OK, so I've read several Adriana Herrera novels before that have worked for me, but this one didn't. In the first book in this series, Herrera managed to keep the right side of the acceptable workplace behaviour and job competence line, but at this one, she didn't. This is partly because it is really hard to see what the hero and heroine see in each other except for their Hot Bodies - because they've worked together for three years and he knows nothing about her For Reasons Related To How Hot He Finds Her and she thinks he's a demanding perfectionist who has made her life difficult from day one. Of course you wonder why she kept working there but His Hotness and the salary seem to have been enough. And I think for me, the fact that I couldn't get over that coloured the rest of the novel. There's some language in the sex scenes that I didn't love, but might have been able to get over more if he wasn't such an Alphahole, and there are some problems that could seriously have been solved by just having a conversation with each other. But I'm sure that there will be other readers who will really enjoy this - even if the heroine can't work out how to deal with a garlic clove that's too big for the garlic press without assistance...

If you are looking for a feel good, fun, laugh out loud hate to love romance this book is for you. Alba has always been the backbone of her family. The one who always cleans up after whatever mess they’ve created. The one they take for granted and give zero thought to how it impacts her emotionally, financially or career wise.
Finally she is ready to live her own life and to put herself first. She gives notice to her incredibly handsome, self involved, obnoxious, unfeeling narcissist of a boss (one of her many bosses as she holds multiple jobs) and he tells her not to worry as she is easily replaceable. Wow. He cannot possibly be that big a jerk can he? Hmm. She is moving forward following her passion and guess who comes knocking at her door with an offer she can’t refuse? Yup, him. Its a great read to Alba finally finding her own happiness, joy and success on every level that matters to her. New author to me and so glad I’ve found her. A great read.

I’m obsessed with this book!! We’ve got workaholic, family gal, and creative Alba and the stern, rich, former Olympian Theo bumping heads (among other body parts). Theo is Alba’s annoying ass boss until she decides to finally pursue her bookish design business full time. She’s got an opportunity she can’t refuse in Dallas thanks to her bestie Julia. Theo is beside himself because he had planned to make the moves on his crush as soon as they weren’t working together anymore. Now, his desperation convinced him to take a gig in Dallas to woo Alba.

Alba’s feelings about being there for her mom and grandma really got home for me. Her work ethic was also familiar; going so hard on projects that she gets sick. Same, friend. The idea of your partner being a person who makes you feel like you can rest didn’t enter my mind until I met mine. So I knew that Theo was exactly who she needed.
Alba’s business sounds amazing and I need access to it immediately, by the way. Where’s my bookish office?!
The sex scenes were fire!

Soooo basically, y’all need this book in your life.

THE 411...

𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗟𝗘 is the second book in the Dating In Dallas series by Latinx author Adriana Herrera and hands down my FAVORITE of Herrera’s books! Alba Duarte is a Dominican bisexual woman living in NYC, hard working and owner of a start-up she is passionate about. The only thing getting in her way is the 9 to 5 job she needs to walk away from, especially because working for the Olympian swimmer Theo Ganas is working her last nerve. The Dominican Greek adonis is particular about his coffee and his assistant. Alba doesn’t quite understand why she hasn’t walked away from her position, it’s not like Theo even acknowledges her existence other than when she’s late. On the side she has turned her love of books & fandoms into a business where she designs bedrooms inspired by them. When a visit to her BFF in Dallas Texas presents her with an opportunity to give her business some visibility & recognition, Alba knows it’s time to make some tough decisions. Life in NYC is tied to her family, the ones who depend on her almost like a crutch. Stepping out on her own could potentially lead to better helping them and a fresh new start that’ll put some much needed space between them. When a two week notice turns into an abrupt goodbye, a very determined Theo Ganas hops on a plane to Dallas to find Alba with an offer of his own.

WRITING & FINAL THOUGHTS...

When I say the HEAT was at an ALL time high! it’s because it consumed me! This book had it all and then some. The Dallas Crew who we met in Here To Stay is back and they’re dying for Alba to stay in Dallas, I LOVE this circle of friends and how supportive they are with one another. I really enjoyed hearing about their individual careers and how they give back to other communities in need. Theo acknowledging that his life is more than just gaining his father’s approval and then looking for ways to find his soul purpose was cool to see. Just like Alba not settling or watering down her vision/dream just for a dollar made me love her even more. Now as for the romance itself? Herrera gives us a grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, workplace romance that is off the charts…Theo Ganas brought the heat! Alba didn’t stay behind making sure Theo knew that he was on her time. Both characters are well fleshed out making this romance easy to get behind and cheer on. One recurring thought I had all throughout was that this man sure does know how to love up on his woman! Adriana Hererra is an author to look out for if you’re looking for quality romance with queer representation. It’s easy for a New Yorker such as myself to look at Alba and see themselves, chances are if you’re a career woman living in any city…you are tired and a massage is in order! 😉

I wasn't sure about this one but both Alba and Theo grow on you as you discover more about their lives and why they act the way they do. It makes for a good story to see them realize that things could be different and more fulfilling in their lives if only they take the risk.
The romance is good if a bit lacking in the more tender relationship moments. It more than makes up for it with the smexy (smutty/sexy) scenes. You could probably see my blush from space with how incredibly smutty the scenes between Alba and Theo are. They are incredibly intense, but what makes them great is the relationship that they have before things even get that far. They spent years at odds before finally getting together and it makes for fun and smexy times.
Overall, it's an interesting story that touches on deeper topics while also remaining all about the romance and two people making space in their lives to be happy.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Carina Trade for the sexy read!

I'm always super excited to get a new read from Adriana Herrera and this story did not disappoint.
With well developed characters, thoughtful and poignant plot and some super hot scenes -- this is everything you come to expect from this fabulous author, but still unique and stands on it own.

I'm ready for wherever this author wants to take me next.

Okay. Theo Ganas is currently my favorite book boyfriend OMG. Talk about swoonworthy! One of the many reasons I love this book is because this is absolutely a “he falls first” situation and I had no idea that was all I ever wanted from a romance until I read this book. I mean, the YEARNING. The PATIENCE. Sigh. Alba is a powerhouse and I wanted all the good and wonderful things for her! Her drive and passion are so inspiring. I loved the chemistry between Theo and Alba and their growth as individuals and together. Plus…their sexy, spicy scenes…whew! This story also focuses a lot on “hustle culture”, the toll it can take, and how that is intensified when one has also immigrated to the US/is from an immigrant household.

This is the second in Herrera’s “Dating In Dallas” series, and while I have not read the first book (I REALLY want to now), it didn’t impede my understanding or enjoyment of this book. I definitely recommend if you love a romance with a strong female lead, a supportive friend group, and lots of spice. Just an FYI–this book is very steamy and contains open-door, detailed sex scenes. If that is not your thing, please be mindful going into this one.

First of all, I want to thank the publishers and Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Now, this book was such a delight to read. I enjoyed the whole vibe of this book. So yes, it was a great read!

I love and appreciate Herrera's ability to seamlessly incorporate different cultures without being cliche. This story is hot, heartwarming and I love their banter and communication. I love a hard working independent woman who has a great man that supports her without feeling threatened by her.

Thank you to Adrianna Herrera, NetGalley, and Carina Trade for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My honest review: I loved this book! While I didn't realize it was the second in a series, I found that I was able to connect with the characters very easily and didn't need much back information for things to make sense.

I loved the combination of grumpy and sunshine, organized and chaos and doubly determined in our main characters. I thought the spice was chili pepper hot and the plot the right amount for a romance novel!

S/o to Netgalley for approving this ARC

This novel/Romcom was a delight!

You’re talking Grumpy AF Theo and smart/driven/go getter / bad ass Alba with forced proximity and found family with tons of funny moments that will have you wanting more.

The chemistry Both MC have it’s undeniable and addicting! Their back & forth just leave sweating and wanting more!

The story felt so personal to me bc I identified with Alba and her story so so much.. her being an immigrant who came to the US as a child and had to endure everything she had to protect her family… I mean, talk about a Latina first generation that will stop at nothing to be successful but also take care of her family..

I cannot wait to read more of Adriana Herrera as she continues to bring us enchanting stories that little me wished she had growing up.

I felt seen and understood.. Loved this one so much! And can we give a round of applause for albas amazing support system ( all The Texas besties) 🥂🫶🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Adriana Herrera is one of my favorite romance authors because she puts characters of color at the forefront of her stories and writes, as she says, “unapologetic happy endings” for those characters. And WHEWWWWW are there happy endings in On the Hustle! 🥵

I’ve said it before and I’ll never stop reiterating that it is just incredibly meaningful to see characters I RELATE TO in books. So many lines felt like they could have been pulled from my own life and brain—a couple of my favorite ones about books are at the end.

Alba is a strong willed Dominican woman hustling to make her dreams come true and come through for her family, and it’s just freaking fantastic for a “strong willed” character to not be portrayed as bitchy or needing to be fixed by someone’s love—though she is, no doubt, a bad bitch. Theo recognizes her as such, and my favorite thing about him as a character is that he loves her exactly as and for who she is. And also that he cooks for Alba and her friends endlessly. I mean, swoon!

On the Hustle is my favorite kind of romance—a well written love story about diverse characters, with plenty of laughs and steam.

This book was a must read. My first read by Adriana Herrera but it won't be my last. I enjoyed every bit of this book! No spoilers here...lol

Theo Ganas and Alba Duarte are my favorite couple I’ve read this year. So you all need to read them too.

Why should you read this book?
🌟 Alba is strong, smart, hates being vulnerable and needing people.
🌟 Theo is a real pleaser (😉😉😉) and makes it his entire goal to give Alba what she needs (INNUENDO).
🌟 The amazing friends from Here To Stay are back!
🌟 The pool scene. And the barn scene. Honestly very few can write a sex scene like Adriana.
🌟Bookish Boudoir - a company to turn boring rooms into book themed oasis. Literally who wants to start this company with me?!

Y’all know this is an Adriana Herrera stan account. And I need you to trust me and preorder this damn book. It’s absolute perfection. Adriana writes women of color who are working extra hard because they want to, but also because they HAVE to. Alba, and Julia in the first book, are up against barrier after barrier because of their gender, race and ethnicity. So many people will read this book and resonate with Alba’s experience, her hustle, her exhaustion. I know I did. And I think a certain prior First Lady *ahem Michelle Obama ahem* would love this too.

On the Hustle is out October 11th so run to your local bookstore and preorder it. And get ready for Alba and Theo - so hot my kindle burned up.

I love a good enemies to lovers trope, and this one delivers. The tension between Alba and Theo is definitely there. Alba was such a strong and fierce female lead with a lot of personality. I loved the bookish themed décor that she did, it sounds so fun and definitely something I would love to see in real life. The steamy scenes in this book were hot hot hot. If you are someone who prefers closed door romance, this might be too much for you.

Bottom Line: Read it.

**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.**

Adriana Herrera, take all my money!!!!! I loved Here to Stay, but I am OBSESSED with On the Hustle. Alba is the definition of girl boss. While working as a personal assistant for the most difficult man in all of New York, she also has built a successful (book-inspired) interior design business from the ground up on social media. She finally works up the nerve to quit, and decides, while visiting her best friend Julia, to temporarily relocate to Dallas and work on a huge new project that has landed in her lap. Her boss, Theo, is a retired Olympic swimmer, who put his dreams on hold in order to build up his dad's empire. And he's had it bad for Alba since Day One. Now that she isn't his employee, he's determined to woo her, and if it means flying to Dallas and hosting a reality tv show, he'll do it.

Their chemistry is A+++++. It's fire. It's perfection. If you want to swoon, you need this book in your life. I read romance like it's my job, and I'm convinced Adriana Herrera writes some of the best steam out there. First Julia and Rocco, now Alba and Theo--the Dating in Dallas series is two-for-two.

And if you're an audiobook listener like I am, the audiobook narrators, Lola James and Sean Crisden both deliver phenomenal performances. All the stars!

Thank you very much to Carina Press and NetGalley for my advance review copy.

I'm a huge Adriana Herrera fan and this book did not disappoint. She writes latino immigrants so well and I always come away from reading her books feeling like I gained a greater appreciation for latino culture.

Alba has resigned from her position as real estate mogul Theo's personal assistant. He is cold and demanding and it's time for her to take her small interior design business full time. She leaves New York to visit her best friend (from book 1) in Dallas. While there, she's offered a job opportunity she can't pass up and decides to move their temporarily.

Theo has struggled the last few years to keep his attraction for Alba under control. He's stuck running his father's business and doesn't feel satisfied with his contribution to the world. When he learns Alba is staying away from New York, he fears he lost his chance to tell her how he feels about her. He follows her to Dallas and orchestrates an interior design show on a streaming service for him & Alba to cohost.

There are so many good tropes in this like forced proximity and boss-employee. I enjoyed the book and my only big frustration was with how Theo withheld information that Alba needed to know. The friend group is fun and I look forward to where this book series is going to go.

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Adriana Herrera's writing, and I am particularly loving the books in her Dating in Dallas series! On the Hustle is the second in the series and it follows Alba Duarte and her former boss, Theo Ganas, as they team up on a home improvement reality TV show that could take her business to the next level.

First, Alba is the actual coolest! She started a small business designing rooms for bookworms inspired by their favorite books and I wish so badly she was real so that I could become a patron of this business. At the same time, she struggles to let other people in to help, and her fears of failing drive her to unhealthy limits in terms of a work and life balance. Her plate is overflowing and I loved her journey of making room for herself, while growing as an entrepreneur.

And then there is Theo, who has been pining for Alba since she worked for him. All this man wants is to take care of her and support her. I adored the way that Herrera showed this as being a love language for him, but also a double-edged sword where he feels as though purpose makes him worthy of love. Theo learning to accept that he's loved for who is he was wonderful to read.

When they come together it is nonstop banter and tension and electric chemistry! Herrera always delivers top-notch sex scenes and these definitely had me feeling the heat despite the fall chill outside.

Adriana Herrera never misses, and while this isn't my favorite one of hers, it is certainly not a miss! First off, this one was H O T. Like I was listening to the audiobook and having to blast the AC kind of hot. Theo and Alba have sizzling chemistry that is a hallmark of all of Adriana's books and these two were not at all lacking. Speaking of hallmark, it did give me those kind of vibes like they both had to move away from the big city to find the true meaning of love. While I didn't really mind it, and I honestly didn't even notice it until the last few chapters, but it brought down the experience the slightest bit. The audiobook was delectable and contributed a lot to my reading experience, so I do recommend that. While this wasn't my favorite book of Adriana's, it is still a solid read and swoony romance.

Note: there were references to ACOTAR and Evelyn Hugo that were not at all necessarily and clouded my reading experience quite a bit.

Theo Ganas has been head over heels for Alba Duarte since the moment he laid eyes on her. But he hasn’t been able to act on those feelings since he’s her boss. Until she quits on him….now it’s on.

This gave me The Wall of Winnipeg and Me vibes and if you know, I LOVED that one. This one was no different other than the fact it’s so much spicier, raunchier, the banter was top notch and it wasn’t slow burn like MZ books, which I love don’t get me wrong, but the pacing in this one was everything. I loved watching Theo go after the girl and protecting her at all costs. I saw myself in Alba so much since like her, I’m typically the first my family ran to when something was needed. It’s a thing.

If you love grumpy sunshine, a Latina MC who feels like the world is on her shoulders, forced proximity & top notch spice, you need to read On The Hustle. So so good!

Thank you to @netgalley and @ladriana_herrera for a copy of this amazing book!