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Chic Manila #3
No Strings Attached
Carla is a whiz at her she's efficient, reliable, and a total genius when it comes to putting something together at the last minute. The snag is she's single and turning the big three-oh in a few months. her girl best friend (yes, she's married just like mthe other girls in Carla's barkada) keeps trying to set her up with stable banker-types, while her guy best friend (single–the other single one) encourages her to play the field–no strings attached. Then, through no set up or extraordinary circumstances, Carla meets Dante. Hot, smug, sexy Dante. Definitely not a banker-type and seemingly too good to be true. So there's got to be a catch. There is. He's five years younger. Is the universe telling Carla to finally let loose and enjoy a fling with a younger man? Or is there a lot more to this awkward situation than she bargained for?
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
15 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Mina V. Esguerra
46 books591 followersMina V. Esguerra writes contemporary romance and young adult novellas. She has a bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree in Development Communication, put to good use in her work as trainer and content management consultant. Mina lives in Metro Manila, Philippines, with her husband and daughter.
She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."
She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 8, 2011
Carla is turning 30, still single and unattached. One afternoon during their company's strategic teambuilding, she meets a son of her boss's boss: the 24-y/o Dante. They fall in love with each other. However, Carla thinks that, because of their age difference, the relationship will not go anywhere so they set some rules that can be summarized into: no strings attached.
The novel is definitely chick lit: easy read, shallow characters, thin plot. However, I guess that this is how chick lit should be so I have no problem with it. I just could not find anything to take away from it. No interpretations needed. Everything is put in the open and clarified in the end.
If I were a twentyish or thirtyish single girl, I would have given this at least a 3-star rating. I just did not see any semblance of me, my wife or my 16-y/o daughter in any of the characters. They seem to be living in another universe compared to mine now or when I was younger. No offense to the writer, who is also a Goodreads friend, but I have a feeling that this book is not for me. I would not want to pretend that I liked this because that would be dishonesty.
Opps, there are just two small thoughts that popped up in my mind. One came up in that scene when Dante first met Carla. She was trying to fix the tent and he said: "Need help?" Hearing those two words, Carla thought that his accent hinted expensive education. I wonder how that sounded. My daughter is currently reviewing for her college entrance exam and we are hoping, as parents, for her to land in one of the Top 4 universities. I wonder if that accent belong to any of those four. :)
The other one was when Mary, the Girl Best Friend of Carla, was interviewing her prior to doing something for the two lovers to reconcile. Mary asked if Carla already had sex with Dante. Carla replied: "almost everyday and twice on Saturdays" and they were not even living together as husband and wife. For a 46-y/o man like me, I missed my younger years hu hu.
To my brother (who adores the author): there are more sex here than in her My Imaginary-Ex. Can't wait to hear what you think of this :)
The novel is definitely chick lit: easy read, shallow characters, thin plot. However, I guess that this is how chick lit should be so I have no problem with it. I just could not find anything to take away from it. No interpretations needed. Everything is put in the open and clarified in the end.
If I were a twentyish or thirtyish single girl, I would have given this at least a 3-star rating. I just did not see any semblance of me, my wife or my 16-y/o daughter in any of the characters. They seem to be living in another universe compared to mine now or when I was younger. No offense to the writer, who is also a Goodreads friend, but I have a feeling that this book is not for me. I would not want to pretend that I liked this because that would be dishonesty.
Opps, there are just two small thoughts that popped up in my mind. One came up in that scene when Dante first met Carla. She was trying to fix the tent and he said: "Need help?" Hearing those two words, Carla thought that his accent hinted expensive education. I wonder how that sounded. My daughter is currently reviewing for her college entrance exam and we are hoping, as parents, for her to land in one of the Top 4 universities. I wonder if that accent belong to any of those four. :)
The other one was when Mary, the Girl Best Friend of Carla, was interviewing her prior to doing something for the two lovers to reconcile. Mary asked if Carla already had sex with Dante. Carla replied: "almost everyday and twice on Saturdays" and they were not even living together as husband and wife. For a 46-y/o man like me, I missed my younger years hu hu.
To my brother (who adores the author): there are more sex here than in her My Imaginary-Ex. Can't wait to hear what you think of this :)
May 11, 2017
I don’t give five stars lightly, the book must be able to make my heart race (swoon), make me emotional (cry, tear up), make me delirious (laughed out loud). No Strings Attached managed to deliver every single bit.
There’s a strange story behind this book. This is actually my first Mina V. Esguerra’s read, but I never managed to finish it before. I didn’t like it the first time! This is a complete 180 degree turn of events.
In hindsight, No Strings Attached seems like a simple book with a simple plot. Though, since I’m the queen of critically reading romance, I am amaze by the interconnecting threads. The book follows Carla, a twenty-nine-years-old girl who met the twenty-four-year-old son of her boss’s superior, Dante, in a weekend work function. The chemistry clicked off. But due to some complications like age gap and work connections, they both agree it’s going to be a harmless fling.
I love age gap so I’m not surprised I fell for this. The chemistry is just smooth and swoony. I couldn’t have helped but to be swayed. I usually have reservations with just-met pairings, but Esguerra always delivers by making sure there’s a build-up.
One of the things I like about No Strings Attached is that despite Carla is four years older, it didn’t seem like there’s an imbalance of power. I like the backstory behind that. Carla is the bunso (youngest) in her family and she’s also the youngest in her group of friends. This is not stereotyping but the people around her have always given her a hand. She’s quite sheltered in a way while Dante is panganay (oldest.) Being the oldest always comes with a responsibility. I like that their upbringing as bunso and panganay managed to shape the plot and their dynamics. I just love it! It was well executed.
Overall: I love the puns, family and friendship dynamics. I can’t rate this highly enough. Full review to come where I’ll try to talk about some things I adored.
There’s a strange story behind this book. This is actually my first Mina V. Esguerra’s read, but I never managed to finish it before. I didn’t like it the first time! This is a complete 180 degree turn of events.
In hindsight, No Strings Attached seems like a simple book with a simple plot. Though, since I’m the queen of critically reading romance, I am amaze by the interconnecting threads. The book follows Carla, a twenty-nine-years-old girl who met the twenty-four-year-old son of her boss’s superior, Dante, in a weekend work function. The chemistry clicked off. But due to some complications like age gap and work connections, they both agree it’s going to be a harmless fling.
I love age gap so I’m not surprised I fell for this. The chemistry is just smooth and swoony. I couldn’t have helped but to be swayed. I usually have reservations with just-met pairings, but Esguerra always delivers by making sure there’s a build-up.
One of the things I like about No Strings Attached is that despite Carla is four years older, it didn’t seem like there’s an imbalance of power. I like the backstory behind that. Carla is the bunso (youngest) in her family and she’s also the youngest in her group of friends. This is not stereotyping but the people around her have always given her a hand. She’s quite sheltered in a way while Dante is panganay (oldest.) Being the oldest always comes with a responsibility. I like that their upbringing as bunso and panganay managed to shape the plot and their dynamics. I just love it! It was well executed.
Overall: I love the puns, family and friendship dynamics. I can’t rate this highly enough. Full review to come where I’ll try to talk about some things I adored.
December 13, 2010
Original post at One More Page
I attended my godsister's wedding yesterday, the second wedding I attended this year. I came out of my brother's wedding last October relatively unscathed with questions about my own wedding, but this time around, I wasn't so safe. For one thing, I was called for the bouquet toss even if I was trying to make myself scarce at that point (my godsister called me out). Then as we were saying goodbye to the newly weds and my godsister's parents, they were all saying to me, "Don't forget to invite us to your wedding."
Sigh. Sure I won't forget. I figure it would be less exasperating question if I was actually nearing the altar, but alas, I'm not.
That is probably what Carla in Mina V. Esguerra's latest novel, No Strings Attached , felt, especially when her friends started getting married and having a life very different from her own. It doesn't help that the only remaining single in her group of friends was Tonio, the guy who likes to play the field. Carla is tired of being set up with stable banker types that she doesn't really like, and at the same time, she doesn't like how Tonio does it. Then she meets Dante, and things go from cold to sizzling hot between the two of them. The only catch is Dante is five years younger. Does she stay or does she go?
I've been hounding the bookstores ever since Mina announced in Twitter that her new book would be out soon, and I was giddy when I finally got my hands on it (boo on Eastwood stores for not having them in stock as fast as the other branches). This is another light and quick read from Mina, albeit a little different from her first two novels, My Imaginary Ex and Fairy Tale Fail. I can't really pinpoint if it's more serious or not, but it is certainly different. Like what Chachic said, the story focused not on how the love story unfolded, but on the complications of the relationships, especially to the people around Carla and Dante.
Mina shows how chick lit does not always have to deal with heroines finding their soul mates or wanting to get married. Sure, it has romance and there is the set-ups and talks of weddings, but No Strings Attached has a different kind of romance. It's one that we don't really get to see on movies or TV or read in any other books. I liked how No Strings Attached tackles a different kind of love story, one that I am pretty sure some Filipinas experience as well. I liked how Carla seemed like a very real person, and her friends offer enough contrast to her for the readers to see the different sides of the story without telling it to them in a long monologue of sorts from the heroine.
I can't really relate to Carla's predicament, but I do know I see myself in her best friend, Mary's shoes. I don't necessarily set my friends up with stable banker types, but I'd probably react the same way she did if I find out that some of my close friends are in a relationship similar to Carla's. I'm not proud of it, but the good thing about books is some characters act as a mirror, and it helps me to realize or remember things about myself that I need to keep in check (or sometimes even get rid of) in order to be a loving friend.
It's not my favorite Mina book (that slot still belongs to Fairy Tale Fail), but it's another good local chick lit to be lost in for a couple of hours (or days, if you're not a fast reader). I guess I don't have to say that I am her fan now, but if it needs saying: if there's a Mina Esguerra fans club, I am definitely in. ;)
Oh, an in case you were wondering, I didn't catch the bouquet. :P
I attended my godsister's wedding yesterday, the second wedding I attended this year. I came out of my brother's wedding last October relatively unscathed with questions about my own wedding, but this time around, I wasn't so safe. For one thing, I was called for the bouquet toss even if I was trying to make myself scarce at that point (my godsister called me out). Then as we were saying goodbye to the newly weds and my godsister's parents, they were all saying to me, "Don't forget to invite us to your wedding."
Sigh. Sure I won't forget. I figure it would be less exasperating question if I was actually nearing the altar, but alas, I'm not.
That is probably what Carla in Mina V. Esguerra's latest novel, No Strings Attached , felt, especially when her friends started getting married and having a life very different from her own. It doesn't help that the only remaining single in her group of friends was Tonio, the guy who likes to play the field. Carla is tired of being set up with stable banker types that she doesn't really like, and at the same time, she doesn't like how Tonio does it. Then she meets Dante, and things go from cold to sizzling hot between the two of them. The only catch is Dante is five years younger. Does she stay or does she go?
I've been hounding the bookstores ever since Mina announced in Twitter that her new book would be out soon, and I was giddy when I finally got my hands on it (boo on Eastwood stores for not having them in stock as fast as the other branches). This is another light and quick read from Mina, albeit a little different from her first two novels, My Imaginary Ex and Fairy Tale Fail. I can't really pinpoint if it's more serious or not, but it is certainly different. Like what Chachic said, the story focused not on how the love story unfolded, but on the complications of the relationships, especially to the people around Carla and Dante.
Mina shows how chick lit does not always have to deal with heroines finding their soul mates or wanting to get married. Sure, it has romance and there is the set-ups and talks of weddings, but No Strings Attached has a different kind of romance. It's one that we don't really get to see on movies or TV or read in any other books. I liked how No Strings Attached tackles a different kind of love story, one that I am pretty sure some Filipinas experience as well. I liked how Carla seemed like a very real person, and her friends offer enough contrast to her for the readers to see the different sides of the story without telling it to them in a long monologue of sorts from the heroine.
I can't really relate to Carla's predicament, but I do know I see myself in her best friend, Mary's shoes. I don't necessarily set my friends up with stable banker types, but I'd probably react the same way she did if I find out that some of my close friends are in a relationship similar to Carla's. I'm not proud of it, but the good thing about books is some characters act as a mirror, and it helps me to realize or remember things about myself that I need to keep in check (or sometimes even get rid of) in order to be a loving friend.
It's not my favorite Mina book (that slot still belongs to Fairy Tale Fail), but it's another good local chick lit to be lost in for a couple of hours (or days, if you're not a fast reader). I guess I don't have to say that I am her fan now, but if it needs saying: if there's a Mina Esguerra fans club, I am definitely in. ;)
Oh, an in case you were wondering, I didn't catch the bouquet. :P
July 6, 2012
{ Disclaimer: I'm rather biased, especially after meeting Dorothea (Middlemarch: A Study of Provincial Life), Becky Sharp (Vanity Fair) and Jane Eyre. Hah, apparently I don't know the "modern woman". Yes, I suppose I don't read much chick lit, so I can't properly judge this. }
This book is interesting, as it's not as gushy or romantic as opposed to other chick reads out there. It revolves more on the story, as opposed to the sparkling personalities and the sex (although the sex mentioned here is brief and, I suppose, tasteful), though, of course, this book talks about those too.
To sum it up:
-We've got the hot guy and the "cluelessly beautiful" girl.
> Interestingly, the "hot guy" has his own character, as opposed to the ones who seem to "live for their ladies". He's his own man, although he does seem rather perfect.
> The girl here is "unknowingly attractive", but what's interesting about it is that she's independent (of sorts?), and she knows how to act. She is, after all, 30 - and this book really talks about the issues of females (and males?) of that age.
-We've got the "ring of friends."
> Support group, though interestingly labeled the "Marriage Club" + Tonio.
-We've got the drama, the "villains" (no black and white scenarios here, though), the relationship.
Overall, the story's ok, although I was interested in the portrayal of Carling. I have a respect for her, and I'm glad she had some self-actualization in the end.
Other notes:
(I typically need to be in a certain mood to read chick lit... But I suppose it's been a while.)
This book is interesting, as it's not as gushy or romantic as opposed to other chick reads out there. It revolves more on the story, as opposed to the sparkling personalities and the sex (although the sex mentioned here is brief and, I suppose, tasteful), though, of course, this book talks about those too.
To sum it up:
-We've got the hot guy and the "cluelessly beautiful" girl.
> Interestingly, the "hot guy" has his own character, as opposed to the ones who seem to "live for their ladies". He's his own man, although he does seem rather perfect.
> The girl here is "unknowingly attractive", but what's interesting about it is that she's independent (of sorts?), and she knows how to act. She is, after all, 30 - and this book really talks about the issues of females (and males?) of that age.
-We've got the "ring of friends."
> Support group, though interestingly labeled the "Marriage Club" + Tonio.
-We've got the drama, the "villains" (no black and white scenarios here, though), the relationship.
Overall, the story's ok, although I was interested in the portrayal of Carling. I have a respect for her, and I'm glad she had some self-actualization in the end.
Other notes:
(I typically need to be in a certain mood to read chick lit... But I suppose it's been a while.)
July 20, 2012
Had I read this first before Mina Esguerra's "That kind of Guy" could I have judged the character of Anton/Tonio easier? Or maybe tried not to undermine his psyche a bit longer. But he was all that I thought about when I read this book, he was a supporting character to the lead but his story in this book cleared a lot of cobwebs for me. I think I saw a pattern on how Mina writes her characters and her story. But before my emotions gets the better of me, I should clear it that this is about Carla and Dante's love affair. If labels are warranted, I tell you, this is a typical Cougar relationship . Carla is 5 years older than Dante, meaning while she was in College and banging her head in Ehead concerts, Dante who was in grade school and is probably sleeping because it was way past his bedtime. So if they ever met during this time, she'd be feeding him milk and cookies instead of take-out chinese and nice lacy lingeries.
Strings are not needed for attractions. Magnets need opposite poles to attract. I guess that's what Carla and Dante has. The attraction is great and mutual, age does not stand as a barrier. That is the key- Mutual. If it were just Carla who liked Dante because he was looking fresh at 25 then the scene would just be awkward and if it were only Dante lusting for Carla and her matured curves then it would just be obscene.
But would I attach to someone 5 years younger? I'd probably say, no. I too can learn from my past. I saw myself 5 years ago, it was a fun age but something I will not return to. I just move forward. Too much mental anguish to handle, I am not one to hang around and be a tutor.
This is an easy read, thought provoking circumstance but was not drawn to Carla's character as much as I was with Julie and it helped me like Anton more.
Seriously, I should now get up and get a life. I think it's time to visit the nail spa they frequently went to and start exchanging numbers with them.
Strings are not needed for attractions. Magnets need opposite poles to attract. I guess that's what Carla and Dante has. The attraction is great and mutual, age does not stand as a barrier. That is the key- Mutual. If it were just Carla who liked Dante because he was looking fresh at 25 then the scene would just be awkward and if it were only Dante lusting for Carla and her matured curves then it would just be obscene.
But would I attach to someone 5 years younger? I'd probably say, no. I too can learn from my past. I saw myself 5 years ago, it was a fun age but something I will not return to. I just move forward. Too much mental anguish to handle, I am not one to hang around and be a tutor.
This is an easy read, thought provoking circumstance but was not drawn to Carla's character as much as I was with Julie and it helped me like Anton more.
Seriously, I should now get up and get a life. I think it's time to visit the nail spa they frequently went to and start exchanging numbers with them.
August 14, 2016
I love that this was about the age gap but not just that. It was about all the other things that age (aging?) and growing up and adulting encompass. I love that Dante and Carla aren't afraid to want things, and to say that they want things, and to tell people repeatedly that 'hey, I know what I want.' I love that they are two people who prefer honesty over drama. And I love that sometimes even when you're trying your best to be honest, a few lies slither through the cracks. And you just have to deal until you're left with truths again.
Also, Rizal prof and Wushu teacher. And perfectly planned things. I mean, come on.
Also, Rizal prof and Wushu teacher. And perfectly planned things. I mean, come on.
December 17, 2022
i would like to remind you all that goodreads ratings are a very personal thing and i do not have to justify giving this 5 stars! maybe some of carla's thoughts on the marriage train had me Reflecting okay! maybe the friendship dynamics hit me very personally in the chest! you can't prove shit!!!
5 stars
5 stars
December 12, 2010
Originally posted here.
It's funny because the main character in this one reminded me somewhat of the main character in Amazing Grace. I think it's because they're both in their late twenties and they're both being pestered by friends to settle down and get married. That's a pretty accurate portrayal, actually. I'm in my mid-twenties and three of my friends got married this year. I'd like to think that the Philippines is more liberal nowadays but most people still believe that a girl should be married by the time she reaches her thirties. Carla feels like she's different from the rest of her barkada (group of friends) because most of them have their own families already. The only other single person in their group is her best friend Tonio and he's single because he enjoys playing the field. Carla's fed up with all the set-up schemes of her friends. Even if she's turning thirty, she's not exactly worried about finding someone to marry. Aside from that, her friends also keep telling her to move up the corporate ladder and that it's not good to be stuck as an admin assistant forever. When she meets Dante, she agrees to date him on the condition that they should keep things simple - they should just have fun when they're together and not worry about the future.
Carla thinks that her age gap with Dante is a big deal but I don't think it matters that much. I think it's funny that even though it seems like Carla and Dante don't have much in common and they have different personalities, they still get along really well. I enjoyed reading No Strings Attached but Fairy Tale Fail is still my favorite out of all the local chick lit books that I've read. Even though Dante's described as a hot guy, there aren't that many kilig (swoon-worthy) moments in this one. The focus isn't the build up of the love story but rather the complications involved in their relationship. It's a quick and light read and the kind of book that you can finish in one sitting. Recommended for fans of chick lit. I hope Mina comes up with something new soon because she's already in my auto-buy list.
It's funny because the main character in this one reminded me somewhat of the main character in Amazing Grace. I think it's because they're both in their late twenties and they're both being pestered by friends to settle down and get married. That's a pretty accurate portrayal, actually. I'm in my mid-twenties and three of my friends got married this year. I'd like to think that the Philippines is more liberal nowadays but most people still believe that a girl should be married by the time she reaches her thirties. Carla feels like she's different from the rest of her barkada (group of friends) because most of them have their own families already. The only other single person in their group is her best friend Tonio and he's single because he enjoys playing the field. Carla's fed up with all the set-up schemes of her friends. Even if she's turning thirty, she's not exactly worried about finding someone to marry. Aside from that, her friends also keep telling her to move up the corporate ladder and that it's not good to be stuck as an admin assistant forever. When she meets Dante, she agrees to date him on the condition that they should keep things simple - they should just have fun when they're together and not worry about the future.
Carla thinks that her age gap with Dante is a big deal but I don't think it matters that much. I think it's funny that even though it seems like Carla and Dante don't have much in common and they have different personalities, they still get along really well. I enjoyed reading No Strings Attached but Fairy Tale Fail is still my favorite out of all the local chick lit books that I've read. Even though Dante's described as a hot guy, there aren't that many kilig (swoon-worthy) moments in this one. The focus isn't the build up of the love story but rather the complications involved in their relationship. It's a quick and light read and the kind of book that you can finish in one sitting. Recommended for fans of chick lit. I hope Mina comes up with something new soon because she's already in my auto-buy list.
December 11, 2011
I do enjoy a well-characterized romance novel once in a while, and Mina V. Esguerra's No Strings Attached is a quick, one-day diversion that offers a lot in terms of intelligent characterization within the short novella form. However, the main quibble I had with the story itself lies in the fact that it is too short.
The story is about Carla, a smart, professional woman who meets an attractive man named Dante during an office party. Sparks fly immediately despite their age difference (isn't it strange how this is only a concern when the woman is the one older?) but what was supposed to be a casual hook-up turns into something deeper and much more uncertain.
The plot reminded me of How Stella Got Her Groove back by Terry McMillan, which I read when I was in high school. I was initially wary of the premise when I read the book blurb because it implies that despite an enjoyable career and great friends, the one obstacle in Carla's life is turning 30 without having a boyfriend. This is not how the story plays out at all. I like that the initial affair was very casual and laid back, that there was no moral hand-wringing about having an extended fling. Not that the characters don't get to angst, but that's really the nature of a romance though, isn't it?
My problem is the inevitable final scene. I won't give away spoilers, but I thought that the conflict that surfaces between Carla and her friends weren't established convincingly enough in the story, and I wish more wordcount was used on that. What could've have been an affecting final scene makes Carla seem uncharacteristically bitter and prone to grudges. This then made the happy ending all the more abrupt and unsatisfying to me.
In romance novels, we all yearn for that heart-pinching scene like Mark Darcy telling Bridget Jones that he likes her just the way she is and getting rebuffed, but that kind of expectation set-up and reversal needs a lot of buildup. I don't think it was earned here. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the character interaction for the most part. And I particularly enjoyed Dante and Tonio a lot.
Originally posted on my blog.
The story is about Carla, a smart, professional woman who meets an attractive man named Dante during an office party. Sparks fly immediately despite their age difference (isn't it strange how this is only a concern when the woman is the one older?) but what was supposed to be a casual hook-up turns into something deeper and much more uncertain.
The plot reminded me of How Stella Got Her Groove back by Terry McMillan, which I read when I was in high school. I was initially wary of the premise when I read the book blurb because it implies that despite an enjoyable career and great friends, the one obstacle in Carla's life is turning 30 without having a boyfriend. This is not how the story plays out at all. I like that the initial affair was very casual and laid back, that there was no moral hand-wringing about having an extended fling. Not that the characters don't get to angst, but that's really the nature of a romance though, isn't it?
My problem is the inevitable final scene. I won't give away spoilers, but I thought that the conflict that surfaces between Carla and her friends weren't established convincingly enough in the story, and I wish more wordcount was used on that. What could've have been an affecting final scene makes Carla seem uncharacteristically bitter and prone to grudges. This then made the happy ending all the more abrupt and unsatisfying to me.
In romance novels, we all yearn for that heart-pinching scene like Mark Darcy telling Bridget Jones that he likes her just the way she is and getting rebuffed, but that kind of expectation set-up and reversal needs a lot of buildup. I don't think it was earned here. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the character interaction for the most part. And I particularly enjoyed Dante and Tonio a lot.
Originally posted on my blog.
February 12, 2011
Carla is the perfect executive assistant. Although she hasn’t had the ambition to move up the corporate latter, she knows how to do her job well and is happy with her consistent performance. She is single though and turning thirty in a few months, as her barkada (group of friends) like to remind her. According to them, she should want more out of life. Of course, all of said friends except one are married, and Tonio is happy playing the field. Mary, Girl Best Friend, is hoping Carla will fall for a stable banker-type and sets Carla up with them left and right. But maybe that’s not what Carla wants. Then she meets good-looking, confident Dante, who is very attracted to her and nothing like the boring banker-type. Unfortunately he’s five years younger. But maybe that doesn’t have to be a catch? As things get more and more serious with Dante, Carla’s in for a lot of awkward situations as she comes to terms with what matters, and what she wants, most.
I picked up NO STRINGS ATTACHED directly after finishing MY IMAGINARY EX. I adored the cover and the premise sounded interesting and entertaining once again. Even though I married at a young age, I thought I may relate to Carla. And in some ways I did. Staying in her professional comfort zone and feeling awkward about a five-year age difference are very natural insecurities. On the other hand I think of all Mina’s protagonists she may be the hardest to like because she can’t just let go. Beyond the younger man issue, Carla has some serious anger towards her married friends and their perception of her. With the focus of this book being on dating and relationships in general, it also came with a lot of exposition and not as much real-time action as I would’ve liked for a short novel. Overall though I enjoyed No Strings Attached and was constantly surprised at how things between Carla and Dante worked themselves out. Although FAIRY TALE FAIL is still my favorite book by Mina V. Esguerra, both this and MY IMAGINARY EX are highly entertaining, romantic comedy in book form that I would recommend to fans of romance and chick lit alike.
I picked up NO STRINGS ATTACHED directly after finishing MY IMAGINARY EX. I adored the cover and the premise sounded interesting and entertaining once again. Even though I married at a young age, I thought I may relate to Carla. And in some ways I did. Staying in her professional comfort zone and feeling awkward about a five-year age difference are very natural insecurities. On the other hand I think of all Mina’s protagonists she may be the hardest to like because she can’t just let go. Beyond the younger man issue, Carla has some serious anger towards her married friends and their perception of her. With the focus of this book being on dating and relationships in general, it also came with a lot of exposition and not as much real-time action as I would’ve liked for a short novel. Overall though I enjoyed No Strings Attached and was constantly surprised at how things between Carla and Dante worked themselves out. Although FAIRY TALE FAIL is still my favorite book by Mina V. Esguerra, both this and MY IMAGINARY EX are highly entertaining, romantic comedy in book form that I would recommend to fans of romance and chick lit alike.
September 24, 2012
I highly recommend No Strings Attached.
*****
Finally. A Mina V. Esguerra read that fitted me like a glove. *happiness*
I enjoyed No Strings Attached mainly because of relatability. Carla and I were almost the same age, and we have the same birthday! But that was just a plus :D I got The Marriage Club and the pressure she experienced from her married friends to settle down. I can relate but I am on the other side of the fence: I belonged to that Marriage Club. In my circle of friends from high school, only one girl remains single. But, let me clear this, I do not pressure her into anything. Why annoy her into settling down when she's not ready for it?
Anyway, I like Carla up until she acted like a spoiled brat. But she did raise some valid points to her best friends Mary and Tonio.
Dante is... wow. Hee! He doesn't sound like a 24-year-old to me! I want him. like really, really want him. *ahem* Dante's a History professor and a Wushu instructor. He dotes on her younger brother Miko and takes care of her single mother. Too perfect, right? I don't care! LOL
No Strings Attached is a fantastic quick read. It was perfectly imperfect (after all, I was irked when Dante didn't take the time to listen to Carla). Still, this Esguerra read managed to make me kilig from start to finish. Yay!
*****
Nearly everyday and twice on Saturdays.
Finally. A Mina V. Esguerra read that fitted me like a glove. *happiness*
I enjoyed No Strings Attached mainly because of relatability. Carla and I were almost the same age, and we have the same birthday! But that was just a plus :D I got The Marriage Club and the pressure she experienced from her married friends to settle down. I can relate but I am on the other side of the fence: I belonged to that Marriage Club. In my circle of friends from high school, only one girl remains single. But, let me clear this, I do not pressure her into anything. Why annoy her into settling down when she's not ready for it?
Anyway, I like Carla up until she acted like a spoiled brat. But she did raise some valid points to her best friends Mary and Tonio.
Dante is... wow. Hee! He doesn't sound like a 24-year-old to me! I want him. like really, really want him. *ahem* Dante's a History professor and a Wushu instructor. He dotes on her younger brother Miko and takes care of her single mother. Too perfect, right? I don't care! LOL
No Strings Attached is a fantastic quick read. It was perfectly imperfect (after all, I was irked when Dante didn't take the time to listen to Carla). Still, this Esguerra read managed to make me kilig from start to finish. Yay!
December 10, 2016
I think this was maybe my favorite, because I really liked the look at what it's like to be friends with people who are at different life stages than you. Are you actually friends anymore or is it just habit? It was good.
September 1, 2017
I'm so happy I finally got to read this book! I need to continue on rading Chic Manila series because I've only read this one and Better at Weddings Than You, and tbh I still like Weddings more. Maybe it's because this one is older and Mina's writing has changed throughout this time, but I really found it different. Especially with the slight slutshaming and some other stuff ~
Note: Mina has talked about how she regrets using this trope and girl vs girl one too here
Though it doesn't take away the fact that Carla and Dante are so adorable together. They're so domestic when Dante grades his school papers while Carla is just lying on his bed. And all this time they were having a no-strings-attached relationship, so it made everything ten times better tbh. I love the trope of "we don't have a relationship yet we do every single thing a person does in a relationship and even our friends think we are already #married"
I like the fact that Carla is older than Dante by five years. But it's not so /there/, you know? Like you don't notice it very often because both of them are in equal grounds and footing. One doesn't have more power than the other or such like we see in a lot of age gap romances sometimes that might happen. I love when both characters in the age gap are in equal footing.
Thanks Sue for being the one there to receive all my emotions and feelings. Love ya darling.
Note: Mina has talked about how she regrets using this trope and girl vs girl one too here
Though it doesn't take away the fact that Carla and Dante are so adorable together. They're so domestic when Dante grades his school papers while Carla is just lying on his bed. And all this time they were having a no-strings-attached relationship, so it made everything ten times better tbh. I love the trope of "we don't have a relationship yet we do every single thing a person does in a relationship and even our friends think we are already #married"
I like the fact that Carla is older than Dante by five years. But it's not so /there/, you know? Like you don't notice it very often because both of them are in equal grounds and footing. One doesn't have more power than the other or such like we see in a lot of age gap romances sometimes that might happen. I love when both characters in the age gap are in equal footing.
Thanks Sue for being the one there to receive all my emotions and feelings. Love ya darling.
December 14, 2018
Since reading That Kind of Guy last February, I've wanted to give Mina V. Esguerra another try. And! A lot of her books are up on KU, which I currently have. So I downloaded this one today and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a fast read (well, it's a novella) and I love how it's just as much about Carla's mid-to-early-life crisis as it is about the romance. Carla's just sick of being told to date some responsible banker and get married bc she's almost thirty! She just wants a casual relationship, damn it! With (title drop) no strings attached! But then,..., she develops feelings. As you do.
Also, there's an age difference but Carla's older than her love interest so it's a sort of reverse age difference from the norm and I love that! Extremely rare!
I really should read more Esguerra :)
Also, there's an age difference but Carla's older than her love interest so it's a sort of reverse age difference from the norm and I love that! Extremely rare!
I really should read more Esguerra :)
January 4, 2024
Taboo | Clean
Around this time, there was a trend in magazines like Cosmo publishing what they called Chick Lit to their demographic and this was one of them. It's clean for an NSA trope so the focus was more on the character development and the conflict was more internal, so it's a bit more like a coming-of-age than you and me against the world.
P.S. There's no significant beach setting in the story.
Around this time, there was a trend in magazines like Cosmo publishing what they called Chick Lit to their demographic and this was one of them. It's clean for an NSA trope so the focus was more on the character development and the conflict was more internal, so it's a bit more like a coming-of-age than you and me against the world.
P.S. There's no significant beach setting in the story.
January 13, 2012
My head was still reeling from the effects of 1984 so by way of "cleansing the palate", I decided to pick up an easy, fun and light read. A quick glance at the books lined up in my office cubicle yielded positive results: my gaze fell upon my signed copy of No Strings Attached by Filipina author (and fellow mommy!) Mina V. Esguerra, which copy was given by a fellow Goodreads member, Tina, in July last year. So, remembering that I made a (new year's reading) resolution to read more local books, and knowing that some chick-lit would just be perfect for the purpose of, um, purging the after-effects of 1984, I went ahead and read this novella.
Twenty-nine-year-old-turning-thirty-in-a-couple-of-months Carla Alejandro is the perfect assistant: efficient, practical, and a hard worker. I deduced that she's a pretty thing, she has money to spend when she wants to, she has gym membership, and of course, she's a smart lady. Her only fault (?) however, is she's single, and that's a huge problem where she is concerned because (1) she's turning 30, and (2) all of her closest girl friends are married and have thus become members of the Marriage Club, making her feel left out when they start discussing babies, diapers, and husbands. So, her best friend Mary consistently fixes her up with banker-type guys, and her guy best friend, Tonio, keeps telling her to relax and hook up with guys, sans commitment. Until she meets Dante - the Dante, who seems just about perfect, except for one teeny, little thing: he's 5 years younger than Carla. Uh-oh.
To reiterate, I had been looking for a light, fun and quick read when I picked up this book - and I wasn't disappointed. No Strings Attached was all that: an easy, fun read that I managed to finish it in one sitting (in the office, but don't tell my boss, ssshhh!). I was desperate to be entertained, and entertained I definitely was.
I didn't even mind that I couldn't relate to Carla, because (1) I am 2 years past her dreaded age, which I didn't dread the way she did when it happened 2 years ago; (2) I never had friends who fixed me up on blind dates because they felt I couldn't get one for myself, or am making a mistake with those I did date, and (3) I am at the other end of the spectrum - I belong to the Marriage Club now and can relate more to Carla's friends. While my husband is admittedly younger than me - by just 3 months, which is negligible - age was never an issue for me when it comes to relationships. Look at the (now-divorced) Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore. No one accused her of being a cradlesnatcher when they started dating, right? That's because age is not a big deal. I mean, it should never be, yes?
Notwithstanding my incredulity at the blown-out-of-proportion age disparity between Carla and Dante, however, I was still able to recognize familiar scenes and situations that made me smile, conjuring up the memories. For, I did date, too, once upon a time, and have had my share of relationship issues as well. So, for the trip down memory lane, and for its entertainment and kilig value, I appreciate this novella, truly.
Also posted here.
June 9, 2011
Nothing like a quick, sweet, light-read tale to give me the sense of relaxation on a rainy day!
I will be honest that I personally could not relate with the characters in this book, but it wasn’t an issue with regards to understanding Carla’s life. I was skeptical about her reaction towards turning thirty and yet not on the verge of settling down. It seemed a bit too fictitious to me. Although it was defined that she may’ve been just a late bloomer, yet again I find it kind of hard to picture. Or maybe it’s just me.
Anyway, moving onto the story, I found myself laughing and giggling several times in between chapters. I like how Carla and Dante’s non-exclusive relationship progressed into something more fruitful than they expected. I also like the idea of the “opposites attract” image that was going on between them. That I can definitely relate to! ^_^
I really enjoyed this book. Some people may find that the premise was somewhat cliché-ish, I did to, but the scenes in No Strings Attached took a simple story to a very entertaining and memorable tale.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
I will be honest that I personally could not relate with the characters in this book, but it wasn’t an issue with regards to understanding Carla’s life. I was skeptical about her reaction towards turning thirty and yet not on the verge of settling down. It seemed a bit too fictitious to me. Although it was defined that she may’ve been just a late bloomer, yet again I find it kind of hard to picture. Or maybe it’s just me.
Anyway, moving onto the story, I found myself laughing and giggling several times in between chapters. I like how Carla and Dante’s non-exclusive relationship progressed into something more fruitful than they expected. I also like the idea of the “opposites attract” image that was going on between them. That I can definitely relate to! ^_^
I really enjoyed this book. Some people may find that the premise was somewhat cliché-ish, I did to, but the scenes in No Strings Attached took a simple story to a very entertaining and memorable tale.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
June 14, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5/5
There’s so much to love about this story. How about Carla, the hyper-competent personal assistant who could give Pepper Potts a run for her money? Or Dante, the starry-eyed millennial who’s determined to influence the youth and change the world moonlighting as a fuckboy with a heart of gold? The domestic tint to what should be a simple fuck-buddy relationship? Carla’s determination to go through life at her own pace, rather than following her friends’ leads? All of this combined with a tried and tested FWB-to-lovers formula makes this a book that’s definitely worth picking up.
If there was one thing I didn’t like about this book, it was Carla’s friend Mary, who I felt was overly judgmental about Carla’s life decisions (staying single, remaining a secretary, et cetera) because she herself was insecure about her own life. I also feel like the idea of the age gap between Carla (29) and Dante (24) wasn’t thoroughly explored, despite Carla making a huge deal out of it at the beginning.
Find more from me:
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
There’s so much to love about this story. How about Carla, the hyper-competent personal assistant who could give Pepper Potts a run for her money? Or Dante, the starry-eyed millennial who’s determined to influence the youth and change the world moonlighting as a fuckboy with a heart of gold? The domestic tint to what should be a simple fuck-buddy relationship? Carla’s determination to go through life at her own pace, rather than following her friends’ leads? All of this combined with a tried and tested FWB-to-lovers formula makes this a book that’s definitely worth picking up.
If there was one thing I didn’t like about this book, it was Carla’s friend Mary, who I felt was overly judgmental about Carla’s life decisions (staying single, remaining a secretary, et cetera) because she herself was insecure about her own life. I also feel like the idea of the age gap between Carla (29) and Dante (24) wasn’t thoroughly explored, despite Carla making a huge deal out of it at the beginning.
Find more from me:
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
May 16, 2017
Gostei, só não foi wow. Achei legal como a Mina abordou a diferença de idade do casal (mesmo achando que 5 anos não é nada demais, deu pra sentir que eles estavam em momentos diferentes da vida e etc), mas mais como isso afetou a Carla não na relação dela com o Dante - que continou mara - e sim em como ela achou que julgariam ela. Essa pressão social tava bem presente e foi até, eu diria, o ponto principal do livro, mais que o romance. Na verdade, acho que não gostei tanto porque o equilíbrio entre isso e o desenvolvimento do romance não foi tão bem sucedido nessa novela, então apesar de gostar dos personagens e achar eles fofos juntos, meh. Mas ainda foi uma leitura gostosa, como todos os Chic Manila.
Um plus que deixou a história mais interessante pra mim foi ter lido depois de That Kind of Guy e ter visto os bastidores de Julie x Anton. Na real, eu gostei mais do Anton aqui do em TKG porque pelo menos aqui ele pareceu ser uma pessoa de verdade, com uma vida de verdade e amigos de verdade. Mas enfim, a novela não é sobre o Anton.
Um plus que deixou a história mais interessante pra mim foi ter lido depois de That Kind of Guy e ter visto os bastidores de Julie x Anton. Na real, eu gostei mais do Anton aqui do em TKG porque pelo menos aqui ele pareceu ser uma pessoa de verdade, com uma vida de verdade e amigos de verdade. Mas enfim, a novela não é sobre o Anton.
dnf
January 9, 2016I killed a fairy and realised I was barracking for the wrong guy and I could go back to reading the story anymore. :( Objectively, though, the story is very well written and squarely chicklit in that it explores issues around being a 30-year old single woman surrounded by married friends, and maybe living a different life than you though he wanted in your early 20s. I enjoyed the chicklit part of the story. But the romance always comes first with me as a reader, and I just didn't feel the chemistry as much with the guy she ends up with. In part, I think this is because their initial romance is done as more of a flashback and I just didn't feel invested enough in it.
April 14, 2011
As said on the synopsis, Carla's turning big three oh soon... but does it mean she can't find love? Or shall I say, true happiness? Nowadays, Age doesn't really matter. Some couple have 10 years age gap. Weird Right? But it doesn't really matter. Her two best friends Tonio and Mary were there, to support her. Mary to find her a potential husband and Tonio to give her fling advices. But one extraordinary day has turned her world in a different view. She met Dante del Rosario. A guy five years younger than her. Will she grab the opportunity? Or just let it slip away? :)
February 12, 2011
I think I am so used to cliched stories that this did not go at all the way I expected it to go. I couldn't read the characters well and just from reading the blurb, I thought this relationship would go down quite differently. Although I think the main character took her bunso complex a little too far. Got kinda annoying. I guess it is sort of how I imagined real life relationships to go. Easy read, quite short.
October 30, 2012
Ha! I really love this book. It's so fun to read and I love Dante :)
April 7, 2011
Every girl would want to be in Carla's shoes. Not the cheesy romance but definitely something amusing that will keep you believing in LOVE and that Age doesn't matter.really.
October 7, 2012
Actually. This is my third Mina Esguerra's book and I actually found it awesome.
Review to follow. :)
Review to follow. :)
July 17, 2025
I'm sad that this is my last book from the Chic Manila series. And I'd saved it for last because typically age-difference plots aren't my thing. This one, however, was very thoughtfully done.
The premise: Carla is "older" (at 29-going-on-30) but seems younger: she's the youngest child and the youngest of her friend barkada, so her life orientation is to take certain things for granted, to not have to be the responsible one, etc. Carla's love interest Dante, who also happens to be her boss's boss's son, is "younger" (at 24) but seems older: he's a history grad student and is very teacherly; he's also the (much) older brother to Miko. He looks out for everyone, including his mom.
What Mina's and Dante's relationship shows is: How "old" one feels shifts according to context, to social group, to family dynamics -- and over the course of one's life, all these experiences shape how one presents oneself to the world and how one interacts with people. This, to me, seemed very different than the typical scenario of having the older woman agonize about dating someone younger. Mina's innovative take on age being more of a mode of socialization than a biological number makes the relationship dynamic between Carla and Dante very interesting.
The other story line that I enjoyed was about the level of drama in a relationship. I've noticed that many of Mina's books are relatively low-drama: her characters feel strongly but their emotions aren't overwrought, and they aren't overly expressive or manipulative. Usually, both characters are flawed in some way, and the lack of clear heroes and villains contributes to a plot that is more relationally oriented and has less of a pronounced dramatic arc. All of this initially seemed to be the case in Dante and Carla's relationship, except that it's underscored as a plot point...which means, toward the later part of the novel, drama actually DOES develop! Then, we encounter something relatively rare in a Mina Esguerra novel: a character who pines. And this is particularly interesting coming from Carla, since she's someone who typically does NOT pine.
Two last words:
First, it was fun to see Anton appear here as Tonio, and Julie seems like a totally different character when described from Carla's perspective.
Second, I loved that Dante is a history grad student. Mina's characters tend to be professionals in the corporate world, so it's nice to see some arts/humanities rep.
Hm, my instinct had been to give this novel four stars, but now that I've written all this, it actually seems like five stars?! Changing my rating...
The premise: Carla is "older" (at 29-going-on-30) but seems younger: she's the youngest child and the youngest of her friend barkada, so her life orientation is to take certain things for granted, to not have to be the responsible one, etc. Carla's love interest Dante, who also happens to be her boss's boss's son, is "younger" (at 24) but seems older: he's a history grad student and is very teacherly; he's also the (much) older brother to Miko. He looks out for everyone, including his mom.
What Mina's and Dante's relationship shows is: How "old" one feels shifts according to context, to social group, to family dynamics -- and over the course of one's life, all these experiences shape how one presents oneself to the world and how one interacts with people. This, to me, seemed very different than the typical scenario of having the older woman agonize about dating someone younger. Mina's innovative take on age being more of a mode of socialization than a biological number makes the relationship dynamic between Carla and Dante very interesting.
The other story line that I enjoyed was about the level of drama in a relationship. I've noticed that many of Mina's books are relatively low-drama: her characters feel strongly but their emotions aren't overwrought, and they aren't overly expressive or manipulative. Usually, both characters are flawed in some way, and the lack of clear heroes and villains contributes to a plot that is more relationally oriented and has less of a pronounced dramatic arc. All of this initially seemed to be the case in Dante and Carla's relationship, except that it's underscored as a plot point...which means, toward the later part of the novel, drama actually DOES develop! Then, we encounter something relatively rare in a Mina Esguerra novel: a character who pines. And this is particularly interesting coming from Carla, since she's someone who typically does NOT pine.
Two last words:
First, it was fun to see Anton appear here as Tonio, and Julie seems like a totally different character when described from Carla's perspective.
Second, I loved that Dante is a history grad student. Mina's characters tend to be professionals in the corporate world, so it's nice to see some arts/humanities rep.
Hm, my instinct had been to give this novel four stars, but now that I've written all this, it actually seems like five stars?! Changing my rating...
May 16, 2018
I read this years ago but picked this up again because of one recent experience (also because whenever I need my quick fix of romance, this author is a go-to), and well, it's fun looking at how much real life and fiction just come together and echo each other. I loved that Carla is feisty and how Dante is mature, and felt the same way about how their relationship grew and how they handled their differences. Bonus: Anton/Tonio, my favorite Chic Manila guy, is here, and I adore how ~helpful he is in this romance :))
Parts I liked
Parts I liked
December 25, 2018
4.5 because I really really really liked this book!
I loved the dynamic between Carla and Dante! And between Carla and her friends, even if they got on her nerves. And Tonio! I wish I had read this before I read That Kind of Guy, I think it would have given me some context and I would have been able to know "Anton" more.
Dante! I loved Dante, I want a Dante for myself. I really like how mature he is. Not to flatter myself but I kinda identified with him (I'm panganay too).
Another thing I really liked was the pace of the book. I didn't feel it went too fast or too slow, it was just right. Ah, I really liked this book. I will have to buy it because there were many things I wanted to highlight but couldn't (because I read it on Wattpad, it will be there for everyone to read until the end of December 2018). I hope I can buy it soon so I can read it again and again!
I loved the dynamic between Carla and Dante! And between Carla and her friends, even if they got on her nerves. And Tonio! I wish I had read this before I read That Kind of Guy, I think it would have given me some context and I would have been able to know "Anton" more.
Dante! I loved Dante, I want a Dante for myself. I really like how mature he is. Not to flatter myself but I kinda identified with him (I'm panganay too).
Another thing I really liked was the pace of the book. I didn't feel it went too fast or too slow, it was just right. Ah, I really liked this book. I will have to buy it because there were many things I wanted to highlight but couldn't (because I read it on Wattpad, it will be there for everyone to read until the end of December 2018). I hope I can buy it soon so I can read it again and again!
October 16, 2023
📖 : — ••• No Strings Attached
⭐ 5 stars ⭐
“When I decide to marry someone, it’ll be because I want him around for the rest of my life. It won’t be about how well he can provide for me, or how dumb he is with a condom.”
Hoy this was a feel-good romance fic huhu. I never knew na I had a knack for older females going out with younger guys. Baka I'm imagining ny future me na ay HAHAHA.
Anyways, nakakatuwa siya kasi bumalik iyong kilig ko sa pagbabasa. Iyong kahit na hindi naman over ang description kay Dante, parang ang guwapo niya pa rin kasi grabe ang sensory overload effect niya kay Carla HAHAHA.
Ang downside lang nito ay iyong groveling Girl trope kasi may micro-cheating siyang ginawa pero I'll let it pass. It gave me all the feels kasi I keep on turning pages for more eh, nasa last chappie na pala me.
Overall, si Carla ang maaalala ko sa sleeping with a teacher in late twenties ay HAHAHA. Might be me sa future 😭
⭐ 5 stars ⭐
“When I decide to marry someone, it’ll be because I want him around for the rest of my life. It won’t be about how well he can provide for me, or how dumb he is with a condom.”
Hoy this was a feel-good romance fic huhu. I never knew na I had a knack for older females going out with younger guys. Baka I'm imagining ny future me na ay HAHAHA.
Anyways, nakakatuwa siya kasi bumalik iyong kilig ko sa pagbabasa. Iyong kahit na hindi naman over ang description kay Dante, parang ang guwapo niya pa rin kasi grabe ang sensory overload effect niya kay Carla HAHAHA.
Ang downside lang nito ay iyong groveling Girl trope kasi may micro-cheating siyang ginawa pero I'll let it pass. It gave me all the feels kasi I keep on turning pages for more eh, nasa last chappie na pala me.
Overall, si Carla ang maaalala ko sa sleeping with a teacher in late twenties ay HAHAHA. Might be me sa future 😭
July 4, 2018
Terrific!
When Carla meets Dante she thinks she wants a fling. She's thirty, but she doesn't want the husband and 2.5 kids that her friends all have, and think she should have. Dante, he's only 24 but he's smart, mature and gorgeous. The story does a great job of examining how difficult it can be to find your own path, and how easy it is to judge each other--even our friends. Oh, and did I say that Dante is gorgeous. Although this is another of the Chic Manila stories, this one felt more complex and nuanced than the previous two. Perhaps because there is a truly angsty part near the end? In any case, it's my favourite so far. Esguerra writes, as always, compellingly.
When Carla meets Dante she thinks she wants a fling. She's thirty, but she doesn't want the husband and 2.5 kids that her friends all have, and think she should have. Dante, he's only 24 but he's smart, mature and gorgeous. The story does a great job of examining how difficult it can be to find your own path, and how easy it is to judge each other--even our friends. Oh, and did I say that Dante is gorgeous. Although this is another of the Chic Manila stories, this one felt more complex and nuanced than the previous two. Perhaps because there is a truly angsty part near the end? In any case, it's my favourite so far. Esguerra writes, as always, compellingly.
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