West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras

Summary:

A rivalry between two San Antonio families is put to the test when both enter the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. Mariana Capuleta has been shown nothing but love in her family and she would do anything for them. Angelo is a Montero and therefore should not be pursuing any relationship with a Capuleta. Drawn together by the competition, they must decide what they are willing to do for love and familia.

My Thoughts:

I had some trouble getting into the book for a couple of reasons. The writing seemed to overly detailed in the wrong areas at first and the ‘feud’ between the families was exaggerated and childish at times. I wish the author has found a way to stay true to the feud without making the ridiculous nature of it so obvious.

The attention to detail later contributed to my reason for liking the book. You get a sense of enjoyment from the descriptions of the setting, the music, the connection between Angelo and Mariana which is a testament to the author’s talent as a writer.

I loved the way the drama played out and admired how it was orchestrated. I never got the sense that the main characters were behaving unrealistically and admired the way they communicated. Communication seems to be the easiest way to create misunderstandings in romance novels and this novel thankfully strayed away from that plot device. 

Lastly, I just want to say what an amazing job the writer did at romanticizing mariachi men and women. Personally, I greatly admire the music and uniform and it was nice to read a a novel that shared that. I mean just look at the beautiful cover!

This book was a genuinely good read and a very unique take on the Romeo and Juliet romance/tragedy.