Maida Malby

Charming and beautifully written, Maida Malby’s New York Engagement, in her contemporary romance series, Carpe Diem Chronicles, is in many ways refreshing. New York Engagement is the follow-up to Krista's and Blake’s story from the first book in the series, Boracay Vows, a bigger novel.

While I believe one could, as I did, choose to read this shorter novella and greatly enjoy New York Engagement as a stand-alone entry, I do believe the audience at which this feel-good contemporary romance is aimed will be at a very short-lived disadvantage for a brief period, just as I was. The author’s deftly crafted story and the vibe she has for her characters in this light romantic piece does eventually wash over the reader, however, allowing the reader to catch up.

New York Engagement has a lovely atmospheric opening that sets the perfect tone for this kind of light and enjoyable romance. Because I hadn’t read Boracay, however, the steamy scene which quickly follows that romantic and descriptive opening had little context for me. I knew little about the two or why they were in love. In addition, the male half of the couple, Blake, seemed very one-dimensional at first — even for a light romance such as this. This changes by the time I reached the end, but for that reason, based on the uplifting and romantically satisfying story Maida Malby presents here, I’d definitely recommend getting the couple’s backstory as told in Boracay Vows first. Now onto New York Engagement itself…

I loved nearly everything about this. It’s written by someone who knows how to write, and it’s lovingly crafted. Maida Malby gives New York Engagement just enough — but not too much — resonance to make it a top-notch read in this genre. It does, however, if you haven’t read Boracay Vows, take a bit to get there. For about the first quarter of the story it seemed nice enough, and it was well crafted and written, but nothing really jumped out at me. Then some stuff happened, and I laughed, suddenly realizing this story was actually going someplace, and it was going there in capable hands.

You know how when you recite out loud all the wild doings in a favorite soap opera, how outlandish and implausible it sounds? Yet you watch it and get caught up in it on a daily basis anyway, because it’s so nicely done you want to know everything that happens. That, in essence, is New York Engagement.

This story reads like a glitzy romantic soap centering on one couple — a well-off Irish-American and a very sweet Filipino girl — arriving in New York around Christmas from the Philippines so that Krista can finally meet Blake’s parents and family; apparently in Boracay he has already met her family. Mix in a host of nicely defined brothers, a cheeky little sister, an uncle who has been mugged and in hospital, an old flame of more than one brother, who just happens to be…well, I won’t ruin that moment. Throw in the unexpected possibility of Krista finally making a connection in New York with her biological father, add in some resentment and fallout from that, and you’ve got the recipe for a very engaging story in the right hands. And Maida Malby’s are definitely the right hands.

New York Engagement is a wonderful light romance that makes you feel like you’re watching some polished late 80s or early 90s TV miniseries, based on a glitzy bestseller. Even though it’s a light romance, it is also an interracial romance, and the reader learns things about Filipino future and traditions as Krista and Blake navigate their way through this lovely story. It’s done with a light, unobtrusive touch by Maida Malby, who works these tidbits so deftly into her narrative that the knowledge never once seems forced, as in an info drop.

New York Engagement has just the kind of ending romantics long for, and will leave a smile on your face. The minor caveats I had at the beginning got washed away in a refreshing waterfall by story’s end, and this one has my highest rating for those who spend way more time in this genre than I do. Splendid and refreshing.… (more)

The sweetness of this short story and the nice feeling of it really surprised me. This was a new author to me, I’d never heard of Maida Malby before picking this one up on KU to give it a try; this isn’t a genre which I’m drawn to very much, but while on a writing break I’ve been on a pleasant scavenger hunt for writers who deserve more exposure than they’re getting. Simply based on this ever-so-brief excursion into Maida Malby’s canon, I’d say female readers who are great fans of the genre would do well to check her out.

I really can’t overstate the refreshing sweetness of 19th Hole Fiesta. It’s centered on Grace, who is out golfing with her friend Darcy during the Alamo Texas Open. Smacked on the behind by an errant T-shot, who should the ball belong to but Nick, one of the best golfers in the world. Grace has a bittersweet connection from days past to Nick, and it turns out neither is really over the other.

Grace is sweet and so is this utterly charming story from Filipino-American author Maida Malby. The golf setting makes a nice backdrop to a very sweet short romance with a happy ending. It’s listed at 34 pages — if this were a print story — but begins at 9% on my Kindle, and ends at 69%, the rest supplemental material about the author and her other works, some much longer. That makes this a quick sweet read for those who enjoy this genre. If I loved it, and it isn’t in my normal wheelhouse, those wishing they could find some terrific bauble for bedtime or a lunch break are sure to adore this. Highly recommended.… (more)

Forevermore ~ A Romance Anthology

Ten wonderful romances with a wedding central to the story. The book begins with the matriarch, Naty Moore, reminiscing about her first visit to her husband’s vineyard that is now also the Hacienda Luz. It was marvelous returning to see how this loving extended family is doing and see which members of the family and some of their friends will find their happily ever after at the autumn wedding.

Each story provides a description of the story along with triggers and heat level. There are stories for everyone with many romance genres provided. I loved hearing how Natividad “Naty” and Robert met, married and ended up in Napa. This historical portion was a treat and I love Mia Hopkins writing. I ended up reading two stories featuring older women with younger men and the couples were perfect for one another. The Second chance for Gabriella “Bri” and Cole was a delight as was good girl Viola and bad boy Toby’s stories. The fifth story was that of Rafa and Vida as they became engaged and then prepared for the big family event of their wedding. The other five stories are waiting for me and will be read but not by publication date and I do want to get this review posted.

Thank you to the authors for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (more)