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A review by jpaulthunders77
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
3.0
Not as bad as I remember.
It's not a terrible book by all means, but this doesn't hold a special room in the swoon department of my heart.
things i liked:
1. Latinx representation. Since I am a fan of telenovelas, I really like seeing on page some tidbits of Mexican culture—the food, the family system, the telenovela business, and damn—even the curse words used. They all hit close to home because as a Filipino, we seem to mirror some aspects of the Mexican culture as well. 333 years of colonization (it's the Spaniards but you get the point).
2. The insertion of intimacy consultant during preparation of passionate scenes on TV. I don't know if it happens on real life, but I really like how the director makes the two lead stars comfortable with their bodies and their partner's bodies. There's communication on what parts are allowed and not allowed to touch, the timing and choreography of each kiss, and the overall tone and approach as to why certain scenes are needed.
3. The families of Jasmine and Ashton are so adorable. Jasmine's grandmother has a list of rankings of her grandchildren based on who she favors the most, her cousins are so supportive at her, and while her parents don't see the extensive value of her job, they still support her. Ashton's grandparents, on the other hand, are supportive and loving to Yadiel, his hidden son. Yadiel is also an adorable sunshine as a kid.
now here's what I didn't like, it's only one item but since this book is a ROMANCE, this holds the most bearing on my rating.
1. The romance was bland, imo. I couldn't feel the growing tension and chemistry between them. maybe it's because of their vanilla dialogue or maybe the lack of personality between the two of them? Jasmine is a good person, a good actress, trusts people easily, but I can't think of more ways to describe her. Ashton is hot, a seasoned telenovela actor, a good dad, but aloof from other people. He tries to open himself slowly throughout the story, which is a good thing. Characters should have flaws; but the way it was executed, how he suddenly overcomes his paranoia, fell a little flat for me.
Another jarring thing that grates my nerves is that both of these people are EXPERIENCED actors. I don't get why they're so afraid to be seen with each other. It's part of their jobs, to stir drama and spin up publicity stunts. It's not that if they're seen together, people would discover ALL their darkest secrets. It doesn't work that way. I know because I am a celebrity stalker, too. I join public groups, reddit discussions, have connections with people who are close friends with people under the limelight, but NEVER once I had solid proof of an actor or actress's darkest secrets. Sure there are speculations and rumors from trusted sources but hard proof? It's super unlikely to happen because managers, production team, even the network make sure that their talent's secrets are buried deep under. It's not a one-man job.
Also, people tend to forget easily and focus on more dramas from other celebs, it's not that Ashton and Jasmine are the biggest celebs in the whole world. People want a slice on other celeb's life, too.
Anyway, I'm done complaining lol. I didn't love this but I also didn't hate this so there you go. 3 stars.
It's not a terrible book by all means, but this doesn't hold a special room in the swoon department of my heart.
things i liked:
1. Latinx representation. Since I am a fan of telenovelas, I really like seeing on page some tidbits of Mexican culture—the food, the family system, the telenovela business, and damn—even the curse words used. They all hit close to home because as a Filipino, we seem to mirror some aspects of the Mexican culture as well. 333 years of colonization (it's the Spaniards but you get the point).
2. The insertion of intimacy consultant during preparation of passionate scenes on TV. I don't know if it happens on real life, but I really like how the director makes the two lead stars comfortable with their bodies and their partner's bodies. There's communication on what parts are allowed and not allowed to touch, the timing and choreography of each kiss, and the overall tone and approach as to why certain scenes are needed.
3. The families of Jasmine and Ashton are so adorable. Jasmine's grandmother has a list of rankings of her grandchildren based on who she favors the most, her cousins are so supportive at her, and while her parents don't see the extensive value of her job, they still support her. Ashton's grandparents, on the other hand, are supportive and loving to Yadiel, his hidden son. Yadiel is also an adorable sunshine as a kid.
now here's what I didn't like, it's only one item but since this book is a ROMANCE, this holds the most bearing on my rating.
1. The romance was bland, imo. I couldn't feel the growing tension and chemistry between them. maybe it's because of their vanilla dialogue or maybe the lack of personality between the two of them? Jasmine is a good person, a good actress, trusts people easily, but I can't think of more ways to describe her. Ashton is hot, a seasoned telenovela actor, a good dad, but aloof from other people. He tries to open himself slowly throughout the story, which is a good thing. Characters should have flaws; but the way it was executed, how he suddenly overcomes his paranoia, fell a little flat for me.
Another jarring thing that grates my nerves is that both of these people are EXPERIENCED actors. I don't get why they're so afraid to be seen with each other. It's part of their jobs, to stir drama and spin up publicity stunts. It's not that if they're seen together, people would discover ALL their darkest secrets. It doesn't work that way. I know because I am a celebrity stalker, too. I join public groups, reddit discussions, have connections with people who are close friends with people under the limelight, but NEVER once I had solid proof of an actor or actress's darkest secrets. Sure there are speculations and rumors from trusted sources but hard proof? It's super unlikely to happen because managers, production team, even the network make sure that their talent's secrets are buried deep under. It's not a one-man job.
Also, people tend to forget easily and focus on more dramas from other celebs, it's not that Ashton and Jasmine are the biggest celebs in the whole world. People want a slice on other celeb's life, too.
Anyway, I'm done complaining lol. I didn't love this but I also didn't hate this so there you go. 3 stars.