A Lot Like Adiós
Author: Alexis Daria
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Michelle and Gabe grew up together in the Bronx; however, while Michelle stayed and made a name for herself, Gabe had to escape the trappings of his family and moved to California. Now Gabe owns a successful gym that is opening a franchise in New York City. Unknown to him, Gabe’s partner queries Michelle’s availability to help with the NYC marketing plan. Rather than turning Gabe down and letting him walk away again, Michelle decides to keep him close, hoping to get answers to why he left and never looked back.
A Lot Like Adiós is an absolute wonderful romance! My favorite things about the story are the deep connections the author creates between many of the characters; the ties to family, friendship, and work. Ms. Daria develops three-dimensional characters with real issues and successes. She allows readers inside her characters’ hearts and minds, giving insight and allowing us to see their growth, one step at a time. I appreciate the way we get to see Michelle and Gabe literally connect the dots as the realize what is truly important and where they want their lives heading. It’s so intimate and creates a bond between the reader and the characters.
Although their relationship moves quickly due to the years of pent up desire, the entire story takes a slow pace and meandering journey. Michelle and Gabe both need a lot of time to figure out what they need from each other and from life. A Lot Like Adiós really pulled on my heart, as I know that Michelle and Gabe are meant to be – Michelle knows it, even Gabe recognizes it, but he refuses to believe he can have it all. He is so caught up in seeing himself as either NY Gabe or LA Gabe, that he doesn’t realize there isn’t a need to keep them separate. He needs a lot of thoughtful reflection so he can move forward. I love that I get to witness this transformation every step along the way. And although Michelle has her act together a bit more that Gabe, she also needs to move beyond the hurt and anger from the past, both with Gabe and her career.
In the end, I absolutely adored this second chance romance. Ms. Daria writes fantastic characters with meaningful stories. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Jen
About the Book:
Hi Mich. It’s Gabe.
After burning out in her corporate marketing career, Michelle Amato has built a thriving freelance business as a graphic designer. So what if her love life is nonexistent? She’s perfectly fine being the black sheep of her marriage-obsessed Puerto Rican-Italian family. Besides, the only guy who ever made her want happily-ever-after disappeared thirteen years ago.
It’s been a long time.
Gabriel Aguilar left the Bronx at eighteen to escape his parents’ demanding expectations, but it also meant saying goodbye to Michelle, his best friend and longtime crush. Now, he’s the successful co-owner of LA’s hottest celebrity gym, with an investor who insists on opening a New York City location. It’s the last place Gabe wants to go, but when Michelle is unexpectedly brought on board to spearhead the new marketing campaign, everything Gabe’s been running from catches up with him.
I’ve missed you.
Michelle is torn between holding Gabe at arm’s length or picking up right where they left off—in her bed. As they work on the campaign, old feelings resurface, and their reunion takes a sexy turn. Facing mounting pressure from their families—who think they’re dating—and growing uncertainty about their futures, can they resolve their past mistakes, or is it only a matter of time before Gabe says adiós again?
Release Date: September 14, 2021
Publisher: Avon
Series: Primas of Power #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (416 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)
Reviews in the Series:
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria (Primas of Power #1)