Happy Virgo season everyone! Hello to my rising sign, the sign that keeps me just as grounded as my Capricorn Sun does. For all you astrology girlies out there, Virgos are usually associated with the ones who need to keep things in proper order, practical and logical (which also means they can be quite rigid).

This is also the month of Jungkook and Namjoon’s birthdays, which are very special, in that I just love these boys, and happy birthday to them. It’s been a very interesting season so far. I have had several cries, several deep, intimate conversations, super frustrating ones, too. But anyway. That’s just normal 30 year old drama. Hopefully.

Anyway, so a few months ago, there was this!

And an edit, a title change and a lot of back and forth later, here we are!

Oh but you’re here for the cover reveal, yes. The scintillating tea behind the new book, which will be published by Afterglow books under Harlequin on March 26, 2024. You can find the tea below.

Manila Takes Manhattan

by Carla de Guzman

How do you follow your heart when it’s in two places?
Filipino musician and producer Mon Mendoza has been in New York for less than a day. Just long enough to feel like he doesn’t belong despite landing a life-changing opportunity. All he can do is set a date night for just himself and some pancit canton. Which, as it turns out, is the only invitation his gorgeous Pinoy neighbor needs…

Actress Olivia Angeles can wear a character like a well-fitted dress. It’s her real self she’s having a hard time fitting into, craving a niche in Hollywood that doesn’t compromise her identity in the name of success. And right now, all she wants is comfort in the form of tasty noodles and her outrageously hot new neighbor. One night. Just enough to lose herself in his touch and the feel of his lips…

Only their sexy little tryst isn’t quite what they signed up for. Because for the next month, Mon and Olivia are working on the same movie. Together. Now they’re discovering they have a lot more in common than Pinoyness and sizzling chemistry. But how do you find yourself and your person when you’re caught between two different worlds?

#HarlequinBooks #AfterglowBooks #ManilaTakesManhattan

So here we are, with a cover, a blurb! Suffice to say, not having as much control over the entire experience has been a journey and a struggle for me. But I am trying to adopt this new ‘go with the flow’ mindset, and I’m determined to enjoy the ride that this book is about to embark on. At this point, I’ve been trying to write this book since 2017…? Tama ba? And I’m really happy with the final result, and where it actually ended up.

I imagine you have some questions, so feel free to leave them in the comments! Here are some that I came up with, lolz. Artista siya eh.

Wait, Mon, as in—? Olivia, as in—?

As in Mon Mendoza from Some Bali to Love and Something Stupid, yes! Our tall, insightful, chill cutie boy has always been on my mind and my heart, and when I decided to do One Last Rewrite of this book in 2022, I thought about what he would be able to do with Olivia (as in Max from If The Dress Fits’ twin sister, yay!), whom I have written several times over, and loved in every iteration of this story.

Wasn’t this book supposed to be for #romanceclass Flair?

The first few, earliest versions of Manila Takes Manhattan were drafted for the #romanceclass Flair project, (which has exciting news happening next month!!!!) and in fact had already revealed a cover. But things happened! Unfortunately, I will not be participating in Flair anymore. BUT I did get help in the early drafts from the team, so they are very much a part of the journey to make this book what it is! And who knows, i might find a way to use those cover photos we shot…

Cool! But do they bang?

Yes. :D As KB, my beta reader said, “HOLY LUCKY ME.”

Ooh, art! Who art-ed?

The art was made by Alyssa de Asis, a Filipino illustrator! It made the whole thing extra special. Her work had just the right amount of ~sparkle that I like for my covers. I had to sit down when the cover first landed in my inbox. :) Doesn’t in kind of remind you of those movie billboards they used to have to paint in EDSA? No? Ako lang? As a 25 year old?

When will it be available? Where will it be available? Why will it be available? Who will it be available? How will it be available? Do it will be available?

It has a release date for March 26, 2024 which, woo tagal. But ok lang, good things come to those who wait. But in case you can’t wait, and really want to help spread the word, you can always try getting an ARC from NetGalley which, should be possible now!

As to where she will be available, well. Hopefully worldwide. Definitely online. As far as I know, Fully Booked knows this book is happening, so I think it’s not too far off to say it will be available there! But if all else fails, you can get it from me. :)

I’m Excited!

Me too! Please feel free to show it—share the post, or scream in the direction of the Internet. If you’re not requesting from NetGalley, we still have a while to wait (and other things in between), but let’s all be excited together, yes.

Okay I am mentally out of questions, and emotionally out of words. Just let me know if you have any burning questions, or feel free to scream at me, because I’m screaming too. Suffice to say this hasn’t been the easiest of seasons. But this in particular, is good news, I have decided. Let’s celebrate, friends! :)

It's Virgo Season, So Let's Have A Cover Reveal