If you’re up for a good, painfully sad experience – which I know us readers are sometimes – Playa Crush is a great read to use up a box of tissues.

About the Book

After struggling to find a job since his university graduation, a young bisexual man, Max Velasco, reconnects with his former gay lover, Milo Dumont, a famous DJ and social media content creator. Impressed by his writing ability, Milo hires him to be a copywriter at his organization, Joie Media, a company that functions as a platform highlighting Milo’s brand for his online audience.

Max’s work soon takes him all over Mexico, where Milo pushes aside the harsh realities of the global pandemic and hopes to reignite the spark that he and Max had in high school.

But when Max falls in love with Diana Romero, a social media manager for Joie Media, Milo’s true nature is revealed. Max begins resenting his lack of a work-life balance and the pressures Milo places on him. It makes him desperate to move on from Joie Media before he’s stuck there for good.

My Thoughts

This was an incredibly emotional read. From the second-chance romance turned definitely illegal office romance to the adorable relationship with his sweet down-syndrome cousin, Max has a lot going on in this short book. This is a Covid-era book, and we all experienced a lot of ups and downs during this time, but wow, our main character in this one really got a lot thrown at him. Since I’m experiencing a lot right now, I might have been extra sensitive to it. But I really do think it was A LOT! For the majority of the book, it seemed like it was just mayhem and sadness for sadness sake. But it definitely wrapped up into a point. So hold out!

My absolute favorite part of this book was Max’s relationship with his down-syndrome cousin Bellita. She is a beautiful soul, and watching them interact is pure magic and joy. As the mother of a neurodivergent daughter, it was so beautiful to watch this gorgeous young woman thrive! As a panromantic, I also enjoyed the representation of a bisexual or possibly pansexual individual as a main character. It’s much more common to see gay or straight characters, but bi and pan characters need representation too. Having grown up in a time and area where no such representation was common, I’m excited at the plethora of media available now and am excited every time I see a new book.

As a fellow writer and former editor, I did notice that the writing was a little awkward in some places and could have used a bit more editing. So if that’s something that bothers you when reading, just be aware. Also, some characters switch between Spanish and English seamlessly without translation, so if you don’t have even a basic knowledge of Spanish you’ll need to keep a translator nearby. I was definitely thankful for my nearly two-year streak on the language bird app.

I am grateful to the author and Love Books Tours for including me on the tour.

Who’s It For?

If you enjoy emotional reads that pretty much obliterate you emotionally, this is a great book for you. If you enjoy representation – multicultural, sexuality, and neurodiversity, read this book.

Content Warnings: Relationship Abuse, including Abuse of Power; Covid-19 Illness, Lockdown, and Deaths; Unrequited Love; Drug and Alcohol Abuse; Flaunting of Covid-19 Rules and More

Question of the Day

Do you know Spanish? Or do you know a second language?

About the Author

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, copywriter, and digital marketer hailing from Montreal, Canada. With a passion for storytelling, his writing engages readers with a unique coming-of-age style and relatable narrative voice. He has made a mark in the literary world with his debut novel, “Socially Talented: Glen’s Memories,” published on May 17, 2022. Garnering acclaim from both reviewers and avid readers worldwide, the novel showcases Ian’s ability to tell a story that can connect with anyone.

Beyond his writing endeavors, Ian’s professional background as a digital marketer and copywriter adds depth to his literary expertise. With a good understanding of effective communication and storytelling, he brings a distinct perspective to his writing projects.

When he’s not immersed in writing his books, you can find Ian planning his next backpacking adventure, playing sports, or seeking inspiration at local Montreal cafés and terraces during the summer months. His diverse range of interests and experiences infuse his writing with a vibrant and relatable energy.

Connect with Ian on his website, blog, TikTok, Goodreads, and Instagram to stay updated on his latest projects, writing tips, and glimpses into his creative process.

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