Impure Intentions

by K.L. Hernandez

A New Year’s resolution. An impulsive decision. A reconnection that could crumble his empire and jeopardize her life.

El Año Nuevo signifies the start of a new chapter and the chance to reset.

For Vivian Calderón, it means a drunk declaration of her lifelong goal: getting into Mount Group, the largest construction company across South Florida and Latin America. After she’s granted the chance to move to Miami, the Magic City, she’s one step closer to achieving her dream. The catch? She must room with a stranger from her past. But she’ll do anything to accomplish her goal, even if it means living in a forgotten hometown with a roommate made of secrets.

For Matéo Montenegro, it means a bold decision. He lives a controlled life dedicated to his job. As Mount Group's President, he has little time for anything else— especially not love. But when his childhood friend returns thirteen years after an accident that led to her sudden disappearance, no isn’t an option. Keeping his distance, however, is. It should be easy when a new challenge emerges to prove himself to the Board of Directors. Right?

Wrong.

Their reconnection will open unfinished business from the past, intensify risky desires in the present, and expose the familial ties that could cost them their future.

Genres: Romance, Latinx

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

this storyline is AMAZING 🤩

i absolutely love that the spanish language played such a vital role throughout this whole book !! it may be hard to read for those who do not understand but if you’re using kindle or any other e-book you can always highlight it and look up the translations 🖤

this is a light mafia romance, arranged marriage, forced proximity, boss bitch, friends with benefits, forbidden, billionaire, friends to lovers, amnesia, duo pov, and standalone 💋

[dovesnook]

Buddy read! Rtc

[Katie Boulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This had such a great storyline, but it would be hard for anyone who doesn’t know Spanish to follow. Thankfully I was able to hold on, but it does interchange very frequently!

I loved Mateo and his broody, but low key golden retriever, energy. He falls first and harder folks for his childhood turned adult crush. He’s been pinning after her FOREVER.

Vivian is a boss lady friends. She may be the apprentice but she runs the show (work and bedroom). Iykyk. Seriously. This trope isn’t a very common one but I was down for the female running it! You better work sister.

It’s a billionaire, mafia, workplace, friends to lovers, amnesia, forbidden love romance. And if you think that is a lot just read the book! Seriously so much is going on, but you will definitely be entertained!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the how Vivian and Mateo interacted throughout the book. The book idea was interesting, and I kept reading. I did find it a bit frustrating at times because I have very little Spanish, so I had to continue to look up what was being said. In other books that use multiple languages they often have the English version (or whatever the rest of the book is written in) written after the other language. Google translate was my friend while reading this book. I felt if I didn't translate it, I was missing a lot of the fun sass of the book. The spice is good probably 2 chili spice level.

[Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

probs would understood more if i spoke spanish

[Queen Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read a book with a dominant female. I decided to try something different since the premise for this book was very interesting!! However through reading this book I've learned that dominant FMCs are not for me. So let's start with the things I didn't like so we can end on a good note with this review. In books that have a foreign language being a heavy focus in the book, I really encourage authors to have some kind of glossary either at the beginning, end or in the sentenced in question so that those without knowledge of the language can still understand what's being said. That didn't happen in this book. So there were entire conversations that I didn't understand. The only alternative would be to stop reading and pull out the handy dandy Google translate. Which I didn't do. I just tried to use context clues. Which I think it worked for the most part. This didn't effect my rating of the book since this is something I consider minor, it just kinda sucked to miss context. Another thing that did affect the rating for me was the relationship between the main characters. I know they have history with each other but for Vivian, that past was forgotten. So for the fact that it felt that they fell into this love zone so quickly was a bit much. Especially considering the how much was unknown to her on purpose by those that care about her. She was not suspicious at all about anything. There was a lot of suspicious things that happened in this story, that I would been wary of. Vivian jumped head first into everything! Maybe if the book was longer then I wouldn't have felt thus way. Things just progressed at the speed of sound considering the dangers. I did see that Vivian and Mateo tried to get to know each other but....it just wasn't enough for me. Again this is all just my feelings while reading. I think that and the fact that I dont really like the female dominant aspect as I hoped I would made me feel very disconnected while reading. Now for the things I liked. I love learning about different cultures and we get the chance to do that in this book. While the language thing was a hang up for me, if it was layed out in a way that was understandable for me, then all of this would have been top tier!! The new years resolution, the cooking, the overbearing parents!! I loved seeing it all!! It brought the area that they were living in to life the way that only strong cultural things can! I definitely don't want the author to NOT include these things but just make it easier for others to understand.
As for the spice in this book, it was a big miss for me. The FMC being the Dom was not hitting for me. It caused the scenes to make me skip through it. Also the mystery behind Vivian's past was more interesting to me than whatever spice was happening with her and Mateo. I give it a 2 simply because I can't rate it any lower. Overall this book was a 3 for me. There was too many things missing for me to connects my likes and give this higher than that. I'm not sure I would recommend this but I also wouldn't say don't read it. It has its interesting parts and if you're willing to Google translate the conversations, it can be worth the read.

[Awilda Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desde la primera página, Impure Intentions te atrapa con una mezcla explosiva de misterio, pasión y emociones que se sienten intensamente reales. Vivian Calderón no es solo una protagonista; es una fuerza de la naturaleza: curvy, segura de sí misma, orgullosa de sus raíces panameñas y de esas trenzas que le dan toda su personalidad. Y luego está Mateo Montenegro, su amigo de la infancia, dulce y devoto, que ha esperado toda su vida por ella, con un amor silencioso y obsesivo que hiere y al mismo tiempo enamora.

La historia combina la calidez y el glamour de Miami con secretos familiares que laten bajo la superficie y un pasado que ninguno de los dos logra olvidar. El juego de poder, la tensión sexual y la dinámica de jefe y empleada frente a lo que hay entre ellos fuera de la oficina convierte cada interacción en un torbellino de deseo y misterio. La forma en que la autora maneja el descubrimiento, la enseñanza, la devoción y la protección de ambos protagonistas es tan adictiva que no querrás soltar el libro.

Lo que hace que Impure Intentions brille no solo es la química innegable entre Vivian y Mateo, sino también cómo KL Hernández celebra la cultura latina, la identidad, el orgullo y la pasión de sus personajes. Entre secretos, traumas, rescates audaces y un amor que desafía cualquier obstáculo, este libro es un recordatorio de que el verdadero romance puede ser intenso, peligroso y devastadoramente hermoso al mismo tiempo.

Si buscas una historia que combine romance, misterio, tensión emocional y sexual, raíces culturales y un amor que desafía todo, Impure Intentions es el libro que no sabías que necesitabas hasta ahora.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kristie Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a friend’s with benefits where she teaches him, mixed in with boss/employee and sprinkle on top a little suspense! There’s a lot and I do wish it was a little longer but it has that novela vibe to it.

Vivian, the FMC was strong willed and determined and really cared about her family and friends. Mateo, the MMC, is a grumpy billionaire boss man and Vivian’s new roommate 👀. Soon after hearing a convo she shouldn’t have she offers to help teach Mateo in a friend’s with benefits contract although he’s already fallen hard for the girl he used to know that has no memory of him and their friendship 13 years ago from the car accident that caused her amnesia. I don’t want to give too much away but turns out that accident may not have been an accident after all…

This book has a decent amount written in Spanish so if you want to learn to read/speak Spanish I’d recommend it! Also this book might be more Miami than me and I was born and raised in Miami lol so if you’re looking for a Miami vibes book this is the one for you!

I would also love to learn more about Nicolas and Caro, maybe more will come in the future 😍

Tropes
☀️Billionaire Boss
☀️Boss/Enployee
☀️Roommates
☀️She teaches him
☀️Friends with Benefits
☀️Light Maria
☀️Romanctic Suspense

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. It was the novelera in me that was living for the drama. The Spanish flowed, the references were great, the characters represented so many different cultures.

I loved that both characters were plus size. In media, when there are Hispanic characters they are always described the same without acknowledging any kind of diversity in skin color, body type, hair type, or nationality.

Vivian is Panamanian, CURVY as can be, bold and PROUD of it. And the MMC LOVES IT. He calls her goddess, sweetheart, his heart, this man is head over heels for her and not ashamed to show it.

Mateo is Cuban x Venezuelan with the hottest dad bod that Vivian has ever seen. She helped build his confidence and he helped build hers. They were so natural together. The perfect novela.

•

Tropes: childhood best friends, light mafia, roommates, contracts with benefits, amnesia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Trigger warnings: light mafia, kidnapping

•

Thank you to K.L. Hernandez and Truly Yours PR for sharing this eARC with me. 🫶🏼

[Venus Stone-Cutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

K. L. Hernandez didn’t come to play when she wrote the character of Vivian Calderón in her upcoming romance, Impure Intentions.

This story had everything. The brooding CEO, Matéo Montenegro, who was anything but when it came to the girl who literally vanished from his life, the families who are hiding a critical secret that could destroy them all, and love lessons.

I love how Vivian is the one in the driver’s seat when it comes to teaching Matéo the art of pleasure. She speaks her mind and isn’t afraid to be the boss behind closed doors.

The drama of what happened to Vivian and her family is edge of your seat, and I love how K. L. gradually shares what happened and the lengths family will go to keep the incident buried.

There’s a great deal of banter in Impure Intentions. I love how K. L. writes the characters authentically, making sure to write Hispanic conversations throughout the book. For me, it was a mini language lesson.

Impure Intentions is pure bliss and once it releases will make for a fun summer read.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to K.L. Hernandez and Truly Yours PR for the eARC of this book. Impure Intentions comes out on Tuesday, May 7!

3.5 ⭐

Tropes
✨amnesia
🚑childhood best friends
✨one of the MC's is a virgin ;)
🚑light mafia
✨contractual smex

the biggest thing that i enjoyed with the book was the representation in the characters. i don't speak a lick of spanish, but i would like to hope that the banter between vivian and mateo were top tier. it was really interesting to learn more about the culture of Miami.

the book was a bit fast-paced for my liking, i wish that there was a bit more draw out of the plot and build-up to the ultimate conflict. i really liked the idea of the book--amnesia tropes are tropes that i always enjoy when i read them, but i feel like it was just used a reason for vivian not to recognize mateo, i wish there was more to it!

overall, if you want a quick fast paced read with a dom-esque fmc with a mmc who will do anything for her, go read this book! (and it would help if you spoke spanish lol)

[Nanii’s Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The minute I saw this book on TikTok with “submissive MMC” I knew I had to pick it up immediately. I just love reading about submissive men whimpering for their woman, it just hits different. I do wish this book would’ve been spicier, but it was still an enjoyable read. The Hispanic family dynamics were so accurate, I loved that. I also loved that a lot of the conversations were in Spanish. Speaking of Spanish conversations, this book might be a bit hard to follow for those that do not know any Spanish so keep that in mind in case you decide you want to pick this book up for yourself. I did feel like the kidnapping and the rescuing could’ve been dragged out a little more, the rescuing felt a bit rushed to me, but it is what it is. Overall, I did find this book enjoyable, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
🩵 Amnesia
🩷 Light Mafia
🩵 Roommates
🩷 He’s a Virgin
🩵 Billionaire Boss
🩷 Contractual FWB
🩵 She Teaches Him

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Kidnapping

🫧 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖

[Kamaile (kamaile.reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

Impure Intentions is a dual POV, childhood friends to lovers, billionaire, forced proximity romance with lovable characters and a lot of Spanish. I think it's great how the author incorporates Spanish into the book, but I felt like I missed major dialogue since full sentences and sometimes paragraphs had no translations. If you speak/understand Spanish then you would have no problem following along. If you don't know any Spanish, just make sure you have google translate handy.

This book was very refreshing in the sense that the mmc, Mateo, was the innocent one while the fmc, Vivian, was the one taking charge and teaching. There was definitely tension between the two. There was so much potential but unfortunately the ending was so rushed that it sort of ruined it. A huge issue throughout the story ended up being resolved in 2 or so chapters. I wish everything was flushed out more. There was so much anticipation on how things were gonna turn out just for it to fall flat. I enjoyed Impure Intentions in the beginning and it was a decent read but not one that I would read again. If you're into a super fast-paced read then you may enjoy it.

*Thank you to Truly Yours PR and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian makes a New Year's resolution while celebrating with her best friends. She wants to get into Mount Group, the largest construction company, and move back to Miami. Due to her past, her parents disappeared from Miami and ultimately granted her wish to move to back. The catch is that she will be living with someone from her past. However, her amnesia doesn't help her to recognize him at first. Mateo, the President of Mount Group, does his best to avoid Vivian as much as he can, but soon he cannot resist.

A quick and enjoyable read. I really loved the concept of Vivian and Mateo's story especially the history they shared. I felt it was a little rushed and would have loved to get more details surrounding the plot, but I still loved the book. Although I cannot read Spanish, I loved the Latin representation in the book. I read this on my kindle, so it was easy to quickly translate. I look forward to other books within the series.

[Jas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I had a lot of thoughts while reading this book. I did enjoy it... in the beginning. The writing was strong, loved the concept and where the story was going. This book was very fast-paced (it read as a novella). When I say 'very' I mean VERY. I will say that I did love the amount of Spanish she used and how unapologetic it was. We need more Latine books with that!

The spicy had potential with the concept but felt almost non-existent. Some things in this book did make me uncomfortable. Overall, I will say that this book has lots of potential it just wasn't meant for me.

Themes: Latine Romance - Panamanian FMC/ Cuban-Venezuelan MMC/

Tropes: Billionaire/ Boss/ Roommates/ FWB (with a contract)/ Forced Proximity/ Amensia/ Friends-to-Lovers/ She teaches him

[Crazybooklover23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so enjoyable from the start. I loved how the author made the characters speak Spanish. Spanish is my second language that I speak and it made me really stick with the story and what to know what was going to happen.

Mateo and Vivian’s characters were so great to read about. I loved how Mateo had a crush on our FMC and he falls first for her. Vivian really knew what she was doing throughout this whole book. I love a FMC that takes charge and knows what she wants and goes for it.

You will love this book if you love a billionaire romance, childhood best friends and amnesia. K.L. Hernandez really made this romance book a fun enjoyable read.

Thank you to Truly Yours PR and K.L. Hernandez for the E-Arc!

[Carmens.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this read. Something about this submissive man just did it for me. The contract the drama. The mild inclusion of mafia. The friends, especially Bruno. Loved that guy. The foods mentioned, made me crave everything. The fact that the FMC was size 18! With great representation, of Panama, Cuba,chile! Love it all.

But for real Mateo was such a dream to read about. So caring and loved that the mmc was the one with the vCard. Her fierce confidence was also so god damn refreshing.

Overall I loved this book. There were plenty of spicy scenes. Plenty of cute one and love loved Loved all the Spanish.

[DG. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is GTA Vice City meets The Professional except everyone is of age and no one dies.

I absolutely loved the spanish (The author could’ve included translations) Reading about places that I’ve visited and stories lines I’ve read about: The Biltmore, Calle Ocho, Islamorada, Brickell etc. was nostalgic. You just have to be from Miami to have a deeper lover and appreciation of everything mentioned.

Anyways, everyone loves a MMC that whimpers. 😩 Hello Mateo, call me later.

I loved it. I wish it was longer. I had a difficult time picturing the FMC.

[Marah Martinson-Caravalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had its traumas but ended in the best love story. When you know deep in your bones that you are missing a vital piece of yourself but cannot identify what. The accident, that was no accident. The secrets that were kept. The love that was later found.

The only thing that I did not like much is that there were some spanish lines in the story that were not translated. I do not read or understand spanish so I had to go and look it up so that I could better understand.

[Katelynn | booksareadoorway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick enjoyable read. It includes the tropes light mafia, billionaire boss, she teaches him, roommates, and contractual friends with benefits.

It has the makings of a great story, but it doesn't feel like things were really fleshed out completely. It reads more like a novella. The spice was good, but I would have loved more. Some more background on Vivian & Mateo both growing up and then reconnecting would have been great.

Overall, if you're looking for a quick read that has some spice and really light mafia action, this is it.

[MildrenReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latinx Romance 🙌🏼

🇵🇦FMC. 🇨🇺🇻🇪 MMC.
There was a lot of Spanish which I LOVED! If your not a Spanish speaker and don’t understand it (this book was not made for u in mind) but also google translate and don’t give lower rating for that 😒.
This is a fast paced book! Insta love/lust! Loved the diversity of Latine characters introduced! The main characters knew each other from childhood but she moved away. Once she moved back to the city, she had no memory of him and they were roommates 👀 they also made a contract for her to teach him 🤭 since he was inexperienced. The chapters are super short and I personally didn’t mind that bcuz it made it faster to read 😂😌 I’m a slow reader and my attention span is 👎🏼. The smut was good but I wished it was longer and more detailed. I can’t wait for the next book and I hope there’s more mafia as the series progresses! 👀
The playlist was 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🤭😂also Bruno was my favorite! He was hilarious!

[Krystal Herndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 The story was a little slow to start and then really quick to finish. I wanted more about the mcs relationship and less with Bruno and Caro. However, I need to know more about Alvaro and Bruno. 🤣🤣🤣

I wish I knew more Spanish than I do. It landed following some of the conversations harder. You can fumble through or use translate though.

[K.L. Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Magic City Amores is here! She's the perfect encapsulation of novelas I grew up watching and the city I call home. II is the perfect read if you like:

-Latinx culture/foods
-Dominant women who are just as independent
-Submissive men who will do anything for their women
-Spanish and spanglish

[Carlie Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an intriguing story line. I love mafia romances and this one was no different. It could be difficult to follow at certain times with the Spanish, luckily I have some background with Spanish speaking but still found myself needing to look up some of the phrasing. Nice quick read if you can handle the Spanish dialogue.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: she teaches him, contractual FWB, light mafia

This was a nice read, the spice was good and we love a man who worships his woman. It’s a good size novella that definitely leaves you wanting more of the universe and characters. I definitely want more of Bruno he’s probably my favorite character aside from the main couple.

🚨🚨 Slight Spoilers Past here 🚨🚨


Speaking of I adored the dynamic between the two but personally I would’ve loved to see it progress a lil more slowly but that’s mainly cause I like tension and build sometimes and I feel like it’d work well in this story. Despite my personal preference on that their relationship was still incredibly strong and interesting to see especially seeing him struggle with telling her about the accident.

The mafia storyline is present throughout the whole story as like a suspense builder for the second half. Which I loved how different characters that were introduced to all tie in to it differently. Some of which I kind of pieced together before it was explained but there was definitely a character or two that caught me off guard.

[llenna’s library · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet book. Vivian and Mateo have a contractual relationship (that honestly didn’t feel like it). I loved that Vivian is his teacher and he absolutely worships her! Will Bruno have a story?!

[Rylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5 ⭐

[Meralys Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy light read! Super fast pace 💕

[Deyce M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love how golden retriever Mateo was and how obsessed he was when he saw Vivian again. He worships the ground she walks on. I definitely could relate to Vivian's overprotective Latino parents. I enjoy the different representations of Latin cultures. I wish I could have more of Mateo and Vivian reconnecting. The mini-plot twist at the ending was a surprise, did not see it coming.






I read an eARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[bookswithjaxy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be able to meet K.L. Hernandez and to be able to read this book of hers. It was definitely refreshing to have two thick MCs. The story line was a bit bumpy but easy enough to get through. The spice was a nice addition. And I love the confidence of Vivian. I’ll leave it at that and let you read for yourself!
I’m looking forward to reading more from her.