A Lot Like Adiós

Michelle Amado is a freelance graphic designer in New York who gets an unexpected chance to work with her teenage crush and ex-best friend Gabriel Aguilar. Gabriel left the Bronx and their friendship behind thirteen years ago, but he has returned to oversee the expansion of his Los Angeles gym franchise. The marketing project forces Michelle and Gabriel to collaborate closely, stirring up memories of their shared past and the connection they once had. Their professional relationship becomes complicated by lingering feelings and unresolved questions about why Gabriel left without explanation. Through alternating perspectives, the story follows Michelle and Gabriel as they navigate their rekindled attraction while managing family expectations, career pressures, and their Puerto Rican heritage. Their history of friendship provides a foundation for their adult relationship, even as they grapple with trust and communication. The novel explores themes of homecoming, second chances, and the ways childhood bonds can shape adult relationships. Cultural identity and family dynamics play central roles in the characters' journey toward understanding themselves and each other.

Readers call this a steamy second-chance romance with authentic Latinx representation. Reviews highlight the relationship dynamics and family themes. Liked: - Bilingual dialogue and cultural details feel natural - Character development of both leads - Mental health and therapy portrayed realistically - Strong female friendships - Family relationships, especially mother-son dynamics Disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle - Several readers wanted more conflict/tension - A few felt the ending wrapped up too quickly - Some wanted more development of side characters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (9,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (580+ ratings) BookPage: 4/5 Notable reader comments: "Finally a romance novel that doesn't villainize therapy" - Goodreads reviewer "The Spanish is perfect and not italicized or over-explained" - Amazon reviewer "Chemistry between leads jumps off the page" - BookPage review

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🌟 Author Alexis Daria drew from her Puerto Rican heritage and Bronx upbringing to create authentic cultural elements throughout the novel. 💝 The book is part of the "Primas of Power" series, which celebrates strong Latina heroines and their extended families. 📚 The story features a "second chance romance" trope, with childhood best friends reconnecting after 13 years apart. 🏥 The male protagonist, Gabriel Aguilar, owns a successful gym franchise in Los Angeles, reflecting the author's interest in health and wellness themes. ✍️ Before becoming a romance novelist, Alexis Daria worked as a professional copywriter and used her marketing experience to help craft believable business storylines in the book.