American Love Story

This was my favorite book of the series (so far). I have to say that reading it around the time of the 5th anniversary of Michael Brown's death and living near Ferguson MO gave it even more resonance. Serious props to Adriana Herrera for a sensitive, intelligent book that shines on a light on troubling issues like Driving While Black while also highlighting the amazing richness that immigrants bring to our country. And doing it with a hot love story as well!Although frankly the romance between Patrice and Easton was often very frustrating. There was a lot of wavering and I-want-you-can't-have-you on Patrice's part, and Easton was infinitely more patient than he needed to be. Plus there was a lot of telling not showing around their relationship; the two would exchange a few words and then be off into their own heads, angsting about their feelz. But they were both strong characters and I was happy to see them together at the end. Easton had to recognize his white privilege and take risks through his position as assistant DA to address racist law enforcement practices, and Patrice had to realize that his activism (and his past) didn't rule out a relationship with Easton. Bonus points for an epilogue that shows the MCs working through an exercise from couples therapy - sometimes just saying you're going to try harder at the relationship isn't enough, and showing this scene gave me more hope that their HFN would truly turn into a HEA. The next book, American Sweethearts will focus on the last member of the four BFFs, Juan Pablo, and will be MF instead of MM. A bit of a surprise, but I'll be there. Note to Ms. Herrera: I wouldn't mind a story about Ari and Yin (featured in this book and [b:American Fairytale 43198519 American Fairytale (Dreamers, #2) Adriana Herrera https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552225299l/43198519.SY75.jpg 67030468]). They're young, sweet and in love, but it can't be that easy for two immigrants from different cultures, can it? ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.