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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
This is a thoughtful and insightful guide that takes readers through the journey of relationships while weaving in cultural wisdom. Growing up with limited understanding of my Filipino heritage, this book was especially meaningful, sparking a sense of connection to my roots. Ramos introduces readers to Filipino customs and values with warmth, making me want to dive deeper into my culture. I found myself not only reflecting on relationships but also re-searching aspects of my heritage I had mo idea about before.It was a sweet slow burn with a HEA.
This was a cute romance story. I liked getting to see how romance works in other parts of the world, especially since the "five stages" is so different from how modern American romance works. I also always enjoy seeing the process of a person adopting American culture and seeing how it works with their own. Like, Dalisay is still a Filipina, but she picks up American aspects and includes the parts that work for her into her own identity. It's probably something really basic, but I dunno. I just enjoy it xD
Dalisay and Evan were a cute couple. I liked watching Evan deciding to put more and more effort into the five stages, especially as it drew closer to the end. I also really liked Dalisay's family, which made it feel even better watching Evan win them over. Also made it nice watching the family growing closer by the children finding their own footing as themselves.
There is a third act break-up which I wasn't a huge fan of. Although I liked the idea of it, it felt like the lead up wasn't great, and the resolution was pretty hand waved as a "I was just upset" thing. Which, considering I liked what they were aiming for with cultural divides, just made it fall extra flat for me. I did like what it led into, but, yeah, not so much the rest of the break-up.
Overall, a fun time in the end!
Dalisay and Evan were a cute couple. I liked watching Evan deciding to put more and more effort into the five stages, especially as it drew closer to the end. I also really liked Dalisay's family, which made it feel even better watching Evan win them over. Also made it nice watching the family growing closer by the children finding their own footing as themselves.
There is a third act break-up which I wasn't a huge fan of. Although I liked the idea of it, it felt like the lead up wasn't great, and the resolution was pretty hand waved as a "I was just upset" thing. Which, considering I liked what they were aiming for with cultural divides, just made it fall extra flat for me. I did like what it led into, but, yeah, not so much the rest of the break-up.
Overall, a fun time in the end!
“What if it all goes horribly wrong?!
What if it all goes spectacularly right?!”
Although I don’t typically read romance, I gave The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos a shot. Romance readers will likely enjoy it, but I struggled with certain elements. While Dalisay’s cultural barriers were realistic and relatable, there came a point where I just couldn’t fully believe in the story anymore—especially when it came to how her sister’s coming out was handled. It took Dalisay too long to stand up for her, and the conflict felt more like a setup to ease the tension for her own reveal about being with Evan.
I appreciated the concept of the five stages of courting, which was well-executed, but it felt contradictory. Dalisay seemed to bend her cultural beliefs when convenient, without fully considering Evan’s perspective. Their inevitable fight felt like a forced plot device, since the relationship never truly seemed at risk.
For me, the story was predictable: we know they’ll end up together, we know everything will be forgiven. I missed any real depth in the couple’s challenges, and the intimacy scenes didn’t feel genuine. While I understand romance often offers an escape, I personally prefer narratives where love isn’t always enough—where timing and realism play a more significant role.
However, I did enjoy the exploration of dating outside one’s race and culture, and the pressures of upholding traditions. For romance fans, this is still a worthwhile read, especially with its Filipino representation and cultural insights. But after reading it, I think I would’ve been more interested in Evan and Becca’s story—one focused on friendship, respect, and growth.
What if it all goes spectacularly right?!”
Although I don’t typically read romance, I gave The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos a shot. Romance readers will likely enjoy it, but I struggled with certain elements. While Dalisay’s cultural barriers were realistic and relatable, there came a point where I just couldn’t fully believe in the story anymore—especially when it came to how her sister’s coming out was handled. It took Dalisay too long to stand up for her, and the conflict felt more like a setup to ease the tension for her own reveal about being with Evan.
I appreciated the concept of the five stages of courting, which was well-executed, but it felt contradictory. Dalisay seemed to bend her cultural beliefs when convenient, without fully considering Evan’s perspective. Their inevitable fight felt like a forced plot device, since the relationship never truly seemed at risk.
For me, the story was predictable: we know they’ll end up together, we know everything will be forgiven. I missed any real depth in the couple’s challenges, and the intimacy scenes didn’t feel genuine. While I understand romance often offers an escape, I personally prefer narratives where love isn’t always enough—where timing and realism play a more significant role.
However, I did enjoy the exploration of dating outside one’s race and culture, and the pressures of upholding traditions. For romance fans, this is still a worthwhile read, especially with its Filipino representation and cultural insights. But after reading it, I think I would’ve been more interested in Evan and Becca’s story—one focused on friendship, respect, and growth.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I think this story could have had so much more potential if it had stronger development in the beginning. Their connection felt rushed and then we're thrust into the five stages where there's little communication between Dalisay and Evan. So it was hard to root for the relationship since there was no real foundation to work off of.
However, I loved seeing Filipino representation and different cultural nuances intersect with romantic tropes. It was also refreshing to see someone have more traditional values, as that isn't often represented in romance stories! But I was let down that that the author didn't hold as strongly to this in the end.
However, I loved seeing Filipino representation and different cultural nuances intersect with romantic tropes. It was also refreshing to see someone have more traditional values, as that isn't often represented in romance stories! But I was let down that that the author didn't hold as strongly to this in the end.
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I liked a lot of this!! The Filipino culture is so fun and I learned a lot of little things because of Dalisay’s perspective. I think the narrative voice was slightly confusing at times but I overall liked it and was always rooting for them.
feeeeels like it lacks something tbh but this was a fun read
irdk what the five stages of ligaw are but whatever ahaha
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix