Chasing Mindy

by Carla de Guzman

Mindy and Javier are not friends, okay.

Despite their mothers’ matchmaking, they’ve managed to stay out of each other’s way. Until Mindy goes to Paris for a week, and her mother insists she meet up with Javier. He’s in Paris to study, really looking forward to see you, she says. Watch over each other.

No thanks. Javier is taciturn and boring, Mindy is dramatic and has a tendency to yell at things when her eight siblings are brought up. It’s not a great combination.

But things start to look a little different under the Paris lights, and what felt like hate feels a lot closer to love.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance

ebook

About the author

Author, occasional illustrator, full-time traveler.

Reviews

[Shealea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I initially felt overwhelmed by all the names being tossed around (which is the natural response to meeting a big family, in my opinion), every Capras sibling had a distinct and dynamic personality, and by the end of the book, I just wanted to learn more about all of them! Plus, I thought it was fantastic how the Capras family effectively represented the essence of a Filipino family.

Quite frankly, what I loved the most about Chasing Mindy was not the romance aspect, which basically constituted the primary plot of the story. Instead, what I loved the most about Chasing Mindy was the dynamic, multi-layered character growth of both Mindy and Javier as individuals – watching them both navigate and negotiate between who they are outside of the shadows of other people and who they can be, in order to figure out whom they want to become. Underneath their personal battles with inner demons lies a really powerful and empowering message which, I think, can resonate deeply with everyone.

Chasing Mindy is a cute, heartwarming romance set in one of the most magical places in the world and manages to thoughtfully explore struggles with self-image and self-identity. Carla de Guzman’s latest book is definitely a read I’d recommend, especially to people, like myself, who still have tons of shit to figure out.

Quick disclosure: I received a digital advanced reader’s copy (ARC) of Chasing Mindy from the author herself in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Carla de Guzman!

🌻🍃 More bookish content on Shut up, Shealea 🍃🌻
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[Justine from Novels and Panda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For such a short-paged book it's content is beyond my expectations. It was not just some romance book you'll forget over a year. It was so much more.

I am still over the moon kilig. And not just the romance I love the way it was written, the flow of the story. the representation of the Filipino family here is on point. And Mindy she's a witty-headstrong-in-love-will-not-let-just-end-it-that-way-badass I love her!

[Binibining `E (of The Ugly Writers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

When you start a book by describing petit fours and tiny sandwiches you know that this is going to be a good one and you know that you want it, definitely it will be as luscious as the milk chocolate and the caramel. A symphony indeed.

This is the first book that I have read from Carla De Guzman's works and I am not ashamed to admit that I so love this and definitely, it deserve more than 5 stars. This story is very heart warming, fun and just so adorable. A book about family, Paris, Coffee and Bookshop and cute characters, you can't go wrong with that. Though, you might be overwhelmed by Mindy's family, which is by the way very big as in they are a lot, their characters are very different from each other, but like most Filipinos, we all know that family is love, right? I totally adore all of them and I know that you will love them too.

From the beginning of the story I fell in love with Mindy and Javier, their banters are really amusing and witty. They quickly resolve their issues together and have fallen in love with one another unexpectedly. I love them to bits. Mindy is such a delight for me and so is Javier, both are unique in each way, and they may treat life differently and they may be experiencing something in their life to actually get to what they are now but I love the fact that at least it didn't hinder them to feel things and find what they're really looking for. Javier is definitely the guy you will bring home to meet Mom. He is just loving and his words will make you swoon and there's this sincerity in him that I truly like. And I am so glad that they have each other at the end. I love everything about them, their actions, how they banter at each other, how they are with each other when they are together, the peach thing (*winks*), the jacket thing, the rules, I also love it when they tease their moms, it's just so adorable, the scene at the taqueria it was really really cute and yes a romanceclass novel will not be complete without the yummy food.

This book made me feel things, it makes me warm inside while reading this, it open my eyes to see how beautiful Paris is in the eyes of the characters, it felt like I was also there. It made me feel love, this made me smile, and giggle and at times I am crying with them too, that last chapter made me shed tears of happiness. Also, this showcase how we Filipinos treat each other as family, you can't go wrong with that, family will always be there no matter what, no matter what challenges we all have to go through they are always there backing us up. The ending is just perfect for the story, Paris with their family. Oh God Javier and Mindy you are just so witty I was excited when Javi kneels only to find out that they're just pranking. But yeah, still a very happy ending indeed. The last line from Javi makes my heart melt and I just cry.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carla de Guzman never fails to deliver. Her stories are always funny, witty, and have that nakakakilig factor that never fails to make my inner schoolgirl squeal. (If you’re not Filipino, I beg of you, Google what ‘nakakakilig’ means. You won’t regret it.)

There’s more to Chasing Mindy than romance though. Javier Tiangco and Mindy Capras are asking the same question - who am I? - and their search leads them to trod the same paths in Paris, the City of Lights, and maybe even fall in love along the way.

Read my full review here.

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[Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine "Mindy" Capras: Left law school. Executive assistant spending one week in Paris just because.

If Mindy were a real person, I'd hug her the moment I meet her. She's this strong, independent woman who knows who she is and who she wants to be. She doesn't need other people reminding her of who she could have been because that stuff is in the freaking past.

I am so proud of the choices she made for herself. Meeting her is a gift. ❤

Javier "Javi" Tiangco: Heir to the family business. Battle-worn soldier still wanting to fight.

I like Javi for all the cuteness, yes. But his words are what made me fall in love with him. He will make you feel listened to, and that's one of the best feelings ever.

He loves his mom and he'll do everything for her. He's this guy who finds it difficult to talk about what makes him feel sad, and I want to hug him as well.

Two heavy hearts finding love in Paris. A story of being your own person.

Chasing Mindy captured the pros and cons of being born in Filipino families. Describing the dynamics of such could be challenging, but I believe Ms. Carla handled it so well. I lived vicariously through Mindy and Javi as they navigated the City of Light and learned about each other in the process. I smiled a lot, and there were also times when I felt like crying because this was a book I didn't know I needed. It came at the right time and I'm grateful. ❤

To the hearts who feel a little too lost, this book is for you. Self-discovery is a continuous journey, and I hope this book makes you want to keep going. ❤

Full review on my book blog: https://wp.me/p4gfJt-Os

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just need a pick-me-up book and this book delivered! I've been meaning to read Chasing Mindy in a while and lmaaaao I did not realized it came out back in 2018. I've been so out of touch.

France needs to get more smoke for colonizing half of the continents but Paris is truly one of my romanticized dream destination. The vibes, the food!! The film location of most of Audrey Hepburns's films. Carla de Guzman did a magnificent job at encapsulating the romantic notion of Parisian.

I so so love the big family dynamics and the romance. The low stake drama and plot is good for my anxiety. Overall, definitely joining one of my favorite romance novels. This made me swoon, laugh and cry.

[Anjeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jasmine," he said, squeezing her hand. "You saved up since you were eighteen to come here. Not because of your birth order, or your job, but because you wanted to do it for yourself. Who you are isn't the sum total of your descriptors or titles. It's the choices you make. You chose Paris. You chose me."

Have you ever loved a book so much you decided to re-read it right after you finish it? That's Chasing Mindy for me. And it's sweeter the second time around.

Set mostly in the City of Lights, Chasing Mindy is the story of Jasmine Capras a.k.a Mindy and Javier Tiangco and how, by the "help" of their mothers, they explored Paris together, realized what they truly wanted and found love too.

You know that kilig feeling? That's what I felt for most part while reading. I laughed a lot too and got THAT moment , the heart-wrenching punch in the gut moment, I've always been looking for in books.

Reluctant due to their mothers' matchmaking, Mindy and Javi showed enough animosity to each other at first that had me glued to story and made me wonder how the author can turn their hate into love. The answer? Paris did it's magic. Through Mindy's eyes, Carla de Guzman (and Javi) showed me the beauty of Paris, the things the city can offer and how a person can make the experience of touring a place even better. For you are not only discovering the place, you are discovering yourself and that person too.

Besides the top-notch romance, Chasing Mindy showcased the difference in dynamics between Filipino families too. Mindy coming from a big family with 8 siblings and Javi being an only child. The story showed how a huge part of the way they live their lives was influenced by their family and it's okay. But it's also okay to seek for who you are too. To explore places, to stand for what you believe and to choose yourself.

I admit that I had a hard time keeping up with the Caprases, there's nine of them plus the parentals! But it ended up being one of the things I love the most about the book. Their close-knit relationship, their antics and the love and care they have for each other was truly admirable. And what's even more amazing was how Carla de Guzman managed it—to give each sibling a distinct voice that can help you distinguish one from another.

Another thing that I love was that fact that Mindy is surrounded by strong female characters, cameos from Carla's other books: Mindy's current boss, Isabel from How She Likes It and her ex-boss Martha from If the Dress Fits. It's a universe I wanted to be in!

Overall, Chasing Mindy made me fall in love not only with Paris but also with the way Mindy and Javier grew as a their own person. We navigate this place not knowing what we wanted, they both did too. And it's amazing how their story can inspire readers like me to keep going until we get what we truly wanted, what we deserve. And who knows? Maybe we find love too, just like they did with each other.

[Sarah Ghazali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paris je t'aime. Mindy takes a long-awaited solo trip to Paris and she's forced to meet up with Javier, a family friend. They can't stand each other, but their mothers keep pushing them together. As we do in Paris, sparks fly.

I'm a sucker for books where the city/location is a character on its own, and Paris loomed like a third wheeling sibling in this book, prodding the two leads on. Whilst Paris is gloriously painted in this book, I also appreciated how it's not viewed through rose-tinted lenses - the grotty is grotty, the beautiful is breathtaking. (thinking especially of the description of Monet's garden. I've never been, but I can see it all here.)

I also loved the writing, esp the use of dual narratives. It helped to show the story and growing relationship, as well as the city, from both perspectives. The writing is also sublime where emotions are concerned. The first kiss is drawn out beautifully, as is the hurt that comes in the middle of the arc; that blanking out scene at the party gave me secondhand heartbreak. also love how this book played on allusions, which felt like little secrets that the reader can be clued in on. Quoting Shakespeare and the accuracy of setting aside, I adored the moment when the MC realised she was falling, and how it was set against a montage of numerous cinematic bits.

(a side thing that I've been lingering over since discovering the romanceclass corpus - the refreshing treatment of intimacy in these books, constantly considering cultural and religious specificities. virgin hero trope? hello yes I'm all in.)

a few gripes:
1) the siblings - both magnitude and degree of involvement - are something specific, and I appreciate the author acknowledging that it comes from a personal place. However, without context it felt overwhelming, and their involvement in the plot was not something I could get into.
2) There were moments which felt like jarring gaps, where actions seemed unnatural. Thinking especially of Javier's cryptic/creepy silence otw to the cathedral, and the sudden family intervention over videocall. Maybe if these actions were more drawn out? (Mindy spending a longer time in Paris?)

4 stars for taking me back to Paris. for vivid descriptions of the blue and yellow of Parisian buildings, bouquinistes, and long walks around the city (optional: to be spent unpacking family drama back home lol!)

[Nightwitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun, sweet novella: our hero and heroine romp through Paris while bantering back and forth (complete with Shakespeare and Clueless quotes) and eventually end up... well, you'll have to read it to find out. The ending felt a little rushed, with family problems disposed of with a couple of sentences, but over all a delightful read.

[marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Lynai · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars.
Paris will always be a beautiful clichè. 😊

[Gabbie De Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I relate to this a lot!!!!!! Loved contrast of the two families 🙄

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one. The Paris setting for a good portion of the story was lovely and romantic. I love how much #romanceclass books emphasize family, and it certainly plays a big role here. Mindy’s and Javi’s mothers are best friends, and they are the same age, so they grew up hearing stories about each other and dealing with their parents not-so-secretly matchmaking even though they haven’t actually spent much time together.

I don’t really consider this enemies-to-lovers, but they do start off on the wrong foot when Javi calls Mindy (who has 8 siblings) by one of her sister’s names. It’s a sore spot for Mindy because she loves her family but also longs to be seen as her own person, not just Number Four. She’s struggling to find her way after quitting law school and fending off her parents’ attempts to get her to go back, even though she’s happy in her new career.

Javi comes from a wealthy but unhappy family. He’s been in Paris finishing up his MBA. His parents are separated—because divorce is illegal in the Philippines—and his father is manipulative and controlling. He tries to make Javi bend to his will since he controls the family finances.

When Mindy takes a vacation to Paris, she doesn’t actually expect Javi to meet her and show her around, as they both promised their parents. But it’s not long before they realize they’re attracted to each other. They start a secret casual relationship while she’s in Paris (Javi is a virgin hero if that’s your catnip) because they don’t want their families to have expectations.

Despite the time in Paris being short (a week), I really felt their connection. They have great chemistry and can talk to each other about a lot of things, although I found Javi more closed off. He does return to the Philippines, where things get rocky. I got frustrated with him towards the end and just wanted him to confide in Mindy. But I also wanted to give him a hug because his father is so awful. The ending felt like a HFN with the epilogue promising a happy future for them—given they’re only 23 and still figuring life out, it felt appropriate to me. It just took a bit longer for them to get on the same page, but they eventually do!

[Looooowla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 5th book under #romanceclass that I have read, and the first from the Author. Lucky enough to get an ARC copy of this one on the same day it was given. I always look forward to read one of Carla's book but whenever I plan to purchase one, I always end up getting other book from my ebook list. Hehe And so as my first time reader, I liked how she managed to make twist out of this one and how she sends kilig to the readers.

Just like the other reviewer, I was a bit overwhelmed by Mindy's family names, and I had a bit of struggle in the first chapter(it was just me,I think haha); or maybe because I was reading it while my Father was inside the OR, and by the time he's back in his room I was halfway through it. I can relate to Mindy, I've tried to travel alone just to escape the reality and to divert the thought that my Parents wanted me to be with the son of their friend. Although we used to be classmates in HS, I can still feel the sting coming out of me—and I cannot do it. I loved how she writes about Jas & Javi's family background; it's so Filipino-ish. And oh, I felt how Javi & Mindy enjoyed Paris TOGETHER. They brought me to Paris feeling a bit chilly because of what could possibly happen to the both of them. Javi's innocence made think that we should not judge according to their looks or stand in life. And Jasmine's perseverance to stand for what she wanted to do and she waned to happen to he life shows Woman Empowerment.

This one deserves nothing but honest review because Carla did a good job! Madaming kinilig! My drive to visit Paris increased because of these three! Damn, Paris!

[Brain Tabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

With lush descriptions, Carla de Guzman took my breath away yet again with her new work, Chasing Mindy. The carefully-detailed setting allowed me to savor the narrative and made me feel as if I was taking a leisure trip to Paris.

Sassy and snarky, Mindy is a character you'll easily love if you like your girls to come with masterful eye-rolling and biting wit. The way she took charge of things just made me root for her to succeed. Javier, on the other hand, is totally endearing. He's flawed and a little brooding, sure, but he's smart (major swoon!) and really thoughtful. These characters' banter were entertaining, with all its Shakespeare references and snappy one-liners and comebacks.

Mindy comes from a big family, which naturally makes this story feature a large cast of characters. It was difficult for me to keep track of the names at times, but the supporting characters did make the story push forward and helped with the growth and development of both Mindy and Javi.

The story follows Mindy and Javi as they figure out who they wanted to be both in life and love, making this almost a bildungsroman. The way the characters made adulting decisions while getting around the complexities of a Filipino family was well-written that the result was authentic and relatable.

Just like Carla de Guzman's two other books, If the Dress Fits and The Queen's Game, Chasing Mindy is a story featuring adorable characters, a strong sense of place, and steamy scenes. If you're into those, pick this up and you won't be disappointed.

[H. Bentham]

I've had this for a while but I've been saving it for a downward-spiral kind of reading mood and when I finally needed it, OMG, I'm so glad I had it on reserve! Bec it's so heartwarming and cute and hot and It's got a lot of the tropes I love (even though I don't always say I love it) 😍

Like Healthy/Quirky Family Dynamics! The theme is obvious with Mindy's family, bec she has a lot of brothers and sisters. I loved it, the distinction of each sibling that was mentioned, and that's saying something bec I usually get v confused when there's more than 4 people speaking in a scene but this book nailed it for me! The other thing is Javier's family situation, like, it's unhealthy bec his dad is an absolute jerkwad, but Javier makes it work by being there for his mother. And his mother loves him so much he gives him time and space for himself. In Paris! So yeah, it's great!

The romance is written so well (this is Carla De Guzman, so that's a given) that even when I kind of expected more resistance from Mindy, it still made sense to me that she gave in to her attraction with Javier just a wee bit earlier than I thought she would. To be fair, he was annoying, but endearing, and the close proximity of being two Pinoys in a foreign country has such strong magic to resist against. And they were in Paris, after all.

So yeah. This is a highly recommended comfort read and you should get it immediately!

*This review also appears as a bookstagram on my IG: @bentchbites

[Kris Mauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mindy snorted and rolled her eyes. A master of eye rolling, this girl was. But he could see the way she smiled after."

Books set in Paris are my ABSOLUTE favorite. And I'm such a fan of the way Carla de Guzman writes her stories' settings. The descriptions are always beautiful! I was swooning and singing yaaaaas girl YAS to this book! This is so romantic! I want to be in Paris, too!! So obviously the romance was sweet and on point in this book. Mindy and Javier complimented each other well and I enjoyed the way their relationship blossomed.

My favorite part was reading through their individual journeys, though, because they were so relatable. They were both in this stage of "what's next" and "who am I" - loved this quote, "I want so much to be my own person, outside of my family, but so much of who I am is because of them." Carla de Guzman really nailed it on Mindy's family and capturing the beauty of Pinoy families. The ups and downs of becoming your own person but needing your family by your side at the same time. I really loved all of this. And Javier's internal struggle with his own family drama was just as interesting. The ending was the best.. *wipes happy tears*

Chasing Mindy is a great read for anyone who feels stuck in their own life.. OR just anyone who needs a light, romantic story! :)

[JM Cabral · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed reading this one! The self-love and self-appreciation theme, along with the amazingly Filipino family dynamics, were some of the reasons as to why I loved this so much. But full review to come! Here's a short blurb for now:

"Carla de Guzman's latest book, Chasing Mindy, features a whirlwind romance between Jasmine Capras and Javier Tiangco, two Filipinos who found themselves falling in love in the exquisitely fabulous City of Lights. It sheds light on personal, but widely Filipino topics such as great family dynamics, insecurity, and self-acceptance. I would highly recommend this short #romanceclass novel to those who has ever felt lost, but always wanted to rediscover and love themselves again in hopes of finding happiness."

Thank you to the author, Carla de Guzman, for sending me an e-copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. This did not, in any way, affect my overall opinion of the book and/or the story.

[carrietracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 +

Picked it because I love a hate-to-love if it's well done and because I will always be a sucker for a Paris love affair. And it was pretty gosh-darn adorable. It wasn't such a hate-to-love, they resolve their initial reservations and issues pretty quickly, but they are just too cute together. From his dimples to her wearing his jacket, it was just all super cute. I also couldn't get enough of the little references slipped in like when Mindy is dreaming of a magical kiss and is imagining the scene from Practical Magic.

Light, fluffy and delicious, just like a Parisian croissant.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

Paris! Shakespeare! Mindy and Javier are super cute, the dialogue is witty and if we sometimes are overwhelmed by the Aguas family, well that's part of the story. Really cute first love story that sucked me in, so that by the end I cared as much as their mothers. This is a gentle tale; the angst is played down, but it kept my attention to the end.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last! I loved the witty banter, the family dynamics and shenanigans Mindy had with her family, the eavesdropping on Javi and Mindy as they fell in love. *big sigh*