breadedbookpages's review against another edition
3.0
American Sweethearts is the story of Priscilla and Juan Pablo who have the most complicated history when it comes to their hearts and chemistry. Except that now, things are changing since Juan Pablo has taken it into his hands to mature as a man and has started seeing a therapist. This change happens off-page and there is the result of Juan Pablo's effort in how he grows as a friend to Priscilla. What I liked so much about this book was how it focused on their relationship not only as lovers, but as friends as well. When it comes to romance, platonic love is so important as a base to me as a reader, and this is what American Sweethearts delves into so perfectly.
The two's lives are intertwined since they share the same friend group and during one of their close friend's wedding, they are enmeshed into another affair that has their bodies and minds begging for more.
Juan Pablo offers Priscilla the court, tells her that he will welcome any kind of relationship she wanted with him, and Priscilla, due to the stress of her job as a detective for the NYPD, seeks him out at moments of stress. What used to be more agonizing conversation regarding her work since Juan Pablo has tried in the past to steer Priscilla away from her work as a cop, now turns into comfort as he apologizes for the past and how he'd ever made her feel like he didn't care for what she thought.
That, to me, is the winning point of American Sweethearts; how Juan Pablo's growth isn't a turbulent thing that puts their relationship in danger, but rather, it's so steady and strong that it gave me swoon-worthy moments where he took care of her and her needs even during times where most men would cringe.
If you're looking for a romance that focuses on rebuilding the basis of a relationship of a couple with history, familial relationships that are diverse as well as comforting and healthy, and a sizzling romance full of sex-positive attitude, then pick up a copy of American Sweethearts.
The two's lives are intertwined since they share the same friend group and during one of their close friend's wedding, they are enmeshed into another affair that has their bodies and minds begging for more.
Juan Pablo offers Priscilla the court, tells her that he will welcome any kind of relationship she wanted with him, and Priscilla, due to the stress of her job as a detective for the NYPD, seeks him out at moments of stress. What used to be more agonizing conversation regarding her work since Juan Pablo has tried in the past to steer Priscilla away from her work as a cop, now turns into comfort as he apologizes for the past and how he'd ever made her feel like he didn't care for what she thought.
That, to me, is the winning point of American Sweethearts; how Juan Pablo's growth isn't a turbulent thing that puts their relationship in danger, but rather, it's so steady and strong that it gave me swoon-worthy moments where he took care of her and her needs even during times where most men would cringe.
If you're looking for a romance that focuses on rebuilding the basis of a relationship of a couple with history, familial relationships that are diverse as well as comforting and healthy, and a sizzling romance full of sex-positive attitude, then pick up a copy of American Sweethearts.
ginger_curmudgeon's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this one. It’s the end of the series, and I enjoyed the first three quite a bit. Part of each story is that some obstacle keeps the couple apart, and they need to overcome so they can be together. The obstacle in this one didn’t, at first, seem like much of an obstacle, but as the story progresses it makes more sense, and becomes very relatable in an unfortunate way. Priscilla feels like she always has to have it together in front of everyone, at the expense of her friendships and relationships. She starts to realize that it’s OK to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to lean on others when needed. That rings true for me. I also relate to Juan Pablo and his need to always have answers, to try to fix things for others, but also to do these things in ways the keeps people at a distance. Overall, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I had some trepidation going in, but the growth of the characters, and, honestly, the intense passion in the sex kept me in it. I’m glad to have read this series.
cowmingo's review against another edition
4.0
The communication in this book, especially the sexual communication was on point and so exquisitely done. This book was so freaking good. It was nice to see Priscilla learn to let other people in and talk about her feelings. Juan Pablo was so freaking sexy and sweet and the two together are fire. I'm slightly disappointed that the b plot didn't get resolved but that's just because I wanted to see Priscilla kick everyone's ass. I will really miss this group of friends. This entire series was just so well done and sexy.
Many thanks for an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
Many thanks for an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
bibliophile_mama's review against another edition
4.0
Well... that was addicting. Adults working to better themselves so a relationship will work out plus hot sex with toys. Solid.
gwensreading's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am happy to give my honest review.
I love this series and this author. I was super excited to get this book and pretty much read it in one day. Juan Pablo was such a great character in the other books and I'm glad he got his own book.
Juan Pablo is a reformed player and has done a lot of soul searching/therapy to come to the type of person he wants to be. He is passionate about his friends and family and I loved seeing their relationships. He regrets the way he's treated Priscilla and vows to change so he can be the type of man who deserves her.
Priscilla is an NYPD detective who is unhappy in her job. She doesn't feel like she is making the difference she wants to. She has a side hustle around sex-positive education and sex toys. That was honestly one of my favorite parts of this book. She is amazing and I loved the scene of her teaching 60+ year olds how to have fulfilling sex lives.
Juan Pa and Priscilla were in a serious relationship when they were younger that fizzled out because of her job. They were both going to go into the police academy and he decided to pursue a different career. Their relationship ended but they used each other for sex over the years. The last time Priscilla asked him to stay away because being with him hurt too much. He took it to heart and began working on himself. I loved to see a character in therapy and being self-reflective.
All of this book should have checked my boxes. Second chance romance, sex-positive narrative, mental health, and close-knit friend groups. To be honest, I was a bit bored. The drama and angst were real but I didn't really feel my heartstrings tugged. Priscilla was hardcore and devout in her anger (not unjustly, mind you). I wanted more scenes of them together and much of the book involved their friends or family. It's nice to see those characters again but I wanted to get on with the show instead of spending so much time with them.
In the end, it was a good book and I smiled while finishing it. I liked the two of them together and how Juan Pa supported her in making decisions for her life. The whole book, however, fell a little flat for me. I'm still glad I read it.
I love this series and this author. I was super excited to get this book and pretty much read it in one day. Juan Pablo was such a great character in the other books and I'm glad he got his own book.
Juan Pablo is a reformed player and has done a lot of soul searching/therapy to come to the type of person he wants to be. He is passionate about his friends and family and I loved seeing their relationships. He regrets the way he's treated Priscilla and vows to change so he can be the type of man who deserves her.
Priscilla is an NYPD detective who is unhappy in her job. She doesn't feel like she is making the difference she wants to. She has a side hustle around sex-positive education and sex toys. That was honestly one of my favorite parts of this book. She is amazing and I loved the scene of her teaching 60+ year olds how to have fulfilling sex lives.
Juan Pa and Priscilla were in a serious relationship when they were younger that fizzled out because of her job. They were both going to go into the police academy and he decided to pursue a different career. Their relationship ended but they used each other for sex over the years. The last time Priscilla asked him to stay away because being with him hurt too much. He took it to heart and began working on himself. I loved to see a character in therapy and being self-reflective.
All of this book should have checked my boxes. Second chance romance, sex-positive narrative, mental health, and close-knit friend groups. To be honest, I was a bit bored. The drama and angst were real but I didn't really feel my heartstrings tugged. Priscilla was hardcore and devout in her anger (not unjustly, mind you). I wanted more scenes of them together and much of the book involved their friends or family. It's nice to see those characters again but I wanted to get on with the show instead of spending so much time with them.
In the end, it was a good book and I smiled while finishing it. I liked the two of them together and how Juan Pa supported her in making decisions for her life. The whole book, however, fell a little flat for me. I'm still glad I read it.
theunrealerin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? No
3.75
A solid conclusion to an exceptional series. Herrera doesn't shy away from complexity and heavy storylines, which add impressive depth to her characters and her books. This one seemed to have some of the pacing issues of American Dreamer, but there was a very pleasing maturity to these characters and believable communication and foibles.
cammiixy's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
3.25
ruthiedr89's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy, Rape, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Misogyny, and Miscarriage
Minor: Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse