Who Would Like This Book:
If you love second chance romances with a rich sense of place, Kiss and Cry delivers! The Manila setting is vibrant and refreshing, and the focus on Filipino culture gives it a unique charm. The story shines with two very relatable protagonists - a former figure skater and a hockey player - grappling with real-life choices about career, family, and love. The romance is tender, thoughtful, and refreshingly free of macho drama. Fans of low-key, character-driven stories (and anyone who enjoys a dash of sports romance, even as a backdrop) will find lots to appreciate. If you're looking for diversity, queer rep, and a fresh take on familiar tropes, this is definitely one to pick up.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Readers hoping for a super dramatic plot or loads of skating and hockey action might be a bit let down - the sports are more background mood than front-and-center. If you crave high stakes, lots of angst, or sizzling heat levels, you may find this one a bit too gentle and understated. The alternating perspectives and a quieter narrative style might also make it harder to deeply connect with the characters for some.
About:
"Kiss and Cry" in the series "Six 32 Central" by Mina V. Esguerra is a second chance romance between a figure skater and a hockey player who were torn apart ten years ago. The story revolves around their rekindled romance, navigating obstacles, and trying to make up for lost time. The plot delves into the complexities of their relationship, the emotional journey of the characters, and the ticking clock trope as they agree to date and fulfill each other's bucket lists for a limited time while the hero is in town. The writing style is described as compelling, with a focus on character development, exploring themes of missed opportunities, self-reflection, and growing up, all set against the backdrop of Manila's culture and the non-traditional hockey market.
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Has Romance?
The romance is central to the narrative, exploring the rekindling of a past relationship.
From The Publisher:
Calinda met Ramirez when she was 20 and he was 22. She was the rising star of women's skating, and he was the superstar forward of men's hockey. Her parents and coach were against their relationship, and because Calinda wanted to prove that no hot guy would ever distract her from her dream, she chose skating over him - and also avoided him all together.Ten years later, they meet again as gold medalists and prominent sports advocates, still single and undeniably attracted to each other. It's still not a good time for them, because Ramirez is retiring from hockey and moving back to the United States. Calinda doesn't do relationships, really, and proposes they use his final three weeks in Manila to explore what might have been, and do all the things they wish they'd done (there's a list!). Then he can leave for good, and they can both move on with their lives without this one regret.
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What can you read after
Kiss and Cry?
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