ARC Review: “Twelve Hours in Manhattan” by Maan Gabriel
“Twelve Hours in Manhattan” by Maan Gabriel
Publishing Date: April 18, 2023
Genre: Romance, Fiction
Page Length: 312 pages (paperback review edition)
Synopsis:
Two worlds. One heart. Twelve hours.
Bianca Maria Curtis is at the brink of losing it all when she meets Eric at a bar in Manhattan. Eric, as it turns out, is the famous Korean drama celebrity Park Hyun Min, and he’s in town for one night to escape the pressures of fame. From walking along Fifth Avenue to eating ice cream at Serendipity to sharing tender moments on top of the Empire State building, sparks fly as Bianca and Eric spend twelve magical hours far away from their respective lives. In that time, they talk about the big stuff: love, life, and happiness, and the freedom they both seek to fully exist and not merely survive.
But real life is more than just a few exhilarating stolen moments in time.
As the clock strikes the twelfth hour, Bianca returns back to the life she detests to face a tragedy that will test her strength and resolve—and the only thing she has to keep going is the memory of a man she loves in secret from a world away.
Review:
If you enjoy K-dramas in book form, on-page chemistry, and whirlwind romances. Twelve Hours in Manhattan will instantly speak to any romance or K-drama fan with its plot of star-cross lovers whose chance meeting turns into something deeper. The story is most lighthearted however, it does cover a lot of heavier topics in its narrative. It’s so good that I had trouble putting the book down and I didn’t want Bianca and Eric’s story to end.
The romance between Bianca and Eric felt real and even though their first meeting was brief I enjoyed how they were instantly able to open up to each other and create an authentic, deep connection. The setting of finding love in NYC was fitting and I love the sights, sounds, and delicious food. I liked how the novel is sectioned into three parts which allow for time progression and to see how the characters grow over the course of the story.
Most of all I think this is a story about never giving up and it’s never too late. The focus or goal for the main characters is learning to cherish the smaller moments on top of an overarching theme of moving on/overcoming grief. Bianca heals through past relationship drama and Eric deals with ongoing conflicts that come with being a part of the entertainment industry. They help each other while prioritizing their own separate journeys. The characters were entertaining and felt realistic. I loved Bianca’s friend group the most because of their constant support.
If you’re looking for a novel with all the K-drama elements, I recommend this novel!
*Trigger warnings for Abortion, Drug addiction, Death
Final Verdict:
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fiar and honest review.
