Anchored Hearts: An Entertaining Latinx Second Chance Romance

Anamaría and Alejandro’s story in Anchored Hearts by Pricilla Oliveras, book two in her Keys to Love series, was an emotional, amazing, and heartwarming tale of a second chance for soul mates, destined to be together. Alejandro Mirando had a passion for taking pictures not for working in the family’s restaurant, much to the distress and anger of his “papi,” his father. Leaving home in Key West to explore the world, eventually becoming an award-winning photographer, was not an easy decision. He left behind the girl who was supposed to be along side of him along with his papi’s warning “never to come back” on repeat in his head. Ale wouldn’t be in Key West now if it wasn’t for a major injury that will require months of recuperation and physical therapy. Anamaría Navarro was heartbroken when Alejandro left without her; traveling the world was their plan, not just his. After her father’s heart attack, this devoted daughter could not leave; even for the man she loved. Following in the footsteps of her father and brothers, Anamaría became a firefighter and paramedic; while growing a side business as a personal trainer. Being told to visit the Mirando household to check out Alejandro, Anamaría is taken aback by the feelings that have reappeared by just the sight of him; flames she worked years to douse. With family meddling and pushing them together, their magnetic attraction and sizzling passion grows; despite their separation, despite the years, despite expecting Alejandro to leave as soon as he is able. Before Anamaría and Alejandro have a chance at happiness, they must learn to be honest with each as well as re-learn to trust again. I loved this story. The love between two people, true soul-mates, separated through misunderstandings, fears, immaturity, and family. Anamaría grew, became stronger, more confident, and found her passions after Ale left. The need Anamaría had to give back to her Cuban community, offering classes and help to those around her. Alejandro had to come to terms with his own demons and the changes within his family and Anamaría after he left. Finding a way to connect and prove to his papi that he did not waste his life, Ale wanted his papi to be proud of him and accept him, Ale, for who he is. Ale did not want to leave Anamaría again, but until he settled things with his papi, he could not stay. The project he created to honor his community, his family, was well-thought out and amazing. Ms. Oliveras wrote to the soul; the soul of her characters as well the soul of her readers. The love and descriptive visualizations she used in her writing brought her characters to life along with the amazing Key West sunrises and sunsets. This heartwarming, wonderful and amazing story was an emotional, latinx romance that should not be missed. This tale abounds with emotions, magnetic attraction, wonderful dialogue, and charming characters giving Anamaría and Alejandro a second chance to love and be together, forever. I highly recommend Anchored Hearts to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I really expected to love this one, so I'm super disappointed that I didn't. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't very good either. It felt like it was dragging on a bit at around the 75% mark, and I could feel my desire to read this drop. I think my main problem with this was the romance. Namely, it being too slow burn. Don't get me wrong, I love slowburn romances. What I don't like is characters refusing to discuss their feelings until the 340th page of a 350 page book. Because the romance took so long, there was very plot. I loved the dynamics at the beginning, but my interest started lessening after after 50% mark. I also had problems with the way this was written. I really disliked the bits of Spanish thrown in. I only speak English, so this is totally a personal preference. It did help set the atmosphere, but it also kept me from engaging fully. Every time I would start reading, I would immediately have to try and translate a bit of Spanish. I can see people loving this element if they speak the language, but it wasn't my thing. This book wasn't bad, but I just don't feel any towards it. I had expected this to be a light romcom, and sadly, this didn't deliver Thanks to BookishFirst for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Anamaria and Alejandro were high school sweethearts—until Alejandro's father kicked him out for refusing to come work at the family restaurant. Twelve years later, Alejandro is a successful wildlife photographer who returns to Key West to recuperate after a work-related injury. Anamaria wants nothing to do with him—she still resents him for choosing a life of adventure over her. But their interfering families have other ideas, and circumstances keep forcing the two together. If they renew their romance, will Alejandro stick around this time? As usual, this author's work immerses the reader in Latinx culture. This is a low-angst story with a strong heroine who gives the hero the kick in the butt he needs to make peace with his family. If you like second-chance romance and interfering relatives, this book is a good choice. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.