This saucy second chance romance brings together two former lovers who are competing for the same job.
Esme and Rodrigo have history, but they are also both up for the coveted CEO position with her father's company.
This gorgeously, rich story is passionate and spicy that will have you brewing the coffee to stay up and read until the last page.
And thank goodness Adriana didn't stop with only one book with these characters. IT's a series! Yay us!

This is the first of the Sambrano Studios series and it's hot!

Also, LOVE the cover. Esme's curvy and gorgeous and it's no wonder Rodrigo has trouble keeping his hands to himself.

*I appreciate Harlequin for giving me the chance to read this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a hate to love romance, and this is the first book in the Sambrano Studios series. I have to say this book pulled me into from the beginning. I really love the storyline of this book. This is a short and fast read. I love the characters. There are some parts of this book that was to slow moving. I really loved the beginning and the ending. This book is so much then just a romance. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Desire) or author (Adriana Herrera) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

I am marking this book as a DNF. I did not connect to the story and found myself not connecting with the characters. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I have been looking forward to reading Adriana Herrera's One Week to Claim It All, and it did not disappoint!

After her father passes, Esmeralda Sambrano-Peña finds herself competing with her ex, Rodrigo Almanzar, for the CEO position of a Latinx television empire. But while trying to protect her heart from being broken again, Esme has to contend with her villainous stepmother, who will do anything to ensure Esme fails.

Herrera combines so many things I enjoy in this book—Esme is a fiercely ambitious heroine. She has the creativity, boldness, and drive to take Sambrano Studios to the next level, and I loved every scene where she was able to show off her skills and dreams. Plus I adore a good second chance romance, and Esme and Rodrigo's journey to learning how to create a true partnership in and out of the bedroom was such a joy to follow.

I've been wanting to read more category romances, and this book is a great starting point for anyone new to them. The next book in this series (Just for the Holidays...) is a snowed in at Christmas romance and I can't wait to read it!

Representation 5
Plot. 2.5
Romance. 3.5
Characters. 3.0

Overall 3.0

I’ve read this story many times before. What’s different are the Latinx characters. I wanted more. This is a book with a plus size woman on the cover that has education, a loving mother and Tia’s as well as moxy. She wants to showcase her peoples diversity in all areas of life, but she’s consistently turned down. Until she accepts a situation, that she’s ignored for almost a year, that could be the answer to her frustrations and the beginning of all her dreams.

Second chance romance
Money & power hungry men
Both drop love for it
Betrayal

Leaning towards 3.5 stars. I loved the premise of this second chance romance and that the story centered around all latinx characters.

My main issue was that I think the romance could have used more page time/development, because I personally didn’t really believe that Rodrigo and Esme desperately loved each other. There was definitely a strong physical connection, but these characters just needed more time for me to fully believe in their romance. Plus I could have done with more steamy scenes lol.

**thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**

I've loved Adriana Herrera's other books, but I really struggle with Harlequin Desire titles lately. I felt like I would have loved this one if it was a full length book. But unfortunately it felt too short and rushed to me.

It took a bit of time to get into this book but I did find it enjoyable. The story. Is well written and I did like the characters
I recommend this one.

I am new to reading Adriana Herrera and I definitely will be reading all their work going forward, I LOVED One Week To Claim It All so much!

I had so much fun reading this book, it was literally like watching a telenovela unfold and I would actually love to see this book adapted as one or even a Latinx romcom movie!

The tension between the main characters was SO well done, I was living for it. It was great to see their whole story, from the stuff from the past to their current banter. The hate to love kinda moments made for some fun haha! I have to talk about how HOT the spice was, it totally made me blush! And the ending was just so wholesome, I loved this one so much!

Overall, this book just had everything I love about a romance novel! I only wish it was longer!

If you're looking for a soapy boardroom second-chance romance with two characters who don't want to want each other like they do? Look no further. Apparently Adriana Herrera can write category-length and do it damn well. She leaned into the soapy aspects of this, with an illegitimate heroine inheriting a company and having to fight her father's over-the-top awful wife and her half-siblings for what's rightfully hers. Plus of course that whole thing where the love of her life who abandoned her for the company/her father is now her rival for CEO & President of the company. But they still really want each other and everything in the past is more complicated than it seemed. This heroine is so competent and the romance is so dramatic and sexy and really, it's everything I wanted from a Harlequin Desire novel.

This one definitely sounded fun when I heard about it, so I had to pick it up. I loved the way it was written and the characters that were introduced. It really felt like it was a telenovela and was such a quick and entertaining read. I really loved Herrera's writing style and felt that she pretty perfectly crafted the hate to love elements, which can often be hard to do well. I was not expecting the number of twists or drama that this included, but pretty much enjoyed every moment of reading it!

When it comes to showcasing other cultures in America, Ms. Herrera is one of the best. Whenever I see her name come across for a new book, my eyes light up because I know I am going to learn a little be more about the Latino culture.

In this latest contemporary romance, two ex-lovers bid for their dream job. In one corner, we have Esmeralda, the bastard child of the deceased Sambrano patriarch. In the other corner, we have Rodrigo, the chosen protégé of the same deceased patriarch. With this be a bitter lovers scorn ruthless fight to own what they both want? No it is not. Instead, this is a complicated romance revealing past hurts, betrayals and insecurities.

My heart hears for both Esmeralda and Rodrigo. Both of them have been placed in tough spots not originally of their choosing. Their past is complicated with bittersweet memories. Their sexual chemistry is still strong. At times they fall into their old habits of friendship only to remember that they are rivals.

The parts about this story I enjoyed is learning more about how there is much diversity in the Latino culture. The ideas that Esmeralda proposes to share more about different LATAM (Latin America) countries are exciting - history and cooking are big hits for me. Makes me want this to be real so that I can learn more. Because honestly, when I think of Spanish or Latin television, I think of Telenova and dramas. Neither appeal to me.

The romance between Esmeralda and Rodrigo is sexy and sweet. Sweet because it brings back their previous youthful passion and when they thought they could conquer the world together. Their jaded adult experiences does make the sexy times a bit awkward after the fact. I could do without those but they do make a point and they are necessary scenes. I loved how Esmeralda's mother and aunts love Rodrigo and how they treat him like a cherished family member.

This contemporary romance is recommended to readers who love second chance romances.

REVIEW: B
REVIEWER: Chery McNeil

Esmeralda Sambrano-Peña is not the only one surprised when her estranged father, Patricio Sambrano, names her as CEO of his company, Sambrano Studios, when he passes away. Esmeralda’s ex Rodrigo Almanzar is dealing with being overlooked for the position. Rodrigo was Patricio’s long-term protégé, and sacrificed everything for the company, including his love of Esmeralda.

Esmeralda has one week to provide a strategic plan to the board to prove she has what it takes to run the company. Although they are competing, Rodrigo also feels obligated to provide resources, especially with so many people against her, including her stepmother and siblings. As it turns out, Esmeralda and Rodrigo are on the same page and have similar ideas about how the network should move forward.

To say Esmeralda and Rodrigo had a bad break up ten years ago is an understatement. On the surface, Rodrigo chose his mentor over her and broke her heart. There is much more to the story. People think Rodrigo is emotionless, however, he’s determined to make sure he never ends up where he started when he was young; with nothing. Esmeralda has a lot of animosity toward him, but she can’t fight the attraction. As they spend time working together, they discover the passion is still there. Rodrigo realizes that Esmeralda was his jewel, and he never should have let her go, but revealing the secrets from the past may be too little too late.

Ms. Herrera includes a lot of narration to bring the reader up to speed on what has happened in the past. During some parts, this is the focal point, instead of the dialogue. The story is rounded out by supporting characters who are there for Esmeralda and Rodrigo at the right time. There is such a contrast between the love Esmeralda shares with her mother and “Tias” and the strained relationship she witnesses with her step mother and siblings. The theme of ONE WEEK TO CLAIM IT ALL is second chance love and Ms. Herrera pulls it off.

3.5/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

I really enjoyed this one. It for sure had a steam factor and I really enjoyed the romance between our two main characters. I really like the overall plot, it was exactly what I wanted it to be. I do wish it would've been just a little bit longer because everything felt just a little more rushed. I would've loved to see more tension before the couple got together. Overall it was fun and easy to read, I would recommend it!

A quick, compulsive read. It's difficult to put down. If you enjoy high levels of angst and some steamy sex, then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed it and while at times it was a little too melodramatic for me, I still devoured it in a single sitting!

This was a really sweet and steamy second chance romance. It has a lot of amazing Latinx representation throughout, as 2 adults do what they can to make their dreams come true in running a company. Sadly, that does put them at odds, though they were previously lovers.
Herrera did a fantastic job making you root for the couple early on, and helping you want to see what they were dreaming up! Definitely pick this one up!

Thanks to #netgalley and #harlequin for the eARC of One Week To Claim It All by Adriana Herrera.

Blurb: To everyone’s shock, Esme inherits her absentee father’s title of CEO of his video production studio but has one week to put together a presentation proving she deserves the position, or the Board of Directors will give the spot to Rogrigo, Esme’s ex and her father’s mentee. Esme won’t be put off by her gorgeous rival ex, or her conniving stepmother or half sibling.

Overall I liked it! Esme is great and her passion for her career and culture really shine through. I did feel a little disconnected from Rodrigo. I feel like his motives and reasoning behind past actions weren’t flushed out enough for me but that didn’t stop me from falling for their romance .

If you like sweet and likable heroines, telenovela-level rich people drama, family squabbles, and steamy romances this one is for you. At less than 200 pages it’s perfect for an afternoon out at the beach.

Side Note: Perla is getting her own story and I can’t wait for it!

The storyline of the soap operas I used to watch when I was on summer break, but in book form. And I say that with love and affection. Over the top? yes. memorable and wonderful? also yes! The premise is that the daughter who's the forgotten and "illegitimate" of the president and CEO of the famous Spanish network channel is named his successor in his will. She has to battle former loves, the upset and angry family of her dead father as well as show she's earned all of it. It's sexy, representative, and a joy to read. If you've enjoyed any of Adriana Herrera's previous stories you will love this one and if you've held off from previous stories because of her unapologetic queerness in the stories. 1. why? but also 2. read this one it's a more traditional harlequin romance story with characters that have always existed but have been left out of the story until now and then continue on to the rest of her catalog.

Esmeralda Sambrano-Pena, the illegitimate daughter of the late media mogul, Patricio Sambrano, whose involvement in her life extended to financial support, including paying for her education and nothing more, has just inherited 25% in his media empire, Sambrano Studios. A household name in Latin-America, Sambrano Studios is responsible for the most successful Latinx programming.

However, her claim to her father’s empire is met with resistance, not only from Patricio’s widow, Carmelina, and their two children. She must also contend with Rodrigo Almanzar, Patricio’s protégé and heir apparent to the company. He is also her former ex with whom she shared a passionate, clandestine love affair that ended when he betrayed her many years earlier. He is vying for the position of CEO, the position Esmeralda is determined to claim, and is hell-bent on winning it, no matter how much he still wants her.

If only the intense chemistry that still exists between them would cool down long enough to allow Esmeralda to prove that she is the best person for the job.

The influence of Spanish telenovelas is clear in this start to a beautiful new Latinx romance series. There are twists and turns and over-the-top plots that grip you and leave you wanting more. But, in Herrera fashion, even with a storyline that never ceases to surprise you, there is also thoughtful commentary on colorism in Latin-American media and the erasure of Afro-Latinx people in the stories we collectively love so much.

Also, the chemistry between Esmeraldo and Rodrigo is so hot, it’s inevitable that their attraction will make their rivalry next to impossible to resist. It lives leaves you at the edge of your seat, wondering how they are going to work things out. Steamy, sexy, wild, and smart, One Week to Claim it All is a romance that gives the reader everything they could hope for.

I received an ARC from NetGalley/Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

One Week to Claim It All by Adriana Herrera was a great read. I will feature it as Book of the Day on all my social media platforms, and I've included it in my monthly roundup of news releases for my Black Fiction Addiction blog.