Reviews

Finding Joy by Adriana Herrera

lezreadalot's review against another edition

4.0

“You have to do the work that feeds you. Find the joy in it.”

3.5 stars. Super duper cute; I feel all warm inside. <3 Desta, an emergency relief worker, travels to Ethiopia for a new project, and slowly bonds with one of his new co-workers while working on a surveying project. Desta has a lot of family history with the country, and is at a pivotal moment in his life, and we follow him through his romance with Elias and as he makes some big decisions. This was just so wonderful and light to read; pretty low angst, all in all. I just love reading romances that don't take place in the West; it makes for a great change. And I always think it's so beautiful, seeing a country through a writer's eyes, and even more so through a romance writer's eyes, while a couple is getting to know each other and falling for each other. It's playful and sweet about the cultural differences, but also gets serious when it needs to. I love that the author touches on Western attitudes towards African countries, and how harm can be perpetuated even when people are trying to do good.

And man, I just really liked this romance. I'd forgotten how good Herrera is at making me absolutely fall for her couples. They're SO good together, and I love that they build a friendship first. I think this is the most slow burn thing I've ever read from her, which, of course, I was super happy about. Elias is so caring and considerate and strong; a cinnamon roll I'd die for. The conflict was a little weak; even though I saw the reasons and logic behind it, I got so frustrated with Desta. Thankfully it doesn't last long. There's some stuff said about the necessity of coming out that I wasn't a fan of, but I'm always picky about that.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Braeden Sinclair, which was pretty good. I didn't really love his narration; there were some parts that needed emotion and I felt like he wasn't giving. But I did like his voice overall. I'm always glad to read from this author, and this was a happy reminder that she has more stuff in her backlist for me to check out.

Content warnings:

Spoiler

grief, past parental death, homophobia

In the place where I was supposed to be finding myself, I would lose myself in him.

cosmicreadinggirl's review against another edition

4.0

i really really loved this. this was my first book by Adriana Herrera and i can't wait to read more! I loved that the setting was in Ethiopia, i've never read a book that was set there before. it was just a really sweet book, Desta and Elias just made my heart soar. low angst which is exactly what i needed during this time

quhinnsinqueeries's review against another edition

4.0

Lives up to its name, a book full of queer joy and also uniquely queer anxieties. Falling in love not only where and when you shouldn't, but finding yourself with the help of someone who loves you.

Does contain explicit content which I fondly consider to follow the fanfiction system of sexual encounters.

You get to follow the growth of our MC as he struggles with his own fear and anxieties and the guilt associated with having problems in front of someone who is less privileged than you.

I do wish there had been a bit more culture shine through, and while you do get little glimpses and nods it's only that. The story seems a little weak when trying to show Desta's love for Ethiopia grow, but it's more his falling for Elias that colors it. We get a few scenes where you can see it's trying to be shown, but just a bit more of why the characters love the country so much beyond what is stated as an almost obligatory patriotism.

All in all a very cute story. I was able to get through the fact it's written in first person which is normally a Hard No for me. That in and of itself is a testament for the story.

m_l_valentine's review against another edition

adventurous challenging hopeful informative inspiring 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

4.0

bunny27's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

mtjb's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad slow-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

4.0

colorfulleo92's review against another edition

5.0

Finding joy is fitting title as it was a joy to listen to. A very good m/m romance, cute, beautiful and a compelling story line that has depts to it. Would really like to read more by Adrianna Herrera in the future.

bhbradan1's review against another edition

5.0

I adore this book; a true romance. Full of wholesome love and kindness

readingwithstardust's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars - - Very sweet.

missysreadingcorner's review

5.0

A Good HEA

I loved Desta and Elias. Once again I love the attention to detailed paid about life within Ethiopia. I’m glad they got their happy ending because I was worried for a minute there.