American Dreamer

Very impressive debut novel, if a little rough around the edges. I like romances in which the MCs have to work on their relationship and aren't just kept apart by Big Misunderstandings. Nesto is the one who has to change his behavior the most, but Jude also goes through some tough personal growth. They're very cute together, although at times almost overwhelmed by all of Nesto's BFFs, who are all getting their own books in due course I assume. The book's villain is pretty cartoonish, but unfortunately I don't think her blatant bigotry is that unrealistic. I've seen some reviewers complain that the Dominican pride is played up too much, but considering the lack of Latinx representation in romances, I'd rather see it emphasized than whitewashed. I wavered between 3 and 4 stars, but I would definitely check out another book by this author, so I'm going with 4.