Flying to Key West with Anchored Hearts
I absolutely loved Island Affair and so, I wanted to jump on the train to Key West again and was lucky enough to obtain an advanced reader’s copy of Anchored Hearts.
Anchored Hearts focuses on Luis’ younger sister, Anamaria who is focused on getting her fitness and nutrition company up and running, while also nursing a wounded heart that her ex, Alejandro left her with when he took off 10 years ago to pursue his dream but excluding her in the process. Alejandro is back on the island, the last place he wants to be, because of an injury he incurred while hiking in another country. He has no choice but to stay has his parents home to recover and tries to avoid his estranged papi as much as possible. When circumstances such as meddling mamis force Anamaria and Alejandro together, they begin to frequently remember why they were so good together and their faults for why they broke up.
This second chance romance was such a delight to read and lived up to my most ultimate favourite trope. It’s filled with a lot of family dynamics that you begin to feel like you’re right there sitting at the kitchen table as a part of the familia, along with delicious food mentions and of course, close door steamy moments. The complicated relationship between Alejandro and his papi and Anamaria (along with her family) helping Alejandro work through it was so sweet.
There are a few quotes that made me laugh out loud and I had to share one that friends of mine who could relate to:
Together they shuffle-twisted toward the mattress in a move that had them imitating two middle schoolers at their first dance, awkwardly holding each other at arm’s length. Leaving room for the Holy Spirit between them, like the nuns at St. Mary’s used to warn the students.
There were also moments of frustration with Alejandro and Anamaria not realizing what each other felt had me nearly pulling my hair out because their pride and stubbornness got in the way of getting back together again. But although there were these frustrating moments, there were so many more tender moments that melted your heart and made you feel sympathetic for them too. One such moment was when Alejandro just received another rebuke from his father and Anamaria came over to console him; proving she knows him so well even after all the years apart and he thought:
Cono, how could she see what he felt for his father, yet not know what lay in his heart when it came to her?
Overall, it was a delightful read that makes you feel like you’re on the island soaking up some rays and loving life.
Thank you Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Book Description
Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn't been home to Key West in years--not since he left to explore broader horizons with his papi's warning echoing in his ears. He wouldn't be heading there now if it wasn't for an injury requiring months of recuperation. The drama of a prodigal son returning to his familia is bad enough, but coming home to the island paradise also means coming face to face with the girl he left behind--the one who was supposed to be by his side all along...
Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father's heart attack, there was no way she could leave--not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she's worked years to put out. And as motherly meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?