e-Audio, 07:30:51
Narrated by: André Santana
Release Date: May 7, 2024
Published by: HarperTeen
Read from: May 7-10, 2024
Stand-alone
Source: Library’s Libby
Content Warning: Homophobia
For Readers Interested In: Romance, Racial/Ethnic Diversity (Latinx- Mexican), 2sLGBTQ+ (Gay), Realistic Fiction, Sparkly Covers, YAThis irresistible and hilarious rom-com from acclaimed author Alex Crespo is a whirlwind of telenovela-level drama and hijinks when Joaquin Zoido finds himself fake-dating his childhood crush and newly minted date to his queerceañera.
Joaquin Zoido is out and proud of it. And while he knew his dad and sister, Carmen, would be super supportive, he wasn’t quite ready for them to surprise him with a queerceañera, a coming out party to celebrate him. Between all the talks of tastings and venues, and the chirping of his family’s RSVP texts, the question of who will be his chambelán is on everyone’s minds.
What Joaquin is decidedly trying to not think about is whether his mom is going attend or if she’s finally replaced him with her favorite godson, Felix—the boy who made Joaquin realize he was gay and who was his first kiss. But when an impromptu lie snowballs into a full-fledged family-group-chat rumor, every Zoido from Texas to Mexico starts believing that Felix is not only Joaquin’s chambelán but also his brand-new boyfriend.
To avoid the pity and sympathies of an ill-timed breakup, Joaquin and Felix strike a deal—they’ll stay fake boyfriends until the party. Yet, as the day draws nearer and old feelings spark anew, Joaquin will have to decide whether a picture-perfect queerceañera with a fake boyfriend is worth giving up the chance of something real.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I really didn’t need much besides the cover and the title of this before I knew I needed it in my hands. And let me just tell you, I know what I like because as soon as I read it, I fell in love with it. This is definitely going to be one of my most fave books this year.
So the reason I was so excited for this was very simple. I’ve always been fascinated with quinces. I even told my mom I wanted one when I was a teen. She had to explain what they were and how they were actually part of someone’s culture. I just always thought the girls were princesses and they looked so beautiful. So imagine my surprise when I found out that Joaquin acted like he didn’t want one lol But I do get it because his dad was making him do too much lol But other than that small weirdness, I LOVED Joaquin! He was very consistent and realistic and that’s pretty hard to find in YA books now a days. I also loved how authentic he was. I hated that he didn’t get that authenticness from everyone in his life tho. Like his mom was a piece of work. We’re not all like that I promise.
The romance was adorable. I gotta say, the love interest is so sweet. He was just very, very oblivious. Which is funny because he said that Joaquin was guilty of doing the same thing. But nope, he just had no idea that their ex was a terrible ass person lol (Idk I think he did, but I can’t be sure lol) But I do think he was so into Joaquin that he wasn’t looking at anything else. From the dance lessons, to the taking up for him and agreeing to this farce when he didn’t have to from the beginning, they were just too cute together.
Since this is a character driven novel, I think it’s only right to talk about the rest of the characters in this book. The adults in this were terrible listeners. His mom was just terrible. I did like that there was a bit of a redemption arc for her, BUT I also liked that it was very realistic also. Because we all know, especially in Texas, it’s not like a switch that can be turnt on and off. I was glad that she made the decision she did, but I’m also sad that he didn’t have that. HOWEVER, with his sister and his dad, I felt like that’s all he needed. They were there for him in the ways that mattered. I know it stung and that will be a mar on that beautiful day, but I hope that he will remember his sister and how she did what she did just for him. Their relationship was beautiful and they sacrificed so much for each other. As a sibling, I don’t have that type of relationship with mine, so it was amazing to read about theirs.
As for the writing style, I liked it, but I did wish that there was more of the party. It was like this entire book was about this party, but it was at the very end and then it was over. Idk, I wanted to see more of them together and more of the party. I wanted to see the way their friends handled it. Crespo does mention it, but it’s like in passing. Idk, I wanted more. And I REALLY wanted to know what the ex thought when Joaquin came out and said what he said and gave the thing he gave to the love interest. Because he had to have known that he was stupid for just sitting there saying anything.
There was so much to love about this book and I really hope more people find it. I also REALLY want to see more Queerceañeras in real life. This was a magical day and Joaquin deserved all of it. And they both deserved everything they gave to each other as well. I’m also going to put my bid in for a story for the sister sooooo there’s that lol (No seriously, PLEASE)
Overall, I give this
