Mina V. Esguerra

Publisher info

Mina V. Esguerra writes and publishes romance novels. Her young adult/fantasy trilogy Interim Goddess of Love is a college love story featuring gods from Philippine mythology. Her contemporary romance novellas won the Filipino Readers’ Choice awards for Chick Lit in 2012 (Fairy Tale Fail) and 2013 (That Kind of Guy). In 2013, she founded #RomanceClass, a community of Filipino authors of romance in English, and it has since helped over 80 authors write and publish over 100 books. She is also a media adaptation agent, working with LA-based Bold MP to develop romance media by Filipino creatives for an international audience. Visit minavesguerra.com for more information about her books and projects.

Smashwords Interview

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story that actually had an impact on what would become my work as an author? A book called "Teacher's Pet" (Sweet Valley Twins #2). I was at a friend's house when I was eleven and I saw this book on her shelf, and asked to borrow it. It was the first book I'd read about a young person almost my age, and since then I bought, borrowed, and read as many YA books as I could. Eventually I discovered that I liked the romantic subplots of these books, so I focused on that -- and I've been writing YA, NA and adult romance ever since.
How do you approach cover design?
I work with cover artists and designers I trust, and I pretty much let them do their thing. Some of my books are published by Summit Media (a traditional publisher in the Philippines) and so far they've produced wonderful covers without having me be so involved in their process. Tania Arpa is my most frequent collaborator as an indie publisher, and I usually start off with a peg, then she just surprises me with her awesomeness.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Mina V. Esguerra online

Where to buy in print

Start Here: Short Story Collection
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 72,680. Language: English. Published: January 8, 2022 by Mina V. Esguerra. Categories: Fiction » Romance » Collections & Anthologies, Fiction » Romance » LGBTQ+ » General
Dive into these 10 stories of first encounters – unapologetically queer, happy endings required, with a smattering of that signature #romanceclass kilig. Whether you’re recalling your own firsts or out there looking for one, there’s a story in here for you.
Surreality
Price: Free! Words: 22,520. Language: English. Published: August 16, 2011 by Mina V. Esguerra. Categories: Nonfiction » Inspiration » Personal inspiration
Contemporary life – in all its shapes, sizes and imperfections – is the subject of Surreality, Carissa Villacorta's acclaimed collection of essays. As a young Filipina surrounded by people, events and experiences in New York City, she ponders on life's mysteries: its joys, conflicts, and compromises.

Series

Cafe Titas
Romantic adventures set at Yumi & Kit Cafe in Makati.
First Time for Everything
Price: $2.99 USD.
Six 32 Central
Contemporary romance set in Manila.
What Kind of Day
Price: $3.99 USD.
Kiss and Cry
Price: $3.99 USD.
So Forward
Price: $3.99 USD.
Totally Engaged
Price: $3.99 USD.
Chic Manila
My Imaginary Ex
Price: $0.99 USD.
Fairy Tale Fail
Price: $0.99 USD.
No Strings Attached
Price: $2.99 USD.
Love Your Frenemies
Price: $2.99 USD.
That Kind of Guy
Price: $2.99 USD.
Welcome to Envy Park
Price: $2.99 USD.
Spotlight New Adult
New adult contemporary romance that's all about love in the spotlight.
The Harder We Fall
Price: $2.99 USD.
Never Just Friends
Price: $2.99 USD.
Playing Autumn
Price: $2.99 USD.

Books

First Time for Everything
Series: Cafe Titas. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 35,310. Language: English. Published: July 1, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Later in Life
During lockdown, friends Sabrina and Victor spent a few days together in his apartment, and almost had sex. At the time she panicked and fled, but two years later she has a change of heart. Could they possibly try again?
Scambitious: The Complete Series
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 43,140. Language: English. Published: April 16, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Suspense, Fiction » Mystery & detective » International crime
Jane likes to pretend to be other people. Don't trust her with your money, your things, or your heart. This edition compiles all four Scambitious stories into one book. Stories must be read in order. 42,900 words.
Your Place Next Year
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 14,600. Language: English. Published: November 26, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Later in Life
In another time corporate exec Alia Monterojo would have been in La Union at the end of summer, with a certain someone who doesn't even know her full name. She's missed the trip for several years now, for good reason. This year, she gets her chance, when he shows up at the breakfast meeting as the CEO of a company she might have to acquire.
Totally Engaged
Series: Six 32 Central. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 43,970. Language: English. Published: May 14, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
Rose is 41 and (believe it or not) doesn’t want a green card marriage, so she asks Pascal to be her fake fiancé while her balikbayan family is in town.
So Forward
Series: Six 32 Central. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 43,270. Language: English. Published: July 15, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
Lexa Lorenzo is determined and driven, and should be her family corp’s next CEO. But she’s all business, not enough heart, and her mentor/aunt wants her to be more accessible, approachable, “charming.” As luck would have it, Lexa’s alma mater calls her in to help a graduating MBA student—and it’s Colin Valerio, fellow winter sports athlete, walking/talking ball of charm. Let the lessons begin.
That Kind of Guy
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 31,160. Language: English. Published: January 11, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
Yes, it’s true: "Good girl” Julie Crisostomo dated that guy Anton Santos for almost a year. Julie is everyone’s loyal and concerned friend, but she has no experience being someone’s girlfriend. Then Anton, a “player” she never thought would be interested in her, swoops into her life and doesn’t seem to want to leave it.
My Imaginary Ex
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 27,660. Language: English. Published: October 1, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
Zack and Jasmine never dated, but no one else knows that. That story started in college, because she was being a good friend, and he needed help with something. The friendship and affection that followed were very real, but the lie kept causing trouble. Revised and expanded edition of My Imaginary Ex
Kiss and Cry
Series: Six 32 Central. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 43,800. Language: English. Published: March 1, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
Figure skater Calinda met hockey player Ramirez when she was 20 and he was 22. 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, and use his final three weeks in Manila to explore what might have been.
Better at Weddings Than You
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 42,170. Language: English. Published: January 4, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
Daphne is the best wedding planner in Manila, and she's been hired to take over a wedding in crisis mode. Aaron had that job but he's new to the business, is an old friend of the bride, who might be falling for him...it's a mess. Who's the planner who can fix this disaster?
What Kind of Day
Series: Six 32 Central. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 41,700. Language: English. Published: May 31, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
Ben is a (fired) senator's speechwriter. Naya is an indie tour guide. He accidentally joins her tour, a tour of his own city, and she lets him stay on because he's having a really bad day. She's hoping she won't regret it. He's hoping his luck turns around. What kind of day could it be? Maybe the best kind.
Interim Goddess of Love: The Complete Trilogy
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 89,820. Language: English. Published: January 17, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
College sophomore Hannah Maquiling doesn't know why everyone tells her their love problems. She's never even had a boyfriend, but that doesn't stop people from spilling their guts to her, and asking for advice. So maybe it shouldn't be a surprise when the cutest guy in school tells her that she's going to have to take on this responsibility -- but for all humanity.
Freshman Girl and Junior Guy (An Interim Goddess of Love short story)
Price: Free! Words: 4,880. Language: English. Published: January 17, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome
Hannah is super nervous about her first year at Ford River College, but guess what makes it better? Becoming the new friend of a popular junior guy named Quin. This is a short story set in the world of the Interim Goddess of Love Series.
The Future Chosen
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 46,440. Language: English. Published: December 24, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Fantasy, Fiction » Romance » New adult
In the future, Maria Lourdes and Andres Miguel could very well be their country's best and most influential leaders. Marrying another politician is against the law, but why should it matter? Today they’re just young people who want to be together. They’ll deal with the rest of it tomorrow.
Iris After the Incident
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 51,840. Language: English. Published: August 5, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
Whether she likes it or not, Iris’s life has been divided into two: Before the Incident, and After the Incident. Something very private was made very public, and since then life has been about recovering from being shamed. Two years later, she connect with a guy again. He doesn’t know what happened. But he also won’t give her his name—which has to mean he’s got something to hide too.
No Strings Attached
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 34,090. Language: English. Published: June 29, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
Carla's 29 when she meets hot, smug, sexy Dante, and he's everything she didn't know she liked. He's also five years younger, and she thinks it makes him perfect for the non-relationship she had in mind. What happens to that plan when he thinks he's met the one for him at 24?
What You Wanted
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 38,180. Language: English. Published: November 24, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
It's the classic one-night stand: Beach wedding, bridesmaid, groom's friend. When Andrea and Damon meet, sparks fly, and they give in to the attraction. Sounds simple, but Andrea's still getting over someone, and Damon thought he'd be hooking up with another person that night. It could still be simple, really, if they chalk it up to a weekend tryst and move on. But is that what they want?
Playing Autumn
Series: Spotlight New Adult. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 55,020. Language: English. Published: March 13, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » New adult, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
Haley Reese is going back home to Houston and she's dreading this trip. She volunteers as a mentor to young musicians at an annual festival, and the longer she's been doing it, the more she feels like a fraud. Things start looking up when she shares a plane ride with Oliver Cabrera, music prodigy, rock star, and the reason why she picked up an instrument in the first place.
The Harder We Fall
Series: Spotlight New Adult. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 30,410. Language: English. Published: November 17, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
Media student Daria meets rugby player Nicholas on her last weeks at college, and a fast fling is all they have time for. He's heading to Japan to play pro; she's covering his team to win an internship spot in a documentary that will start filming in Europe. Getting what they want means they don't get to stay together. But that doesn't mean they can't have fun — as long as they don't fall hard.
Never Just Friends
Series: Spotlight New Adult. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 31,800. Language: English. Published: November 17, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
Environment consultant Lindsay Kresta and now-famous actor Jake Berkeley have loved each other (as friends) since college, but she made sure they didn’t become anything more, for her own sake. They've kept up this low-maintenance friendship for years, surviving many life changes. But now he wants more. He wants to save forests again, work in environmental research - and he wants her.
Gifted Little Creatures
Price: Free! Words: 4,300. Language: English. Published: September 13, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy, Fiction » Graphic novels & comics » Fantasy
Maya, the goddess of the moon, is in human form as a college student for now -- and she's grounded. This doesn't keep her from doing what she does well, manipulating the world and everything in it, from the home she can't leave. (An illustrated short story set in the Interim Goddess of Love universe.)
Sola Musica: Love Notes from a Festival
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 44,340. Language: English. Published: August 28, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
A beach cove, a hot summer weekend...SOLA MUSICA is where everyone's going, to enjoy the best new music from all over. Bestselling Filipino YA/chick lit authors Mina V. Esguerra, Marla Miniano, Chinggay Labrador, and Ines Bautista-Yao each tell a story about this festival: the music, the people, the hearts that will soar (or break).
Welcome to Envy Park
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 41,050. Language: English. Published: October 30, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
Moira Vasquez is a doer. A planner. A get-up-and-goer. At twenty-two, she left her hometown, to satisfy a need to travel as well as give her savings account a boost. Five years later and she's back in Manila, with a shiny new apartment to her name, but no job, no career, no boyfriend. Is her constant search for the next big thing keeping her from seeing what's already there?
Love Your Frenemies
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 29,350. Language: English. Published: February 20, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
(3.83 from 6 reviews)
Yes, Universe, Kimmy Domingo knows that you hate her. But she's a nice person, she really is -- as long as you ignore the stories of people she's bullied, manipulated, and annoyed in the past. She totally gets that you've gotten back at her by having her fiance' dump her a week before their wedding.
Fairy Tale Fail
Series: Chic Manila. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 28,730. Language: English. Published: April 20, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Women's fiction » Chick lit
(3.83 from 6 reviews)
Ellie Manuel is a hopeless romantic, stuck in a cubicle all day. She's in her twenties and should be having more fun. But instead of doing what she really wants, like traveling wherever her Philippine passport can take her, she's hung up on the guy who dumped her for not being "ambitious enough."

Mina V. Esguerra's tag cloud

actor    asia    asian    asian chick lit    asian romance    athlete hero    athlete romance    beach    best friends    bisexual    bisexual hero    california    career    casual relationship    casual relationships    casual sex    chick lit    classical    coffee shop    college    con artist    environment    fake dating    family    family drama    figure skating    filipino    filipino romance    filmmaker    first love    fling    forbidden love    fortyyearold    friends    gay romance    gods    heist    hockey    holiday    hollywood    homecoming    ice hockey    illustrated short story    independence    kilig    lesbian romance    long distance relationship    manila    mba    media    midlife    millennials    modern love    modern romance    music    music festival    musician    mythology    neighbors    new adult    new years eve    new york    one night stand    onenight stand    opposites attract    philippine    philippine mythology    philippines    piano    pinay    pinoy    politicians    politics    reality show    reflections    rivals to lovers    rock star    romance    romanceclass    rugby    san francisco    second chance    sex positive    sex scandal    socialite    summer    sweet    teacher    teen    travel    violin    weddings    young adult    younger man