Review: "Finally You" by Claudia Burgoa

Congratulations to author Claudia Burgoa on the release of her latest novel, "Finally You," book #1 of the Luna Harbor series. It's a spinoff of the Baker's Creek Billionaire Brothers series, but reads as a standalone. (The lead character of this book, Manelik Cantu, is the drummer for Beacon Aldridge's band, Too Far from Grace.)

Manelik Cantu and Nydia Vega-Knapp were childhood neighbors and best friends who became teenage sweethearts, but their relationship ended abruptly soon after Nydia's 18th birthday. A decade or so later, Nydia lives on the farm she inherited from her grandparents in Luna Harbor and runs a lavender/natural products shop in town. She dreams of selling her products on a larger scale but doesn't have the capital to invest in scaling up production or improving her website and branding. Meanwhile, Manelik has become a famous drummer as part of the band Too Far from Grace, and has a secret second career as an operative with The Organization, a high intelligence security firm. He never planned to return to Luna Harbor, but when his grandfather's cancer returns and he and Manelik's father must travel to Seattle for his treatments, Manelik and his siblings agree to take over his grandfather's businesses on a temporary basis. When he realizes that Nydia still lives in Luna Harbor, he decides to take the opportunity to get closure on their relationship. However, Nydia is determined to avoid him. Just being near Manelik causes her pain, and as far as she's concerned, the past is better left behind them.

Manelik and Nydia were both likeable protagonists, but I have to admit that it was frustrating having to wait so long for them to finally talk about what had happened between them when they were younger. That said, this was not a typical "big misunderstanding" situation, and the bits and pieces that were revealed along the way made for compelling reading. I couldn't wait to find out the truth, even though it was heartbreaking.

"Finally You" wasn't always an easy read, but it was ultimately satisfying, and I highly recommend it for fans of emotional/angsty contemporary romance. Despite the marketing, I wouldn't exactly describe this book as a romantic comedy, though there were a few lighthearted/amusing moments (mostly involving secondary characters). I look forward to the next book in the series.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.  

 

About "Finally You"

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a snarky and sassy small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, a second chance romance and big laughs.

Sometimes what you’re looking for is right where you left it.

Every summer Mane Cantú came to Luna Harbor to visit his grandfather.

When we were teenagers we fell in love.

We promised to be each other’s forever.

He promised to come back for me.

Spoiler alert: he broke all of the promises.

I grew up, but that big heartbreak was it for me. I built a successful lavender farm and a shop and that’s now my only priority.

All is well until Mane’s grandfather falls ill and all the Cantú family comes back to Luna Harbor. For good.

What’s worse is that Mane’s now famous. Like, real-life famous, not Luna Harbor famous. He made a name for himself with his band and he and his perfect face dare to open a bar next to my store with his bandmates.

Well, he may have started the war, but I plan to finish it.

Except now we’re seeing each other everywhere, and I’m starting to remember the way we used to be.

Still, I’m sticking to my guns. I’m not falling for the prodigal son.

Until one kiss changes everything.