Publisher's Synopsis
A sweet and spicy multicultural romantic comedy that that blends the rich tapestry of Filipino courtship rituals with the modern complexities of love, family, and cultural expectations, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.
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 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.
Featuring a memorable cast of characters navigating the intersection of cultural traditions, workplace dynamics, and the magic of true love, this heart-warming Asian American romance is perfect for fans of Kevin Kwan books, Red String Theory, and other voicey Asian American authors. Melissa de la Cruz thoughtfully explores the push and pull of contemporary desires and deep-rooted familial expectations, all set against the backdrop of a will-they-won't-they workplace romance that will leave readers swooning.
