Let me start with this is the first read for me by the author, so I did not know these characters from the previous book(s). A rom com with opposites, enemies to lovers, a long distance to overcome and a hint of grumpy sunshine (or maybe optimist-pessimist).

I loved the idea of ordinary people in this romance. No hunk or beauty queen or even an author telling you they are average in their words but then contradicting it every other page. But for some reason I did not connect with the characters like everyone else. And for me to become immersed in a romance, I need to root the romance on and that is hard to do when you don’t connect to the characters. And I loved the cultural references at the start of the book, but they stopped pretty early on.

Since I am in the minority on this one, I’d say if you like these romantic tropes, I’d give it a try.

I recommend Jackie Lau’s contemporary rom-com THE STAND-UP GROOMSMAN (Berkley, 354 pp., paperback, $17).

Vivian Liao loved the sitcom actor and stand-up comedian Melvin Lee — until she met him. Now they can’t go a single conversation without bickering, which is a problem since they’re both in the bridal party for their best friends’ wedding. Mel and Viv agree to be civil to each other; soon civil becomes cordial becomes captivated. Next thing you know they’re texting each other restaurant tips, kissing underneath the banquet tables and slipping off to hotel rooms with comfy beds and sheet cakes. It’s a wonderful fling, but can it survive long distance and the differences between them?

This book is a low-angst charmer. Lau’s books have some of the best effort-to-emotional-payoff ratios in romance, and that’s even before we get into Mel’s buoyant stand-up routines. Vivian, too, is a unique heroine: Burdened with too much responsibility at a young age, she is wary of being pushed into a caretaker role when she’s still learning to hold her own desires paramount.

This is my favorite of Lau’s yet — with much love to the previous titleholder, “Man vs. Durian” — and, as always, it’s full of delicious food descriptions, delicate emotional landscapes and families who show affection by being relentlessly annoying. All the more relatable for being nuanced and a little messy, the ending avoids forcing its main pair into easy answers or pat solutions.

I really enjoyed Jackie Lau's first book Donut Fall in Love. She drew me in with her romantic comedy and I was so jazzed to receive this one, The Stand-up Groomsman. For me, this one was not as funny as the first, but there were still many pieces of the book I did enjoy. The one piece that did not work for me was the stand-up comedy parts of it. While it was funny with added grandma jokes, I felt that that part could have been left out.
I did enjoy the romance of it, but it seemed as if it took a bit too long to get there.
If you love a good opposites attract trope along with your rom-com, this is one to give a try!

this was so cute and nice! i liked the romance and the characters a lot, and i thought this did a great job of breaking stereotypes and cliches in the genre. the comedian aspect of it didn't really work for me, but the family storylines definitely did, and i will for sure be checking out more from this author.

The Stand-Up Groomsman begins with tension and bad first impressions. With those people who for some reason, just say something that rubs the wrong way. We've got Mel who is a charming comedian who just wants to be seen for who he is off stage. And Vivian who has been hurt by love in the past and who can't understand being like for who she is. While Vivian was more retalatble to me - just because I'm not struggling with reconciling two personas - Mel charmed my heart.

The dual POV narration in The Stand-Up Groomsman works brilliantly. It allows us to see the depths of the misconceptions and their own insecurities. We can be on both of their sides almost from the beginning as we are immersed in their own introspection. Not to mention their electric chemistry. All the ways in which they'd actually be perfect for each other if they could get past that first moment.

This enemies to lovers features a bridesmaid and groomsman who have to work together to celebrate their friends. As they communicate more, they find they actually enjoy each other and on the wedding night, their one night stand quickly turns into something more. The fun twist in this? The groomsman is a stand up comedian.

This book had me laughing out loud. I loved Mel’s comedy and thought that was such a fun touch. While this book was funny in many ways, it also took on more serious topics. With two bisexual main characters, there was a lot of discussion surrounding bisexuality, specifically that dating a member of the opposite sex does not make you any less bisexual. It also really explored family dynamics as well as what it means to be in a relationship.

While this book is a sequel to Donut Fall in Love, it could easily be read as a standalone.

Thank you to Berkley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you like:
- Diverse Characters
- Stand-up Comedy
- Romances
-Opposites Attract
- Meddling Families
-Mental Health Representation

If you are looking for more than a fluffy romance this one is for you! The author tackles tough topics like dysfunctional families and mental health all while writing a delightful and well done romance.

I loved the opposites attract vibe that we get with our two MC’s and that they are thrust together for their friends wedding and that love is what brings them together.

This book is for the eldest daughters and older sisters who raised their siblings and may not have gotten the chance to follow their passions. Vivian Lau has your back⁣ 🥹.
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Oh, how Vivian made me cry. I resonated so much with Vivian’s resentment, anger, and frustration. I saw so much of myself in her, especially in her relationship with Mel. ⁣⁣
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Mel - what a sweetie. He’s hilarious, on and off the stage. His grandmother, nieces, even his sister, are all amazing. I appreciated how Mel approached his relationship with Vivian in such a healthy way - respecting her boundaries and needs, and never wanting to push her too far or make her uncomfortable.

Do you enjoy stand up comedy?
With the question the only one comes to my mind is the series Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Not sure how many of you watched it, I liked that one.
Saying that listening and reading differs and I found myself enjoying this romantic comedy.

This one was different to what I usually read when it comes to rom-com and I am surprised how much I liked it. This enemies to lovers was deep with thoughtful and realistic characters that you will relate to.

Vivian and Mel both were interesting leads with each having their own experiences to lead them where they are. They were contrast to each other. Vivian being sophisticated and serious, Mel being life of the party types.

What was different in this is the fact that the author gave them a perfect balance of relationship with not turning upside down their life and suiting it to what works for them. You will know when you read this.

The story and what it entails with highlighting about Asian culture was well written. I liked how the author touched topics that are important and addressed them so well. Overall this was a great read and am definitely picking up next work by the author.

I really enjoyed being back in the Donut Fall in Love world. This time the story focuses on Lindsay's best friend Vivian Liao, and Ryan's best friend, Melvin Lee. Like Ryan, Melvin is a celebrity - an actor and stand up comedian, while Vivian works in finance. Vivian is a fan of Melvin's comedy until they meet one night and he insults her, basically calling her a corporate finance drone and a sell-out. Vivian vows never to speak to him again, but that plan goes off the rails when Lindsay and Ryan set a wedding date and both Vivian and Melvin are asked to be in the wedding party.

I loved the characters in this story. They were definitely the highlight for me, especially the deep dive into Melvin's character. On the surface, particularly because of his stand up comedy persona, he comes across as loud, brash and sometimes rude. But once you peel off that outer layer, he's actually a really sensitive guy who is going through a lot.

Vivian is also a character that I loved getting to know. She's dealing with a very complicated family history and dynamic. She has put up a lot of walls to protect herself and all she has worked for, and so to Mel and to a lot of other people, she comes across as a bit of an "ice princess." I loved getting a more in-depth look at what made Vivian the way she is and getting to see that so much of what comes across as icy and aloof is really just shyness and vulnerability.

It was a lot of fun watching Vivian and Melvin move through the awkward stages of enemies to friends to more than friends as they decide to call a truce so as not to ruin Ryan and Lindsay's special day. The more they interact, the more it's clear how good they are for each other and I was definitely rooting for a happily ever after for them.

The only drawback for me was that I felt the pacing was a little show at times, particularly when Melvin is on stage doing his comedy routines. That part dragged a bit for me and since the romance was also slow burn, I found myself occasionally wanting to just skip ahead and get to the good stuff.

Still a very enjoyable read overall and one I recommend to anyone who's a fan of the opposites attract trope and of slow burn romances.

3.5 stars

This was a very cute opposites-attract romance. Months ago, Vivian and Mel meet for the first time, and it did not go well. Now, they are both in the wedding party of their mutual friends. As they spend more and more time together, they start to see that they may have more in common than they originally thought.

At first, I really didn’t like Mel, but he started to grow on me as we got to see more of his perspective and understand him and his background. He was also the sweetest towards Vivian and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. I really loved Vivian, who may seem like an “ice queen”, but has so much more to her.

I did find that the book felt a little rushed at times, and so I would have liked for certain parts to be more developed and to get more information in order to better understand the story and characters.

Thank you to Berkely and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m really enjoying romantic comedy books right now and so glad I got the chance to read this one. This book is a follow up to Donut Fall in Love, but could definitely be read as a stand alone (I didn’t read the first one). I really enjoyed the stand up comedy aspects, the enemies to lovers, and the quirky grandma character. Overall a fun and lighthearted read that I think you will enjoy!

Thank you to @netgalley @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to @prhaudio for a free download of the audiobook.

Vivian and Mel’s first encounter with each other didn’t get off on the best foot. While Mel is pursuing his passion of being a comedian, Vivian doesn’t feel he respects her decision to work in corporate finance rather than pursue her passion of part. It doesn’t matter though, because they live in different cities…actually different countries. That is until Vivian’s roommate gets engaged to Mel’s best friend.

The novel was cute and the banter between the main characters is entertaining. I feel like the read was enjoyable, but at the end something seemed missing to me. I also feel like more development or insight is needed around the family relationships and the strain that was occurring for Vivian. I struggled to empathize with her, thus not really making any kind of investment in her or Mel’s relationship.

3 stars

My first thought - a little too long.
I did enjoy this book. The family pressure, cultural references, pressure to have children, have a mainstream relationship. I thought the author did a great job showing a different path. As a person with her own struggles, I enjoyed seeing a couple not move in together. They made their relationship work around their lives. And I loved it.
I also loved the many references to those who make people laugh are often the most depressed in the room. I often use humor to deflect, especially the chaos and issues of my life. It really resonated with me. And I loved Robin Williams. There are many of his quotes around saying the same thing.
The characters' sexuality didn't disappear - I loved the reality of yes they still check out people, even those of the same gender.
And the sex - holy hot! Yes! A man who doesn't commit to proving he can make his partner orgasm in a way she clearly state doesn't work for her.
I felt this was a great realistic rom com.

Rating 4.5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 3/5
Writing 4.5/5
Character Development 5/5

[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]

“The Stand-Up Groomsman” by Jackie Lau tells the story of Vivian Liao and Melvin Lee. Vivian was a huge fan of an infamous, but shortly-axed sitcom that starred Ryan and Melvin. When Vivian has the chance to meet Melvin in person, she feels starstruck at first, however, her feelings quickly change when Melvin pushes her too hard on her life choices and this turns Vivian from absolutely adoring Melvin to absolutely despising him. Now Vivian’s roommate, Lindsay is marrying Ryan and Vivian must face Melvin again as she’s the bridesmaid and Melvin’s the groomsman. As the two work together to help with the wedding, Melvin realizes his first impression of Vivian was misjudged and Vivian realizes that Melvin might actually be the same charming man that he is on-screen.

I love a good opposites-attract rom-com and I loved this book! The bridesmaid vs. groomsman, rom-com trope reminded me of the Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren and I thought it was such a fun read. The plot was cute, the characters were enjoyable to read. I love when characters have to set aside their differences to get something done and then they realize something about themselves. Overall, great heartwarming book!

I love stand-up and improv and so I jumped at the chance to read and review the Stand-Up Groomsman! I didn’t realize it’s the second in the series, so it’s fine as a stand alone.

Vivian and Melvin get off to a bad start when they meet out one night. But they live in different cities and they don’t have to deal with each other until their mutual best friends get engaged and they are both in the bridal party. Vivian finds Mel funny and. Harming, but he doesn’t respect her career and makes fun of her for working in finance (not cool Mel!!) As they help plan the wedding with their friends, they see the best in each other and start to fall in love. They still have the distance between them, but they text and talk all the time.

I really thought this was a cute novel! I love that Melvin worked on his standup set throughout the book and we get to hear his jokes. They are definitely an opposites attract couple, but I think that’s why they are so fun! She’s a little buttoned up and he will go far for a joke. But they work together so well. They had excellent banter the whole book.

Thank you so much to @berkleyromance @jackielaubooks and @prhaudio for my gifted copy! The Stand-Up Groomsman is out now!

4.5 stars

Heat Factor: It’s a slow burn–much intense emotional heat with satisfying results

Character Chemistry: It killed me, dead. I am not okay now, thanks Jackie Lau.

Plot: Mel the stand-up comedian and Vivian the financial analyst/secret artist meet and can’t stand each other only to find themselves as attendants in their friends’ wedding. Mel is the entire rainbow and Vivan is gray. And I love them.

Overall: This book made me swoon so hard, so many times that I actually NEED a fainting couch now.

So Erin and Holly both said I was going to like Jackie Lau, and they were right. This is my second Lau creation, and I feel like my ribcage is going to crack from how much swelling my chest is doing after finishing it.

Do you like the banter and mismatch of When Harry Met Sally? Because that’s what you’re going to get from this one. Only, add in two comfortably bisexual characters, a character who’s a comic (and actually has funny sketches included in the text!!) and a woman who’s the grumpy and not the sunshine (for ONCE) and ka-pow. It’s beyond. It’s extra. It’s just…fantastic.

Mel is louder, colorful, and funny, and he’s the perfect foil for Vivian. I hesitate to call her an “unlikeable heroine” because she is NOT (I’ll fight you), but she’s gruff and she’s used to caring for herself and being pretty buttoned up and proper, so she’s far from being soft and pliant. She’s so relatable, and her character is so perfectly and meticulously written—Lau peppers her text carefully with gestures and passing thoughts that open Vivian up without her even having to disclose anything sweeping and vulnerable for the reader. And that’s effective, because it would be utterly out of character for Vivian to just spill her guts, even to herself. Every depiction of her makes sense, and it makes her incredibly easy to sympathize with. So when Mel’s bright, colorful chaos descends upon Vivian, it’s easy to see why she’s falling for him and it’s equally easy to see why it’s stressful for her.

I loved Mel’s stand up, as well, which shocked me. Normally when authors depict an art form a character specializes in, it can tend to feel clumsy. But in this book it’s really brilliantly done. Like any good comic, Mel uses humor to entertain, but also to unpack really incredible issues in creative ways. And just like it worked for Vivian, through each little vignette we end up seeing more of the underlying anxiety and feelings of inadequacy that have held Mel back in life. It ends up making a lot of sense that Vivian would be someone solid and real for Mel, and ultimately someone he can trust with himself.

But in all honesty, their relationship isn’t 100% deep. It’s also really playful and fun. For example, at one point in a text thread Vivan says “Congrats!!” and Mel responds “Look at you, using two exclamation marks. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” Mel teases Vivian constantly, but the way he doesn’t it makes Vivan feel really seen and often admired, and I was floored by how well it ratchets up the tension. It was like flirting on steroids.

And ultimately, I adored that the way they handle the hurdles they face is unique, compassionate, and tender…and really, really sexy. I just dare you to end this book without a heart full of yearning. I dare you.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

Really enjoyed this book that has some characters we meet in Donut Fall In Love (which I loved)! It's an opposites attract romance and while both Vivian and Mel both have their quirks, they are truly better together. It's a very sweet (and steamy!) coupling and I love how realistic Lau's romances are because you can really just immerse yourself in this group of friends and their lives and feel like you are in the know. I also enjoyed the contrast in Vivian and Mel's families and how that impacts how they see relationships. Also, Lau always has great #ownvoices representation and also love the bisexual representation in this one. I did enjoy listening to this one on audio but the male narrator's voice was not pleasing TO ME. He did a wonderful job and overall it worked out fine but there were times where it was a bit jarring when I got back into it.

I am such a big fan of Jackie Lau's work. She never shies away from difficult topics and her characters always have honest discussions about sex, mental health and food. I love a character who knows exactly what she likes in bed and isn't afraid to ask for it and a man who isn't afraid to give it to her. Combine that with the portrayal of being bi, undiagnosed mental illness and family issues and it's another winner by Lau. There is a moment in here when Vivian talks to her family and I had to stop for a minute because I felt so absolutely seen in that moment and had to take a moment to process. I could have done without the standup comedy bits at the beginning of each chapter but I appreciate how hard those must have been to write and want to give the recognition to the author of that.

Many thanks to Let's Talk Books Promo, Berkely and NetGalley for a gifted copy of The Stand-Up Groomsman. It's on sale now and should not be missed. I wish more people read Jackie and appreciated the awesomeness of her writing.

This one was so entertaining. Vivian Liao has a serious job during the day but at night she spends her time making fan art. She might have been geeking out over meeting the very subject of her fan art, Melvin Lee, but he is nothing like she expected, and not in a good way. She could go her entire life not seeing him again, but that isn’t an option when his best friend is marrying her roommate.
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The two of them need to take part in every wedding activity together. Annoyance soon turns to something more. This would make such a fun movie and true that form for me the grandma steals the show!
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Huge thank you to @berkleypub@prhaudio and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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