A Summer to Start Over
by Sera Taíno
Finding Love in Soledad Bay - Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Reviewed by PJ
She needed help…
He needed to begin again.
Single mom Indya Linares has always been Ms. Independent—especially when her family’s hurricane-ravaged resort is at stake. But when Indya’s boat breaks down at sea, she’s forced to accept help from a handsome stranger who immediately makes her heart beat faster. Who would have imagined that he’s also her stubborn mother’s pick for a new facilities manager extraordinaire? After Santiago Pereira left Venezuela to begin again in Soledad Bay, he’s got something to prove to his family…and a mission to bring his daughter back to him. But when Santi just can’t stop thinking about his new boss, will hospitality take on a new meaning for them both?
PJ's Thoughts:
A Summer to Start Over launches Sera Taíno's Finding Love in Soledad Bay series with a Latinx, multi-cultural contemporary romance that kept me entertained from start to finish.
Taíno knows how to immerse readers in a setting. This time, it's the upper Gulf coast of Florida, in a culturally diverse small town recovering from a hurricane. The breath-stealing sunsets, drool-inducing aromas emanating from Greek, Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan kitchens, abundant fishing, fresh Gulf breezes, and Spanish sprinkled throughout give the story authenticity that had me feeling as though I was an actual guest at Indya's family's resort.
I appreciated the layers of both Santi and Indya. These two have some emotional baggage to deal with along with a relationship dynamic that's gender flipped from what I usually see (she's the boss, he's her facilities manager). The complications of their evolving relationship, not only because of past emotional wounds but also with current family dynamics and life obstacles make them seem realistic and relatable. It made me like them and pull for them even more. I also loved the instant chemistry but slow-burn romance between them, especially those boat scenes. ;-)
The supporting cast is vividly depicted, offering up humor, conflict, friendship, support, and a look into issues many immigrants currently face. I'm hoping we'll see more of them, especially Indya's two best friends, in books to come.
Have you read Sera Taíno yet?
Do you enjoy books that offer views into cultures different from your own?
Have you ever gone deep sea fishing?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, May 11 will receive a signed print copy of A Summer to Start Over.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
Never read her before. I love books that explore other cultures. Never been deep sea fishing.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered her last year. She has a trilogy set in NYC that I also enjoyed.
DeleteThis is a new to me author. I enjoy stories of characters from different cultures. I have lived and worked among people from different cultures and learned so very much. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy learning about other cultures.
DeleteI have not yet read Sera Taino.
ReplyDeleteI took comparative culture courses in college and I have always enjoyed exploring how the cultures around the world and within our own country differ and are the same. I find it interesting and fascinating.
I have not been deep sea fishing. My husband and 2 daughters went , I stayed home with our infant son. The sea was rough and they, as well as most of the others on the boat, got serious cases of seasickness. I know none of my family will ever go out again.
Thank you for the review. It sounds like a good book and series.
I discovered Sera at an author-reader event in Orlando last year and have been enjoying her books. Like you, I appreciate other cultures and enjoy learning more about them.
ReplyDeleteSera's novels are wonderful. I appreciate reading and learning about other cultures. I have never gone deep sea fishing.
ReplyDelete