Another reason why I couldn't really connect with the characters is because of how they were presented. Jasmine was obsessed with how the tabloids looked at her and Ashton was obsessed with the tabloids discovering his son and something happening to his son because of his fame. These two people willingly chose their careers as actors and were pursuing fame, yet they were both actively trying to stay out of the limelight. It just didn't really make sense to me. We told Abuela to take it down, but she said it was a good picture of you,” her cousin Ava said from behind her. This was such an engaging electric story with some definite heat. Jasmine was such a fabulous character I just adored her. I also loved her cousins Michelle and Ava and I am really hoping that they will also get their own stories. Loved Jasmine’s big Puerto Rican family and all the culture throughout the story. Ashton came across a little awkward to me in the beginning of the book, although he did grow on me by the end. What I did like about him was how devoted to his family he was. BUT even though Ashton wasn’t my flavor of Margarita he was definitely jasmine’s and the chemistry really worked between them. I do however wish the connection between them was a little deeper, but I’m sure that will come in time. The audiobook was narrated by Seraphine Valentine Who did an excellent job. She definitely spiced up the book with her wonderful narration, especially when it came to the Spanish words. Love this romcom and I’m excited to see what is next from Alexis Daria!

RITA ® Award Winning author Alexis Daria brings readers an unforgettable, hilarious rom-com set in the drama-filled world of telenovelas—perfect for fans of Jane the Virgin and The Kiss Quotient. Also I’m sorry but how many parents, especially Latino parents would be upset their kid got a full scholarship to a good university? Like why? How? Gabriel was meant to be a 1st generation American, and from my experience with children of immigrants they WANT THAT EDUCATION!!!

It's through Daria's deep and nuanced exploration of these ideas that You Had Me at Hola says hello to new risks. It's a sensual choreography of romance, feminism, and identity that harmonizes the characters' relationships on and offscreen — while making all the jefa moves. I thought the actual story was cute. There were problems with it but nothing when compared with the terrible reading of this book. Reading Jasmine and Ashton's story was a delight. Two actors who are hoping to catch their big break on the big screen end up finding each other as well. Jasmine Lin, our Leading Lady, plays the role of Carmen in the debut series "Carmen in Charge" alongside telenovela star Ashton Suárez who plays Victor, Carmen's ex-husband. The coolest about this book has to be the way the narrative handled both Jasmine and Ashton's real-life relationship vs Carmen and Victor's tv relationship. We get to see both sides and you really find yourself rooting for both couples in the end! I thought it was super neat. Nothing," she said, her voice broken and breathy, but that wasn't true. "Why does it feel like this?"

The most interesting thing about the book of is you read two romantic stories at the same time and I have to admit at some parts: I enjoyed telenovela’s plot more than the angsty and emotional love story of Jasmine and Ashton’s so I looked forward to read the script parts about Victor and Carmen: divorced couple, learning from their past mistakes and coming clean about their resentments, secrets , the intimate feelings they still have for each other. The story splits its time between the real lives of telenovela and soap opera stars Ashton Suárez and Jasmine Lin. Jasmine is a rising star in soap operas with a rather messy recent breakup splashed all over the tabloids. And Ashton has made acting in telenovelas his bread and butter for years, while he supports his family in Puerto Rico—which he prefers and struggles to keep very private from his public image—and tries to make his current new project alongside Jasmine successful enough that it will hopefully give him the boost he needs to get to Hollywood. This one was a bit of a slower start (in me knowing if I would love it), but eventually Gabe and Mich won me over. Have to say I appreciated the horniess in this book SO MUCH, and the intersection of family and the pain and joy family can bring was deftly balanced with the romance. Ashton was dealing with two fears. One fear was that his career was on the downswing when he just wanted to break into Hollywood and provide for his family.There was steam, and lots of attraction and chemistry between the couple. BUT the beginning between them was bit awkward and slow. The love story between Jasmine and Ashton wasn’t sure what it wanted to be and that prevented me from really enjoying it. And it was very sweet and cute – not necessarily my kind of romance.

As Jasmine and Ashton work through their chemistry on and off the set, Daria immerses her audience in the world of television, telenovelas and the tabloids. With chapters alternating between Jasmine’s and Ashton’s perspectives, and including snippets of their scenes from the day, she lets their relationship unfold naturally, even when it mimics the antics of their on-screen counterparts, Carmen and Victor. With both actors working through their own personal issues, Daria seamlessly weaves reality into fiction, with each element propelling the other forward. I wasn't a fan of Ashton and his behaviour towards the end just cemented my dislike of him. Deal with your shit like an adult geez! A perfect escapist read about real-world falling in love.” — Angelina M. Lopez, author of Lush Money So she needs a clean state, fresh start, concentrating on her career. But it seems like it is impossible task when you have so freaking charming co-star and sharing so many intimate, hot kissing scenes with him. Yes, she starts falling fast and she needs to stop but does she really want to stop?

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Like a delicious slow burn, this love story happens in the best way–despacito!” Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of Labyrinth Lost

Authors, if you are a member of the Goodreads Author Program, you can edit information about your own books. Find out how in this guide. You Had Me at Hola is a multi-layered sexy, poignant, and fun story set against the glamorous and dramatic world of telenovelas. Filled with lovable characters, relatable family dynamics and the nuances of identity, Alexis Daria’s novel is full of heart. Romance readers will fall head over heels!” Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author. Alexis writes our people like I’ve always wanted to see them in romance. Y ou Had Me at Hola is full of joyful, swoony moments that will have you rooting for Jasmine and Ashton’s HEA.”— Adriana Herrera, award-winning author of American Love StoryAfter his last telenovela character was killed off, Ashton is worried his career is dead as well. Joining this new cast as a last-minute addition will give him the chance to show off his acting chops to American audiences and ping the radar of Hollywood casting agents. To make it work, he’ll need to generate smoking-hot on-screen chemistry with Jasmine. Easier said than done, especially when a disastrous first impression smothers the embers of whatever sexual heat they might have had. Paired with this, there were instances when characters would sit down to have a conversation, and rather than follow a dialogue, the author would just tell us what was said, what the reactions and resolutions were, and continue with the narrative. This was not the rule, and there's plenty of growth between the characters on their own, but these moments almost felt rushed. It was as if we, as the reader, were being hurried along to the rest of the novel. The sex scenes were alright. Not bad at all, but again, they felt kind of manufactured. I don't want to criticise them too much, because I actually think Daria is on the right path, especially in comparison to the many sex scenes I have read in my lifetime, but what Gabe would say just seemed so scripted that it was unmoving. There is some level of tenderness, but I never really felt true intimacy, vulnerability and understanding between our leads. The gist is that the two main actors on an Americanized telenovela fall in love for real while filming for a Netflix ish streaming service. They've got insecurities, baggage, and one of them even has a secret love child. Ok. Just as an example (not an actual quote!) instead of saying, "She left the room, went outside, and put on a sweater.", she would say, "She left the room (stop) went outside (stop) and put on a swea-ter."