April 24, 2023
Albertson sparkles in her second Love and Tacos romance (after Ramón and Julieta), a riff on The Taming of the Shrew. First-generation Mexican American Carolina Flores is one of California’s “top female farmers,” but her life is dominated by her conservative father, with whom she lives and who is so old-school that he won’t allow her younger sisters to date until Carolina finds a boyfriend. Enter Enrique Montez, a third-generation Mexican American and heir to fast food empire Taco King, who hopes to strike a partnership with Carolina’s farm. Carolina is uninterested—until her father mistakes him for her boyfriend and Enrique agrees to play along. After a storm strands the pair in Carmel overnight, however, Carolina’s father claims she’s shamed the family by spending the night with a man and kicks her out. Newly independent, Carolina must discover who she is without her father making all her choices for her—and where Enrique fits into her future. Albertson’s refreshing, nuanced tale captivates, exploring issues of racial identity, immigrant culture, and breaking free from abusive dynamics—and offering tasty descriptions of tacos along the way. A strong supporting cast (especially Carolina’s sassy younger sister Blanca) adds to the fun. Readers will be enchanted.
June 10, 2024
In Albertson's second installment in the "Love & Tacos" series (following Ram�n and Julieta), Taco King heir Enrique Montez seeks out gorgeous farm owner Carolina Flores for a business venture. Carolina turns down Enrique's offer to supply produce for his fast-food chain, but she does take him up on his being the Joseph to her Mary for Las Posadas. When her traditionalist father in his sickbed mistakes Enrique for Carolina's boyfriend, she doesn't correct him. As the two get to know each other during their pretend dates, their feelings begin to grow. Christophe Landa and Vanessa Vasquez pleasantly perform as Enrique and Carolina in this loose retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. Landa's Enrique is smooth and self-assured. Vasquez's Carolina has confidence when it comes to her farm but seems to doubt herself whenever she is around Enrique. While discussions about the plight of farmers and Catholic Mexican family values give the audiobook substance, repetitive discussions about Enrique and Carolina's feelings are unnecessary fodder. VERDICT Give to listeners who enjoy adaptations of classic stories, such as Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev.--Anjelica Rufus-Barnes
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