Love of My Lives by Yamile Saied Mendez: Book Review

Love of My Lives is the newest release from Yamile Saied Mendez. Set to be released on September 26, 2023, by Kensington Books, Love of My Lives takes readers on a journey through Puerto Rico. At a young age, Madi was shown a glimpse of her true love in a dream. When she meets Peter, she is sure he’s the one, except he doesn’t match the image from her dreams. Which should she believe, her childhood dream or her adult heart?

I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Love of My Lives. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

Synopsis from Goodreads

Madi Ramírez has it all—a thriving career she loves, a successful boyfriend, and a wedding to plan—when he finally proposes. So why does she feel like there is something missing? Jayden even has the right initials—the JR that appeared to Madi years ago, in a dream visitation from her beloved, wise abuela. Madi’s friends think her expectations are too high—but she can’t help wishing for that dreamy feeling in real-life. Wishing that Jayden would show her a little more affection. That she could really believe they were meant to be . . .

When a business trip to Puerto Rico presents itself, Madi is quick to take it. She can finally scatter her abuela’s ashes on the beach, as she wished. And maybe time apart will remind Jayden how much Madi means to him—and maybe he’ll begin to show it. But in Puerto Rico, Madi finds something—well, someone—else. A man who makes her heart beat triple-time—and who feels as right as someone Fated—except for those nagging initials . . .

My Opinions

Love of My Lives is a quick read with plenty of will they or won’t they tension. When they finally do, the scene fades to black.

The descriptions of San Juan, and even more so the rainforest, make the reader want to book a trip ASAP. Everything is described as warm and welcoming, with the rainforest lush and green. There is also a discussion about Puerto Rico being ravaged by storms and earthquakes and struggling to rebuild due to a lack of government assistance. Along those lines, there is also a discussion about tourists, especially those from the “Mainland” (aka Americans), buying properties to rebuild and take from those who live on the island.

Overall, Love of My Lives is a decent read. Madi loves love and wants to find her perfect soul mate. And there is nothing wrong with that. But at times, she tends to be a bit immature about it. As the book progresses, she starts to mature about love.

If you’re looking for a quick read, with closed door intimacy, than you should give Love of My Lives a read.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.