INTERNATIONAL BLOG TOUR: The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau

Hello readers!
How are you? Today we celebrate the release of The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau, the second book in the Donut Fall in Love series. The Stand-Up Groomsman is an entertaing and enjoyable reading that, with the previous novel, made me discover a very interesting author!

As always, I have to thank Penguin Random House and Berkley Publishing Group for the free copy and the invitation to be part of the International Blog Tour. 

 

Let me present you this book:

Title: The Stand-Up Groomsman
Author: Jackie Lau
Publishing Date: October, 25th
Publisher:  Berkley Trade Paperback
Pages: 368
Price: 17,90 €

Plot: **please be aware there will be some SPOILERS if you haven't read Donut Fall in Love.

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.

 

The Author:

 

Jackie Lau decided she wanted to be a writer when she was in grade two, sometime between penning “The Heart That Got Lost” and “The Land of Shapes.” She later studied engineering and worked as a geophysicist before turning to writing romance novels. She is now the author of over a dozen romantic comedies. Learn more online at www.jackielaubooks.com. 

 

 

Review: 

3.5 stars⭐

What did I appreciate about this book?

• The style: Jackie Lau has an ironical way of writing that is really enjoyable and allows the reader to keep reading with a fast pace. Pages flies, without you even notice it! And I assume it has been a real challenge using it, when at the same time she decided to have a main character that is a comedian. The monologues inserted in the book were not only entertaining, but also very interesting to read, because, as it should be, they contain - within them - valuable thoughts. 
• The diversity: since Donut Fall in Love, one of the points that catches immediately the reader's eyes is the presence of Asian main characters and a really good LGBTQIA+ representation. I really cherish both of those choices, because I greately appreciate to have the chance to know more about other cultures even from small details, could they be habits, or different ways to call a parent. Even when there are jokes related to that, Jackie Lau is always respectful of those cultural roots. Then, the LGBTQIA+ representation: in this case too I have to admit I loved so much how those characters have been depicted, with a special mention to the bi ones, who often are just mentioned but don't have a proper space on the scene. Another praise to have chosen a "plus size" male character, surely not a common choice that remembers us that not only people with abs can be considered attractive.
  
• The characters: as in Donut Fall in Love, not all the characters have been greatly deepened, except the main ones. Nontheless, they are the light of the story (but I was SO happy to have lots of scenes with Lindsay and Ryan)! We can say that they're a sort of atypical figures and for this specific reason they're SO interesting to discover: Melvin a comedian that in real life is not keen to make jokes all the time, and Vivian that often seems indifferent to what (and who) is around here. The double point of view here is absolutely essential, and creates an entertaining change of perception of the same event. Furthermore, I've really loved both backgrounds, that explain a lot of their mutual misunderstandings and behaviour toward the other. Anyway, my favorite character is, of course, Po Po. I adore her!
  
• An enemies to lovers relationship: if you're a fan of a story that starts off with a wrong foot, this is the book for you! The tension and the attraction between them was so tangible you could feel it.

What would I have expected more from?

• Less rush. I think there are some moments within the book that should have more space and being developed better. The final release was absolutely enjoyable to read, but I found myself at the end with the feeling that something was missing.
• More insights related to certain themes. I would have appreciated to deepen some family relationships or to discover more about the character's feelings, which are present and presented to the readers, yes, but they miss the strenght to hit deeply. That doesn't permit to empatize with the protagonists at 100%.

 

And that's it! I really suggest you this series for the fresh elements within the story and a captivating style. For me it has been a really lovable surprise! 

Thanks again to Berkley Publishing Group, and happy release day to Jackie Lau💙

See you soon in the next review!

- Chiara

*credit:author's photo by J. Mitchell 2021

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REVIEW: "You and Me on Vacation"/ "People We Met on Vacation" by Emily Henry

Hi readers! How are you?
I've promised we've kept writing something in English too and what better occasion than write about a book I've loved so much?
I'm sure you already know Emily Henry, writer of ya and adult fiction, fantasy, sci-fi and contemporary novels, but in case you don't, I really suggest you not to loose this book.

 

Title: You and Me on Vacation (People We Met on Vacation)
Author: Emily Henry
Publishing Date: July 8th 2021 (May 11th 2021)
Publisher:  Penguin UK (Berkley Books)
Pages: 368 (384)
Price: 9,72 €

Plot: TWO FRIENDS
TEN SUMMER TRIPS
THEIR LAST CHANCE TO FALL IN LOVE

12 SUMMERS AGO: Poppy and Alex meet. They hate each other, and are pretty confident they'll never speak again.

11 SUMMERS AGO: They're forced to share a ride home from college and by the end of it a friendship is formed. And a pact: every year, one vacation together.

10 SUMMERS AGO: Alex discovers his fear of flying on the way to Vancouver.
Poppy holds his hand the whole way.

7 SUMMERS AGO: They get far too drunk and narrowly avoid getting matching tattoos in New Orleans.

2 SUMMERS AGO: It all goes wrong.

THIS SUMMER: Poppy asks Alex to join her on one last trip. A trip that will determine the rest of their lives.

You and Me on Vacation is a love story for fans of When Harry Met Sally and One Day. Get ready to travel the world, snort with laughter and - most of all - lose your heart to Poppy and Alex.

Review: 

Rating: 5 stars! ⭐

** I've received this arc copy in exchange of an honest review. So, first of all thanks to @prhinternational and @netgalley for the free book, that was, of course, one of my most anticipated release of the entire 2021! **

 

This book kept me hanging until the very end!

Last year I fell in love with Beach Read and since then I knew Emily Henry would become one of my favorite contemporary authors. I was right, because "You and me on vacation", (I'm honest, I prefer the "People We Meet on Vacation" 's title) is even more amazing.

I was a little bit nervous to read it due to my high expectations, but like when you find the right pair of shoes for you, all it took were just few pages to be immediately tangled in this new story.

If I adore Augustus and January, I have to admit Poppy and Alexander stole my entire heart, Poppy with her sparkling joy and Alexander with his kindness and steadiness, quiet but with a witty humor I find so lovely. In fact, they are both lovable and so supportive with each other I wanted to hug them most of the time.

The story follows them through two lines: we have the present situation, where we don't know what happened two years ago to divide them, and Poppy is trying to find a way to be newly inspired in her work and to be happy again, thing that seems to be related to Alexander's absence in her life. So, she plans a vacation not sponsored by her work (without telling Alex) and, taking advantage of one of his brother's wedding, she  invites him to join her, so she can remind him the old times she misses so much and she hopes he hadn't completely forgotten. The other line follows flashbacks that take the readers in the past, from the first day they met to every single vacation they had together, in an intricate network of beautiful places, people met randomly, laughs, pillow talks and moments so full of emotional tension that I hold my breath more than once. As such, you see the present's events and gradually understand better their backgrounds as individual and together. The flashbacks are little flashes, of course, but they show the important moments of every occasion and, in a certain sense, they easily become a memory the reader will cherish too.

Besides the entertaining way this author has to write a story, I think the key of this book is the way we can see and even feel how Alex and Poppy's love for each other grows and takes root during all those years, even if they live in different places and have made different life's choices. That love is so full that fills the readers too (and moved me more than once), but it doesn't seem enough to make that jump to change things between them, blocked by different fears Alex and Poppy consciously and unconsciously have.

Bad timing, other people in their lives, wrong ideas about what the other may or not feel in return.. all reflects how sometimes life could be easier and without so many turns and twists if we just could be able to make that right step, to say and explain what we think or feel, so we can prevent misunderstandings and hurt. However, life doesn't flow like this, in an idyllic and perfect way. Sometimes we need more time, sometimes we make mistakes, we fix them, it's human. Sometimes, we need really to understand ourselves before being capable to be honest with the others, even with the people we love or care the most. This story is a reminder that even if we can do or say something wrong, sometimes the solution is not going back before that, but change the prospective and understand what the real problem is.

More than that, to quote Alex and Poppy, this book "speaks to me!" I totally understand the loneliness that characterizes them: the feeling to be alone even in a group of people, where you can't find a real connection because, no matter how hard you try, they still consider you different (or laugh at you behind your back) and, at the same time, the necessity to always behave good and responsible because that's what other people expects you to do, expectations that make you stuck in a figure that in a certain way describes you, but not entirely fits with your person. It's something that hurts, a lot, but that doesn't mean you have something wrong. Even more, it doesn't have to stop you to find your happiness and it doesn't mean that, out there, there isn't someone that will love and appreciate you entirely, someone you can be yourself with, without fears or restrictions about what they could think. Maybe it needs time, but we have just to jump and take the risks, if they're worth, so we can find our true "home".

So, I think I'll talk endlessly about this book (and if you have read it, PLEASE, write me because I would love to chat about it!!), but the simple truth is that at the beginning of the book Emily said "This book is for you", and it really is.

If you ever read this little review, thank you, Emily. I've laughed, I was moved and I became so much  affectionate to those characters, because they're so concrete I can figure them in real life with their strength and weaknesses, and just as they are, they don't deserve anything but happiness.

 

Thanks again to @prhinternational and to you, readers, if you found the time to read it until the end! Have you read it? Will you? Let me know! 💓

- Chiara

 

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Review: "TWICE SHY" by Sarah Hogle

Hi readers!!💙 How are you?
I know, our blog is mainly written in Italian but we think, from time to time, to add something in English too, especially when it comes to books that stole our heart or we really want to talk about! 

What has moved me, this time?
Well, this year I made a list of ALL the books I wanted to catch up (new or from the last year) and since I was enamoured of "You deserved each other" by Sarah Hogle - which I totally recommend if you haven't read it yet, I was eager to get my hands on her second novel. So, thank you so much @prhinternational for the free book in exchange of an honest review. 

But first, some practical informations: 

Title: Twice Shy

Author: Sarah Hogle

Publishing Date: April, 6th, 2021

Publisher:  Putnam Pub Group

Pages: 308

Price: 15,07 €

Plot:Maybell Parrish has always been a dreamer. But living with her head in the clouds has always felt preferable to dealing with reality, whether it's managing her panic attacks, navigating the wild world of dating apps, or getting her coworkers to show her a little respect. So when Maybell inherits a stately old Tennessee manor from her eccentric Great Aunt Violet, she realizes it's the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start, and finally take control of the life that's making her increasingly unhappy.
 

But when she arrives at her new home, it seems her troubles have only just begun. Not only is the manor practically falling apart around her, but its handsome yet reclusive groundskeeper, Wesley Koehler, who lives in a cabin on the property, seems to want nothing to do with her. Worse still, Great Aunt Violet left Maybell a bucket list of tasks she has only six months to complete if she wants to retain control of the estate--and Maybell won't be able to tick off all the items without Wesley's help.

Convincing the taciturn Wesley to stop avoiding her is a task more formidable than anything on Great Aunt Violet's list. But when Maybell discovers that beneath his brooding exterior lies an anxiety that exceeds her own, she realizes they might have more in common than she ever dreamed. And as the two slowly begin to let down their guards, they just might learn that sometimes the smallest steps outside one's comfort zone can lead to the greatest rewards.

 

 Review: 

Rating: 5 stars! ⭐

I don't know how Sarah is capable of that, but she seems to create characters and stories that link immediately with me intimately and hit me hard for their concreteness.

I've adored this story.

It's completely different from “You deserve each other”, but it's still special in its unique way.

It's less hilarious, but it’s absolutely an enjoyable, sweet and tender journey that leads the reader to the path that links Maybell and Wesley together, and it’s SO adorable. It’s a twist of destiny that helps both to face their doubts and fears about themselves and the way to relate with another person.
It seems an easy thing to say, “I’m a shy person” or “I’m anxious”, but few people understand and really know what it really means. Sarah has been amazing to depict it in front of the reader without pity or faux stereotypes.

She shows Maybell’s fears, daydreaming (I’m so happy not to be the only one doing it!) and the growth of her self-confidence to express what she wants to do and what she feels, stopping to be overwhelmed by others personality and toxic presences. And then there’s Wesley. As per “You deserved each other” I ached for his point of view, but Sarah has been perfect in making us understand him step by step as our main character does. And he’s so sweet, so caring, he listens (thing not so obvious) and remember us that the male figure hasn’t always to be expansive, self-confident, and invincible to be a good person even before someone to fall in love. For me it’s impossible not to love him, and feel the heart tighten itself seeing his personal struggles.
The point is, you can empathize with them, you can see yourself in those two people, but even if you don’t because you have a different personality, this author has been amazing in making all of their feelings and worries tangibles through motions, words, actions.

Maybe it's stupid to say, but I'm proud of them both. They're two amazing people that have a big heart and they just needed the right push and time to understand they are two loving people, that deserve attention and care. They deserve someone that really look and listen to them and it has been amazing to see how gradually they came nearer and fell in love.

It's a slow story and someone could see there's not a climax. Well, maybe not in the usual way, but if I've learned something in the last years about books, you don't need an epic event to make a book work. Here there is a constant crescendo: even in moments you could see a potential fracture in their relationship, both choose the mature way to face the situation (and that is, in my opinion, something really peculiar because often drama is preferred) permitting their bond to grow stronger, so they can have the time and space (on the pages) to face other ghosts of theirs.

And then, the final chapters, left me in tears. I won’t make any spoilers, but let me say just other few things:

1.       the tension between those two has nearly killed me!

2.       I’m a Violet and Victor fan. Their story is so romantic!

    3.       I'm so curious about what will happen next!! The ending is so open-ended I'm biting my nails to            know more! :'(  
           Anyway, it's a price I'll pay forever if I can have and read another Sarah's book. 

 

Thank you Sarah, again, for another beautiful book. It will be another story that takes place in my heart, absolutely. 

And you, readers? Have you already read it? You would like to? Let me know and let's chat about it! 💓 And most of all, would you like to see more reviews in English? Let us know!

Chiara

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