Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M Lopez
“Full Moon Over Freedom” delves into the journey of Gillian, the second sister from the Milagro Street series. Gillian’s relentless pursuit of perfection has defined her life, spanning both her career and marriage. Yet, as the walls around her achievements crumble, she is forced to confront the feasibility of her lofty aspirations. Returning to her hometown, fate reunites her with the charismatic Nicky, an old flame whose memory she has never relinquished.
As their paths align once more in a professional capacity, the dormant passion between them threatens to reignite.
While “Full Moon Over Freedom” delivers a heartwarming and fervent romance, it didn’t quite captivate me like its predecessor did. Gillian’s relatability is evident, but her perspective didn’t engage me as much as her sister Alex’s did in the first installment. The narrative heavily centers on Gillian’s personal struggles, encompassing a fractured marriage and life-altering choices. Yet, these themes didn’t resonate with me as strongly. Despite the fervent romance, the lack of a gradual buildup left me wanting, especially given the protagonist’s past relationship. As an aficionado of slow-burn romances, this aspect left me somewhat unsatisfied. Still, it’s worth noting that this book boasts a formidable female lead and, for enthusiasts of magical realism, it holds the potential to charm.
In the acknowledgments at the conclusion of the book, the author reveals that Nicky Mendoza holds the distinction of being her inaugural Mexican American hero. Nicky’s portrayal is so compelling that it left me yearning for an even deeper exploration of his character. Haunted by the specters of trauma and profound loss, Nicky’s journey is a pivotal one. However, his personal evolution somewhat recedes into the background, juxtaposed against Gillian’s arc, until the story’s final chapters.
Book Stats
Rating: 3.5/ 5
Series: Milagro Street
Interconnected Standalones
Tropes: small-town, second-chance, single-parent
Pop: 81% – present / 8% Flashback
Book 1 Milagro Street Review:
Listen to a Quick Shot of Romance Review
