West Side Love Story: an old family feud and a forbidden romance

West Side Love Story is the first book in the Queens of Mariachi series by Priscilla Oliveras. A feud has placed two families at odds for each other until two of their children meet and share an unbelievable kiss. Mariana grew up in the nurturing household of Casa Capuleta with her loving adoptive parents, Arturo and Berta, and her eight adoptive sisters. The sisters formed an all-girls mariachi band, Las Nubes. To help the family’s financial issues in the fast changing San Antonio, the sisters have entered the Battle of the Mariachi Bands with the prize money would more than help the family and their community center. It would also mean competing against Hugo Montero, their father’s archnemesis, and his band. Angelo Montero knows that Casa Capuleta is off-limits but he is drawn to the beautiful Mariana. Mariana is equally drawn to the gorgeous Angelo. As their secret affair intensifies and the competition heats up, a storm of betrayals and rivalries. Angelo and Mariana vow to bring peace to their families.  Can a forbidden love heal a decades-long rift?

Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and the West Side Story, West Side Love Story brings the story of star-crossed lovers into the world of mariachi and Latin culture. It is a lighthearted approach to the concept of the star-crossed lovers. There are no deaths and a happy ending. I enjoyed the author’s use of Spanish in the story as well as the translations in the surrounding context. The romance was sweet and I definitely rooted for them. The conflict between the families seemed to be a reach and like most feuds, the origins seem to get lost to time and anger. I loved the familial bonds between the Capuletas. I’m not a big fan of mariachi music but the author’s descriptions of the bands’ outfits, instruments and music were so beautifully done that I could instantly picture the band playing. And while I’m not a big fan of the Romeo and Juliet type stories, overall, I enjoyed West Side Love Story. If you enjoy insta-live, forbidden romance with a happy ending, you will enjoy West Side Love Story. 

West Side Love Story is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook