A PROPOSAL THEY CAN'T REFUSE Vega Family Love Stories, Book 1

Valentina Ortiz narrates a rom-com set in the Chicago food scene. When their respective grandfathers hatch an outrageous plot to get them together, Kamilah Vega and Liam Kane have to fake a relationship. Ortiz's performance is outstanding; she smoothly channels Kamilah's insecurities about her place within her family, as well as her ambivalent feelings for Liam. Liam has unresolved emotional trauma, which Ortiz portrays with compassion and nuance, but he also cares profoundly for his family and friends. In her performance of the two grandfathers, one Puerto Rican and one Irish, Ortiz truly shines. Both are rascals and give the story its soul. Ortiz balances the humorous and emotional aspects of this story, making it deeply affecting listening. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2022]