A Dish Best Served Hot

Vega Family Love Stories, Book 2

By: Natalie Caña

Narrated by: Valentina Ortiz

“From a comedic cast of supporting characters to an emphasis on the importance of community... A vibrant second-chance love story about repairing community and romantic connection."—Kirkus Reviews (STARRED)

“It’s a pleasure to watch [Caña's characters] develop over the course of the novel. This is a treat.”—Publishers Weekly (STARRED)

Santiago "Saint" Vega gets a second shot at love with Lola León, but when duty to his family forces him to do something she'll never forgive, will everything he's built come crumbling down?

Years ago, Saint walked away from the girl he loved to fulfill his duty. Now he’s struggling to build bridges between his drifting family, take on more responsibilities at his uncle’s construction company, figure out why his daughter refuses to talk at school and curtail his mischievous abuelo’s escalating pranks. Then she walks back into his life.

Social justice advocate Lola León has returned to Humboldt Park for two reasons: to help care for her dear abuelo and to serve the community center she loved, particularly the shelter for unhoused LGBTQIA+ youths. When she finds out that the Vegas are responsible for endangering both, she is more than ready to go to war—even if the boy she never forgot is standing at the front of the battlefield.

Neither of them expects to become allies in saving the shelter, helping Saint’s daughter or ending the decades-long feud between their grandfathers. They definitely don’t expect all of their old feelings to come rushing back. As Saint and Lola enter combat, they can’t help but wonder where the other’s true allegiance lies, and whether they’ll win these battles only to lose each other.

Vega Family Love Stories

Book 1: A Proposal They Can't Refuse

Book 2: A Dish Best Served Hot

©2023 Natalie Caña (P)2023 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

I loved this book

It was amazing going back into the Vega family. Both Saint and Lola were an incredible couple. Ever since the first book, I’ve always been serious about Saint and I’m so glad I finally got to see his story. Hopefully we get to see Leo’s story soon.

Amazing 2nd chapter to the Vega family!!!

A deeper dive into the Vega family & their neighborhood! So good! Can’t wait for Chapter 3…all about Leo?

Preachy, but I still liked

One needs to be tolerant of left-leaning views (social justice) to enjoy this book. I'm good with the ideals, but the preachiness did get a bit much at times.

Aside from the MC Lola, I enjoy all of the rest of the Vega Family Series characters. I think I just didn't like Lola a great deal, or, maybe not Lola exactly, but the "soap box" the author uses around Lola's situation and her life's work.
Example--Lola also railed against other things, such as fat-shaming. She kept insisting how proud, badass and sexy she was WITH her fatness. No one in the reading audience thought she was fat, none of the other characters thought she was fat. Only SHE kept going on about it. It's a picky point to the book overall, but it was the same for the preachiness about social & economic & political issues.

I still like this author, she has skill and wise things to say. I especially enjoy the strong intertwined family connection & love. Book 2 understands the psychology of trauma, anxiety, relationships, how a couple who disagree can talk to (and hear) each other, how they can survive what seems like insurmountable character differences.

The characters grow in this book--the best kind plot trajectory there is. Instead of the immature "blaming the other," they grow to learn what causes their own emotions and issues within their own selves. And they talk, like grownups, and learn about each other in the process.

So I'll stick with this author into the next book. The militant quality should go down, because there will be different main characters.

Natalie Cana can bring that fun element of Telenovela drama, love and humor. Since we got a hint at the next book's main characters--grandpa was scheming to set them up as this Book 2 ended--I think the next book will be better.

So cute! So real! Natalie and Valentina do it again!

I love this author/narrator duo. They capture the essence and spirit of our cultures and neighborhoods. I love that the author doesn’t shy away from systemic issues and weaves them into the story seamlessly. Truly a treat to listen to.

Abuelo's Rule

I loved Natalie Caña’s first novel, A Proposal They Can’t Refuse. So, I was doubly excited to be back with the Vega family again in book 2, A Dish Best Served Hot. It’s a second chance love story featuring the oldest Vega brother, Saint, a man who is all about responsibility for his family, his country, and now his daughter. There’s no room in his life for romance, but when his childhood sweetheart returns to the neighborhood after years apart, he feels the old tug in a big way. Lola León has returned to Humboldt Park to care for her grandfather. She’s a warrior for social justice and cannot turn her back when a shelter for homeless youths is under threat. Equally unable to resist her attraction to Saint, they quickly become blissfully entangled. Saint wants to help Lola but gets concerned when her activism captures the media’s notice. Saint may have to choose between love and his daughter’s safety, when Lola’s high-profile involvement draws attention from some dangerous people. Caña creates an immersive world of rich characters, complex story, and deep romance. I also adore the grandpas, their mischief, their love, and their heroism. Natalie Caña’s narrator, Valentina Ortis, is outstanding. I only wish I could listen to the next book NOW! Look for Sleeping with the Frenemy in June 2024. #23for23

Anxiously waiting…

I can’t wait for book #3 to see what happens with Leo & Sofi relationship. I love the story line.

A modern day novela!

I liked the flow of the stories. The characters were fun and thought provoking. I enjoyed this novel. I’m mostly grateful to hear stories from the Latino community and in Spanish; muchas gracias mi gente!

I Enjoyed The Story

I enjoy multi generational, multi cultural stories. But I also enjoy this story because 77 years ago when I was born, my parents lived with my grandparents on Humboltd Blvd. I don’t even know if the street has the same name anymore. I grew up in Chicago but no longer live there. I still enjoy hearing stories with references to where I lived.

Fresh and fast paced romance!

I adored how the author blended the storyline, the cultural relevance, and the witty dialogue. Saint and Lola feel right together. They’re courageous, thoughtful, and 100% dedicated to their mission. And Saint’s family is hilarious.

So good!!

I love Natalie’s books! I read the first book and have been hooked since! Great writing, story, and narration!