Book Info
The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos by Melissa de la Cruz
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publishing Date: July 9, 2024
Synopsis:
Evan Saatchi can’t keep his eyes off his new co-worker, Dalisay Ramos. Newly arrived from Manila to lead their travel app’s Asia division, nothing matters more to Dalisay than tradition and family. When Evan asks her out, she soundly rejects him for his cheek. Evan learns from his Filipino friends that Dalisay expects more from potential suitors. If he wants a chance with her, he’s going to have to go through the Five Stages, the same courtship ritual that lovers in the Philippines have performed for generations. At first, Evan is skeptical—what, exactly, does “servitude” entail? And he has to sing?! But when Dalisay bets Evan that he doesn’t have the nerve to make it through the stages, the game is on. As Evan attempts to prove to Dalisay that he can win her heart—and the bet—Dalisay is driven to distraction by Evan’s sexy labors, and soon their “courtship” turns into a sizzling secret. But when modern love and family expectations collide, Dalisay and Evan must find a way to carry a rich history into a shared future.
Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203420488
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/product/dp/1454947675
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-five-stages-of-courting-dalisay-ramos-melissa-de-la-cruz/1144468786
IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-five-stages-of-courting-dalisay-ramos-melissa-de-la-cruz/20976283
About the Author
Melissa de la Cruz is the #1 New York Times, #1 Publisher’s Weekly and #1 IndieBound bestselling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for readers of all ages. Her books have topped USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestseller lists and been published in more than twenty countries. She is best-known for her Blue Bloods series (with more than three million copies in print), The Descendants books based on the Disney Channel films, and the Witches of East End novels, which were turned into a two-season drama series on Lifetime Television. Melissa de la Cruz lives in West Hollywood with her husband and daughter.
Author Links:
Website: https://melissa-delacruz.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissadelaCruz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormelissadelacruz/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21911
Why Should You Read It?
Melissa de la Cruz’s “The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos” is a charming exploration of cultural traditions and modern romance, though it sometimes falls short in depth and originality.
The story revolves around Evan Saatchi, who becomes infatuated with his new co-worker, Dalisay Ramos. Fresh from Manila and leading their travel app’s Asia division, Dalisay values tradition and family above all else. When Evan boldly asks her out, he is promptly rejected. Learning from his Filipino friends that Dalisay expects her suitors to undergo the Five Stages of traditional Filipino courtship, Evan skeptically embarks on this unfamiliar journey. His initial doubts—especially about the aspects of servitude and singing—turn into determination when Dalisay bets he won’t make it through the stages.
Evan’s attempts to navigate these stages provide both humorous and heartwarming moments, as his earnest efforts to win Dalisay’s heart and prove her wrong transform their interactions into a sizzling, albeit secret, romance. The courtship rituals bring a delightful cultural element to the story, making it an interesting read.
However, while the concept is engaging, the execution sometimes feels predictable. The characters, especially Evan, could have benefited from more depth and development. The portrayal of Filipino traditions, while central to the plot, occasionally felt superficial and could have been explored more richly to add layers to the narrative.
The highlight of the book is the tension between modern love and family expectations. This theme is handled thoughtfully, showing the struggle to balance personal desires with cultural and familial obligations. Dalisay’s character embodies this conflict well, making her a relatable and sympathetic figure.
In conclusion, “The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos” is an enjoyable read that offers a sweet and sometimes humorous look at love and tradition. While it may not be groundbreaking, it provides a pleasant escape with its unique cultural backdrop and charming romance.