American Dreamer by Adriana Herrera

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
GAY ROMANCE

Publication date: 03/04/2019
Kindle Unlimited: No
Cliffhanger: No

Guest Review by mom, romance fanatic, and (someday) published author Summer Raines!

Here’s the thing about the characters in American Dreamer—they’re binge worthy. I wish this was a TV show because I would love a marathon viewing of these colorful and realistic personalities. Plus, this is a Carina Press Romance Promise book which means you’re guaranteed an HEA or HFN.

Nesto feels like he’s swimming upstream by running his Afro-Caribbean food truck in New York City. There’s just too much competition for his cooking to have a chance to get enough attention. His mom has talked him into moving his business to Ithaca for a six-month trial run because his amazing food will be a fresh experience for Upstate New Yorkers.

Jude has a great life. He loves his job at the library and has a few people he trusts enough to call friends. He’s built a serene bubble around himself. When he spots the owner of the hot new lunch spot, he starts to wonder if he could have more in his life. Jude finds the courage to be a little bold with his banter and the gamble pays off.

They quickly become addicted to each other, however Jude’s fears and the men’s time-consuming jobs threaten to stop the romance before it ever really gets started. Just as Jude decides to give love a chance, Ernesto gets an amazing opportunity that could help cement a future for the couple.

Nesto needs to remember that their happiness isn’t decided by what he accomplishes in his occupation. Jude needs to learn to trust someone enough to give his heart away again. Thanks to the Romance Promise, we know that these two crazy kids work it out eventually.

I thought these two fell in love a bit too quickly, so I took a couple points off. But to be fair, they went through some shit in the short time they were together. That kind of conflict can really make or break a relationship. Also, I had a little trouble getting through the beginning of the book. There was quite a bit of information I didn’t think I needed and couldn’t remember later. But it didn’t take long at all for the story to get moving and I really enjoyed it.

I loved the “opposites attract” feel of these two characters. You couldn’t find people that are more different in personality, looks, and background. They’re a brilliant example of how differences can complement each other and form a dynamic partnership.

What I loved most about this book, is how Adriana Herrera was able to bring up the subject of discrimination and show accurate examples of how mean and judgmental people can be for no reason at all. When the other characters put down this kind of behavior, it never feels preachy. It’s just a gentle reminder to be nice to your fellow humans- something we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
If you enjoy a steamy M/M read with adorable characters you can’t get enough of, you should give this one a chance.
​
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the publisher free of charge.

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
It’s stigma-free. No rehab needed.  

Other reading suggestions
Need more to 1-click? Check these out:

Crazy sexy M/M romance reads​

Top 12 opposites attract romance novels​

Romance novels that don't feature two white people​