American Sweethearts

Starred review from February 24, 2020
Herrera finds passion in familiarity and lets romance arise from personal growth in the authentic, swoon-worthy love story between second-generation Latinx New Yorkers that closes her Dreamers series (after American Love Story). As love-struck teenagers, Priscilla Gutierrez and Juan Pablo Campos planned their future together, both dreaming of joining the NYPD until a family trauma led Juan Pablo to back out of applying to the academy at the last minute. The couple’s tumultuous relationship has been on-again-off-again for the two decades since, as Juan Pablo has been unable to accept Priscilla’s high-risk career. When a wedding in the Dominican Republic throws them together during a decidedly “off” period, they begin to rebuild. Now a successful physical therapist, Juan Pablo’s newfound willingness to let Priscilla take the lead in her own life, and his encouragement that she should turn her side gig leading sex-education workshops into a full-time career, allows them to settle into a dynamic that actually works. The couple’s families and mutual friends gently tease them toward each other in a heartwarming show of community support, and the diverse cast and casually queer hero (Juan Pablo’s exes include men as well as women) are rendered with loving care. The eventual sex scenes are creative, high-intensity, and sure to please romance fans. Inclusive, optimistic, and scorching, this romance sends the series out on a high note. Agent: Linda Camacho, Gallt & Zacker.

Narrator Sean Crisden returns in this sweet and salty installment in the Dreamers series. Priscilla Gutierrez and Juan Pablo Campos have had an on-again/off-again romance since they were teens, but, despite their explosive chemistry, they've never managed a lasting relationship. With some inspiration from a friend's wedding, however, they realize that their lives might finally be aligning--if only they can make some brave choices. Crisden's vocal agility is evident in his subtle characterizations: Juan Pablo and Priscilla have similar accents, but Crisden delivers Priscilla's chapters with a higher pitch and stronger intensity than the more resonant, laid-back Juan Pablo. Supporting characters (many familiar to series listeners) are also portrayed in distinctive manners, creating a vivid listening experience for contemporary romance fans. R.A.H. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

March 15, 2020
Priscilla Gutierrez had a plan. After graduating from high school, she and her bestie, Juan Pablo Campos, would enroll in the police academy. While Priscilla followed through on the plan and is now a detective in the NYPD, however, Juan Pablo opted to become a physical therapist. Thirteen years later, when the two meet again at a mutual friend's wedding, neither Priscilla nor Juan Pablo can deny that the spark of attraction between them still burns hot. The question now between the two reunited friends is, If they act on their desire, can they still keep things chill between them, or will one of them get burnt? In the fourth expressive addition to the American Dreamers series, rising romance star Herrera (American Fairytale, 2019) continues to be a strong and effective champion for the important role cultural, ethnic, and sexual diversity have in our society. Fans of sexy contemporary romances will also be thrilled that the author's open embrace of earthy language and bold sensuality provides plenty of combustible fuel for the red-hot romance that ignites between her protagonists.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)