Anchored Hearts: An Entertaining Latinx Second Chance Romance

Priscilla Oliveras

Apr 2021 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

From the USA Today bestselling author of West Side Love Story comes a second chance romance set on the beautiful sandy shores of Key West, the perfect beach read! Fans of Abby Jimenez, Jasmine Guillory, and Jen DeLuca, won’t want to miss this gorgeous and stirring love story that  will touch your heart and make you believe in happily ever afters…

A PopSugar Best Romance of April

“A big-hearted, beautiful book about first love, second chances, and finding one’s place in the world. An exceptional getaway of a book!” —Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read

“Anchored Hearts has it all: undeniable chemistry, believable roadblocks, a heartwarming world, and a lush Key West setting that leaps off the page. Alejandro and Anamaría’s love story is not to be missed!” —Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man

A PopSugar Best Romance of April
 
Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn’t been home to Key West in years—not since he left to explore broader horizons with his papi’s warning “never to come back” echoing in his ears. He wouldn’t be heading there now if it wasn’t for an injury requiring months of recuperation. The drama of a prodigal son returning to his familia and their beloved Cuban restaurant is bad enough, but coming home to the island paradise also means coming face to face with the girl he left behind—the one who was supposed to be by his side all along . . .
 
Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father’s heart attack, there was no way she could leave—not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she’s worked years to put out. And as famillia meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?
 
“Vibrant…A stunning romance of first love found again.”
—KirkusReviews STARRED REVIEW

“Oliveras' portrayal of family and social media ties are reminiscent of Alisha Rai's romances.”
—Booklist STARRED REVIEW

“Priscilla Oliveras sweeps you away to summer in Key West! Anchored Hearts is a delightful and heartwarming second chance romance full of fun and family, laughter and love. You’ll swoon for these childhood sweethearts!”
—Alexis Daria, bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola

Ratings and reviews

Thank you to Bookish First for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! I love the idea of #ownvoices romances, and I think they are the best kind! I love the infusion of Spanish words and phrases into the dialogue. It made the book so authentic, and I loved to see Hispanic main characters written by a Hispanic author. It's so underrepresented in every genre, not just romance so I was so excited to read this book! Unfortunately, one downside I had was that I didn't really enjoy the characters. Anamaria was a strong female character, which is good, but does she had to have a trucker mouth? And then from the chapters in Alejandro's point of view, Anamaria transformed into some sort of sex goddess. This was kind of jarring to see from the two points of view. Overall, I thought it was a very good book and romance, but I just didn't enjoy it personally.

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.

About the author

Priscilla Oliveras is a USA Today bestselling author and 2018 RWA® RITA® double finalist who writes swoony stories that stir your heart. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she strives to bring authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latinx culture with readers. Her books have earned Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist along with praise from O, The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, frolic.media, and more. She earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University where she currently serves as adjunct faculty while also teaching the online class “Romance Writing” for ed2go. Along-time romance enthusiast, Priscilla’s also a sports fan, beach lover, and Zumba aficionado, who often practices the art of napping in her backyard hammock. Find out more and check out her events calendar at prisoliveras.com/books/, and follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/prisoliveras or other social media platforms via @prisoliveras.