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bookjunkie57's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Here to Stay
Dating in Dallas, Book 1
I Picked Up This Book Because: Seemed like a good idea at the time.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 4/27/24 - 4/30/24
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Almarie Guerra, Sean Crisden
The Characters:
Julia Del Mar:
Rocco Quinn:
Gotham Exiles, Julia’s Family, Rocco’s Family
The Story:
A very enjoyable if somewhat predictable story. I loved the characters. I want to hang out with the exiles. This was my first read from this author but will not be my last. I also really enjoyed the narrators as it was my first time hearing them also.
Dating in Dallas, Book 1
I Picked Up This Book Because: Seemed like a good idea at the time.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 4/27/24 - 4/30/24
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Almarie Guerra, Sean Crisden
The Characters:
Julia Del Mar:
Rocco Quinn:
Gotham Exiles, Julia’s Family, Rocco’s Family
The Story:
A very enjoyable if somewhat predictable story. I loved the characters. I want to hang out with the exiles. This was my first read from this author but will not be my last. I also really enjoyed the narrators as it was my first time hearing them also.
bookplaits's review against another edition
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? Yes
3.0
what_karla_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mari1532's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I listened to this audiobook through my library via Libby.
#23For23 (learn more at: https://www.23for23.net/)
Brief Summary: Julia del Mar Ortiz's big move to Dallas has not gone as planned. It's been a complete disaster. She moved across the country to start a new chapter with her boyfriend, when he broke up with her after a week in Dallas. As Julia tries to make the best out of a bad situation she finds a community of fellow NYC transplants to Dallas and begins to enjoy her work at the charitable foundation. Introduce Rocco Quinn, a big wig from NYC hired by the company overseeing the charitable foundation where she works. As Rocco's position threatens to pull the funding for Julia's beloved job, she and Rocco must navigate their budding feelings for each other.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this book a lot. Herrera can convey emotions on the page in a beautiful and heartwarming way that makes you not only feel like you are a part of the story but also makes you fall in love with the characters.
I loved Julia as a character. From her relationships with her family to the new friendships that she developed throughout the book she was so three-dimensional and I wanted her to have every success 20 pages into the story. I also enjoyed how she developed a crush on Rocco from viewing his profile picture and things steadily grew from there.
Rocco was also a great male character. He could be a bit pompous, but he was not irredeemable so because he had such honest motivations. I loved the connection that he had with his sister and niece.
This is a great book. If you love work place romances and/or two genuinely good and interesting people falling in love I highly recommend this book!
#23For23 (learn more at: https://www.23for23.net/)
Brief Summary: Julia del Mar Ortiz's big move to Dallas has not gone as planned. It's been a complete disaster. She moved across the country to start a new chapter with her boyfriend, when he broke up with her after a week in Dallas. As Julia tries to make the best out of a bad situation she finds a community of fellow NYC transplants to Dallas and begins to enjoy her work at the charitable foundation. Introduce Rocco Quinn, a big wig from NYC hired by the company overseeing the charitable foundation where she works. As Rocco's position threatens to pull the funding for Julia's beloved job, she and Rocco must navigate their budding feelings for each other.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this book a lot. Herrera can convey emotions on the page in a beautiful and heartwarming way that makes you not only feel like you are a part of the story but also makes you fall in love with the characters.
I loved Julia as a character. From her relationships with her family to the new friendships that she developed throughout the book she was so three-dimensional and I wanted her to have every success 20 pages into the story. I also enjoyed how she developed a crush on Rocco from viewing his profile picture and things steadily grew from there.
Rocco was also a great male character. He could be a bit pompous, but he was not irredeemable so because he had such honest motivations. I loved the connection that he had with his sister and niece.
This is a great book. If you love work place romances and/or two genuinely good and interesting people falling in love I highly recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
blahlicia's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
3.75
I listened to the sequel first and I prefer this one. Felt like I got to know characters better.
emmamage's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jmbibliolater's review
3.0
Thank you Harlequin and Carina Press for the copy.
Y'all this book.....if you are looking for a steamy romance with lots of dirty talk, this one is for you.
My likes:
* I love the crazy chemistry between Rocco and Julia. I felt the pull immediately.
* I love the diversity in this book. It is a melting pot of different cultures. It is LGBTQ+ friendly. It really has it all.
* I love being submerged into the Latinx culture.
* Here To Stay tackles deportation. In fact, Julia's job is SUPER important.
* All that food! I lived in Miami for five years. I have such a love for ALL the food mentioned. It hit close to home for me.
My dislikes:
* Here To Stay is being marketed as an enemies to lovers yet it isn't truly one. Julia figures out rather quickly that Rocco is a great guy. Honestly, it is more of a slow burn because there are a TON of factors holding the two back from a relationship.
* The steam and dirty talk was a bit too much for me. I am almost hesitant to say that too as I don't want to that to defer any one from reading this. It's really a great story.
Recommendation: Romance fans are going to love this one so read it.
Y'all this book.....if you are looking for a steamy romance with lots of dirty talk, this one is for you.
My likes:
* I love the crazy chemistry between Rocco and Julia. I felt the pull immediately.
* I love the diversity in this book. It is a melting pot of different cultures. It is LGBTQ+ friendly. It really has it all.
* I love being submerged into the Latinx culture.
* Here To Stay tackles deportation. In fact, Julia's job is SUPER important.
* All that food! I lived in Miami for five years. I have such a love for ALL the food mentioned. It hit close to home for me.
My dislikes:
* Here To Stay is being marketed as an enemies to lovers yet it isn't truly one. Julia figures out rather quickly that Rocco is a great guy. Honestly, it is more of a slow burn because there are a TON of factors holding the two back from a relationship.
* The steam and dirty talk was a bit too much for me. I am almost hesitant to say that too as I don't want to that to defer any one from reading this. It's really a great story.
Recommendation: Romance fans are going to love this one so read it.
mela_318's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.5
mariah3's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? No
3.5
missbookreader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.0