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lezreadalot's review against another edition
3.0
"We can't let them strip from us our joy and our dreams."
When I saw that Ari and Yin from Herrera's Dreamers were were getting their own novella, I was genuinely delighted. I loved following their story through the previous books of the series (though I still need to read book 4) and that fact that they were getting a holiday novella made it even better. I love Christmas romances so much, and I'm not even sorry that I read this during spooky season.
This was just as cute as promised, with easy writing, (I always love that Herrera's characters sound like real, relatable people) a fair amount of steam, and just a really genuine-feeling romance as we follow these two sweethearts through their first Christmas together. We got a little more insight into their personalities and lives. We already knew a fair amount about Yin and Ari from previous books, and I do think that helped me enjoy this a lot, just knowing what they'd been through to get here. And then there were the appearances from the other couples, which warmed my heart. That said, I don't think this novella would be majorly confusing to anyone who's new to the series. It could easily be read as a standalone, touching on their lives as refugees, family, and just the complications of a relationship when you're young and new to it. I honestly really liked the (relatively simple) conflict, and the way it was resolved.
And see I understand why this is a novella rather than a full length book, but for every little bit of new information we got, I wanted more. We learnt more about Ari and Yin's relationship, but I felt like we were spreading out, rather than going deeper. Which isn't a bad thing per se, but I kept waiting for profundity that didn't come?
But this is still an objectively really sweet, really heart-warming romance that I'd read again in a heartbeat. It didn't tick all my boxes, but I had a lovely time with it, and these characters.
3.5 stars.
☆ Review copy provided via NetGalley.
When I saw that Ari and Yin from Herrera's Dreamers were were getting their own novella, I was genuinely delighted. I loved following their story through the previous books of the series (though I still need to read book 4) and that fact that they were getting a holiday novella made it even better. I love Christmas romances so much, and I'm not even sorry that I read this during spooky season.
This was just as cute as promised, with easy writing, (I always love that Herrera's characters sound like real, relatable people) a fair amount of steam, and just a really genuine-feeling romance as we follow these two sweethearts through their first Christmas together. We got a little more insight into their personalities and lives. We already knew a fair amount about Yin and Ari from previous books, and I do think that helped me enjoy this a lot, just knowing what they'd been through to get here. And then there were the appearances from the other couples, which warmed my heart. That said, I don't think this novella would be majorly confusing to anyone who's new to the series. It could easily be read as a standalone, touching on their lives as refugees, family, and just the complications of a relationship when you're young and new to it. I honestly really liked the (relatively simple) conflict, and the way it was resolved.
And see I understand why this is a novella rather than a full length book, but for every little bit of new information we got, I wanted more. We learnt more about Ari and Yin's relationship, but I felt like we were spreading out, rather than going deeper. Which isn't a bad thing per se, but I kept waiting for profundity that didn't come?
But this is still an objectively really sweet, really heart-warming romance that I'd read again in a heartbeat. It didn't tick all my boxes, but I had a lovely time with it, and these characters.
3.5 stars.
☆ Review copy provided via NetGalley.
bookish_smorgasbord's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoy holiday festivities with the adorably tenacious couple from Adriana Herrera's Dreamers series. Hardworking and selfless to a fault, can Yin and Ari allow themselves the space to receive as well as give? As the couple gets ready to celebrate their first Christmas living together, both want to make sure it's extra special. Their thoughtful gifts create unintended consequences. I love the warmth and love that Yin and Ari's extended Ithaca family exudes, especially in their hour of need. Patrice, Easton, Nesto, and the rest of the characters from the series join the couple for the holiday season. Readers are also treated to intimate moments between Yin and Ari that a perfect blend of sweet and oh-so-sexy. Put this novella under your tree and unwrap it right away (like now!).
whatshawnareads's review against another edition
This was so fun to be back with characters from American Love Story (and the entire Dreamers series), but I hate the novella length because I feel like I didn't really get to know who Yin and Ari were. I wish we had either gotten a full length novel for them or revisited old POVs for a Dreamers Christmas novella.
Thanks to Carina Press for my copy to review.
Narration: Sean Crisden is magnificent, just like he is for the rest of the series and the audiobook is available through Hoopla.
Thanks to Carina Press for my copy to review.
Narration: Sean Crisden is magnificent, just like he is for the rest of the series and the audiobook is available through Hoopla.
lifeand100books's review against another edition
4.0
This was so soft, beautiful, and heartwarming. I'm so happy Herrera decided to revisit Ari and Yin and flesh their characters out more. I always loved the scenes in the Dreamers series they were included in, so this chance to get to know them better was a joy.
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
A short story about characters I already liked. Fun for a couple of hours.
indiekay's review against another edition
4.0
I haven't read the other books in this series, which might have been a detriment for me, but even without the backstory of the other characters for context, I really liked this and it did squeeze some tears out of me.
brandece1's review
3.0
I've been excited to read this one since I binged the Dreamers series a little while ago. I just wanted to wait until Christmas, because I wanted all the seasonal vibes. I did really enjoy this novella, and I think it was a nice addition to the series. I really like the from Yin and Ari from the other books so it was nice to see them happy together. I really enjoyed seeing the MC from the other books, and seeing how much they care for Yin and Ari. Just like the other books in the series this novella is steamy, packed with heart, diversity and a great side characters. Novellas are hard for me to love because I always feel like things are rushed, but I will say that I didn't feel like things were rushed in this one. It wont go down as my favorite novella ever, but I did enjoy my time with it and I am sad to be done with the series.
missysreadingcorner's review
5.0
Nice Little Novella
I’m glad Ari and Yin got their own book. While I wish they had a full book as everyone else did, it was nice seeing them as the MCs family finally.
I’m glad Ari and Yin got their own book. While I wish they had a full book as everyone else did, it was nice seeing them as the MCs family finally.
missberlyreads's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
time4tori2read's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0