Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Bestseller Daria sends out her Primas of Power trilogy on a high note with this sexy and satisfying sequel to A Lot Like Adiós. Divorced at 33, middle school teacher Ava Rodriguez reevaluates her life choices. Sparks fly when she meets the handsome and successful Roman Vásquez at a bar in one of his hotels. Workaholic Roman has no time for dating, making him the perfect candidate for an impulsive--and scorching-hot--one-night stand. Neither feels quite ready to let go of their connection in the morning, however, so they agree to a no-strings-attached fling with a strict "no feelings" policy. When the pair cross paths at the engagement party for Ava's cousin, however, they learn that they're both in the wedding as the best man and maid of honor, respectively. Spending time together out of bed causes their feelings to evolve even as Ava scrambles to keep their affair a secret from her gossip-hungry relatives. The sexual fast-burn but emotional slow-burn between the leads makes for a delicious dynamic. Daria's vibrant depiction of both Latinx culture and the loving but dysfunctional Rodriguez family is as charming as ever, and series fans will be delighted to check in with the colorful supporting cast. It's an emotional roller coaster of a finale that will leave readers exhilarated. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (May)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Ava, a buttoned-up middle school teacher, has just finalized her divorce. Although crushed, she's determined to mark this new chapter in her life, so she visits a bar, where she meets sexy bartender Roman. They end up spending an unforgettable night together in his penthouse and agree that this will be a no-strings affair. But despite their promise to keep it casual, Roman is captivated and wants more than the heartbroken Ava is able to give. When they find out he's the best man and she's the maid of honor in her cousin's wedding, the revelation delights Roman and distresses Ava. Scared because she's genuinely falling for him and is convinced it won't last, she tries mightily to hold him at arm's length and to keep their fiery relationship a secret from her judgmental, gossip-loving family. This ultra-steamy, feel-good, and funny romance is filled with a large and lovable cast of characters and emotional family dynamics and is lovingly rooted in Latine culture. VERDICT Readers will relish the rewarding culmination of all the interconnected "Primas of Power" storylines in this sensational final installment (after A Lot Like Adiós).--Migdalia Jimenez
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A one-night stand leads to a long-term relationship for a schoolteacher and a hotel owner. When middle school English teacher Ava Rodriguez finds out that her divorce has been finalized, she's at a Jersey Shore hotel for an educational conference. Determined to leave her old self behind and embrace "new Ava," she goes to the bar for a drink and meets the hotel's handsome owner, Roman Vázquez. Roman's memories of growing up poor are what propel him to strive for more: In addition to expanding his hotel chain, he owns a rum distillery and is writing a memoir. Flirtatious banter between Ava and Roman leads to a sexy, passionate night together. Ava is determined to keep the interlude just that, but the next time she faces an emotional setback, she contacts Roman and they embark on a discrete, no-strings affair. Since her family was judgmental rather than supportive during her divorce, she's determined to keep her love life private--even from Jasmine Lin Rodriguez and Michelle Amato, her cousins and closest friends. Then, to her horror, she discovers that Roman is going to be the best man at Jasmine's upcoming wedding--where she's going to be the maid of honor. Roman is thrilled to learn about their connection and is determined to take advantage of it, even volunteering to travel to Puerto Rico with Ava to do advance work at the wedding venue. Despite the glamorous settings, the novel is driven by internal turmoil. Ava is wounded not just from the divorce but from some traumatic experiences that have made her feel that she's never good enough for her family. Roman learns that the quick thinking and problem-solving that make him a successful CEO make Ava feel undermined and overwhelmed. The reveal of their secret relationship is juicy and dramatic, but readers might find it difficult to believe that Ava's family can heal decades-old hurts so easily. Strong internal conflict makes for an angsty, emotional romance. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
