Ramon and Julieta
Ramon and Julieta is a passionate story about community, heritage, culture, and of course - the power of love.
Synopsis: When fate and tacos bring Ramón and Julieta together on the Day of the Dead, the star-crossed pair must make a choice: accept the bitter food rivalry that drives them apart or surrender to a love that consumes them.
Ramón Montez always achieves his goals. Whether that means collecting Ivy League degrees or growing his father's fast-food empire, nothing sets Ramón off course. So when the sexy señorita who kissed him on the Day of the Dead runs off into the night with his heart, he determines to do whatever it takes to find her again.
Celebrity chef Julieta Campos has sacrificed everything to save her sea-to-table taqueria from closing. To her horror, she discovers that her new landlord is none other than the magnetic mariachi she hooked up with on Dia de los Muertos. Even worse, it was his father who stole her mother's taco recipe decades ago. Julieta has no choice but to work with Ramón, the man who destroyed her life's work--and the one man who tempts and inspires her.
As San Diego's outraged community protests against the Taco King take-over and the divide between their families grows, Ramón and Julieta struggle to balance the rising tensions. But Ramón knows that true love is priceless and despite all of his successes, this is the one battle he refuses to lose.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
Ramon and Julieta was truly an interactive story, and I was looking up recipes and finding new music while I read. I just loved the culture and food represented in this story. Y’all know I’m a complete foodie, so I loved reading about all the food, dishes, and how Julia’s mind worked when creating a new dish.
I also loved how Quintana Albertson combined culture and atmosphere in her writing of modern-day San Diego. I felt like I was right there as Julieta lived in and explored different parts of the city.
How was the romance?
I really enjoyed this modern-day retelling of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet. Although, I think this story packed so much more into it, and I just loved the family backgrounds and connections that kept me attached to their individual stories.
As for the romance itself - this was an enemies to lovers/insta-love with a bit of a slow burn, and the chemistry was palpable between the two.
I also really loved how it was the male lead (instead of the female), Ramon, who grew as a character throughout the story through Julieta’s influence.
Steam level - Open Door Romance with some excellent steamy scenes.
How was the pace?
This is a fast-paced story that will suck you in from the very beginning, and I devoured (pun intended) it in less than 24 hours…Which is a good thing because, I would have eaten my way through this story. Definitely don’t read this one with an empty stomach.
Do you recommend this book?
Yup! This is just so much more than a “fun” romcom. It is passionate, full of culture, and personal growth. I’m really hoping this is a start to a new series, so that I can see where the lives of Ramon’s brothers go.
P.S. The author, Alana Quintana Albertson has rescued 500 death-row shelter dogs! What an amazing woman!
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
