Ratings12
Average rating3.8
The national bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola returns with a seductive second-chance romance about a commitment-phobic Latina and her childhood best friend who has finally returned home. Hi Mich. It's Gabe. After burning out in her corporate marketing career, Michelle Amato has built a thriving freelance business as a graphic designer. So what if her love life is nonexistent? She's perfectly fine being the black sheep of her marriage-obsessed Puerto Rican-Italian family. Besides, the only guy who ever made her want happily-ever-after disappeared thirteen years ago. It's been a long time. Gabriel Aguilar left the Bronx at eighteen to escape his parents' demanding expectations, but it also meant saying goodbye to Michelle, his best friend and longtime crush. Now, he's the successful co-owner of LA's hottest celebrity gym, with an investor who insists on opening a New York City location. It's the last place in the world Gabe wants to go, but when Michelle is unexpectedly brought on board to spearhead the new branding campaign, everything Gabe's been running from catches up with him. I've missed you. Michelle is torn between holding Gabe at arm's length or picking up right where they left off--in her bed. As old feelings resurface while they work to make the new gym location a reality, their reunion takes a sexy turn. Facing mounting pressure from their families--who think they're dating--and growing uncertainty about their futures, can they resolve their past mistakes, or is it only a matter of time before Gabe says adios again?
Series
2 primary booksPrimas of Power is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2020 with contributions by Alexis Daria. The next book is scheduled for release on 5/27/2025.
Reviews with the most likes.
Liked this one better than [b:You Had Me at Hola 52886627 You Had Me at Hola (Primas of Power, #1) Alexis Daria https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1586364913l/52886627.SY75.jpg 71755402] but then I seem to be alone in not loving Hola that much. Thought the conflict with Gabriel's family was wrapped up a little too easily (especially after almost ten years of no contact), wanted more of Michelle's family, but definitely liked this one and can't wait for the next!
Michelle and Gabriel were childhood best friends. They did everything together. However, Gabriel's family overwhelmed him, and he decided to leave and go across the country without talking to Michelle about it. 14 years later, they haven't spoken since. Gabriel's gym needs a marketing consultant, and his business partner contacts Michelle. Gabriel goes back to New York to work with Michelle, and maybe rekindle their friendship and more.
This book was really nice. What I'm loving about Alexis Daria's books is how inclusive they are. She always showcases people with different backgrounds in her stories. I mean, the 2 main characters in this book are both bisexual! I also love that she makes sure her characters find resolution outside of their romantic relationship, as well as in it. Her characters always learn a lot about themselves and their livelihoods, separate from their partners. Gabriel and Michelle are awesome main characters. Their chemistry is off the charts, but they also are both very vulnerable and come with their own flaws.
Alexis Daria is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance writers, and I can't wait for what she comes out with next.
TW: alcohol, sexually explicit scenes
Really loved living in Michelle and Gabe's world for a brief moment. Childhood friends-to-lovers, he's always been in love with her, they had an almost-hookup right before he left for college on the other side of the country, but then he left and didn't talk to any of them for years and years ... and suddenly they're working together on a marketing campaign for Gabe's gym. ‘Cause of course he's freaking giant and ripped. And they decide to get the sexual tension out of their systems so they can focus on work. Oops! That doesn't work. And sneaking around because remember childhood best friends? Her parents' house is next door to his parents' house, and they're staying at her parents' for Reasons, and he has Issues with his parents. But OOPS, Gabe's dad had no idea he was in town and discovers this ... while Gabe is at the drugstore holding boxes of Magnums. Because OF COURSE.
Really, this was perfect.