This was SO good. One of the best romances I've read this year for sure. I loved the two main characters, and I thought the contrast between their circumstances was really well-played.

Also, this is very sexy. Daria writes great sex scenes.

Two thumbs up! Will happily recommend.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the digital ARC!

I picked this one up because I serve a predominately Mexican and Puerto Rican community and also I love soap operas, and it was really cute. While some of it felt like it dragged on forever and there were plot points that were overdeveloped and some that were underdeveloped, overall this was a very fun read and easily one of my favorite covers of the year.

This book was amazing! Strong plot! Powerful characters! A plot that held my attention the entire time!!!! I couldn’t put it down. I needed to find out what happened next!

After a messy breakup Jasmine is hoping a staring role in a new romantic comedy will spruce up her reputation. She has a plan in place, a "Leading Lady Plan", to ensure success. What she isn't prepared for is her new costar, Ashton Suarez. He's charming, good looking, and their chemistry is smoking hot. When rehearsals turn into something real can Jasmine stick to her plan, or will she throw it all away for love?
This was the first book I read by Alexis Daria, but I had been hearing the buzz around it for months sp I was excited to read this book as soon as it hit my approved list on NetGalley. I loved both of the main characters, especially the emotional depth she explores in both Jasmine and Ashton. I especially liked that Daria gave us a compelling but shy and unsure hero, so different than the norm of brash "alpha-holes" in contemporary romance. His determination to guard himself was, at times, frustrating to me as a reader but made sense based on his character. Jasmine's determination to rise above the bad breakup, her commitment to living her dream as a leading lady, her strength of character, and her desire to be loved were all relatable and endearing characteristics.
What slightly didn't work for me was that some of the pacing of this book got a bit confusing because we are switching between the two main character's POV plus some scenes from the show. I also am not the biggest fan of slower burn romances, and found it frustrating to wait for these two passionate people to finally get together. However, when they do get together it was very enjoyable to read and their chemistry was nearly incendiary.
I have always been a fan of "soapy" television or book plots and this book did not disappoint. Both the cast of the show and the secondary characters in the main couple's real life were fun and interesting. There were several laugh out loud moments for me, which is rare these days and was very much appreciated. This book has been frequently compared to the popular CW show Jane the Virgin, and I would agree it has a similar vibe. I think anyone that enjoys some angst, drama, passion, and heart with their books will enjoy this novel.

DNF @ 27%. I really wanted to like this one. I love the cover and the comparison to Jane the Virgin definitely intrigued me. There were just too many little things adding up that didn't work for me. My biggest problem was how the scenes from the tv show were written. It starts out with just a bit of script direction to set the scene, but instead of staying in script format, it goes back to the normal narrative style. And instead of describing things from Jasmine's POV as she acts the scene, it described them as if Carmen, the character she's playing, was experiencing them. And we would get Carmen's feelings and internal monologue, but then there would be some thoughts from Jasmine interspersed with those and it was just weird. I know I'm not explaining it well, but it just really threw me off. There were a few other little things, too, that just ended up making this book a chore for me to get through. While both the main characters and their families were likable enough, I just didn't really connect with them and I don't really care enough to keep reading this. That said, I have seen some really good reviews for this book, so I'm sure many others will love it.

Alexis Daria brought it with You Had Me at Hola. She gave us diversity with intention, she gave us sex-positive romance scenes, and she gave characters who had real heart. Some of the dialogue was a little cheesy and events were a little much toward the end, but it all tracks with the fact that the whole story is based around a telenovela. In fact, it'd be weirder if Daria didn't turn the drama up to an 11.

And on a scale of one to steamy, this book is approaching "I think my head might've detached from my body and transcended dimensions only to explode" levels.

I'd say that the only true core issue I had was that the romance was a little awkward for the first third of the novel. Was it supposed to be enemies-to-lovers? Insta-love? Something else? I'm additionally apprehensive at any signs of a love story's stakes being based around very simple miscommunications. There were also some sections with quite a bit of telling instead of showing.

This one's around 3.5ish stars for me for those reasons, but definitely approaching four-star territory because of all of the other lovely parts of this novel. And I'm absolutely reading Alexis Daria's previous books and anything she writes in the future.

First, this cover is mesmerizing. I'm obsessed.

the great

Minus the magical realism, You Had Me at Hola gave me all the Jane the Virgin vibes. The tension between Jasmine and Ashton sizzled, and there was just enough buildup to not feel like instalove. They both have baggage, and they have to work through it if they stand a chance of being together. It was great to see a romance where things don't just happen to fall into place. I loved how we get to know their families, and the discussions of what their show will mean for Latinx representation were great and moving.

everything else

Parts at the beginning and end dragged a little. It also seemed that some of the major conflicts were a little contrived, but not to a degree so heightened that it felt like a real telenovela. Scenes from the TV show script were included at the beginning of some chapters, which was a fun way to incorporate that story. However, I'd like to have seen those scenes written like a screenplay, as the format chosen was a little confusing.

in summary

I'm so happy that this book exists. If you like strong, fleshed-out families and a grounded hate-to-love romance, this is for you. Plus, THE COVER, I CAN'T STOP LOOKING AT IT.

I received an ARC from Avon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome to the glamorous world of telenovelas! As a great fan of adapted telenovelas “Jane the Virgin”, “Ugly Betty”, I was so excited to get my hands on this book.

Two rising stars of LatinX community are excited to work on brand new show: Carmen in Charge. It will help both of them for polishing their careers and finding better places for them in the movie industry.
We’re introduced: hot blooded, fiery, genuine, entertaining, straightforward, friendly, social Jasmine: who recently moved to NY for her new gig, having hard time to prove her family she is good at her work and wish they show more respect to her career, broken hearted by her ending relationship and humiliated by her ex-douchebag boyfriend who is also notorious bad boy/rock star declared to the public he dumped her via tabloid magazines. (Yes: her situation is worse Than Jen Anniston who is miraculously being pregnant for 10 years according to the tabloids and had secret marriages at least 15 times with Brad Pitt!)

So she needs a clean state, fresh start, concentrating on her career. But it seems like it is impossible task when you have so freaking charming co-star and sharing so many intimate, hot kissing scenes with him. Yes, she starts falling fast and she needs to stop but does she really want to stop?

And what about Ashton? He is not young any more. He needs to focus on his career to realize his Hollywood dreams and getting better leading roles. His privacy is so important and nothing should attract the press’ blood thirsty attention to ruin his big secret. He has a 8 year old son lives in Puerto Rico and his one and only priority is being a good father and giving his son a happy life he deserved so he has no time for romance, especially flirting with co-stars but why Jasmine is way too much sexy and attractive. How will he resist her charm? There is too much at stake! But he cannot help himself to spend more time with her. And they’re just working on their lines and they’re sharing some secret kisses for the sake of their project. Right?

The most interesting thing about the book of is you read two romantic stories at the same time and I have to admit at some parts: I enjoyed telenovela’s plot more than the angsty and emotional love story of Jasmine and Ashton’s so I looked forward to read the script parts about Victor and Carmen: divorced couple, learning from their past mistakes and coming clean about their resentments, secrets , the intimate feelings they still have for each other.

I never see Ashton’s son as a big obstacle for their relationship and the angst part between them were a little unrealistic. They may talk with each other like normal adults.
But the passion and chemistry between them are strengths of the story. I also enjoyed girl power parts between cousins and Ashton’s family, even his 8 year old son acted more mature to his relationship than him. I loved those genuine, lovely characters.

It was entertaining, soft, sweet reading. I got some points because our hero earned so many slapping points from me. So I’m giving 3.5 stars and eventually I’m rounding them up to 4!

P.S: This book’s cover earns 5 stars! Look at this amazing illustration!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Collins Publishers for sharing this entertaining and feel-good ARC in exchange my honest review.

YAAAAAAS!

As a Latina (Puerto Rican) woman myself, I instantly gravitate towards this and I’m so happy to get my grubby little hands on it. It was a cute, fun read and even though the instant love vibes made me cringe more than I liked to admit, I actually enjoyed this. The plot, the storyline, the unfolding drama that didn’t seem to stop with the constant misunderstandings, our leading actors and their sizzling romance made this an instant page turner plus the cover is absolutely gorgeous. The only cons I would point out was the instant love (for obviously reasons) and the flow of the story. The POV between the lead characters and the TV characters didn’t transition as smoothly as it should have with the constant back and forth. Despite that, I had a decent reading experience with Alexis Daria’s latest release.

SO. SWEET. You had me at the cover!

4 darling stars for this celeb romance full of heart and dramaaa:

- I was captivated by the cover. Gorgeous. Those telenovela vibes. That color scheme. The art style. Absolute perfection.

- A wonderful homage to Latinx culture through family, food, and media.
The #ownvoices writing really shines as readers get to see Jasmine's large and loving, diverse family, as well as their events and relationships with one another. I also appreciated the rep of different cousins in the family having different backgrounds in their knowledge of Spanish. For example, Jasmine has a perfect accent but isn't fluent.

- Super sweet romance.
I enjoyed how the conflict came from both characters (not just one) and helped their individual growth. The resolution/epilogue, to me, was so well-written! First and foremost was the fact that despite being in a romantic relationship, the characters also remember to put themselves and their needs first. I think it's so important for this self-love part to happen before expanding to other relationships in life, and Daria writes it in really well.

- I liked the back-stage view of the television show Jasmine and Ashton worked on.
I don't know how authentic it is, but I really enjoyed the workshops with dancing and intimate moments like kissing that the characters had to go through. I thought it brought a lot more depth to the atmosphere of starring in a soap opera, and gave me a new perspective of behind-the-scenes in TV show production.

- Jasmine was amazing!
I loved her family (especially her lovable and fun cousins), and seeing her growth was really beautiful. I especially enjoyed the fact that the growth came from her own inner strength rather than from a romantic interest, and she recognizes that as well. (Powerful boss woman for the win!) She's emotional and tends to fall headfirst into a relationship, but she recognizes that and realizes she's much more than what other people think about her. She just has so much love to give! I do have to say, I was surprised at how little she reacted in the break-up she went through at the beginning of the book. The story definitely isn't centered around this detail, but I was curious to see such a lack of reaction.

- Ashton was a sweet, awkward, guarded hero.
He had a lot of burdens - family being first and foremost - that he struggled to handle, and a past he was scared of. I enjoyed seeing his interactions with his family (four generations of Puerto Ricans!), and his professional goal of making it big on-screen rather than wasting away in telenovelas. At the same time, he wants to keep his private life secret, which causes problems as well. I struggled to connect to him the most since I expected a bit more maturity (he was an older character) but at the end of the day he confronted his problems and showed growth.

- The casual diversity inserted, which includes a colorful Latinx cast with various cultural backgrounds.
I also enjoyed seeing the non-binary and trans characters seen in the entertainment industry. The book talks a little of Jasmine's struggles as a POC actress which was an awesome addition. In general, there were a lot of progressive events and dialogue that really endeared this writing to me. It definitely fit with the wholesome, heart-lifting energy that this book gave off.

Overall, YOU HAD ME AT HOLA is a contemporary romance that you don't want to miss! Personally I don't read celebrity books, but this one has such heart and empowerment that you just don't want to miss.

Trigger/Content Warnings: (mention of) death of a loved one via cancer, sexy times

Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for the review copy!

I generally enjoyed the novel, but ‘You Had Me at Hola’ fell flatter than I had hoped. I didn’t feel that Ashton had truly done all he needed to do to re-earn Jasmine’s trust and felt like Jasmine was deserving of a more compassionate, loving partner. I understand that Ashton had been through a lot and had a lot going on in his life, but I, unfortunately, didn’t find him to be a compelling protagonist.

ou Had Me at Hola
A Novel
by Alexis Daria
HarperCollins Publishers
Avon
Multicultural Interest | Romance
Pub Date 04 Aug 2020 | Archive Date 04 Aug 2020

Loved this book! I haven't read any of Alexxis Daria's books but this one was very good. Thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC. The cover is an eye-catcher and I will recommend this book.

I just adore this author and title. I love the cover too - this will be easy to sell to all our new and established romance readers.

Jasmine finds herself a recipient of tabloid fodder as the musician she was dating cheats on her and dumps her. She is about to start a new show called Carmen in Charge (imagine a Jane the Virgin-esque show) and the last thing she wants is to be in the tabloids, because of her dating life. Ashton is a last minute addition to the cast of Carmen in Charge. Ashton has had a bad experience with fame in the past, so he keeps his life as private as possible, including hiding his eight year old son. When Jasmine and Ashton meet their chemistry is sizzling. Now they both have to decide if an affair with a coworker is the path they want to take!

Jasmine and Ashton have amazing chemistry from the very start. I felt Jasmine’s character was so relatable and Ashton is a fantastic hero. I think what I loved the most about this book is that this is a romance where I didn’t take a side in the conflict. I understood both characters' viewpoints and motivations due to the backstory Daria provides throughout the book. I also loved Jasmine’s relationships with her two cousins. They know her so well and don’t judge her for her mistakes. They are the perfect support system for her and are a great addition to the book! There are so many great things about this book. The diversity, the nod to therapy at the end of the book, family dynamics, I loved it and it was exactly what I needed to read right now!

Fun and sexy! I loved everything, especially the discussions of consent! Jasmine is a fierce romantic heroine and the relationships between her and Ashton had me cheering for them from the first meeting.

When I say that I love Alexis Daria and her romances, I MEAN I LOVE ALEXIS DARIA AND HER ROMANCE! I've been anticipating this book since the moment she mentioned it in her newsletter over a year ago. I prayed to whoever was up there and willing to listen that I would get an ARC and I was fortunate enough to have my prayers answered.

One of the things I love most about her books are how diverse and inclusive they are. Reading a book where such a diverse cast is seen as the norm and I'm able to relate to each character in little ways, it means a lot to me. I love the way that she writes family and culture!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the romance so much however I do have to say two things bothered me and stopped me from giving this 5 stars:

1. I felt like the romance (swoony, though it was!) was just a tad bit...insta-lovey? It felt like enough hadn't happened for the amount of feelings that these characters had for each other or their expectations from each other. I don't necessarily feel like it was that for Ashton(though it was still a bit question mark for me at times) but it certainly was insta-lovey for Jasmine which leads to me second complaint

2. I loved Jasmine and how real and honest she was about who she was and what she needed to work on to be better but baby girl...

I hate myself for saying this because I loved Jasmine but she's also kinda of a weak heroine. And the thing is, she also kind of knows this about herself and wants to be better, wants to not be the girl who wraps her entire self-worth around whether or not a guy likes her or not but she always seems to fail. Even with Ashton, we see her trying for once to not be the clingy girlfriend who does desperate things to keep his attention but she struggles and often, even when mad at him, gives in very easily. There was some growth in the third quarter of the book but it didn't feel deserved and it didn't really feel legit. It felt too rushed and like the author was trying to wrap up everything in a bow but hadn't spent enough time really building the foundation of this character growth (ex: showing her slowly over time become the girl who can hold her stand in front of the guy she has feelings for instead of quickly giving in) that when it happened, I didn't really believe in it. She said the words about her being good enough on her own without a man, but I didn't see it. I guess it was one of those things where I needed to see it rather than hear the words.

I really did enjoy this book though and I loved that it was about filming a TV show! I feel like that's not something you see often in romance and I was so interested in learning how filming goes and learning about the other actors. I cannot wait to see what Michelle's book will bring; low-key kept thinking I could see her having a great f/f romance but there's no indication of that in the book, it's just wishful thinking on my part I think LOL. Anyway, my point is: READ THIS BOOK! And also all of Alexis Daria's book because they are all really good!

Love the Jane the Virgin vibes from this one! It was a fun, very modern romance and I appreciate that.

4.5 Stars! I found myself missing some of the humor from the beginning of the story as it went on, and I also wanted to like the hero a little earlier than I did, but overall, this was one of the most perfect romances I've read in a while! Such a great read and highly recommended!

FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR! I absolutely adored this book, the representation and the telenovela storyline. I interviewed Alexis for the show and it was a fun conversation. Can't wait to release it.

I have been going back and forth on my rating for this one. First things first, this cover is absolutely stunning! Second, I didn’t love this as I anticipated to. It really sucks when your expectations let you down. I wanted a really cute romance and a look at the background of telenovelas. I got the latter but not the cute romance I wanted.

I had a hard time connecting to the story. Maybe it was the third person POV or the actual flow of the story. I just know that I couldn’t fully emerge myself in it and towards the end, I kept checking my kindle percentage to see how much longer I had.

I enjoyed our main character, Jasmine. She wore her heart on her sleeve and just wanted to be loved. It was relatable because who honestly hasn’t felt like that? No matter how many times she’s been burned, she still opened her heart up to the possibility of love.

"Was it so much to ask for a loving, committed relationship with someone who unconditionally loved and accepted her for who she was?”

Ashton on the other hand never grew on me. He made himself so guarded and unapproachable outside of working. I get that he had a secret that he wanted to protect, but he just came off so distant and it never seemed to change throughout the story. I also didn’t like the way he acted once his secret was revealed. He acted like a little boy who got his feelings hurt rather than a grown man who needed to handle things with a calm head.

With my feelings on Ashton and his actions, you can probably tell that this relationship to me wasn’t a great one. I really kept thinking that Jasmine deserved more. Someone more emotionally available really.

Besides my feelings on the romance and Ashton, I also had issues with the flow of the story. We were switched between Jasmine and Ashton’s story and the show POV that they were shooting. It was hard to really keep up with the change because it was one and the same. What I mean by that is that the show’s storyline seemed to be the same as their story.

All in all, I feel like so many people are going to enjoy this one, it just wasn’t for me.