Reviews

Just for the Holidays... by Adriana Herrera

libertyreads789's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

What a flop this book was. Especially following behind Assistant to the Villain which I really enjoyed. I thought this would have all the Christmas I could hand. I thought this would have a bunch of Christmas traditions that I haven't experienced before. I thought this would be such a good fake dating/second chance romance. But I was wrong on all of those counts. I'm going to keep this one pretty short because it doesn't deserve much more of my time than it has already taken.

I loved seeing Gael's family and seeing what their holiday traditions were. I loved seeing how the fake dating got more difficult as more time passed. But I feel like this book pulled a bait and switch. I got a couple of really good chapters that I enjoyed. I felt like I was getting to know the characters and their dynamics. I felt like I was getting the Christmassy-ness that I've been craving. But then we got sucked into it being about nothing but their sexual chemistry. I get it. You both think the other one is hot. But, seriously, I don't need scene after scene of them taking their physical relationship to another level just to get interrupted. Again and again and again. It just killed the tension for me. On top of that, the weird sexual stuff from him pissed me off. They were college sweethearts. He was the guy she had her first time with. That's all super sweet and nostalgic and everything. But then he finds out that she hasn't slept with anyone since they broke up at the end of college six years ago. And he gets this weird ego about it and talks about how he loves being the only man who "has ever been inside her." His actual words. There was a lot of him being super possessive of her when they're in the bedroom which doesn't get me going but maybe it does for someone else. It made me mad.

Anyway, this review is already too long. Basically, I didn't get what I came here for and it just wasn't for me. I need more Holidays in my Holiday Romances. And I need the main character to not be this weird Alpha asshole.

tearainread's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

angisnowflake's review

4.25

I am not the biggest fan of 2nd chance or celebrity but I still enjoyed reading this a lot. The characters are great, even though a little hard headed. And the spice is top notch like it’s always with books by Adriana Herrera.

I was a little annoyed by the third act break up because it felt so very unnecessary and the situation was solved very fast.

hijinx_abound's review against another edition

4.0

2nd chance, fake relationship, stranded together, only one bed, & forced proximity.

This is how a harlequin desire should be. Tight, hot, and satisfying.

greylandreviews's review against another edition

3.0

RTC

kylathomp's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mommasaystoread's review against another edition

4.0

Let's see... We have forced proximity, second chance romance, fake dating romance... I think that covers it. Anyway, all three tropes come together for fun, quick read with a couple that's really easy to root for. Gael and Perla are so good together, and their romance is a good combination of sweet and sexy. The story has a good pace that makes it all too easy to read "just one more chapter," until you're turning the last page. I liked the first book in the Sambrano Studios series, but there's just something about this couple that sets this one apart. Adriana Herrera paints such a vivid picture of the setting and the characters that it all comes to life in my head. It's pretty safe to say that I'd recommend this one to anyone who likes a bit of steamy romance to while away an evening.

searchingforhappilyeverafter's review against another edition

5.0

Just for the Holidays is the second book in the Sambrano Studios series by Adriana Herrera. It’s the story of casting director Perla Sambrano and actor Gael Montez. Years ago, Gael broke Perla’s heart. But when her studio decides that Gael would be perfect for their new telenovela, Perla has to convince him to take the part. She goes to his family’s home in the Hamptons to speak with him directly and ends up getting stranded there together because of a snowstorm. Steamy exchanges ensue as they are forced to spend the holidays together!

It’s a fun second chance romance with a bit of forced proximity and fake dating. I loved getting to know Perla, Gael, and Gael’s family and enjoyed seeing Esme and Rodrigo again. The chemistry between Gael and Perla was just scorching! Adriana Herrera pulls you into the story with her beautiful descriptions of Puerto Rican culture and cuisine.

If you’re looking for a steamy and passionate holiday romance, you should read this one. It’s releasing on October 26. It was a pleasure to spend more time with the Sambrano Studios family.

arisbookcorner's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS..was exactly what I wanted for a holiday romance: festive, fun and heavy on the Latine representation and food porn. I haven't read the first book in the Sambrano Studios series but I didn't feel lost, enough backstory is provided to pique your interest in eventually reading the first but it's very much a romance able to be read as a standalone. This is a second chance romance where the initial cause of the breakup is actually not ridiculous which was such a relief. Perla and Gael are both great once they get out of their own way, I loved that they almost immediately gave in to their attraction. I also enjoyed reading about Perla's job and learning a tiny bit more about movie production. There is a tiny acknowledgment at how white Latine media currently is and Perla claims her company is trying to change that, I would have liked to see that discussed more but it wasn't a detriment to my overall enjoyment. I was very disappointed to discover Francisco Rios was not real! This is not hugely important but Herrera choosing an actual Puerto Rican historical figure and throwing in some flirty and/or witty banter along with adding a few more pages would have made this better but it's still very good.

anjelica's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5