Up Close and Personal by Ana Holguin
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
1.5🌶

Up Close and Personal was a beautiful slow burn romance. Our FMC, Jo is a famous fitness instructor who specializes in teaching both live and streamed spin classes. Our MMC, Silas, is a journalist for a major NY magazine who finds himself tasked with writing a story about Jo, and the Jo he meets is nothing like what he expected. Silas has a very jaded view of both Jo and the overall fitness industry, but finds there's so much more than meets the eye. As Jo and Silas spend more time together while working on Silas' magazine story the find a companionship that neither of them realized they needed.

This debut romcom hit all of the feel goods for me while still touching on more sensitive subjects like trauma and anxiety. I look forward to reading more work from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I’m not really big on audiobooks but that was actually so good! I especially LOVED Jo’s narrator (Maria), but as for Silas’s…well, it could’ve been better, ngl.
Ana Holguin did an incredible job by writing this debut novel, the representation of anxiety and mental health were fully captured in the RIGHT way without making a big deal of it. Another thing that really got me into this book is how the slow-burn was absolutely well-written, and the yearning is just there.
It felt sweet and short for me that I’m surprised I’ve read something, like, 70% in one day! Not that I’ve never done it before but it just I didn’t feel bored or that there was 5+ hours to complete (listened to it 2x).
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, for the ALC in exchange of an honest review.

This was such a charming story! I read along with the audiobook, and it was beautifully done. The narrator was fantastic and really brought the characters to life. This book sneaks up on you in the best way, it's a slow-burn rom-com with an emotional buildup that ultimately proves to be far more meaningful than you initially expect

Ana Holguin’s debut follows a Peloton-style spin instructor and a skeptical journalist assigned to write a feature on her cult-like following. I really appreciated the way mental health, particularly anxiety, was portrayed. Jo and Silas were both complex characters with a lot of depth, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they slowly built trust.

This book addresses some weighty themes: mental health, career burnout, and fame, while remaining genuine and true to life. What stood out to me the most was how Jo's anxiety wasn't treated as something that needs to be "cured," but as a continuous part of her life that she learns to navigate with care and self-compassion. It really resonated with me, especially as someone who also struggles with anxiety. It’s not something that can be "fixed" or controlled, but something we learn to deal with daily. Seeing that experience represented in such a realistic way was incredibly meaningful, and it touched me deeply.

If you enjoyed this, Tropes: you definitely need to add this one to your TBR.

Dual POV
FMC Latinx Rep
Set in NYC
Forced Proximity
Mental Health Rep / Anxiety
Fitness Instructor / Journalist
Slow Burn/ Open Door

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, Hachette Audio, and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced copy.! You can pick up Up Close & Personal on April 29, 2025.

Given that 27 Dresses is one of my favorite rom coms, I went into this book with slightly high expectations. And, crazily enough, this book surpassed all of them! Ana Holguin deserves so much credit for taking an inkling of inspiration from the original story and really making it her own.

In Up Close & Personal, we follow spin celebrity Jo, an instructor who's slightly burnt out on her fame and doesn't know what to do about it. Enter Silas, a jaded journalist determined to prove that workout influencers and programs like Jo's spin class are "cults" full of "modeling agency rejects." But once he actually takes a class and grows closer to Jo, we see him confront his own prejudice about it and witness the sides of Jo that don't come across on screen.

The character work in this book was actually so phenomenal. I loved being in both Jo and Silas' heads, seeing the love grow for each of them (even if they weren't ready to acknowledge it). There were hints of forbidden romance and tension as Silas tried to keep things professional with an interview subject, and Jo tried not to stir waves before a big acquisition at her spin company. Both of them showed so much love through their actions in various scenes, and I just love a romance that emphasizes time spent together and organic moments of chemistry rather than being told they did something!!

Was the third-act breakup expected? Absolutely. Was it still slightly frustrating? Of course. But it ended up fitting in well with each character's growth and what they needed to overcome (together and separately).

All in all, this is one of my fave romances I've picked up in a while, and I bet you all will love it too!

Jo is a Haven instructor and Silas thinks he knows what they are all about. he is tasked with writing and article about Jo and the Haven team, but he isn't prepared for how much his perspective will change when he meets her. From her social media, Jo looks like she is a sparkly sunny personality, but when he gets closer to her, he realizes she is so much more than he bargained for. Silas has a job to do and his code of ethics is getting blurred each minute he spends with Jo and learning more about her.
I grabbed this because of the plot. I use my at home bike and love my classes too and I thought that it would be fun seeing the possibility that my instructors were so much more behind the front they put up. There was a lot of emotion in this read and I loved the diversity and mental health rep. The one thing that annoyed me was the conflict was easy to see (basically as soon as it was written I knew where it was going) and that one conversation could have avoided it all together. Even the press of a delete button. It was looming there the whole time I was reading and I was yelling at him to just say something, but he never did. I really loved Jo's best friends and how they were there for her no matter what. I also loved her Haven family too. I know this book was mostly about found family, but I would have also liked to see a bit more from her real family as well. 3.5 stars.
Thanks to Hachette, Netgalley and Ana Holguin for an ALC.

This peloton fanfic was solidly fine! I didn’t really feel much of a connection between the main characters, and the “conflict” was a little weak. The narrators were both pretty good, although the male narrator sounded much older than the character.

This story has such a fun setup—a "fitness-cult" averse writer paired with an instructor from the hottest “Peloton-like” fitness brand. The contrast is delightful, and watching him fall hard for her is where the book truly shines. Sure, the twist with Jo finding the draft is something you can spot from a mile away, but it doesn’t take away from the satisfying emotional journey.

The slow build between the two main characters feels genuine, and by the time you hit the final chapters, you’re fully invested in seeing them find their way to each other. Bonus points for thoughtful mental health representation woven in with care. A charming, feel-good romance worth reading—even if you prefer the couch over cardio.

[Thank you to Forever, Hachette Audio, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchance for my honest opinion.]

While this book is a romcom, it tackles complex subjects like mental health representation and online harassment. Holguin was able to shine a light on these topics while being respectful. 

In particular, Jo's anxiety made her extremely relatable. While her life feels stagnant, she's paralyzed by the idea of making a change. She presents a happy face to the public but she struggles with the attention she receives. It's a reminder that the image people present to the world (especially through social media) may not be the whole truth.

Silas initially comes across as condescending, but he does have the ability to look at a topic from all sides before reporting on it. As someone who also suffers with his mental health, he was able to be respectful of Jo's hesitancy to being interviewed. Later in the story, he's just so tender when he takes care of her.

Jo and Silas start off as strangers who then become friends and eventually lovers. It's a slow burn and the dual POV makes it easy to connect with both characters (I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook narrated by Maria Liatis and Kellen Boyle!)

The story really picks up in the second half. I will say that the third act conflict was very predictable AND preventable (what were you thinking, Silas?!). Thankfully, the characters were able to handle it in a mature way (a plus side of MCs in their 30's!).

Overall, really enjoyed Holguin’s writing style and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!

Up Close & Personal by Ana Holguin features Silas, a magazine journalist and self proclaimed part time hater, in his quest to interview (and expose) celebrity spin instructor Jo De La Cruz. When he orchestrates a “chance encounter” with Jo he can’t believe his luck that SHE suggests he interview her for the magazine! The more he gets to know her, the more he realizes how wrong he was about everything, but especially about her.

This book had a lot of things going for it! I really loved the dynamic between interviewer and interviewee, it had great anxiety/depression rep, all the characters were in their 30’s, dual POV done well, the conflict and subsequent resolution were believable and made sense within the story, and the slow burn was so good!! We got to watch both characters let their guards down and see their feelings toward each other changing in real time.

I do think it was too long and that parts of the story were a bit draw out or unnecessary, but it wasn’t boring at least. Lots of the plot points were predictable, but that’s definitely not a deal breaker for me. Overall, I really did enjoy this one!!

4⭐️

This debut was a delight!

I wasn’t sure how this concept would play out — and every bit of it was really skillfully explored and kept me compelled! I loved how Ana Holguin layered in important discussions around identity, familial expectations, EXCELLENT mental health representation (plus major bonus points for great examples of TREATMENT!!!), importance of community, ethical behavior, and self-exploration. This being Ana’s debut really shows her immense talent she’s honed already and I imagine I will continue enjoying any future books she pens — she’s officially an author on my add to TBR list!!!

I did have some distress about the implications of Silas’s decisions and I was glad to see it resolved. I felt like it was so fun to watch them build their connection and genuinely exchange vulnerabilities. Also the epilogue? So sweet

I received a copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and Hachette Audio! The narrators did exceptional work - their inflections, tone, pacing all brought these characters to life in a delightful way. Maria and Kellen were excellent complements and the natural transition between the dual POVs demonstrates what a good fit they were for this production. I loved the listen!!

I could not listen to this fast enough!! I loved the narrators voices, it was so fun that Silas even SOUNDED like he was reporting to us. I think it’s great when authors get the hard to talk about topics like anxiety. Will definately tell all my friends about this one, especially my spinners

Audiobook Review 📖🎧🚲
thank you so much partner Hachette Audio and Forever Pub for the free audiobook.

Up Close & Personal
by Ana Holguin
Narrated by Maria Liatis; Kellen Boyle

About the book 👇🏽

Jo De La Cruz should be on top of the world. As one of spin’s hottest instructors, her workouts stream into thousands of living rooms, her waiting list is harder to access than Area 51, and even her hair has its own social media page. But Jo’s struggling from a decade in the spotlight—which is when she meets the annoyingly handsome journalist who claims her job is just yelling at people from a bike.

Converting a hater is a challenge Jo can’t resist.

Only nothing about Silas Anders matches her expectations. Between all-you-can-eat-diner lunches, thrifting adventures, and sizzling summer nights, Jo might even be catching feelings. But as buzz for the article skyrockets, Jo discovers that the man she’s been falling for may, in fact, be the one scamming her.

🎧🚲 My thoughts

I had a good time with this debut! The audiobook was a well paced listen and I was able to finish it in no time. The narrators were great and really kept my attention leaving me with the confidence that I’d listen to more books read by both of them. I enjoyed the main characters, they felt real and relatable which is what I look for in books. I also thought this slow burn had the right amount of build up! I landed right in the middle with the rating, I had a good time reading it and I’d read more by this author!

Happy reading 📖 🎧🚲

Bro this book fucking hits. It handles the relationship very well and although it does have that terrible third act where they get into a fight I still really enjoyed it because they knew that it was leading up to it because our boy did do her dirty but he acknowledged it the whole way through which I think is very good.

I do love the forced proximity In books I think that is just a very cute bonding and I love it every time

I love the friends that they have and that they actually have personalities and stuff just being like supportive friend #1 supportive friend #2
The anxiety and depression that these characters go through is very nice to be brought up I know like a lot of books are touching on mental health and how characters struggle with it but it's always refreshing when it's done in like a good manner

I will say I listen to the audiobook before it launched thanks to netgalley and the only thing that I didn't love was a female narrator 's English accent + whenever Silas would start talking I never felt like it was Silas seems like a different man this narrator is still very good he is just not what I have in my head as the voice of Silas you know?

That being said I would like to think netgalley for this ARC And I want to see more from Ana Holguin!

3.5 stars. I love when books have dual narrators for the main characters, so I was excited to hear that this book is dual-narrated. I listened to this audiobook on 1.25x speed because 1.0x was a bit slow for me. The narrators did a great job at putting emotion into the characters' voices, and they made it easy to understand what was general narration and what was being spoken aloud. When I first started listening, the male narrator was putting emphasis/stress on syllables that felt a bit strange, but eventually I got used to his cadence.

The story itself was fun yet unexpectedly emotional/deep when it got into mental health discussions. Even though I liked the story, it did take a while for me to become connected to the characters. Spoiler warning: The third act breakup was heavily foreshadowed, but I was hoping it wasn't going to happen anyway.

I can't really say why this didn't work for me. Ultimately, I think it comes down to wrong expectations, and to me the blurb suggested kind of a rivalry between the MCs because of the phrasing of the challenge. This was more of a friends to lovers situation tho and for that it wasn't done bad. I appreciated the mental health rep.
The narrators were great, no notes.

I really enjoyed this one, surprise to me. In the beginning I was very hooked, halfway I was like this getting a bit long but overall I had a great time reading it. I really liked this. I felt for Jo so much and her vulnerability.

I loved the narrators for this one and a lot of little things about it.

Cute concept, but I wanted more from the characters, like, who are they beyond the bike? (get it?haha)

This book was a very slow burn and I mean slow like... I listened at 1.5x speed and it still felt slow. It took a while to get into the story, and while the plot was easy to follow (and a little predictable), it had its sweet moments.

That said, there was a lot of description about things that didn’t really matter and yet barely anything about the characters themselves. The FMC and MMC both felt like they only existed for their jobs, which made it hard to connect with them.

Silas, our MMC, just didn't land for me, his background didn’t really explain who he is now, and his sudden shift from “I don’t like you” to “I’m in love with you” felt… abrupt. I wanted some build-up, some tension, some spark!

BUT there were moments I truly enjoyed. The female friendships were adorable and felt really genuine. Honestly, I found myself wishing I had a girl group like that in real life, supportive, playful, and always there for each other. And the scene where Silas takes care of her when she’s hurt? Super sweet. It was one of the rare times I felt connected to him as a love interest.

I also really appreciated the honest portrayal of anxiety and emotional breakdowns. Those scenes were well done.

Oh! And the audiobook... the female narrator tried to do male voices, and unfortunately, it was more cringe than convincing. It kind of took me out of the moment a few times.

Final thoughts: if you’re looking for a slow, easy read with a hint of romance and some spice, this could work for you. Just don’t expect deep character development or a fast-paced love story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced audio book.

Wow. This narration was absolutely amazing. I loved the dual narrators. A absolutely adored this book. Jo and Silas were phenomenal characters with Jo having an amazing amount of character growth throughout the book. I loved the fact that this book had so much depth and substance to is touching mostly on mental health with a dash of romance. As a debut book I thought Ana wove this story to pull your heart strings in the best way.

I look forward to more from Ana. What a rocket of a book to start with and just makes you want to go buy a bike and work out.

Thank you so much to Hatchette Audio, Forever Publishing, and Ana Holguin for the ALC of this book.

this is a completely captivating, absolute joy of a book! I love Jo’s entire character: she’s so authentic, relatable, adorable, & strong. her dedication to her mental & physical health is inspiring & special to read. I love the way she connects with everyone, especially Silas, who she so openly connects with.

And Silas just couldn’t help himself but fall helplessly, hopelessly in love with Jo (I get it, me too) and I loved how he found such safe & special ways to connect with her for his article which leads to deep romantic connection. I wish Silas had been honest abt his original intentions with the article, but I understood his perspective (his pov here was amazing, very helpful), & I appreciated the way the story acknowledges the faults in this conflict and the way it ultimately resolves itself in a very realistic & beautiful way.

the audiobook was amazing!!! the narration and production was perfect in letting me fully immerse myself in this beautiful story.

thank you so much for the ALC 🥹💛

Thank you Hachette audio for an early ALC of Up Close & Personal. I knew I was going to love this story. A romance centered around a company similar to Peleton; this was a really fun read/listen. I appreciated the open discussion on anxiety and depression. I think it's a really important topic and it was nice to read about it - it was discussed in a positive/hopeful wa.
The narrators were wonderful. Maria Liatis and Kellen Boyle did a wonderful job bringing the main characters of Jo and Silas to life. This audio really hit different in a good way.
This was definitely a slow/slow burn type of romance but I enjoyed the overall story. All of the charaters were likeable and no one was too deplorable, which was nice.
If you are a fan of mental health representation, fitness/health industry, journalism, slow burns with the right amount of comedy, you are sure to love this book as much as I did!