American Dreamer
Author: Adriana Herrera
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
What I’m Talking About:
Nesto is moving from NYC to Ithaca to start his own food truck business. Although his mom and younger sister relocated there eight years ago, Nesto is leaving behind his support network and all he’s known since moving to NYC from the Dominican Republic when he was a young boy. He is putting his all into his business, but when he meets Jude, Nesto finds himself a bit distracted.
Jude, a local and passionate youth librarian, has been alone by choice, for a while. For years he had to hide who he was and after coming out to his family, he was tossed aside and kicked out. He’s been hurt time and time again, so when restauranteur Nesto catches his eye, Jude tries to keep his feelings casual and distant. But Nesto is special, and Jude finds himself worried about being hurt again.
American Dreamer is a sweet romance about overcoming personal obstacles in order to be a better person for the one you love. Jude and Nesto find an immediate attraction that pulls them together physically, but their shared passions and mutual respect and admiration add that something special that makes what they feel all the more intense. Yet Jude is so frightened about being hurt again, he constantly puts distance between Nesto and himself. And Nesto can get tunnel vision when it comes to his work, keeping him oblivious to what’s happening around him, especially if someone close to him is hurting. The pair have several ups and downs, some rougher and more emotional than others. Yet they find a way to get over their own hurdles to come together and share love.
Outside of the romance, American Dreamer deals with racism and bigotry, albeit in blatant and somewhat stereotypical ways. There is a horrible, selfish white woman who relentlessly pursues Nesto, trying to ruin his business. She is cruel and obvious. Additionally, Jude’s family views his sexuality as morally corrupt, making it very black and white. I appreciate this aspect of the book, and I am glad the author includes some of the uglier issues that surround non-whites and gays. The story presents the conflicts and prejudices in direct and obvious ways.
Overall, I enjoyed American Dreamer. I loved reading about the Caribbean food (be prepared to get hungry!) and watching the different characters interact. Nesto has a wonderful support network, and I look forward to seeing each find his HEA.
My Rating: B Liked It — Recommend
Jen
About the Book:
For Nesto Vasquez, moving his Afro-Caribbean food truck from New York City to the wilds of Upstate New York is a huge gamble. If it works? He’ll be a big fish in a little pond. If it doesn’t? He’ll have to give up the hustle and return to the day job he hates. He’s got six months to make it happen—the last thing he needs is a distraction.
Jude Fuller is proud of the life he’s built on the banks of Cayuga Lake. He has a job he loves and good friends. It’s safe. It’s quiet. And it’s damn lonely. Until he tries Ithaca’s most-talked-about new lunch spot and works up the courage to flirt with the handsome owner. Soon he can’t get enough—of Nesto’s food or of Nesto. For the first time in his life, Jude can finally taste the kind of happiness that’s always been just out of reach.
An opportunity too good to pass up could mean a way to stay together and an incredible future for them both…if Nesto can remember happiness isn’t always measured by business success. And if Jude can overcome his past and trust his man will never let him down.
Release Date: March 26, 2019
Publisher: Carina Press
Series: Dreamers #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ, m/m romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)