***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
Fans of Abby Jimenez and Alexis Daria will love this novel about one New York City woman skilled in producing swoon‑worthy reality TV shows but whose own life is a mess, with nothing ever going according to plan.
As a reality TV producer, Ana Karina orchestrates extravagant marriage proposals that always (well, mostly) go as planned. When they don’t, she’s not afraid to cut and paste scenes to make the moment picture-perfect. If only Ana’s own life was as simple to direct. Her colleagues are getting promotions. Her best friend and her younger sister are both getting married. Everyone is moving forward—except Ana.
Sick of feeling stuck, she decides to start living with no regrets. She’s going to pitch all her ideas at work, no matter how unlikely. She’ll take a chance on a guy even if he doesn’t check all her boxes for Mr. Right. Soon, she’s swept up in a roller coaster of exhilarating dates—a comedy show, a Jane Austen reenactment, a rave pool party, and a whirlwind trip to Vienna. With all this excitement, Ana should be on her way to her own happily-ever-after, but instead her life is getting messier by the second.
Yet throwing caution to the wind may still bring Ana more than she hoped for as she begins to listen to her heart and realizes the life—and man—truly meant for her might be the one she never saw coming.
Ana Takes Manhattan by Lissette Decos is a lighthearted women’s fiction/romance story about a reality tv producer.
Story Recap:
Ana Karina is a reality TV producer and she loves her job. She produces a show that arranges elaborate and over-the-top marriage proposals. She’s been doing the show for years and the proposals always go as planned. Until one doesn’t and Ana finds herself worried about her job.
Ana decides it’s time to find the right guy. She’s tired of the single life and tired of men who don’t meet her four requirements. Since she can’t find a man who meets them all, she goes on a series of dates with a man who each meets one of her requirements. Between the four men, she should be able to find someone compatible.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this cute story very much. Although there is a romance, this is more of a women’s fiction story and the romance takes a back seat. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at a fictional reality TV show. The setting in New York City was fun too. I love books set there, and the author made me feel like I was in the city.
I liked Ana very much but didn’t like her friend Gia very much and I didn’t think it was a supportive friendship. Although Ana has some growth in the story, it’s not as much as I thought she needed.
There are some very funny moments in this story, and I enjoyed the humor.
Recommendation:
I recommend Ana Takes Manhattan to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Lissette Decos
Lissette Decos is a Cuban American executive television producer with over fifteen years’ experience in reality TV formats of the love-wedding-relationship-disaster variety. Shows such as TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, 90 Day Fiancé, and Bravo’s Summer House have helped mold her skills in telling an engaging and oftentimes unconventional love story. In addition to her stint in the “unreal” world of reality TV, Lissette also spent a decade in New York as a staff producer for MTV, which helped her hone her expertise in all things pop culture, while searching for love in the big city. You might say she’s got the story and the soundtrack for romantic angst down.
Great review, Wendy! This kind of trope – character going love/partner hunting doesn’t always work for me and friend not being good is another point making me hesitate to consider this.
While this one sounds cute, the fact that you say it’s more women’s fiction than romance, means I probably wouldn’t get into it as much. Great review though!
I need to keep this book in mind! I haven’t read Women’s Fiction with a reality tv angle before, but I do like romances with that so this intrigues me. Great review!
Nice review, Wendy. This sounds like a fun story. Too bad she didn’t grow as much as she needed, but I guess it is the same in real life too.
This sounds like a nice read, great review 😊
Great review, Wendy! This kind of trope – character going love/partner hunting doesn’t always work for me and friend not being good is another point making me hesitate to consider this.
While this one sounds cute, the fact that you say it’s more women’s fiction than romance, means I probably wouldn’t get into it as much. Great review though!
This sounds so cute and fun!
This sounds like a fun book!
I’m intrigued that this is more of a women’s fiction story rather than romance. I love the premise. Excellent review!
This seems like a fun story! I love the setting, and the storyline seems entertaining. Adding to my TBR 🙂
New York is a fun setting. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one!
It’s nice sometimes to have the romance take the backseat. It gives more time for the MC and their development. Great review!
I agree, Joanna! Thanks!
I need to keep this book in mind! I haven’t read Women’s Fiction with a reality tv angle before, but I do like romances with that so this intrigues me. Great review!
I hope you enjoy it if you can get to it.
Awesome review Wendy! This sounds really fun!📚🤗💜
Thank you, Susan.