4.76k reviews for:

You Had Me at Hola

Alexis Daria

3.73 AVERAGE

emotional funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Great book with realistic representation. The author did a great job of showing realistic Latinx perspectives and the cultural challenges that are quite relatable. The characters really jump off the page with their flair for life. The main character is definitely a “No Sabo” kid and part of her struggle is trying to learn Spanish as an adult that many no sabo kids will try to go through at different times in their life’s. A great book for someone that is looking for Latinx representation without the overbearing, and at times insulting, stereotypes.
emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Good story. Would have been 5 stars if not for the many F words and several graphic sex scenes.

This book just felt pretty average to me. Some of the plot didn’t make that much sense and felt dry at points. I did like Jasmine, but Ashton annoyed me so many times. Their relationship had no depth and I would’ve liked to see more banter between them. I loved the conversations around representation in the media and even more so loved the Latinx crew and cast for the film. Overall I enjoyed reading this book.

I was so lucky to have gotten an ARC of this on NetGalley. You Had Me at Hola drew me in from the first page. My family are big into telenovellas and this was a such a fun premise for a modern romance. The diverse Latinex cast of characters, the unapologetic Spanish, the humor, the discussions about Hollywood culture, consent, the cost of fame, and representation were *chef's kiss.*

The side characters were just as funny, punchy, and vibrant as the protagonists and I was just as invested in them as I was the main characters. It was such a fun book with substance behind it and a great love letter (and not so subtle hint) as to all of the reasons WHY we need more representation on screens, in books, and (for the love of all that is holy) more Latinex romances and romance writers.

I can't wait to read more by the author. 4.5 well earned stars!

I think the best way I can describe this story is: addictive. I just didn't want to stop listening sn fI had to know what was happening next. Ashton and Jasmine have incredible chemistry and I loved seeing their genuine relationship develop throughout the story. The heavy focus of family and it's respective importance to the two leads was a welcomed surprise and the telenovela scenes incorporated into the story was perfect. You Had Me at Hola is filled with glamour, charm, and heart and I loved every second of it!
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

This was so much fun. I loved the Latinx cast and telenovela angle. I loved Jasmine's family. I loved how real the characters felt. Plus- I'm a sucker for a "show within a show". I loved how the communication, context and consent between the actors on set carried over to their relationship. I wish there was a bit more romantic tension, because I LOVE angst. But I still found it steamy, sweet and scintillating. I can't wait to read more from this author. ⁣

If you're looking for a title to read for National Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15) pick this one up. ⁣

Definitely more of a 3.5/5 star read for me!

I really love stories that take place in the entertainment industry, so I was super excited about this one. As a fan of shows like UGLY BETTY and JANE THE VIRGIN, the setting and its characters immediately intrigued me.

Both Jasmine and Ashton are likable characters, easy to root for and get invested in. It takes a bit for the romance to kick in, but when it does, it REALLY does.

The tension in the third act didn't really do it for me, without giving too much away, basically Ashton withholds personal information from Jamsine (and EVERYONE for that matter) and she gets really upset when she learns that he didn't tell her. Mostly, I don't like when people feel they are entitled to information that they, quite simply, are not entitled to.

I was able to put aside some of the inaccurate/impossible aspects of the production of a television show because I was entertained the whole time, and I took it all with a grain of salt that this book was set in the ~entertainment industry~ but definitely a more heightened version.

Overall, a fun, sweet read.