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Between Then and Now
Bonita Santiago has just graduated from college and is embarking on her career as a film producer. To earn respect at work, she must create a compelling short documentary on a topic she finds meaningful.
When Bon discovers that her neighbor and longtime friend, Ryan Miller, is about to join a post-pandemic medical mission in Batanes as a new doctor, she sees an opportunity and convinces him to let her document his journey. Initially hesitant and usually grumpy, Ryan agrees on one Bon–being the extroverted, bubbly, optimistic social butterfly that she is–must help him ask out the girl he’s been infatuated with since med school.
As they dive into practice dates and pickup line rehearsals, Bon and Ryan navigate the complexities of their friendship and uncover deeper feelings that could change everything.
When Bon discovers that her neighbor and longtime friend, Ryan Miller, is about to join a post-pandemic medical mission in Batanes as a new doctor, she sees an opportunity and convinces him to let her document his journey. Initially hesitant and usually grumpy, Ryan agrees on one Bon–being the extroverted, bubbly, optimistic social butterfly that she is–must help him ask out the girl he’s been infatuated with since med school.
As they dive into practice dates and pickup line rehearsals, Bon and Ryan navigate the complexities of their friendship and uncover deeper feelings that could change everything.
315 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2024
56 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Kyra Ysabel
3 books89 followersInstagram: @kyraysabelwrites
I'm honestly just a hopeless romantic who loves to write and puts my book/s out there for the world to see!
My novels have 3 things: Filipino representation, low-conflict plots (because life is enough to make us anxious), and a writing style that’s equal parts humor and heart.
I'm honestly just a hopeless romantic who loves to write and puts my book/s out there for the world to see!
My novels have 3 things: Filipino representation, low-conflict plots (because life is enough to make us anxious), and a writing style that’s equal parts humor and heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 12, 2025
˙₊➴ ꒰ 3-stars★ ꒱ ꒷⊹࣪˖
BonBon, an ambitious but struggling film producer, is desperate for her big break. And when her longtime friend Ryan, a reserved and driven doctor, volunteers for a month-long medical mission at Batanes, BonBon sees an opportunity: not just to capture the beauty of the island and its people through her lens, but also to finally create a meaningful documentary that could launch her career.
There’s just one catch. Ryan only agrees to let her tag along if she helps him ask out Alex. As BonBon coaches Ryan, their dynamic starts to shift. Amidst the scenic landscapes, local events, and late night heart-to-hearts, the boundaries between their friendship begin to blur. Now BonBon faces a new dilemma: will she help Ryan win Alex’s heart, or will she realize she’s falling for him herself?
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Characters
⟡ Bonita “Bon” Santiago - BonBon is a film producer stuck juggling errands instead of diving into exciting new film projects. She is, as she calls herself “a caffeinated golden retriever” and honestly, that’s such a perfect fit. BonBon is literally sunshine incarnate, bursting with radiant energy and vibrant colors (both in personality and her wardrobe) wherever she goes.
⟡ Ryan “Ry” Miller - is a doctor, often nicknamed “Mr. Grump” because he prefers a quiet, orderly life and values his peace and downtime. But underneath that serious exterior is just an introverted guy waiting for the right moment to let loose and show off his humor and goofy side.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Thoughts
If you’ve been here a while (if not hi! Welcome to my usual reads and reviews!) I’m not one to dive into contemp romance, but after following Kyra’s author journey on insta and tiktok, I really wanted to support her (✨support PH authors, yippie🇵🇭✨)! So when I heard she was releasing her third book, I jumped at the chance to grab an arc. Lo and behold, I got it! So now I wanted to binge the first two books in the series before starting the arc, and here I am starting the first one.😋
‧˚ ꒰ 📸 ꒱ plot & writing ₊˚⋆
Between Then and Now is part of an interconnected series called the Magnolia Heights, a tight-knit town in the Philippines where a group of lifelong friends share unbreakable bonds, making them basically all feel like family. While the story gradually introduces us to the whole friend group, this book focuses on BonBon and Ry, friends who’ve known each other a little too well.
As they embark on their journey to Batanes for Ryan’s medical mission, BonBon documents their experience through her camera lens, capturing more than just the island’s beauty. But between helping out, soaking in the island view, and tutoring Ry to swoop Alex off her feet, things start to shift. Suddenly, it’s not just the scenery that’s breathtaking. Feelings get complicated, and the line between friendship and something more gets blurrier by the day.
Kyra Ysabel’s writing is super easy to read, but still really vivid. She made Batanes feel so alive by showing off its culture and history in such a natural way. But what really got me, though, was how well she captured emotions so real and relatable. There were moments where I’d stop and think, “Wait, that’s exactly how I feel,” like she took the words right out of my head.💯
‧˚ ꒰ ⛅ ꒱ characters & romance ₊˚⋆
This was a friends-to-lovers story, and while I’m usually more of an enemies-to-lovers kinda girly, there was just something about BonBon and Ryan that completely won me over. Despite being total opposites, they just work and in the best, most entertaining way. Their back-and-forth, teasing, and chaotic energy had me hooked from the start, and watching their dynamic unfold was such a fun ride! I absolutely love BonBon as a character, as her energy practically shines through every page. But Ryan? He totally amps it up. They were adorable together from the start, like a love story just waiting to happen. Honestly, their connection was so natural and endearing. And don’t even get me started on Ryan’s love and respect for BonBon grrrr it melted my heart! I loved him sooo muchhhhh!😩💗
‧˚ ꒰ 🌊 ꒱ final thoughts ₊˚⋆
This was such a fluffy, feel-good, and surprisingly heartfelt read that also doesn’t shy away from exploring internal struggles and doubts, but still manages to keep things light and comforting. Starting this, I was scared that I might not fully connect with the characters and story, as I usually read more dark and heavy books, but surprise surprise I ended up giggling and kicking my feet over every BonBon and Ryan moment! 3 radiant shining stars! I enjoyed and had such a good time reading this, and I can’t wait to see what happens next to this group of friends (I'm looking at you Em and Josh 👀)!
╴⊹ꮺ˚╴Magnolia Heights💐 ╴⊹˚ ╴
⟢ between then and now🌻 ꒰ 3✩ ꒱
⟢ between here and there🌹 ꒰ 3.5✩ ꒱
⟢ between love and war🪻 ꒰ 3✩ ꒱
╴ ⟢・⸝⸝ Overall rating ~ 3 stars ☆ .ᐟ ╴
彡🔖 Also made a review post on booksta! You can check it out ⤳ here ♡.ᐟ
˚₊ ⟢┊pre-read 🖇️┊⊹࣪⋆
I've been wanting to start this series for a while, and getting the arc for the third book just gave me the drive to read them all hihii! 💌✨
❝ Life is a reality TV show, Ryan. And we’re about to make your love story the season finale. ❞
BonBon, an ambitious but struggling film producer, is desperate for her big break. And when her longtime friend Ryan, a reserved and driven doctor, volunteers for a month-long medical mission at Batanes, BonBon sees an opportunity: not just to capture the beauty of the island and its people through her lens, but also to finally create a meaningful documentary that could launch her career.
There’s just one catch. Ryan only agrees to let her tag along if she helps him ask out Alex. As BonBon coaches Ryan, their dynamic starts to shift. Amidst the scenic landscapes, local events, and late night heart-to-hearts, the boundaries between their friendship begin to blur. Now BonBon faces a new dilemma: will she help Ryan win Alex’s heart, or will she realize she’s falling for him herself?
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Characters
⟡ Bonita “Bon” Santiago - BonBon is a film producer stuck juggling errands instead of diving into exciting new film projects. She is, as she calls herself “a caffeinated golden retriever” and honestly, that’s such a perfect fit. BonBon is literally sunshine incarnate, bursting with radiant energy and vibrant colors (both in personality and her wardrobe) wherever she goes.
⟡ Ryan “Ry” Miller - is a doctor, often nicknamed “Mr. Grump” because he prefers a quiet, orderly life and values his peace and downtime. But underneath that serious exterior is just an introverted guy waiting for the right moment to let loose and show off his humor and goofy side.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Thoughts
If you’ve been here a while (if not hi! Welcome to my usual reads and reviews!) I’m not one to dive into contemp romance, but after following Kyra’s author journey on insta and tiktok, I really wanted to support her (✨support PH authors, yippie🇵🇭✨)! So when I heard she was releasing her third book, I jumped at the chance to grab an arc. Lo and behold, I got it! So now I wanted to binge the first two books in the series before starting the arc, and here I am starting the first one.😋
‧˚ ꒰ 📸 ꒱ plot & writing ₊˚⋆
❝ They say the line between love and friendship is thin, but what happens when the line, from the way I see it, isn’t just thin? It isn’t even blurred. The line’s just… gone. ❞
Between Then and Now is part of an interconnected series called the Magnolia Heights, a tight-knit town in the Philippines where a group of lifelong friends share unbreakable bonds, making them basically all feel like family. While the story gradually introduces us to the whole friend group, this book focuses on BonBon and Ry, friends who’ve known each other a little too well.
As they embark on their journey to Batanes for Ryan’s medical mission, BonBon documents their experience through her camera lens, capturing more than just the island’s beauty. But between helping out, soaking in the island view, and tutoring Ry to swoop Alex off her feet, things start to shift. Suddenly, it’s not just the scenery that’s breathtaking. Feelings get complicated, and the line between friendship and something more gets blurrier by the day.
Kyra Ysabel’s writing is super easy to read, but still really vivid. She made Batanes feel so alive by showing off its culture and history in such a natural way. But what really got me, though, was how well she captured emotions so real and relatable. There were moments where I’d stop and think, “Wait, that’s exactly how I feel,” like she took the words right out of my head.💯
‧˚ ꒰ ⛅ ꒱ characters & romance ₊˚⋆
❝ I braved angry ocean waves for you, what’s a few kilometers on land? ❞
This was a friends-to-lovers story, and while I’m usually more of an enemies-to-lovers kinda girly, there was just something about BonBon and Ryan that completely won me over. Despite being total opposites, they just work and in the best, most entertaining way. Their back-and-forth, teasing, and chaotic energy had me hooked from the start, and watching their dynamic unfold was such a fun ride! I absolutely love BonBon as a character, as her energy practically shines through every page. But Ryan? He totally amps it up. They were adorable together from the start, like a love story just waiting to happen. Honestly, their connection was so natural and endearing. And don’t even get me started on Ryan’s love and respect for BonBon grrrr it melted my heart! I loved him sooo muchhhhh!😩💗
‧˚ ꒰ 🌊 ꒱ final thoughts ₊˚⋆
❝ You say you’re not enough. You say you’re too much. But you’ve always been just perfect for me, Bon. Even back when you were only my friend, there’s nothing I’d change about you. ❞
This was such a fluffy, feel-good, and surprisingly heartfelt read that also doesn’t shy away from exploring internal struggles and doubts, but still manages to keep things light and comforting. Starting this, I was scared that I might not fully connect with the characters and story, as I usually read more dark and heavy books, but surprise surprise I ended up giggling and kicking my feet over every BonBon and Ryan moment! 3 radiant shining stars! I enjoyed and had such a good time reading this, and I can’t wait to see what happens next to this group of friends (I'm looking at you Em and Josh 👀)!
╴⊹ꮺ˚╴Magnolia Heights💐 ╴⊹˚ ╴
⟢ between then and now🌻 ꒰ 3✩ ꒱
⟢ between here and there🌹 ꒰ 3.5✩ ꒱
⟢ between love and war🪻 ꒰ 3✩ ꒱
╴ ⟢・⸝⸝ Overall rating ~ 3 stars ☆ .ᐟ ╴
彡🔖 Also made a review post on booksta! You can check it out ⤳ here ♡.ᐟ
˚₊ ⟢┊pre-read 🖇️┊⊹࣪⋆
I've been wanting to start this series for a while, and getting the arc for the third book just gave me the drive to read them all hihii! 💌✨
September 12, 2025
It’s been so long since I’ve read a book by a Filipino author! I recently received an ARC of Between Love and War (thank you, Kyra 💕), and before diving in, I decided to read the first two books in the series to get to know the characters better—and that was such a good decision. I absolutely loved Bonbon and Ryan’s story, how their friendship slowly bloomed into something more. Grabe, I was so kilig while reading—it honestly felt like I was watching a K-drama!
I also love how this book transported me to Batanes. I really felt like I was there… and I wish I was there. Oh Batanes, you beautiful. 🌊⛰️✨
The story was light, touching, and comforting, with little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to continue with the next books in the series. If you’re a fan of Lynn Painter’s Better Than the Movies or Christina Lauren’s Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating, then you’ll definitely love this one too.
I also love how this book transported me to Batanes. I really felt like I was there… and I wish I was there. Oh Batanes, you beautiful. 🌊⛰️✨
The story was light, touching, and comforting, with little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to continue with the next books in the series. If you’re a fan of Lynn Painter’s Better Than the Movies or Christina Lauren’s Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating, then you’ll definitely love this one too.
July 13, 2025
I should have waited for my vacation to read this. It's comfy, it's sweet and it's realistic. AND, it's in my dream destination - Batanes. Friends to lovers troupe but the story was not rushed.
April 12, 2025
will update this review once I finalized my content but if you’re looking for a Filipino romance novel that can easily compete with the likes of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, then you should definitely pick up this book. 4.5stars!!!
November 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
It was a fun, feel-good read. The world-building was a bit longer than I expected, and I found myself skimming through some parts to get to the good stuff. While a few sections could've been shorter, the cultural details, like the Kulay Festival and Filipino food references, were such a cool touch—they made me wish I could experience those traditions.
The romance was sweet, with a good mix of friends-to-lovers and "he fell first" vibes. Bon and Ryan were super easy to root for, and their moments together kept me hooked. The dialogue between the characters felt so natural, which made it even more enjoyable. There were just a few times, especially when they weren't together, that I wanted to skip ahead.
Big cheers to the author for this debut!
It was a fun, feel-good read. The world-building was a bit longer than I expected, and I found myself skimming through some parts to get to the good stuff. While a few sections could've been shorter, the cultural details, like the Kulay Festival and Filipino food references, were such a cool touch—they made me wish I could experience those traditions.
The romance was sweet, with a good mix of friends-to-lovers and "he fell first" vibes. Bon and Ryan were super easy to root for, and their moments together kept me hooked. The dialogue between the characters felt so natural, which made it even more enjoyable. There were just a few times, especially when they weren't together, that I wanted to skip ahead.
Big cheers to the author for this debut!
December 9, 2024
My 1st ever e-arc 🫶🏻 3.5 stars 🌟
So so happy that my first arc is from a Filipina author. I’ve been wanting to explore Filipino contemporary romance and I’m so happy I stumbled upon this author on Instagram 🥹
This story will forever hold a place in my heart. It has that feel-good fluffy vibe that I got when I was reading Better than the Movies by Lyn Painter. Lighthearted and fun to see all the Filipino references 🙂↕️
Def would recommend to anyone wanting a Philippine setting, grumpy x sunshine, friends-to-lovers romance 🥰
So so happy that my first arc is from a Filipina author. I’ve been wanting to explore Filipino contemporary romance and I’m so happy I stumbled upon this author on Instagram 🥹
This story will forever hold a place in my heart. It has that feel-good fluffy vibe that I got when I was reading Better than the Movies by Lyn Painter. Lighthearted and fun to see all the Filipino references 🙂↕️
Def would recommend to anyone wanting a Philippine setting, grumpy x sunshine, friends-to-lovers romance 🥰
September 17, 2024
First of all, I would like to thank Ms. Kyra for giving me an opportunity to have a copy of the e-ARC of her debut novel. I would like to congratulate her in advance for it too. It's the first romance novel that I was able to rate 5 stars this year so from my end, she really did a great job.
I don't want to give out some sort of a summary for this review but for those who wants to read it, this one is a wholesome reads. The author was never graphic on some sensitive scenes. It gives out 2012 Wattpad vibes. It doesn't stress me that much except for the part before the finale but it's bearable.
I made a review of the first 3 chapters of this book before while I'm in a bad mood and reading this one as a whole while I'm in a better mood made a lot of difference.
This book is about adults with a teen vibe love story which makes you feel different emotions like you're also falling in love with. I like the book though it has dual POV. It wasn't confusing. It doesn't unnecessarily repeat scenes just because it changed POV.
For those people who liked romance and wasn't necessarily looking for spice, this is a must read. It is light and easy to read.
I don't want to give out some sort of a summary for this review but for those who wants to read it, this one is a wholesome reads. The author was never graphic on some sensitive scenes. It gives out 2012 Wattpad vibes. It doesn't stress me that much except for the part before the finale but it's bearable.
I made a review of the first 3 chapters of this book before while I'm in a bad mood and reading this one as a whole while I'm in a better mood made a lot of difference.
This book is about adults with a teen vibe love story which makes you feel different emotions like you're also falling in love with. I like the book though it has dual POV. It wasn't confusing. It doesn't unnecessarily repeat scenes just because it changed POV.
For those people who liked romance and wasn't necessarily looking for spice, this is a must read. It is light and easy to read.
January 12, 2025
honestly speaking, i am not the biggest fan of the main storyline of this book—i found so many red flag actions of the mmc as well as the fmc, however, combining them together feels like "oh okay, it's their world, they just mind their own business, don't disturb them LOL" HAHAHAHAH
the story is very interesting if you're like interested in semi-issue type of love story (HAHAHHAHAHA) i kept going bc i really wanted to know what will happen between alexa and ryan, amd then bon 😂 (TOO BAD THE AUTHOR DIDN'T MAKE THE ISSUE WORSE AJHSKAJAHUWJ IM HERE FOR THE DRAMA 👀 XD)
what made me gave this a 4 ⭐ bc the ending was satisfactory, everything went well and well-written. it didn't leave any cliffhangers AND I LOVE THE ENERGY THAT THEY JUST DGAF AFTER EVERYTHING WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM HAHAHAHA
the story is very interesting if you're like interested in semi-issue type of love story (HAHAHHAHAHA) i kept going bc i really wanted to know what will happen between alexa and ryan, amd then bon 😂 (TOO BAD THE AUTHOR DIDN'T MAKE THE ISSUE WORSE AJHSKAJAHUWJ IM HERE FOR THE DRAMA 👀 XD)
what made me gave this a 4 ⭐ bc the ending was satisfactory, everything went well and well-written. it didn't leave any cliffhangers AND I LOVE THE ENERGY THAT THEY JUST DGAF AFTER EVERYTHING WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM HAHAHAHA
September 29, 2024
I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK.
This book is truly well-written. I love how adept the author chose her words and it really has affected me as a person.
I also adore Bonbon in pursuing not just her career but also her dream. I love her idea on how to make that documentary as her redemption.
I will never get over with Ryan Miller. He’s such a dream. 😭
I fell in love with not just Bon and Ryan, but also the beauty of Batanes. I really want to go to Batanes someday and this book made me feel like I was there.
This book is truly well-written. I love how adept the author chose her words and it really has affected me as a person.
I also adore Bonbon in pursuing not just her career but also her dream. I love her idea on how to make that documentary as her redemption.
I will never get over with Ryan Miller. He’s such a dream. 😭
I fell in love with not just Bon and Ryan, but also the beauty of Batanes. I really want to go to Batanes someday and this book made me feel like I was there.
November 9, 2024
What a cute book! The emotional connection with the characters, the way its written and the modern elements thrown into the story had me laughing and smiling! Loved the pov's from the MMC and FMC - the amount of quotes I highlighted in this book because it was so well-written! I can't wait for the other books to come out in this series with the stories of the other characters! 💝
September 25, 2024
"ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴛʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛʏ ᴏꜰ ꜰᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ɪɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ʏᴏᴜ'ᴠᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡɴ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ʟɪꜰᴇ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇɴᴅ."
┈
[ many thanks to the author for sending over an ARC in exchange for an honest review ^^ ]
Romance novels to me are a mixed bag. Sometimes there's nothing to them but vibes—which is completely fine. Other times, they pack a stronger punch. Knowing this is a debut novel, I expected the former: lively atmosphere befitting the beauty of Batanes, silly hijinks, and not much else. I would've been completely happy with that. But there actually was time taken to delve into Filipino culture, complex family dynamics, overcoming fear to chase your dreams, and what it truly means to be vulnerable.
It is a little trope-y, with a few scenes unrealistic enough to break immersion, and exposition was a bit redundant at the start. There's so much to like, though. The writing reads like a movie, down to the b-rolls. Both leads have distinct narrative voices, personal goals, and strong support systems. The rest of the cast are also fleshed out and as colorful as the setting. I could go on.
It's equal parts fun and compelling, and I think it'll resonate well with a lot of other 20-somethings on a quest for connection, acceptance, and a mark to leave the world with.
┈
[ many thanks to the author for sending over an ARC in exchange for an honest review ^^ ]
Romance novels to me are a mixed bag. Sometimes there's nothing to them but vibes—which is completely fine. Other times, they pack a stronger punch. Knowing this is a debut novel, I expected the former: lively atmosphere befitting the beauty of Batanes, silly hijinks, and not much else. I would've been completely happy with that. But there actually was time taken to delve into Filipino culture, complex family dynamics, overcoming fear to chase your dreams, and what it truly means to be vulnerable.
It is a little trope-y, with a few scenes unrealistic enough to break immersion, and exposition was a bit redundant at the start. There's so much to like, though. The writing reads like a movie, down to the b-rolls. Both leads have distinct narrative voices, personal goals, and strong support systems. The rest of the cast are also fleshed out and as colorful as the setting. I could go on.
It's equal parts fun and compelling, and I think it'll resonate well with a lot of other 20-somethings on a quest for connection, acceptance, and a mark to leave the world with.
January 14, 2025
After reading too many fantasy books, reading this book was refreshing. It's one of those feel good books and it was a fun read. This book made me smile and I just can't put it down.
October 23, 2024
"I think that's the beauty of falling in love with someone you've known your whole life. You don't have to pretend."
《 Blurb 》
"Between Then and Now" is a contemporary romance, friends to lovers, romantic comedy debut novel by Kyra Ysabel wherein we will follow Bon Santiago, an aspiring film producer and Ryan Miller, a doctor. To earn respect at work, Bon needs to create a meaningful short documentary. So when she discovered that her childhood friend, Ryan, is about to join a medical mission in Batanes together with his collegues, Bon took it as an opportunity and convince Ryan to document their journey. Ryan agreed in the condition that Bon will help him ask out his crush since med school.
But as they delve into practice dates, deeper feelings were uncover that could ruin or deepen for relationship to the next level.
《 Thoughts 》
I loved that it's fast paced and the story is light and somehow cozy. Also, the characters are interesting, relatable, and feel so real. As an overthinker, I can relate with Bon because there are times that I isolate myself to think things thoroughly. In this novel, I loved how Ryan is respectful and give Bon the space that she need instead of pushing and rushing things.
Overall, this a very adorable debut novel and will be officially available on October 25, 2024. I can't wait to read the 2nd book that will revolve around Emily!
Huge thanks to @kyraysabelwrites for the ARC. I received an ARC of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
《 Blurb 》
"Between Then and Now" is a contemporary romance, friends to lovers, romantic comedy debut novel by Kyra Ysabel wherein we will follow Bon Santiago, an aspiring film producer and Ryan Miller, a doctor. To earn respect at work, Bon needs to create a meaningful short documentary. So when she discovered that her childhood friend, Ryan, is about to join a medical mission in Batanes together with his collegues, Bon took it as an opportunity and convince Ryan to document their journey. Ryan agreed in the condition that Bon will help him ask out his crush since med school.
But as they delve into practice dates, deeper feelings were uncover that could ruin or deepen for relationship to the next level.
《 Thoughts 》
I loved that it's fast paced and the story is light and somehow cozy. Also, the characters are interesting, relatable, and feel so real. As an overthinker, I can relate with Bon because there are times that I isolate myself to think things thoroughly. In this novel, I loved how Ryan is respectful and give Bon the space that she need instead of pushing and rushing things.
Overall, this a very adorable debut novel and will be officially available on October 25, 2024. I can't wait to read the 2nd book that will revolve around Emily!
Huge thanks to @kyraysabelwrites for the ARC. I received an ARC of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2025
This is such a light and fun read!
I intentionally waited until February to dive into this book so that all my romance reads would be in the spirit of the month of love. I’m so glad I did! This is such a cute and wholesome story. It might be too cheesy at times, but it blends well with the overall narrative.
If you're in the mood for something easy to read with minimal conflict, this is perfect. There were moments when I wanted to shake the two MCs and tell them to stop overthinking it and to just go for it already! And then maybe push them together for a kiss. But the slow burn was definitely worth it in the end!
Bonus: This is the debut novel of a Filipina author, which makes it even more exciting. Yay!
I intentionally waited until February to dive into this book so that all my romance reads would be in the spirit of the month of love. I’m so glad I did! This is such a cute and wholesome story. It might be too cheesy at times, but it blends well with the overall narrative.
If you're in the mood for something easy to read with minimal conflict, this is perfect. There were moments when I wanted to shake the two MCs and tell them to stop overthinking it and to just go for it already! And then maybe push them together for a kiss. But the slow burn was definitely worth it in the end!
Bonus: This is the debut novel of a Filipina author, which makes it even more exciting. Yay!
January 21, 2025
reading contemporary romance by a filipino author is a palette cleanser! i love that i'm able to relate to the references sprinkled throughout the book.
this one was made for the overthinker girlies and i am all for it 😭 if you're all for the friends to lovers, introvert/extrovert, forced proximity, and shared bedroom tropes then you've found your match.
going through the pages was an easy breezy walk in the park, and the banter was so fun 😭 WHEW this was a fun time 💜 thank you for the ARC!
this one was made for the overthinker girlies and i am all for it 😭 if you're all for the friends to lovers, introvert/extrovert, forced proximity, and shared bedroom tropes then you've found your match.
going through the pages was an easy breezy walk in the park, and the banter was so fun 😭 WHEW this was a fun time 💜 thank you for the ARC!
February 21, 2025
"And I think that's the beauty of falling in love with someone you've known your whole life. You don't have to pretend. You don't have to hide."
Where do I even begin with?!!! This was the most wholesome and cozy romance I've read in a while and I absolutely love how this book made me feel seen & loved. I was able to relate to the characters and understand the inner struggles that they went through, and was also shouting at them to finally confess their feelings to one another cuz I just couldn't wait!!! That's because I'm usually not a fan of friends to lovers trope but it was done so well here, and the slowburn and yearning was so worth the wait!
Read if you love
- Filipino culture & setting
- friends to lovers
- small town
- grumpy x sunshine
- chaotic FMC x composed MMC
- easy banter (witty too)
- SLOWBURN!!!
Writing
I think I might already be a fan of Kyra's writing style cuz she just gets it, you know?!! The struggles of being in your 20s and rethinking your career choices and wanting to solidify your career are exactly what goes through our minds, and she perfectly captured those conflicting feelings through the character of Bon. Not only that, I also found myself laughing and giggling at the banter between Bon & Ryan which made me realise that I share the same kind of humor as the author cuz the Twilight, Friends, & so many other references worked so well for me and I found them to be extremely witty as well. She really has a way of making you connect & root for the characters and I truly loved that.
Characters
Bonita exudes warmth and comfort that she makes everyone feel accustomed to her within just a few mins of having a conversation with her. That easy nature of her & her bubbly character truly stands out in the novel. She does go through a phase of self doubt and feels insecure about what others would feel if they get to know her lows as well, and that they might abandon her if she isn't her usual bubbly self. While this aspect felt repetitive & might even make some people hate her, it did the exact opposite for me cuz I truly related to her and understood where these conflicting feelings came from. As someone who's been judged and abandoned a lot for having a chronic illness, I can really understand how devastating it is to let people see your vulnerability lest it scare them off, and it really impacts the way we present ourselves to the world & to even the people we truly care about. So I was extremely moved when the author conveyed the message that it's okay to be vulnerable and that it's okay to show it to the people you love cuz if they truly care, they wouldn't feel you to be too much or too little but JUST RIGHT!!!! it's because of this thoughtful message and the journey of Bonbon in discovering her self worth & learning to truly be herself that I realised I've fallen for the author's writing style & that I've found the self that I lost among these pages too!
Ryan, on the other hand, is the complete opposite and is so introverted & grumpy to everyone who doesn't know him but he's the exact opposite to Bon cuz he truly feels seen by her and not judged for his social anxiety or anything else. And I found him to be extremely adorable and endearing in his initial attempts to woo the girl he has a crush on cuz I was laughing out loud at his age old pickup lines and his awkwardness (I know I shouldn't but I can't help it🤭🤣) Also you cannot help but fall for his thoughtful & considerate nature as well cuz the things that he does for Bon, that's TRUE LOVE indeed🥺🤌🏻✨
But it takes so long for these two to realise that they actually like one another!!!! As a kdrama girly who waits till episode 10 to even see them hold hands, I was extremely satisfied with the way the plot & their romance blossomed but if you're someone who hates slowburn (the slowest of the slowburn fr!!), you have to steer clear of this one. But like me, if you can wait & savour all the yearning and pining and the insides melting sweet moments that finally leads to the realisation that they've crossed the borders of friendship and has stepped into a new territory that might lead to even more tension between em, you absolutely have to read this!!🙂↕️
Now I cannot wait to read Emily's story cuz the friendship of these four girls are so precious and I was even a bit jelly about the intense bond that they share between em!!
Overall, if you loved the cozy, small town, close knit community vibes in the kdramas, Hometown cha cha cha, or, Love Next Door, you absolutely have to pick this up!!!
Where do I even begin with?!!! This was the most wholesome and cozy romance I've read in a while and I absolutely love how this book made me feel seen & loved. I was able to relate to the characters and understand the inner struggles that they went through, and was also shouting at them to finally confess their feelings to one another cuz I just couldn't wait!!! That's because I'm usually not a fan of friends to lovers trope but it was done so well here, and the slowburn and yearning was so worth the wait!
Read if you love
- Filipino culture & setting
- friends to lovers
- small town
- grumpy x sunshine
- chaotic FMC x composed MMC
- easy banter (witty too)
- SLOWBURN!!!
Writing
I think I might already be a fan of Kyra's writing style cuz she just gets it, you know?!! The struggles of being in your 20s and rethinking your career choices and wanting to solidify your career are exactly what goes through our minds, and she perfectly captured those conflicting feelings through the character of Bon. Not only that, I also found myself laughing and giggling at the banter between Bon & Ryan which made me realise that I share the same kind of humor as the author cuz the Twilight, Friends, & so many other references worked so well for me and I found them to be extremely witty as well. She really has a way of making you connect & root for the characters and I truly loved that.
Characters
Bonita exudes warmth and comfort that she makes everyone feel accustomed to her within just a few mins of having a conversation with her. That easy nature of her & her bubbly character truly stands out in the novel. She does go through a phase of self doubt and feels insecure about what others would feel if they get to know her lows as well, and that they might abandon her if she isn't her usual bubbly self. While this aspect felt repetitive & might even make some people hate her, it did the exact opposite for me cuz I truly related to her and understood where these conflicting feelings came from. As someone who's been judged and abandoned a lot for having a chronic illness, I can really understand how devastating it is to let people see your vulnerability lest it scare them off, and it really impacts the way we present ourselves to the world & to even the people we truly care about. So I was extremely moved when the author conveyed the message that it's okay to be vulnerable and that it's okay to show it to the people you love cuz if they truly care, they wouldn't feel you to be too much or too little but JUST RIGHT!!!! it's because of this thoughtful message and the journey of Bonbon in discovering her self worth & learning to truly be herself that I realised I've fallen for the author's writing style & that I've found the self that I lost among these pages too!
Ryan, on the other hand, is the complete opposite and is so introverted & grumpy to everyone who doesn't know him but he's the exact opposite to Bon cuz he truly feels seen by her and not judged for his social anxiety or anything else. And I found him to be extremely adorable and endearing in his initial attempts to woo the girl he has a crush on cuz I was laughing out loud at his age old pickup lines and his awkwardness (I know I shouldn't but I can't help it🤭🤣) Also you cannot help but fall for his thoughtful & considerate nature as well cuz the things that he does for Bon, that's TRUE LOVE indeed🥺🤌🏻✨
But it takes so long for these two to realise that they actually like one another!!!! As a kdrama girly who waits till episode 10 to even see them hold hands, I was extremely satisfied with the way the plot & their romance blossomed but if you're someone who hates slowburn (the slowest of the slowburn fr!!), you have to steer clear of this one. But like me, if you can wait & savour all the yearning and pining and the insides melting sweet moments that finally leads to the realisation that they've crossed the borders of friendship and has stepped into a new territory that might lead to even more tension between em, you absolutely have to read this!!🙂↕️
Now I cannot wait to read Emily's story cuz the friendship of these four girls are so precious and I was even a bit jelly about the intense bond that they share between em!!
Overall, if you loved the cozy, small town, close knit community vibes in the kdramas, Hometown cha cha cha, or, Love Next Door, you absolutely have to pick this up!!!
September 26, 2024
~ ARC REVIEW ~
"Between Then and Now" is a childhood friends to lovers, wholesome, rom-com (debut) novel featuring Bonita Santiago (An aspiring Film producer) and Ryan Miller (A medical doctor) who end up going to Batanes (A Philippines Island) on a Medical Mission.
This story is filled with plenty of banter and references to other medias (Namely Edward Cullen). There's a lot of moments of giggling and kicking my feet over Ryan's words BEHEHE because what's not to love about a man who unknowingly already loved someone so unconditionally?
Despite all the cute moments together including the dating lessons (not a spoiler if its in the blurb), this is a SLOW BURN. S L O W B U R N I tell you.
I love Bonita- I relate to her so much that it honestly hurts to see so much of my own feelings written out in words that helped me understand myself in a way. Part of that might stem from the fact I too am Filipino...
RYAN MILLER THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. He's also the grumpy in the Grumpy x sunshine trope except he isn't a grump to her even if he wants to. He's the type of man to HEAR a joke and imagine if you'd laugh at it.
(SMALL SPOLIER)
One of my favorite little mirco-moments that happened was when Ryan goes on a date with Alexa and they end up getting Italian and his immediate thought went to how Bonita would react to that. Fast forward to Bonito going to the same restaurant with John and GIVING THE SAME REACTION Ryan thought she would have.
The only reason this gets a 4 instead of a 5 is because of how redundant some of the chapters were. At first I was okay with the amount of world building the first 10 chapters took but it also took me so long to get through those because we were still in the exposition. We were still having to learn the base of the story - we learn more backstory as the story progresses but I enjoyed those a lot more with how they were given to us.
"Between Then and Now" is a childhood friends to lovers, wholesome, rom-com (debut) novel featuring Bonita Santiago (An aspiring Film producer) and Ryan Miller (A medical doctor) who end up going to Batanes (A Philippines Island) on a Medical Mission.
This story is filled with plenty of banter and references to other medias (Namely Edward Cullen). There's a lot of moments of giggling and kicking my feet over Ryan's words BEHEHE because what's not to love about a man who unknowingly already loved someone so unconditionally?
Despite all the cute moments together including the dating lessons (not a spoiler if its in the blurb), this is a SLOW BURN. S L O W B U R N I tell you.
I love Bonita- I relate to her so much that it honestly hurts to see so much of my own feelings written out in words that helped me understand myself in a way. Part of that might stem from the fact I too am Filipino...
RYAN MILLER THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. He's also the grumpy in the Grumpy x sunshine trope except he isn't a grump to her even if he wants to. He's the type of man to HEAR a joke and imagine if you'd laugh at it.
(SMALL SPOLIER)
One of my favorite little mirco-moments that happened was when Ryan goes on a date with Alexa and they end up getting Italian and his immediate thought went to how Bonita would react to that. Fast forward to Bonito going to the same restaurant with John and GIVING THE SAME REACTION Ryan thought she would have.
The only reason this gets a 4 instead of a 5 is because of how redundant some of the chapters were. At first I was okay with the amount of world building the first 10 chapters took but it also took me so long to get through those because we were still in the exposition. We were still having to learn the base of the story - we learn more backstory as the story progresses but I enjoyed those a lot more with how they were given to us.
October 23, 2024
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @kyraysabelwrites for an early copy of Between Then and Now. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Release date: October 25th, 2024
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Between Then and Now is a friends-to-lovers romance between Bonita/Bon, a film producer, and Ryan, a resident doctor. They live in Magnolia Heights and have been friends forever, but a medical mission in Batanes changes their dynamic as they realize their romantic feelings for each other.
To those who’ve been following me for a while, ya’ll know I love a good friends-to-lovers romance, and Kyra Ysabel just nails it! Between Then and Now’s story isn’t just a romance novel though. It also highlights empathy with the community in the form of the doctors who joined the medical mission with Ryan and Bon in Batanes, and although only touching on the topic slightly, the book also depicts the struggles of trauma brought about by drowning at sea. Despite those sensitive topics, this novel was a light and easy read with very relatable and adorable characters.
Bon is an energetic woman despite her neglected upbringing, while Ryan is the serious and awkward type kind of man, and I just loved how these two brought about the best in each other. Ryan became more in the present and has come out of his comfort zone, whereas Bon became more in touch with her feelings and has accepted that despite her flaws, Ryan would always be there and love her for all that she is. It was a delight seeing them fall for each other on the island I look forward to visiting in the future! I swear this novel’s ending was just too sweet and heartwarming 😍.
Cheers to the author for such a wonderful debut novel! I can’t wait to read her upcoming books!
Thank you @kyraysabelwrites for an early copy of Between Then and Now. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Release date: October 25th, 2024
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Between Then and Now is a friends-to-lovers romance between Bonita/Bon, a film producer, and Ryan, a resident doctor. They live in Magnolia Heights and have been friends forever, but a medical mission in Batanes changes their dynamic as they realize their romantic feelings for each other.
To those who’ve been following me for a while, ya’ll know I love a good friends-to-lovers romance, and Kyra Ysabel just nails it! Between Then and Now’s story isn’t just a romance novel though. It also highlights empathy with the community in the form of the doctors who joined the medical mission with Ryan and Bon in Batanes, and although only touching on the topic slightly, the book also depicts the struggles of trauma brought about by drowning at sea. Despite those sensitive topics, this novel was a light and easy read with very relatable and adorable characters.
Bon is an energetic woman despite her neglected upbringing, while Ryan is the serious and awkward type kind of man, and I just loved how these two brought about the best in each other. Ryan became more in the present and has come out of his comfort zone, whereas Bon became more in touch with her feelings and has accepted that despite her flaws, Ryan would always be there and love her for all that she is. It was a delight seeing them fall for each other on the island I look forward to visiting in the future! I swear this novel’s ending was just too sweet and heartwarming 😍.
Cheers to the author for such a wonderful debut novel! I can’t wait to read her upcoming books!
March 14, 2025
Between Then and Now by Kyra Ysabel was such a heartwarming experience. The characters, Bon and Ryan, felt incredibly real, and their journey from friends to something more was gradual and natural, making it all the more heartfelt. There was no rush in their romance, which helped me truly connect with them and their story.
Right from the start, I couldn’t stop giggling. Bon and Ryan’s connection is infectious, and their chemistry is so natural and heartwarming that it’s impossible not to be swept up in it. But what really captivated me was how Magnolia Heights was brought to life. Its welcoming atmosphere made it feel like a place where you’d want to live and become a part of the community. I also loved the bond Bon and Ryan share with their group of friends, especially Bon’s best friends. It’s the kind of genuine, unwavering friendship everyone hopes for, one that stays strong through thick and thin, supporting you no matter what. It’s the kind of connection that lasts a lifetime, much like the deepening relationship between Bon and Ryan.
One of my favorite parts was how the book transported me straight to Batanes, a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting. The descriptions were so vivid and detailed that I could almost feel the breeze and see the stunning landscapes. Kyra really brought the place to life, and it felt like I was there with Bon and Ryan, experiencing the beauty and serenity of the islands. It was like a mini vacation, right through the pages.
Overall, I absolutely loved the book! The story flowed beautifully, and by the end, everything came together in a way that made it even more satisfying. I’m still on a high from Bon and Ryan’s love story. It’s such a beautiful reminder that love isn’t about finding the perfect person, but about choosing to be together despite each other’s flaws. And that sometimes the best love stories are the ones that take their time. ♡
Right from the start, I couldn’t stop giggling. Bon and Ryan’s connection is infectious, and their chemistry is so natural and heartwarming that it’s impossible not to be swept up in it. But what really captivated me was how Magnolia Heights was brought to life. Its welcoming atmosphere made it feel like a place where you’d want to live and become a part of the community. I also loved the bond Bon and Ryan share with their group of friends, especially Bon’s best friends. It’s the kind of genuine, unwavering friendship everyone hopes for, one that stays strong through thick and thin, supporting you no matter what. It’s the kind of connection that lasts a lifetime, much like the deepening relationship between Bon and Ryan.
One of my favorite parts was how the book transported me straight to Batanes, a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting. The descriptions were so vivid and detailed that I could almost feel the breeze and see the stunning landscapes. Kyra really brought the place to life, and it felt like I was there with Bon and Ryan, experiencing the beauty and serenity of the islands. It was like a mini vacation, right through the pages.
Overall, I absolutely loved the book! The story flowed beautifully, and by the end, everything came together in a way that made it even more satisfying. I’m still on a high from Bon and Ryan’s love story. It’s such a beautiful reminder that love isn’t about finding the perfect person, but about choosing to be together despite each other’s flaws. And that sometimes the best love stories are the ones that take their time. ♡
August 1, 2025
This is just the perfect book for a rainy day while you enjoy a hot cup of ☕. It was cozy and super kilig!🤭🥰
To be honest, I'm always hesitant to dive into books with the friends-to-lovers trope. I just find it exhausting to watch two cowards pine for each other for sooo long. Like just frkn make a move already, dude!! Ughh!😮💨
Thankfully, this book was different. This was a FRIENDS-to-lovers trope done right, babyyy! The pacing may come off as slow for some people but I'm a sucker for slowburns so I frkn ate this one up! Also, it was slow because Ryan and Bon were genuinely and a hundred percent JUST. FRIENDS. And I loooved it!💛
I loved how their friendship was showcased here and how the readers get to witness that friendship blossom into something more. Uggh! So satisfying!🤌 The fact that they were the only ones unaware of how much chemistry they have with each other was crazy good! They have super funny banters and I loved the grumpy x sunshine dynamics!🫠
And I liked Bon. I related to her in sooo many ways that when she started peeling off her layers, when her fears and insecurities started to eat her up, it almost felt like seeing myself through a mirror. (A few tears may have been shed.🥲)
So it just made me wish I also had my own Ryan, you know? My own cheerleader. The most thoughtful and attentive person in the world who knows exactly what I need and when I need them. Someone I could be vulnerable with. That one person who would never tire of telling me they love me for who I am, flaws and all. Ugggh! Tissue, please!🥹🫶
Lastly, to all the Bonbons🌻, aka the girlies who turn into chameleons and shapeshifters depending on the crowd, never showing who they truly are; the girlies who think they always have to be the life of the party and the sunshine in the room, I leave you with Ryan's words: "You can be a rain cloud if you want to." 🌫🫶
To be honest, I'm always hesitant to dive into books with the friends-to-lovers trope. I just find it exhausting to watch two cowards pine for each other for sooo long. Like just frkn make a move already, dude!! Ughh!😮💨
Thankfully, this book was different. This was a FRIENDS-to-lovers trope done right, babyyy! The pacing may come off as slow for some people but I'm a sucker for slowburns so I frkn ate this one up! Also, it was slow because Ryan and Bon were genuinely and a hundred percent JUST. FRIENDS. And I loooved it!💛
I loved how their friendship was showcased here and how the readers get to witness that friendship blossom into something more. Uggh! So satisfying!🤌 The fact that they were the only ones unaware of how much chemistry they have with each other was crazy good! They have super funny banters and I loved the grumpy x sunshine dynamics!🫠
And I liked Bon. I related to her in sooo many ways that when she started peeling off her layers, when her fears and insecurities started to eat her up, it almost felt like seeing myself through a mirror. (A few tears may have been shed.🥲)
So it just made me wish I also had my own Ryan, you know? My own cheerleader. The most thoughtful and attentive person in the world who knows exactly what I need and when I need them. Someone I could be vulnerable with. That one person who would never tire of telling me they love me for who I am, flaws and all. Ugggh! Tissue, please!🥹🫶
Lastly, to all the Bonbons🌻, aka the girlies who turn into chameleons and shapeshifters depending on the crowd, never showing who they truly are; the girlies who think they always have to be the life of the party and the sunshine in the room, I leave you with Ryan's words: "You can be a rain cloud if you want to." 🌫🫶
October 24, 2024
I received an e-ARC in exchange of my honest review. Thank you to Ms. Kyra for this feel good, cute, and wholesome book! It's definitely a good foundation for the upcoming books in the series since it has subtly introduced the other characters in the Magnolia Heights community.
This is a well-done slow burn best friends-to-lovers story. The pacing is just right AND the falling in love part and the mutual pining is just SO GOOD! Bon and Ryan made me realize that my favorite hyper specific troupe is purely platonic to unexpected lovers. Seeing them develop feelings as the story progress was just pure bliss, and so darn adorable.
Additionally, these two have showed the complexity of being human- struggling with their emotions, insecurities, fear, and how these things affect the relationships they build around them. It is also heartwarming having to be reminded that being vulnerable and opening yourself up to people is a strength and takes so much courage to do so.
Although I enjoyed reading this, there were a few things that I was not a fan of. Firstly, some descriptions were repetitive especially towards the end. I think this was to emphasize the internal struggles of the characters but the repetition kind of irked me at times. Also, there were more telling than showing in some of the flashbacks regarding their friend group, and the family background of the main characters.
Overall, I did like the book and recommend it especially since the heart of the book is to uplift Filipino culture and representation #ReadLocal. It also touched on family dynamics, and briefly mentioned post-pandemic new normal.
This is a well-done slow burn best friends-to-lovers story. The pacing is just right AND the falling in love part and the mutual pining is just SO GOOD! Bon and Ryan made me realize that my favorite hyper specific troupe is purely platonic to unexpected lovers. Seeing them develop feelings as the story progress was just pure bliss, and so darn adorable.
Additionally, these two have showed the complexity of being human- struggling with their emotions, insecurities, fear, and how these things affect the relationships they build around them. It is also heartwarming having to be reminded that being vulnerable and opening yourself up to people is a strength and takes so much courage to do so.
Although I enjoyed reading this, there were a few things that I was not a fan of. Firstly, some descriptions were repetitive especially towards the end. I think this was to emphasize the internal struggles of the characters but the repetition kind of irked me at times. Also, there were more telling than showing in some of the flashbacks regarding their friend group, and the family background of the main characters.
Overall, I did like the book and recommend it especially since the heart of the book is to uplift Filipino culture and representation #ReadLocal. It also touched on family dynamics, and briefly mentioned post-pandemic new normal.
October 31, 2024
"𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗜 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝘁, 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻? 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁… 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗲."
I’m not typically a fan of friends-to-lovers tropes, but this book devoured me. It’s a captivating blend of heartfelt romance and stunning scenery. Batanes, a place I’ve only dreamed of, leaps off the page, inviting me to lose myself in its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. 🍃
Ryan and Bonbon’s story is a masterclass in slow-burn romance. Bonbon, the ever-bright and seemingly confident character, secretly harbors deep-seated insecurities. She often feels inadequate, believing she’s not good enough for Ryan. This internal struggle adds a layer of depth to her character, making her even more relatable. Ryan, on the other hand, is the epitome of unwavering love and support. Once he realizes his feelings for Bonbon, he dives in headfirst, determined to prove to her just how special she is. His unwavering belief in her and his willingness to give her the love she deserves make him an incredibly endearing character. Oh I wish I have my own Ryan 😩💕
Their journey from casual friendship to undeniable love is both heartwarming and thrilling. The tension between them is palpable, and their eventual confession had me squealing like a teenager. The practice kiss scene? Pure magic. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion, as if I was right there with them. (The feels) 🤌🤭
I simply couldn’t put this book down. It’s a vivid, immersive experience that has left an indelible mark on my heart. I’m desperate to share my love for it with the world, urging everyone to lose themselves in this
I’m not typically a fan of friends-to-lovers tropes, but this book devoured me. It’s a captivating blend of heartfelt romance and stunning scenery. Batanes, a place I’ve only dreamed of, leaps off the page, inviting me to lose myself in its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. 🍃
Ryan and Bonbon’s story is a masterclass in slow-burn romance. Bonbon, the ever-bright and seemingly confident character, secretly harbors deep-seated insecurities. She often feels inadequate, believing she’s not good enough for Ryan. This internal struggle adds a layer of depth to her character, making her even more relatable. Ryan, on the other hand, is the epitome of unwavering love and support. Once he realizes his feelings for Bonbon, he dives in headfirst, determined to prove to her just how special she is. His unwavering belief in her and his willingness to give her the love she deserves make him an incredibly endearing character. Oh I wish I have my own Ryan 😩💕
Their journey from casual friendship to undeniable love is both heartwarming and thrilling. The tension between them is palpable, and their eventual confession had me squealing like a teenager. The practice kiss scene? Pure magic. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion, as if I was right there with them. (The feels) 🤌🤭
I simply couldn’t put this book down. It’s a vivid, immersive experience that has left an indelible mark on my heart. I’m desperate to share my love for it with the world, urging everyone to lose themselves in this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2024
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
“You are the Grinch. The ruiner of all good things in life. The Mojo Jojo to my sugar, spice, and everything nice.”
Fresh out of college, Bonita Santiago is determined to make her mark as a film producer, and she’s found her story: her longtime friend Ryan Miller, who’s about to start his first medical mission in Batanes. Though Ryan is reluctant, he agrees to let her document his journey—with one quirky catch. Bon, ever the extroverted, upbeat spirit, must help him win over the girl he’s crushed on since med school. With “practice dates” and playful coaching, their friendship starts to blur into something more, sparking feelings neither expected. After Ryan finally dates the woman he’s been obsessed with for years, a realization hits: will they play it safe and stay friends, or dare to leap into the unknown for the sake of their newfound love?
This book is a cute, easy, and fun read that brings a fresh spin to the friends-to-lovers trope. Bonita and Ryan’s friendship and chemistry make the story a joy, especially as they start to explore their deeper feelings. The Filipino culture shines through with vibrant scenes and subtle cultural details that feel real and natural, showcasing strong family ties and values. It’s refreshing to see Filipino traditions woven into the narrative, making the characters and setting come alive. If you love friends-to-lovers romances, you’ll be rooting for Bonita and Ryan all the way!
A big thanks to Kyra Ysabel for sending me a digital ARC of this book!
Release date: 10/25/2024.
“You are the Grinch. The ruiner of all good things in life. The Mojo Jojo to my sugar, spice, and everything nice.”
Fresh out of college, Bonita Santiago is determined to make her mark as a film producer, and she’s found her story: her longtime friend Ryan Miller, who’s about to start his first medical mission in Batanes. Though Ryan is reluctant, he agrees to let her document his journey—with one quirky catch. Bon, ever the extroverted, upbeat spirit, must help him win over the girl he’s crushed on since med school. With “practice dates” and playful coaching, their friendship starts to blur into something more, sparking feelings neither expected. After Ryan finally dates the woman he’s been obsessed with for years, a realization hits: will they play it safe and stay friends, or dare to leap into the unknown for the sake of their newfound love?
This book is a cute, easy, and fun read that brings a fresh spin to the friends-to-lovers trope. Bonita and Ryan’s friendship and chemistry make the story a joy, especially as they start to explore their deeper feelings. The Filipino culture shines through with vibrant scenes and subtle cultural details that feel real and natural, showcasing strong family ties and values. It’s refreshing to see Filipino traditions woven into the narrative, making the characters and setting come alive. If you love friends-to-lovers romances, you’ll be rooting for Bonita and Ryan all the way!
A big thanks to Kyra Ysabel for sending me a digital ARC of this book!
Release date: 10/25/2024.
November 21, 2024
BETWEEN THEN AND NOW
First of all, congrats again to the author's debut novel. I wasn't able yet to comprehend my review after reading this. I had to take a pause to reel in the "feels". Yes the "feels".
What I love about this novel?
1. Bon and Ryan's chemistry
I just adore their friendship, the banter, the building up of friends-turned-lovers relationship. Their moments together were so relatable, it reminded me how I was with my bestfriend-turned boyfriend then-now my husband.
2. Mission/purpose
It's not just Ryan or the other doctors' willingness to serve, but also how Bon realized her purpose through the Batanes mission. I felt it deep when the author portrayed how the team was inspired as they engaged in the community. As someone in the medical field and active in doing medical missions, it reminded me again of "why" I do it, "for whom" is the medical services are.
3. Exploring Batanes
This is the closest I can get to experiencing Batanes and I enjoyed how each place holds special memories for our MCs. How the author described each place, without overly flowery words, provided enough imagery to be in that place at that moment. Still, I tabbed those places so I'd be able to check then out when I finally visit Batanes.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Still on high from Bon and Ryan's love story. Their love reminds us that love isn't two perfect people falling in love, but two imperfect people willing to be together, despite all character flaws and circumstances, accepting, forgiving, growing closer and deeper.
First of all, congrats again to the author's debut novel. I wasn't able yet to comprehend my review after reading this. I had to take a pause to reel in the "feels". Yes the "feels".
What I love about this novel?
1. Bon and Ryan's chemistry
I just adore their friendship, the banter, the building up of friends-turned-lovers relationship. Their moments together were so relatable, it reminded me how I was with my bestfriend-turned boyfriend then-now my husband.
2. Mission/purpose
It's not just Ryan or the other doctors' willingness to serve, but also how Bon realized her purpose through the Batanes mission. I felt it deep when the author portrayed how the team was inspired as they engaged in the community. As someone in the medical field and active in doing medical missions, it reminded me again of "why" I do it, "for whom" is the medical services are.
3. Exploring Batanes
This is the closest I can get to experiencing Batanes and I enjoyed how each place holds special memories for our MCs. How the author described each place, without overly flowery words, provided enough imagery to be in that place at that moment. Still, I tabbed those places so I'd be able to check then out when I finally visit Batanes.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Still on high from Bon and Ryan's love story. Their love reminds us that love isn't two perfect people falling in love, but two imperfect people willing to be together, despite all character flaws and circumstances, accepting, forgiving, growing closer and deeper.
November 6, 2024
Between Then and Now is the kind of story that sweeps you off your feet and lands you right on the shores of Batanes. Bonita Santiago, fresh out of college and brimming with ambition, has a big break as a film producer. But she needs a subject, and her longtime friend, Ryan Miller, a newly minted doctor heading to a post-pandemic medical mission, is the perfect candidate. What could go wrong… or very right?
First off, Bon and Ryan’s dynamic is pure magic. The pining is real, and the slow burn? Oh, it’s everything. Every little moment, every glance and half-hinted feeling feels like it tugs on your heartstrings. It’s all so perfectly paced that you can’t help but root for these two to figure out what’s right in front of them.
Kyra Ysabel brings Batanes to life so vividly that you feel like you’re right there with Bon and Ryan, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, rich local culture, delicious food, and stunning festivities. You can almost feel the island breeze while reading, and that alone makes it worth diving into. But beyond the idyllic setting, the story touches on deeper, personal issues with a light but impactful hand. Bon’s bubbly optimism and Ryan’s awkward, reserved nature create a beautiful balance, leading to an authentic friends-to-lovers arc that’s as rewarding as it is heartwarming.
If you’re into heartfelt lines that’ll linger in your mind, friends-to-lovers romance, and a love letter to Batanes in story form, Between Then and Now is a must-read!
First off, Bon and Ryan’s dynamic is pure magic. The pining is real, and the slow burn? Oh, it’s everything. Every little moment, every glance and half-hinted feeling feels like it tugs on your heartstrings. It’s all so perfectly paced that you can’t help but root for these two to figure out what’s right in front of them.
Kyra Ysabel brings Batanes to life so vividly that you feel like you’re right there with Bon and Ryan, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, rich local culture, delicious food, and stunning festivities. You can almost feel the island breeze while reading, and that alone makes it worth diving into. But beyond the idyllic setting, the story touches on deeper, personal issues with a light but impactful hand. Bon’s bubbly optimism and Ryan’s awkward, reserved nature create a beautiful balance, leading to an authentic friends-to-lovers arc that’s as rewarding as it is heartwarming.
If you’re into heartfelt lines that’ll linger in your mind, friends-to-lovers romance, and a love letter to Batanes in story form, Between Then and Now is a must-read!
February 16, 2025
I'm not really a fan of the friends to lovers trope, more so the close friends/besties to lovers one. So when I started reading this I wasn't really invested in the story. Especially since the setting was in a kind of rich kids neighborhood, which sometimes puts me off a little for some reason. But then when the setting changed to beautiful Batanes (I've never been and I've always wanted to go) that is when my interest was piqued. Ryan was doing community medicine which is very close to my heart and the scenes the book was depicting were just so nostalgic and familiar to me. Even the cultural aspects: the scenery, the houses, and just the integration with the locals through their various customs and events were what made the book for me. The setting was just perfect for a romance waiting to happen, and I've seen it a few times in my students, so if anything, it's very realistic😅 Bon and Ryan have great chemistry, and I believed in their romance. The grumpy vs sunshine trope is very evident in their interactions with each other. I just wished that Bon respected Ryan's introversion more especially at the beginning, because she could be a little pushy😅 Though I really empathized with her being so done sometimes with keeping up the sunshine facade. It's hard to be always happy sometimes😭 Ryan is a super green flag boyfriend though, I love that🥰 Overall, I enjoyed this book and I'm happy how it ended 💗
September 23, 2024
"𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥. 𝘐 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺"
Just finished this book in one day. This is the first ARC I've received from a Filipino author and I loved it! It's a fast-paced romance book, with cute and interesting characters. Ate Kyra did a great job depicting Filipino culture and sceneries of some places in the country
The characters, Bonbon and Ryan are such a cute tandem. I love their friendship and witty banter. Bonnie's cheerful personality, and adventurous take on life compliments Ryan's introverted and socially awkward nature. Ryan actually reminds me of Jacob from Yours Truly, being such a sweet and gentleman guy in a medical field. The relationship development between them feels natural for a friends to lovers trope. I love the ending, it didn't disappoint and wrap everything up nicely. I also appreciate that it tackles topic like self-uncertainty, family problems, and having to overcome your fears
Overall, it's a good book if you're looking for a light and cozy romance. I'm also excited and can't wait to to read the other girl's of Magnolia Heights story
Just finished this book in one day. This is the first ARC I've received from a Filipino author and I loved it! It's a fast-paced romance book, with cute and interesting characters. Ate Kyra did a great job depicting Filipino culture and sceneries of some places in the country
The characters, Bonbon and Ryan are such a cute tandem. I love their friendship and witty banter. Bonnie's cheerful personality, and adventurous take on life compliments Ryan's introverted and socially awkward nature. Ryan actually reminds me of Jacob from Yours Truly, being such a sweet and gentleman guy in a medical field. The relationship development between them feels natural for a friends to lovers trope. I love the ending, it didn't disappoint and wrap everything up nicely. I also appreciate that it tackles topic like self-uncertainty, family problems, and having to overcome your fears
Overall, it's a good book if you're looking for a light and cozy romance. I'm also excited and can't wait to to read the other girl's of Magnolia Heights story
October 18, 2024
Between Then and Now is a debut novel and it is a satisfying Filipino rom-com that follows the energetic Bonita and the nonchalant Ryan. Their dynamic is an absolute delight—Bonita’s jolly, sunshine personality paired with Ryan’s stoical and socially anxious demeanor creates the perfect balance of opposites attract. The banter between them had me smiling throughout, and the giddiness was off the charts!
Set against the breathtaking island of Batanes, with a backdrop of a medical mission, the story beautifully highlights the local culture, from the stunning beach scenery to the food and festival. The novel also touches on deeper personal issues despite its lighthearted tone. Bonita’s carefree attitude contrasts sharply with Ryan’s awkwardness, but their friends-to-lovers journey feels natural and deeply rewarding. Definitely a must-read for fans of Filipino romance!
This is the first book in the series but can be read as a standalone. This is an intro to Magnolia Heights, a residential area in a small town, where the lives of four friends will each unfold in their own story. I’m excited to learn the stories of Bonita’s three other friends.
Rating: ★★★★
𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
❥friends to lovers trope
❥he falls first and falls harder
❥one bedroom
❥island setting
❥female friendships
⚠️TW: near-drowning experience.
Set against the breathtaking island of Batanes, with a backdrop of a medical mission, the story beautifully highlights the local culture, from the stunning beach scenery to the food and festival. The novel also touches on deeper personal issues despite its lighthearted tone. Bonita’s carefree attitude contrasts sharply with Ryan’s awkwardness, but their friends-to-lovers journey feels natural and deeply rewarding. Definitely a must-read for fans of Filipino romance!
This is the first book in the series but can be read as a standalone. This is an intro to Magnolia Heights, a residential area in a small town, where the lives of four friends will each unfold in their own story. I’m excited to learn the stories of Bonita’s three other friends.
Rating: ★★★★
𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
❥friends to lovers trope
❥he falls first and falls harder
❥one bedroom
❥island setting
❥female friendships
⚠️TW: near-drowning experience.
February 1, 2025
"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥."
BLURB:
We follow Bon Santiago, an aspiring film producer, and Ryan Miller, a doctor, in Kyra Ysabel's debut romantic comedy novel Between Then and Now, a contemporary romance about childhood friends who become lovers. Bon needs to make a compelling short documentary in order to gain respect at work. Bon therefore seized the chance to persuade her childhood friend Ryan to record their journey when she learned that he and his colleagues were planning to embark on a medical mission in Batanes. Ryan consented as long as Bon would assist him in approaching his longtime medical school crush.
THOUGHTS:
A cozy, cute, and fast-paced romance. I'm glad I signed up for the ARC for the second book, and I finally read this book. Originally I was a dark romance girly, but for some reason I was in my romance era when I read this, and I was so happy that my first rom-com book (without spice) is this book. I think if you can put your shoes in the MC's place, I think it's a sign that you're liking what you're reading. Bonita and I have similarities, so I can definitely relate to her somehow. I just wish that I had Ryan in my life. Sigh.
ʏᴏᴜ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
𐙚Fake Dating
𐙚Childhood friends to lovers
𐙚He falls first
𐙚One bedroom
BLURB:
We follow Bon Santiago, an aspiring film producer, and Ryan Miller, a doctor, in Kyra Ysabel's debut romantic comedy novel Between Then and Now, a contemporary romance about childhood friends who become lovers. Bon needs to make a compelling short documentary in order to gain respect at work. Bon therefore seized the chance to persuade her childhood friend Ryan to record their journey when she learned that he and his colleagues were planning to embark on a medical mission in Batanes. Ryan consented as long as Bon would assist him in approaching his longtime medical school crush.
THOUGHTS:
A cozy, cute, and fast-paced romance. I'm glad I signed up for the ARC for the second book, and I finally read this book. Originally I was a dark romance girly, but for some reason I was in my romance era when I read this, and I was so happy that my first rom-com book (without spice) is this book. I think if you can put your shoes in the MC's place, I think it's a sign that you're liking what you're reading. Bonita and I have similarities, so I can definitely relate to her somehow. I just wish that I had Ryan in my life. Sigh.
ʏᴏᴜ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
𐙚Fake Dating
𐙚Childhood friends to lovers
𐙚He falls first
𐙚One bedroom
August 20, 2025
This story has a charming setup: a childhood-friends-to-lovers romance set in one of the most magical places in the Philippines. The setting feels enchanting, and the kilig moments are definitely there. The buildup of Ryan realizing how much he cares for Bonita is sweet, and there are several parts of the book that truly shine.
That said, I did struggle with a few aspects. The pacing of their romance felt a bit drawn out—it took a long time for both characters to recognize their feelings, which at times slowed down the momentum. Additionally, Ryan needing to be told that he liked Bonita since they were kids made his feelings feel less organic, which pulled me out of the story.
I also found myself conflicted with one plot point toward the end. After a heartfelt confession, it felt inconsistent for a character to take such an intimate step (sleeping together) only to later claim they weren’t “good enough.” This could have been more impactful if the internal conflict had been addressed before that moment, rather than afterward.
Overall, while there were parts of the book that felt magical and heartwarming, these pacing and character-choice issues kept me from fully connecting with the story.
In depth book review here >>>https://jolaineabad.wixsite.com/jolai...
That said, I did struggle with a few aspects. The pacing of their romance felt a bit drawn out—it took a long time for both characters to recognize their feelings, which at times slowed down the momentum. Additionally, Ryan needing to be told that he liked Bonita since they were kids made his feelings feel less organic, which pulled me out of the story.
I also found myself conflicted with one plot point toward the end. After a heartfelt confession, it felt inconsistent for a character to take such an intimate step (sleeping together) only to later claim they weren’t “good enough.” This could have been more impactful if the internal conflict had been addressed before that moment, rather than afterward.
Overall, while there were parts of the book that felt magical and heartwarming, these pacing and character-choice issues kept me from fully connecting with the story.
In depth book review here >>>https://jolaineabad.wixsite.com/jolai...
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