Reviews

Just for the Holidays... by Adriana Herrera

smilagros's review against another edition

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4.0

This was so sweet. I really don’t read a lot of Latinx romance novels and seeing my culture in a romance book was amazing

whatselizabethreading's review against another edition

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4.0

Perla Sambrano never got over her first love, Gael Montez, but she has tried to reclaim her life in the year since her father died and she reunited with her half sister Esmeralda. Perla’s new role within the family business has her trying to convince Gael to take a role in a limited period series which she knows is perfect for him. When they’re caught kissing during the audition (“for the scene”) by his mother (who never approved that Gael broke up with her) Perla agrees to go along with the lie that they’re dating again to keep his mom happy for the holidays, in exchange for Gael’s commitment to the part.

So fake dating, second chance romance, scheming family members, and one characters mistaken belief that they’re cursed in love make this a really charming holiday romance. I was so excited to see how much Perla had grown since the first book (Esmerelda’s story) and we got a hint that the other sibling, Onyx, may not be totally beyond redemption. I wish there had been more of confrontation of Perla’s mother (a classic evil stepmother but who is also horrible to her own children) but I also think this might be saved for the next book (hopefully’s Onyx’s story). Gael’s family is so warm and lovely, and this book is much lighter in tone than the prior book in the series.

I also loved the nod to Alexis Daria’s series, and reference to a certain broadway musical about the founding fathers.

***I received an ARC from the author and am posting my honest review.***

macyh's review against another edition

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hopeful 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

5.0

nicolewhopickedthisbook's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

I didn’t read the first book but I don’t feel like it detracted from this story at all. It has a lot of my favorite tropes and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

tatahababa's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5
This is the 2nd in Herrera's Sambrano Studios Novel.
Perla Sambrano, one of the heirs to the studios, finds herself trying to prove herself by hiring her ex bf for a role of a lifetime.
What happens is a warm holiday family get together, forced proximity, one bed, and a steamy 2nd chance romance. I loved nearly everything about this one. I'm also happy we didn't have to hear about the dead CEO deadbeat dad as much in this one.

**ARC received by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

alwaysfullybooked's review against another edition

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challenging emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved this book!! So swoony, filled with angst and the right amount of holiday spirit. I love how adriana writes such diverse latinx characters! Definitely liked this premise more than the first. 

womanwill's review

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emotional lighthearted reflective 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

theboricuabookworm's review against another edition

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5.0

this book gave me all sorts of tingly feelings. Gah I love Perla and Gael so so much.

robinlovesreading's review against another edition

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4.0

Now that Perla Sambrano has found the perfect actor for her production, she finds she must resist the mutual feelings of attraction each of them have. She knows that getting involved with one of her stars would really look back. Meanwhile, Gael Montez comes from a background of broken relationships and feels that even though he really likes Perla, nothing can come of it.

There is a catch. Perla and Gael knew each other in college and he broke her heart. There is no way that Perla is going to allow feelings to Gael to rise again. Instead, she wants to focus on her film project.

The film is forced to go on hold due to the weather. What is worse is that they get snowed in due to a blizzard. What are two people to do that find themselves trapped? Especially considering how much they really like each other.

What a wonderful and enjoyable love story. Not only do we see a strong woman with a fabulous work ethic, we see love pushing its way through for a couple who are perfect for one another.

Many thanks to Harlequin Desire and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

bookishplantmom's review

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lighthearted relaxing 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

4.0

This book follows Perla and her ex Gael an actor as they reunite for a potential film project starting him. I love how even with a whirlwind romance such as this Herrera manages to build realistic and healthy relationships. Her emphasis on self work and open communication is a cut above in my opinion. Another win for this author  as far as I’m concerned.