REVIEW: The Best Man’s Problem by Sera Taíno

The Best Man’s Problem Sera Taíno is a forthcoming release from Harlequin Special Editions. It’s coming out on February 21^st which is just in time to be a late Valentine’s Day gift for avid romance readers. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. This title is the second in that Navarro family series, but I hadn’t read the first book and it didn’t present a problem for me.

This book begins with wedding arrangements. Phillip and Val are getting married, and Étienne Galois is the best man. Rafael Navarro is a groomsman. Normally, this wouldn’t present a problem, but the two men shared a kiss in the past that was heated and impulsive.

Rafael fled from the connection in spite of the fact that it was amazing because he just doesn’t “do” impulsive. High School teacher Rafael is a planner, he likes to control where he’s headed – and possibly there’s more going on that he doesn’t want to deal with.

Étienne is almost Rafael’s opposite. He’s impulsive and fluid, moving through life and letting it take him on an adventure. The fact that Étienne survived the horrendous earthquakes in Haiti has prompted him to live his life freely; he’s a free spirit and wants to go where life takes him.

The two men are thrown together when Val asks them to partner up on the best man’s duties. Étienne is a busy photographer and Rafael can provide some backup. Secretly it seems, the friends are determined that Étienne and Rafael would be a great couple but that’s not in the cards for the two reluctant co-planners.

The attraction between them is undeniable and soon they are expanding their partnership beyond working on a Batchelor party. When hearts get involved, things get complicated and Rafael bolts once more.

This book is rich in diversity! There are some lovely descriptions of Caribbean, and Latinx culture, food, and family… it’s got a great feel to it. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the way that MC’s respective cultures were woven into the story.

This is a great HEA and I enjoyed it.

I did have some minor issues with some of the language choices. I found that some of the language was a bit overly descriptive for my liking… there were a few odd word choices. The author, at one point, referred to eyes as pellucid and although it was meant to be complementary all I could think of was Pellucid Marginal Degeneration which gives peoples’ eyes a clouded and bizarre look.

Overall, a solid story.