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Sambrano Studios #2
Just for the Holidays...
Being snowbound at Christmas leads to holiday sparks in this Sambrano Studios novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Adriana Herrera.
She’s snowed in at Christmas…
with a man she must resist!
Casting director Perla Sambrano knows Gael Montez is the perfect actor for her new film project. As long as she forgets his oh-so-tempting allure and keeps her heart out of it. Because their chemistry’s no act and she needs to be careful…
The Montez men hurt the women they love. Or so Gael believes. Keeping things professional with Perla is the only way to protect her. Until a snowstorm strands them together, leading to an unplanned Christmas fling that lands them both on the naughty list!
From Harlequin Desire: A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
Love triumphs in these uplifting romances, part of the Sambrano Studios series:
Book 1: One Week to Claim It All
Book 2: Just for the Holidays...
She’s snowed in at Christmas…
with a man she must resist!
Casting director Perla Sambrano knows Gael Montez is the perfect actor for her new film project. As long as she forgets his oh-so-tempting allure and keeps her heart out of it. Because their chemistry’s no act and she needs to be careful…
The Montez men hurt the women they love. Or so Gael believes. Keeping things professional with Perla is the only way to protect her. Until a snowstorm strands them together, leading to an unplanned Christmas fling that lands them both on the naughty list!
From Harlequin Desire: A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
Love triumphs in these uplifting romances, part of the Sambrano Studios series:
Book 1: One Week to Claim It All
Book 2: Just for the Holidays...
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2021
32 people are currently reading
1453 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Herrera
46 books1,661 followersUSA Today bestselling author ADRIANA HERRERA was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last 15 years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy endings.
Her debut Dreamers, has been featured on Entertainment Weekly, NPR, the TODAY Show on NBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Oprah Magazine.
When she's not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a social worker in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Her debut Dreamers, has been featured on Entertainment Weekly, NPR, the TODAY Show on NBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Oprah Magazine.
When she's not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a social worker in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 10, 2021
What an amazing book, and also my second one in a week by this author!! This book was so spicy, and angsty. Second chance Romance, fake relationship between an actor, and his casting director. This hit all my buttons, and I love when a read catapults me into its culture. All the descriptions literally burst onto my mind’s eye while reading and I LOVED it!!!
October 28, 2021
A second chance romance between an actor and casting director, snowed in together for the holidays! I've been loving this series and Just for the Holidays is a perfect example of how good a Harlequin category can be.
Gael broke Perla's heart back in college, but now he's a big movie star and she's trying to cast him for a passion project. When she brings the script to his family home, they end up snowed in for the holidays- the perfect opportunity to rekindle their passion. This was great- a couple I was rooting for, some solid steamy scenes, and lots of heartwarming family moments with mouthwatering food descriptions. Definitely would recommend it! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Gael broke Perla's heart back in college, but now he's a big movie star and she's trying to cast him for a passion project. When she brings the script to his family home, they end up snowed in for the holidays- the perfect opportunity to rekindle their passion. This was great- a couple I was rooting for, some solid steamy scenes, and lots of heartwarming family moments with mouthwatering food descriptions. Definitely would recommend it! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2021
2.5 rounded down. I really like this author, especially her M/M books but her M/F books have mostly disappointed me I'm afraid (except for the 4th installment of her DREAMER series). This was full of clichés and tropes I don't enjoy .
I did not get the sense of family that we got in other books or even the sense of the season which is strange for a Christmas book. Honestly, this author is great at showcasing Latinx heritage and showing how bilingual people code-switch (Spanish/English) and that was present here but her DREAMER series is miles better so check that out.
I did not get the sense of family that we got in other books or even the sense of the season which is strange for a Christmas book. Honestly, this author is great at showcasing Latinx heritage and showing how bilingual people code-switch (Spanish/English) and that was present here but her DREAMER series is miles better so check that out.
December 11, 2021
4 Stars / 2.5 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 49: Dec 5 – Dec 11, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 49: Dec 5 – Dec 11, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
December 29, 2021
Continuing to be an AH stan.
December 10, 2023
Just for the Holidays is a snowed in, second chance, fake dating, only one bed, he’s an actor/she’s a casting director, holiday romance!
Perla is a casting director working on a passion project and she goes to Gael, a successful actor who just happens to be her college ex. She’s desperate to get her project going and even goes to Gael’s family home for the holidays to convince him on the role. While they’re working together on it, his family shows up and are thrilled assuming they’re finally back together. So they decide to lean in to it/fake date and spend the time together.
This was just so good! I loved their time together, the food descriptions, the time with his family, the steam. The audio was great and on hoopla too! Probably my favorite holiday romance I’ve read from this author!
Perla is a casting director working on a passion project and she goes to Gael, a successful actor who just happens to be her college ex. She’s desperate to get her project going and even goes to Gael’s family home for the holidays to convince him on the role. While they’re working together on it, his family shows up and are thrilled assuming they’re finally back together. So they decide to lean in to it/fake date and spend the time together.
This was just so good! I loved their time together, the food descriptions, the time with his family, the steam. The audio was great and on hoopla too! Probably my favorite holiday romance I’ve read from this author!
February 15, 2022
Snowed in, second chance romance and fake dating a hot Hollywood star?
SIGN ME IN
Perla and Gael were college sweethearts that after breaking up, they stop seeing each other for six years.
Because of a new project in the Sambrano Studios, Perla Sambrano has to face the one man that she can't forget, Hollywood latinx star, Gael Montez.
After arriving to his home in the Hamptons, there is a snowstorm and Perla finds herself stranded with Gael and his family in Nochebuena pretending to be his girlfriend.
This book is full of emotions, cozyness, and so much sweetness.
I enjoyed so much the family dynamic of the Montezes and I loved how the author shows part of the latinx culture through their food and traditions ❤
I'm voluntarily leaving this review in exchange for an ARC copy
SIGN ME IN
Perla and Gael were college sweethearts that after breaking up, they stop seeing each other for six years.
Because of a new project in the Sambrano Studios, Perla Sambrano has to face the one man that she can't forget, Hollywood latinx star, Gael Montez.
After arriving to his home in the Hamptons, there is a snowstorm and Perla finds herself stranded with Gael and his family in Nochebuena pretending to be his girlfriend.
This book is full of emotions, cozyness, and so much sweetness.
I enjoyed so much the family dynamic of the Montezes and I loved how the author shows part of the latinx culture through their food and traditions ❤
I'm voluntarily leaving this review in exchange for an ARC copy
November 5, 2021
Now that Perla Sambrano has found the perfect actor for her production, she finds she must resist the mutual feelings of attraction each of them have. She knows that getting involved with one of her stars would really look back. Meanwhile, Gael Montez comes from a background of broken relationships and feels that even though he really likes Perla, nothing can come of it.
There is a catch. Perla and Gael knew each other in college and he broke her heart. There is no way that Perla is going to allow feelings to Gael to rise again. Instead, she wants to focus on her film project.
The film is forced to go on hold due to the weather. What is worse is that they get snowed in due to a blizzard. What are two people to do that find themselves trapped? Especially considering how much they really like each other.
What a wonderful and enjoyable love story. Not only do we see a strong woman with a fabulous work ethic, we see love pushing its way through for a couple who are perfect for one another.
Many thanks to Harlequin Desire and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
There is a catch. Perla and Gael knew each other in college and he broke her heart. There is no way that Perla is going to allow feelings to Gael to rise again. Instead, she wants to focus on her film project.
The film is forced to go on hold due to the weather. What is worse is that they get snowed in due to a blizzard. What are two people to do that find themselves trapped? Especially considering how much they really like each other.
What a wonderful and enjoyable love story. Not only do we see a strong woman with a fabulous work ethic, we see love pushing its way through for a couple who are perfect for one another.
Many thanks to Harlequin Desire and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 9, 2021
For actor Gael Montez, the Holidays are not the most wonderful time of the year😉. But he's having the next ten days off so he have no excuse to refuse celebrating with his family. Lately, he's tired of getting the same kind of roles and wonder when he'll be offered different character than the "ambiguously ethnic guy." That's when his sister talk to him about an upcoming movie that he really want a part in. But there's one catch. His ex-girlfriend is the one doing the casting.
Perla Sambrano was his sister's roommate at Yale. But 6 years ago, he broke her heart, dumping her while he was starting to get famous. Her company wants him for their next film so she'll meet him at his mother's house where they'll both try to pretend as if nothing happened between them before. But his mom misread a situation that push them to pretend to be together again.
I wanted to enjoy this book but the hero prevented me from it. Everyone make mistakes. But for me, it's all about how you own it afterwards and
I waited for Gael to do it, but he never did. It also bother me that he was still going with the excuse of other people pressuring him to do it, instead of asking Perla to forgive him.
Perla Sambrano was his sister's roommate at Yale. But 6 years ago, he broke her heart, dumping her while he was starting to get famous. Her company wants him for their next film so she'll meet him at his mother's house where they'll both try to pretend as if nothing happened between them before. But his mom misread a situation that push them to pretend to be together again.
I wanted to enjoy this book but the hero prevented me from it. Everyone make mistakes. But for me, it's all about how you own it afterwards and
I waited for Gael to do it, but he never did. It also bother me that he was still going with the excuse of other people pressuring him to do it, instead of asking Perla to forgive him.
November 10, 2021
This is a second chance romance between an actor and casting director, snowed in together for the holidays. This is truly one of my favorite tropes! This series through Harlequin continues to be amazing, and something that people shouldn't be passing over.
Gael broke Perla's heart back in college, but now he's a big movie star and she's trying to cast him for a passion project. When she brings the script to his family home, they end up snowed in for the holidays- the perfect opportunity to rekindle their passion. They had amazing on page chemistry, I was rooting for them, and he didn't fall into that asshole famous guy trope, and I loved it all the more for that! I want to reread this already!
Gael broke Perla's heart back in college, but now he's a big movie star and she's trying to cast him for a passion project. When she brings the script to his family home, they end up snowed in for the holidays- the perfect opportunity to rekindle their passion. They had amazing on page chemistry, I was rooting for them, and he didn't fall into that asshole famous guy trope, and I loved it all the more for that! I want to reread this already!
November 10, 2022
*3-3.5 stars*
I really enjoy AH’s writing, and this was a cute holiday novella. I love second chance romances, but I wish the positive history between Gael and Perla had better informed their current budding relationship…I wasn’t entirely convinced that they deeply knew each other earlier in life, because a main plot point was that Gael dumped Pearla for his acting career and the author didn’t really go much into their past relationship outside of that.
I also didn’t love the flashiness and rich people stuff they were into, but that’s me being a broke hater I guess lol
I really enjoy AH’s writing, and this was a cute holiday novella. I love second chance romances, but I wish the positive history between Gael and Perla had better informed their current budding relationship…I wasn’t entirely convinced that they deeply knew each other earlier in life, because a main plot point was that Gael dumped Pearla for his acting career and the author didn’t really go much into their past relationship outside of that.
I also didn’t love the flashiness and rich people stuff they were into, but that’s me being a broke hater I guess lol
December 19, 2021
Snowed in, only one bed, second chance, fake dating
Not very Christmas-y
Not very Christmas-y
December 26, 2022
DNF beginning of chapter 9. Second chance romance where the FMC hasn't been with anyone but the MMC while he's lived it up in the intervening years. Ugh.
December 13, 2023
Cheesy little romance to get me to my reading goal!
September 23, 2022
Perla, half sister to Esmeralda, works at Sambrano Studios and finally has the family she has always wanted. But when on business, she is stranded with ex-love Gael and the flames burn hot! However, family lies and secrets nearly tear them apart again. I listened on audible which I would recommend
December 15, 2023
I enjoyed this second chance romance between an actor and an heiress-turned-casting director. I was rooting for Perla to have her own romance in the first book of the series because I felt like she was a complex character and this book showed that as well.
I loved seeing all the Latinx traditions of Nochebuena and as always Adriana Herrera‘s writing was emotional and sexy at the same time.
The reason this wasn‘t a 5 stars for me was Gael, the MMC. He was so presumptuous and thought he knew what was best for Perla as well, hurting her in the process. I also didn‘t like that she seemed to not have really dated after their first break-up 6 years ago because she „knew nobody would ever come close to him“. I always dislike this trope ESPECIALLY when the man in question was acting like a douche towards the heroine.
Is Onyx getting his own book?? There seemed to be some hints in this one. If yes, I will be so interested to see how Adriana redeems his character.
I loved seeing all the Latinx traditions of Nochebuena and as always Adriana Herrera‘s writing was emotional and sexy at the same time.
The reason this wasn‘t a 5 stars for me was Gael, the MMC. He was so presumptuous and thought he knew what was best for Perla as well, hurting her in the process. I also didn‘t like that she seemed to not have really dated after their first break-up 6 years ago because she „knew nobody would ever come close to him“. I always dislike this trope ESPECIALLY when the man in question was acting like a douche towards the heroine.
Is Onyx getting his own book?? There seemed to be some hints in this one. If yes, I will be so interested to see how Adriana redeems his character.
March 30, 2022
4.5
This is the 2nd in Herrera's Sambrano Studios Novel.
Perla Sambrano, one of the heirs to the studios, finds herself trying to prove herself by hiring her ex bf for a role of a lifetime.
What happens is a warm holiday family get together, forced proximity, one bed, and a steamy 2nd chance romance. I loved nearly everything about this one. I'm also happy we didn't have to hear about the dead CEO deadbeat dad as much in this one.
**ARC received by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 2nd in Herrera's Sambrano Studios Novel.
Perla Sambrano, one of the heirs to the studios, finds herself trying to prove herself by hiring her ex bf for a role of a lifetime.
What happens is a warm holiday family get together, forced proximity, one bed, and a steamy 2nd chance romance. I loved nearly everything about this one. I'm also happy we didn't have to hear about the dead CEO deadbeat dad as much in this one.
**ARC received by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2023
3.5 stars As always, I love AH’s writing, representation, main characters, and side characters (which is why I rounded up). I also really like the narrator of the audiobook. However, I struggle with second chance romance with a flimsy excuse to not get back together; and that happened here. Also, he needed to do a lot more groveling. Still, I enjoyed this holiday romance and read it in a couple sittings.
October 13, 2021
Hero & heroine dated in college but had a falling out because he someone close to him convince him to let her go. He is a major actor and heroine needs him for a role she is producing. She goes to his home and finds herself stranded in a snowstorm where now she has to pretend to be his Girlfriend.
There is humor, sweet & sexy times.
There is humor, sweet & sexy times.
December 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this steamy, second chance Christmas romance between a Hollywood actor and a casting director. Featuring two Latinx MCs, this was great on audio narrated by Lola James and worked as a standalone. If you're looking for a fun and heartfelt holiday read this was a perfect little treat by one of my fav new authors! Definitely recommended!
December 22, 2024
This is a great Christmas-themed second-chance romance! I loved seeing our characters back in each other's lives and a big nosey Latine family during the holidays. This also has fake dating, one bed, and forced proximity. The banter was a lot of fun, and so was the built-up tension. 😏
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October 1, 2021Categories
Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Sambrano Studios (Book #2)
Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Sambrano Studios (Book #2)
October 27, 2021
this book gave me all sorts of tingly feelings. Gah I love Perla and Gael so so much.
August 25, 2022
Not sure why it took me so long to jump into HQN books, but I loved this!
December 12, 2022
It was fun watching them come together after all.
Their chemistry was so good. I love a good second chance romance. It's a really quick read and I thought it developed the characters and plot incredibly.
Their chemistry was so good. I love a good second chance romance. It's a really quick read and I thought it developed the characters and plot incredibly.
December 11, 2023
A PERFECT STEAMY HOLIDAY READ AND I COULD’VE USED TWO BONUS EPILOGUES OF THEM JUST DISCUSSING THE WORKS OF GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ TBH
November 23, 2021
This is such a fun and sexy holiday romance packed with complicated family dynamics, fake dating, second chances, and rich Latinx culture.
December 17, 2023
DNF at 65%… which should tell you how much I did not like it because the book really is only 180 pages.
Writing is good and a this book is a fun holiday feel.
I would’ve loved this if the characters were better. The hero is too perfect. It was way too much, especially because he put everyone ahead of himself EXCEPT her. The “I’m going to stay away because I’ll never be good enough” trope was too weak. He puts so much money and time into his family and the community and cares about getting roles that are meaningful but doesn’t think twice about hurting the heroine.
Just comical at this point. And she just accepts it and falls back right into bed with him.
Writing is good and a this book is a fun holiday feel.
I would’ve loved this if the characters were better. The hero is too perfect. It was way too much, especially because he put everyone ahead of himself EXCEPT her. The “I’m going to stay away because I’ll never be good enough” trope was too weak. He puts so much money and time into his family and the community and cares about getting roles that are meaningful but doesn’t think twice about hurting the heroine.
Just comical at this point. And she just accepts it and falls back right into bed with him.
December 12, 2022
Fake dating plus snowed in together plus spicy hallmark Christmas movie shenanigans?! Yes please!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews