and spunk, all at the same time. I love how this book tackles loss, heartache, and illness, as well as the excitement of meeting someone new. Robinson and Delgadillo capture magic of getting butterflies from the promise of a budding romance really well. The backdrop of Mexico adds such a wonderful flavor. Fans of young adult fiction will thoroughly enjoy this read.
February 19, 2020
A fantastic novel with two teens and their families. Sal and Dacre meet at Sal's avocado farm and learn to work together. They face adversity and find a new relationship developing. Candace Robinson is a brilliant author with an amazing new book.
February 20, 2020
Such a cute, witty story! Avacado Bliss is layered and touching with an authentic, almost nostalgic feel to it. Just what I expected from these authors!
March 27, 2020
I had no clue what to expect from a book titled Avocado Bliss. It's a sweet story of two teenagers trying to find their way while dealing with illness and loss. It's funny and touching, and gives people a glimpse into what it's like to deal with diseases that can't be cured but affect every part of your life. It makes you think about the walls we put up to keep others away because it's easier than dealing with someone else's reaction to your medical condition. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
February 25, 2020
Avocado Bliss is the second book written by Candace Robinson and Gerardo Delgadillo, and it’s left me with one firm belief. The duo are trying to take my millennial card away. First there was Bacon Pie. Bacon, a food I am indifferent to. Now there is Avocado Bliss. Avocado, a food I hate. I know I’m in the minority with that view, and I accept that.
Despite my dislike of avocados, I really enjoyed Avocado Bliss. In fact, it’s the only avocado related thing I can claim to like. Sure, there were plenty of avocados mentioned throughout. However, I was more than capable of dealing with it as there was more to the book than the food.
Avocado Bliss is a story of the trials and tribulations of the teenage years. Things are not easy, but this book makes it enjoyable. It puts lightness into the dark, adding levity when the world could weigh you down. I confess, I was not pulled into this story right away. Once it got going, however, I could not put it down. It was the best kind of addictive, and I finished it in no time at all.
If you’re looking for an addictive young adult contemporary, Avocado Bliss is more than worth grabbing.
Despite my dislike of avocados, I really enjoyed Avocado Bliss. In fact, it’s the only avocado related thing I can claim to like. Sure, there were plenty of avocados mentioned throughout. However, I was more than capable of dealing with it as there was more to the book than the food.
Avocado Bliss is a story of the trials and tribulations of the teenage years. Things are not easy, but this book makes it enjoyable. It puts lightness into the dark, adding levity when the world could weigh you down. I confess, I was not pulled into this story right away. Once it got going, however, I could not put it down. It was the best kind of addictive, and I finished it in no time at all.
If you’re looking for an addictive young adult contemporary, Avocado Bliss is more than worth grabbing.
March 27, 2020
https://booksteacupnreviews.wordpress...
Avocado Bliss was refreshing YA contemporary romance that revolved around Avocado lover, Salbatora and Diabetes fighter, Dacre. It was about life of Type 1 diabetic, everyday struggle with disease, passion, coming out of shell and grief, insecurities with new friendship and love.
This was my second book coauthored by Candace and Gerardo and let’s not count individual books by them I read. I read all their books and like those books, this was written wonderfully. I enjoyed this even more than Bacon Pie. It was lovely and refreshing to read alternative perspective of Salbatora (Sal) and Dacre.
It started with Dacre flying with his two baby brothers from US (where dad lived) to Mexico (where his mother lived and had great job). His whole life he and his brothers travelled back and forth to live with each parent. Moreover, diagnosed with Diabetes Type 1 at very young age made life even more struggling and challenging for Dacre. This time when they shift to new Mexican town, he stumbled upon a job at organic avocado farm, offered by peculiar avocado obsessed girl, Sal.
Sal lived robotic life, too organized and too methodical. But behind her robotic shell she was suffering from grief of losing her aunt. Ever since her aunt’s death she lost herself in her passion, Avocado farm. It was her true love and she didn’t feel it practical to dress and live like other normal girls even though her family and friends pushed her to be more social.
When Sal and Dace started working together both formed friendship but there was a big delivery and road trip filled with adventure and danger. It was interesting to find out what happened on the road trip, how it will affect their new found friendship and if it will stay same even after the trip.
I liked all characters. They were interesting, realistic, and both authors brought them to life. Dacre’s both brothers and Sal’s dad were cool. I loved Dacre and Sal most.
Dacre was clever, an amazing brother and person. He carried responsibility as son, elder brother and of his diabetes so well. He put everybody’s feeling before him and smiled for them. I could see and feel why it was tough for him to cope with new change on returning to his mom’s house. Even with his reasoning, he overreacted a little. It was like he traded place with his middle brother for this particular situation and to come out of it or rather put a distance and have breathing space, he joined avocado farm and later two days road trip with Sal. I liked how this trip changed him and his feelings towards his mom and Sal.
During the trip I knew more about his thoughts and feeling towards his disease, why he was single, what he was going through inside, and why he took that decision after climax.
Through him I got to know more about Diabetes Type 1. My grandmother had Diabetes type 2, my aunt has it as well but I don’t know anybody with Type 1 in real life. While reading this book I could see their situation was not as bad as it was with Type 1. I saw them taking tablets, exercise regularly, and some food restriction and have seen how bad it can be if they didn’t take care, but they didn’t have to check sugar as frequently as Dacre was checking here. Authors had represented the disease, symptoms and struggle of diabetics so well.
Sal was peculiar but cute peculiar. She loved her avocado farm and trees like a baby. The farm and her Pa was her life. I liked her the way she gave them priority, organized her day, took care of deliveries and trees. I don’t know why everybody pushing her. She was truly comfortable with her life and in fact loved it. They were right to worry but I felt she was amazing with the way she was and lived. I admired her more when she got to know about Dacre’s diabetes and the way she handled it throughout the trip.
The road trip to Palenque and then adventure in jungle was both hilarious and dangerous. I wouldn’t give much detail. It’s best that way because it’s so much fun reading this part with its surprises. I do feel they shouldn’t have gone in that forest. It was stupid but oh God, the series of events in there were so eventful. They both acted exactly opposite how I expected. That little Mayan world info was interesting. Both Dacre and Sal were developed but weren’t perfect and I liked how the seed of their friendship grew throughout this book and found perfect bond with their imperfection. I enjoyed conversation and chemistry between these two.
Climax made my heartbeat stop for a sec. I knew this was coming and yet I wasn’t prepared for it. I was tense and worried along with all characters. Dacre’s decision, his talk with his mother and then his change of heart on arriving back was fabulous. I loved the way Sal was taking it. The hope and happiness and arrived with firecrackers at the end. I absolutely loved the end and those last few lines. It was amazing.
Overall, it was lovely, delightful, and refreshing contemporary with serious topic and unique characters. I highly recommend this book to contemporary romance lovers.
*** Note: I received this e-copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author. ***
Avocado Bliss was refreshing YA contemporary romance that revolved around Avocado lover, Salbatora and Diabetes fighter, Dacre. It was about life of Type 1 diabetic, everyday struggle with disease, passion, coming out of shell and grief, insecurities with new friendship and love.
This was my second book coauthored by Candace and Gerardo and let’s not count individual books by them I read. I read all their books and like those books, this was written wonderfully. I enjoyed this even more than Bacon Pie. It was lovely and refreshing to read alternative perspective of Salbatora (Sal) and Dacre.
It started with Dacre flying with his two baby brothers from US (where dad lived) to Mexico (where his mother lived and had great job). His whole life he and his brothers travelled back and forth to live with each parent. Moreover, diagnosed with Diabetes Type 1 at very young age made life even more struggling and challenging for Dacre. This time when they shift to new Mexican town, he stumbled upon a job at organic avocado farm, offered by peculiar avocado obsessed girl, Sal.
Sal lived robotic life, too organized and too methodical. But behind her robotic shell she was suffering from grief of losing her aunt. Ever since her aunt’s death she lost herself in her passion, Avocado farm. It was her true love and she didn’t feel it practical to dress and live like other normal girls even though her family and friends pushed her to be more social.
When Sal and Dace started working together both formed friendship but there was a big delivery and road trip filled with adventure and danger. It was interesting to find out what happened on the road trip, how it will affect their new found friendship and if it will stay same even after the trip.
I liked all characters. They were interesting, realistic, and both authors brought them to life. Dacre’s both brothers and Sal’s dad were cool. I loved Dacre and Sal most.
Dacre was clever, an amazing brother and person. He carried responsibility as son, elder brother and of his diabetes so well. He put everybody’s feeling before him and smiled for them. I could see and feel why it was tough for him to cope with new change on returning to his mom’s house. Even with his reasoning, he overreacted a little. It was like he traded place with his middle brother for this particular situation and to come out of it or rather put a distance and have breathing space, he joined avocado farm and later two days road trip with Sal. I liked how this trip changed him and his feelings towards his mom and Sal.
During the trip I knew more about his thoughts and feeling towards his disease, why he was single, what he was going through inside, and why he took that decision after climax.
Through him I got to know more about Diabetes Type 1. My grandmother had Diabetes type 2, my aunt has it as well but I don’t know anybody with Type 1 in real life. While reading this book I could see their situation was not as bad as it was with Type 1. I saw them taking tablets, exercise regularly, and some food restriction and have seen how bad it can be if they didn’t take care, but they didn’t have to check sugar as frequently as Dacre was checking here. Authors had represented the disease, symptoms and struggle of diabetics so well.
Sal was peculiar but cute peculiar. She loved her avocado farm and trees like a baby. The farm and her Pa was her life. I liked her the way she gave them priority, organized her day, took care of deliveries and trees. I don’t know why everybody pushing her. She was truly comfortable with her life and in fact loved it. They were right to worry but I felt she was amazing with the way she was and lived. I admired her more when she got to know about Dacre’s diabetes and the way she handled it throughout the trip.
The road trip to Palenque and then adventure in jungle was both hilarious and dangerous. I wouldn’t give much detail. It’s best that way because it’s so much fun reading this part with its surprises. I do feel they shouldn’t have gone in that forest. It was stupid but oh God, the series of events in there were so eventful. They both acted exactly opposite how I expected. That little Mayan world info was interesting. Both Dacre and Sal were developed but weren’t perfect and I liked how the seed of their friendship grew throughout this book and found perfect bond with their imperfection. I enjoyed conversation and chemistry between these two.
Climax made my heartbeat stop for a sec. I knew this was coming and yet I wasn’t prepared for it. I was tense and worried along with all characters. Dacre’s decision, his talk with his mother and then his change of heart on arriving back was fabulous. I loved the way Sal was taking it. The hope and happiness and arrived with firecrackers at the end. I absolutely loved the end and those last few lines. It was amazing.
Overall, it was lovely, delightful, and refreshing contemporary with serious topic and unique characters. I highly recommend this book to contemporary romance lovers.
*** Note: I received this e-copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author. ***
February 16, 2020
This was such a cute/fun book and exactly what I needed right now. Sal is pretty content with her life, but her friends and family are nudging her to be less robotic and more "normal" when it comes to socializing with those beyond her beloved avocado trees. Dacre is less than pleased with recent life events and would prefer to put walls up and keep others from getting too close. But a seemingly straightforward avocado delivery bring adventure, danger and the two of them together in a way that neither expected.
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
January 5, 2020
Grief and diabetes are themes in this YA contemporary book set in Mexico. It has all the quirkiness and quick witted banter I have come to expect from a Candace Robinson novel. Plus it has a very authentic feel since one author is from Mexico, and the other has a husband dealing with type 1 diabetes.
June 16, 2020
One of the few drawbacks of Goodreads is - for this reader - is the "recommended by a friend" list and as an almost book a day reader I often buy on spec - especially when it's 99p! (Cheapscape!) - and don't read blurbs as I should. Good cover, good review which says not a lot & I buy it. Not meant for a 60 year old lover of Lesbian Romance. Move on.
February 24, 2020
Thank you so much to Candace Robinson for the pdf download of avocado bliss it has been about 3 day's since I read the book and Realized I never wrote my review so here it is first off the book was amazing and so was the writing I loved the plot line of the book I thought the idea of an avocado farmer was so cool and unique Dacre is a cool name so is Salbatora it was a cute story with some love along the way and a lot of avocado's and also Dacre has type 1 diabetes which is so cool it made the story even more interesting a lot of stuff happened in this story some of it was unexpected it had me on the edge of my seat I could not stop reading it, a good action packed book , when an avocado Delivery turns into so much more than they expected you will have to read the book to find out what happens along the way I would recommend this book to my friends and family LAURA8759. P.S. my dad has type 2 diabetes so I know how it is having a family member with diabetes.
my Q and Q with the author will be posted On wednesday February 26th link down below
http://takeeachdayonebookatatime.tumb...
my Q and Q with the author will be posted On wednesday February 26th link down below
http://takeeachdayonebookatatime.tumb...
March 9, 2020
Thank you Candace for an ARC copy of your book in exchange for an honest review!!
I am a fan of Candace’s writing for contemporary romance. She has a way of grabbing your emotions! I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and written really well. The book flows nice and easy, which is one thing I loveeee!
Dacre and Sal were such a cute couple. I loved their personalities and how their relationship grew. I liked how it’s not an insta-love story. There were also a few parts towards the end that had me at the edge of my seat. All in all this was a fun, cute, adventurous and overall just super enjoyable read! Give it a go if you’re in the mood for contemporary romance!
I am a fan of Candace’s writing for contemporary romance. She has a way of grabbing your emotions! I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and written really well. The book flows nice and easy, which is one thing I loveeee!
Dacre and Sal were such a cute couple. I loved their personalities and how their relationship grew. I liked how it’s not an insta-love story. There were also a few parts towards the end that had me at the edge of my seat. All in all this was a fun, cute, adventurous and overall just super enjoyable read! Give it a go if you’re in the mood for contemporary romance!
January 14, 2020
What a wonderful book. Ill be honest and say my life is utter chaos right now but this book gave me smiles and warm fuzzies in a time i needed it the most. I loved Dacre from the very beginning and found myself drawn into every one of his chapters needing more more more! Sal was a treat of a female character that was refreshing to say the least. She felt real and her robot persona made you wanna laugh as you kept reading. The romance that builds is one that makes you smile and have faith in the world again. It is definitely a book that will live forever on my shelves.
March 11, 2020
Special thank you to NetGalley and Evernight Teen for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Such a cute story! There ended up being more going on than I was expecting and sometimes it felt a little too busy but I enjoyed the twists and turns for the most part. I personally feel like the writing could’ve been developed a little bit more but it’s probably because this was my first YA book in quite a while.
I can’t speak for the accuracy of the Mexican representation but it’s half own voices, so I hope that it’s accurate, although I worry about some the stereotypes. And I really enjoyed the book’s setting — it takes place entirely in Mexico, and the descriptions of the town, etc. were vibrant and fun! It was also nicely diverse with the male MC being diabetic and his younger brother being openly gay, and none of them felt like token characters. The story was also really sex positive for being YA — the brothers openly talking about Lach’s first experience with his boyfriend, and Sal and Dacre being open about talking about it as well.
My biggest problem with this story was actually with Dacre who has diabetes — his mindset about his illness was really negative in regards to his ability to have meaningful relationships. His mindset of “relationships and diabetes don’t jive”, makes it seem like it’s completely impossible when it was just that he’d had bad experiences with overprotectiveness in his past relationships. Diabetes is a difficult illness, I only speak from the experience of a lot of my family having it, but this negative mindset isn’t good for readers who may have it as well.
Overall, it was a cute story about young love and learning to be ok with who you are and letting others be there for you through grief and illness.
Such a cute story! There ended up being more going on than I was expecting and sometimes it felt a little too busy but I enjoyed the twists and turns for the most part. I personally feel like the writing could’ve been developed a little bit more but it’s probably because this was my first YA book in quite a while.
I can’t speak for the accuracy of the Mexican representation but it’s half own voices, so I hope that it’s accurate, although I worry about some the stereotypes. And I really enjoyed the book’s setting — it takes place entirely in Mexico, and the descriptions of the town, etc. were vibrant and fun! It was also nicely diverse with the male MC being diabetic and his younger brother being openly gay, and none of them felt like token characters. The story was also really sex positive for being YA — the brothers openly talking about Lach’s first experience with his boyfriend, and Sal and Dacre being open about talking about it as well.
My biggest problem with this story was actually with Dacre who has diabetes — his mindset about his illness was really negative in regards to his ability to have meaningful relationships. His mindset of “relationships and diabetes don’t jive”, makes it seem like it’s completely impossible when it was just that he’d had bad experiences with overprotectiveness in his past relationships. Diabetes is a difficult illness, I only speak from the experience of a lot of my family having it, but this negative mindset isn’t good for readers who may have it as well.
Overall, it was a cute story about young love and learning to be ok with who you are and letting others be there for you through grief and illness.
November 17, 2019
Life hasn’t been easy for Dacre Vinson. Growing up with type 1 diabetes has its own set of struggles. Sharing time with his divorced parents He, along with younger brothers Lachlan and Ezra, make their way to Mexico to visit their career driven mother. Upon arriving, they meet their mother’s handsome and much younger boyfriend Francisco. Desperate to get away from home, Dacre ventures out on an errand to an avocado farm. But he finds more than just avocados. Dacre is offered a job on site by a girl he just met.
Salbatora “Sal” Tames runs the avocado farm with her widower father. Sal has fallen into a monotonous, almost robotic-like life tending the trees on the farm. At least that’s what her father thinks. So he sends her on a 2-day long journey out of town to make their biggest delivery yet. Only thing is she’ll need a companion to ride along with her. That’s where new hire Dacre comes in.
Avocado Bliss was absolutely delightful. Extremely lighthearted and touches on some very real very raw life occurrences. I loved the complexity of the characters. The Mexico setting was very fun and different.
Salbatora “Sal” Tames runs the avocado farm with her widower father. Sal has fallen into a monotonous, almost robotic-like life tending the trees on the farm. At least that’s what her father thinks. So he sends her on a 2-day long journey out of town to make their biggest delivery yet. Only thing is she’ll need a companion to ride along with her. That’s where new hire Dacre comes in.
Avocado Bliss was absolutely delightful. Extremely lighthearted and touches on some very real very raw life occurrences. I loved the complexity of the characters. The Mexico setting was very fun and different.
February 22, 2020
I really loved this sweet teen romance!! Set in Mexico, AVOCADO BLISS tells the story of Dacre, a seventeen year old with Type I Diabetes, and Sal, the daughter of an avocado plantation owner. When Dacre and his younger brothers arrive back in Mexico after spending a few weeks with their father in the states, they discover their mother has moved her MUCH younger boyfriend into their new home. Dacre, struggling with the ups and downs of a teenage diabetic, spontaneously takes a job offer at a local organic avocado plantation. Sal, Dacre’s new boss, is struggling with the death of her favorite aunt and her dad saying she’s a robot at heart. Dacre and Sal eventually discover a surprise friendship surrounded by avocados and danger.
As I said before, I loved this story. Dacre’s and Sal’s “real life” struggles felt very real. I felt Dacre’s experiences with Type I Diabetes were very well portrayed. At first I didn’t understand why he wanted to keep it a secret from Sal, but the more I got to know Dacre, it made a lot more sense. Still, it is always important to have some kind of “life line” in place when you have such a life threatening disease if it is poorly managed.
I loved how Dacre liked how “perfectly odd” Sal was and the teasing banter between them always made me smile. I also, loved the slow burn romance between them!
I haven’t read many books set in Mexica, so I really enjoyed the change of scenery…from the plantation to the jungle to the ruins. Plus, the cultural representations.
I feel like a need to take a star off because I really wanted more explored between Dacre and his parents, and Sal and her friend Flor. I was also a tiny bit annoyed with how irresponsible they both were with what led to the big life risking sequence near the end of the book. Plus, I kinda felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
I will definately be exploring the backlist of these authors soon.
ARC provided by Netgalley
As I said before, I loved this story. Dacre’s and Sal’s “real life” struggles felt very real. I felt Dacre’s experiences with Type I Diabetes were very well portrayed. At first I didn’t understand why he wanted to keep it a secret from Sal, but the more I got to know Dacre, it made a lot more sense. Still, it is always important to have some kind of “life line” in place when you have such a life threatening disease if it is poorly managed.
I loved how Dacre liked how “perfectly odd” Sal was and the teasing banter between them always made me smile. I also, loved the slow burn romance between them!
I haven’t read many books set in Mexica, so I really enjoyed the change of scenery…from the plantation to the jungle to the ruins. Plus, the cultural representations.
I feel like a need to take a star off because I really wanted more explored between Dacre and his parents, and Sal and her friend Flor. I was also a tiny bit annoyed with how irresponsible they both were with what led to the big life risking sequence near the end of the book. Plus, I kinda felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
I will definately be exploring the backlist of these authors soon.
ARC provided by Netgalley
March 24, 2020
Such a unique YA read I don’t think I’ve ever read before and I absolutely loved it, teenage romance and avocado farming you wouldn’t put them together or think it would work, but it really does. Well researched and written, the characters are well developed, the diabetes is well represented ( having it in the family it rings so true) . It’s a great emotional rollercoaster of a book, it teaches so many things like self respect , love and family. It’s a great friends to lovers romance and a thoroughly entertaining read. Highly recommended
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
March 6, 2020
Longer review on my blog Kat from Minas Morgul
the good:
- MC with diabetes type 1, never read a book with that illness before
- set in Mexico
- on an avocado farm
- girl who's passionate about avocados
- such beautiful family relationships!!!
- brotherly love!
- parent and child love! All the family love! YES
- the romance! so cute! so sweet!
- characters not knowing how to use words? how do they talk? we do not know
- there's only one bed!!!!!!
- much fun, much food, much love
- so warm, so good I feel like this book gave me a nice hug
the bad:
- ???????????????????????????????
the good:
- MC with diabetes type 1, never read a book with that illness before
- set in Mexico
- on an avocado farm
- girl who's passionate about avocados
- such beautiful family relationships!!!
- brotherly love!
- parent and child love! All the family love! YES
- the romance! so cute! so sweet!
- characters not knowing how to use words? how do they talk? we do not know
- there's only one bed!!!!!!
- much fun, much food, much love
- so warm, so good I feel like this book gave me a nice hug
the bad:
- ???????????????????????????????
March 5, 2020
A very heartfelt teenage love story.
This is a very easy read about 2 teenagers who are older than their years coming to terms with loss and illness.
I loved the 2 main characters in this book and would definitely recommend this book too!
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this, story in return for an honest review
This is a very easy read about 2 teenagers who are older than their years coming to terms with loss and illness.
I loved the 2 main characters in this book and would definitely recommend this book too!
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this, story in return for an honest review
February 21, 2020
A cute story about two teenagers becoming friends.
I enjoyed the fact that the story was set in Mexico, I’d never read a book based there. I felt like the diabetes respresentation was fairly accurate.
I enjoyed the fact that the story was set in Mexico, I’d never read a book based there. I felt like the diabetes respresentation was fairly accurate.
April 15, 2020
A great read! Romantic, cute, and you definitely learn a lot—but I must have guacamole NOW!💕❤️💗
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews