A review by transportedlfl
Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla de Guzman

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

2.5

Thank you to Harlequin for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own. 

This book didn't work well for me. I found the opening scenes outlandish and off-putting. On first meeting, they moved too quickly from distrust without any character progression. I think I could have enjoyed the book is those scenes were removed because there were other aspects I appreciated. But it was tough to get past those first impressions. 

I did appreciate the culture, food, art, and music. So many aspects of each were well related and moving. And I was glad to see a very strong female main character who was advocating both for herself and for better representation of Filipina women in film. 

I would be willing to read another book from this author because there was enough to make me think she would write it well.