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A review by katiemack
The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
I've had the formula for "The Type of Romance Novel Katie Would Most Enjoy" set for several years--grumpy, brooding guy initially dislikes but comes to love funny, sunshine gal who brings out his caring and emotional side and gets him out of his shell. But gender doesn't matter in this formula, and The Stand-Up Groomsman proves that.
The story starts out, well, not promisingly--the bubbly, funny Mel immediately insults "Ice Queen" Vivian and belittles her career choice--but the way Jackie Lau develops their eventual relationship feels organic. The pacing is realistic. They text a little about the bachelor/ette parties; they progress to sending each other funny pictures or comments, and eventually their chemistry culminates at the wedding.
It's a pleasure to watch these two folks (who are both queer--an added bonus, as Lau incorporates this into the story and doesn't just mention it once time for the sake of tokenism) reveal their trust, their vulnerability, and their affection for one another. There's little drama, but the conflict that exists serves to allow Mel and Vivian to deal with their trauma and realize what they want and need out of a romantic relationship. The ending is unconventional but satisfying; I read this in a day, so I felt like I had experienced a loss when the story was over.
I haven't read Donut Fall in Love, and I almost don't want to at this point because I'm happy with how I perceive Mel and Vivian (and I think both of them feature in the previous book). But readers who read and enjoyed that book may enjoy this one too.
I've had the formula for "The Type of Romance Novel Katie Would Most Enjoy" set for several years--grumpy, brooding guy initially dislikes but comes to love funny, sunshine gal who brings out his caring and emotional side and gets him out of his shell. But gender doesn't matter in this formula, and The Stand-Up Groomsman proves that.
The story starts out, well, not promisingly--the bubbly, funny Mel immediately insults "Ice Queen" Vivian and belittles her career choice--but the way Jackie Lau develops their eventual relationship feels organic. The pacing is realistic. They text a little about the bachelor/ette parties; they progress to sending each other funny pictures or comments, and eventually their chemistry culminates at the wedding.
It's a pleasure to watch these two folks (who are both queer--an added bonus, as Lau incorporates this into the story and doesn't just mention it once time for the sake of tokenism) reveal their trust, their vulnerability, and their affection for one another. There's little drama, but the conflict that exists serves to allow Mel and Vivian to deal with their trauma and realize what they want and need out of a romantic relationship. The ending is unconventional but satisfying; I read this in a day, so I felt like I had experienced a loss when the story was over.
I haven't read Donut Fall in Love, and I almost don't want to at this point because I'm happy with how I perceive Mel and Vivian (and I think both of them feature in the previous book). But readers who read and enjoyed that book may enjoy this one too.