barefootsong's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Domestic abuse and Death of parent
criticalgayze's review against another edition
Let me start by saying that I loved the first installment of this series, American Dreamer. I feel like, with romance, too often negative critique comes from people who pick them up despite not "liking" romance to begin with.
Also, to point out my own bias, this is more of a traditional romance; whereas, I tend to be more of a romcom reader.
My problem with this book was that I found Camilo to make mountains when there were no hills at all. He invites his boyfriend to a concert with his mom when he knows there are no seats available. Then, when his (rich) boyfriend buys them much better tickets where they can all sit together, Milo flips out about his boyfriend throwing around his money, and Milo gets even more upset when the boyfriend takes them all out to a fancy dinner afterward in a clear attempt to impress Milo's mom. I found it all to be almost YA silly. (Think What If It's Us?)
I also would have preferred the novel to build the relationship a little more through an increased focus on the wonderful charity work that brings Milo and his boyfriend (Thomas) together. Instead, this wonderful social commentary element is pushed to the edges of the story fairly quickly to focus on their whirlwind romance.
I will likely give the third installment a shot to see if I can get back some of the spark of American Dreamer.
Also, to point out my own bias, this is more of a traditional romance; whereas, I tend to be more of a romcom reader.
My problem with this book was that I found Camilo to make mountains when there were no hills at all. He invites his boyfriend to a concert with his mom when he knows there are no seats available. Then, when his (rich) boyfriend buys them much better tickets where they can all sit together, Milo flips out about his boyfriend throwing around his money, and Milo gets even more upset when the boyfriend takes them all out to a fancy dinner afterward in a clear attempt to impress Milo's mom. I found it all to be almost YA silly. (Think What If It's Us?)
I also would have preferred the novel to build the relationship a little more through an increased focus on the wonderful charity work that brings Milo and his boyfriend (Thomas) together. Instead, this wonderful social commentary element is pushed to the edges of the story fairly quickly to focus on their whirlwind romance.
I will likely give the third installment a shot to see if I can get back some of the spark of American Dreamer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent
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