kmsecrest's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
Spicy! I grabbed this book for the fiery enemies-to-lovers story between the lovable heroine and Olympic-level hot hero, but I really loved the hidden tribute to book lovers. Alba is interior designer who brings books to life through her design work, and her love for the magic of getting lost in a book elevated this story.
Adriana Herrera brings out the supportive friends, honest communication, pampering, and hot AF bedroom scenes.
Adriana Herrera brings out the supportive friends, honest communication, pampering, and hot AF bedroom scenes.
bookishplantmom's review against another edition
funny
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
4.5
Alba and Theo are an adorable couple and I really enjoyed their story. I identified with Alba as someone who also has a very demanding career and is often trying to take care of everyone and everything besides herself. I loved seeing her come to the realization that it’s ok not to be everything to everyone and to trust and depend on others. I didn’t love the fact that Theo had some serious communication issues that I don’t feel were addressed fully enough and I wished we had gotten more closure on his own personal struggles. I have to say I am obsessed with the idea of an elegant, viby interior design line for bookish adults. I have legitimately been on the lookout for exactly this and to see it on page made me want to find this even more! I loved this book and the bookish interior design aspect was the cherry on top for me.
araleith's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
violentlyagitated's review against another edition
2.5
2.5 stars – Somebody please explain to me in what world Theo is a difficult boss? Biggest mystery.
This mostly bored me. Theo‘s whole character was just "being perfect", so much so that there wasn‘t a lot to be interested in. I don’t think I’m one for millionaire romances though, to be fair.
Reading the synopsis, I initially thought this would be about Theo realizing he misses Alba after she‘s gone and flies down to Dallas to explore these feelings a bit, while flirting with Alba. Instead of a cool, withdrawn boss that gradually gets to woo Alba, we get a chill, loving version of Theo for 90% of the book which is okay, but far less interesting (Great, he helps homeless people get affordable housing with all his real estate money!) Knowing he has strong feelings for Alba since like chapter two basically killed any sort of tension for me. And of course Alba also tells us in no uncertain terms just how HOT Theo is ALL the damn time. A perfectly chiseled body and an ample bank account do not replace a well-rounded personality :) Oh and I didn‘t think their banter was all that.
It is aptly titled, though. Alba lives for her jobs but I just couldn‘t find it in me to care about interior design or her challenges on the job (and personally, I thought her focus on nerdy book redesigns was kind of cringy sometimes). Which is a shame because hustling is the biggest part of her entire personality. I don‘t actually know what else there is to say about her apart from that…
These two just didn‘t connect with me.
This mostly bored me. Theo‘s whole character was just "being perfect", so much so that there wasn‘t a lot to be interested in. I don’t think I’m one for millionaire romances though, to be fair.
Reading the synopsis, I initially thought this would be about Theo realizing he misses Alba after she‘s gone and flies down to Dallas to explore these feelings a bit, while flirting with Alba. Instead of a cool, withdrawn boss that gradually gets to woo Alba, we get a chill, loving version of Theo for 90% of the book which is okay, but far less interesting (Great, he helps homeless people get affordable housing with all his real estate money!) Knowing he has strong feelings for Alba since like chapter two basically killed any sort of tension for me. And of course Alba also tells us in no uncertain terms just how HOT Theo is ALL the damn time. A perfectly chiseled body and an ample bank account do not replace a well-rounded personality :) Oh and I didn‘t think their banter was all that.
It is aptly titled, though. Alba lives for her jobs but I just couldn‘t find it in me to care about interior design or her challenges on the job (and personally, I thought her focus on nerdy book redesigns was kind of cringy sometimes). Which is a shame because hustling is the biggest part of her entire personality. I don‘t actually know what else there is to say about her apart from that…
These two just didn‘t connect with me.
ezichinny's review against another edition
5.0
This book was just amazing. This is just some grown people ish. It has a strong woman, social issues, rich dude learning to be himself, and the heroine is an avid lover of books like me. How could you go wrong.
Alba and Theo were so hot together, that their chemistry jumped off the pages. There was only one way their story could end, with love reigning supreme.
Alba and Theo were so hot together, that their chemistry jumped off the pages. There was only one way their story could end, with love reigning supreme.
curlzymas's review against another edition
5.0
I love me a romance, but this one in particular, I love the most. The author did a great job in creating these characters especially the female main character to be realistic. The banter between both main characters was great and I absolutely loved the social work/mental health component. I guess 3rd or 4th act conflicts are not my thing, but enjoyed that the conflict was pretty low stakes. Oh and the build up to the spicy scenes was *chef's kiss*.
pendygal80's review
5.0
How much did I love this book??!! I always seem to fall so fast and so hard for Adriana's characters and it was no different with Theo and Alba. I completely adored both of them (and their ridiculous chemistry) - Theo was a dirty, spicy hottie and Alba gave as good as she got. The way they got under each other's skin in the best way, ooh just give it to me. Theo had been pining for Alba for so long and though he wasn't exactly smooth about it, when he finally put forth the effort, well it was delicious. I really loved watching them build connections apart from their working relationship. Alba's love for books, and all the bookish things, spoke to my soul and I know so many people can connect with that; who wouldn't want a room designed with their favorite book in mind.
I am just such a fan of this book and Adriana's writing in general.
I am just such a fan of this book and Adriana's writing in general.
mmrohbock's review
emotional
lighthearted
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
4⭐
R because Adriana knows how to make it hot!
Wow, did Adriana take an unlikeable man and convince me he was indeed worthy of a HEA with Alba!! Alba is just trying to leave her old job behind to start her own business ful time when her ex-boss Theo swoops in and changes her plan because... He is secretly in love with her, of course. But the way this book starts!! Theo is a complete asshole who doesn't understand what he did to make Alba dislike him and it was so good to see how his character grew!!
I love how Adriana writes beautiful stories about Latinx women and her commentary throughout this book on what it means to be a child of immigrants was so important. I love Adriana writes the stories she wants to see in the world. While many notes in this book were similar to some of her past, this was still a beautiful story for Alba and Theo. I'm super curious to see whose story will be next!!
Also I must know what people would choose as their bookish boudoir theme.
R because Adriana knows how to make it hot!
Wow, did Adriana take an unlikeable man and convince me he was indeed worthy of a HEA with Alba!! Alba is just trying to leave her old job behind to start her own business ful time when her ex-boss Theo swoops in and changes her plan because... He is secretly in love with her, of course. But the way this book starts!! Theo is a complete asshole who doesn't understand what he did to make Alba dislike him and it was so good to see how his character grew!!
I love how Adriana writes beautiful stories about Latinx women and her commentary throughout this book on what it means to be a child of immigrants was so important. I love Adriana writes the stories she wants to see in the world. While many notes in this book were similar to some of her past, this was still a beautiful story for Alba and Theo. I'm super curious to see whose story will be next!!
Also I must know what people would choose as their bookish boudoir theme.
heymama_755's review
5.0
It’s quite possible that I loved this book more than the previous in the series. Adriana Herrera writes such real, raw, and relatable characters. Alba is vibrant, fun, and a hardworking boss bitch-definitely the kind of girl you’d want to be friends with. Theo is the ultra sexy, possessive AF man who PINES that we’ve all been waiting for! I loved these characters and so loved watching their story unfold. Once again, Adriana Herrera delivers an emotional yet HOT AF love story that I couldn’t get enough of.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin). All opinions are my own.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin). All opinions are my own.