Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - American Dreamer

We were so different. It had taken me months to be brave enough to go out for a drink with people from the office. He’d just been here a day, and he was taking up space like he owned the place.

I guess I should admit it: Adriana Herrera just isn't the romance author for me. Every time I try a book of hers, I face the same problem. Both leads are interesting characters who sound like they would work well together, but then the progression of their relationship just... isn't anything I can find myself getting invested in. They get the hots for each other way before they catch feelings, or cause a strong emotional response in each other, or do absolutely anything I can relate to. :D I definitely wouldn't call that a flaw. I'm sure there are plenty of allosexual person who find this kind of thing relatable and engaging. I'm just not one of them. In case of this particular novel, it didn't help that a lot of the parts that could bring some relationship development were condensed into a passing mention. The characters went on a date and really enjoyed their time together, yay! But you, reader, don't get to see that date. Let's just jump into the sexy times after. Now that does feel like a flaw!

At the same time, even without getting invested into the romantic plotline, I did find plenty to like about it. All the glimpses of the Afro-Caribbean culture. The amazing food description. The awesome found family vibes. The frank discussion of the issues immigrants face, and the scars left by a religious upbringing on someone who isn't accepted by their Church, and workaholism being treated as a problem and not just a character quirk. I loved both Nesto and Jude as individuals, even if I didn't ship them much, and I loved the people that surrounded them and lifted them up. This is a good book that deserves a high number of stars, it's just not the romance for me!

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Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

I loved the characters and the story. Cannot believe this is Herrera's DEBUT! I loved how different Jude and Nesto were and how much joy was woven into the hardships.

My only complaint is the 3rd act breakup :/

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