*ARC* Book Review: Kiss and Cry (Six 32 Central Book 2) by Mina V. Esguerra

Title: Kiss and Cry
Author: Mina V. Esguerra
Published by: Bright Girls Books
Release Date: March 1, 2019

PLOT:

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.

REVIEW: 
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an HONEST review.

This is a more mature style of writing by the author as compared to the previous books that I have read from her. This book starts off with Calinda and Ramirez reuniting again for a project after ten years and you cannot help but feel invested fast because of the sexual tension between the two of them at the beginning of the book. I definitely enjoy every aspects of this book; the character, the writing, and the story. The characters are very dynamic and complex. I felt happy and frustrated reading their personal growth throughout the story, which is generally not a bad thing because it makes them round characters. Generating emotions thought the characters is important for me because it makes them more relatable and emotions goes hand in hand with their development and as one's personal growth. I also like the parts where Calinda is looking back on her past and take in how she changed or matured. I guess that part is very relatable to most of us because we cannot help but reflect on the past to see how far we have gone in our journey in life. 

Furthermore, the author's writing is very descriptive in a way that the emotions just emulates from her writing. I like how she challenged gender stereotypes in this book with Calinda and Ramirez. Female in romantic books are mostly shy and timid but Calinda is the opposite. She is not afraid to go after what she wants and openly flirts with Ramirez. The author characterized her as very out spoken about what she wants or what she thinks. She is not afraid to ask for sex, which is refreshing. She is also confident, especially towards Ramirez when they were reunited at the start of the story. While Ramirez was very hesitant towards Calinda in the beginning. He is assessing Calinda's action and is very cautious about how he is going to act in front of her, which is the normal behavior of most females in romance books. I love how he can be submissive in the bedroom unlike alpha males in most romance stories. 

In addition, I also like how the author is normalizing the sexual drives of women by providing this discourse about sex and women. I love how Calinda is very vocal about sex and she is not shy about taking control in the bedroom. I also commend the author for not forgetting about the usage of condom. I hate when author disregard the practice of safe sex. Nevertheless, the author also presents Filipino culture through food and customs in the book. I have never heard of Sinigang with Pineapples and I will definitely try it in the future. I also can relate to Calinda in a way that my parents also forbade me not date or have a boyfriend but now that I am taking my graduate studies they are now pushing me to date or have a boyfriend. I guess they are afraid that I will grow up to be a "matandang dalaga" since I have no desire to date at the moment hahaha.

Hopefully we get Colin's story next. He comes on as this very relax and easy going guy but can be very mysterious at the same time. I cannot help but be drawn to him. I definitely recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a light romance book or a quick read. This is something that I can re-read in the future. 

P.S I am never going to see a sash the same way again! 

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XOXO,

Isabel