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A review by thebookishnarwhal
Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla de Guzman
5.0
Are you ready to be swept into a whirlwind of emotions in New York City's bustling streets? "Manila Takes Manhattan" by Carla de Guzman is a vibrant tale of love, identity, and music. A delightful blend of romance, Filipino culture, and the magic of music, this book is an irresistible treat for fans (new and seasoned) of the genre.
Meet Mon Mendoza. He’s a talented Filipino musician and producer. Fresh off the plane in New York, he grapples with feelings of displacement despite a life-changing opportunity. His only solace? A date night with a steaming bowl of pancit canton. Little does he know, his Pinoy neighbour will soon become an unexpected muse.
Meet Olivia Angeles. She’s a versatile actress navigating the complexities of Hollywood. She wears her characters like well-fitted dresses, but her real self remains elusive. She yearns for success in Hollywood without compromising her identity. When she crosses paths with her neighbour, their chemistry ignites like a sparkler on a summer night. Their passionate tryst, meant to be a fleeting encounter, takes an unexpected turn when they discover they're both working on the same movie. Together.
De Guzman masterfully weaves themes of cultural duality, love, and ambition throughout the narrative. Mon and Olivia's journey is not just about romance; it's about finding oneself amidst the clash of two worlds. From the glitz of red carpets to the comfort of a shared meal, their relationship blossoms against the vibrant backdrop of Manhattan.
The author's prose is as melodic as Mon's guitar chords. She paints vivid scenes—the aroma of sizzling street food, the neon glow of Times Square, and the rhythm of subway trains. Readers will feel the pulse of the city, the heartbeat of Mon and Olivia's connection. The dialogue crackles with wit and authenticity, capturing the essence of Filipino humour and banter.
Mon's passion for music infuses the pages. De Guzman's descriptions of his compositions evoke emotions of joy, longing, heartache. As Mon and Olivia collaborate on the film's soundtrack, their creative synergy becomes a bridge between their worlds. The music becomes a character in itself, harmonizing their souls.
The supporting cast adds depth and warmth. Mon's quirky family in Manila, Olivia's loyal best friend, and the film crew, all contribute to the rich tapestry of the story. Let's not forget the cameos! Fans of de Guzman's previous works will delight in spotting familiar faces.
The pacing is pitch-perfect. Each chapter leaves you craving more, turning pages late into the night. The pandemic looms in the background, affecting Mon and Olivia's lives, but it never overwhelms the narrative. Instead, it underscores their vulnerability and resilience.
"Manila Takes Manhattan" is a celebration of Filipino culture. It's the taste of adobo on a rainy day, the sound of kundiman echoing through brownstone corridors. It's the warmth of family gatherings and the ache of homesickness. De Guzman invites readers to explore the intricacies of identity, love, and the pursuit of dreams.
In a world where success often demands compromise, Mon and Olivia stand firm. Their journey reminds us that sometimes, following your heart means straddling two places, and perhaps, finding love in the most unexpected corners.
De Guzman's novel is a symphony of emotions. It’s a crescendo of love, laughter, and longing. As Mon and Olivia navigate fame, passion, and self-discovery, they leave an indelible mark on our hearts and sweep you away on a lyrical adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Mon Mendoza. He’s a talented Filipino musician and producer. Fresh off the plane in New York, he grapples with feelings of displacement despite a life-changing opportunity. His only solace? A date night with a steaming bowl of pancit canton. Little does he know, his Pinoy neighbour will soon become an unexpected muse.
Meet Olivia Angeles. She’s a versatile actress navigating the complexities of Hollywood. She wears her characters like well-fitted dresses, but her real self remains elusive. She yearns for success in Hollywood without compromising her identity. When she crosses paths with her neighbour, their chemistry ignites like a sparkler on a summer night. Their passionate tryst, meant to be a fleeting encounter, takes an unexpected turn when they discover they're both working on the same movie. Together.
De Guzman masterfully weaves themes of cultural duality, love, and ambition throughout the narrative. Mon and Olivia's journey is not just about romance; it's about finding oneself amidst the clash of two worlds. From the glitz of red carpets to the comfort of a shared meal, their relationship blossoms against the vibrant backdrop of Manhattan.
The author's prose is as melodic as Mon's guitar chords. She paints vivid scenes—the aroma of sizzling street food, the neon glow of Times Square, and the rhythm of subway trains. Readers will feel the pulse of the city, the heartbeat of Mon and Olivia's connection. The dialogue crackles with wit and authenticity, capturing the essence of Filipino humour and banter.
Mon's passion for music infuses the pages. De Guzman's descriptions of his compositions evoke emotions of joy, longing, heartache. As Mon and Olivia collaborate on the film's soundtrack, their creative synergy becomes a bridge between their worlds. The music becomes a character in itself, harmonizing their souls.
The supporting cast adds depth and warmth. Mon's quirky family in Manila, Olivia's loyal best friend, and the film crew, all contribute to the rich tapestry of the story. Let's not forget the cameos! Fans of de Guzman's previous works will delight in spotting familiar faces.
The pacing is pitch-perfect. Each chapter leaves you craving more, turning pages late into the night. The pandemic looms in the background, affecting Mon and Olivia's lives, but it never overwhelms the narrative. Instead, it underscores their vulnerability and resilience.
"Manila Takes Manhattan" is a celebration of Filipino culture. It's the taste of adobo on a rainy day, the sound of kundiman echoing through brownstone corridors. It's the warmth of family gatherings and the ache of homesickness. De Guzman invites readers to explore the intricacies of identity, love, and the pursuit of dreams.
In a world where success often demands compromise, Mon and Olivia stand firm. Their journey reminds us that sometimes, following your heart means straddling two places, and perhaps, finding love in the most unexpected corners.
De Guzman's novel is a symphony of emotions. It’s a crescendo of love, laughter, and longing. As Mon and Olivia navigate fame, passion, and self-discovery, they leave an indelible mark on our hearts and sweep you away on a lyrical adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.