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The Last Guy You Kiss
Feeling the heat from her Filipino family, a frustrated florist reaches out to a romantic “good luck charm” in this hilarious and heartwarming retelling of the Pinoy rom-com classic Got 2 Believe.
Some rumors turn out to be true…
Love isn’t easy. Especially when everyone seems to have found it but you. For florist Mara Barretto, her romantic life—or lack thereof—has baffled her close-knit family for years. Now that her baby sister is getting married, however, the pressure to settle down is at an all-time high. Then she meets Jay Montinola, a fellow wedding guest who’s equally single.
And rumor has it that every girl who kisses Jay finds The One immediately after.
So Mara does what any girl would do: try it for herself.
It's only a kiss—one that will supposedly put an end to her single life and thrust Mara into the arms of Mr. Right, wherever he is. Yet the moment Jay’s lips are on hers, Mara’s plan takes an unexpected turn. Will she finally find the relationship she longs for, or is true love a lot closer than she thinks?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla de Guzman
Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham
The Summer of Perfect Mistakes by Cynthia St. Aubin
Some rumors turn out to be true…
Love isn’t easy. Especially when everyone seems to have found it but you. For florist Mara Barretto, her romantic life—or lack thereof—has baffled her close-knit family for years. Now that her baby sister is getting married, however, the pressure to settle down is at an all-time high. Then she meets Jay Montinola, a fellow wedding guest who’s equally single.
And rumor has it that every girl who kisses Jay finds The One immediately after.
So Mara does what any girl would do: try it for herself.
It's only a kiss—one that will supposedly put an end to her single life and thrust Mara into the arms of Mr. Right, wherever he is. Yet the moment Jay’s lips are on hers, Mara’s plan takes an unexpected turn. Will she finally find the relationship she longs for, or is true love a lot closer than she thinks?
From showing up to glowing up, the characters in Afterglow Books are on the path to leading their best lives and finding sizzling romance along the way. Don’t miss any of these other fun titles…
Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla de Guzman
Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham
The Summer of Perfect Mistakes by Cynthia St. Aubin
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2025
7 people are currently reading
4514 people want to read
About the author
Carla de Guzman
26 books178 followersAuthor, occasional illustrator, full-time traveler.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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July 14, 2025Filipino romance. A likeable tale of a woman who's never had a relationship and a man who's had plenty but always been the last fling before his exes find The One. It's enjoyable with a great
setting but rather low stakes for my taste: they were both thoroughly nice people with good friends and solid families and there wasn't much in the way of conflict or obstacle. Perfect for people who want a low-stakes read; I am out of step with the zeitgeist.
Uncompromising use of Tagalog in the text; regrettable that Harlequin seems to have found it necessary to give that a content warning, presumably because readers are often jerks.
setting but rather low stakes for my taste: they were both thoroughly nice people with good friends and solid families and there wasn't much in the way of conflict or obstacle. Perfect for people who want a low-stakes read; I am out of step with the zeitgeist.
Uncompromising use of Tagalog in the text; regrettable that Harlequin seems to have found it necessary to give that a content warning, presumably because readers are often jerks.
January 26, 2025
I really liked the premise of the story and found the second half better than the first half, but this book wasn’t really for me. I felt like we got thrown in part way through a story where it was assumed that I would just know who the people were and what all the words and phrases meant.
April 8, 2025
something possessed me to read this in one sitting
this felt like a 3 episode miniseries, but the episodes are an hour long???? point is i needed more hahaha
this felt like a 3 episode miniseries, but the episodes are an hour long???? point is i needed more hahaha
January 21, 2025
If someone told you that a good luck charm for finding love was wrapped in a kiss, would you take the opportunity? We follow Mara as she navigates family dynamics and finding love.
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were so charming, the dialogue felt natural and they all had moments to shine throughout the book. It was also so interesting to learn about filipino culture and I loved that it was at the heart of this story.
Mara and Jays chemistry was everything!! They were like two awkward beans in the beginning which was really funny, but it was beautiful to see their feelings evolve.
While I did love the authors writing, there were moments when I felt like certain details could have been left out that didn’t necessarily advance the story.
Overall, this was an amazing and lighthearted romance that I’d recommend to fans of romance!
Thank you Mills & Boon for providing this ARC via Net Galley! ❤️
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were so charming, the dialogue felt natural and they all had moments to shine throughout the book. It was also so interesting to learn about filipino culture and I loved that it was at the heart of this story.
Mara and Jays chemistry was everything!! They were like two awkward beans in the beginning which was really funny, but it was beautiful to see their feelings evolve.
While I did love the authors writing, there were moments when I felt like certain details could have been left out that didn’t necessarily advance the story.
Overall, this was an amazing and lighthearted romance that I’d recommend to fans of romance!
Thank you Mills & Boon for providing this ARC via Net Galley! ❤️
March 25, 2025
The Last Guy You Kiss is achingly sweet, honest, and funny. Carla de Guzman is one of the authors I wish more people read. She’s so good. Her books are like a tapestry with rich and intricate details. The Last Guy You Kiss reminded me a bit of Cara Bastone’s Promise Me Sunshine in that the characters are trying to get through a life in which grief and love, joy and pain are inseparable. They want love and connection, but also to protect their hearts and keep expectations low. The desire for all kinds of love (romantic, family, friendship) is inseparable from the fear of getting hurt. Love is a choice, relationships are work.
Mara Barretto is trying to live her life, and Jay Montinola is making it more difficult. First, he’s handsome and charming. Second, he turned Mara’s face into a meme that her family, friends, customers, and strangers keep bringing up; and third, he kissed her and she didn’t find her soulmate afterwards! According to the lore, Jay is the last guy you kiss before you find your one true love. But when he kisses Mara, no one true love walks into her life. Just Jay hanging around, not wanting anything permanent and not sure he would deserve love even if it found him. Mara would be okay with being single for life (she likes her life!), but she would like to explore the option of having a relationship. She would like someone who looks at her the way Jay looks at her (but obviously not actually Jay). So when no one true love comes along, Mara and Jay make a deal to give Mara some of those experiences she has missed out on.
Carla de Guzman’s romances are full of complexity. Mara and Jay have to contend with other people’s expectations of who they are and what they are supposed to be. Mara has to deal with fat phobia, even from people who love her, and though she loves her body, it still hurts. Early in the book, the idea of One True Love is discarded, but it takes Mara and Jay a while to recognize that their romance ideals are not reality. They have to make a choice to love or to push love away.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Harlequin and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
Mara Barretto is trying to live her life, and Jay Montinola is making it more difficult. First, he’s handsome and charming. Second, he turned Mara’s face into a meme that her family, friends, customers, and strangers keep bringing up; and third, he kissed her and she didn’t find her soulmate afterwards! According to the lore, Jay is the last guy you kiss before you find your one true love. But when he kisses Mara, no one true love walks into her life. Just Jay hanging around, not wanting anything permanent and not sure he would deserve love even if it found him. Mara would be okay with being single for life (she likes her life!), but she would like to explore the option of having a relationship. She would like someone who looks at her the way Jay looks at her (but obviously not actually Jay). So when no one true love comes along, Mara and Jay make a deal to give Mara some of those experiences she has missed out on.
Carla de Guzman’s romances are full of complexity. Mara and Jay have to contend with other people’s expectations of who they are and what they are supposed to be. Mara has to deal with fat phobia, even from people who love her, and though she loves her body, it still hurts. Early in the book, the idea of One True Love is discarded, but it takes Mara and Jay a while to recognize that their romance ideals are not reality. They have to make a choice to love or to push love away.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Harlequin and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
March 19, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Last Guy You Kiss is Carla de Guzman’s second book in the Afterglow line, and I enjoyed this just as much as the first, for the most part, While I haven’t seen the romcom this is based on, I immediately got those vibes, along with the immersive Philippines setting and the strong cultural touchstones, including Tagalog phrases, with the book being set around a family wedding.
Mara is incredibly sympathetic, with her experiences of not having even been in a romantic relationship and being pitied by her family (albeit lovingly) hitting home for me, to the point where she’s willing to entertain almost any prospect, including something ridiculous like kissing a guy whose kiss will supposedly lead her to love soon after. And seeing the other side of it with Jay was nice too, as he’s much different (and better) than the rumor has built him up to be. Their romance is a sweet, somewhat slower burn, and they were easy to root for.
I enjoyed the family dynamics overall, but I did find it a little difficult to keep track of everyone at times, especially when the sisters had similar names (Mara/Marina/Mabel). However, it was fun to see Mon and Olivia from Manila Takes Manhattan again, with Mon being one of Jay’s friends.
Minor quibbles aside, I enjoyed this one, and would recommend it to readers looking for a fun romcom chock-full of Filipino culture.
The Last Guy You Kiss is Carla de Guzman’s second book in the Afterglow line, and I enjoyed this just as much as the first, for the most part, While I haven’t seen the romcom this is based on, I immediately got those vibes, along with the immersive Philippines setting and the strong cultural touchstones, including Tagalog phrases, with the book being set around a family wedding.
Mara is incredibly sympathetic, with her experiences of not having even been in a romantic relationship and being pitied by her family (albeit lovingly) hitting home for me, to the point where she’s willing to entertain almost any prospect, including something ridiculous like kissing a guy whose kiss will supposedly lead her to love soon after. And seeing the other side of it with Jay was nice too, as he’s much different (and better) than the rumor has built him up to be. Their romance is a sweet, somewhat slower burn, and they were easy to root for.
I enjoyed the family dynamics overall, but I did find it a little difficult to keep track of everyone at times, especially when the sisters had similar names (Mara/Marina/Mabel). However, it was fun to see Mon and Olivia from Manila Takes Manhattan again, with Mon being one of Jay’s friends.
Minor quibbles aside, I enjoyed this one, and would recommend it to readers looking for a fun romcom chock-full of Filipino culture.
February 10, 2025
This was really cute! The narrative seemed to jump around a bit, though maybe that was just me? It felt like they moved from their antagonistic relationship to trying out...physical things without a lot of building up to it, and the ending also felt a bit rushed. But overall it was a sweet, fairly slow burn romance with likable characters. It's set in the same universe as the author's earlier Afterglow offering (
Manila Takes Manhattan
)--Mon's a part of Jay's friend group, and Olivia makes an appearance as well--and once again it's clear that many of the other secondary characters probably also appeared in their own books so at times it feels a bit like you're the newbie on the outside of things if you haven't read them.
I enjoyed the setting very much, though I did have to Google currency conversions a few times and use their translate page a whole lot (though not for every word/phrase--there's so much here--sometimes context helped and sometimes I just decided to keep going and hope for the best). I'm absolutely going to check out the movie the author based it on (Got 2 Believe) when I get a chance.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I enjoyed the setting very much, though I did have to Google currency conversions a few times and use their translate page a whole lot (though not for every word/phrase--there's so much here--sometimes context helped and sometimes I just decided to keep going and hope for the best). I'm absolutely going to check out the movie the author based it on (Got 2 Believe) when I get a chance.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 24, 2025
Cute and sweet. Made me wanna re-watch GOT 2 BELIEVE to pick out the references, but this story also definitely stands on its own.
I like that Mara is plus-size (legit plus size, not just "needs to lose 5 extra pounds," thankfully -- US size 22, which the narrator comments means she can't even find underwear locally that fits); she's comfortable in her body, but also subject to society's fatphobia and understandably self-conscious at times.
I also love the distinctly Pinoy touches in the author's storytelling. For example, Jay's over-the-top apology is straight out of a Pinoy rom com scene. Jay using a musical performance to flirt with Mara is so hilariously cheesy that it's so very Pinoy.
And, totally random, but the narration had these random punny little comments and pop culture references (for example, Jay thinking about his pride getting in the way, and randomly adding "and prejudice" to the sentence) are also such a very Pinoy form of humour / way of talking. I don't know how those random insertions will land with non-Filipino readers, and I wouldn't necessarily miss them if they'd been edited out. But they were comforting little touches of Pinoy-ness that made me smile.
I like that Mara is plus-size (legit plus size, not just "needs to lose 5 extra pounds," thankfully -- US size 22, which the narrator comments means she can't even find underwear locally that fits); she's comfortable in her body, but also subject to society's fatphobia and understandably self-conscious at times.
I also love the distinctly Pinoy touches in the author's storytelling. For example, Jay's over-the-top apology is straight out of a Pinoy rom com scene. Jay using a musical performance to flirt with Mara is so hilariously cheesy that it's so very Pinoy.
And, totally random, but the narration had these random punny little comments and pop culture references (for example, Jay thinking about his pride getting in the way, and randomly adding "and prejudice" to the sentence) are also such a very Pinoy form of humour / way of talking. I don't know how those random insertions will land with non-Filipino readers, and I wouldn't necessarily miss them if they'd been edited out. But they were comforting little touches of Pinoy-ness that made me smile.
March 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
The Last Guy You Kiss follows Mara Barretto, a florist with a complete lack of relationship experience; she has always felt the pressure from her close-knit family, but the pressure reaches an all-time high when her little sister gets married. Jay Montinola is a wedding guest, is single, and happens to have quite the rumour surrounding him: kissing him leads to finding your happily ever after with someone else. Mara decides to find out if there’s any truth behind this rumour, and ends up with more than she imagined.
Overall I found this to be cute, cheesy and really enjoyable—a perfect read to have a break in between more serious reads. I really enjoyed the portrayal of cultural traditions in this book. The story is based in the Philippines and there were some Tagalog phrases throughout—I used the translate app for some, but for the most part I just went with the vibes.
Thank you to Mills and Boon, and Netgalley for this digital arc. The rating and review are entirely my own.
My bookstagram
The Last Guy You Kiss follows Mara Barretto, a florist with a complete lack of relationship experience; she has always felt the pressure from her close-knit family, but the pressure reaches an all-time high when her little sister gets married. Jay Montinola is a wedding guest, is single, and happens to have quite the rumour surrounding him: kissing him leads to finding your happily ever after with someone else. Mara decides to find out if there’s any truth behind this rumour, and ends up with more than she imagined.
Overall I found this to be cute, cheesy and really enjoyable—a perfect read to have a break in between more serious reads. I really enjoyed the portrayal of cultural traditions in this book. The story is based in the Philippines and there were some Tagalog phrases throughout—I used the translate app for some, but for the most part I just went with the vibes.
Thank you to Mills and Boon, and Netgalley for this digital arc. The rating and review are entirely my own.
My bookstagram
March 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Mara cree en el amor y sueña con encontrarlo algún día, pero al estar en sus treintas y no haberlo logrado, comienza a perder la esperanza. Por otro lado, Jay está convencido de que el amor no existe y se considera maldito, pues todas sus novias o citas han encontrado el amor verdadero justo después de que él las besara. Cuando empieza a sentir algo por Mara, no sabe si debería besarla y dejarla ir para que encuentre a alguien más o arriesgarse a salir lastimado y demostrarle que él es el indicado.
Fue una lectura rápida y entretenida, además de despertar mi curiosidad por los libros anteriores.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Mara cree en el amor y sueña con encontrarlo algún día, pero al estar en sus treintas y no haberlo logrado, comienza a perder la esperanza. Por otro lado, Jay está convencido de que el amor no existe y se considera maldito, pues todas sus novias o citas han encontrado el amor verdadero justo después de que él las besara. Cuando empieza a sentir algo por Mara, no sabe si debería besarla y dejarla ir para que encuentre a alguien más o arriesgarse a salir lastimado y demostrarle que él es el indicado.
Fue una lectura rápida y entretenida, además de despertar mi curiosidad por los libros anteriores.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
January 24, 2025
#TheLastGuyYouKiss #NetGalley
It's a sweet, slow burn romance. Less of a spicy read.
The reader is immersed in the experiences (where the road traveler is stymied by the sheer amount of traffic elongating a short trip to take hours) customs where multiple sponsors play an essential part of the Filipino wedding ceremony, and dialogue is a mix of English and Tagalog. It may be the post pandemic modern world but the stigma of an unmarried older daughter exists. Would say all of above are pretty accurate (and this is from a reader located outside of the Philippines.).
In my opinion, slow start but the story gained traction when they encountered each other by pure happenstance in another city.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Harlequin - Romance | Afterglow Books by Harlequin, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's a sweet, slow burn romance. Less of a spicy read.
The reader is immersed in the experiences (where the road traveler is stymied by the sheer amount of traffic elongating a short trip to take hours) customs where multiple sponsors play an essential part of the Filipino wedding ceremony, and dialogue is a mix of English and Tagalog. It may be the post pandemic modern world but the stigma of an unmarried older daughter exists. Would say all of above are pretty accurate (and this is from a reader located outside of the Philippines.).
In my opinion, slow start but the story gained traction when they encountered each other by pure happenstance in another city.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Harlequin - Romance | Afterglow Books by Harlequin, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2025
Sometimes you just really need to read a slightly cheesy, smutty romance novel, and Mills and Boon never fails.
Mara has never been in love, nor ever had a proper relationship. Jay is cursed that everyone he kisses will then find the love of their lives. What happens when Jay and Mara kiss? Shenanigans of course!
A slower burn romance than I was expecting, this book is a fun take on love, family relationships and trusting yourself to be brave.
The Philippines and Filipino family life provided a beautiful backdrop for this love story, and Boracay really sounds exactly like Heaven on Earth.
Mara has never been in love, nor ever had a proper relationship. Jay is cursed that everyone he kisses will then find the love of their lives. What happens when Jay and Mara kiss? Shenanigans of course!
A slower burn romance than I was expecting, this book is a fun take on love, family relationships and trusting yourself to be brave.
The Philippines and Filipino family life provided a beautiful backdrop for this love story, and Boracay really sounds exactly like Heaven on Earth.
June 17, 2025
I got this book via a Goodreads giveaway. This was the first book I have read by Carla de Guzman and I thought it was very cute and enjoyable.
It is a very sweet, slow burn romance. I think the first part of the book was a bit slow and hard to get into, but you really started to fall in love with Mara and Jay in the second half. I know the author chose not to provide a glossary of Filipino terms used in the book, but I wish she had as I felt I missed out on fully understanding what was being said in some of the scenes.
Very cute summer read (pretty mild on the spicy scale) and I would definitely like to check out the author's other books.
It is a very sweet, slow burn romance. I think the first part of the book was a bit slow and hard to get into, but you really started to fall in love with Mara and Jay in the second half. I know the author chose not to provide a glossary of Filipino terms used in the book, but I wish she had as I felt I missed out on fully understanding what was being said in some of the scenes.
Very cute summer read (pretty mild on the spicy scale) and I would definitely like to check out the author's other books.
January 17, 2025
At her younger sister's wedding, Mara Barretto has had just about enough of the familial pressure to get married herself. When she learns of the infamous Jay Montinola, Mara decides to go for it. Rumor has it that any woman who kisses Jay finds their person soon thereafter.
I loved the cultural traditions portrayed in this book. Mara and Jay had great chemistry and were very sweet with one another. If you're looking for a slow burn that's a bit lower on the spice scale, this is a great choice!
I loved the cultural traditions portrayed in this book. Mara and Jay had great chemistry and were very sweet with one another. If you're looking for a slow burn that's a bit lower on the spice scale, this is a great choice!
May 15, 2025
I like this; I like that it's an AAPI story, but I hate all the "trying to be current and modern" references. It's very "how do you do, fellow kids" and some of it is already so dated and clunky. Viral memes. People actually verbally saying "LOL", which no one does. Influencers. "Canceling."
Also, I really want there to be some resolution for Mara being hurt that David was kind of leading her on while being in love with her younger sister! David is scum, and I want him to suffer!! I don't want her to just move on with Jay. I want her to feel validated and to not classify her feelings as "delusional."
Also, does anyone really make the same moans when they eat and when they have sex? Sounds like you're having shitty food and even worse sex.
Also, JAY MADE "BEEP BOOP" NOISES WHEN THE COUPLE KISSED?! I'm sorry; is he seven? What a ridiculous, dickbag, douchey thing to do. "I'm not good with feeeeeeelings!" Go fuck yourself, you stupid idiot. You shouldn't be in public until you learn how to behave.
Also, I really want there to be some resolution for Mara being hurt that David was kind of leading her on while being in love with her younger sister! David is scum, and I want him to suffer!! I don't want her to just move on with Jay. I want her to feel validated and to not classify her feelings as "delusional."
Also, does anyone really make the same moans when they eat and when they have sex? Sounds like you're having shitty food and even worse sex.
Also, JAY MADE "BEEP BOOP" NOISES WHEN THE COUPLE KISSED?! I'm sorry; is he seven? What a ridiculous, dickbag, douchey thing to do. "I'm not good with feeeeeeelings!" Go fuck yourself, you stupid idiot. You shouldn't be in public until you learn how to behave.
March 31, 2025
The story of Jay and Mara. Jay has a curse, he is the last person someone kisses before they find their happy ever after. So he has given up on finding a long term relationship for himself. But the curse did not work on Mara, so is she the one for him? A great read. I liked reading about the new places and traditions.
April 20, 2025
It was a super cute romance book but it just felt a little off to me. Mara was an empowering woman and I felt really bad for Jay's bad luck with romance. The setting was gloriously descriptive in all the food, settings, and florals in the Philippines. Overall, it was an alright romantic comedy book.
September 3, 2025
I adored this romance set in the Philippines. It features fantastic pining, a fun cast of secondary characters, and a story about learning to trust in love. Mara is a perfectly messy and flawed protagonist and I found her chapters very compelling. A fun read with some surprise emotions added in!
February 9, 2025
Filipino culture captured my interest and made me fall in love with the book. The experience of reading it was truly delightful, and I would highly recommend it to others!
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March 2, 2025Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
July 1, 2025
This book didn't hold my attention. DNF
August 26, 2025
i really enjoy a book when the title itself makes a real sense. the story was cute but i wish it was more done a little more giggly
January 11, 2025
The story follows Mara Barretto, a floral designer and eldest daughter, navigating the pressures of being single at her younger sister’s wedding (a pressure I am all too familiar with 😭). When she crosses paths with Jay Montinola—a guest with a fascinating reputation for bringing others luck in love—a spontaneous kiss leads to unexpected (but totally expected) outcomes. It’s a journey of slow-burn romance, self-discovery, and realising that love might be closer than you think.
What I loved most was the cultural richness woven into the narrative. The exploration of Filipino traditions added a rich, heartwarming, and refreshing layer to the story. From the family dynamics to the wedding traditions, the cultural elements were fascinating and beautifully integrated.
While I enjoyed the slow build of their connection, the ending felt slightly rushed, especially after such a satisfying setup. A little more time spent enjoying them as a couple would have made the story even stronger for me. Still, it managed to leave me with a smile and content.
Overall, the story is undeniably sweet. This is a perfect read for fans of international love stories, slow burns, and a touch of spice. If you’re looking for a quick escape with a meaningful story, this one’s worth checking out!
Thank you to Netgalley and Mills & Boon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DamixReads
Spice Level: 🌶️
DamixReads Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Would I recommend to a friend: 📖📖📖
August 24, 2025
This book tells the story of Mara Barretto, a floral designer who feels the weight of her family’s expectations as she remains single during her sister’s wedding. At the lively celebration, she meets Jay Montinola, a charming guest known for a peculiar reputation—every woman he kisses supposedly finds her true love soon after. When Mara impulsively kisses him, she expects nothing more than a fleeting moment, but the act sparks curiosity, gossip, and an undeniable connection between them.
As Mara and Jay navigate the aftermath of their kiss, what begins as a playful encounter turns into a slow, heartfelt unfolding of feelings. Their growing bond is surrounded by the warmth of family gatherings, the vibrancy of Filipino traditions, and the subtle pressures of love and expectation. Jay proves to be more than his reputation, and Mara discovers that opening herself to love can be both vulnerable and liberating.
Overall, it is story blends humor, tenderness, and cultural richness, leading to an ending that, while swift, captures the joy of unexpected romance and the courage it takes to embrace it.
As Mara and Jay navigate the aftermath of their kiss, what begins as a playful encounter turns into a slow, heartfelt unfolding of feelings. Their growing bond is surrounded by the warmth of family gatherings, the vibrancy of Filipino traditions, and the subtle pressures of love and expectation. Jay proves to be more than his reputation, and Mara discovers that opening herself to love can be both vulnerable and liberating.
Overall, it is story blends humor, tenderness, and cultural richness, leading to an ending that, while swift, captures the joy of unexpected romance and the courage it takes to embrace it.
June 28, 2025
Totally enjoyed this books, and I prbly need to go look up the movie the author said it was inspired by. The concept of the book was really fun and well executed. Jay and Mara were were funny and sweet as they maneuvered this dynamic of her wanting him to be her first time and this supposed kiss curse of his.
I've been reading Carla's self published books for years now so I've familiarized myself with certain aspects of Filipino culture through her work and that of other romance class authors. But it's always exciting to learn more!
Jay, my guy, was so gone for Mara and I love a man who falls first and wonders what the hell is happening to him lol, especially one who doesn't believe so much in this thing called love. There there my poor man, just give in!
The chemistry of these two was also chef's kiss so when they finally get a bit more intimate I'd say it's worth the wait!
I've been reading Carla's self published books for years now so I've familiarized myself with certain aspects of Filipino culture through her work and that of other romance class authors. But it's always exciting to learn more!
Jay, my guy, was so gone for Mara and I love a man who falls first and wonders what the hell is happening to him lol, especially one who doesn't believe so much in this thing called love. There there my poor man, just give in!
The chemistry of these two was also chef's kiss so when they finally get a bit more intimate I'd say it's worth the wait!
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