Thank you to Harper Collins Publishing and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

Available August 4th 2020

A novel within a novel, Alexis Dara's latest novel "You Had Me at Hola" is an intricate rom com with a heart of gold. When Jasmine Lin decides to take on Carmen, her first real break from the world of soap operas, she promises herself one thing - that she won't get carried away with romance yet again. Cue the handsome yet reclusive telenovela heartthrob Ashton, her costar. While things heat up on stage and in their private life, will Ashton and Jasmine be able to handle the stress? Or will the pressure of media and family take over? Seamlessly blending Jasmine and Carmen's narratives, Dara presents with a heartwarming love story, perfect for a summer read.

While there were some things that slightly bothered me about the text - mainly the amount of "sheathing" (?) and the fact that Jasmine forgot that Ashton had given her the coffee cups later on in the book- there were many things that made me surprised and happy. For one, it was great to see a male lead display complex emotions. The character of Vera and the recurring importance of communication in relationships was another selling point. I especially love that no one character is perfect, but they work through their issues together. Overall, Dara conveys positive messages in an engaging, hilarious and empathetic romantic comedy!
Don't for