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bookish_selkie 's review for:

5.0
adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success is the joyful and heartfelt tale of Rubi. Captain of the debate team, baker at her parent’s bakeries, and soon to be a first-generation college student- Rubi does it all. Then she’s  unexpectedly waitlisted for her first choice college. When her parents overhear a phone call and misunderstand, suddenly everyone thinks that she got in and celebrates. To avoid disappointing them, Rubi must do as much as she can to clear the wait list. Luckily, she has a gorgeous math tutor, a Bake-Off competition, and loyal friends to help her achieve her dreams. 

I loved this book! Rubi is so charming and I loved reading about her adventures as she tries to get into her first choice college. The romance was sweet and delightful! I loved all the food puns, Rubi’s resilience, and the complicated love between Rubi and her parents. Rubi’s Cuban parents are set on Rubi not following in their baking footsteps, as they sacrificed so much for her. It was amazing to see Rubi learn more about their relationship with Cuba and discover her own dreams. Rubi has a loyal friend group, especially Devon and Ryan! Rubi Ramo’s Recipe for Success was a sweet and delectable read and you definitely dough not want to miss it. (Had to make Rubi proud with the food puns!) 

Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success carries the message that it’s never too late to adjust your dreams and that you should always be true to yourself. It is filled with joy, baking puns, and a sweet romance. I highly recommend it and also make sure to have delicious snacks available while reading! Readers who enjoy Samantha Markum (You Wouldn’t Dare), Jonny Garza Villa (Ander & Santi Were Here), and Laura Taylor Namey (A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow) should check this book out. 

Thank you so much to Jessica Parra, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.