Reviews

Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla de Guzman

sgracepdx's review against another edition

3.0

All my stars are for the Filipino representation and references. That is hands down the best part of this book. I just didn't love the instalove and wasn't drawn to the characters. I would read more by this writer though.

dkh's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

0.75

kimiichanga's review

5.0

 AAAAAAAAAAAAAA gago kinilig ako sobraaa

this made me so emotional like ??? and it has non cringe smut in it hell yea, im so tempted to preorder the physical copy at fullbooked

i need more books like this, literally stopped doing things i needed to do because i NEEDED to finish this book

MON WAS SO DREAMY he was very pambansang crush coded. and olivia was everythiiiing 

electric_apricity's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

marquel82's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bookfortbuilder's review

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

abby2207's review

3.0

This was a cute read! I loved Mon and Olivia and it was refreshing to see the Filipino rep! This was definitely a feel-good book, which I enjoyed. It kind of read more like a novella though rather than a full book. The story seemed sped up and I would’ve loved to see more depth to the characters and their lives. I really didn’t love the inclusion of the COVID pandemic and its influence. I know it makes it more realistic and it helped establish the story, but I don’t like reading about it. Overall, I thought the characters and story were sweet, but I wanted more from it. 

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

oceans_ofbooks's review

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review

3.0

Filipino musician and producer Mon Mendoza’s viral hit on social media helped land him an opportunity to come to New York to work on a film project. After a rough arrival to the United States, he expects a quiet night in. A chance meeting with his Pinoy neighbor from the apartment next-door leads to a steamy encounter instead. They expect it to be a one-time thing but soon discover they will be working together on the same film. She’s cast as the lead. 

 

What to expect: 

• Instalust
• Forced proximity (neighbors)
• Celebrity romance
• Workplace romance
• Some pandemic representation (how it impacted their lives + Mon still wears a mask)
• Discussions of how other cultures are treated by Americans and how they are represented in American media
• A couple figuring out if they should continue together / how to navigate a romance between lovers based on different continents

 
Highlights for me include 

• The rom-com references peppered throughout the story (Olivia is a huge fan of romantic comedies.)
• Song titles included at the beginning of each chapter like a soundtrack to the story
• Mon’s optimistic personality

What didn’t work as well for me: 

• I wish there had been more development in the love story.
• Some parts and passages felt a bit disjointed.

 
I received an advance copy of the book from Harlequin and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
 

radusreads's review against another edition

3.75

This was such a quick read! That meet cute/hookup right in the beginning was unexpected. I really like pancit too. Maybe I will use that as a code word as well.
Olivia and Mon realize they will be working together and try to shut down their attraction but it's useless. She brought him over from Manila to help her with a song for the show she is on. She already knew he was talented and loved his work. He didn't recognize her at first but loved her show as well. You know out of context I get it. Why would you think you would meet a celebrity? They worked well together. Though her costar was a jerk to both of them.
Loved the food references and the talk of events happening on the islands.