“Hot, heartwarming, and hilarious…This is a knockout.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review Award-winning, highly-acclaimed author Adriana Herrera delivers the sexy, modern enemies-to-lovers romance you’ve been waiting for. Starting over is more about who you’re with than where you live… Julia del Mar Ortiz is not having the best year. She moved to Dallas with her boyfriend, who … year.
She moved to Dallas with her boyfriend, who ended up ditching her and running back to New York after only a few weeks. Left with a massive–by NYC standards, anyway–apartment and a car lease in the scorching Texas heat, Julia is struggling…except that’s not completely true. Running the charitable foundation of one of the most iconic high fashion department stores in the world is serious #lifegoals.
It’s more than enough to make her want to stick it out down South.
The only monkey wrench in Julia’s plans is the blue-eyed, smart-mouthed consultant the store hired to take them public. Fellow New Yorker Rocco Quinn’s first order of business? Putting Julia’s job on the chopping block.
When Julia is tasked with making sure Rocco sees how valuable the programs she runs are, she’s caught between a rock and a very hard set of abs. Because Rocco Quinn is almost impossible to hate–and even harder to resist.
Also by Adriana Herrera:
Dreamers
Book 1: American Dreamer
Book 2: American Fairytale
Book 3: American Love Story
Book 4: American Sweethearts
Book 5: American Christmas
more
I love an office romance, and this one was so fun and steamy. Rocco is brought in to recommend cuts to a company’s bottom line, and one of those cuts will probably be Julia’s job. Still, the two are wildly attracted to one another and have much more in common than they think. This was the perfect summer read about found family and doing what you love instead of chasing a paycheck. The sexual tension was off the charts!!
HERE TO STAY by Adriana Herrera is a contemporary romance that brings the heat. This is a standalone which could easily become a fun series with ethnic New Yorkers coming together for support and fun in their new surroundings of Dallas.
Julia del Mar’s year did not start out well, but she loves her new job running a charitable foundation and she is making her life in Dallas work. The foundation is run by one of the most iconic high fashion department stores in the world and which was family run, but the siblings have decided to go public.
Rocco Quinn is sent by his New York based consulting company to ready the chain to go public. Rocco is trying to stay above the family feud and do his job. The twins want the foundation to continue, but their younger brother wants it gone. And if the brother gets his way the beautiful Julia will lose her job.
Julia is tasked with introducing Rocco to all the programs the foundation runs. The heat generated between these two is explosive, but both know they are on opposite sides and in a no-win situation.
I was completely drawn into Julia and Rocco’s lives. Ms. Herrera made them come to life with not only their business dilemma, but all the family and friends that were a part of their lives. I feel Julia and Rocco’s romance built at a realistic pace as they both tried so hard to fight their attraction, but the chemistry is just too hot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance and its glimpse at Dominican culture.
I absolutely loved “Here to Stay” by Adriana Herrera, a sweet, funny, emotional, and well-written story featuring incredibly well-developed, relatable main characters and a fantastic slow burn romance. Both Rocco’s and Julia’s misgivings about starting a relationship were completely understandable, but eventually neither of them could resist the pull of their attraction. It was easy for me to root for them, both individually and as a couple, as they worked to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way of their HEA.
Rocco was a man with many layers, and it was interesting to see each of them revealed over the course of the story. He came across as very cool and confident when he first met Julia at work, but beneath that he was so sweet and almost shy. He was also fiercely protective of the ones he loved, especially his younger sister and toddler niece. Rocco fit in very well with Julia’s family, who I adored. They may have been a little overwhelming at times, but it was obvious how much they loved and supported each other. I especially appreciated how warm and welcoming they were as soon as they met Rocco. It was like he was already a part of the family from the first time they met him. Julia herself was smart, funny, compassionate, and hard-working, and more than a match for Rocco in every way.
In addition to Rocco and Julia’s romance and getting to know Julia’s family, I loved the “found family” aspect of this book. The Gotham Exiles group that Julia created was so much fun, and the way they so quickly came together and supported each other was amazing. There were a lot of big personalities in that group, but I loved every one of them and the way that they seemed to complement each other. Julia’s best friend in New York, Alba, was awesome too. She seemed like the very definition of a ride or die!
Overall, I highly recommend “Here to Stay” for all fans of contemporary romance. This was the first book I’ve ever read by Adriana Herrera, but it definitely will not be the last.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a fun, sexy read! I loveedddd Rocco and the Gotham Exiles. It was awesome how Julia came up with that idea and how well it worked for them! Let talk about the sexual tension between these two! Despite being on opposite sides of a work thing. They made it work and it was amazing. I loved the friends and her family hahahaa so so funny!
Julia has made a life for herself in Texas, away from her hovering family. She has a group of friends whom she loves and who love her, and life is good, even if she feels a bit out of place, a fish out of water New Yorker stuck in Texas. Then she meets the man sent to make a recommendation to the board of her company that will not just affect her and her livelihood, but more significantly, all the people the foundation helps.
Rocco is only in Texas to help figure out where his company should make cuts, and if they should open themselves up to the public in an IPO. In doing so, he meets a breath of fresh air named Julia. And his life isn’t same after. But whatever they start has an expiration date because he cannot stay in Texas permanently, he has to get back home to help save his sister and niece from their abusive parents.
I really enjoyed this opposites attract story. Julia is so refreshing, such a spitfire, and Rocco is perfect for her, even with all his baggage. Oooh boy that baggage, he had a lot of it and it caused him no amount of pain, caused Julia pain, too. I’m glad he was paired with Julia, because she really was a balm to his pained heart. Opposites attract has never been so entertaining, sexy, so heartwarming than in Here to Stay.
This is the first book that I’ve read from author Adriana Herrera and I must say that I enjoyed it. I enjoy finding new authors books to read.
Julia leaves NYC with her boyfriend for Texas who later leaves her and returns to NYC thus leaving Julia in Texas.
Julia and Rocco are both native NYC and find themselves in Texas. As the people say small world.
Rocco is the gorgeous handsome consultant that was brought in to downsize the company that Julia works for a charitable foundation that she is running and Julia’s will probably be the first job to go. Sparks are there from the beginning with Julia and Rocco and it makes for a great office romance.
If you like short romantic reads then this is book you should be reading that will you turning the AC on high. Why not pick up your copy today and find out for yourself.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review.
If you’re looking for a delightful read about transplants from NYC to Dallas, look no further than Here to Stay. The description calls it an “enemies to lovers” but I actually disagree. There is professional conflict between Julia and Rocco because Rocco’s job is to essentially cut Julia’s job. However, there is always a burning attraction between the two and never really antagonism between them personally. Adriana Herrera is an expert at creating great friend and family groups and she’s excels with both Julia and Rocco’s families as well as the Gotham exiles friend group. Rocco is the perfect sweet and supportive cinnamon roll hero who just has the most adorable moments. Everything he does is to help and support his sister and niece and I just love that. Julia took a risk moving to Dallas with a boyfriend and was burned. She is very hesitant to let Rocco in and their professional issues do not help. The chemistry between them, though, is too strong to ignore and I loved seeing them give in and start to fall in love. Overall, a terrific and delightful read!
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Another new-to-me author that makes me want to read more of her books. While this story was a bit of a slow starter for me, once it gained momentum, I didn’t want to put it down. And that was by the 25% mark, so it didn’t take all that long.
Julia and Rocco are both amazing characters. Tough, kind, funny, compassionate, smart. They tick all the boxes. They are desperately attracted to one another in a physical sense well before they even get past knowing each other’s names. And each thought the other wouldn’t be interested for a variety of reasons, plus neither was looking for a relationship.
After years of on again/off again with the same guy, Julia suffered the ultimate betrayal when he left her for another woman…after she had totally rearranged her life for him. So, it’s no wonder that she’s gun shy. There are a few times I think she’s a bit too resistant to giving love another try, but it’s understandable so I tried not to hold it against her.
Rocco wouldn’t mind some love in his life, but he doesn’t understand what that really means. He’s always been one to give love and care and security, never one to get the same in return. And he has a sister and niece back in New York relying on him to get out of a bad situation. Rocco is such a generous and kind person, it doesn’t even occur to him that his sister can or will adjust to his wants so he doesn’t have to give up the things he wants in order to help her. It’s so black and white for him.
Once Rocco and Julia start being thrown together, the train starts picking up speed. So much so that you know it’s going to barrel out of control sooner or later. Their ragtag group of friends Julia is responsible for getting together becomes a beautiful family. I love them all and really enjoyed their interactions. They were like interfering siblings, teasing and pushing the couple together while also being extremely supportive.
There is so much to love about this story. It’s beautifully sweet one moment, and on fire the next. The chemistry is obvious from the first moment we see Julia and Rocco interact. Not only were the friends given a ton of depth, so were both families. The author did an amazing job of writing the love of Julia’s family and the unpleasantness of Rocco’s. I could feel both in my gut.
I’m really looking forward to reading some of this author’s earlier stories. She definitely has a way with words.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Audio review:
Story – 5
Performance – 5
Overall – 5
So good, so hot!
I mostly read (or listen) to MM romance these days and I first became acquainted with Adriana Herrera’s writing through her Dreamers series. The first three books in that series were MM but the fourth was MF and I was almost surprised to enjoy it just as much as the others. So, it was no hardship for me to agree to do a blog post for her latest book, Here to Stay.
This story is seriously HOT – like panty melting hot. I read portions of it and then I listened to the audio book. Sean Crisden has long been a favorite of mine but Carmen Vine is a new-to-me narrator. The combination of their two voices was perfect for this story. Sean Crisden’s voice during the hot scenes made me go looking for a fan.
There was conflict in this story because the job goals of the two MCs were kind of in opposition to each other. Rocco’s job may eventually put Julia’s job in jeopardy. Despite this conflict, they fall very much in love. Still Rocco is torn between his obligation to his younger sister and her child, and his love for Julia.
This was such a rich story; t’s filled with family and friends who added depth and humor. Rocco’s parents are pretty horrible and they provided a suitable amount of conflict.
I particularly enjoyed listening to the audiobook because there are so many words I would not know how to pronounce on my own. (My high school Spanish was 50 years ago!) I love learning new words and that is just one of the reasons I enjoy reading Adriana’s books. Her stories challenge me in a good way and I look forward to reading and/or listening to more of them.
A review copy of the ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and a review copy of the audiobook was provided by Harlequin Audio, but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Heartfelt, playful, and enticing!
Here to Stay is a heartwarming, humorous tale that transports you to Dallas, Texas and into the lives of both Julia del Mar Ortiz, a kind, compassionate, Dominican-Puerto Rican woman who after being dumped shortly after relocating to Texas from Queens is more than happy putting all her time and effort into her dream job, running the charitable foundation for Sturm’s, and Rocco Quinn, an Italian-Irish, handsome, young man tasked with helping Sturm’s get ready to go public and potentially recommending chopping those parts of the company, such as their charitable foundation, that may be an unnecessary expense to the companies bottom line.
The writing is sensual and light. The characters are intelligent, kind, considerate, inclusive, and endearing. And the plot is a push-pull tale full of workplace drama, familial responsibility, witty banter, tender moments, expectations, goals, friendship, diversity, compromise, chemistry, and love.
Overall, Here to Stay is another sweet, passionate, satisfying novel by Herrera that’s more than just a typical enemies-to-more rom-com with its abundance of culture and tradition, social consciousness, and timely perspective.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it definitely won’t be the last, because I was charmed by every bit of this romance. From the heroine Julia’s loving Afro-Caribbean family she adores but can’t be around too much because she finds them smothering, to her found-family of New York expats suffering in the cultural desert of Dallas, Texas (lol), Herrera skilfully draws a picture of a successful professional woman making her own way in the world, self-sufficient despite an ex doing her dirty.
It’s the hero Rocco whose life is messy, who needs to achieve and earn more in order to get his sister and nephew away from their abusive parents. This is where the conflict comes in, because in order to achieve his goals, Rocco has to do a job that will very likely cause Julia to lose hers… and hers matters to a lot of people who need her, because she runs a major social work program, funded by the charitable donations of an upscale department store.
Rocco and Julia have fantastic chemistry together, and there are some wonderful (and wonderfully diverse) side characters determined to see them find a happy ending, but life sometimes does set people up in opposition to each other, and that’s what has happened here. Perhaps the only thing I didn’t like is that Julia was essentially passive in the final major decision; she really had no role to play. It was Rocco’s sister who convinced him to make a recommendation he could live with, and it could still have cost Julia dear. Again… that’s representative of real life when sometimes it really is a Hobson’s choice, so I’m not going to knock any stars off for it. Julia and Rocco found their way to a happy ending for themselves and those they loved best, and in a way that didn’t require either of them to compromise their principles. It was believable and beautiful, and I really bought into their romance. I especially loved the portrayal of Julia’s family as a pack of healthy, loving Afro-Caribbean New Yorkers (and oh, the descriptions of the food!) I did read an ARC of this where the brand Goya was mentioned prominently; I’m going to guess that might be hastily edited out in the final edition (lol again).
Five stars for a gorgeous contemporary romance where there are no easy choices, but the couple find their way to a happy ending anyway.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Okay, so, why this is the first time I read a novel by Adriana Herrera?! This book is gold ! I loved it from beginning to end!
When he spotted me, he did the slightest double take and then, just for a second, he smiled. Julia del Mar, you’re in danger, girl.
Julia moved from NYC to Dallas to follow her boyfriend, who later on dumped her. Thankfully, she found a wonderful job–running a charitable foundation that helps families. Unfortunately, her job is on the line, and the one who can either put a good or bad word is the new consultant, Rocco Quinn.
It’s hard for me to relate to characters lately. So when I started this novel and found myself relating to Julia and her family, I knew this would be a book I wouldn’t forget. Julia is Puerto Rican and Dominican, and let me tell you, the representation of both cultures is on point! It was exactly how I would have described it. We’re loud, we’re noisy, we’re family from the moment we meet, and so much more that Adriana included. And gosh, don’t get me started on arroz con gandules! Seeing this authentic food to both PR and DR being described so well in the story filled me with so much pride!
For her mom and grandma, lack of gandules was right up there with lethal levels of dehydration.
Even though we have two main characters, the story felt like it wasn’t just about them; it was also about the side characters. Their presence is always there, in a good way. We get to see these former NYC residents with Latin background come together as co-workers and as family. From their first get-together, the reader gets to feel their bond immediately. Their interactions, their nosiness, their personalities brought so much to the story!
I found Julia to be a wonderful, compassionate, selfless woman that I admire. Every situation that gets thrown her way, she manages with grace. I loved her personality and how dedicated she is with everything she stands for and believes in.
I did get a bit tired with Julia always running away from Rocco. While I did understand she was doing it because it wouldn’t be good for them to be together because of their jobs, I mostly felt she was using it as an excuse. Still, Julia’s and Rocco’s moments together were beautiful. I loved how we meet Rocco little by little.
“That man looks at you like you’re the answer to every question he’s ever had. Trust that you can be that to someone.”
Rocco’s character is like an onion, and as the story goes on, we get to peel one layer at a time. Each layer that came off showed a wonderful man that had my heart melting over. Rocco is such a sweet man! Well, he’s a dirty-talking man in bed that had me with eyes wide open. But at the same time, he’s unbelievably sweet and swoony! He deserves all the recognition in the world. When he started calling Julia muñeca , I legit MELTED! I’m pretty sure I read that part at least 5 times. Yes, I melted each time.
Julia’s family was something else, in the best way possible. I loved all the wonderful advice Julia’s dad gave her. I loved how nosy her mom is (extremely similar to my mom). And then we have abuela, who’s pretty much an exact replica of my grandma in terms of personality. I was laughing so hard when Rocco offered to clean the kitchen and everyone else was watching and waiting to see what would abuela do. It’s literally how it is in Puerto Rico!
“My parents and my grandma only have one volume setting, and it’s loud.”
Most stories I’ve read with a Latin background barely touch on the culture, yet Adriana went all in with it. I honestly felt like I was reading a book about a family member. Adriana gave me a story with all the culture I’ve ever wanted for a book to have when it comes to Puerto Rican culture. THANK YOU FOR DOING US JUSTICE!
If you’re looking for a story with a different culture (PR/DR), POC-characters (and author), authentic characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a story that will live in your heart, HERE TO STAY is totally for you!
At last, I finally have read a book by Adriana Herrera and I sure enjoyed the heck out of Here to Stay. This one was a bit of a slow burn for me, which is a trope
that I’ve been struggling with since the world essentially shut down. But I know soooo many that absolutely live by this trope, so I know that they’ll love this one completely.
However, I love a good office romance and these two definitely fought their instant attraction, I had to applaud them! It definitely made for some very interesting
interactions between them.
One of my favorite things about the book was the supporting characters especially Julia’s family. They actually reminded of one of my good friends family when I was growing. Definitely some of my best childhood memories there!
I haven’t read a lot of romance with Latinx characters, which will definitely be changing for the foreseeable future. And I thought Adriana gave her readers who don’t know the Dominican and Puerto Rican culture that well, a great insight. And my goodness, all the talk about food! I totally get that since I come from a Hawaiian culture and food is a big part of it. Soooo yeah, I was here for alllll the food talk, now I just need to try said food.
Truly enjoyed this one and I absolutely cannot wait to read more by Adriana!
Adriana Herrera
What could have been a run-of-the-mill, enemies to lovers/workplace romance story was made much more enjoyable by the author’s perfect capturing of a unique lifestyle and attitude that belongs to one group of people. I think that’s why I enjoyed this book so much; reading about the characters was like talking to friends back in NYC. The author did a fantastic job of capturing that certain something New Yorkers have. I would highly recommend this well-written and “current” book. I think a lot of people will be able to identify with the characters and their situations. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to Harlequin, Carina Press, and NetGalley for a digital ARC of the book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book. I am providing a voluntary review. All thoughts and views are my own.
I was excited to get my hands on Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera because I’ve seen her Dreamers series all over the place and haven’t had a chance to read it yet. (Reviewing for a book blog can make finding time purely for pleasure reads a bit of a challenge! )
Ms. Herrera has a very fluid and easy writing style. You can really feel her culture and personality come out in her words, which made reading Julia’s POV so delightful. I adored her saucy, spunky, self-assured, independent self so much. And then there’s Rocco. Man oh man, he was such an amazingly sweet, shy cinnamon roll. Except when things got sexy… His personality did a complete 180. Dang near gave me whiplash. I do kind of wish there was a bit of build up to that dirty-mouthed, sex-monster side of him so it didn’t feel so out of the blue and ill-fitting with the rest of his personality, but hey… Who am I to judge? Maybe the guy is just a gentleman sweetie pie on the streets and one heck of a filthy freak in the sheets. But seriously… I adored Rocco. He was everything and a bag of chips. And I adored how much he loved his sister and niece. It was beyond precious.
The story itself was a bit heavy—for my taste—on the side-plot revolving around their work and the conflict it portrayed. I think it was a great plot device and obviously very well researched, but because so much time and energy was spent developing that side of things, we didn’t really get to see as much of Julia and Rocco’s relationship. So much of the romance was off page. In fact, after the first time they have sex, the book flashes forward almost a month and we’re told how much their feelings and relationship had developed. Prior to that, the first 70% of the book was them keeping a very safe distance and talking themselves into reasons they shouldn’t be together. I found it didn’t feel like a developing romance until well past the 50% mark, which was a bit of a bummer considering how much I adored the characters and really did want them to start falling for one another—beyond just the eye-banging, of course.
Overall, I’d say this is less of a classic romance and more of a women’s fiction with a romance side plot. Only with dual POV. That being said, I didn’t even realize that fact until after I hit about 73% in and the whole establishment of their romantic relationship zipped by off page. I started thinking about how the first 2/3 of the book had played out and realized how very different this book was from your stereotypical romance. Sure, there was lust between Julia and Rocco, but no real feelings development beyond a burgeoning friendship until much later in the book than I’m used to in contemporary romance.
While it might sound like I’m being negative, I’m not! I’m seriously impressed with Ms. Herrera’s ability to weave a unique and intriguing story with engaging and lovable characters. I’m not someone who usually enjoys chick lit, so the fact I didn’t even realize that’s what I was reading until I was dang near finished with the book proves how effective she is at storytelling. Plus, it definitely had the HEA, so it’s safe to say the last quarter or so fit nicely into the romance genre. A black moment, a resolution, then all the happies.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
3.5 stars
First I have to say that I loved Julia, Rocco, and her family. The story was great but there was something that made it hard for me to want to keep reading. It didn’t grab me as it did in the beginning, some parts just seem to drag along.
Julia is in Dallas after following her ex-boyfriend, who in turn left her and went back to New York. She is working at her dream job but now she has to be nice to the consultant who is there to help the company go public.
Rocco is in Dallas to do his job and get the promotion he needs to help his sister and niece. But when he meets Julia all his plans just might go out the window. He is distracted by Julia in a way that neither of them needs at least not at work.
As I said, I loved the storyline and some of the characters. I would like to see others in the Gothams City Exile group get their shot at love in other books. This is a first for me from this author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
Adriana always coming in with a story better than her last. She is my auto buy author!!
I’m a big fan of this authors work. This was full of a lot of things but mostly heart. It was slow burn, kinda forbidden and a great case of a found family. Two NYC transplants finding each other even despite working on opposite sides of a job. The friendship group was so much fun and even though this was kinda low angst, I was rooting for Rocco and Julia all the way.
She had it all figured out. New dream job, move, and boyfriend. Only the boyfriend ends up dumping her and moving back. And her dream job doesn’t come without a bump. A consultant was hired to help the story, and his first order of business, fire her.
It’s up to her to show him, that her work matters. It would be easier if he wasn’t so hot. 🙂
It’s such a cute enemy to loves romance. It’s was very quick to read and very fun too. 🙂
received from NetGalley
Herrera does it again! I felt Julia’s simultaneous love for her Afro-Caribbean family and the frustration she feels at their constant hovering over her. Julia is determined to make a life for herself in Texas, despite a breakup with her faithless ex that nearly brings her life grinding to a halt.u2060
u2060
Rocco, Julia’s love interest, has his own struggles with his family, and a problem whose only solution might require him to crush Julia’s dreams. u2060
u2060
The chemistry is fantastic, the element of family, community, and doing good in the world is always a trademark of Herrera’s stories. It’s a gorgeous romance where the HEA is well-earned and believable. There is are so many Easter eggs for the Latinx reader, it was so much fun to see those aspects reflected in the narrative.u2060
u2060
Another five-star read!u2060