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Boyfriend Mo?: A Romantic Comedy Novel
Imagine the movie ”
Hitch”
meets ”
Guess Who”
meets ”
Crazy Rich Asians”
meets ”
Three Words To Forever”
—but without the wealth. Just real heart, culture clashes, and family dynamics.
***
One guarded heart. One determined grad student. And a love story that might need subtitles.
Devonté, a Black American grad student from New Orleans, has one major distraction this semester—and her name is Tala. She’s brilliant, reserved, and all business—a no-nonsense second-generation Filipina from the San Francisco Bay Area who’s as guarded as she is captivating. He’s been crushing on her since day one, but winning her over will take more than charm and Southern smooth talk.
Armed with determination, a crash course in Filipino culture, and an overly invested (and occasionally unhinged) co-worker, Devonté sets out to prove he’s more than just talk.
But between Tala’s fiercely traditional parents and a past she keeps under lock and key, cracking her defenses may be more complicated than any thesis. Can Devonté’s persistence, heart, and a few hilarious cultural missteps earn him a place in her world? Or will this love story get lost in translation?
One thing’s for when the Bay meets the bayou, sparks—and laughs—are guaranteed.
***
Boyfriend Mo? is the first book in the Lost In Translation, Found In Love series by Charlie St. Cyr. This new adult romantic comedy can be read as a standalone.
Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Which may contain dark themes (including bullying, profanity, racism, death/miscarriage, violence and mentions of past/implied assault) that may be triggering for some readers. Therefore Boyfriend Mo? is recommended for readers 17+. For more details about ‘Boyfriend Mo?’ or to learn more about the author, please visit the author's www.charliestcyr.com
***
One guarded heart. One determined grad student. And a love story that might need subtitles.
Devonté, a Black American grad student from New Orleans, has one major distraction this semester—and her name is Tala. She’s brilliant, reserved, and all business—a no-nonsense second-generation Filipina from the San Francisco Bay Area who’s as guarded as she is captivating. He’s been crushing on her since day one, but winning her over will take more than charm and Southern smooth talk.
Armed with determination, a crash course in Filipino culture, and an overly invested (and occasionally unhinged) co-worker, Devonté sets out to prove he’s more than just talk.
But between Tala’s fiercely traditional parents and a past she keeps under lock and key, cracking her defenses may be more complicated than any thesis. Can Devonté’s persistence, heart, and a few hilarious cultural missteps earn him a place in her world? Or will this love story get lost in translation?
One thing’s for when the Bay meets the bayou, sparks—and laughs—are guaranteed.
***
Boyfriend Mo? is the first book in the Lost In Translation, Found In Love series by Charlie St. Cyr. This new adult romantic comedy can be read as a standalone.
Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Which may contain dark themes (including bullying, profanity, racism, death/miscarriage, violence and mentions of past/implied assault) that may be triggering for some readers. Therefore Boyfriend Mo? is recommended for readers 17+. For more details about ‘Boyfriend Mo?’ or to learn more about the author, please visit the author's www.charliestcyr.com
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 7, 2025
I liked that the readers get to immerse in cross culture (Filipino and Creole!) and plus pogi points that it was a romantic comedy which is my favorite genre to read time and time again. The characters are so authentic that I can almost hear their voices in my head and cannot help but feel empathetic towards them as they navigate their struggles and kilig moments. An easy 4-star read!
August 3, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
“𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝐼 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝐼'𝑚 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒?”
This debut rom-com was such a nice surprise. It’s cute and funny, but what really stood out to me was how it went beyond the surface to explore culture, family and the stereotypes people deal with in cross-cultural relationships. For a debut, that’s a brave thing to tackle, and it was done with sensitivity that it just felt real rather than forced.
I really appreciated how the story gave equal weight to both Filipino and Louisiana Creole heritage. These weren’t just details sprinkled in for flavor,
they actually shaped the characters and the way their relationship developed. The mix of Tagalog and Kouri-Vini gave the story such a strong personality and sense of place. I loved how naturally it was integrated, and it even made me curious enough to look into Louisiana’s history while also reflecting on my own cultural roots.
Devonté and Tala were such a great pair to follow. Devonté’s awkward but sweet attempts to win her over were hilarious and endearing (sir, that’s not how you woo someone 😂), and Tala’s cautious approach made so much sense considering everything she was navigating. Their chemistry built in a way that felt believable, and by the end, I was really rooting for them. Gavino as the Tagalog tutor/wingman was such a highlight too, he brought humor and heart that tied their dynamic together perfectly.
What impressed me most is how the book handled heavier themes like stereotypes and cultural expectations without losing its light, romantic vibe. It managed to stay fun and uplifting, yet it left me thinking about those nuances even after I finished. That balance made it feel really unique compared to other rom-coms I’ve read.
Overall, Boyfriend Mo? is funny and heartfelt, a debut that stands out for both its charm and its substance. I’d love to see more multicultural romances from Charlie St. Cyr in the future, and I think this book deserves a spot on your TBR of anyone who enjoys rom-coms with depth and heart.
"𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑖𝑛'𝑡 𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡. 𝐼𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑖𝑡."
“𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝐼 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝐼'𝑚 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒?”
This debut rom-com was such a nice surprise. It’s cute and funny, but what really stood out to me was how it went beyond the surface to explore culture, family and the stereotypes people deal with in cross-cultural relationships. For a debut, that’s a brave thing to tackle, and it was done with sensitivity that it just felt real rather than forced.
I really appreciated how the story gave equal weight to both Filipino and Louisiana Creole heritage. These weren’t just details sprinkled in for flavor,
they actually shaped the characters and the way their relationship developed. The mix of Tagalog and Kouri-Vini gave the story such a strong personality and sense of place. I loved how naturally it was integrated, and it even made me curious enough to look into Louisiana’s history while also reflecting on my own cultural roots.
Devonté and Tala were such a great pair to follow. Devonté’s awkward but sweet attempts to win her over were hilarious and endearing (sir, that’s not how you woo someone 😂), and Tala’s cautious approach made so much sense considering everything she was navigating. Their chemistry built in a way that felt believable, and by the end, I was really rooting for them. Gavino as the Tagalog tutor/wingman was such a highlight too, he brought humor and heart that tied their dynamic together perfectly.
What impressed me most is how the book handled heavier themes like stereotypes and cultural expectations without losing its light, romantic vibe. It managed to stay fun and uplifting, yet it left me thinking about those nuances even after I finished. That balance made it feel really unique compared to other rom-coms I’ve read.
Overall, Boyfriend Mo? is funny and heartfelt, a debut that stands out for both its charm and its substance. I’d love to see more multicultural romances from Charlie St. Cyr in the future, and I think this book deserves a spot on your TBR of anyone who enjoys rom-coms with depth and heart.
"𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑖𝑛'𝑡 𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡. 𝐼𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑖𝑡."
July 1, 2025
Boyfriend Mo? by Charlie St. Cyr is a heartwarming romantic comedy and a beautifully layered multicultural romance that reaches beyond the usual tropes of love between couples.
The novel follows Devonté, an open-hearted Southern graduate student, who unexpectedly falls for Tala, a brilliant but guarded Filipina woman carrying the weight of her family’s expectations and the emotional scars of her past. But winning Tala’s heart is only half the journey, Devonté must also earn the trust of her family and immerse himself in a culture vastly different from his own Creole background.
What stood out to me most—and what ultimately made this book resonate long after I finished it—is how it opened up a new perspective in life. This isn’t a genre I usually go for, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. It didn’t just offer a love story to enjoy, it also gave me the space to reflect on my own cultural identity. In Tala’s Filipina experience and Devonté’s Creole roots, I was able to appreciate the complexities of culture and heritage. I was genuinely surprised to discover that parts of Louisiana Creole history intersect with my own Filipino history, especially in ways that highlight colonization and resilience.
But beyond its cultural revelations, what made the story truly meaningful for me was its portrayal of love in all its forms, not just romantic. It showcased the love found in families, even when strained by generational expectations, and in friendships, especially the ones formed despite differences. Devonté’s journey is touching not just because he tries to be there for Tala, but because he sees her, understands her, and, in doing so, respects the entirety of who she is.
This book reminded me that love, rooted in proper cultural understanding and genuine effort, has the power to bridge even the widest divides. It’s a heartfelt, funny, and ultimately healing story that celebrates growth, identity, and the kind of love that makes you want to become better, not just for someone else, but for yourself.
The novel follows Devonté, an open-hearted Southern graduate student, who unexpectedly falls for Tala, a brilliant but guarded Filipina woman carrying the weight of her family’s expectations and the emotional scars of her past. But winning Tala’s heart is only half the journey, Devonté must also earn the trust of her family and immerse himself in a culture vastly different from his own Creole background.
What stood out to me most—and what ultimately made this book resonate long after I finished it—is how it opened up a new perspective in life. This isn’t a genre I usually go for, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. It didn’t just offer a love story to enjoy, it also gave me the space to reflect on my own cultural identity. In Tala’s Filipina experience and Devonté’s Creole roots, I was able to appreciate the complexities of culture and heritage. I was genuinely surprised to discover that parts of Louisiana Creole history intersect with my own Filipino history, especially in ways that highlight colonization and resilience.
But beyond its cultural revelations, what made the story truly meaningful for me was its portrayal of love in all its forms, not just romantic. It showcased the love found in families, even when strained by generational expectations, and in friendships, especially the ones formed despite differences. Devonté’s journey is touching not just because he tries to be there for Tala, but because he sees her, understands her, and, in doing so, respects the entirety of who she is.
This book reminded me that love, rooted in proper cultural understanding and genuine effort, has the power to bridge even the widest divides. It’s a heartfelt, funny, and ultimately healing story that celebrates growth, identity, and the kind of love that makes you want to become better, not just for someone else, but for yourself.
September 1, 2025
I love this book! Right away, I felt the beautiful, poetic journey into love, culture, and human connection. What makes Boyfriend Mo stand out is the rich diversity of its characters and how deeply relatable they are. The author doesn’t just write about characters, he writes through them - bringing their voices and backgrounds vividly to life. I was especially drawn to the way he describes familiar places I’ve been to in New Orleans and how it comes alive, his words layered and full of spirit. The sensory details stand out - the way he describes the scenery and scents made me feel like I was right there walking through (the real places of) Tatlo and Tulane University, for example. The vivid descriptions transport you to the Philippines too - whether you’re from there or have never visited, you really see and feel the place through Gavino and Devonté. You truly become immersed in both worlds and each character's point of view and lived experiences.
One of the most endearing parts of the story is Devonté's awkward yet earnest attempts to win Tala over and trying to connect across cultures. There’s something so tender in the way Gavino teaches him and in the way Devonté wants to learn. The cultural layers are so thoughtfully woven in, from how love and courtship unfold, to the reactions of elders that feel familiar. (I also learned so much about different histories along the way). This novel doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you into it. And once you’re in, you won’t want to leave.
One of the most endearing parts of the story is Devonté's awkward yet earnest attempts to win Tala over and trying to connect across cultures. There’s something so tender in the way Gavino teaches him and in the way Devonté wants to learn. The cultural layers are so thoughtfully woven in, from how love and courtship unfold, to the reactions of elders that feel familiar. (I also learned so much about different histories along the way). This novel doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you into it. And once you’re in, you won’t want to leave.
August 31, 2025
Book Review: Boyfriend Mo? by Charlie St
⚠️Trigger warnings: mentions of cheating and miscarriage
Boyfriend Mo? isn’t just a romance—it’s also a celebration of culture.
The main characters are Devonte and Tala, carry the story, but Gavino’s role adds depth and heart to the book!
Tala finally found the courage to leave San Francisco and start fresh, leaving behind the pain of a broken relationship. Devonte, meanwhile, represents Louisiana Creole heritage—determined to finish his studies while navigating love and cultural discovery. He definitely fell first, and his persistence in pursuing Tala was both sweet and admirable. And why not? Pinay yan e!
What makes the story stand out is how Devonte sought not only Tala’s heart but also her family’s acceptance. He learned Filipino culture almost like a crash course, and this is where Gavino’s importance shines through. His guidance helped bridge those cultural gaps.
The book does attempt to juggle a lot of themes—love, identity, family, and cultural intersections—and at times I felt a little overwhelmed by how much it wanted to tackle. Still, overall, I truly enjoyed reading it.
What strike me most is how it blended romance with cultural appreciation in a way that felt authentic and heartfelt.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Boyfriend Mo? is available in KU and Amazon.
#BoyfriendMoByCharlieStCyr #KindleBuddiesPH #BookReviewKBPH #KBPHxCharliemadeit
⚠️Trigger warnings: mentions of cheating and miscarriage
Boyfriend Mo? isn’t just a romance—it’s also a celebration of culture.
The main characters are Devonte and Tala, carry the story, but Gavino’s role adds depth and heart to the book!
Tala finally found the courage to leave San Francisco and start fresh, leaving behind the pain of a broken relationship. Devonte, meanwhile, represents Louisiana Creole heritage—determined to finish his studies while navigating love and cultural discovery. He definitely fell first, and his persistence in pursuing Tala was both sweet and admirable. And why not? Pinay yan e!
What makes the story stand out is how Devonte sought not only Tala’s heart but also her family’s acceptance. He learned Filipino culture almost like a crash course, and this is where Gavino’s importance shines through. His guidance helped bridge those cultural gaps.
The book does attempt to juggle a lot of themes—love, identity, family, and cultural intersections—and at times I felt a little overwhelmed by how much it wanted to tackle. Still, overall, I truly enjoyed reading it.
What strike me most is how it blended romance with cultural appreciation in a way that felt authentic and heartfelt.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Boyfriend Mo? is available in KU and Amazon.
#BoyfriendMoByCharlieStCyr #KindleBuddiesPH #BookReviewKBPH #KBPHxCharliemadeit
July 20, 2025
Sweet, funny, and packed with heart (and subtitles) 😅💖🇵🇭
Boyfriend Mo? by Charlie St. Cyr is the romcom you didn’t know you needed — think “Hitch” meets “Crazy Rich Asians,” but way more relatable and grounded in real cultural vibes.
Devonté, a smooth-talking grad student from New Orleans, has it bad for Tala — a guarded, brilliant second-gen Filipina who’s all business and walls.
Watching him try to win her over? Hilarious, awkward, and absolutely adorable. 🥹✨
What I loved is how it’s not just about romance: it’s about family expectations, identity, cultural gaps, and the sweet messiness of trying to love someone who’s been hurt before.
Tala’s layers run deep, and Devonté’s determination (with some laugh-out-loud help from his friends) makes you root for him every step of the way.
Between cultural missteps, Bay Area vs. bayou jokes, and tender moments that sneak up on you, this book made me smile, tear up, and cheer.
If you love slow-burn, cross-cultural romance with humor and depth? This is your next read. 🌸
Boyfriend Mo? by Charlie St. Cyr is the romcom you didn’t know you needed — think “Hitch” meets “Crazy Rich Asians,” but way more relatable and grounded in real cultural vibes.
Devonté, a smooth-talking grad student from New Orleans, has it bad for Tala — a guarded, brilliant second-gen Filipina who’s all business and walls.
Watching him try to win her over? Hilarious, awkward, and absolutely adorable. 🥹✨
What I loved is how it’s not just about romance: it’s about family expectations, identity, cultural gaps, and the sweet messiness of trying to love someone who’s been hurt before.
Tala’s layers run deep, and Devonté’s determination (with some laugh-out-loud help from his friends) makes you root for him every step of the way.
Between cultural missteps, Bay Area vs. bayou jokes, and tender moments that sneak up on you, this book made me smile, tear up, and cheer.
If you love slow-burn, cross-cultural romance with humor and depth? This is your next read. 🌸
July 31, 2025
This book is pure rom-com gold with heart. Boyfriend Mo? follows Devonté, a charming grad student from New Orleans, crushing hard on Tala, a guarded, no-nonsense Filipina from the Bay Area. And winning her over? Not as easy as flashing a smile.
The cultural clash is hilarious and real. Devonté’s crash course in Filipino traditions, awkward family dinners, and missteps make for some laugh-out-loud moments. But underneath the jokes, there’s a whole lot of heart.
Tala’s not just a love interest, she’s got layers. Her past, her fears, her strength… it’s all there. The way the book handles heavy themes like grief and trauma while keeping things fun is so well done.
And can we talk about the chaotic co-worker? Absolute scene-stealer. The side characters add just the right amount of chaos to balance out the feels.
If you like your love stories messy, funny, and a little emotional, this one’s for you.
The cultural clash is hilarious and real. Devonté’s crash course in Filipino traditions, awkward family dinners, and missteps make for some laugh-out-loud moments. But underneath the jokes, there’s a whole lot of heart.
Tala’s not just a love interest, she’s got layers. Her past, her fears, her strength… it’s all there. The way the book handles heavy themes like grief and trauma while keeping things fun is so well done.
And can we talk about the chaotic co-worker? Absolute scene-stealer. The side characters add just the right amount of chaos to balance out the feels.
If you like your love stories messy, funny, and a little emotional, this one’s for you.
September 7, 2025
Boyfriend Mo? is a rom-com that’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and relatable. It follows Devonté, a charming grad student from New Orleans, who falls for Tala — a brilliant, no-nonsense Filipina from the Bay Area. Winning her heart isn’t as easy as flashing a smile, and that’s where the fun begins.
What I really enjoyed is how the book mixes humor with real emotion. The cultural clash leads to hilarious situations — from awkward family dinners to Devonté’s crash course in Filipino traditions — but underneath all the laughter, the story touches on grief, trauma, and the complexity of opening yourself up to love again.
Tala isn’t just written as a love interest; she’s layered, strong, and shaped by her past. Watching Devonté’s persistence and charm slowly break through her walls was both heartwarming and entertaining.
If you love slow-burn romance filled with cultural vibes, laugh-out-loud moments, and heartfelt depth, Boyfriend Mo? is definitely worth picking up.
What I really enjoyed is how the book mixes humor with real emotion. The cultural clash leads to hilarious situations — from awkward family dinners to Devonté’s crash course in Filipino traditions — but underneath all the laughter, the story touches on grief, trauma, and the complexity of opening yourself up to love again.
Tala isn’t just written as a love interest; she’s layered, strong, and shaped by her past. Watching Devonté’s persistence and charm slowly break through her walls was both heartwarming and entertaining.
If you love slow-burn romance filled with cultural vibes, laugh-out-loud moments, and heartfelt depth, Boyfriend Mo? is definitely worth picking up.
August 17, 2025
I love this book how it details the setting on the Philippines. The love story between Devonte and Tala how it amazes the eagerness of Devonte to win the family of Tala. The friend also how he helped Devonte. I will recommend this book to my friends. The Filipino words and the traits that we have I love how the author made this book.
#BoyfriendMoByCharlieStCyr
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