Lou’s Review: Guava Flavored Lies, by J.J. Arias

After hearing Sacha Black rave about Guava Flavored Lies on the Rebel Author Podcast, I knew I had to read it. Her book recommendations never disappoint. Plus, I adored Crossing the Line – J.J. Arias’ Age Gap romance. And while Enemies to Lovers isn’t usually my favourite, the premise of this novel is outstanding. Familiar tropes are reworked in a highly original, sizzling hot story.

The Machado and Campos families have been at war for three generations. Back in Cuba the patriarchs worked together at a bakery, and they set up a new shop after immigrating to North America. But a shadowy dispute over stolen recipes created a rift between the clans, and now they run rival businesses. Lauren Machado, heir to Pastry King, modernises recipes and blazes her own trail. Whereas Sylvie Campos – who has worked hard for over a decade to prove she’s more suited to leading King of Pastries than her layabout brother – is a staunch traditionalist.

The feud has caused both families stress and sorrow. It even swallowed the fleeting highschool romance between Lauren and Sylvie. With competing stalls at all the same events, they’ve never forgotten each other. Plus, they share a passion for their careers and community – along with an extraordinary work ethic. The sparks never stopped flying. And when Sylvie investigates the root cause of their rivalry, this relationship grows even more complicated.

Guava Flavored Lies is a fantastic read. Though we don’t get to taste the delicious treats described (which is a pity, because Lauren’s vegetarian recipes sound dope), Cuban culture can be felt throughout the story. It’s there in the music Lauren and Sylvie dance to; the idioms and Spanish language woven through dialogue; and – of course – through two businesses so successful because they offer this community an authentic taste of home. And this dimension to the story makes Guava Flavored Lies feel even more heartfelt. I really do love the richness of #OwnVoices books.

Also, the dynamic between Lauren and Sylvie is amazing. As a general rule I don’t read Enemies to Lovers – I think because of the fucked up way patriarchal culture tells girls that manifestations of toxic masculinity are proof boys like them. My old Religious Education teacher was convinced the boy who bullied me through primary and secondary school would end up my husband – I sometimes wonder if this made me become a lesbian out of spite (*Joking: it was actually because of Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada). But in sapphic books I’m certainly starting to see the appeal of Enemies to Lovers.

Even when they’re fully bought into the feud their great-grandfathers started, Lauren and Sylvie have empathy for each other. They’re protective emotionally and physically. And these repeated demonstrations of values are what make them so lovable, both individually and as a couple. The kindnesses Lauren and Sylvie show each other between arguments, that gradual building of trust, is utterly delicious. Arias strikes the perfect balance of tenderness and snark.

But even when Lauren and Sylvie let go of the animosity, their relationship retains all that passion. It just as other, even more satisfying outlets! The spice in Guava Flavored Lies is outstanding. Sensual, smutty, and visceral. And everything about it feels personal, specific to these two characters and their shared dynamic. This is exactly how it should be with romance.

Another thing I love about Guava Flavored Lies is the humour. While Romeo and Juliet is a clear influence – “two households, both alike in dignity” – Guava Flavored Lies has more in common with Shakespeare’s comedies. Because this book is hilarious.

Arias is razor-sharp with dialogue, plus her metaphors and similes create wicked moments of observational humour. Combined with her stellar characterisation, Arias had me in stitches. Jokes in romance novels don’t always work for me, but every confrontation between the clans had me tearing up. It’s simultaneously so goofy yet utterly believable that grown adults would sacrifice their dignity for a chance of showing up their sworn enemies.

If you haven’t already, then do yourself a favour and read Guava Flavored Lies. This book is sensational – so good it changed my opinion on an entire trope. This romance exemplifies the very best of the genre, with an uplifting message: it’s never too late to let go of the past by choosing the present, building a better future.

*Also a joke – I don’t believe we choose our sexualities.