In fair San Antonio two star-crossed strangers share a kiss on a New Year’s Eve, only to discover they are rivals when they cross paths at a quinceañera. Angelo Montero and his fellow mariachi bandmate only party-crashed to observe their biggest competition, the all-woman mariachi band made up of the adopted daughters of Casa Capuleta. He didn’t expect to discover that one of the members is Mariana Capuleta, his mystery New Year’s Eve kiss. Mariana is struggling to balance her work as an ER nurse; applying for the physician’s assistant program; and trying to win the prize money from the Battle of the Mariachi Band competition so she can help solve her adoptive parents’ financial woes—which Mariana believes are created by Angelo’s uncle. Mariana has no time for a romance with her family’s enemy, but as the competition wears on, their attraction only grows, straining both their hearts and their dedication to their families. VERDICT A sparkling tribute to the rivalries of Romeo and Juliet, with none of the tragedy and all of the swoony romance. Oliveras (Island Affair) paints with lush prose a lively mariachi scene and the community of the Capuletas’ and Monteros’ San Antonio. With its large cast of fun supporting characters, this should launch a continuing contemporary romance series.