A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria (Review by Shay Tibbs)

Rating: 4.75 ⭐

I just LOVED Alexis Daria’s first book in this series, You Had Me at Hola, so I was thrilled to get the chance to read and review this one – I ended up loving it even more than the first book, and I would highly recommend it to any romance reader who loves a bit of steam!

There’s just something about friends to lovers, especially books written with childhood friends that grab my attention, and Gabriel and Michelle were just what I needed to read. As former neighbors and best friends, who haven’t spoken since Gabe left her, his family and, what could’ve possibly been their future, behind when he turned 18.

That is until their jobs throw them together unexpectedly when Gabe’s successful gym decides to expand in his hometown, and they have to decide if they’re going to pick up their relationship where they left off – as just friends, OR maybe even more. Working together forces their close proximity that creates delicious tension, and gives us a trope we love, as Michelle tells Gabe she’ll only work with him on her terms, forcing them to face their past.

When I come across a series like this one with strong female friendships that add to the plot, they’re always a must-read, but as a book reviewer who LOVES to be able to read with my book club, I always look at the title as it would merit as a standalone title – and this one knocked it out of the park. Cue my extreme excitement for book 3, and honestly, everything Daria writes in the future, I’m a huge fan after reading and loving the first two.

Her contemporary writing style is both steamy and sweet, full of incredible friendships and strong characters that go after what they want and deserve. I love how she incorporates the Latinx culture and strong family ties, giving her characters such a solid sense of home, and at times expectations, wherever they are.

Add in some incredible bi representation in both main characters that I adored seeing, a little bit of fanfic writing, and Daria has given us another steamy romance that is sure to be one of this summer’s hottest reads.