Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie: A Novel by Jackie Lau

In Jackie Lau's latest rom-com, Emily Hung is tired of her mother's fixation on Mark Chan, a seemingly perfect engineer. Desperate to fend off her mother's meddling, Emily proposes a fake relationship with Mark to thwart her mother's matchmaking efforts. Reluctantly, Mark agrees, and they embark on a series of staged dates to convince their families. However, as they spend more time together, Emily discovers that Mark is not as dull as she initially thought. With each fake date, they bond over shared interests and unexpected chemistry, leading Emily to reassess her assumptions about Mark. Meanwhile, their faux relationship attracts the attention of nosy family friends, complicating their ruse. From bubble tea outings to cake-decorating classes, Emily and Mark navigate the challenges of maintaining their fake relationship while confronting their growing attraction to each other. As Emily learns more about Mark's true personality, she begins to appreciate his quirks and the connection they share. Ultimately, their fake relationship evolves into something genuine, challenging Emily's preconceived notions and allowing her to embrace unexpected love. With Lau's signature blend of humor and heart, "The Stand-Up Groomsman" delivers a delightful romantic comedy that explores the complexities of family expectations and the transformative power of love.