International recognition has long been a career-defining dream for young authors. The high praise, the wide-scale momentum, and even the enchanting idea of their words coming to life on the big screen—every writer worth their salt has persevered towards these exact goals at some point, or at least until they can finally add “bestselling storyteller” to their name alongside the rest of their passions.
Photo: Carina Gaskell
That’s why notable Filipinos in the publishing world draw inspiration from literary trailblazers who’ve built homes for everyone’s voices and perspectives to thrive. Just like romance author Carina Gaskell, whose dynamic insights on love, self-discovery, and representation have earned her a bestselling novel on Amazon this year.
Carina saw a groundbreaking milestone in her writing journey last May 3, 2026, as her latest book, Hot Nights, Cold Shoulders, reached number one in Amazon’s contemporary romance and multicultural romance categories across the U.S. and the U.K. She couldn’t have thought of a better way to kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a celebration of diversity that she and her stories proudly champion.
More than new blessings and breakthroughs, Carina attributes her global bestseller to her lifelong passion for empowering Filipino voices in literature. Here’s how Hot Nights, Cold Shoulders has opened the floor to conversations about holding our own in creative disciplines:
A Boundless Love Story That Brings Communities Together
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Hot Nights, Cold Shoulders is a wonderful testament to independent publishing, built on the rich imagery of a swoon-worthy page-turner. It satisfies readers’ kilig cravings and gives emerging Filipino writers ample room to speak their truths through stories that reflect pressing realities.
The bestselling novel follows Filipina writer Isabel Martinez and Irish artist Kieran O’ Connor through a whip-smart romance that empowers, transforms, and breaks boundaries. In her courageous pursuit of “pushing past her own fears,” Carina hopes that Isabel and Kieran’s vivid relationship will also encourage aspiring authors nationwide to hone their craft and fully grasp our culture at its grassroots.
“I wanted to celebrate my readership and heritage for AAPI Heritage Month and prove that there’s always been a market for Filipino literature,” Carina shared. While global acclaim of this caliber is a common end goal for writers, Carina deems it an opportunity for continuous artistic growth that amplifies her principles and advocacies.
Thorough Portrayals of Filipino Identities
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The multicultural representation in Hot Nights, Cold Shoulders is one of the book’s strongest suits. Though it features a variety of international backgrounds and lifestyles, it’s still an unapologetically Filipino story at its core—spotlighting the nuances, distinct traditions, and cultural shifts that make our lived experiences so complex.
Carina put these purposeful discussions at the heart of her novel to challenge and offer new viewpoints on what constitutes a global bestseller. In an evolving space that primarily rewards Westernized tropes and standards, Isabel and Kieran’s love story explores a nurturing future where young storytellers of color can thrive in their own right.
“This is a dream come true for an indie Filipino romance author from the Philippines like me… This win is for the entire Filipino community. There is and always will be a market for Filipino literature—and it costs us nothing to support it,” Carina wrote on Instagram.
More Efforts to Uplift Proudly Pinoy Stories
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After the success of Hot Nights, Cold Shoulders, the Irish Embassy in Manila invited Carina and her fellow Filipino writers for a special dinner. She discussed her novel’s cultural and socio-political critiques, inviting readers to explore their various roles in literature through Isabel and Kieran’s eyes and ears.
“[Hot Nights, Cold Shoulders] is a Trojan Horse of its own. Within its romantic framework, it contains socio-political, economic, and cultural critiques that explore and bridge the gap between Irish and Filipino culture—which has more similarities than we may initially suspect,” Carina explained.
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Becoming a bestselling author is just one of the many reasons why Carina keeps pursuing stories and perspectives that matter. As she continues to learn and grow alongside her bookish peers, she’s certain that Filipino writers, publishers, and creatives are destined to soar high on their own terms.
She added, “I want to inspire more Filipino writers to blaze their own trails and reach greater publishing heights, unencumbered by gatekeepers and the many hoops they say we must jump through to ‘make it.’ No compromises!”
ALSO READ: Your Ultimate Guide to Southeast Asian Literature: 7 Books to Read
We’re so proud of you, Carina! Who are your favorite Filipino authors of all time? Sound off and show them some love in the comments below!
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