Despite them being experienced telenovela stars, they both acted so awkward around each other and had very vanilla dialogue. This book focuses primarily (or only) on the two actors though, and I was disappointed to find a severe lack of chemistry between the two leads. The coordinator’s role was interesting to learn about and I would have liked more spotlight on the crew members since it seemed like a great production.

Things I liked: the all Latinx cast and crew, the emphasis for representation in Hollywood, and the progressive way that they handled the production of the show with an intimacy coordinator and talks of consent. While their on-screen performance improves, the media spotlight on Jasmine soon threatens to destroy her new image and expose Ashton’s most closely guarded secret. But rehearsal leads to kissing, and kissing leads to a behind-the-scenes romance worthy of a soap opera. With their careers on the line, Jasmine and Ashton agree to rehearse in private. Leading Ladies do not rebound with their new costars. Easier said than done, especially when a disastrous first impression smothers the embers of whatever sexual heat they might have had.

To make it work, he’ll need to generate smoking-hot on-screen chemistry with Jasmine. Joining this new cast as a last-minute addition will give him the chance to show off his acting chops to American audiences and ping the radar of Hollywood casting agents. Leading Ladies don ’t need a man to be happy.Īfter his last telenovela character was killed off, Ashton is worried his career is dead as well. When she returns to her hometown of New York City to film the starring role in a bilingual romantic comedy for the number one streaming service in the country, Jasmine figures her new “Leading Lady Plan” should be easy enough to follow-until a casting shake-up pairs her with telenovela hunk Ashton Suárez. Leading Ladies do not end up on tabloid covers.Īfter a messy public breakup, soap opera darling Jasmine Lin Rodriguez finds her face splashed across the tabloids. RITA ® Award Winning author Alexis Daria brings readers an unforgettable, hilarious rom-com set in the drama-filled world of telenovelas-perfect for fans of Jane the Virgin and The Kiss Quotient.

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria