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sbelasco40's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve really enjoyed all of this series, but I think I enjoyed this one the most. Not only is it incredibly timely (or sadly, forever timely) but both lead characters are so well-drawn and sympathetic and sweet. I especially loved Patrice, who struggles to be vulnerable in a world that has taught him to never show softness. And the entire friend group is a delight, as always.
brandece1's review against another edition
5.0
American Love Story has taken everything that I have loved about the books in this series and ran with it. I knew that I was going to like this book, I thought I would like both Easton and Patrice, but I freaking love them. AND it's a big statement, but they are my favorite couple in the series. This book is very heavy in social justice issues and I really feel like Adrianna Herrera did an amazing job writing about such real life, heavy topics. I love all the representation in this book, and just like the other books in this series it is filled with so much steam and swoon.
joyousreads132's review against another edition
4.0
Romance and social conscience is my new favourite genre.
missysreadingcorner's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect Timing
With the recent police brutality incident in MN and Central Park video with the bird watcher, reading this book was perfect timing. Patrice and Easton was good together. I hope Ari and Yin get their own novella one day because they are cute together. I can’t wait to read the next book.
With the recent police brutality incident in MN and Central Park video with the bird watcher, reading this book was perfect timing. Patrice and Easton was good together. I hope Ari and Yin get their own novella one day because they are cute together. I can’t wait to read the next book.
liza5326's review against another edition
5.0
Listening to this on the eve of the 2020 Presidential Election, it hit me even harder. This story is my favorite of the series so far, with Patrice and Easton being so amazing. There were so many moments that were gut-punches, especially after another summer filled with BLM protests and police brutality and immigration issues being at the forefront of the news. Adriana Herrera ripped my heart out with her truthful portrayal of these issues and how they are affecting everyone differently. Thank you.
wanderlust_romance's review against another edition
4.0
－ＢＯＯＫ ＲＥＶＩＥＷ－
American Love Story by Adriana Herrera
-
This one asks the tough question - how will you respond in the face of injustice in your community? And frankly, it doesn't pull any punches or cater to comfort. Patrice Denis has finally acheived a hard won goal, a tenure track position at a prestigious university. He's also determined not to let his attraction to, and inability to stay away from, Easton Archer distract him as he settles into his new role and community. Easton is the interim District Attorney, and when the local police begin stopping and harrassing black drivers in the community, he has to figure out how to respond. From a social justice lens, I liked that this book explored what it means to be an ally. Patrice and Easton challenge one another. Patrice brings accountability and confronts Easton as a person with power in a community institution, while Easton chips away at Patrice's armor to better understand him and deepen their emotional connection. Because they've got sexual chemistry in spades. In my eyes, Patrice was the star of the show here. The story really focuses on his immigrant journey, his found family, his trauma surrounding his biological father, and the intersectionality of his identity. And in the broad context of the plot, it makes sense. Had Easton been portrayed as more of a "hero," it would probably have read as white saviorism...which isn't the message here. All told, I loved the political commentary interwoven into this love story.
American Love Story can be read as a standalone, but reading books 1 & 2 in the Dreamers series would likely help add more context for Patrice and Easton's relationship.
Tropes:
MM romance
Small town
Interracial MCs
Activism
#23for23
American Love Story by Adriana Herrera
-
This one asks the tough question - how will you respond in the face of injustice in your community? And frankly, it doesn't pull any punches or cater to comfort. Patrice Denis has finally acheived a hard won goal, a tenure track position at a prestigious university. He's also determined not to let his attraction to, and inability to stay away from, Easton Archer distract him as he settles into his new role and community. Easton is the interim District Attorney, and when the local police begin stopping and harrassing black drivers in the community, he has to figure out how to respond. From a social justice lens, I liked that this book explored what it means to be an ally. Patrice and Easton challenge one another. Patrice brings accountability and confronts Easton as a person with power in a community institution, while Easton chips away at Patrice's armor to better understand him and deepen their emotional connection. Because they've got sexual chemistry in spades. In my eyes, Patrice was the star of the show here. The story really focuses on his immigrant journey, his found family, his trauma surrounding his biological father, and the intersectionality of his identity. And in the broad context of the plot, it makes sense. Had Easton been portrayed as more of a "hero," it would probably have read as white saviorism...which isn't the message here. All told, I loved the political commentary interwoven into this love story.
American Love Story can be read as a standalone, but reading books 1 & 2 in the Dreamers series would likely help add more context for Patrice and Easton's relationship.
Tropes:
MM romance
Small town
Interracial MCs
Activism
#23for23
this_momma_is_booked's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved Patrice and Easton's story. Unlike the prior book, their obstacles didn't feel forced; they were organic and a reflection of our current climate. The struggles they faced were real ones a mixed-race couple would face in today's heightened political environment and I appreciated that Adrianna didn't shy away from that.
Plus, this book was HOT.
Plus, this book was HOT.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Police brutality
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Love this series so much! This one is just as much about Easton and Patrice’s romance as it is about racial injustice in policing.
jrv45's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
nic55's review against another edition
3.0
I liked parts of this but overall this was underwhelming. In some ways, this book really spoke to me, especially when it comes to Patrice as a main character. His hesitation to be with Easton, a white man who works in a justice system he doesn't believe in, was captured beautifully. His arc from being (understandably) guarded to allowing himself joy was also really well done (hit a liiiittle close to home). Everything concerning police brutality and harassment in communities of color was spot on. In general, I loved that Herrera didn't pull her punches with what it would take to navigate this relationship and gave it the gravity it deserved. Also, where is Ari and Yin's romance spinoff?? They were so precious in this book, I wanted more about their relationship!
Ultimately, I'm here for the romance and this one didn't win me over. Because Patrice and Easton enter into this story with history that hinges on off-page interactions and some tidbits from the first 2 books, I felt like I didn't get a chance to fully buy in. Starting the romance off on this note ended up really messing with my enjoyment because I wasn't convinced of the insane chemistry that I kept being told they had, even in the steamy moments. Also, while I understand that both Patrice and Easton are imperfect characters, I felt like Patrice was overly apologizing for completely understandable reactions while Easton's wishy-washy, bare minimum actions were given too much credit. Maybe I'm biased bc I'm Black and involved in activist spaces irl but something about it didn't sit right with me. This all ended up with me feeling very indifferent about their HEA, which I never want to feel in a romance.
Mid reading experience aside, I'm happy to be one book away from finishing off this series (also, I know the last book has pegging so that's automatically a win imo). It's been nice to start with Adriana's first series but I'm excited to see how her writing has evolved with more recent books.
Ultimately, I'm here for the romance and this one didn't win me over. Because Patrice and Easton enter into this story with history that hinges on off-page interactions and some tidbits from the first 2 books, I felt like I didn't get a chance to fully buy in. Starting the romance off on this note ended up really messing with my enjoyment because I wasn't convinced of the insane chemistry that I kept being told they had, even in the steamy moments. Also, while I understand that both Patrice and Easton are imperfect characters, I felt like Patrice was overly apologizing for completely understandable reactions while Easton's wishy-washy, bare minimum actions were given too much credit. Maybe I'm biased bc I'm Black and involved in activist spaces irl but something about it didn't sit right with me. This all ended up with me feeling very indifferent about their HEA, which I never want to feel in a romance.
Mid reading experience aside, I'm happy to be one book away from finishing off this series (also, I know the last book has pegging so that's automatically a win imo). It's been nice to start with Adriana's first series but I'm excited to see how her writing has evolved with more recent books.