On the Hustle

Starred review from August 8, 2022
Herrera’s deliciously sexy second Dating in Dallas workplace romance (after Here to Stay) starts when New York real estate mogul Theo Ganas’s personal assistant, the enterprising Alba Duarte, quits her job to start a book-themed interior design business in Texas. Theo has secretly been pining for Alba since hiring her three years ago, but he’s held himself icily aloof to avoid crossing any lines. He’s been waiting for her to move on to another job so that he could ask her out, but he wasn’t banking on her relocating to Dallas. When he’s invited to host a home renovation TV show, he seizes the chance to reunite with Alba, agreeing to take the contract only if they hire Alba as the designer. Alba can’t pass up the exposure—and she’s shocked to find a much transformed Theo. Gone is her insufferable boss and in his place is a charming flirt. Things heat up when they share a penthouse during filming, but Theo’s desire to take care of Alba conflicts with her need to be in control, threatening their budding relationship. The couple’s palpable chemistry, sensual love scenes, and laugh-out-loud banter make them a swoonworthy pair. Contemporary romance fans should snap this up.

Starred review from September 1, 2022

Hustle culture is the only way Alba Duarte knows how to live. After years of hard work, she's finally ready to launch her own business, Bookish Boudoirs, where she transforms bedrooms into stunning book-themed sanctuaries. Step one involves resigning from her job as assistant to development mogul Theo Ganas, the most aggravating-yet-sexy man in New York. When Theo hears that Alba is leaving, he jumps at the chance to finally make his move and arranges for her to be the designer on a Dallas-based renovation show he's hosting. As her boss, Theo drove Alba crazy, and she just can't understand why he's giving her this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. By the time she clues into his feelings, they're already fighting each other as hard as they're fighting their sexual tension. While Theo is ready to move to Dallas to be with Alba and take on more charitable building projects, Alba is reluctant to sacrifice her dreams for love. VERDICT The heat in Herrera's enemies-to-lovers story (the second entry in her "Dating in Dallas" series, following Here To Stay) scorches hotter than the Texas sun. Fans of Sally Thorne's The Hating Game, take note.--Kathryn Howe

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