Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific book. Val is a chef and co-owner of her family's Puerto Rican restaurant. She is also active in her neighborhood's fight against the development company attempting to gentrify the area. As the book opens, Val agreed to go out dancing with her friends for the first time since a public and humiliating breakup. Less than enthusiastic about being there, Val's evening improves when she meets Philip. They connect immediately, finding it easy to talk and flirt with each other. Sparks fly and plans are made to see each other again.
But Philip hasn't been entirely upfront with her. He picked up on Val's dislike of the development company and kept his involvement to himself so he could see her again. Telling her that Wagner Development belongs to his family, and he designed the plans she hates won't make a good impression. Keeping it secret isn't an option if he wants to keep seeing her.
I loved seeing Val and Philip's relationship develop. Their first two encounters highlighted their connection and the things they had in common. I especially enjoyed seeing them bond over Star Wars and music. Things progress nicely between them until Philip drops the bomb about who he is. Val reacts exactly as Philip feared - with anger, a feeling of betrayal, and obvious hurt. But Philip isn't about to give up. When Val and her neighborhood coalition show up to protest at the company headquarters, Philip becomes the bridge between them and his father. Val opens Philip's eyes to the personal effects of his plans on the neighborhood's people during an excellent tour of the area. An invitation to accompany him to one of his mother's fundraisers allows Val to get through to Philip's father. Philip and Val also grow closer, their chemistry becoming stronger each day.
But while Philip falls hard for Val, she holds part of herself back. Thanks to her previous relationship, trust doesn't come easily, and part of Val remains suspicious. When her plans for the restaurant building fall through, she blames Philip. I ached for Philip, who was blindsided by the accusations. His hurt over her distrust was understandable, as was his fury over what he believed happened. It took Val some time and an epiphany of sorts to realize how wrong she was. I loved her "aha" moment, helped along by an unexpected source of advice, and her need to make things right. Their conversation in the restaurant was heartfelt and honest. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved how it showed realistic progress to their relationship and the deepening of their feelings for each other.
I loved the setting of the story with its focus on the contributions of immigrants. I especially enjoyed that it also touched on the Wagner family history and how Philip used that history to deal with his father. The descriptions of the food and the neighborhood made the story come alive. The background of the conflicts between the residents and the developer informed without preaching and showed the importance of respect and compromise. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
#netgalley
But Philip hasn't been entirely upfront with her. He picked up on Val's dislike of the development company and kept his involvement to himself so he could see her again. Telling her that Wagner Development belongs to his family, and he designed the plans she hates won't make a good impression. Keeping it secret isn't an option if he wants to keep seeing her.
I loved seeing Val and Philip's relationship develop. Their first two encounters highlighted their connection and the things they had in common. I especially enjoyed seeing them bond over Star Wars and music. Things progress nicely between them until Philip drops the bomb about who he is. Val reacts exactly as Philip feared - with anger, a feeling of betrayal, and obvious hurt. But Philip isn't about to give up. When Val and her neighborhood coalition show up to protest at the company headquarters, Philip becomes the bridge between them and his father. Val opens Philip's eyes to the personal effects of his plans on the neighborhood's people during an excellent tour of the area. An invitation to accompany him to one of his mother's fundraisers allows Val to get through to Philip's father. Philip and Val also grow closer, their chemistry becoming stronger each day.
But while Philip falls hard for Val, she holds part of herself back. Thanks to her previous relationship, trust doesn't come easily, and part of Val remains suspicious. When her plans for the restaurant building fall through, she blames Philip. I ached for Philip, who was blindsided by the accusations. His hurt over her distrust was understandable, as was his fury over what he believed happened. It took Val some time and an epiphany of sorts to realize how wrong she was. I loved her "aha" moment, helped along by an unexpected source of advice, and her need to make things right. Their conversation in the restaurant was heartfelt and honest. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved how it showed realistic progress to their relationship and the deepening of their feelings for each other.
I loved the setting of the story with its focus on the contributions of immigrants. I especially enjoyed that it also touched on the Wagner family history and how Philip used that history to deal with his father. The descriptions of the food and the neighborhood made the story come alive. The background of the conflicts between the residents and the developer informed without preaching and showed the importance of respect and compromise. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
#netgalley
