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Learn to Love You
Damián “Junior” Águila-Gutierrez shouldn’t think about his sister’s mysterious best friend. She’s off limits, unattainable, and more importantly, uninterested in him. Besides, he has other things to worry about. Like taking over his papá’s rancho, Los Corazones. Inheriting his familia’s empire is all that’s expected of him, but Junior has other plans and desires, and he knows if they ever discovered the truth, it would hurt the people he cares about the most…
Mayda Jiménez has lived on the outskirts of the Águila-Gutierrez family for as long as she can remember. She’s been loved by them but has never quite been one of them. She’s always kept herself at arm’s length, knowing if this perfect family ever found out about her mother’s addictions, they’d want nothing to do with her lot. It won’t stop her from pining after her best friend’s brother, though. The one person in the world she knows she can never have…
When the secrets of their circumstances bring Junior and Mayda together, what started as a tentative friendship ignites into something more. Shared whispers become kisses. Kisses become passion. And passion becomes a revelation that threatens to destroy the foundation of everything they’ve built.
Mayda Jiménez has lived on the outskirts of the Águila-Gutierrez family for as long as she can remember. She’s been loved by them but has never quite been one of them. She’s always kept herself at arm’s length, knowing if this perfect family ever found out about her mother’s addictions, they’d want nothing to do with her lot. It won’t stop her from pining after her best friend’s brother, though. The one person in the world she knows she can never have…
When the secrets of their circumstances bring Junior and Mayda together, what started as a tentative friendship ignites into something more. Shared whispers become kisses. Kisses become passion. And passion becomes a revelation that threatens to destroy the foundation of everything they’ve built.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2023
52 people are currently reading
2323 people want to read
About the author
Jade Hernandez
6 books80 followersJade Hernández is a proud Mexican-American woman who strives to bring more Latinx stories to life within the contemporary romance genre. You may know her as Aleera Anaya Ceres, the USA Today Bestselling Author of diverse fantasy and paranormal works. Under this new penname, she aims to represent her culture by writing sweet, dark, gritty, and fun stories for all. As an introvert, Jade prefers to stay inside with a good book, collect tarot cards, and she's recently found a love for book boxes! She currently lives in Tlaxcala, Mexico with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 30, 2025
This book was SO GOOD!!
On the surface, this is a cowboy romance with the best friend's brother trope, but at its core, it is so much more. This book had a ton of depth and tackled a myriad of difficult topics in such an articulate way. From the criticism against how flawed the foster care system is to the demanding expectations of being a child of an immigrant, to drug addiction, and to grief/loss - each topic was handled with the most care. I also really appreciated how interwoven the Mexican culture was throughout the entirety of the book. I liked how the author embraced speaking on every aspect of our culture - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Y'all know I am not a fan of best friend's brother/brother's best friend, but the author makes it known very early on that these characters respect each other and acknowledge the fact that no adult should have any say over who a person can or can't date and let me tell you, that felt so refreshing!! And what's better, we still got sneaking around moments. It really was the best of both worlds.
Mayda and Junior were really cute together and it was so sweet to watch them little by little admit their feelings to each other. They both had a ton on their plates and my heart hurt for Junior and Mayda in different ways. I loved how Junior gave her everything she ever wanted. Did he make some stupid mistakes sometimes? Yes, but we love a man who puts in the work and Junior definitely did that. The growth from BOTH of them, as individual and as a couple, was one of my favorite parts about this.
Also, don't let the cover fool you: the spice was top tier and was the best dirty talk in Spanish that I have ever read.
The side characters were really involved in this and I love what they added to the story. I cannot wait for more!!
On the surface, this is a cowboy romance with the best friend's brother trope, but at its core, it is so much more. This book had a ton of depth and tackled a myriad of difficult topics in such an articulate way. From the criticism against how flawed the foster care system is to the demanding expectations of being a child of an immigrant, to drug addiction, and to grief/loss - each topic was handled with the most care. I also really appreciated how interwoven the Mexican culture was throughout the entirety of the book. I liked how the author embraced speaking on every aspect of our culture - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Y'all know I am not a fan of best friend's brother/brother's best friend, but the author makes it known very early on that these characters respect each other and acknowledge the fact that no adult should have any say over who a person can or can't date and let me tell you, that felt so refreshing!! And what's better, we still got sneaking around moments. It really was the best of both worlds.
Mayda and Junior were really cute together and it was so sweet to watch them little by little admit their feelings to each other. They both had a ton on their plates and my heart hurt for Junior and Mayda in different ways. I loved how Junior gave her everything she ever wanted. Did he make some stupid mistakes sometimes? Yes, but we love a man who puts in the work and Junior definitely did that. The growth from BOTH of them, as individual and as a couple, was one of my favorite parts about this.
Also, don't let the cover fool you: the spice was top tier and was the best dirty talk in Spanish that I have ever read.
The side characters were really involved in this and I love what they added to the story. I cannot wait for more!!
May 28, 2023
4.25 stars rounded up
such a sweet romance + perfectly captures the guilt that comes with being a firstborn second-gen American with immigrant parents
such a sweet romance + perfectly captures the guilt that comes with being a firstborn second-gen American with immigrant parents
March 6, 2024
4.5 rounded up.
What a beautiful story!
Beautiful family dynamic, great character development, & Junior & Mayda’s relationship was so realistic to me.
What a beautiful story!
Beautiful family dynamic, great character development, & Junior & Mayda’s relationship was so realistic to me.
March 31, 2023
“I was born into a household that thought feelings were a nuisance, and expressing them would be more trouble than they were worth.”
Learn To Love You- Jade Hernandez 🔥❤️
Best friend’s brother
Sister’s best friend
Longtime crush
Friends to lovers
This story was a breath of fresh air on paper. Sibling’s best friend/ best friend sibling trope gets me every time . Mayda and Damian, aka Junior’s intense flirting and suppressed attraction kept growing throughout their story. I loved the close knit family aspect, as well as finding love in a familiar, comfortable place. Mayda and Junior’s relationship felt like coming home to each other.
The support and understanding and praise these two had for one another! 🥹🥹🥹 When the MC is willing and able to be a confidant and protector to the woman he loves is so swoon worthy. To say I loved this book and family is an understatement. PERFECTION…..
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟+
Learn To Love You- Jade Hernandez 🔥❤️
Best friend’s brother
Sister’s best friend
Longtime crush
Friends to lovers
This story was a breath of fresh air on paper. Sibling’s best friend/ best friend sibling trope gets me every time . Mayda and Damian, aka Junior’s intense flirting and suppressed attraction kept growing throughout their story. I loved the close knit family aspect, as well as finding love in a familiar, comfortable place. Mayda and Junior’s relationship felt like coming home to each other.
The support and understanding and praise these two had for one another! 🥹🥹🥹 When the MC is willing and able to be a confidant and protector to the woman he loves is so swoon worthy. To say I loved this book and family is an understatement. PERFECTION…..
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟+
March 28, 2023
Such a beautiful book!
I’m still in awe with the emotional depth this book has.
There were so many loving parts of this story but it was an effortless read if that makes sense
The romance bit: Childhood friends and I love that they establish their relationship early on in the book and the family has no chill on their happiness.
The little sneaky moments they take are delicious. All the steam and dirty talk is soooo good! I love Juniors character development, he wasn’t always open to change but I love that he had all these little redemption moments of change and growth. Mayda has had. A hard life esp with a mom who’s an addict so her having an HEA felt so good to read!
The family: is complex in a very beautiful and real way with each character standing out so vividly on paper.
I truly enjoyed this read and I can’t wait for the next books!
I’m still in awe with the emotional depth this book has.
There were so many loving parts of this story but it was an effortless read if that makes sense
The romance bit: Childhood friends and I love that they establish their relationship early on in the book and the family has no chill on their happiness.
The little sneaky moments they take are delicious. All the steam and dirty talk is soooo good! I love Juniors character development, he wasn’t always open to change but I love that he had all these little redemption moments of change and growth. Mayda has had. A hard life esp with a mom who’s an addict so her having an HEA felt so good to read!
The family: is complex in a very beautiful and real way with each character standing out so vividly on paper.
I truly enjoyed this read and I can’t wait for the next books!
September 20, 2024
Will add more later but I loooooved this!! 4.5 rounded up because junior pissed me off BAD in the last quarter. But he’s a fictional man so ofc I forgave him love you pookie 🫶🏾🫶🏾💕
February 27, 2023
I was gushing and swooning the entire time I was reading Learn to Love You 😭💜 Mayda and Junior are the kind of complex characters that you couldn't help but root for. Their character development was written with care as were the loving relationships in Learn to Love You. Although frustrating at times with how stubborn Junior is (😆😆), not everyone is perfect, and Junior learned to be better himself by seeking help. I adore this book and am looking forward to more by Jade Hernandez!
September 8, 2023
Friends-to-lovers is my very least favorite trope so I may be biased, and yet I wanted to like this. Unfortunately it had very high drama and very low plot which didn’t work for me.
March 24, 2023
I felt this in my beautiful Mexican roots.
This book is beautiful.
The writing felt effortless and the Spanish mixed in with the writing made me so freaking happy to read.
I loved it 🥹
This book is beautiful.
The writing felt effortless and the Spanish mixed in with the writing made me so freaking happy to read.
I loved it 🥹
March 12, 2023
This book!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥I couldn’t read this beautifully steamy story fast enough!
January 14, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
People really sleep on friends to lovers stories and this book is the exact reason why y'all need to stop doing that! Mayda and Junior's story is addictive, sizzling hot, and handles a lot of heavy topics in a really amazing way.
Mayda and Junior have known each other their entire lives and have been in love since they were kids. But both have big secrets and are often unwilling to let people in out of fear of seeing the real them. Mayda had mother problems. No one, not even her best friend, knows her mother is an addict and an alcoholic. Meanwhile, Junior is set to take over his family's ranch, but he doesn't want the family legacy. He doesn't exactly know what he wants, but he wants the opportunity to figure that out.
Together Mayda and Junior have to face their own personal demons and deal with these big feelings they have for one another, as well as learn to love themselves.
This book is simply amazing. The author's writing is captivating and I just couldn't put it down. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book and more to come from this author!
People really sleep on friends to lovers stories and this book is the exact reason why y'all need to stop doing that! Mayda and Junior's story is addictive, sizzling hot, and handles a lot of heavy topics in a really amazing way.
Mayda and Junior have known each other their entire lives and have been in love since they were kids. But both have big secrets and are often unwilling to let people in out of fear of seeing the real them. Mayda had mother problems. No one, not even her best friend, knows her mother is an addict and an alcoholic. Meanwhile, Junior is set to take over his family's ranch, but he doesn't want the family legacy. He doesn't exactly know what he wants, but he wants the opportunity to figure that out.
Together Mayda and Junior have to face their own personal demons and deal with these big feelings they have for one another, as well as learn to love themselves.
This book is simply amazing. The author's writing is captivating and I just couldn't put it down. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book and more to come from this author!
March 3, 2023
Title: Learn to Love You
Series: El Rancho Los Corazones
# in series: 1
Author: Jade Hernandez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Keywords: Friends to Lovers, Best Friends Brother, Hair Pulling
Rep: Latinx characters. Mexican-American author.
Pages: 369
Steam: Open Door
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Review:
I loved this story so much, and it was so cute and steamy all at the same time. I enjoyed watching Junior go from tugging on Mayda's hair playfully to a possessive, domineering way.
They both truly cared for each other so profoundly but were both so stubborn when it came to admitting their truths. They had to struggle so much, which was heartbreaking to watch, but their 3rd act breakup made sense. I am so proud of them both for becoming stronger individuals during their time apart, and I know that will create a stronger foundation for their relationship.
CW/TW: Substance abuse mentioned, OD on page, Death of a Parent, Hospitalization of a Parent, Mentions of child neglect in the past
Series: El Rancho Los Corazones
# in series: 1
Author: Jade Hernandez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Keywords: Friends to Lovers, Best Friends Brother, Hair Pulling
Rep: Latinx characters. Mexican-American author.
Pages: 369
Steam: Open Door
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Review:
I loved this story so much, and it was so cute and steamy all at the same time. I enjoyed watching Junior go from tugging on Mayda's hair playfully to a possessive, domineering way.
They both truly cared for each other so profoundly but were both so stubborn when it came to admitting their truths. They had to struggle so much, which was heartbreaking to watch, but their 3rd act breakup made sense. I am so proud of them both for becoming stronger individuals during their time apart, and I know that will create a stronger foundation for their relationship.
CW/TW: Substance abuse mentioned, OD on page, Death of a Parent, Hospitalization of a Parent, Mentions of child neglect in the past
March 20, 2023
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
*I received an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
Learn to Love You follow the story of Mayda and Junior who are the definition of friends to lovers/best friend’s brother *Cue to the Victoria Justice song BFB* We are taken on a journey of ups and downs that every new relationship goes through, but with some turns I was not expecting.
The story is told in duel perspective and changes between the characters in each chapter. Jade Hernandez beautiful created their individual voices and I knew who was head I was in every time we changed perspective. I felt immersed in the story and would forget I was still at home at times. The relationship was real and raw, and at times I saw myself in Junior and Mayda as an older sibling and being latine myself.
Jade Hernandez tackled the difficult subjects of growing up a latine household and being the oldest beautifully. How most of the times our parents hope and dreams weigh on our shoulders or in the case Mayda never getting to be a child because you have to parent the parent.
It filled me with so much happiness to read a story with latine characters filled with love and culture. This book was written with love and I look forward to reading the rest of the books when they are released.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
*I received an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
Learn to Love You follow the story of Mayda and Junior who are the definition of friends to lovers/best friend’s brother *Cue to the Victoria Justice song BFB* We are taken on a journey of ups and downs that every new relationship goes through, but with some turns I was not expecting.
The story is told in duel perspective and changes between the characters in each chapter. Jade Hernandez beautiful created their individual voices and I knew who was head I was in every time we changed perspective. I felt immersed in the story and would forget I was still at home at times. The relationship was real and raw, and at times I saw myself in Junior and Mayda as an older sibling and being latine myself.
Jade Hernandez tackled the difficult subjects of growing up a latine household and being the oldest beautifully. How most of the times our parents hope and dreams weigh on our shoulders or in the case Mayda never getting to be a child because you have to parent the parent.
It filled me with so much happiness to read a story with latine characters filled with love and culture. This book was written with love and I look forward to reading the rest of the books when they are released.
dnf
October 6, 2025I got to “[Gabriela] could have been reigning queen of the school were it not for the baggage she dragged around like a shadow. Me. I was that baggage. So even if I wanted [Junior], I would never fit or deserve him simply because of who I was or where I came from” (7%) and DNF’d! I’m not reading a book with shifting perspectives where the woman is tearing herself down while the man thinks she’s the best thing to happen to the world.
September 11, 2023
There were so many things wrong with this book, I can’t begin to enumerate them so just look at my rating
May 29, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
Cute and spicy, I’ll definitely check out more of her books.
Cute and spicy, I’ll definitely check out more of her books.
August 28, 2024
grown ass man acting like that no thank youuuu
need more mexican romance books tho loved the representation <3
need more mexican romance books tho loved the representation <3
July 22, 2024
2/5, det fanns potential men boken föll platt tyvärr
October 5, 2023
All I'm gonna say is that if you don't like this book because of cultural things that you don't understand or the Spanish, you're Latine Phobic. JUST SAYING.
Every little thing about his book hit me in the feels. I loved every second of Junior and Mayda. I can't even put it into words because all the little moments. The grief, the loss, the familial guilt. I was crying while reading the last 30% of this book. It did not go the way I thought it was going to go and I loved it still.
Every little thing about his book hit me in the feels. I loved every second of Junior and Mayda. I can't even put it into words because all the little moments. The grief, the loss, the familial guilt. I was crying while reading the last 30% of this book. It did not go the way I thought it was going to go and I loved it still.
May 15, 2023
This is super overrated. I wanted to love it truly. But I wish I stopped reading at the 100 mark like I wanted to. I wanted this to feel like a Latin romance, but at times it felt like a corny romance novel and the next second the opposite. It just felt like the characters happened to be Latino instead of the book immersing the reader into the culture. I loved the Spanish in the book but even that was weird. Some things explained, others not at all (I mean come on the entire world knows what Nada means). I was hoping this was another big chicas don't cry but it fell soooo short of that expectation.
January 30, 2023
Amazing debut!!
This book was a quick read for me which is something that doesn’t always happen with contemporary (not for me anyhow!).
These characters made it so easy to feel invested in their story you can’t help but not want to put the book down. Not only is there a wholesome friends-to-lovers—a highly underrated trop btw—but you get to see two very satisfying arcs play out as well. Heed the TWs! This book covers some extremely sensitive topics. I appreciate all the care that went into the characters’ healing journey.
This book was a quick read for me which is something that doesn’t always happen with contemporary (not for me anyhow!).
These characters made it so easy to feel invested in their story you can’t help but not want to put the book down. Not only is there a wholesome friends-to-lovers—a highly underrated trop btw—but you get to see two very satisfying arcs play out as well. Heed the TWs! This book covers some extremely sensitive topics. I appreciate all the care that went into the characters’ healing journey.
July 23, 2023
－ＢＯＯＫ ＲＥＶＩＥＷ－
Learn to Love You by Jade Hernandez
“I’m never letting you go, Mayda. Not now that I know what we can be. You want to take it slow? We already have. You want to learn what kind of love we can have between us? Fine. But I know I want you. Por siempre.”
I felt this book so deeply. And I credit that to my own understanding of the immigrant experience. If you’re a first generation Latine, you have to read this love story centered around what it means to be the good Mexican son/daughter.
Learn to Love You features:
🐎 Latinx rep
🐎 It’s always been you
🐎 Friends to lovers
🐎 Familial expectations
🐎 Mutual pining
🐎 Parental abandonment & drug abuse
🐎 Immigrant experience
-PLOT-
At some point, you recognize that the one you want and need has been in front of you all along. That’s the case for Mayda and Junior. His little sister’s best friend has always been around and they have known each other most of their lives. Still, Mayda has always had carefully guarded secrets surrounding her home life. Junior has secrets of his own - desiring a life beyond the rancho and earning a college degree without his family knowing. These two must learn not only how to love one another but also how to love themselves.
-CHARACTERS-
Mayda Jimenez - She has erected tall and strong walls around her heart in order to protect herself from a flighty and drug addicted mother. She is wary of love and struggles to feel deserving of the care and attention of others. However, she also uses her past experience to power forward her vision of helping others as a school counselor.
Junior (Damian) Aguila-Gutierrez - Junior struggles against the weight of his family’s expectations. While referred to as “machista” in various points of the book, he seemed to put his desire to fix and help matters above all else, even when it was to the detriment of himself or his relationships.
-CHEMISTRY-
I loved that Junior and Mayda had wanted each other for so long in secret. Their relationship was well established from the very beginning, but it had room to evolve as they continued to learn more about each other. Did I mention that Junior is a dirty talking cowboy? And it’s twice as good because he does it in English and Spanish 🫠 The sexy scenes were just right and enough to keep the story moving.
-SUMMARY-
This is so much more than friends to lovers. This is a story that takes into consideration the weight of your family’s expectations, the language your elders often use to guilt and gaslight you into compliance, and how the conflict of your own desires can take a toll on your relationships. All viewed through the lens of a Latine immigrant experience. Learn to Love You is the kind of story that resonates in your heart.
RECOMMEND
🚫 Kindle Unlimited
Learn to Love You by Jade Hernandez
“I’m never letting you go, Mayda. Not now that I know what we can be. You want to take it slow? We already have. You want to learn what kind of love we can have between us? Fine. But I know I want you. Por siempre.”
I felt this book so deeply. And I credit that to my own understanding of the immigrant experience. If you’re a first generation Latine, you have to read this love story centered around what it means to be the good Mexican son/daughter.
Learn to Love You features:
🐎 Latinx rep
🐎 It’s always been you
🐎 Friends to lovers
🐎 Familial expectations
🐎 Mutual pining
🐎 Parental abandonment & drug abuse
🐎 Immigrant experience
-PLOT-
At some point, you recognize that the one you want and need has been in front of you all along. That’s the case for Mayda and Junior. His little sister’s best friend has always been around and they have known each other most of their lives. Still, Mayda has always had carefully guarded secrets surrounding her home life. Junior has secrets of his own - desiring a life beyond the rancho and earning a college degree without his family knowing. These two must learn not only how to love one another but also how to love themselves.
-CHARACTERS-
Mayda Jimenez - She has erected tall and strong walls around her heart in order to protect herself from a flighty and drug addicted mother. She is wary of love and struggles to feel deserving of the care and attention of others. However, she also uses her past experience to power forward her vision of helping others as a school counselor.
Junior (Damian) Aguila-Gutierrez - Junior struggles against the weight of his family’s expectations. While referred to as “machista” in various points of the book, he seemed to put his desire to fix and help matters above all else, even when it was to the detriment of himself or his relationships.
-CHEMISTRY-
I loved that Junior and Mayda had wanted each other for so long in secret. Their relationship was well established from the very beginning, but it had room to evolve as they continued to learn more about each other. Did I mention that Junior is a dirty talking cowboy? And it’s twice as good because he does it in English and Spanish 🫠 The sexy scenes were just right and enough to keep the story moving.
-SUMMARY-
This is so much more than friends to lovers. This is a story that takes into consideration the weight of your family’s expectations, the language your elders often use to guilt and gaslight you into compliance, and how the conflict of your own desires can take a toll on your relationships. All viewed through the lens of a Latine immigrant experience. Learn to Love You is the kind of story that resonates in your heart.
RECOMMEND
🚫 Kindle Unlimited
March 1, 2023
Wow just wow! I’m not sure what I say will be enough! I swear Jade really out did herself in this contemporary romance.
Obviously if you are picking up this book please check cw/tw there are several sensitive topics that may be triggering to some
Now!….this book was so god damn beautiful! I for one loved every character and learning about the family Aguilar-Gutierrez! I want to be a part of this family so bad!
Tropes best friends brother, found family dynamics, large hispanic family, family traditions
I loved all the sisters and getting to know some of their characteristics mostly knowing this will be a series. I’m so excited to see more of them in the next book.
I legit loved this couples story. I enjoyed the pining and the all the feels that come with that. I felt all the love while reading this. I think the fact that gabi which is Mayda the maybe fmcs bff wanting her brother and her best friend to be together made it even more enjoyable.
Now you would think with that it would be easy as pie for them to be together but ooooohh no!
Both these protagonists has their own baggage as to why they waited so long to even say what they were feeling.
We have Mayda who is so closed up and hurting for many reasons. Which you discover quite quickly and it’s big reasons and it sucks to see this FMC hurt.
We also have Damian aka junior who is dealing with his own challenges and fears.
But once their lifetime friendship and pining blooms omg is it beautiful and oohhh soo delicious!
Like that first kiss and kitchen scene whooah that will love rent free in my head.
The way he speaks Spanish to her and the things he says and does WOW absolute butterflies!
Gosh idk this book legit met all my expectations.
The only thing I would change is that junior need to grovel more! That’s it!
But overall so freaking good and I can’t wait to see what else Jade Hernandez has to offer for the next book! Because I love Gabi and I can’t wait to see if the next love will end with an O
If you read this you’ll know..haha but for real so excited
Obviously if you are picking up this book please check cw/tw there are several sensitive topics that may be triggering to some
Now!….this book was so god damn beautiful! I for one loved every character and learning about the family Aguilar-Gutierrez! I want to be a part of this family so bad!
Tropes best friends brother, found family dynamics, large hispanic family, family traditions
I loved all the sisters and getting to know some of their characteristics mostly knowing this will be a series. I’m so excited to see more of them in the next book.
I legit loved this couples story. I enjoyed the pining and the all the feels that come with that. I felt all the love while reading this. I think the fact that gabi which is Mayda the maybe fmcs bff wanting her brother and her best friend to be together made it even more enjoyable.
Now you would think with that it would be easy as pie for them to be together but ooooohh no!
Both these protagonists has their own baggage as to why they waited so long to even say what they were feeling.
We have Mayda who is so closed up and hurting for many reasons. Which you discover quite quickly and it’s big reasons and it sucks to see this FMC hurt.
We also have Damian aka junior who is dealing with his own challenges and fears.
But once their lifetime friendship and pining blooms omg is it beautiful and oohhh soo delicious!
Like that first kiss and kitchen scene whooah that will love rent free in my head.
The way he speaks Spanish to her and the things he says and does WOW absolute butterflies!
Gosh idk this book legit met all my expectations.
The only thing I would change is that junior need to grovel more! That’s it!
But overall so freaking good and I can’t wait to see what else Jade Hernandez has to offer for the next book! Because I love Gabi and I can’t wait to see if the next love will end with an O
If you read this you’ll know..haha but for real so excited
January 15, 2023
*I received an eARC for an honest review*
** There will be no major spoilers in this review. There will be minor spoilers, so read with caution. **
.
.
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This is my first book from the Jade Hernandez pen name.
Junior and Mayda have a friends to lovers story that is spicy, sweet, and filled with angst. I was cheering for them throughout the story, despite how much they gutted me at times.
Something that really adds to the story is the relationships between the family members, and the relationship between Mayda and Gabriela. I already can’t wait for Gabriela’s story!
This book gets into heavy topics of drug use, inattentive parents, therapy, and living up to your family’s expectations. At times it became difficult to read, but I loved seeing how our love birds heal from their trauma. How they overcame the challenges thrown at them.
The main relationship was very sweet, but also very turbulent. Both Junior and Mayda struggle with opening up. It becomes one of the big obstacles in their relationship. They both have the weight of the world on their shoulders. You really feel for them, and wish them the best. I was invested in their story throughout, and was SO happy and relieved when they got their HEA.
The ending would’ve had a bigger impact for me if we let the ending simmer a little longer. I really like the boundaries that Mayda set, and the work Junior was willing to put into getting better, but something felt missing.
I think the ending would’ve benefited from seeing more of Mayda’s healing journey.
As is, it kinda felt like her character was put on hold for Junior’s eventual development towards the end. I love the boundaries that she set for what she expected, but I felt she was quick to forgive someone that ghosted her when she really needed someone by her side. Especially a significant other. I would’ve preferred some a bit more of her emotional journey.
I also would’ve wanted a little more on why they developed feelings for each other, and why they remained despite time passing. Having a few flashback sequences would’ve helped us understand where the feelings came from, and it would’ve helped us get more attached to their romance. The character building was fantastic. The relationship building could’ve been a little stronger to elevate this to a five star read for myself.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment. It’s always a joy to see well done Latine representation in a story. Consider me a rancho romance reader now. Definitely recommend checking this one out!
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Meter:
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
** There will be no major spoilers in this review. There will be minor spoilers, so read with caution. **
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This is my first book from the Jade Hernandez pen name.
Junior and Mayda have a friends to lovers story that is spicy, sweet, and filled with angst. I was cheering for them throughout the story, despite how much they gutted me at times.
Something that really adds to the story is the relationships between the family members, and the relationship between Mayda and Gabriela. I already can’t wait for Gabriela’s story!
This book gets into heavy topics of drug use, inattentive parents, therapy, and living up to your family’s expectations. At times it became difficult to read, but I loved seeing how our love birds heal from their trauma. How they overcame the challenges thrown at them.
The main relationship was very sweet, but also very turbulent. Both Junior and Mayda struggle with opening up. It becomes one of the big obstacles in their relationship. They both have the weight of the world on their shoulders. You really feel for them, and wish them the best. I was invested in their story throughout, and was SO happy and relieved when they got their HEA.
The ending would’ve had a bigger impact for me if we let the ending simmer a little longer. I really like the boundaries that Mayda set, and the work Junior was willing to put into getting better, but something felt missing.
I think the ending would’ve benefited from seeing more of Mayda’s healing journey.
As is, it kinda felt like her character was put on hold for Junior’s eventual development towards the end. I love the boundaries that she set for what she expected, but I felt she was quick to forgive someone that ghosted her when she really needed someone by her side. Especially a significant other. I would’ve preferred some a bit more of her emotional journey.
I also would’ve wanted a little more on why they developed feelings for each other, and why they remained despite time passing. Having a few flashback sequences would’ve helped us understand where the feelings came from, and it would’ve helped us get more attached to their romance. The character building was fantastic. The relationship building could’ve been a little stronger to elevate this to a five star read for myself.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment. It’s always a joy to see well done Latine representation in a story. Consider me a rancho romance reader now. Definitely recommend checking this one out!
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Meter:
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
February 16, 2023
Thank you Jade for my e-ARC! So grateful for it!
This was my first Jade Hernandez book and it will certainly NOT be my last.
Junior and Mayda have a beautiful friends to lovers story(a rare, underrated trope in social media) that is filled with angst, spice and growth. I was very invested in their stories and seeing them grow as the book progressed.
While this is a contemporary romance story, it also gets into heavy topics such as drug use/abuse, neglectful parents, living up to your family’s expectations (no matter how unattainable or stressful they might be) and therapy. At times, it became difficult to read because I’m someone who has personally struggled with living up to others’ expectations but I genuinely loved seeing Junior and Mayda grow and heal from their trauma and the challenges that kept being thrown at them.
Both Junior and Mayda struggle with opening up throughout the book, which was their biggest obstacle in the relationship. As someone who struggles with opening up, I felt seen and represented. I really connected with them both and loved whenever they bonded and had their cutesy moments.
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Overall, Learn to Love You provided me with all the feels. I had angst, romance, frustration. Mayda and Junior were amazing complex characters, which is rare in contemporary romance (which focuses more on the smut rather than the plot and characters). I do love having flawed MC’s that are self aware of their traumas and work together to heal their inner demons and struggles.
Will I grab the next book that Jade writes? Yes. They will become my new personality.
Definitely recommend this book for those who love Latine representation, men who heal their struggles, a heart-tugging romance, spice and multi-dimensional characters. You will not be disappointed!!
This was my first Jade Hernandez book and it will certainly NOT be my last.
Junior and Mayda have a beautiful friends to lovers story(a rare, underrated trope in social media) that is filled with angst, spice and growth. I was very invested in their stories and seeing them grow as the book progressed.
While this is a contemporary romance story, it also gets into heavy topics such as drug use/abuse, neglectful parents, living up to your family’s expectations (no matter how unattainable or stressful they might be) and therapy. At times, it became difficult to read because I’m someone who has personally struggled with living up to others’ expectations but I genuinely loved seeing Junior and Mayda grow and heal from their trauma and the challenges that kept being thrown at them.
Both Junior and Mayda struggle with opening up throughout the book, which was their biggest obstacle in the relationship. As someone who struggles with opening up, I felt seen and represented. I really connected with them both and loved whenever they bonded and had their cutesy moments.
.
Overall, Learn to Love You provided me with all the feels. I had angst, romance, frustration. Mayda and Junior were amazing complex characters, which is rare in contemporary romance (which focuses more on the smut rather than the plot and characters). I do love having flawed MC’s that are self aware of their traumas and work together to heal their inner demons and struggles.
Will I grab the next book that Jade writes? Yes. They will become my new personality.
Definitely recommend this book for those who love Latine representation, men who heal their struggles, a heart-tugging romance, spice and multi-dimensional characters. You will not be disappointed!!
January 8, 2023
I started out reading this with a plan that I would read a couple of chapters and then clean my house. Five hours later, I’ve finished the whole book. The story and characters just kept me so engaged that I couldn’t stop reading!
I really enjoyed the fact that even though there were some seriously heavy topics (drug abuse/addiction, familial pressure, mental health), there were also moments of sweetness and levity. It didn’t feel like a dark book or an overly sappy romance, it felt realistic. It was a 100% believable story.
I’m not a fan of poor communication so it was a struggle not to want to smack Mayda and Junior over the head several times but the dual POV definitely helped see where they were coming from. Mayda is definitely a saint though.
I loved the little bits and pieces we got of the Águila-Gutierrez family and the members of the rancho. Each snippet of the sisters painted such an interesting picture and I hope they get their own stories. Hector too, although I’m really hoping I’m right in guessing where his story is leading hehe.
Despite it being completely irrelevant to the main story, I think my favourite part of the book was about the chancla. I have many memories of the dreaded jandal/sandal/flip-flop threat growing up and I love seeing it appear across different cultures 😂
”I heard whispered curses and threats of chanclasos, the dish towel twisting in her tight grip. Just the thought of getting hit with a dreaded sandal had me biting at my lips and backing up a discreet step.”
Overall this was a enjoyable, sweet and captivating debut book and I cannot wait to read the next one!!
I really enjoyed the fact that even though there were some seriously heavy topics (drug abuse/addiction, familial pressure, mental health), there were also moments of sweetness and levity. It didn’t feel like a dark book or an overly sappy romance, it felt realistic. It was a 100% believable story.
I’m not a fan of poor communication so it was a struggle not to want to smack Mayda and Junior over the head several times but the dual POV definitely helped see where they were coming from. Mayda is definitely a saint though.
I loved the little bits and pieces we got of the Águila-Gutierrez family and the members of the rancho. Each snippet of the sisters painted such an interesting picture and I hope they get their own stories. Hector too, although I’m really hoping I’m right in guessing where his story is leading hehe.
Despite it being completely irrelevant to the main story, I think my favourite part of the book was about the chancla. I have many memories of the dreaded jandal/sandal/flip-flop threat growing up and I love seeing it appear across different cultures 😂
”I heard whispered curses and threats of chanclasos, the dish towel twisting in her tight grip. Just the thought of getting hit with a dreaded sandal had me biting at my lips and backing up a discreet step.”
Overall this was a enjoyable, sweet and captivating debut book and I cannot wait to read the next one!!
January 31, 2023
WOWOWOW where to begin. This book gave me all of the feels. Jade did such and amazing carefully crafting multi-dimensional and complex characters. Where she gave them sufficient time to grow and develop. Both of are mcs have flaws that they acknowledge and give each other so much support to work through it. The title is so fitting as both mcs had to learn to love themselves. This novel really showed the significance of friendship and family. Jade had such an amazing way of writing where you're constantly anticipating what's going to happen next as you are rooting for both of these characters that are handling such heavy battles. This books deals with several heavy topics and it will definitely tug at your heartstrings. I loved that the book really encouraged taking care of yourself firs and how therapy might be a right choice to make to help one fight those demons. In terms of the romance whooooo once the spice started it did not end! We get some great smutty scenes in this book. All of the emotions that we are put through is rewarded with a satisfying ending that leaves you wanting to read more about Mayda's and Junior's journey. I cannot wait to read Jade's other book as this is my first novel by her!
Thank you Jade for providing me with an E-ARC of this novel.
Content warning: Addiction, Grief, Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Death of a parent
Thank you Jade for providing me with an E-ARC of this novel.
Content warning: Addiction, Grief, Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Death of a parent
February 12, 2023
Well, this was such a beautiful and deliciously hot romance that made my heart flutter and my soul smile! Junior and Mayda had such a deep connection, understanding and admiration for one another that it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with them. Not to mention the incredible chemistry and sexual tension that built up deliciously! Oof! The fire of those two made me fan myself several times! Let me tell you, dirty talk in Spanish hits differently!
Seriously, the crushes they had on each other were the sweetest and they gave me all the butterflies! Especially because they knew each other since they were little and Mayda had such a beautiful bond with Junior’s family!
The family dynamics and issues they had to face were relatable and frustrating. My heart was with both if them as they dealt the relationship and “duties” with their respective parents while navigating their attraction and eventually their romance. They came face to face with their truths, their demons and their destinies, forming a beautiful love between them.
The fiesta, food, Spanglish and all the great Latinx representation plus the details that decorated this incredible story made me enjoy it 100%.
I definitely recommend!
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Seriously, the crushes they had on each other were the sweetest and they gave me all the butterflies! Especially because they knew each other since they were little and Mayda had such a beautiful bond with Junior’s family!
The family dynamics and issues they had to face were relatable and frustrating. My heart was with both if them as they dealt the relationship and “duties” with their respective parents while navigating their attraction and eventually their romance. They came face to face with their truths, their demons and their destinies, forming a beautiful love between them.
The fiesta, food, Spanglish and all the great Latinx representation plus the details that decorated this incredible story made me enjoy it 100%.
I definitely recommend!
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 26, 2023
❞𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒐 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅.❞
I super appreciate the author for this ARC as this is a book that I've been wanting to read for a while. A friends to lovers story filled with sweet moments, angst, mentions of heavy drug abuse, familial expectations, parental neglect, healing, and overcoming trauma. This story follows Junior and Mayda who have known each other since they were kids. Mayda is best friends with Junior's sister. They've like each other for years but both have always been too afraid to admit their feelings for each to each other. I enjoyed their story a lot because they made such great lovers but they both had trauma they were dealing with and they were both being very stubborn about it. Their tension is off the charts and Junior has a way with words I didn't realize how attractive it was to be talked to like that in Spanish and English because *dios mio* that was intense.
Mayda is very closed off and doesn't like to let a people into her family life because she's embarrassed. Junior has secrets he keeps from his family for fear of disappointment even if it's not what he wants. I'm not going to lie, Junior's particular situation with familial exceptions hit me very hard. As a Latina I had similar experiences and it honestly had me balling my eyes out. It was an emotional journey but very worth it. Especially seeing the both of them come out of their trauma better and stronger than ever.
I super appreciate the author for this ARC as this is a book that I've been wanting to read for a while. A friends to lovers story filled with sweet moments, angst, mentions of heavy drug abuse, familial expectations, parental neglect, healing, and overcoming trauma. This story follows Junior and Mayda who have known each other since they were kids. Mayda is best friends with Junior's sister. They've like each other for years but both have always been too afraid to admit their feelings for each to each other. I enjoyed their story a lot because they made such great lovers but they both had trauma they were dealing with and they were both being very stubborn about it. Their tension is off the charts and Junior has a way with words I didn't realize how attractive it was to be talked to like that in Spanish and English because *dios mio* that was intense.
Mayda is very closed off and doesn't like to let a people into her family life because she's embarrassed. Junior has secrets he keeps from his family for fear of disappointment even if it's not what he wants. I'm not going to lie, Junior's particular situation with familial exceptions hit me very hard. As a Latina I had similar experiences and it honestly had me balling my eyes out. It was an emotional journey but very worth it. Especially seeing the both of them come out of their trauma better and stronger than ever.
May 28, 2024
5/5 stars
2.5/5 spice
Tropes:
Childhood friends to lovers
Best friend's brother/Sister's best friend
Dominant MMC
Mexican culture
Latinx rep
Mental health rep
Secret pining
Hurt/healing
Dual POV
So full of emotion and rich with culture. I absolutely loved the family dynamics and how each character was easy to envision in real life. The way everything played out for Mayda and Junior felt natural and real. They had their ups and downs, but they worked at it. I loved the Latinx representation and being able to relate to these diverse characters. I also really enjoyed the mental health representation. It's so hard to talk about mental health in the Latinx community in real life, so it was a breath of fresh air to see it in this story. Especially since both MCs had personal obstacles to work through before getting their HEA.
Aside from the personal journeys, we get some amazing sweet moments and, of course, some spicy moments that are seriously hot. If you're a fan of friends to lovers, big family dynamics, or diverse characters, then you'll love this story. There are some heavy topics in this one, so please check trigger warnings before starting.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Death of a parent, grief, addiction, emotional abuse, explicit language, sexual content
2.5/5 spice
Tropes:
Childhood friends to lovers
Best friend's brother/Sister's best friend
Dominant MMC
Mexican culture
Latinx rep
Mental health rep
Secret pining
Hurt/healing
Dual POV
So full of emotion and rich with culture. I absolutely loved the family dynamics and how each character was easy to envision in real life. The way everything played out for Mayda and Junior felt natural and real. They had their ups and downs, but they worked at it. I loved the Latinx representation and being able to relate to these diverse characters. I also really enjoyed the mental health representation. It's so hard to talk about mental health in the Latinx community in real life, so it was a breath of fresh air to see it in this story. Especially since both MCs had personal obstacles to work through before getting their HEA.
Aside from the personal journeys, we get some amazing sweet moments and, of course, some spicy moments that are seriously hot. If you're a fan of friends to lovers, big family dynamics, or diverse characters, then you'll love this story. There are some heavy topics in this one, so please check trigger warnings before starting.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Death of a parent, grief, addiction, emotional abuse, explicit language, sexual content
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