Quite good.
However I think it was a bit slow paced and stretched to much... Could have been shorter. Overall an enjoyable read!

Julia works with families affected by immigration. Rocco is a consultant sent in to cut the funding for her program. Despite obvious conflicting interests, they can’t seem to stay away from each other. This story is filled with heart. Julia has a big bustling family. Rocco has a broken family. I loved the found family they both developed in the Gotham Exiles. The conflict in this story in genuine and complex. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the writing. The language is very choppy. This definitely feels like a rough draft, with an abundance of typos, which is a risk with ARCs. I think I’m getting old because I didn’t understand half the lingo in this book. I’m not “hip” enough. 😂

I really enjoyed Rocco as a leading man, however his character felt inconsistent. He made himself incredibly vulnerable and opened up about his past and his deepest insecurities very quickly on multiple occasions. He consistently overstared in public situations and it didn’t read as genuine. It was off-putting. His relationship with Julia felt like instalove which is not my fav.

Another thing that made this book drag on and kept me from getting engrossed in the story is that at least 70% of the book is just the characters inner-dialog about how hot they found each other. The dialog and even the inner-dialog aren’t very believable. There was so much random dirty talk that didn’t fit the scene or the character. In general, very little happened to progress the storyline.

one thing i love about adriana herrera's books is how voice-y the characters are. you are so easily drawn into their stories because their voice feels authentic and real. here to stay is no exception to this. julia and rocco are just total sparks when they are on the page together.

there's just so much to love about this story, about these characters. i mostly feel like hearts and exclamation points and fire emojis are all i need to express all you need to know about it going in. adriana is an auto-buy author for me at this point. her skills in writing authentic marginalized experiences and steamy, swoony stories are hard to compete with.

**here to stay will publish on august 25, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgally/carina press in exchange for my honest review.

I really really really wanted to love this. I found the writing to be very dry, I couldnt find myself getting hooked into the story and I was always looking for a different book to read.

Here to Stay is an engaging romance with fun, likable characters. I like a good workplace romance, and when the couple is at odds with each other while being so obviously attracted to each other, it makes for a fun and interesting storyline. Rocco and Julia have good chemistry and they're easy to root for. The story is steamy and fun even with a bit of drama. In terms of contemporary romance, it's pretty standard, and some things are kind of cookie-cutter for the genre. That said, this one is good for escaping the reality that is our crazy world lately and whiling away an evening or weekend. It is well written and I'll be interested to see if any of the secondary characters get their own love stories.

I liked this. And at times I really didn't. This is a difficult book for me to review because other than one issue, I can't really put my finger on what I didn't like. That one thing? Both MCs know they need to be professional at work and can't let their attraction take over. But they are not good at hiding it, they're not good at canceling it, and they sure as heck don't control themselves. And maybe that's just what rubbed me the wrong way so much. And then there was the waffling back and forth with Julia. I remember thinking "girl, make up your damn mind".

There is a lot to like about this. The sense of family, not just blood family. The friends that Julia and Rocco make are fantastic. But the issues surrounding their jobs and what each of them have at stake, it all seemed too much for me. So I'm all over the place with this one. There were a lot of things I liked about the book, but the little things I didn't like are what I remember the most, even if I can't pin them all down

I took a chance on new to me author Adrianna Herrera because the premise of this book sounded interesting and I was curious how New Yorkers living in Dallas (my area) would adapt. There is no doubt Here To Stay is a socially conscious book yet it’s not preachy, I felt the NYC characters were authentic given the limited time I’ve spent in NYC, but having several friends from NYC, I felt the “twins” from Dallas were written a bit stereotypical but it’s something that always happens, the plot was engaging, the conflict on point, and the love story sweet yet sexy. I very much enjoyed this book.
Julia Del Mar Ortiz relocated to Dallas following her fiancé who shortly after they arrived admitted he had been cheating on her and hightailed it back to NYC leaving her with a spacious (by NYC standards) 2 bedroom, 2 ½ bath apartment (I mention this because Julia is very impressed by this and it cracked me up). While Julia loves and misses her Puerto Rican/Dominican family, she feels she has come into her own in Dallas and now that she’s organized a meeting for all the transplanted New Yorkers in the company creatively called The Gotham Exiles, she’s feeling more settled and at home. She landed her dream job working for a high end department store’s foundation setting up an afterschool program for undocumented children and their families. She loves her work and she is dedicated to the families she serves, but the board has brought in a consultant to give the board recommendations to be more attractive for an IPO leaving Julia’s program and the other foundation programs vulnerable and her job on the line.
Rocco “Fuc*ing “ Quinn (Julia’s name for him) is the consultant and his goal is to get this job done, hopefully secure a promotion, so he can buy a house outside of NYC for him, his sister, and his niece to live in. He’s determined to make that work as he feels he owes it to his sister for the time he wasn’t there for her. He knows one of the company owners and the CFO want to strip all of the foundation programs for a better bottom line, but after seeing Julia’s program in action he understands completely how important it is and it doesn’t help that Julia distracts him within an inch of his life.
I loved both of these characters; they were flawed but had hearts of gold not to mention dedicated and hard workers. It was easy to feel the sexual tension between them from the start which just made the slow burn of this romance even better. There was absolutely a conflict of interest and they did their best to not get involved but sometimes, the best laid plans…well they get laid. The fact that Julia’s family pays a surprise visit and all fall head over heels with Rocco despite him not being Latinx was a huge bonus. Rocco’s family was kind of a mess and let’s just say he felt the warmth and love that a family should have driving home just how much he wanted that in his life.
The Gotham Exiles were an eclectic group and I loved the scenes with them, I think there was an important message in that family is what you make of it and this group of transplanted New Yorkers realized that even though they changed location, they found their people.
Here to Stay was a rich and diverse story that held my attention from start to finish, I loved Ms. Herrera’s fresh and sassy voice and I look forward to reading more from her body of work.

Adriana Herrera is a relatively new to me author, and Here to Stay is the second of her books that I've read (so far). I came to her books through some of the interviews and discussions she's done through various podcasts I follow and so I've been really interested into more of her work.

Here to Stay is the story of Julia, a NYC exile living in Dallas after she followed her boyfriend to town only to be ditched by him shortly after the move. In spite of that, she's built a life for herself and works hard at the charitable foundation she's been tasked with managing. Enter Rocco, the consultant hired by the company Julia works for - the consultant hired to decide what the company should continue to fund and what they need to let go of. 

This was a really fun, afternoon romance read that was exactly what I needed during the tail end of round 2 of pandemic lockdown here in Melbourne. 

Julia is at an interesting point in her life - she's moved away from family to follow a guy who didn't deserve her and ended up alone and without close friends or a family network to support her. She's working hard to adjust to a new city, to maintain her job to a standard she's proud of and trying to make friends. She's a very relatable character who has strong ties to her family and their Afro-Caribbean. By contrast, Rocco is someone who's going through the motions of his life - he's got a successful career and travels for work, but he's estranged from his parents and trying hard to support his younger sister and her child. He's not looking to change up his life much until he meets Julia and is intrigued by her.

Aside from the romance - which was great! - I also liked how the story of finding friends (and even 'found family') while living interstate was handled. Julia spearheads this by inviting all the NYC explants from her company out for drinks in the hopes that a few people will turn up and that group of people band together over the course of the narrative and it was really delightful to see how beautifully this was handled. Making friends as an adult can be tricky and I think it was a wonderful inclusion.

I also deeply appreciated the cultural undertones in the novel - Julia's passion for her (and her family's culture) and the way she dedicates herself to building the best possible program to help children of migrant workers gives the story a lot of heart. As an Australian, it also gave me insight into a culture and experience that I don't have a lot of first-hand knowledge about.

This is an easy, comforting romance read in the best possible way.

I've loved Adriana Herrera's other books, but sadly this one really didn't work for me. In a romance novel, I need to really click with the characters and be drawn in instantly, and that just never happened so I didn't feel invested in it and didn't really feel the chemistry. I found the beginning rather info-dumpy. Honestly, not much was technically wrong with this, but I just didn't feel drawn in by it.

Here to Stay has the familiar beats of a romance novel, but the shifting perspectives to our main characters keeps it fresh. The crew around Julia and Rocco bring a vibrancy to the world and Herrera give readers everything they could want in a love story.

I didn't dislike it, but found it very easy to put down. I ended up starting and stopping several times because I was a bit bored. I'd consider reading more of the author's work, but this one wasn't a total winner for me.

As a quick reminder, here is my rating structure:

here to stay instagram pic
1 star: Did not finish
2 Stars: Finished but do not recommend
3 Stars: Liked but could use some improvements
4 Stars: Loved this book!
5 Stars: Rare. The unput-down-able, binge read obsession.



I have to tell you that I really loved this steamy, contemporary romance.

There was a grittiness and real world feel to Adriana Herrera’s writing, making Here to Stay feel so far grounded in reality that it never strayed into the fantastical as some romance novels can.

The cultural references made me so happy. With so many ethinicities, cultures, and sexual orientations represented, this book feels true to life in the most basic ways. Relationships are not one size fits all, yet a lot of romance novels have a very narrow view of what their characters should be. Here to Stay tells it like it is in so many ways.

I also want to take a moment to talk about the food. Reading this book made me so hungry, because Adriana Herrera really gave us a great glimpse of the variety of Domincan food. I need to try some chimmichurri, pescado frito, and sancocho immediately. Looking these dishes up had my mouth watering.

Everything about Here to Stay just felt right, like the story fell into a pocket from the very beginning and didn’t let me go.

So good that any romance lover should snap this one up.

*Special thanks to Adriana Herrera and Carina Press for providing a copy of Here to Stay in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this. It's a slow burn, work rivalry type romance, that has plenty of reasons that the leads should be trying to avoid each other - but they just can't help themselves. What I really liked about this is that it manages to dance the line of what is acceptable workplace behaviour really well. Both characters are super competant at their jobs, and they keep their work seperate from their relationship. I read Farrah Rochon's The Boyfriend Project a couple of months back, and pretty much my only problem with that* was the way that the office subplot worked out - with the deception from the hero from the start, but particularly to resolve the situation - and this is much better at the office side of things than that was. I liked this a lot - I liked the idea of a relationship being a haven and also bringing out the best in you. Lovely.

*and it is a problem that has bothered me more as I thought about the book afterwards than it did in the first throes of reading it

👸🏼🐝REVIEW: Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera

Well I guess on the weekends I’ll just be taking photos of gorgeous book covers paired with delicious pastries. I guess that makes sense because during the week I’m hustling Griff and I out the door while shoving a banana or protein bar down my gullet. And while that’s definitely the healthier choice, it’s just not as aesthetically pleasing.

Anyway, what I’m really here to talk to you about today is the wonder that is Andriana Herrera. This is only my second book by her but I can’t help but feel like I’m reading exactly what I’m supposed to be reading when I pick up a book by her. The way she flawlessly seams together romance and poignant social topics is nothing short of perfection. Honestly, how many times can a person say “OMG YAS” while reading one book?

Julia & Rocco are the classic “I’m not supposed to want this person but I do so let me just screw them out of my system and then everything will be fine” trope. You know the one. Where the whole time you’re like, “TELL HIM YOU LOVE HIM!” or “BOY, IF YOU DON’T USE YOUR WORDS...” And I kind of wanted to bang their heads together a couple of times but I just loved them too much. Their chemistry and attraction is off the damn charts and getting them to just do the damn thing takes a minute but when they finally do it’s totally worth the wait 🥵🔥 The support they get from their loyal and no nonsense group of friends is fantastic and the theme that family doesn’t look the same and feel the same to everyone is so true and on point.

Do not sleep on this one, y’all. Thank you to netgalley for the early review copy, but you can also check the audiobook out on hoopla!

This one was so good. Adriana Herrera is a new author to me and I can see that I have been missing out! The writing was really engaging, the characters were entertaining and the plot was engrossing. I really loved this book because it combined family loyalty with real community issues and a sizzling romance. Definitely one of my top reads of 2020.

Julia del Mar moved from New York to Dallas to follow a boyfriend who dumped her soon after she arrived. He also stiffed her with the apartment that needs two people to pay for so Julia cannot afford to lose her job. She works for a charity foundation, an arm of a high fashion company run by two sisters.

Rocco Quinn is a New Yorker who was sent to Dallas as a financial consultant to the foundation that Julia worked at. The problem is that the two sisters who run the fashion company are being challenged by a younger brother who wants to streamline the fashion company and maximize profits by phasing out their philanthropic wing, which is where Julia works. Julia tries her best to show Rocco what her department means to both the fashion house and to the community.

Julia plans a series of get togethers for the “Gotham Exiles” aka the New Yorkers who now live in Dallas and Rocco joined the group. The sparks between Julia and Rocco was evident but what added to the drama was the fact that Rocco was hired to end Julia’s job. Added to the burgeoning attraction, was Julia’s family. I was laughing so hard because I remember my mom and grandmother worrying about me when I moved from Dallas to New York. Her family is so protective, loving and hilarious. Julia’s family were scene stealers and they made me crave Dominican food. I also loved the subplot with Rocco’s family and their issues. It helped illuminate Rocco’s values and lets the reader get to know him. I really liked him and Julia as people. They care about other people even to their own detriment.

If you want a book where the author really develops the characters and the plot is relatable, then you have to read this book. Definitely one of my top reads of 2020.

*Special thanks to Carina Press via Netgalley for the e-book given in exchange for an honest review.

This slow burn romance was entertaining. I would give it a 3.5 rounded to a 4. I thought the chemistry between Rocco and Julia was built up well and they definitely had it but I think some of the steam got a little cringeworthy at times (maybe I need to read more romance?).

Overall, I'm glad I read this. I enjoyed the spanish sayings and I loved the group of friends in Dallas, the Gotham Exiles!

Much thanks to Carina Press for sending me a copy for review and for inviting me to be a part of this tour. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own. Also, all quotes are taken from the ARC and may or may not appear in the final published copy.


The Workplace Enemies-To-Lovers I Need


My romance-loving heart is definitely rejoicing with this new release from Carina Press. Here To Stay tells the story of Julia del Mar Ortiz and her life struggles after moving to Dallas from the busy NYC only to break up and get left behind by the reason she moved in the first place. After landing a great job she is passionate about, she finds that her department is at the risk of getting chopped.


Enter Rocco Quinn. Fellow ex-New Yorker and Julia’s beautiful nightmare. Why? Despite this man’s good looks is his job as a consultant that will eventually get rid of the charitable programs she handles.


As these two get to know each other, the real problem arises. Would they entertain this sense of attraction they feel? And what would that mean for their jobs?


Content Warning: Abusive parent, alcoholism


Lovable Lead Characters


As a romance reader, one of the things that influence how much I would love a book is how much I feel for the characters. Not necessarily agreeing with everything about them, but they should not frustrate me to bits, I guess.


Here to Stay was able to meet those expectations and it had me rooting for the leads even at the first few chapters! Julia is such a darling and seeing how passionate she was about her social work is so inspiring. She is fiery and brave – the type of heroine I want in my romance books!


And, I have to admit, as much as I adore Julia, Rocco stole the show – and my heart! He is so sweet to his niece and sister, he loves animals, and he is just a soft cinnamon roll. His vulnerability is so swoon-worthy (and he doesn’t disappoint in delivering steam, as well.)


The Beauty of Found Family


Another plus point for this story is the friend group they have formed. The Gotham Exiles, which began as a simple gathering for former New Yorkers evolved to becoming a support group. There’s just a profound feeling that tugs at the heartstrings when strangers turn into family – and Here to Stay gave us this fun found family dynamic that was so fun to read!


Dominican Culture Representation


Adriana Herrera also gave us some Latinx love! Julia is from Dominican Republic and she and her family showcased a lot of their culture in the story. The integration of the Dominican culture in the book did not feel forced or too preachy. It just showed a story of a fun and loud family who loved each other too bits. Bonus: I loved all of the food mentions and descriptions!


Final Thoughts: Definitely Satisfied


Though this was my first Adriana Herrera read, I think I found a new romance author with a backlist I want to devour. Her writing style is up my alley and I definitely need more! Here to Stay might be a little slow burning, but I enjoyed the whole journey. Julia & Rocco’s story is the perfect blend of cute, fun, dramatic, sweet, and steamy – definitely the total package!



My Book Rating Breakdown
Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Main Character:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Significant Other: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.64/5)

Thanks to the author I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of this book before the release on August 25th.
Here to Stay tells the story of Julia del Mar Ortiz born and bred in New York, who after moving to Dallas for her boyfriend Matt, shortly finds herself dumped and left in a new city alone. At least she has a new job she likes! Working for the Sturm Foundation is perfect for Julia but now, she finds her job being threatened when the company decides to go public and a new consultant is brought in to assess every aspect of the Foundation’s work specially whether the charitable program should be cut.
Rocco Quinn, a fellow New Yorker, is that consultant who was brought in to make this transition as smooth as possible. For Rocco, this job could spell a promotion and more importantly, it would be the final step to help her sister move away from New York.
Overall, if you’re interested in a co-workers hate to love with a dash of pining, an adorable/sometimes meddling family and friend group, sexy hot moments, a hero thats not afraid to be vulnerable, more pining, all the food mentions and baseball? then Here To Stay is the book for you

Adrianna Herraara has a remarkable way of capturing the personality and spirit of her New Yorker characters… even when they aren’t in their native New York!

The friendships created and the corresponding camaraderie are what stood out to me the most in this book. It was fun to watch these ex-pat New Yorkers come together in their new home and bond.

As for the romance, I found it a bit forced. Julia is on a dating sabbatical and not looking for a man… Rocco is only in Dallas working fro the men trying to cut funding and close Julia’s charitable foundation that she works for. These two should be enemies, but they are friends… the tension between them is pretty high, but they both know they are on opposite sides…
I found it unsatisfying… size they were workplace enemies, their friendship muddied the waters. I found it hard to get behind their romance.

On another side, I really enjoyed the representation of the charitable foundation that Julia ran. The way they helped and assisted immigrants and non-documented persons. Their plight was well represented and shone a light on the issue.

Here to Stay by Adriana Herrara was released August 25th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin and the Harlequin Publicity Team. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#HeretoStay #AdrianaHerrara #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Here to Stay is a great book with a lot of feelings. It follows two NYC expats who are working in Dallas, Julia and Rocco. Julia works at a non-profit for immigrant children and Rocco is the numbers guy who might potentially get her program cut. The best part of the book is Julia's family, both her Dominican/Puerto Rican family back in NYC, and the group of friends who are all transplants from NYC, dubbed the Exiles. Here to Stay is touches on tough topics, like immigration and family trauma, but it is also a joyful book about fashion, family, and friendship. (How's that for alliteration?) It's a great read for the end of a tough day. You'll definitely laugh, you might cry a little, and you'll end with a happy sigh.

(I was provided an advanced copy by Netgalley. However, the opinions here are my own. )