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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
I like the idea and the culture I justdidnt care for the MMC
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really liked the first half of the book with being introduced to the courting process and the MMC having to eventually do it again and learning from his mistakes the first time. Also really liked the growth of the FMC and felt seen by her as a woman from a cultural background that expects family to be put first. I thought the middle dragged and I was honestly surprised that even with all her family reservations the FMC had sex so quickly—I thought there would be more build up honestly which is why pacing was the biggest problem for me. And I liked both MCs okay but didn’t feel the deep connection claimed in the story. Best part of this book was exploration of traditional Filipino dating culture but the rest fell a little flat.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Lesbophobia
Minor: Death of parent
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was just okay for me. I liked the idea, but right from the start I found myself not really invested in either main character. The premise of betting to do the five stages of courting felt like a stretch that seemed to rely heavily on the MMC just really liking bets (this doesn’t really ever come up again) and swapping work trips (which does not seem like it would be allowed in reality). I did enjoy learning more about the traditional stages of courting for Filipino culture, but again I really didn’t care for either main character. They seemed to have their backstories and baggage but these weren’t really elaborated on as much. Some of the side plots felt more important or interesting than the main story at times. My biggest red flag came towards the end, where the lesbian couple has an incredibly rushed relationship/engagement/wedding. This really irked me with the unnecessary stereotype, when the rest of the time I really enjoyed the representation and storyline for the couple. Overall I really didn’t dislike reading it, it just didn’t do much for me. The narration was good, but random characters spoke so slowly. I think the intent was that it was non-native English speakers speaking in English but it wasn’t really consistent throughout. I received an audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Yes! Love a girl who makes someone work for a date. It's a lighthearted read and definitely makes you giggle at points. Also if this is a real thing, we need it to be a thing in the states. I would love for someone to court me in 5 stages
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Vomit, Death of parent