The Stand-Up Groomsman
Author: Jackie Lau
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
Mel was one of Vivian’s favorite actors and comedians; however when they met in person for the first time a year ago, things didn’t go well (Donut Fall in Love, book 1). With their friends getting married, and both in the wedding, the pair decide to be civil, but what develops is a friendship… and more.
The Stand-Up Groomsman is an unconventional romance, allowing readers to see that not everyone’s love story ends the same. I appreciate the positive message that love doesn’t cure anxiety and messes, but it can help fulfill a person.
Vivian and Mel both struggle with mental and emotional health issues. Vivian raised her younger siblings because her parents worked all the time, and this has skewed her perception of love. Vivian has had to give to those she loves without getting anything in return, so she prefers not to love. Now that she’s finally found footing on her own, she doesn’t want to share that with anyone. When Mel shows her affection and attention – takes care of her because he cares about her – it makes her uncomfortable and creates an internal conflict. Her view of relationships is so narrow, she truly struggles with the concept that there are other ways to love and be loved.
Mel, on the other hand, is free with his love and cares a lot for others. He goes from one relationship to another, but they don’t seem to last. He knows things are different with Vivian, but he struggles to get her to see what they could be together. Mel suffers from depression and anxiety, which color his thoughts and humor. The author does an excellent job using Mel’s stand up routines to get readers inside his head and heart.
Vivian’s scars are deep and it takes a lot for her to overcome the pain. I love that Mel is perfect for her… he’s patient, giving, and loving. The author does an excellent job of describing their emotions: both the joys and the fears. My heart hurt when it wasn’t working, and I was filled with joy when they would make progress.
Overall, The Stand-Up Groomsman is a delightful, emotionally-satisfying tale that allows readers to enjoy falling in love within a non-traditional romance.
My Rating: B+ Liked A Lot
Jen
About the Book:
A bridesmaid and groomsman put their differences aside to get their friends down the aisle in this opposites-attract steamy romantic comedy.
They say to never meet your heroes, but when Vivian Liao’s roommate gets engaged to her favorite actor’s costar, she has no choice but to come face-to-face with Melvin Lee again. He’s just as funny and handsome as he is on-screen…but thinks she is a snob and a sellout. It’s none of his business how she chooses to live her life, no matter how charismatic he is.
Mel is used to charming audiences as an actor and stand-up comedian but can’t connect to Vivian. She’s a smart, talented artist–which is why he thinks she’s wasting her life as a corporate finance drone. The only thing uniting them is their goal for the wedding to go off without a hitch.
As they collaborate on wedding cake and karaoke parties, Mel realizes he might have seriously misjudged this bridesmaid, while Vivian discovers the best man might just be as dazzling off-screen as he is on. With the wedding underway, maybe more than one happily ever after is in the future.
Release Date: October 25, 2022
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Donut Fall in Love #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (368 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)
Reviews in the Series:
Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau (Book 1)