Island Affair
A Fun Summer Love Story
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4.2 • 247 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
From the USA Today bestselling authorof West Side Love Story, an acclaimed romantic comedy series with its own set of complex family dynamics set in Key West, Florida filled with humor, fake dating, Latinx culture, and perfect for summer beach reading…
Goodreads, Bookish, & Glitter Guide Best Of & Most Anticipated Books | Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, Booktrib, & Smexy Books Most Anticipated Romances | Frolic Book of the Week
“I finished Island Affair with a big smile on my face. I can’t decide what I adored more: Luis and Sara’s love story; their relationships with their complicated and difficult and loving families, or the setting of Key West, which sounded so beautiful I wanted to jump on a plane. I can't wait to read more by Priscilla Oliveras!” —New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory
Sought-after social media influencer Sara Vance, in recovery from an eating disorder, is coming into her own, with a potential career expansion on the horizon. Despite the good news, her successful siblings (and their perfect spouses) have a way of making her feel like the odd one out. So, when her unreliable boyfriend is a no-show for a Florida family vacation, Sara recruits Luis Navarro—a firefighter paramedic and dive captain willing to play the part of her smitten fiancé . . .
Luis’s big Cuban familia has been in Key West for generations, and his quiet strength feeds off the island’s laidback style. Though guarded after a deep betrayal, he’ll always help someone in need—especially a spunky beauty with a surprising knowledge of Spanish curse words. Soon, he and Sara have memorized their “how we met” story and are immersed in family dinners, bike tours, private snorkeling trips . . . sharing secrets, and slow, melting kisses. But when it’s time for Sara to return home, will their fake relationship fade like the stunning sunset . . . or blossom into something beautiful?
“A captivating love story.” —Farrah Rochon, USA Today bestselling author
“Priscilla Oliveras writes about families and love with warmth and charm. If you love nuanced characters and big emotions, read her books.” —HelenKay Dimon, author of The Secret She Keeps
“Don’t miss this lovely beginning to Priscilla Oliveras’s new series. Can’t wait to take my next trip!” —Jamie Beck, USA Today bestselling author
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The beachy first romance in Oliveras's Keys to Love series (after His Perfect Partner) hits all the right beats of a fake relationship romance but rushes through them. Social media influencer Sara Vance planned to prove her stability to her judgmental siblings by bringing her first serious boyfriend on their family vacation, so when he stands her up at the last minute she needs to find a stand-in fast. Key West firefighter Luis Navarro is still reeling from his ex-fianc e's infidelity when he sees a distressed Sara in the airport parking lot and asks what's wrong. She responds with a desperate proposal that they fake a relationship. Though Luis's driving trait is his desire to help people, it's still a stretch to believe it when he agrees. Playing pretend leads Sara and Luis to connect on an emotional level, but both hesitate to share their feelings in fear that the other is faking it. Despite this, the majority of conflicts the pair encounters are conveniently dismissed as quickly as they're introduced, leading the romance to feel too easy. Though the sunny setting will put readers in a vacation state of mind, this is strictly for diehard fans of the fake boyfriend trope.
Customer Reviews
A celebration of family, love, and Key West!
This fun book really makes me want to travel to Key West. The author includes so many specific details that make the setting so real to the reader. The two main characters are good people who are overcoming past tragedies and family struggles. Their personal journeys towards healing were really moving, and I loved watching their relationship develop, which I sometimes struggle with in fake dating plots. The sexual tension was great too! Most of all, I loved that this book celebrated family, and especially the culture of the Navarro family. I’m excited to see them again in future books in the series.
3.5 stars
I liked this overall, but it dragged a bit. I felt certain intimacy was found too soon. It didn’t feel right. It continued to drag I tilt he end. I did get attached to the characters. I even cried for them. But even then, some of the heart-to-heart scenes could have been more developed. Those were sort of spread through while we were given lots of detail about less important events. Idk. It was good, but I think it could have been better with some editing and development.
Wrap up was rough!
The wrap up for this book was super quick - and disappointing.