Boracay Vows

Carpe Diem Chronicles #1

by Maida Malby

To fulfill one vow she has to break another

Krista Lopez has five days to fulfill her Turning-Thirty Vow—the promise to do something life-changing in celebration of this milestone birthday. Her plan: give in to her attraction to her boss Mr. Blake Ryan.

Krista’s Irish-American hunk of a boss is conveniently vacationing in the same posh resort in Boracay. When he proposes a one-week affair while they're on vacation, she accepts. It's only a fling, after all. Krista will not fall for an American. She can't. She promised her mother.

Promises are made to be broken

Krista and Blake hope what happens in Boracay stays in Boracay. They want to keep their affair a secret from their colleagues, from her family. But, secrets have a way of coming out. When they're found out, will Krista and Blake end their affair or will they say Carpe Diem to the promise of a love of a lifetime?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Summer

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2017

About the author

Filipino-American author Maida Malby cooks up foodie, multicultural, and contemporary destination romance stories filled with heat, sizzle, spice, and a whole lotta love.

She is a member of select writing groups and romance book clubs. Her To-Be-Read Mountain and book reviews are featured here on her blog Carpe Diem Chronicles. Readers can also find her on Lone Star Literary Life via her regular Texas Reads Roundup Romance column.

When not writing, reading, or reviewing books, Maida discusses current affairs with her husband, records her son’s Travels and Eats videos, cooks the dishes she features in her stories, procrastibakes more often than she should, and watches golf and food shows on TV.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boracay Vows by Maida Malay
Carpe Diem Chronicles series #1. Contemporary romance. Multicultural/ diverse.
For her 30th birthday, Krista Lopez travels to a resort on Boracay paid for by her friends. Her goal is something life changing to celebrate her birthday. With her boss at the same resort, perhaps she can get his help and ideas to make her birthday explosive.

Romantic and sexy. She needs to send huge thanks to her friends for ultimately changing her life. The resort description sounded so beautiful.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Krista and Blake's story. We need more fabulous multicultural romances, and this one certainly fits that bill. Loved the two characters together and their chemistry. I also really enjoyed the side characters, you can tell that the friendships between Krista and her friends were genuine. Romantic love is not the only one featured in this book which made me smile. If I had one piece of advice for you though, do not read this book on the plane like I did with no food in sight. You WILL regret it! This book made me so hungry to try all of the foods mentioned, not to mention I really wish the resort on Boracay really existed. The author made it sound like a gorgeous paradise. I can't wait to read the next book, New York Engagement!

[Maida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boracay Vows will always be special to me as it's my first born. Krista has a little bit of me and Blake has a little bit of my hubby in him. The food, hats, and shoes--they're all me. So is the female friendship. And the closeness of family relationships.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Romance, Characters, and Setting

This book was so good! I loved that if there was drama, it didn't last the whole book. The setting was amazing, with great descriptions of the beach, culture, food...everything. At the start of each chapter was a Filipino word, with its pronunciation and meaning given afterward, and I found that to be a fantastic touch.
As for the characters? Blake was an American CEO, who loved his family. He liked being in control, but not in a creepy way. He just liked managing people. He was a bit arrogant, but Krista, the heroine, took him down a notch. I loved her, and saw a lot of myself in her. She started out this book very reserved and turning 30. Throughout the story, she grew more confident, stronger, and learned to really love herself. Plus, she read historical romance and was curvy, so YES!!!
When deciding what to rate this story, I had to give it the full 5 stars. There's not one single thing I would change in here. Sure, things happened quickly, but I really bought it. Blake was respectful, caring, and just generally a great guy. Krista was on the hunt for new experiences and self-discovery, which made her more open to romance. The two characters complimented each other well, too. I think if you're looking for a steamy contemporary romance with a Filipino flair, you need this in your life.

[Nelle Nazario · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a true multi-cultural romance, you've just found It! This was a great debut novel! The characters were well fleshed out, and oh boy the chemistry!

so many food references... I have hunger pains! I need a vacay to Boracay!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...

I received this book as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.

When an author is a friend, especially the longer I know them, I often worry about their book possibly disappointing me, as tastes can differ widely, as I have found from my experience as a member of a number of book groups. But my fears with Maida Malby’s debut were unfounded. In fact, her book is one of those rare debut novels that not only shows the promise of the writer, but will instantly suck you in.

She strikes a great balance between an authentic exploration of Filipino culture, including language and cuisine, as well as family values, with which she is obviously familiar, and presenting the characters as people you can relate to regardless of ethnic or religious background. I don’t have the same religious beliefs as Krista, but I could immediately relate to her desire to live a little, and we share the common trait of NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth) at an age when people in our age group have gone through at least a few relationships.

And while Blake could easily have annoyed me, being yet another rich playboy ruined for everyone else after being with a virgin, the way he was so patient with Krista as she figured out what she wanted out of their relationship, and the role his family plays in his life, which I expect plays a role in the series going forward, won me over.

I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a refreshingly different romance that focuses on an ethnic group and locale that doesn’t have much of a presence in the current market, which has only started to have conversations around diversity in mainstream publishing.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boracay Vows is a great debut story! While it may seem insta-lust/love, they have actually known each other away from Boracay. I can't wait to meet Krista's friends and Blake's brothers in the rest of the series!

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit afraid at first because of the mixed raced main female character. I have sometimes trouble to relate to characters too different than me--like younger characters, or characters of another cultural heritage. But here, I had no trouble, because the author helped me get inside her head. What it is to be a Filipina, how you’re supposed to behave, what you’re supposed to think and do, what the world looks like to you... everything is explained, and it helped me connect with Krista.

Hence I had no trouble either to fall for the handsome american she has feelings for. Who am I kidding? I’d have fallen anyway, because he’s the perfect boyfriend--handsome and rich, but also kind and considerate, and sweet and sexy too. No wonder Krista has a crush on him and... drumrolls... offers him her virginity! Because carpe diem and all that jazz.

That’s the starting point of the story: Krista is about to celebrate her 30th birthday, and she’s promised herself and her friends that she would accomplish something important before that day. On vacation in a resort in Boracay with her sexy boss, she decides to seduce him and convince him to pop her cheery. Let’s just say that he doesn’t need a lot of convincing.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy that book. The author loves to explain and describe the various typical dishes that her characters eat, as well as the places they visit and the things they do. You literally go on vacation with them--that’s how powerful the descriptions are.

It’s also a sweet and sexy romance. There’s not much tension in the relationship, and when there’s a bit, it’s quickly resolved. Don’t expect angst.

This book is like a juicy exotic fruit: tender and sweet, with a little tingling for your tongue.


Quickie

Series: Carpe diem chronicles #1 (besides New York engagement, which is a direct follow up to Boracay vows, they can be read as standalone)

Hashtags: #multicultural romance #billionaire romance #mixed race #virgin

Main couple: Krista Lopez & Blake Ryan

Hotness: 4/5

Romance: 5/5

+ I went on vacation without leaving my couch

- sometimes the words are a bit stilted

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Debut!
Boracay Vowsby Maida Malby is a wonderful debut novel! I've read it twice now and it's lovely! Travel, romance, opposites and true love despite their differences. Krist and blake are solid characters you genuinely want to root for. The setting is full of amazing details and so very real! If you like romance and a good book for you! I enjoyed every minute of it both times!

[Erin Jungdahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon-worthy!

This beach resort romance made me want to seize the day and book a tropical vacation. The heroine grows so much from the beginning to the end and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Krista and Blake.

[Catherine Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely romance

A lovely, sexy romance with beautiful details of Filipino culture, food, and people. It will put a smile on your face and make you hungry for both food and love.

[Beth Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boracay Vows is a delightful tale of finding love. I enjoyed the way Malby wove culture into the romance, proving the genre CAN be inclusive.

Krista and Blake are two characters the readers can relate to. I enjoyed the chemistry between them. The conflict is on point, the description is lovely, and the pace is easy. Best of all: the writing didn't suck.

Maida Malby is a fresh new voice in romance, and I'll be reading more of her work.

[Lori M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a conservative woman with strong family values breaking out of her shell and taking chances. It's a nice warm beachy read on a cold winter night.

There were a couple of things I had questions about at the end, but I'm sure they will be addressed in the upcoming book that will follow this couple into the next stage of their relationship.

Great debut novel. If you like contemporary romance and the beach, this one will suit you nicely.

[Saynab · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a debut

Got an ARC to post an honest review
and let me tell you I wasn't disappointed

Loved Krista and Blake
It's a wonderful romance, intelligent characters,witty dialogue and sizzling chemistry

Can't wait for the next book
Highly recommended

[Allegra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great romance with exotic locations and fun characters. I found myself getting lost in the story, which is never a bad thing. A definite re-read.

[Danielle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was a light, fun read. Krista is a conservative woman who decides to “seize the day” and take hold of what she wants. Blake is a CEO who is very kind and generous. I loved reading about the culture and now want to plan my trip to Boracay!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun contemporary romance takes place in the Philippines between Krista and Blake. Blake is technically Krista's boss but they fall for each other anyway at a beautiful resort in Boracay. I didn't love that there was a boss/subordinate relationship; however, I found the fact the characters were aware of potential real world problems as boss/subordinate helped. Malby introduces Filipino culture, language and food throughout, giving the setting great authenticity and interest. The possible and actual cultural hurdles that exist between Blake and Krista are not ignored, but are well woven into the story. I liked how Krista spoke up for herself throughout. She may have been hiding herself before, but she's no door mat. Blake was presented as a confident man without falling into complete jerk alpha-male territory, making him a much more realistic and likable character. Even when one or two other little things didn't work for me, Krista and Blake did work and I enjoyed the journey to their HEA. I'm just sorry we can't all go vacation at Perlas. Pack this one in your beach bag for your own vacation and enjoy.

[Jm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book, written by a fellow Filipino and set in my home country. Not only that, it's in one of my most favorite places in the world! Boracay is a brilliant choice of location. The island is a character in itself, providing just the right feel and atmosphere. Those of us who've been there know the magic of the island that makes it perfect backdrop for a love story.

I love the use of a Filipino term to introduce each chapter. It feels good to finally see the familiar - language, culture, food - in a romance novel!

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent debut for a promising series

The setting of Boracay created a magical backdrop for a beautiful first relationship story filled with Filipino culture. Blake and Krista are strong characters with plenty of conflicts to keep them apart, however love has a funny way of getting past all that. I’m even more determined to get myself invited to dinner now after reading such a sensory-rich story. I’ll be one-clicking the next story immediately.

[Kat at Book Thingo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Live tweet thread: https://twitter.com/BookThingo/status... #BoracayVows

Standout quote: “Since fixing his eyes on her two months ago, Blake had been celibate. He was tired of dealing with Makati’s devious single ladies, especially those who deliberately pursued Western expatriates like him, to have a perceived better life elsewhere.”

Regretting that I'm neither from Makati nor single, so I can put "Devious Single Lady of Makati" in my tagline. ::undefinable emoji::

[Sheila Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boracay Vows is a story of two strong-willed people, who find their way to each other.Krista is the employee of Blake. A VOW was made to Krista friends that she will relax and open to meeting people. Mainly, men !! Her friends gave her the trip as a birthday present. Blake, as her boss, always went by the book. On Boracay, he goes after Krista as a friend and a lover.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Captivating characters in an exotic locale!


Maida Malby’s debut novel Boracay Vows, brings to life not only Krista and Blake but the island of Boracay itself! The sights, the smells, the food, and the language all come together along with her characters to form an enchanting novel.

[Cecille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic

Great debut book! A very romantic read indeed! Read it three times!!! I love how Krista and Blake resolved their issues, quick and no big dramas. But you can feel the emotions. Very relatable characters. I am so looking forward to the next book!

[Luz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story and a wonderful start to a series that I look forwards to reading!

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Fulfilling another reading prompt with this one…but with a bit of a twist. The prompt was to read a book from my country. Since the majority of the books I read are from my home country, I opted to go with my cultural heritage. Being half Filipino, I wanted to find a Filipino author and book set in the Philippines. Maida Malby’s book fit the bill. (I was surprised to find that I’ve already read several authors of Filipino descent. I had never paid attention to that prior to this book prompt.)

As far as this book goes, I will say that I didn’t enjoy the insta-love. Their entire “relationship” was probably my least favorite part of this book. Growing up with a Filipino mother though, I fully understood the familial pressure that comes from being a daughter in that culture. I also loved the mention of Clark Air Base, as it’s where I spent years of my adolescence. I also loved the references to Marcos and Aquino and the turbulence experienced in the country during the 80’s, as I was there for all of it. Leave it to me to read a contemporary romance book and only love the historical aspects written in as a side-story. 🤣

I will add that I didn’t dislike Krista or Blake and I’m glad they found love within each other. I also loved how Blake really embraced the Filipino culture. I struggled with the believability of going from a v-card toting, almost 30 year old, to an “in love”, slut-for-your-man in less than a week. With an over-bearing Filipino mother?!?! Yeah, that’s not a thing.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

Krista Lopez is about to turn thirty, and her girlfriends not only send her to a posh resort to celebrate, but pack her suitcase with flattering outfits that reveal far more of her lush figure than she's used to showing. After all, after years of keeping herself focused on work and caring for her family (mostly while dressed like a nun), it's on her birthday to-do list to start living out the idea of Carpe Diem. And well, if her hunky Irish-American boss Blake Ryan happens to be in the bungalow next door? All the better to be seized ;)

Krista's turned Blake's head for months, but he's determined to remain nothing but professional. When they both end up in a tropical paradise, they agree to indulge in a vacation fling, and they heat up the sheets as well as enjoying those sunshiny days.

Maida Malby's Boracay Vows is the first in her Carpe Diem Chronicles series, and is set in the Philippines. Her writing takes us to that beautiful island and its people, food, and beauty. Her writing is lush, including mouthwatering descriptions of the feasts and the spectacular scenery and the characters' heated passions. Ms Malby also does a great job with a strong secondary cast and a meaningful plot. She writes with authority on being a Filipina in that country, and reveals the emotional landscape in a real-life way. I’m looking forward to indulging in more of her writing!

[Andrea Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I don't normally read romances. In fact, this is the second romance novel I have ever read. I think the allure for me is the setting takes place in the Philippines, where my mother was born, and the leading lady is Filipina while the leading man is an American. I felt as though myself and my own husband's story could be seen through these characters as their fictional relationship builds. The nuggets of real history between American and the talagog integrated within the story pulled me into the immersion of Filipino culture. It felt like I was taking a peek into the life of one of my cousins who are still living there. I want to share more but don't want to give away any spoilers. This was a wonderful story and I hope many more will pick it up to read too.

[Carrie Sprys · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous debut novel from Maida Malby! I loved the idea of an international romance, complete with menu options and vacation ideas. The cast of characters are entertaining and the author does a wonderful job of showcasing cultural differences and how they might affect a blossoming romance. I look forward to watching the group of characters develop, especially the relationship between Aiden and Maddie. Well done, Maida!

[Arlene D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Romance with a tad of steam! Plus the heroine was Filipina so, yeah, big-big plus for me! Been looking for books with multicultural characters and found this one.

Would love to go to Boracay after the pandemic! Blake and Krista’s story was cute and the characters were believable. I adore the descriptions, and got to imagine Superman and Loki in one place! OMG! Not too much drama, this book will make your heart flutter. Carpe diem, indeed!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the premise of this story – to honor the memory of a friend they lost the group adopted Carpe Diem. The crew all commit that they would all do something life changing before they turn 30. Krista’s friends send her to a fancy resort for her 30th birthday and pack her bag for her. This is a lovely story of finding love and dealing with family.