Review: Romero by Elizabeth Reyes

This book is part of my 2013 TBR Pile Challenge.

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Romero
Elizabeth Reyes
Series: The Moreno Brothers #4
Publication date: October 24th 2011
Rating: ★★★★☆

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Prim and proper middle school teacher Isabel Montenegro always runs the opposite direction from men like Ramon Romero. A foul-mouthed, uneducated, loose cannon has no place in her careful plans. But instead of running away, Isabel is completely captivated. The intensity of his nature, while a bit daunting, mesmerizes her in ways she can’t begin to understand. She’s unwilling to walk away—even when her instincts are screaming at her to run.

Romero has no idea what he's getting himself into when he first kisses Isabel. Shocked at the passion she invokes in him, he believes he can keep his usual short fuse under wraps. Falling fast and hard for someone so flawlessly sweet only makes him more aware that he’s far from perfect. If she is ever witness to his biggest imperfection, he’s sure she’ll bail. But when her meddling sister does the worst thing imaginable—bring other men between him and his Izzy—that fuse is lit and all bets are off.

Can two people who are worlds apart teach each other how to love, or will the reality of their differences drive them apart? 

I honestly didn't know if I was going to like this one. The idea of taking the focus off of the Moreno brothers to write a story about one of the family's closest friend was great, but I didn't think I was gonna be able to get into it, especially considering the way Romero didn't appeal to me in all the other books. I think that was one of the reasons why it took me so long to read this, but I am so freaking glad I finally did!

Romero was raised by his two uncles and lives a life full of women, alcohol, and parties. He has a bad temper and an even worse mouth, and he makes no excuses for who he is and where he came from. He worked hard to open his own business, and he's seriously proud to how far he's come in life by his own merits.

Isabel comes from a different world than Romero's. Her family has money and sometimes cares more about appearances than happiness, and her sister Pat makes Izzy's life hell trying to control who she dates and what she does. All to make sure their family's name is not shamed.

When Izzy and Romero cross paths, everything turns upside down. Romero learns that sometimes letting his anger get the best of him is not a good thing, and Izzy finds the strength to stand up for herself and fight for what she wants.

We see a lot of sides to all of the characters presented in the story, and I cracked myself up reading about Romero interacting with his uncles. This was a really fun read, and Romero ended up being my favorite book of The Moreno Brothers series so far!