What do you think?
Rate this book
Sambrano Studios #1
One Week to Claim It All
She’ll inherit an empire…but only if she can resist her ex.
She’s on track to be the new CEO.
Her ex is the only one standing in the way.
When Esmeralda Sambrano-Peña unexpectedly inherits her father’s media empire, it ruffles more than a few feathers. And no one is more conflicted about it than Rodrigo Almanzar. Esmeralda knows her father’s longtime protégé—and her ex-lover—wants the executive job for himself. Making matters worse, their renewed passion grows undeniable with every late-night meeting. Will Rodrigo prove to be the perfect partner in business and pleasure…or her professional undoing?
She’s on track to be the new CEO.
Her ex is the only one standing in the way.
When Esmeralda Sambrano-Peña unexpectedly inherits her father’s media empire, it ruffles more than a few feathers. And no one is more conflicted about it than Rodrigo Almanzar. Esmeralda knows her father’s longtime protégé—and her ex-lover—wants the executive job for himself. Making matters worse, their renewed passion grows undeniable with every late-night meeting. Will Rodrigo prove to be the perfect partner in business and pleasure…or her professional undoing?
218 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
22 people are currently reading
1923 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Herrera
46 books1,654 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
June 16, 2021
Fast and fiery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The office romance is one of my favorite troupes to read. I am not sure why but I just love them! This one has a great twist with the daughter inheriting a big chunk of her father’s company much to the chagrin of the ex who wants the job of President/CEO.
The author delivers a story with several twists and ugly family issues to deal with. Not to mention the guy she has loved forever but hates today! Love/hate relationships are tough to write and this author takes it on with flair!
The passion and tension runs deep and Herrera added plenty of fire to spice up the story. Low on the angst meter as you could tell where the story was going, but refreshing, and slightly crazy characters keeps the story flowing and fun. Herrera wrote her heart out on this one!
Fabulous choice for a delightful love story with a great Happily Ever After! Love it!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/one-week-to-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The office romance is one of my favorite troupes to read. I am not sure why but I just love them! This one has a great twist with the daughter inheriting a big chunk of her father’s company much to the chagrin of the ex who wants the job of President/CEO.
The author delivers a story with several twists and ugly family issues to deal with. Not to mention the guy she has loved forever but hates today! Love/hate relationships are tough to write and this author takes it on with flair!
The passion and tension runs deep and Herrera added plenty of fire to spice up the story. Low on the angst meter as you could tell where the story was going, but refreshing, and slightly crazy characters keeps the story flowing and fun. Herrera wrote her heart out on this one!
Fabulous choice for a delightful love story with a great Happily Ever After! Love it!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/one-week-to-...
June 7, 2021
Esmerelda is the illegitimate daughter of a Latinx television empire. The daughter he ignored despite paying for her upkeep and education. And she's worked hard to prove she can make it on her own in the television industry. Now he's passed away and she's about to inherit his company as CEO. The catch? She must compete with the ex-boyfriend who betrayed her and broke her heart.
This was everything I hoped it would be and I can't wait for the next installment in the series! One Week to Claim It All is a romance in the style of a telenovela with an ambitious, curvy heroine clashing with the ex who broke her heart. It's dramatic and sexy but with heart. And feminist sensibilities- seriously can we get more romances where the fantasy is about a true partnership between successful people who are into each other? I love it. Plus this is a book that unabashedly celebrates Latinx language, culture, and food. (omg the food! I am dying to track down the things described). Highly recommend this one. I received an advance copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
This was everything I hoped it would be and I can't wait for the next installment in the series! One Week to Claim It All is a romance in the style of a telenovela with an ambitious, curvy heroine clashing with the ex who broke her heart. It's dramatic and sexy but with heart. And feminist sensibilities- seriously can we get more romances where the fantasy is about a true partnership between successful people who are into each other? I love it. Plus this is a book that unabashedly celebrates Latinx language, culture, and food. (omg the food! I am dying to track down the things described). Highly recommend this one. I received an advance copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2021
When I tell you I've been preparing ALL MY LIFE to write this book...Y'all don't even know! LOL
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
June 4, 2021
This was a quick and sexy second chance and childhood friends to enemies to lovers romance. The media empire workplace setting was refreshing and it went perfectly with the forced proximity trope. I loved how strong and determined Esmeralda was and how supportive her mother and tias were. Rodrigo and Esmeralda had great chemistry and I about melted every time he called her "joya". The reason for their separation didn't make the most sense to me, but I was still rooting for these two to find their way back to each other. A fun and entertaining read!
CW: parental abandonment/strained relationship with father, death of parent, mentions of gambling addiction/debts
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
CW: parental abandonment/strained relationship with father, death of parent, mentions of gambling addiction/debts
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
December 21, 2021
This is a hate to love romance, and this is the first book in the Sambrano Studios series. I have to say this book pulled me into from the beginning. I really love the storyline of this book. This is a short and fast read. I love the characters. There are some parts of this book that was to slow moving. I really loved the beginning and the ending. This book is so much then just a romance. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Desire) or author (Adriana Herrera) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 3, 2021
3.5 rounded up. I really enjoyed this one. This author is an auto-buy for me and that's not changing 😊. Esmeralda is the illegitimate daughter of the owner of a big studio specialized in Latinx content. After her father's death she is named shareholder and CEO/President but she has to be approved by the board and has 1 week to show her vision and get the job. The current CEO is Rodrigo her ex. She does not know why their relationship ended 10years prior to the story. They basically both have remained in love throughout the 10 year break but their reunion is not easy. If she gets the job he loses his but he still kind of wants her to have it. It's complicated. She is illegitimate because her father broke up with her mom to marry an evil woman who hates Esmeralda. This woman's scheming were a bit OTT but they made sense, she was just despicable. She had 2 kids with Esmeralda's father and those two were also kind of annoying (especially Onyx I wanted to slap the grin off his face) but you understand that it's because of this evil's woman's influence
I really liked the discussions on the diversity within the Latinx community and its diaspora (word used in the book) but also the existing colorism within the community. I really enjoyed the way this author uses code switching in a natural way without translating for the reader but still making it understandable (I don't speak Spanish at all and that was not a pb). That's something she does a lot and very well in all her books but it still bears pointing out. I really liked Rodrigo's character development in the story. I liked Esmeralda too and especially the fact that she checked Rodrigo when he was not that great (get a grip man!). She fought for their relationship to be between equals and I was like "yes, you go girl!". At first they don't really communicate well or cooperate but they come up with a plan together and end up talking in a meaningful way. Of course the smut was good because Adriana Herrera, enough said 😉.
Niggles I wanted to see more about her plan for the company and her working on the presentation. I wanted to know more about how a studio/network works and what makes a latinx network different/special. We see some of it but I wanted more (yes I'm greedy 😉). I also wish the book was longer so that we could see two scenes play out .
I already pre-ordered book 2 and I hope (I have no information on that) book three is about Rodrigo's brother who is a gay makeup artist and fashion designer (I think). Book 2 is about Esme's half sister (we did not really see her in this book so I don't know much about her but I'll read it 😉).
I really liked the discussions on the diversity within the Latinx community and its diaspora (word used in the book) but also the existing colorism within the community. I really enjoyed the way this author uses code switching in a natural way without translating for the reader but still making it understandable (I don't speak Spanish at all and that was not a pb). That's something she does a lot and very well in all her books but it still bears pointing out. I really liked Rodrigo's character development in the story. I liked Esmeralda too and especially the fact that she checked Rodrigo when he was not that great (get a grip man!). She fought for their relationship to be between equals and I was like "yes, you go girl!". At first they don't really communicate well or cooperate but they come up with a plan together and end up talking in a meaningful way. Of course the smut was good because Adriana Herrera, enough said 😉.
Niggles I wanted to see more about her plan for the company and her working on the presentation. I wanted to know more about how a studio/network works and what makes a latinx network different/special. We see some of it but I wanted more (yes I'm greedy 😉). I also wish the book was longer so that we could see two scenes play out .
I already pre-ordered book 2 and I hope (I have no information on that) book three is about Rodrigo's brother who is a gay makeup artist and fashion designer (I think). Book 2 is about Esme's half sister (we did not really see her in this book so I don't know much about her but I'll read it 😉).
December 3, 2021
Man was this story good!! Super spicy in parts that I couldn’t see straight, but also a story that gripped my heart. I love that this was full on Latinx in every way!
The banter, the chemistry and second chance Romance. Count me in!! I definitely want to incorporate more Latinx authors in my tbr mix. Adriana Herrera is a must read author!!
The banter, the chemistry and second chance Romance. Count me in!! I definitely want to incorporate more Latinx authors in my tbr mix. Adriana Herrera is a must read author!!
August 17, 2021
3 Stars
The reason behind the 10 years separation between the H & h was not convincing at all, and it wasn't worth the heartache. And because of that, I wasn't convinced about their love and feelings at all. The h walks into the firm with the mindset and intention to hurt the H by taking what he wants the most, and the minute she sees him, she feels horny and needy 😑 I don't like this type of plot.
The reason behind the 10 years separation between the H & h was not convincing at all, and it wasn't worth the heartache. And because of that, I wasn't convinced about their love and feelings at all. The h walks into the firm with the mindset and intention to hurt the H by taking what he wants the most, and the minute she sees him, she feels horny and needy 😑 I don't like this type of plot.
December 5, 2021
Great heroine and a high-stakes, intense second chance romance.
February 22, 2022
I really enjoyed reading the story about a latinx studio. The main characters were really well developed and their story arcs were interesting. I loved reading about every little bit of the latinx culture poured into the story and all the family drama there was behind it. It was a bit short, but it was a nice read, nonethless.
December 11, 2021
4.25 Stars / 3 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.
September 16, 2021
Quick unedited thoughts
Representation 5
Plot. 2.5
Romance. 3.5
Characters. 3.0
Overall 3.0
I’ve read this story many times before. What’s different are the Latinx characters. I wanted more. This is a book with a plus size woman on the cover that has education, a loving mother and Tia’s as well as moxy. She wants to showcase her peoples diversity in all areas of life, but she’s consistently turned down. Until she accepts a situation, that she’s ignored for almost a year, that could be the answer to her frustrations and the beginning of all her dreams.
Second chance romance
Money & power hungry men
Both drop love for it
Betrayal
I received an advanced reader copy from Harlequin Desire via Netgalley
Representation 5
Plot. 2.5
Romance. 3.5
Characters. 3.0
Overall 3.0
I’ve read this story many times before. What’s different are the Latinx characters. I wanted more. This is a book with a plus size woman on the cover that has education, a loving mother and Tia’s as well as moxy. She wants to showcase her peoples diversity in all areas of life, but she’s consistently turned down. Until she accepts a situation, that she’s ignored for almost a year, that could be the answer to her frustrations and the beginning of all her dreams.
Second chance romance
Money & power hungry men
Both drop love for it
Betrayal
I received an advanced reader copy from Harlequin Desire via Netgalley
July 26, 2021
This was a really sweet and steamy second chance romance. It has a lot of amazing Latinx representation throughout, as 2 adults do what they can to make their dreams come true in running a company. Sadly, that does put them at odds, though they were previously lovers.
Herrera did a fantastic job making you root for the couple early on, and helping you want to see what they were dreaming up! Definitely pick this one up!
Herrera did a fantastic job making you root for the couple early on, and helping you want to see what they were dreaming up! Definitely pick this one up!
May 31, 2021
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Over the top, Latinx cast, historically educational, steamy AF, genius of a book.
I absolutely adored this book. I love the banter between Esmeralda and Rodrigo, the animosity was such a great fuel to the following scenes.
I am also happy I have been making more space for Latinx reads. It feels amazing to be seen and praised in a book, for my culture and my fellow Latinx Folx culture as well.
Adriana Herrera is an excellent, thought provoking writer, so dont be fooled by the campy, over the top elements. She finds a way to sit you down and teach you about historically silenced and marginalized groups and that is something I will always appreciate about her writing.
Full review over on Lit Buzz
https://www.thelitbuzz.com/2021/05/on...
Over the top, Latinx cast, historically educational, steamy AF, genius of a book.
I absolutely adored this book. I love the banter between Esmeralda and Rodrigo, the animosity was such a great fuel to the following scenes.
I am also happy I have been making more space for Latinx reads. It feels amazing to be seen and praised in a book, for my culture and my fellow Latinx Folx culture as well.
Adriana Herrera is an excellent, thought provoking writer, so dont be fooled by the campy, over the top elements. She finds a way to sit you down and teach you about historically silenced and marginalized groups and that is something I will always appreciate about her writing.
Full review over on Lit Buzz
https://www.thelitbuzz.com/2021/05/on...
December 14, 2021
i love second chance romances, and this one started off with a bit of a lovers to enemies to lovers vibes, it's an office romance with that rich people vibe, which are all things i LOVE. it was okay for me, it was a fun enough & quick read, i just didn't really fall in love with it or particularly connected with it
August 2, 2021
Dominican romance book for the win!
June 29, 2021
Competing for their dream job and each other’s heart
Esmeralda and Rodrigo were young lovers torn apart by secrets and lies; now they are thrown together to compete for their dream job.
I really appreciated the representation of family, extended family, and made family as well as the discussions about how important it is to see and celebrate the full range of the Latinx diaspora. But of course the heart of the story is Esmeralda and Rodrigo figuring out how to fit back together, how to forgive, and how to celebrate their love for one another while not giving up their individual goals, which was beautifully done! And much like the telenovelas mentioned in the story, there is a truly fabulous villainess and an unexpected heroine!
I can’t wait for more from the Sambrano Studios series!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Esmeralda and Rodrigo were young lovers torn apart by secrets and lies; now they are thrown together to compete for their dream job.
I really appreciated the representation of family, extended family, and made family as well as the discussions about how important it is to see and celebrate the full range of the Latinx diaspora. But of course the heart of the story is Esmeralda and Rodrigo figuring out how to fit back together, how to forgive, and how to celebrate their love for one another while not giving up their individual goals, which was beautifully done! And much like the telenovelas mentioned in the story, there is a truly fabulous villainess and an unexpected heroine!
I can’t wait for more from the Sambrano Studios series!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
May 5, 2021
Song: Burbujas De Amor
Artist: Juan Luis Guerra
Mood: Inspired
Trope: second-chance romance
"I want every gaze represented." This quote sums up the totality of Adrianna Herrera's work, and One Week To Claim It All is a splendid example.
Story: Esmeralda Sambrano-Pena fortuitously acquires her late and distant's father television empire, Sambrano Studios, but the only problem is her ex-flame, Rodrigo Almanzar, wants the position of CEO. He is ruthless and will stop at nothing to claim the top spot. Esme vs. Rodrigo, who wins the crown? Can love be reclaimed in a week?
Thoughts: Inspired by Telenovelas and Soap Operas, Hererra serves drama, romance, steam, glamour, and tenderness. My point of reference is Jackie Collin's Santangelo book series - when Lucky Santangelo acquires Panther Studios and Dynasty - if you know, you know.
Esme and Rodrigo are ideally matched, but they have issues to work through. For instance, Esme experiences years of ceaseless cannonade from a ruthless opponent, and secrets have fractured her trust in love, but not her moxie. Meanwhile, Rodrigo sacrifices everything for upward mobility and access to uphold the studio's mission - yet loses sight of what matters (remember this). Nonetheless, they sizzle with raw ardour, and their verbal jousting is compelling and cultivates tension. Yet, the underline love is never lost in the mosh pits of words, feelings, and ambition.
Brilliantly, Herrera grounds the novel in family helping to center characters, which benefits the romance and makes it feel fuller. Getting a front-row seat to Eme and Rodrigo's love story is so satisfying because they aren't tabula rasas devoid of lived experience. They are surrounded by flawed, but loving people doing the best they can which mold their existence.
The Studios's Mission is the icing on the cake for me! I won't say more but it's central to the book's conflict and I cared deeply about the outcome.
P.S. I'm not Marquito has to have a book, but he has to have a book.
One Week to Claim It All drops Jun 1, 2021. Will you be interested in reading?
Artist: Juan Luis Guerra
Mood: Inspired
Trope: second-chance romance
"I want every gaze represented." This quote sums up the totality of Adrianna Herrera's work, and One Week To Claim It All is a splendid example.
Story: Esmeralda Sambrano-Pena fortuitously acquires her late and distant's father television empire, Sambrano Studios, but the only problem is her ex-flame, Rodrigo Almanzar, wants the position of CEO. He is ruthless and will stop at nothing to claim the top spot. Esme vs. Rodrigo, who wins the crown? Can love be reclaimed in a week?
Thoughts: Inspired by Telenovelas and Soap Operas, Hererra serves drama, romance, steam, glamour, and tenderness. My point of reference is Jackie Collin's Santangelo book series - when Lucky Santangelo acquires Panther Studios and Dynasty - if you know, you know.
Esme and Rodrigo are ideally matched, but they have issues to work through. For instance, Esme experiences years of ceaseless cannonade from a ruthless opponent, and secrets have fractured her trust in love, but not her moxie. Meanwhile, Rodrigo sacrifices everything for upward mobility and access to uphold the studio's mission - yet loses sight of what matters (remember this). Nonetheless, they sizzle with raw ardour, and their verbal jousting is compelling and cultivates tension. Yet, the underline love is never lost in the mosh pits of words, feelings, and ambition.
Brilliantly, Herrera grounds the novel in family helping to center characters, which benefits the romance and makes it feel fuller. Getting a front-row seat to Eme and Rodrigo's love story is so satisfying because they aren't tabula rasas devoid of lived experience. They are surrounded by flawed, but loving people doing the best they can which mold their existence.
The Studios's Mission is the icing on the cake for me! I won't say more but it's central to the book's conflict and I cared deeply about the outcome.
P.S. I'm not Marquito has to have a book, but he has to have a book.
One Week to Claim It All drops Jun 1, 2021. Will you be interested in reading?
May 2, 2022
This was such an amazing quick read. I need to try these new category romances more.
Its a workplace, second chance romance between Esmeralda and Rodrigo who are both fighting for the position of CEO of Esmeralda's late father's LatinX Media company.
This book is such a master class in pacing, it sucked me right from the first page and I could not put it down.
I loved all the references to their heritage. Loved all the side characters especially Esmeralda's aunts. And how it dealt with discussions on how diverse LatinX culture is, how often Afro-Latin stories get ignored due to colorism. I loved how all these important discussions were seamlessly woven into the story. Such a refreshing read especially for a Harlequin category.
And it was HOT. I also loved how the story and their competing for the position was wrapped up.
This is my first Adriana Herrera and I will definitely be picking more by her.
Its a workplace, second chance romance between Esmeralda and Rodrigo who are both fighting for the position of CEO of Esmeralda's late father's LatinX Media company.
This book is such a master class in pacing, it sucked me right from the first page and I could not put it down.
I loved all the references to their heritage. Loved all the side characters especially Esmeralda's aunts. And how it dealt with discussions on how diverse LatinX culture is, how often Afro-Latin stories get ignored due to colorism. I loved how all these important discussions were seamlessly woven into the story. Such a refreshing read especially for a Harlequin category.
And it was HOT. I also loved how the story and their competing for the position was wrapped up.
This is my first Adriana Herrera and I will definitely be picking more by her.
December 10, 2021
This is a hate to love romance, and this is the first book in the Sambrano Studios series. I have to say this book pulled me into from the beginning. I really love the storyline of this book. This is a short and fast read. I love the characters. There are some parts of this book that was to slow moving. I really loved the beginning and the ending. This book is so much then just a romance. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Desire) or author (Adriana Herrera) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
November 24, 2023
4.5 stars! This was so fun and heartfelt and dramatic!! I‘ve loved Adriana Herrera‘s writing style in every book I‘ve read from her and this one is no exception.
Even though it‘s the typical shorter length for a category romance, I feel like this really packed an emotional punch and we really got to know the two main characters.
Also love the Latinx rep and body diversity!!
If you, like me, are perpetually mourning the fact that Succession is over and are on the lookout for romances with Succession vibes, this is the book for you!!
Even though it‘s the typical shorter length for a category romance, I feel like this really packed an emotional punch and we really got to know the two main characters.
Also love the Latinx rep and body diversity!!
If you, like me, are perpetually mourning the fact that Succession is over and are on the lookout for romances with Succession vibes, this is the book for you!!
June 1, 2021
One Week to Claim it All is a wonderful enemies to lovers, second chance romance. It’s spicy and sweet. I recommend it.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
February 13, 2023
3.5🌟
The struggle I kept having with this book is that 70% of the time, I couldn’t stand the love interest. Rodrigo was a real pain several times 😩
So. See here. I have a hot and cold relationship with Adriana Herrera’s work. It never quite fully hits for me. If I feel the chemistry, the story as a whole feels rushed. If the story has a decent pace to it, then I’m not really feeling the chemistry with the characters. It’s a conundrum. I keep coming back to her work, however, not just because she’s Latina but because there is something I find compelling about her work.
In the case of this book, I just really couldn’t stand how “commanding” Rodrigo was. I know it was supposed to be sexy how he had this “take charge” attitude, but I don’t like that. I find it irritating as hell. Esme would melt in his hands, and I would just sit there like… why? 🤨 He’s not sexy with all his demands. He’s annoying.
However, I still liked Rodrigo’s inner conflict. He really had a lot to work through. He doesn’t want to lose what he feels like he’s been working towards all his life. He also can’t help but want to protect the people he loves (which he misguidedly does by “solving” things without ever talking to them). He has his charms as a person if not as a love interest.
Esme was wonderful. I loved how driven she was by her work. She had such a great vision for her father’s company. I truly loved it. It made me wish there were a company truly that committed to that same vision. I only wish Esme had friends. Like I’m pretty sure this woman only ever talked to her mom and aunts 🤨 I was like, where are your friends? Do you not have them?
Speaking of friends! Jimena is my queen. She roasts Rodrigo several times, and we love her for that. Truly an icon. Bless her soul 💖
At the end of the day, the steam in here was only 50% of the time steaming for me. The romance frustrated me even while I still wanted them to work things out. I’m still happy I picked this up, but I just wanted to love it more than I did.
The struggle I kept having with this book is that 70% of the time, I couldn’t stand the love interest. Rodrigo was a real pain several times 😩
So. See here. I have a hot and cold relationship with Adriana Herrera’s work. It never quite fully hits for me. If I feel the chemistry, the story as a whole feels rushed. If the story has a decent pace to it, then I’m not really feeling the chemistry with the characters. It’s a conundrum. I keep coming back to her work, however, not just because she’s Latina but because there is something I find compelling about her work.
In the case of this book, I just really couldn’t stand how “commanding” Rodrigo was. I know it was supposed to be sexy how he had this “take charge” attitude, but I don’t like that. I find it irritating as hell. Esme would melt in his hands, and I would just sit there like… why? 🤨 He’s not sexy with all his demands. He’s annoying.
However, I still liked Rodrigo’s inner conflict. He really had a lot to work through. He doesn’t want to lose what he feels like he’s been working towards all his life. He also can’t help but want to protect the people he loves (which he misguidedly does by “solving” things without ever talking to them). He has his charms as a person if not as a love interest.
Esme was wonderful. I loved how driven she was by her work. She had such a great vision for her father’s company. I truly loved it. It made me wish there were a company truly that committed to that same vision. I only wish Esme had friends. Like I’m pretty sure this woman only ever talked to her mom and aunts 🤨 I was like, where are your friends? Do you not have them?
Speaking of friends! Jimena is my queen. She roasts Rodrigo several times, and we love her for that. Truly an icon. Bless her soul 💖
At the end of the day, the steam in here was only 50% of the time steaming for me. The romance frustrated me even while I still wanted them to work things out. I’m still happy I picked this up, but I just wanted to love it more than I did.
May 24, 2021
Adriana Herrera has a new book coming out next month and I’m the luckiest girl on the planet to have the opportunity to read an early copy. One Week to Claim It All is a second chance, work place, rivals to lovers (even if just for a week) romance and the first in a new series. This is the story of Esmeralda who has inherited her father’s media empire Sambrano Studios, and per the will had exactly one year to claim the role. She’s at the end of her timeline when she crashes a board meeting right as her ex, Rodrigo, is poised to take over. The board is giving her one week to prove that she’s right for the job, a stipulation of her father’s will. As if that weren’t a tall enough order, she’s got to contend with her father’s spiteful, revenge seeking wife AND the feelings that come blazing back every time Rodrigo walks into the room.
This is soapy and delightful and HOT AF and I read it in one sitting because I did not want to put it down. I loved the tension between Esme and Rodrigo as they battle for the same job and their emotions for each other, neither of them willing to back down. I’m always shocked by how much of an emotional response Adriana can create in me with her villains in such a short amount of time. I also really enjoy the passion she creates in her career focused characters. If you loved seeing Jude’s vision for the library come alive in American Dreamer, you will absolutely adore Esme’s plans for Sombrano Studios. I cannot wait to see what’s next in this series!
This is soapy and delightful and HOT AF and I read it in one sitting because I did not want to put it down. I loved the tension between Esme and Rodrigo as they battle for the same job and their emotions for each other, neither of them willing to back down. I’m always shocked by how much of an emotional response Adriana can create in me with her villains in such a short amount of time. I also really enjoy the passion she creates in her career focused characters. If you loved seeing Jude’s vision for the library come alive in American Dreamer, you will absolutely adore Esme’s plans for Sombrano Studios. I cannot wait to see what’s next in this series!
April 26, 2021
This was the perfect vacation read! There's something decadent about a Desire title, and this one definitely has that with the handsome CEO and the "who will win it all" drama.
I loved that Rodrigo and Esmeralda had a history. They have this past that she can't quite get over and he hasn't fully told her the truth about and this opportunity to take over her father's company provides the perfect chance for them to be in each other's lives again. I loved their chemistry, I loved that he finally learned he doesn't have to carry everything on his shoulders. Rodrigo has put a lot on his shoulders over the years and throughout this book he learns that he has people there that can help him, that want to help him. I love how strong and determined Esmeralda was. It seemed like everything was against her, but she would not give up. I adored that about her!
I only wish this was longer because I just enjoyed it so much!!
I loved that Rodrigo and Esmeralda had a history. They have this past that she can't quite get over and he hasn't fully told her the truth about and this opportunity to take over her father's company provides the perfect chance for them to be in each other's lives again. I loved their chemistry, I loved that he finally learned he doesn't have to carry everything on his shoulders. Rodrigo has put a lot on his shoulders over the years and throughout this book he learns that he has people there that can help him, that want to help him. I love how strong and determined Esmeralda was. It seemed like everything was against her, but she would not give up. I adored that about her!
I only wish this was longer because I just enjoyed it so much!!
March 30, 2022
2.5
I love Adriana Herrera and I do plan on going through her entire backlist. While I highly enjoyed the sequel to this one, this romance fell very flat for me. Again, I just couldn't get behind the MMC. I feel like there was way too much that he did to avoid being in a relationship and honest with her. I don't understand how not telling her about what he did for their family would have made the break up worse? She was already upset.
Also fuck their dead deadbeat CEO dad. I was so sick of hearing "but his legacy! Everything that he worked for!" when he was the real villain of the whole thing. The stepmom was an awful person but she was right when she said he married for her money.
I love Adriana Herrera and I do plan on going through her entire backlist. While I highly enjoyed the sequel to this one, this romance fell very flat for me. Again, I just couldn't get behind the MMC. I feel like there was way too much that he did to avoid being in a relationship and honest with her. I don't understand how not telling her about what he did for their family would have made the break up worse? She was already upset.
Also fuck their dead deadbeat CEO dad. I was so sick of hearing "but his legacy! Everything that he worked for!" when he was the real villain of the whole thing. The stepmom was an awful person but she was right when she said he married for her money.
July 4, 2021
What a delightful read! I inhaled this second-chance office romance in a single afternoon and evening. Esme and Rodrigo were nothing but fireworks every time they were on the page together. Esme is the sort of heroine I love to read in contemporaries: she knows who she is, she's self-possessed, and she knows her worth. Rodrigo eventually proved himself worthy of such an absolute queen, but this was Esme's cinderella story from start to finish. Rodrigo was just the dude lucky enough to be there to help her rise to her full greatness by the end of the book.
July 16, 2021
This one definitely sounded fun when I heard about it, so I had to pick it up. I loved the way it was written and the characters that were introduced. It really felt like it was a telenovela and was such a quick and entertaining read. I really loved Herrera's writing style and felt that she pretty perfectly crafted the hate to love elements, which can often be hard to do well. I was not expecting the number of twists or drama that this included, but pretty much enjoyed every moment of reading it!
May 16, 2021
This is my very first book by A. Herrera and I loved it. One Week to Claim It All is a fast paced, second chance romance that is steamy from the word go. Esme and Rodrigo have a love that was never resolved and a painful past for both of them but when they get together, sparks fly and work gets done. I will definitely have my eye out for more by this author and in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews