Love of My Lives

Starred review from July 28, 2023

For as long as she can remember, Madi Ram�rez has been searching for her soulmate. As a teenager, her beloved grandmother visited her in a dream and revealed to her that the love of her life would have the initials J.R. Now in her 30s, Madi has pursued and failed at multiple relationships with men who matched her vision but didn't work out in real life. Just when she thinks that her current serious boyfriend (who has the right initials) is about to pop the question, he instead breaks up with her, leaving her heartbroken. Still hopeful, Madi embarks on a trip to spread her grandmother's ashes in her ancestral Puerto Rico, where she meets alluring tour guide Peter, with whom she goes on to spend an unforgettably magical evening. But despite their immediate and electrifying connection, he doesn't have the right initials to fulfill her vision. Now Madi must decide whether to give her feelings for Peter a chance, going against fate and everything she's held true. VERDICT This contemporary romance from M�ndez (Twice a Quincea�era), set on the enchantingly beautiful island of Puerto Rico, will delight readers who enjoy multicultural characters and storylines prominently featuring spirituality and travel.--Migdalia Jimenez

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 7, 2023
Méndes, in her catchy follow-up to Twice a Quinceañera, explores the idea of fated love. Yoga instructor Madi Ramírez learned the importance of fate from her late Puerto Rican grandmother, Alina, who years ago visited her in a dream and seemed to suggest that Madi’s soulmate’s initials will be J.R. As a result, Madi has dated a number of wrong men with the right initials. In Puerto Rico to scout venues for yoga retreats, she’s instantly smitten with her adventure tour guide, whom she believes to be named Javier Rodriguez, and thinks he may be the one. Then she learns that Javier called out sick, and the man she’s been crushing on is really named Peter. Though Madi tries to ignore her feelings, their chemistry is undeniable—but when her ex-boyfriend, Jayden, unexpectedly shows up at her hotel with an engagement ring, her love affair with Peter may be over before it can begin. Readers will easily root for both Madi, who lives and loves with her whole heart, and Peter, who so clearly is perfect for her, even if she refuses to see it. The beautiful Puerto Rican backdrop adds to the charm. This will appeal to armchair travelers and hopeless romantics alike. Agent: Linda Camacho, Galt & Zacker.