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Vega Family Love Stories #2
A Dish Best Served Hot
Santiago "Saint" Vega gets a second shot at love with Lola León, but when duty to his family forces him to do something she'll never forgive, will everything he's built come crumbling down?
Years ago, Saint walked away from the girl he loved to fulfill his duty. Now he’s struggling to build bridges between his drifting family, take on more responsibilities at his uncle’s construction company, figure out why his daughter refuses to talk at school and curtail his mischievous abuelo’s escalating pranks. Then she walks back into his life.
Social justice advocate Lola León has returned to Humboldt Park for two to help care for her dear abuelo and to serve the community center she loved, particularly the shelter for unhoused LGBTQIA+ youths. When she finds out that the Vegas are responsible for endangering both, she is more than ready to go to war—even if the boy she never forgot is standing at the front of the battlefield.
Neither of them expects to become allies in saving the shelter, helping Saint’s daughter or ending the decades-long feud between their grandfathers. They definitely don’t expect all of their old feelings to come rushing back. As Saint and Lola enter combat, they can’t help but wonder where the other’s true allegiance lies, and whether they’ll win these battles only to lose each other.
Years ago, Saint walked away from the girl he loved to fulfill his duty. Now he’s struggling to build bridges between his drifting family, take on more responsibilities at his uncle’s construction company, figure out why his daughter refuses to talk at school and curtail his mischievous abuelo’s escalating pranks. Then she walks back into his life.
Social justice advocate Lola León has returned to Humboldt Park for two to help care for her dear abuelo and to serve the community center she loved, particularly the shelter for unhoused LGBTQIA+ youths. When she finds out that the Vegas are responsible for endangering both, she is more than ready to go to war—even if the boy she never forgot is standing at the front of the battlefield.
Neither of them expects to become allies in saving the shelter, helping Saint’s daughter or ending the decades-long feud between their grandfathers. They definitely don’t expect all of their old feelings to come rushing back. As Saint and Lola enter combat, they can’t help but wonder where the other’s true allegiance lies, and whether they’ll win these battles only to lose each other.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2023
117 people are currently reading
6211 people want to read
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dnf
July 23, 2024Ugh but why????
DNF 70%
I am so angry, I liked it until that point.
Spoilers:
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- The mmc admitted he was not truly in love with his wife and mother of his child (who had died in a car accident) because he always imagined a future with the fmc.
- Something happened and it needed the fmc's attention but it was a family thing for the mmc and he asked if she needed to go WHICH IS SUPER VALID CONSIDERING. And she just spiraled into he's ashamed of me, he doesn't want me to meet his family, I can't believe you would keep me a secret...
DNF 70%
I am so angry, I liked it until that point.
Spoilers:
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- The mmc admitted he was not truly in love with his wife and mother of his child (who had died in a car accident) because he always imagined a future with the fmc.
- Something happened and it needed the fmc's attention but it was a family thing for the mmc and he asked if she needed to go WHICH IS SUPER VALID CONSIDERING. And she just spiraled into he's ashamed of me, he doesn't want me to meet his family, I can't believe you would keep me a secret...
January 4, 2025
Let me add this now, because I already know I'll be reading this based on how great the first book is.
July 26, 2023
The Vega Family is back, and this time readers experience Chicago alongside Saint and Lola.
Lola has returned to Chicago after being away for quite some years, and she is back stronger than before as she continues to her social justice advocacy for homeless LGBTQIA+ folks. Only this time, Lola is fighting to find a new location for their shelter and community center, El Hogar, once the building is taken over by a construction company determined to replace it with high-rise condominiums. And surprise - who else is contracted to do these renovations? None other than Saint himself, and that is just the start of this story for these two former high school sweethearts since both realize that maybe those flames didn't completely fizzle out.
The second book by Natalie Caña delivered even more than the first, and the characters resonated with me on multiple fronts -- fat, strong female main character; family loyalty; social justice; sense of duty and responsibility; growth and redemption. I also appreciated the ongoing banter between all characters, even four-year-old Rosie who definitely stole my heart time and again. I appreciated the way that Caña provided the dual perspective and flushed out both Lola and Saint's backstories without excusing their behaviors and reactions to one another. The vibrancy that Caña brings to her stories and characters always draw me in, and I found myself often wondering what would happen next.
Overall, this was a wonderful, fun sophomore novel, and I am looking forward to reading more about how Papo Vega meddles and schemes to ensure his grandchildren and family wind up with their HEAs. Natalie Caña has become an auto-buy author for me, and I look forward to reading her future works.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for my opinions and thoughts on A Dish Best Served Hot.
**I would especially like to say thank you to Natalie Caña for bringing to the forefront ways fat individuals are discriminated against and how she beautifully wrote Lola to confront those issues, but also overcome them and be unapologetically a badass female lead. Thank you so much for this representation AND showing that people are more than just their bodies. It meant a lot. **
Lola has returned to Chicago after being away for quite some years, and she is back stronger than before as she continues to her social justice advocacy for homeless LGBTQIA+ folks. Only this time, Lola is fighting to find a new location for their shelter and community center, El Hogar, once the building is taken over by a construction company determined to replace it with high-rise condominiums. And surprise - who else is contracted to do these renovations? None other than Saint himself, and that is just the start of this story for these two former high school sweethearts since both realize that maybe those flames didn't completely fizzle out.
The second book by Natalie Caña delivered even more than the first, and the characters resonated with me on multiple fronts -- fat, strong female main character; family loyalty; social justice; sense of duty and responsibility; growth and redemption. I also appreciated the ongoing banter between all characters, even four-year-old Rosie who definitely stole my heart time and again. I appreciated the way that Caña provided the dual perspective and flushed out both Lola and Saint's backstories without excusing their behaviors and reactions to one another. The vibrancy that Caña brings to her stories and characters always draw me in, and I found myself often wondering what would happen next.
Overall, this was a wonderful, fun sophomore novel, and I am looking forward to reading more about how Papo Vega meddles and schemes to ensure his grandchildren and family wind up with their HEAs. Natalie Caña has become an auto-buy author for me, and I look forward to reading her future works.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for my opinions and thoughts on A Dish Best Served Hot.
**I would especially like to say thank you to Natalie Caña for bringing to the forefront ways fat individuals are discriminated against and how she beautifully wrote Lola to confront those issues, but also overcome them and be unapologetically a badass female lead. Thank you so much for this representation AND showing that people are more than just their bodies. It meant a lot. **
November 14, 2023
I ADORED A Proposal They Can't Refuse and Saint and Lola's story was perfectly steamy and sultry. Love the mix of community activism, gentrification, family meddling and cute love story. Perfect for fall or any time of the year, TBH.
September 18, 2023
Abuelo Vega is back and up to his same old antics, and I was so ready to see it. I fell for the Vega family in the first book and was highly anticipating this next installment in the series.
This one follows the oldest of the Vega siblings, "Saint" who is a single dad to a sweet little girl (and boy, do we get some swoon-worthy moments of him doing daddy things). Saint goes to the school to meet his daughter's new teacher, and finds Lola there, the one that got away when he committed his young adult life to serving in the military. The beginning sets up their story, during which Saint is sworn to secrecy in helping a family member on a project that sells out their community to a developer with money. For the sake of his own morals, he offers to help Lola find new locations for the community centers which have been displaced as a result of this project.
I loved both of these main characters - they are both fiercely loyal to their values, even though those values have them fighting against one another at times. Unfortunately, I struggled with the execution of this story. There was a lot more telling than showing here. Weeks would go by between chapters and it often felt as if the plot and relationship development was happening in those time gaps. Additionally, there was minimal dialogue which left me wanting in terms of the romance and character development. Overall, the premise of the story was interesting, but I didn't get the romance or plot details I was hoping for.
This one follows the oldest of the Vega siblings, "Saint" who is a single dad to a sweet little girl (and boy, do we get some swoon-worthy moments of him doing daddy things). Saint goes to the school to meet his daughter's new teacher, and finds Lola there, the one that got away when he committed his young adult life to serving in the military. The beginning sets up their story, during which Saint is sworn to secrecy in helping a family member on a project that sells out their community to a developer with money. For the sake of his own morals, he offers to help Lola find new locations for the community centers which have been displaced as a result of this project.
I loved both of these main characters - they are both fiercely loyal to their values, even though those values have them fighting against one another at times. Unfortunately, I struggled with the execution of this story. There was a lot more telling than showing here. Weeks would go by between chapters and it often felt as if the plot and relationship development was happening in those time gaps. Additionally, there was minimal dialogue which left me wanting in terms of the romance and character development. Overall, the premise of the story was interesting, but I didn't get the romance or plot details I was hoping for.
Read
November 30, 2023I forgot to update that I finished this earlier in the month. I’m really glad the gentrification conversation continued.
March 5, 2024
Absolutely FANTASTIC book! I literally LOL'd while reading on the bus headed to work, then had to fan myself in the midst of a super steamy scene while I was on the subway home! :-) Humor, heart, Latinx representation, ALL the emotions you want in a rom-com and more! This romance is a MUST READ!
did-not-finish
July 19, 2024DNF at 14%.
I REALLY enjoyed the start to this book and, since I loved the first book, anticipated loving this book! However, I have a really hard time with deceit and secret keeping. It's so damaging (and stressful to read about). I had to stop when the hero's uncle tells him he has a disease and needs money for treatment so he's taken a job against his moral code because of the money.
1. The idea that you would hide that you're sick from your daughters!? But let your nephew know? That would feel like betrayal on so many levels.
2. The idea that you would hide that you are taking a job that your daughters would judge you for? It's not like you could keep it a secret.
Why not be honest about your needs and why you are doing something? Hiding it and making someone you love complicit plain sucks.
I know I'll be stressed out for the rest of the book because of this so I cannot continue.
I love the characters and the writing so I will try the next book!
I REALLY enjoyed the start to this book and, since I loved the first book, anticipated loving this book! However, I have a really hard time with deceit and secret keeping. It's so damaging (and stressful to read about). I had to stop when the hero's uncle tells him he has a disease and needs money for treatment so he's taken a job against his moral code because of the money.
1. The idea that you would hide that you're sick from your daughters!? But let your nephew know? That would feel like betrayal on so many levels.
2. The idea that you would hide that you are taking a job that your daughters would judge you for? It's not like you could keep it a secret.
Why not be honest about your needs and why you are doing something? Hiding it and making someone you love complicit plain sucks.
I know I'll be stressed out for the rest of the book because of this so I cannot continue.
I love the characters and the writing so I will try the next book!
January 15, 2024
Meh. Extremely not a fan of the "I never loved my dead wife" trope especially in contemporary.
February 29, 2024
I really, really liked this! The character and world building was excellent, and Rosie is one of the best kids in romance I have read in ages. The conclusion to the novel is very well done, and I liked the intervention of the grandpas and the callouts of both of their behavior that makes them hard to partner, but this is the rare occasion where I could have used a therapylogue at the end. I do believe that they'll be fine and work through the rest of their issues, but a little bit more resolution wouldn't have gone amiss, imo. I may go back and get the first one read now, I think it was a wrong book, wrong time situation.
March 7, 2024
This 5 star rating is heavily influenced by the fact that Saint is a single dad who styles his 4yo daughter's hair like a boss because he learned to do so as a 12yo styling his baby sister's hair.
August 13, 2025
We love a badass bisexual Queen!!! This was sweet, warm, a little challenging, sweet, fun, hilarious and so much more.
I def recommend this series!!
I def recommend this series!!
December 28, 2023
Trigger warnings: gentrification, violence, death, attempted kidnapping, violence, description of war, injuries, strained parent-child relationship
I was looking forward to this book after I read the first in the series earlier this year. The first book had some out-there plot points but was mostly entertaining and I was hoping this one would be more grounded but just as fun, and that's what I got! I was surprised to learn about the identity of the main character from the Vega family; there is not a lot shared about Saint in the first book so I wasn't expecting him to step into the spotlight. However, I do think it was a really smart choice. I really enjoyed him as a character and was super interested in his life as a parent. I love romances with single parents; they're my not-guilty-at-all pleasure! Lola was also a really interesting character. I liked getting to know her and her really intense and complicated life and upbringing. I connected a lot with her desire for justice and fairness for the world. I found the conflict in this novel to be really intriguing and also refreshing. It felt more real; it had a lot to do with the main characters' personalities, morals and values and understanding how these are shaped by both positive and negative experiences of life. It gave a lot of nuance to the story and made it feel like it could actually be playing out in my neighborhood. Rosie absolutely stole the show along with the grandfathers (again), but this time around it felt a lot more genuine and integral to the story. Looking forward to the angst and drama I'm sure will happen in the third book!
I was looking forward to this book after I read the first in the series earlier this year. The first book had some out-there plot points but was mostly entertaining and I was hoping this one would be more grounded but just as fun, and that's what I got! I was surprised to learn about the identity of the main character from the Vega family; there is not a lot shared about Saint in the first book so I wasn't expecting him to step into the spotlight. However, I do think it was a really smart choice. I really enjoyed him as a character and was super interested in his life as a parent. I love romances with single parents; they're my not-guilty-at-all pleasure! Lola was also a really interesting character. I liked getting to know her and her really intense and complicated life and upbringing. I connected a lot with her desire for justice and fairness for the world. I found the conflict in this novel to be really intriguing and also refreshing. It felt more real; it had a lot to do with the main characters' personalities, morals and values and understanding how these are shaped by both positive and negative experiences of life. It gave a lot of nuance to the story and made it feel like it could actually be playing out in my neighborhood. Rosie absolutely stole the show along with the grandfathers (again), but this time around it felt a lot more genuine and integral to the story. Looking forward to the angst and drama I'm sure will happen in the third book!
November 29, 2023
I really liked both main characters, they were loyal and they were willing to fight for the things that are important to them. One of my favorite things is the relationship Saint had with his daughter and the trust and love that Lola builds with her. This little family stole my heart and some of my favorite scenes from the book were of the three of them together. I appreciated that the Vegs family felt realistic, they had their issues and differences with each other but they were for one another. This did a really good job of talking about gentrification and activism and also about the importance of not prioritizing our causes over our happiness and instead finding a balance. The writing in this was also really good.
I'm usually not a fan of second-chance romances but overall I liked the way it was executed in this book. The author does rely a little too much on the feelings the characters had for each other when they were younger and sometimes the development of their relationship in the present felt like it came out of nowhere. Nonetheless, I appreciated that they quickly cleared up the misunderstandings of the past and by the end, they had serious discussions and they had to think about how they were going to make their relationship work in the present. Also, while this wasn't that steamy, the characters did have great chemistry and banter from the beginning.
November 6, 2023
A beautifully heartfelt second chance romance between two high school sweethearts. Single Dad and war vet, Santiago, 'Saint' is reunited with his childhood girlfriend, social justice advocate and elementary school teacher, Lola when their two meddling grandfathers get in trouble and both are called in to mediate.
In addition, Lola volunteers to help with Saint's daughter, Rosie's selective mutism condition. This was a slow burn, dual POV romance full of a great cast of secondary characters, strong community and fierce, fat, bisexual FMC (Lola). I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next book in the series featuring Leo and Sofi. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: open door
In addition, Lola volunteers to help with Saint's daughter, Rosie's selective mutism condition. This was a slow burn, dual POV romance full of a great cast of secondary characters, strong community and fierce, fat, bisexual FMC (Lola). I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next book in the series featuring Leo and Sofi. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: open door
November 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. It was a definite 5 star read right up until the 3rd act breakup. Judgmental and accusatory words were said which seems to be a bit of a trend with this family. I still enjoyed the story a lot. And I absolutely loved the Abuelos. They were adorable and hilarious. I'm in for the next book. Happy reading!
April 15, 2025
Wow. This was such a good read. The abuelos were hilarious and very naughty! But our main couple were some of the best characterized I've read for some time. It was a lot of fun, however, I'm not sure just what Rosie's problem was at school (or with school).
Saint and Lola were a great couple. Two protectors tilting at windmills. Loved it.
Saint and Lola were a great couple. Two protectors tilting at windmills. Loved it.
August 4, 2024
really 3.8 story-wise but it helped me take brain breaks while studying for my evidence final so extra points for sure. these books are so enjoyable and easy to read and entertaining and relatable. can’t wait for the next one. looks like it should be coming out just in time for next finals season.
February 20, 2025
I love this faaamiiiilllllllliiiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
September 26, 2024
4.25 BYE I ate this up😭😭 counting down the days until the next one and my GOD am I impatient
March 6, 2025
3.5 🌟. Now THAT'S how you make up for a fight🤌
August 7, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
I loved this second installment of the Vega family even more than the first book. Lola is a bada** plus size FMC that regularly does krav maga and yoga, and isn't afraid to take up space. Saint as the MMC is a great representation of the responsibilities first born children often take on in Latine families. I loved his relationship with his daughter as a single dad as well as his mental health journey. The secondary characters in these stories, especially the grandfather, add so much heart and light to the book. The tension between Lola and Saint was delicious. It was cute, funny and a little spicy while also highlighting some real world issues Latine communities face. I can't wait to read more from the Vega family.
I loved this second installment of the Vega family even more than the first book. Lola is a bada** plus size FMC that regularly does krav maga and yoga, and isn't afraid to take up space. Saint as the MMC is a great representation of the responsibilities first born children often take on in Latine families. I loved his relationship with his daughter as a single dad as well as his mental health journey. The secondary characters in these stories, especially the grandfather, add so much heart and light to the book. The tension between Lola and Saint was delicious. It was cute, funny and a little spicy while also highlighting some real world issues Latine communities face. I can't wait to read more from the Vega family.
October 28, 2023
It's been 17 years since Saint has seen Lola. She disappeared without a word and left him heartbroken. Lola is back and she is now Saint's daughter's teacher. Seeing each other again brings all of those feelings and fire to the forefront and it's only a matter of time before they fall back into their old ways.
I love me a second chance romance, especially one where lots of time has passed without a word to one another. Saint and Lola were both amazed by the what the other had become in their adulthood. I loved that their chemistry came back in that instant that they saw each other for the first time since they separated years ago. I couldn't wait to see their journey back to one another.
With the dual timeline, we got to see what Saint and Lola were like back when they were teens. Their relationship was complicated even back then, with lots of challenges that involved their families. Saint and Lola's love for one another ran deep and it transcended a puppy love most would experience at that age. That's why when they see each other as adults, they can't help but fall back in love with one another so quickly.
This book had a bit of a suspenseful element to it and I enjoyed those scenes with the high drama. I was on the edge of my seat, flipping pages because it was so engrossing. It was quite entertaining!
Pick this up for an entertaining second-chance romance that will pull at your heartstrings.
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
⚠️: gun violence, incarceration of a loved one
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher via NetGalley.
I love me a second chance romance, especially one where lots of time has passed without a word to one another. Saint and Lola were both amazed by the what the other had become in their adulthood. I loved that their chemistry came back in that instant that they saw each other for the first time since they separated years ago. I couldn't wait to see their journey back to one another.
With the dual timeline, we got to see what Saint and Lola were like back when they were teens. Their relationship was complicated even back then, with lots of challenges that involved their families. Saint and Lola's love for one another ran deep and it transcended a puppy love most would experience at that age. That's why when they see each other as adults, they can't help but fall back in love with one another so quickly.
This book had a bit of a suspenseful element to it and I enjoyed those scenes with the high drama. I was on the edge of my seat, flipping pages because it was so engrossing. It was quite entertaining!
Pick this up for an entertaining second-chance romance that will pull at your heartstrings.
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
⚠️: gun violence, incarceration of a loved one
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher via NetGalley.
August 19, 2023
I was granted an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
There's a lot going on in this book and they're all generally things I find interesting!
-- meddlesome grandpas getting into a petty feud
-- social justice activism with conversations about colonialism/war/etc sprinkled throughout
-- a kind-hearted approach to helping people suffering trauma
More Contemporary Than Romance:
Buuuuut none of those are the romance. They're all different ways that the leads intersect in their lives and get further tangled together and pushed toward their second-chance romance, but they're all Contemporary trappings-- and fairly show-stealing from any possible romance!
The Writing:
Oh! I also love all the Spanish sprinkled throughout, but be aware that very little of it is translated to English.
What I Didn't Like:
In addition to the above mentioned elements, there's a lot of background drama being built up so the MCs can work through their incompatibility (but still have a third act break-up). Ganglords and death threats and PTSD anxiety attacks from serving in Afghanistan. All of the drama felt a bit silly and OTT to me, but also much more serious than the kind of romance I'm interested in personally.
Additionally, for as informed as the heroine was I felt like the protesting was misdirected. Picketing a single company buying a single building doesn't stop anything and doesn't even get to the root of gentrification anyway. Gentrification is spawned from a series of policy decisions that de-prioritize low income housing and investing government funds in communities but do prioritize tax breaks for large companies, minimum home sizes, minimum number of parking spaces, no caps on rent, etc.
I also wish there was more resolution or updates to the storyline with Rosie. I hope it's mentioned in the background of future novels.
Spice:
There is only one spicy scene. Didn't do anything for me, but I think it just wasn't my vibe and was executed well for someone who's into that.
Overall:
Overall I think it was really well done, but for my personal enjoyment (and what I'm looking for in a book) it was just okay.
There's a lot going on in this book and they're all generally things I find interesting!
-- meddlesome grandpas getting into a petty feud
-- social justice activism with conversations about colonialism/war/etc sprinkled throughout
-- a kind-hearted approach to helping people suffering trauma
More Contemporary Than Romance:
Buuuuut none of those are the romance. They're all different ways that the leads intersect in their lives and get further tangled together and pushed toward their second-chance romance, but they're all Contemporary trappings-- and fairly show-stealing from any possible romance!
The Writing:
Oh! I also love all the Spanish sprinkled throughout, but be aware that very little of it is translated to English.
What I Didn't Like:
In addition to the above mentioned elements, there's a lot of background drama being built up so the MCs can work through their incompatibility (but still have a third act break-up). Ganglords and death threats and PTSD anxiety attacks from serving in Afghanistan. All of the drama felt a bit silly and OTT to me, but also much more serious than the kind of romance I'm interested in personally.
Additionally, for as informed as the heroine was I felt like the protesting was misdirected. Picketing a single company buying a single building doesn't stop anything and doesn't even get to the root of gentrification anyway. Gentrification is spawned from a series of policy decisions that de-prioritize low income housing and investing government funds in communities but do prioritize tax breaks for large companies, minimum home sizes, minimum number of parking spaces, no caps on rent, etc.
I also wish there was more resolution or updates to the storyline with Rosie. I hope it's mentioned in the background of future novels.
Spice:
There is only one spicy scene. Didn't do anything for me, but I think it just wasn't my vibe and was executed well for someone who's into that.
Overall:
Overall I think it was really well done, but for my personal enjoyment (and what I'm looking for in a book) it was just okay.
November 8, 2023
I am absolutely in love with the Vega Family series. Caña has done it again with this one, and i'll be not so patiently waiting for the next one to arrive.
The quiet brother and the firecracker former love collide again, you'd think instant sparks. But time changes people and that was absolutely the case for Saint and Lola. I had been curious about who Saint was and what his impact would be to this story line for a while because he was the quiet brother in the previous story. It seemed like he would be the easy brother who didn't really have problems. Boy was I wrong. Saint is working through survivor guilt, anxiety, PTSD, and so many other mental health problems that many Veterans experience. Lola is atoning for the sins of her father, wanting to do good in the community despite how hurtful her father was.
Through all of this I loved how involved the Vega family was and how much they wanted Saint to find his happy. The real star of the show was Rosie. I was in love with her personality and she was such an integral piece of the story even though you wouldn't think a 4 year old child could be that much of a piece. I was wrapped up with her development and her relationships with Saint and Lola and her Vega family.
Overall, this is so much more than just about actual family. It's about the family you find and fight for. It's about being proud in who you are. It's also about how you can be loyal to your beliefs while also having to do something you don't want to do. I loved the complexity of this novel because it wasn't clear at times what might happen and if we would get a happy end. I will gladly read as many books as Caña publishes. 4.75/5 stars rounded up to 5/5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, MIRA, and Natalie Caña for my advanced copy in return for an honest review.
The quiet brother and the firecracker former love collide again, you'd think instant sparks. But time changes people and that was absolutely the case for Saint and Lola. I had been curious about who Saint was and what his impact would be to this story line for a while because he was the quiet brother in the previous story. It seemed like he would be the easy brother who didn't really have problems. Boy was I wrong. Saint is working through survivor guilt, anxiety, PTSD, and so many other mental health problems that many Veterans experience. Lola is atoning for the sins of her father, wanting to do good in the community despite how hurtful her father was.
Through all of this I loved how involved the Vega family was and how much they wanted Saint to find his happy. The real star of the show was Rosie. I was in love with her personality and she was such an integral piece of the story even though you wouldn't think a 4 year old child could be that much of a piece. I was wrapped up with her development and her relationships with Saint and Lola and her Vega family.
Overall, this is so much more than just about actual family. It's about the family you find and fight for. It's about being proud in who you are. It's also about how you can be loyal to your beliefs while also having to do something you don't want to do. I loved the complexity of this novel because it wasn't clear at times what might happen and if we would get a happy end. I will gladly read as many books as Caña publishes. 4.75/5 stars rounded up to 5/5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, MIRA, and Natalie Caña for my advanced copy in return for an honest review.
July 11, 2024
This one is for fans of:
💖 single dads
💖 second chance (friends to lovers to out of each other’s lives)
💖 meddling families
💖 plus sized characters
💖 mental health rep after trauma
I absolutely devoured it. It had my perfect balance of the romantic plotline, character development through subplots, and side characters! I actually laughed out loud at a couple of sections, so the balance between romcom and deeper themes was also perfect for me.
💖 single dads
💖 second chance (friends to lovers to out of each other’s lives)
💖 meddling families
💖 plus sized characters
💖 mental health rep after trauma
I absolutely devoured it. It had my perfect balance of the romantic plotline, character development through subplots, and side characters! I actually laughed out loud at a couple of sections, so the balance between romcom and deeper themes was also perfect for me.
April 23, 2025
Lola has returned to Chicago after being away for years, she’s coming back to continue with her social justice for the homeless lgbtqia+ community and taking care of her grandpa. After getting the news that El Hogar is being sold to make it into high rise condominiums and realizing that Saint her high school sweetheart is the one in charge of the construction company working towards this project she wants to fight tooth and nail to save it. That’s how they become allies trying to find the community a new place to live.
With all the crazy stuff happening around the world, not only in the lgbtqia+ community but also the homeless people in need of help, this book was written beautifully.
This book talks a lot about the struggles these communities face, but it also talks about Puerto Rican history/culture, the struggle us plus size women have to overcome, and most importantly the loyalty between families.
While I struggled a bit in the beginning to get into the storyline I really enjoyed Saint’s and Lola’s story. Getting to know them was everything. And I loved getting to see abuelo Papo with his antics again and all the Vega family 💙
🎡 second chance
🎡 single dad
🎡 latine rep (Puerto Rican & Mexican)
🎡 meddling families
🎡 plus sized rep
🎡 mental health rep < check tw >
🎡 forced proximity
4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
With all the crazy stuff happening around the world, not only in the lgbtqia+ community but also the homeless people in need of help, this book was written beautifully.
This book talks a lot about the struggles these communities face, but it also talks about Puerto Rican history/culture, the struggle us plus size women have to overcome, and most importantly the loyalty between families.
While I struggled a bit in the beginning to get into the storyline I really enjoyed Saint’s and Lola’s story. Getting to know them was everything. And I loved getting to see abuelo Papo with his antics again and all the Vega family 💙
🎡 second chance
🎡 single dad
🎡 latine rep (Puerto Rican & Mexican)
🎡 meddling families
🎡 plus sized rep
🎡 mental health rep < check tw >
🎡 forced proximity
4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
December 2, 2023
3.5 rounded down
Natalie filled this book with culture and family and social justice issues as she did in the first book of the series. I appreciate all of that so much. I love how she includes every generation age group into her stories. It really makes things feel real.
This book didn’t work as well for me as the first of the series mainly because the stakes were too high. The criminal/gang aspect and violence took the story to a place I don’t really like to visit when I’m choosing the romance novel genre. That’s just my preference though. The book is well written with easy to love characters and a second chance love story.
Spice level: mild
Natalie filled this book with culture and family and social justice issues as she did in the first book of the series. I appreciate all of that so much. I love how she includes every generation age group into her stories. It really makes things feel real.
This book didn’t work as well for me as the first of the series mainly because the stakes were too high. The criminal/gang aspect and violence took the story to a place I don’t really like to visit when I’m choosing the romance novel genre. That’s just my preference though. The book is well written with easy to love characters and a second chance love story.
Spice level: mild
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March 4, 2024Autobuy author: I will read every book this authir writes! Loved this one and love the series :) I bought this book and ended up listening to the audio for most of it; a fantastic narrator. She really does a fabulous job and I'll be looking for more books she narrates.
As for the story, this romance has so much depth with each character's past and what they are wrestling with now. I love what brought them together and how forces continually brought conflict in believable ways. I'm very much looking forward to book 3.
As for the story, this romance has so much depth with each character's past and what they are wrestling with now. I love what brought them together and how forces continually brought conflict in believable ways. I'm very much looking forward to book 3.
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