American Love Story

This book was intense af and that's all I want to say about it. The author does a great job tackling so many important issues like police brutality and discrimination against black people, the plight of refugees, and homophobia giving each of these the thoughtful representation that they deserve. And all the while, she also deftly manages to include a fascinating romance between two people from opposite backgrounds but similar values.

I thoroughly loved the experience of reading this book but I have to say I'm still reeling from that one particular intense scene from the story and I just don't know to describe more of my feelings. Just go pick up this book because it's important and lovely.

Fantastic! An intense and emotional read. The plot is also very good. As in the first two books, a lot of the content is topical, but it's all woven into the story in a reasonable way. The conflict between the MCs also seemed realistic to me. In fact, I liked everything about this book.

I found the danger the characters faced here pretty scary, but there's no on-page violence in any of the books in this series, which is great. These aren't fluffy books, but they're also not lurid in any way, except for the sex scenes (the heat level is high).

I am so happy that Ari and Yin got together (sorry if I spelled that wrong; I don't have a copy of the text). They're the most important side characters here, and I thought they got just the right amount of attention, although I would definitely not say no to reading more about the two of them. My heart was aching for Ari's situation, and I loved how everyone came together to help him.

I thought this would be the end of the series, but it looks like there will be at least one more book, which is m/f. Probably Juan Pablo and Priscilla's story, should be great. I am so glad I listened to these. They were something different for me (contemporary romance), and I fell in love with the characters. I can't wait to see what's next from this author.

This was my favorite book of the series (so far). I have to say that reading it around the time of the 5th anniversary of Michael Brown's death and living near Ferguson MO gave it even more resonance. Serious props to Adriana Herrera for a sensitive, intelligent book that shines on a light on troubling issues like Driving While Black while also highlighting the amazing richness that immigrants bring to our country. And doing it with a hot love story as well!Although frankly the romance between Patrice and Easton was often very frustrating. There was a lot of wavering and I-want-you-can't-have-you on Patrice's part, and Easton was infinitely more patient than he needed to be. Plus there was a lot of telling not showing around their relationship; the two would exchange a few words and then be off into their own heads, angsting about their feelz. But they were both strong characters and I was happy to see them together at the end. Easton had to recognize his white privilege and take risks through his position as assistant DA to address racist law enforcement practices, and Patrice had to realize that his activism (and his past) didn't rule out a relationship with Easton. Bonus points for an epilogue that shows the MCs working through an exercise from couples therapy - sometimes just saying you're going to try harder at the relationship isn't enough, and showing this scene gave me more hope that their HFN would truly turn into a HEA. The next book, American Sweethearts will focus on the last member of the four BFFs, Juan Pablo, and will be MF instead of MM. A bit of a surprise, but I'll be there. Note to Ms. Herrera: I wouldn't mind a story about Ari and Yin (featured in this book and [b:American Fairytale 43198519 American Fairytale (Dreamers, #2) Adriana Herrera https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552225299l/43198519.SY75.jpg 67030468]). They're young, sweet and in love, but it can't be that easy for two immigrants from different cultures, can it? ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.