Her Unexpected Roommate by Jackie Lau

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The end has come to Jackie Lau's Cider Bar Sisters. The last book in the series, Her Unexpected Roommate just recently came out (August 9th) and I wanted to pick it up as soon as possible. I was able to use this book to cover the prompt yellow on the cover for the 2nd board of Summer of Swoon!

Rose is struggling with her depression and trying not to internalize all of her friends finding their HEAs. When she goes out by herself for a drink, she runs into Cal. They end up going home together, but circumstances happen that leaves them unable to contact each other afterwards. When they come back together months later, it's as Cal becoming Rose's new roommate. As they live together, it's hard to forget the wonderful night they spent together before, but don't want to cause any issues with their living situation.

So, before we get into the review, I do want to talk about some trigger/content warnings. There is a lot of discussion about depression and the different symptoms that come with it. Even more specific though, is depression that is resistant to "normal" treatments. There's also discuss of suicide and stigmas against depression and mental health. That is in the past and not something that is current though. This is mentioned in the author's note at the beginning of the books as well, but the heroine's mother didn't really accept that depression was an issue and ended up committing suicide years before this book is set. There is also a mention that Rose herself was suicidal before, but it's not really gone into too deeply. On a more positive note, the way that suicide and mental health is discussed in this book is really well done. I love the way that Jackie Lau is able to talk about these deep issues but not make it feel preachy or too over-dramatic to get a point across. There is discussion about the stigmas that society put on people that attempt or commit suicide and how there's a skewed perspective a lot of the time. As someone that was diagnosed with depression as a pre-teen and also struggled with suicide when I was younger, this book felt very meaningful to me. It did take me a lot longer than usual to get through (almost a week), but that is because I've been really stressed out with getting ready to move and struggling to find time to read.

Now, usually the books in this series have more of a rom-com feel. There is some humor here, but because of the heavier topics dealt with I would consider this more of a straight contemporary. But let's get onto the other parts of the book. I absolutely adored Cal. He was so easygoing and just adaptable and willing to do whatever he could to help Rose when she was struggling. There were a lot of pieces of Rose that I connected with and it was so satisfying to see her reach her HEA. Even though there was a lot of focus on Rose, Cal had his own issues with his family and having lived his life with undiagnosed dyscalculia. I really enjoyed the way that they felt connected and it was just so cute to see them cuddling on the couch watching C- and K-dramas. This book was heavy, but it also felt really uplifting. I also loved how the "third-act conflict" happened (spoiler: there wasn't really one). The final chapter and epilogue was also really cute to see and it was really cute seeing the cider bar sisters a few years forward. I loved the wrap up of the series!

Okay, now for my usual, "Please read Jackie Lau" blurb. Seriously, pick her up. I loved her and her books. The way that she writes just feels so realistic and I want to hang out with all her characters! She is one of my favorite contemporary authors and also a cozy read for me. Jackie has been teasing in her past few newsletters that she has plans for two new series in 2023. There hasn't been anything announced as of yet, but I have a feeling one might be based around Cal's friend group (that are all from their high school theater group) and the other might be one of Rose's instagram plushie friends (a scientist in Montreal). We'll see what they end up being, but no matter what I'll be picking them up!

Have you read Her Unexpected Roommate?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Her Unexpected Roommate, Jackie Lau, 5 stars, 6 days, eBook, 234 pages, published in 2022, indie published

Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

I have finally picked up Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau! This is her fist traditionally published book and the first in her new series. I read this during the Romance Takeover Readathon - Light v. Dark to cover the prompt celebrity. I also used this for the 2nd board of Summer of Swoon to cover the diverse hero prompt and the Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo to cover the food on the cover prompt.

Ryan is an actor and is struggling with the performance as his first main male lead romcom. It's not doing too well with critics and he's nervous the implications it could have for Asian male leads moving forward. Since he mother passed away a few months ago, he's taking a small break to be there more for his family (his sister is about to give birth). He runs into Lindsay, the co-owner of a local donut shop. He thinks about how pretty she is but doesn't really have an excuse to see her again until he gets offered a role in a celebrity edition of failed baking competition show. He doesn't want to suck too horribly and decides to approach Lindsay for baking lessons.

Oh my gosh, for her first traditionally published book, Jackie really pulled out all the stops. It has the same coziness I expect from this type of traditionally published romcom, but we get the Jackie Lau twist! I feel like we get the tension a little tighter and we went full bore earlier than usual. On top of the fact that we always get good foodie things in her books, but it's even magnified because Lindsay is a baker. I absolutely loved the relationship between Ryan and Lindsay, especially once they started the private lessons. It just felt so natural how they felt more and more comfortable with each other and it slowly progressed from just baking partners to more. They really swept me away and I loved seeing them fall in love and really come to terms with what their relationship would be.

There is a lot of discussion in here as well about Asian representation in particular to Hollywood and film/TV medias. I thought it was really well discussed and covered. The way that Jackie writes never seems preachy to me and is just something that her characters have to come to terms with. There is also a lot of discussion about grief with both Ryan and Lindsay having lost a parent. Ryan's mother passed several months ago while Lindsay's father passed 7-ish years ago. I thought the way that they connected and were able to really open up about their grief with each other was so special. That is something that really can make or break a book for me when it deals with grief, but I think Jackie handles various types of issues so well. I also love how real her characters feel and nothing seems overlay dramatized in their reactions or dialogue. I can see her characters in my mind and can picture hanging out with them. Now, the only detraction I really had was the focus on Ryan's friend. I understand that he is showing a different perspective and pov as an Asian that's Bisexual, but I wish that we didn't get too much into what was going on with him. He's in town to do a comedy show and we get a very long monologue. While it's important to discuss those things, it felt a little off since it was taking away the focus on Lindsay and Ryan. I just wish that it more summarized that part of his monologue and fleshed out more of the jokes he made about Ryan. And since I picked this up so late after release, I already know that he's going to be the MMC in the follow-up, The Stand-Up Groomsman.

Overall this was such a great foray for Jackie and I adored this book so much. I really found myself able to connect to both Lindsay and Ryan and cannot wait for more. If you haven't picked up Jackie Lau yet, please, please do. She's one of my favorite contemporary authors and I cannot wait for whatever books she decides to write next. The only thing I have to warn you about, don't go into her books hungry otherwise you'll find yourself really wanting to snack and read!

Have you read Donut Fall in Love?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Donut Fall in Love, Jackie Lau, 4.5 stars, Paperback, 0 days, 358 pages, published in 2021, traditionally published

Her Favorite Rebound by Jackie Lau

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

The author I chose for my July TBR prompt for continuing their backlist was Jackie Lau! I've been meaning to pick up the 4th book in her Cider Bar Sisters series, Her Favorite Rebound, since it was released in March and now was the perfect time! I was able to use this for the spring 2022 new release prompt for Summer of Swoon.

Sierra is dating Colton Sanders, the famous billionaire. Despite her family thinking she isn't able to catch a good man as a 34-year old divorcee that owns her own business, she is happy with her life for the most part. When at dinner, they run into Jake, a former lawyer for Colton. Before Jake knows Sierra is there with Colton, he falls in love at first sight and knows in his soul that they are the best match. When he finds out who Sierra is dating, he starts finding ways to show her who he really is. Sierra is struggling in her relationship with Colton and tries to keep herself from thinking about Jake so much. When things come to halt when Sierra catches Colton in a compromising situation, the only person she wants to run too for comfort is Jake and he takes the chance to make her his.

Now, I knew going in that this was going to be more of a love-triangle. This is a trope I really dislike and was nervous about that aspect, but I had more hope because I really trust Jackie Lau as an author. I was pleasantly surprised. First off, we are at the point in Sierra and Colton's relationship where she is really struggling with him liking her for who she really is. The nice things are welcome, but there are times where she feels like he's not seeing her but her race. He does come back a couple times to "win her back" but I loved that Sierra wasn't even interested and never tempted to go back to him. I just really loved the way she couldn't stop thinking of Jake even though she still felt loyalty to Colton. Now, if you are worried about cheating, there is that in here from Colton. There can also be an argument made that Sierra is emotionally cheating Colton, but it's not a trigger for me and didn't bother me at all.

As always with Jackie there are great restaurants and foodie things. It was also really fun to see her working on creating card for her small shop and I would love to visit it. I know I  would spend way too much money getting all the cute stationary things. If you've read her Baldwin Village series, Sierra's shop is mentioned since it's in the same area. Before we wrap up, I do want to mention a couple things that held this back from a full 5-stars for me. First, I wished that we were over the Colton stuff a little earlier. It went on a little longer than I was hoping, but at the same time I thought everything was well-paced. The other minor thing I had an issue with was Sierra pushing Jake away when Colton does his final big gesture. I also didn't like that she pushed him away so much and tried to just keep it physical so long. I would've just wanted her to open up to him earlier, especially with her feeling the "rightness" of their relationship as well.

I am sad but also can't wait to finish the series in August. I'm super excited for Rose's book, Her Unexpected Roommate. Jackie Lau is a favorite contemporary author for me and this one was really good. I also felt like even though it took a little bit longer for Sierra and Jake to get together, once they did it got pretty steamy. If you haven't read Jackie Lau, I couldn't recommend her enough. She is just such a good cozy author for me and I can't wait to see what she has planned next! (She mentioned in a newsletter she'll be starting two new series later this year.)

Have you read Her Favorite Rebound?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Her Favorite Rebound, Jackie Lau, 4.5 stars, 1 day, eBook, 242 pages, published in 2022, indie published

A Second Chance Road Trip for Christmas by Jackie Lau

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The last book in my mini Jackie Lau binge was A Second Chance Road Trip for Christmas. This is the second book in her Holidays with the Wongs series. I used this for the Winter's Kiss board 2 prompt book with a wintery cover.

After the debacle that was Thanksgiving, Greg is nervous about heading home for Christmas. When his mother "asks" him to offer a ride to his high school sweetheart since she's having car problems, they reconnect. Greg and Tasha split due to going to college in different areas and the struggle to balance keeping a functioning and happy relationship with succeeding at their school work. Now, years later they are brought together for this road trip home. When they have to pull over and get an emergency hotel room due to road closures thanks to a snow storm, they get the chance to reconnect.

This was a fun and cute Christmas novella. While it didn't quite hit it out of the park for me like A Match Made for Thanksgiving did, it's mainly because I'm not the biggest fan of 2nd chance romance. Here it was done pretty well though with the help that it wasn't a big issue that caused the breakup and that neither Greg or Tasha were able to really find someone that they connected with as much or more. There were quite a few flashbacks, but because it relied so heavily on what happened in the past, I was left wanting more of present day connection. It was fun steamy times, but I waned to see more of a current connection. Most of Jackie Lau's books feature at least one Asian main character, but more often than not they both are Asian. Here Tasha is actually Black.

I love that every time I pick up Jackie Lau there's diversity and I love the natural feeling of all her inter-racial romances. It's just so lovely and feel-good. While this isn't my favorite trope, if you are looking for a cute and steamy Christmas novella, certainly give this one a try. I've said this in almost all of my reviews for her books, but she's one of my favorite Contemporary authors and I'll read anything she publishes!

Have you read A Second Chance Road Trip for Christmas?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: A Second Chance Road Trip for Christmas, Jackie Lau, 4-stars, 0 days, eBook, 95 pages, published in 2019, indie published

A Match Made for Thanksgiving by Jackie Lau

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Continuing my Jackie Lau novella binge, I next picked up A Match Made for Thanksgiving. This is the first book in her Holidays with the Wongs series. I did read this series out of order (I've already read books 3 and 4), but I've been saving the first two for a "rainy day." I used this to cover the prompt set in Canada for the 2nd board of Winter's Kiss.

Lily is looking for a change of pace and trying something outside of the box, like a one-night stand. When she runs into businessman Nick at a bar, they are very taken with each other. There's a bigger spark there than expected, but separate after a long night of fun. When Nick goes home for Thanksgiving, he's surprised along with his three siblings that their parents and grandparents have set up blind dates for each of them. Low and behold, Nick and Lily meet again, but this time as his older brother's blind date.

This was just what one could want from a Jackie Lau holiday novella. A lot of great steam, even more than normal food porn (with the setting being Thanksgiving) and such great humor. I absolutely adored Lily and Nick. Yes it was a little bit instant, but I also like that Jackie doesn't end it on an engagement. They end promising to seriously date and then the epilogue is a few months later and they are talking about moving in together. It just felt so real and I would love another novella showing more of their relationship in the future.

If you haven't tried Jacki Lau yet, I think this series is a perfect way to try out her writing style. It has everything I love about her writing compacted down into a smaller portion. Jackie Lau is one of my favorite contemporary writers and I love her way of storytelling. I can't wait to read whatever she releases in the future.

Have you read A Match Made for Thanksgiving?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: A Match Made for Thanksgiving, Jackie Lau, 5-stars, 0 days, eBook, 101 pages, published in 2019, indie published

A Very Beery New Year by Jackie Lau

⭐⭐⭐⭐

With the end of February approaching, I went on a novella binge to finish the second board of Winter's Kiss. The first book I  picked up for the binge was the newest release of Jackie Lau's, A Very Beery New Year. This is a novella in her Cider Bar Sisters series and listed as being number 3.5. I applied this to the prompt book set in winter.

Kelsey is a bartender at Lychee, the Cider Bar where out friend group hangs out. She is also the cousin to Nicole, the heroine from The Professor Next Door. She has noticed a new patron that stops by every Thursday for a couple hours; he has a pint at the bar and reads. When she can't hold herself back from approaching him, Gerald is pleasantly surprised the bartender he's been crushing on seems interested. His family has pushed him to be more "sociable," hence his weekly bar reading. As they start to talk more and become friendly, they quickly realize that they both want more as the holidays approach.

This was such a great novella, I just wish it was a little bit longer. There were a couple time skips (smaller to me than a jump), but it made sense where placed. I also loved the natural progression of Kelsey and Gerald's relationship. It was also fun seeing more of PoPo, Kelsey (and Nicole's) tik-tok famous grandma. Even though this is just about 50 pages, we get everything that's prime Jackie Lau: good humor, food/beverage porn, good steam and a smile on your face. This was such a great holiday novella, but in case you are reading it out of season (like I did), it doesn't spend all of the time around New Year's. Like I mentioned, there are a couple time skips so we see more a larger time frame over the book. It end's on New Year's Even though, so it still hits the cozy holiday feels.

I was so surprised and happy to receive this in her newsletter late last year. It is available to buy online now, but I loved that she sent it out to her followers first. I was originally planning to read it earlier, but alas my reading slowed way down. It was a good little primer though since the fourth book comes out in the end of March. I can't wait and am always happy to read anything Jackie Lau publishes!

Have you read A Very Beery New Year?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: A Very Beery New Year, Jackie Lau, 4-stars, 0 days, eBook, 56 pages, published in 2021, indie published

Man Vs. Durian by Jackie Lau

🍎🍎🍎🍎

So, during my reread of Jackie Lau's Baldwin Village series I made a discovery. I never read book three, Man Vs. Durian! It's been my favorite series by her and I couldn't believe I never got around to reading it! I thought I did but maybe didn't mark it on goodreads, but once I got into it, nope never read. I don't know how I missed finishing the series. I also applied this to the prompt starts with the letter m for the Summer of Swoon board 3!

Book three picks up with Valerie, Chloe's best friend and co-worker. She is very grumpy and has had some trauma, and we finally learn. She was basically kicked out of her software development job and also had a bad break up with her boyfriend after 3+ years. One of her favorite fruits is durian. While eating a cone of durian ice cream, she runs into Peter, and local landscaper. He hates the smell (and taste) of durian and immediately whips his durian coated shirt off. Valerie offers him a free cone while she cleans up her shirt. They have a cute conversation, but she denies Peter when he asks her out. She does however propose a fake relationship to get her mother off her back.

This was so cute, but certainly felt heavier that the rest of the series. I like how Jackie Lau weaves in modern issues into her books without being heavy handed and/or preachy. Valerie was working in STEM, but after sexual harassment charges against her boss led to her quitting her job but then blackballed from the industry. There is discussion about how at least she's lucky that she had somewhere to land. There are many women in STEM and male dominant careers that can't necessarily say something without possibly losing their homes or more.

Peter was such an easy-going, go-with-the-flow type of personality. He's a rare male in that he loves being in a relationship and is really good at it. I loved the little nods to that he doesn't just buy gifts or do the stereotypical things for Valerie, but really hones in on what she wants, enjoys and needs to be happy. I loved how relaxed and understanding he was about everything, but I did feel a little bad that he ended up getting hurt a little in the end. That was really the only thing I wanted addressed. While I understood the questioning of Valerie and Peter seeming too good to be true, but I also wished she realized or they discussed that her being so cautious did hurt Peter sometimes. It was mentioned a little at the end, but he just kind of brushed it aside. Another thing I want to mention is that we get some diversity with the steamier scenes here. Valerie is unable to orgasm normally and has only been able to previously with a vibrator. I loved that even though they had very hot encounters, it was also not perfect. I loved how Peter was willing to do things not in the normal way to make sure that they both were able to find pleasure. It was just so nice to see.

Once again, I feel like a broken record, but I can't recommend Jackie Lau more. She is one of my favorite contemporary authors. I feel like she addresses more heavy topics in a light and poignant way that doesn't feel heavy handed and preachy. I would love to live in her universe, especially with all the good food. It makes me want to move to Toronto!

Have you read Man Vs. Durian?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Man Vs. Durian, Jackie Lau, 4-stars, 0 days, eBook, 197 pages, published in 2019

Ice Cream Lover by Jackie Lau

🍎🍎🍎🍎

Continuing my weekend binge of Jackie Lau's Baldwin Village series, I immediately jumped into book two, Ice Cream Lover. Jackie Lau is an author I always go to when I need something feel good and Baldwin Village is my favorite of her series so far. Update: I applied this to the prompt of LGBTQ+ for the 3rd board of Summer of Swoon.

Here we focus on Chloe, the owner of Ginger Scoops, an Asian inspired ice cream shop. She's very much the sunshine and loves unicorns, pink and rainbows. Oh, and ice cream. She's struggling a lot dealing with grief from her mother's passing and her identity. Chloe is not only bi-sexual, but also bi-racial, Caucasian and Chinese. After her mother passed she's lost contact with her aunt, the only remaining family she has on that side. She struggles with feeling like an outsider, both in her own family as well and in general. One day she meets Michelle, a 6-year old foodie that's requested her Uncle Drew to take her to the shop. Drew was left at the altar and afterwards his ex-fiancé wrote a self-help book about "finding your inner ice cream sandwich." Since then, he can't stand ice cream.

This was another fun reread and I feel like if I were to be super picky, this would be more of a 4.5-star rating rounded down to 4. This is such a great version of the sunshine-grumpy trope. Drew is a grump but it's completely relatable. I also loved how even though Chloe is naturally a sunshine personality, she feels comfortable with Drew to not force it if she's not in the mood. Their banter and connection is super sweet (once again) and I couldn't get enough. This is a little more steamier, but it's fun because it includes the use of toys. I haven't read very many romances that include toys, let along that includes it in a good way. 

Where this book falls short with me is the deal with his ex-fiancé and her book. It's a fun element that's unexpected, but I didn't like how he was portrayed in the book within the book and to the followers of his ex. It was a little weird that only two people out of those that read it really see that there's more the story than shared. I get that the point was to have him doubly hurt by it, but I just felt like the ice cream sandwich book plot line was just a little overdone. The culmination of this leads to the "3rd act breakup" and it was resolved a little too quickly for my liking. 

I still loved this book, it's just hard to usurp The Ultimate Pi Day Party as my favorite of the series and of Jackie Lau period. I'm excited I decided to pick up this series and really enjoyed rereading Ice Cream Lover. I once again made me crave ice cream and I wish there was an Asian ice cream shop near me. If it's not French Vanilla, my other go to flavor is Green Tea. I also had sakura and taro ice cream when I was in Japan and loved it. I want to try all these other flavors, even the durian!

Have you read Ice Cream Lover?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Ice Cream Lover, Jacki Lau, 4-stars, 0 days, eBook, 234 pages, published in 2019

The Ultimate Pi Day Party by Jackie Lau

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

After being triggered during Kiss An Angel, I needed something feel good to reset my brain. I knew I had a couple of book club reads to get to, but nothing seemed to really hit what I needed. I recently suggested The Ultimate Pi Day Party by Jackie Lau to an instagram friend and saw she read it recently. I talked about her Baldwin Village a few times earlier this year as it being my favorite of Jackie's series and have been wanting to do a reread. Now was the time. The Ultimate Pi Day Party is book one in the series. Update: I applied this to the prompt of diverse author for the 3rd board of Summer of Swoon.

Josh is a CEO of a local company that deals with app creation. When walking down Baldwin Street one day looking for somewhere to eat, he comes across Happy as Pie bakery. They make both sweet and savory pies and he decides to partake. He meets the owner Sarah and there's an immediate connection. Josh has had issues with his father and they haven't talked in about 17 years. Josh decides to host the ultimate pi day party for his company and invite his parents. Hopefully his father can't resist being that he's a retired math teacher. Of course he hires Sarah to cater.

I loved this book even more on the reread. The first time I read it I gave it 4-stars, but this time I just had to give it 5-stars. It's a little over two years since I read it and forgot about a couple of the things that happened. I absolutely loved the feel-good and low angst feelings that Jackie Lau has in her books. The connection that Sarah and Josh has is so sweet. I love that they both constantly think of each other and their banter is so cute. I also love how they both rib each other when they get flustered and turn their misspeaks into jokes.

One thing that I love about Jackie's books is they don't always end with a proposal or getting married. A lot of them are more they start seriously dating and are in love or they move in together. It feels so much more realistic, but I also don't feel like I'm cheated out of an hea. It's just so well written in that aspect. Another thing that she's really good at doing is keeping consent at the focal point. Especially since I binged all three in the series last weekend, it stood out even more how many times the hero checks in with the heroine when getting intimate. As always, Jackie also provides great food porn and makes you so hungry. I've had like pot pies before, but not other type of savory pies. It really made me want to look at some recipes as we move into colder weather. 

I feel like I could ramble on about how much I love this book, but seriously, if you are in the mood for a low angst, sweet, steamy, feel-good contemporary I couldn't recommend Jackie Lau, and more specifically The Ultimate Pi Day Party more. She's one of my favorite contemporary authors and she's one that I always try to stay up on. Please, please, please check her out!

Have you read The Ultimate Pi Day Party?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STASTICS: The Ultimate Pi Day Party, Jackie Lau, 5-stars, 0 days, eBook, 238 pages, published in 2019

Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

After reading Dirty Letters, I wanted to continue trying to finish my first bingo board for the Summer of Swoon. I had 3 spaces left to clear and decided to try to find a road trip romance. After going through several lists nothing was really sounding good. When I scrolled past Jackie Lau (I order my kindle by authors) I remembered not only did I have the novella left for her Cider Bar Sisters series, but that it was a road trip back home! I immediately picked up His Pretend Christmas Date. It's listed as book 2.5, but can be read any time after book 2, His Grumpy Childhood Friend. I was also able to use this to cover the prompt snow on the cover for the Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo.

This novella focuses on Charlotte's younger sister Julie. She is a waitress at the Cider Bar Charlotte's friend group. Now that Charlotte has a boyfriend, her parents are coming down on her even more about finding a boy on top figuring out what her career should be. Julie is very "go with the flow" and I love that she is still happy with her life. She makes jewelry for fun but also knows that she won't make that her full time job because then she'll start to lose her enjoyment in creating. Her roommate sends her on another blind date, this time with Tom, a pharmacist. Her roommate has a "feeling" that he's perfect. Of course the first date is a complete wreck. Tom is a very type A personality and likes his schedules and not to get messing while Julie is pretty much chaos. After the date, Julie somehow ends up telling her parents that they are actually dating and is coerced to bring him home for Christmas. His parents are going out of town to visit his sick uncle, so with no plans he agrees to fake date her for the holidays.

First off, I love the fake dating trope. Even more so when pared with going home for a wedding or holiday. I just know it's going to be fun! I loved how much Julie and Tom connected and pushed each other. This was definitely a case of opposites attract. They balance each other so well and it was perfectly shown in the surprise gingerbread house competition. He focused on doing a proper recipe and scheduling their timing while Julie could focus on just being creative. 

Once they finally opened up about their first impressions of each other and broke the sexual tension between them it was so steamy. I know that I rave about her books a lot, but I really just adore Jackie Lau's writing style. Her humor is always on point and the steam is well done. I've mentioned this before, but my 5-stars for novellas maybe don't hold the weight of what a 5-star is for a full length novel. I couldn't want anything else from this novella. It hit all the sweet points and while it was more of hfn (happy for now), I did enjoy the time jump in the epilogue and I'm sure we'll see Julie and Tom in the background in future books. This was also a great Christmas novella, so if you're looking for books to read come this winter or need a sweet holiday pick-me-up this summer, certainly add this one to your tbr!

Have you read Her Pretend Christmas Date?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Her Pretend Christmas Date, Jackie Lau, 5-stars, 0 days, eBook, 104 pages, published in 2020

The Professor Next Door by Jackie Lau

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

With some more free time for reads, and not wanting to read ahead for my clubs, I went for another book that would work to clear some prompts for my summer challenges. A recent release (earlier this June) was Jackie Lau's third book in her Cider Bar Sisters series, The Professor Next Door. I was able to apply this read to the Romancing Summer Challenge's AAPI author prompt, Summer of Swoon's starts with a "T" prompt and Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo's educator prompt. I was able to hit all challenges!

In The Professor Next Door we get Nicole as our main character. She is very sex positive and as we've learned from previous books, very anti-relationship. At the same time she gets lonely. The last four people she had hook-ups with ended up finding someone to date. After a quick power outage she finally meets her new next door neighbor David. David is a geology professor and has been dealing with hearing Nicole's night-time activities through the wall. He tries to not listen and move rooms, but with the banging of her headboard and sounds, it's hard for him to not be affected. 

I've mentioned this during my reviews for the previous books in this series, but I love that we are dealing with older people. Nicole, like the other Cider Bar Sisters is in her early 30s and we see David turn 40. He is also divorced after his former wife didn't really fight for him against her racist family. I love that they both connect more to not be alone and just get together for food (which is another great trait of Jackie Lau's books). When he finally cracks and tells her just how thin the walls are, things quickly escalate between them. I also loved how David both felt possessive of Nicole, but also knew that was an overreaction, especially since they didn't even really know each other when he started feeling like that. This is also one of the steamiest reads of Jackie. There's a lot of toys included (which you don't see too often). I also loved that there was no negative thoughts towards Nicole from David about her high sex drive outside of recognizing he would be jealous if she found someone else after they finally slept together. 

I also loved seeing Nicole's family, especially her grandmother Po Po. Family is another big aspect that Jackie has in her books and whether it's blood or found it always hits a chord in me. I've said this before, but if I could choose any contemporary world to live in, it would hands down be in Jackie Lau's universe. Her characters feel so real and I want to be their friend. Can I be a Cider Bar Sister? 

We get to see a little bit more of what's going on with Sierra, so I'm thinking she'll be the next book. There was an author's note at the end that there will be two more books in the series to release in 2022, one each for Sierra and Rose. I'm very excited to get to Rose. I mentioned this in my review for His Grumpy Childhood Friend, but Rose suffers from depression. Knowing (and liking) how Jackie deals with and addresses the more serious issues in her books, I'm really intrigued to see what she does for Rose. I can't wait for more! I do still have the Christmas novella to read from this series as well, but might wait until later in the year.

Have you read The Professor Next Door?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: The Professor Next Door, Jackie Lau, 5-stars, 1 day, eBook, 212 pages, published in 2021

His Grumpy Childhood Friend by Jackie Lau

🍎🍎🍎🍎

The eighth book I read for the Kindle Clear Out Readathon was His Grumpy Childhood friend by Jackie Lau. This is the second book in her newer Cider Bar Sisters series. I know I have mentioned it a lot lately, but Jackie Lau is one of my favorite contemporary authors. If you are looking to add more diversity in your reads, her books are a great options being that she's an Asian author and most of her main characters are also Asian. I feel like there's a lot of push for diversity for Black authors and Black romance, but I feel like if I'm truly going to try to diversity my reads I need to find books by and about all races under the POC nomenclature. This book also covers several prompts, but I decided to use this one to fulfill the POC author prompt.

In this book, we focus on the Cider Bar Sister Charlotte. She is our grumpy heroine and works from home doing something with geology engineering. Don't ask me, a lot of the engineering and geology stuff went over my head, but there are jokes about both throughout the book. She runs into her childhood neighbor and friend Mike at the cider bar one night. Her last relationship ended 5-years ago when her boyfriend proposed at a ball game. This is weirdly one of her greatest nightmares from when she was little, although I wouldn't like it either. Charlotte, a complete introvert, ran from him and ended the relationship. Finally realizing it's been 8 years since entered the dating scene, she asks good-looking Mike to go on practice dates. He says yes, but little does Charlotte know that Mike also needs the practice dates and is nowhere near as experienced as she thinks. Mike is so thoughtful, sweet and considerate of her homebody tendencies and really tries to take her on dates to places he thinks she'll like. He pushes her to be more social, but in a healthy way and knows when to back off. He was so sweet and caring and there was a lovely caretaking scene when she was suffering bad period cramps. 

After practice kissing and dating, Charlotte considers asking Mike to have practice sex, but is worried that she won't be able to keep it as practice. Mike immediately turns her down and says no, if they do have sex it'll be real because he has feelings for her. I loved that they both quickly (like before the first date even happened) were trying to convince themselves that it was just practice and they both were falling for each other from the start. Once again we get great foodie descriptions (and coffee) throughout. Mike is dealing with healing from emotionally abusive parents and has been through therapy. I just love how real Jackie Lau's characters feel. She also doesn't let them wallow in their suffering too long which is nice. She shows how you can be dealing with deep, dark emotions but still trying to live your life as best you can and the happy moments that can be experienced. It's just so hopeful. We also get a hint that Rose (one of the other Cider Bar Sisters) is dealing with depression and I'm very intrigued to get to her story. 

This is the last full length novel in the series out right now. There is a 2.5 Christmas novella about Charlotte's younger sister Julie that I haven't read yet. The next book has been announced that it'll be Nicole's. I can't wait to continue in the series. I'm loving the older characters (in their 30s) and am super excited to see how the other books will unfold. I know I keep saying this, but I couldn't recommend Jackie Lau enough! Please read her if you haven't!

Have you read His Grumpy Childhood Friend?

Bookishly Yours, 

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: His Grumpy Childhood Friend, Jackie Lau, 4-stars, 1 day, eBook, 200 pages, published in 2020

Her Big City Neighbor by Jackie Lau

🍎🍎🍎🍎

The seventh book I read for the Kindle Clear Out Readathon was Her Big City Neighbor by Jackie Lau. This is the first in her newer series, Cider Bar Sisters. As you've probably read from my previous reviews, I absolutely adore Jackie Lau and she's one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. Her books are almost always feel good, low angst, funny, foodie, Canadian goodness. While this book would fit multiple prompts on my bingo board, I ended up using it for the Favorite Author prompt.

This book actually focuses on the newest (we see her become a Cider Bar Sister) member of the group Amy and her grumpy, tattooed neighbor Victor. Her first sight of him is mowing the lawn without a shirt and she can't keep her eyes off of him. However, quick PSA, DO NOT mow without a shirt. Even if it's hot outside please wear proper protective equipment when mowing. I work at a lawn mower and lawn equipment repair shop, so please don't be unsafe. Outside of every time he was mowing without his shirt, I adored this book. Victor is the grumpiest of grumps, dealing with grief from his brother's passing several years prior and is just not a people person in general. Amy is the sunshine to beat all sunshine and there are several moments in the book where Victor jokes with her about having ladybug, glitter, unicorn and rainbow things. 

Even though he originally was irritated by her and her friendliness, I loved that he was drawn to her like a moth to a flame and couldn't help but want to be around her. I also liked that they both quickly noticed the desire between them, but let it simmer. The first time they both cave, they keep it to kissing and making out. It stays that way a bit before they do more intimate activities. Another thing I love about Jackie's books is there's a lot of great food descriptions and she really leans into the diversity of Toronto (where this and a lot of her other series are based). Reading her books can make you hungry or sad you don't have those type of restaurants near you. Amy had moved to Toronto from her small town after inheriting her Great-Aunt's house and is constantly trying new restaurants and cafes. We also see her visit the Pie and Ice Cream shops from her Baldwin Village Series (which I highly recommend)! 

What brought this down to a 4-stars for me was the angst I was unprepared for. I did expect more than she usually does just based on the feelings that Victor was struggling with, but it went a little further than I wanted. It also felt a little cliched with their break-up. Although I did like that Amy stood up for herself. It just didn't quite hit as well as her previous books have. I still loved it and am excited to see her new friends/roommate find their HEAs and can't wait to see what's to come in the series! It's also nice that this series will mainly stay around older people with the Cider Bar Sisters all being in their early 30s. As that's my current age, it feels nice to read people my age that don't have their lives already figured out and settled.

Have you read Her Big City Neighbor?

Bookishly Yours, 

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: Her Big City Neighbor, Jackie Lau, 4-stars, 0 days, eBook, 213 pages, published in 2020

A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day by Jackie Lau

 

🍎🍎🍎🍎

The fourth and final book I read for the  Lunar New Year Readathon hosted by LaceyBookLovers and remarkablylisa was the fourth and final book in Jackie Lau's Holidays with the Wongs series. I read A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day on Valentine's Day. I did a brief overview of the series in my review of book 3. 

The last book focuses on the only daughter of the Wong family, Amber. She runs into her brother's friend from childhood, although their families on both sides were friends. Sebastian had moved away for university and his residency (he's a doctor). Now he's back and living in the next town over (the same as Amber) and they run into each other in the family planning section at the grocery store. I love how instant the chemistry is between them and that they both almost enjoy the forbidden feeling between them since they knew each other as kids. We also get an outrageous "girls day" scene with Amber, her mom and grandmother that had me dying of laughter. Ah Ma get completely drunk off of a pina colada and it's just great fun. Plus Amber and Sebastian are so well suited in the bedroom. Oh, and how can I forget to mention that Amber is a crafter! She crochets and makes funny cross-stitches. She loves making and people always tell her to sell things, but she doesn't want to make her hobby her job in that way. Be still my beating heart.

I didn't mention this in my previous review, but another thing I love about Jackie Lau is the way the "conflicts" are between the couple. Everyone always seems so emotionally mature and wants to talk things out. If they run from a situation, it doesn't last long. It's so low angst and just something that makes me happy reading and gives me all of the feels. If I could move to a fictional world by any contemporary author, it would hands down be Jackie Lau. This was such a cute wrap up to the end of the series and I'm sure we'll see them mentioned or in the background of her other books. She does Easter Eggs for her other couples so brilliantly! I was excited to see that she released a compendium of all four books in print and this is at the top of my wish-list!

Have you read A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day?

Bookishly Yours, 

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: A Big Surprise for Valentine's Day, Jackie Lau, 4-stars, 0 days, eBook, 116 pages, published 2020

A Fake Girlfriend for Chinese New Year by Jackie Lau

 

🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

The third book I read for the Lunar New Year Readathon hosted by LaceyBookLovers and remarkablylisa was book 3 in Jackie Lau's Holidays with the Wongs series, A Fake Girlfriend for Chinese New Year. Before we get into too much of the review, this series is the 4 siblings of the Wong family and all of the books are based around the end/beginning of year holidays. They are shorter novella length, but Jackie Lau still manages to pack a good amount of quality content into these. She's one of my favorite contemporary writers. How can you go wrong with great humor, lots of foodie scenes, hockey galore (she and her books are set in Canada), great chemistry between the couples and the sense of family that Jackie creates. 

This book focuses on the youngest son Zach and his good friend Jo. Zach and Jo both are back in their small hometown. They have connected after both suffering through broken engagements. They meet every Friday for drinks and hang out periodically. After book 1 and the disastrous (was it really?) dinner where their parents and grandparents tried setting up all the kids; Zach forms a plan. To avoid a similar situation with Chinese New Year, Zach asks Jo of pose as his girlfriend for the dinner. Smartly, they decide to go on a couple of dates beforehand since it's a small town and news travels fast.

Oh how I love the fake relationship trope, especially when paired with friends to lovers. Zach and Jo had so much chemistry. I also loved the after dinner Pictionary. Another thing I loved (which I mentioned during my review of Radiance), is that he kept finding little ways to touch her. Taking her hand, sitting close enough to brush against her and things like that. I absolutely cave for it. Plus we get a bit of amateur hockey as they both play for the town's team. Honestly, what more does this book need to be complete catnip for me? I know! crafting and/or crocheting. Guess what though, Jackie Lau has other characters that are crafty and crochet, including Zach's sister Amber (who is book 4). 

I'm so happy I finally picked up A Fake Girlfriend for Chinese New Year. It was just what I needed after reading Steele Your Soul to keep me out of a book slump. I think once I get through February, I'll start her Cider Bar Sisters series (the only ones I haven't read from her yet). If you haven't read Jackie Lau, I couldn't recommend her enough. One of my favorites is The Ultimate Pi Day Party!

Have you read A Fake Girlfriend for Chinese New Year?

Bookishly Yours,

Stasi🍎

STATISTICS: A Fake Girlfriend for Chinese New Year, Jackie Lau, 5-stars, 0 days, eBook, 104 pages, published 2020