Kiss Me, Catalina by Priscilla Oliveras
Mariachi is everything to Catalina “Cat” Capuleta. So when the offer arrives she jumps at the chance to go on tour with mariachi superstar Patricio Galáne. Unfortunately, performing and writing music with the dashing mariachi is more of a challenge than she suspects. Patricio keeps her at a distance; he has secrets and is trying to move out of his famous father’s shadow.
This book is less about plot and more of a character study. Cat and Patrico both have major daddy issues that keep them from trusting others. I liked the parts that focused on performing or life on the road. There is a third-act break-up that was totally predictable and didn’t flow with the rest of the story, IMO.
To Have and To Heist by Sara Desai
This book feels like a fever dream. It’s like characters from five different book genres were dropped into a comedic fast-paced crime novel (with romantic elements). This book doesn’t take itself seriously at all. The entire time I was reading I felt like the book was mugging at the camera and saying ‘well, that might as well happen’. This brand of outlandish silly humor just doesn’t work for me in book form.
Simi, a down-on-her-luck late 29-year-old, must form a crew and steal a precious jewel from a wedding to save her best friend. Helping her is Jake, a suave man of mystery. who has a stake in the heist and finding love with Simi. This book reminded me a lot of ‘The Wedding Job’ episode of Leverage which is also about a team of sardonic thieves who go undercover as wedding planners to (slight spoiler) infiltrate a mafia princess’ wedding.
Each member of the crew is more outlandish than the next. There is the polyamorous octogenarian, an Uber driver who has a crazy story for every situation, and the stoic scary muscleman who used to be a priest. Just to name a few.
This book seems to be setting up for a series. I guess this is ideal for cozy romance fans who want a punchier book with a little spice.
If there is any book that deserves a fun cartoon cover. It’s this one.
