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Chin-Williams #2
He's Not My Boyfriend
Now that her cousin has tied the knot, Iris Chin—structural engineer, party girl, and queen of kitchen disasters—is the last single grandchild. Her mother and grandmother are desperate to play matchmaker, though Iris doesn’t understand why. They had miserable marriages, and she doesn’t want to be like them. She enjoys her independence, thank you very much. One-night stands are more her style.
Unfortunately, she soon discovers that she’s working on a project with her latest one-night stand, Alex Kwong, a construction supervisor. She’s determined to stay professional on the construction site, but things get off to a bad start when Alex lets slip to a co-worker that they slept together.
To make matters worse, Iris is now living with her grandmother, who keeps stealthily setting her up on dates and sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong, and her mother is just as bad. But more than anything, it’s her unwanted feelings for Alex that are derailing her plans to have an exciting single life…
Unfortunately, she soon discovers that she’s working on a project with her latest one-night stand, Alex Kwong, a construction supervisor. She’s determined to stay professional on the construction site, but things get off to a bad start when Alex lets slip to a co-worker that they slept together.
To make matters worse, Iris is now living with her grandmother, who keeps stealthily setting her up on dates and sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong, and her mother is just as bad. But more than anything, it’s her unwanted feelings for Alex that are derailing her plans to have an exciting single life…
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2018
59 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Lau
39 books873 followersJackie Lau decided she wanted to be a writer when she was in grade two, sometime between writing “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.
Jackie lives in Toronto with her husband, and despite living in Canada her whole life, she hates winter. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, eating too much gelato, and reading on the balcony when it’s raining.
Jackie lives in Toronto with her husband, and despite living in Canada her whole life, she hates winter. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, eating too much gelato, and reading on the balcony when it’s raining.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
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March 24, 2019A very enjoyable romcom with party girl/structural engineer Iris picking up a guy for sex (no slut shaming here) then discovering they're on the same construction job. Meanwhile Alex is emotionally in knots about his mother's death and can't connect to family or friends. Iris No-strings would seem to be the last person to break him out of that disconnect, but in true romance style, here we are.
I really enjoyed this. Iris's family is suitably absurd and her filthy-romance-reading grandmother is an escalating joy. Alex starts poorly with a bout of jerkishness that seems more driven by plot needs than character because he warms up delightfully. And at no point does he have issues with being picked up for sex (unlike many "a proper heroine wouldn't" romance men) or with a woman telling him what to do at work. It's not a resolved issue, it's a total non issue. Such a relief to read.
I really enjoyed this. Iris's family is suitably absurd and her filthy-romance-reading grandmother is an escalating joy. Alex starts poorly with a bout of jerkishness that seems more driven by plot needs than character because he warms up delightfully. And at no point does he have issues with being picked up for sex (unlike many "a proper heroine wouldn't" romance men) or with a woman telling him what to do at work. It's not a resolved issue, it's a total non issue. Such a relief to read.
September 27, 2022
This was a very nice, quick read. It is a classic Jackie Lau which means we have the unnecessary 80% break up but that's fine because I expected it. I really enjoyed how both characters grew when it came to their relationship with their respective families. The growth there was great and felt anchored in their Chinese-Canadian background. Unfortunately it had almost nothing to do with the romance and that's where the book is losing stars. The romance lacked depth, the ILY came too fast for me and didn't feel earned. Iris' insistence she didn't want a relationship felt contrived until it was better explained by the end. When it started making sense it felt ok but the explanation came a bit late. They were hot together and had real challenges but we didn't need the break-up and I wish we had seen them talking more.
November 25, 2018
I liked this a lot, but the we can't be together conflict annoyed me. I also wish more time had been spent on the relationship between the hero and his father.
(I also can't remember much about this despite finishing it just a few days ago, which is why I am giving it three stars and not four.)
(I also can't remember much about this despite finishing it just a few days ago, which is why I am giving it three stars and not four.)
April 13, 2019
I liked this one, how Iris kept denying that she wasn't dating Alex, yet they pretty much were. As much as I liked Iris and Alex and their romance, Ngin Ngin, Iris's grandmother stole the show. I loved the talks that Ngin Ngin and Iris had and how she kept Iris on her toes. Almost as good were Alex and his father. Things started out so awkward, continued that way for most of the book, but their talk at the end of the book showed how much Alex's dad was hiding. The ending had me smiling, liked that Alex and Iris found their happy ending.
October 24, 2018
Two sexy Chinese-Canadians have a much-needed one-night stand but fate and nosy relatives interfere to make it so much more. This was one of Jackie Lau's sexiest - first, Alex is described as hot as Simu Liu (nice, thank you) and Iris is unabashedly enjoying being single no matter how hot the guy:
Even still, this is a sweet, sexy nugget complete with laughs (thanks to grandma), tears (thanks to Alex's dad and Rebecca and Elliott from Not Another Family Wedding), and agita (Iris). Looking forward to more from the Chin-Williams family.
4.5 stars
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC generously provided by the author.
Iris Chin did not have boyfriends, much to the disappointment of certain members of her family, but for a moment, she wondered what it would be like to have more than a short-lived physical relationship with a man. With Alex. To know more about him. She shook her head. She didn’t want that. Her life was great as it was.I loved that Iris and Alex, despite their nosy families, are at the heart of it, just two attractive people DTF.
They’d only just met each other, but he was already talking about fucking. There was no pretense that this was about anything else. She liked it. No reason to draw out the game when you knew exactly what you wanted.Although their jobs and families soon bring them together, it turns out Iris and Alex enjoy each other in and out of bed. Even as they both swear they do not want a relationship. The joke behind the title is how many times Iris has to swear to her overly interested relatives that Alex is not her boyfriend. And once again, Jackie Lau writes the best interfering Chinese grandmothers:
You know, I won’t be around forever. Am very old. One day, I will be dead, and you will say, ‘I wish I told Ngin Ngin about hot Chinese man I slept with!’But good grief, Iris is a hardheaded one. She stubbornly clings to certain presumptions and notions to her detriment no matter what her loved ones try to tell her. In fact, Iris makes the most boneheaded, thoughtlessly impulsive decision at 75% almost derailed everything she wanted.
Even still, this is a sweet, sexy nugget complete with laughs (thanks to grandma), tears (thanks to Alex's dad and Rebecca and Elliott from Not Another Family Wedding), and agita (Iris). Looking forward to more from the Chin-Williams family.
4.5 stars
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC generously provided by the author.
May 23, 2020
I’ll forever feel salty about the time I wasted on this drivel.
June 28, 2023
Okay woo-hoo this was actually better than the first in the series!! Thank goodness, yay!
It was also quite steamy too hehe. And the perfect length.
It was also quite steamy too hehe. And the perfect length.
November 19, 2018
“You make me feel like I’m alive again.”
He’s Not My Boyfriend is another absolute winner from Jackie Lau. I adored this story and this couple—and remained heavily invested in what would happen to them, and their families, from the first page to the last.
Ms. Lau had a knack for finding the sweetest, deepest emotion with her words. And here, she finds it not just in Iris’ relationship with her (absolutely hilarious) Ngin Ngin, and her parents, but also in Alex’s struggling, changing relationship with his father. More than once, this author and this book brought me to near-tears, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A book that manages to find wonderful balance between humor, heat and heart (not to mention, one that celebrates diversity) is a gem, and this book is most definitely a gem. In fact, all of Ms. Lau’s books have been as such, and I look forward to reading still more of them in the future.
“Don’t think about the future. Just let me stay the night and hold you. That’s all I ask.”
He’s Not My Boyfriend is another absolute winner from Jackie Lau. I adored this story and this couple—and remained heavily invested in what would happen to them, and their families, from the first page to the last.
Ms. Lau had a knack for finding the sweetest, deepest emotion with her words. And here, she finds it not just in Iris’ relationship with her (absolutely hilarious) Ngin Ngin, and her parents, but also in Alex’s struggling, changing relationship with his father. More than once, this author and this book brought me to near-tears, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A book that manages to find wonderful balance between humor, heat and heart (not to mention, one that celebrates diversity) is a gem, and this book is most definitely a gem. In fact, all of Ms. Lau’s books have been as such, and I look forward to reading still more of them in the future.
“Don’t think about the future. Just let me stay the night and hold you. That’s all I ask.”
October 26, 2018
After enduring another round of questions regarding her single-status during her beloved cousin's wedding (Natalie Chin-Williams from Not Another Family Wedding), Iris Chin is simply looking for a hot one-night stand.
She finds him at a local brew pub. Alex Kwong is hot hot hot, and he's also DTF.
Alex, despite agreeing to one night only, is still a bit stung when he finds Iris has disappeared the next morning. He can't get the beguiling, funny, and smart woman out of his mind, or it seems, out of his workplace!
Iris is the lead structural engineer on the hospital job Alex is the foreman on, and they both have trouble keeping it professional.
Neither Iris or Alex ever thought they'd want a relationship, especially one that both of their traditional Chinese families would love, but these two just can't help falling for each other.
Lovely, cute, and full of amazing secondary characters (especially Ngin Ngin!!) that is the trademark of a Jackie Lau romance.
Content warning for off-page death of a family member due to cancer, which I wasn't expecting.
She finds him at a local brew pub. Alex Kwong is hot hot hot, and he's also DTF.
Alex, despite agreeing to one night only, is still a bit stung when he finds Iris has disappeared the next morning. He can't get the beguiling, funny, and smart woman out of his mind, or it seems, out of his workplace!
Iris is the lead structural engineer on the hospital job Alex is the foreman on, and they both have trouble keeping it professional.
Neither Iris or Alex ever thought they'd want a relationship, especially one that both of their traditional Chinese families would love, but these two just can't help falling for each other.
Lovely, cute, and full of amazing secondary characters (especially Ngin Ngin!!) that is the trademark of a Jackie Lau romance.
Content warning for off-page death of a family member due to cancer, which I wasn't expecting.
April 30, 2019
When I saw this book mentioned in a blog, the gorgeous cover caught my eye, and a great review sealed the deal. I'm always on the lookout for books that feature diversity, and both Iris Chin and Alex Kwong are of Chinese descent. And huge bonus: the author is Canadian and the story is set in Toronto!
The premise is not the most original, a one-night stand that slides into a romance, but the execution is very much above average. The setting and the characters feel entirely genuine, and like everyone else, I adored Ngin Ngin, Iris's grandmother. Iris's and Alex's families couldn't be more different, and the dynamics also felt real. Iris and Alex are utterly adorable, they are perfect for each other, and although I understood perfectly well why Iris didn't want to get married, I didn't get why she refused to have any sort of relationship. It's something that always bother me when characters purposefully deny themselves mostly "because". But I loved that, for once, the author didn't sweep a tricky issue under the carpet and dealt with it appropriately.
HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND is a very sweet romance, with a lot of humour, but I was surprised by the amount of sex it had; I did not expect it. Although the scenes are well written, tender, and respectful, because of so much emphasis on the family relationships, it felt to me like people sneaking off to have sex in a room during a family reunion. I felt it was a little repetitive at times, but the story flows well and it's very well written. I adored Alex, he was perfect, and he had a great backstory, as did Iris's mom, and most of all Ngin Ngin, who definitely stole the show! I am looking forward to reading more Jackie Lau books!
The premise is not the most original, a one-night stand that slides into a romance, but the execution is very much above average. The setting and the characters feel entirely genuine, and like everyone else, I adored Ngin Ngin, Iris's grandmother. Iris's and Alex's families couldn't be more different, and the dynamics also felt real. Iris and Alex are utterly adorable, they are perfect for each other, and although I understood perfectly well why Iris didn't want to get married, I didn't get why she refused to have any sort of relationship. It's something that always bother me when characters purposefully deny themselves mostly "because". But I loved that, for once, the author didn't sweep a tricky issue under the carpet and dealt with it appropriately.
HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND is a very sweet romance, with a lot of humour, but I was surprised by the amount of sex it had; I did not expect it. Although the scenes are well written, tender, and respectful, because of so much emphasis on the family relationships, it felt to me like people sneaking off to have sex in a room during a family reunion. I felt it was a little repetitive at times, but the story flows well and it's very well written. I adored Alex, he was perfect, and he had a great backstory, as did Iris's mom, and most of all Ngin Ngin, who definitely stole the show! I am looking forward to reading more Jackie Lau books!
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February 24, 2019I really liked this. As always, Jackie Lau somehow manages to balance good humor, fun romance dynamics, and layers of seriousness. Like, that's a lot of balls to juggle and to make coherent and to organize into a satisfying romantic arc, and I think she pulls it off every time.
There is a lot of grieving and grief processing in this book: in particular, Alex's mother died eight months ago, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. He's repressed his feelings a lot, and it's obvious he's been living coldly since then. He and his father are struggling to connect. As for Iris, she's now living with her scene-stealer grandmother, Ngin Ngin, who does have a medical emergency during the book, and who also experiences some grief processing, too, when she realizes how unlikely it is she'll get to see her much loved great-grandchildren grow up. One thing I really loved about this book was how Iris's increasing sensitivity to all this developed, and how it developed in the context of trying to provide Alex with a little of that experience that he's missing, and how I bought that her blindness to the truth of her parents' relationship and her ignorance of the truth of Ngin Ngin's marriage was a obstacle she needed to overcome before she was ready to commit.
I also really liked that both Iris and Alex messed up in significant ways. Iris's anti-commitment stubbornness, for one, and Alex's careless remarks when they meet for the first time at work after their hook-up. But they both did work to change, do better, and then to apologize, and I liked how low-key that was, despite the "Noooo, don't do that!!" reactions both of those things elicited from me.
There is a lot of grieving and grief processing in this book: in particular, Alex's mother died eight months ago, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. He's repressed his feelings a lot, and it's obvious he's been living coldly since then. He and his father are struggling to connect. As for Iris, she's now living with her scene-stealer grandmother, Ngin Ngin, who does have a medical emergency during the book, and who also experiences some grief processing, too, when she realizes how unlikely it is she'll get to see her much loved great-grandchildren grow up. One thing I really loved about this book was how Iris's increasing sensitivity to all this developed, and how it developed in the context of trying to provide Alex with a little of that experience that he's missing, and how I bought that her blindness to the truth of her parents' relationship and her ignorance of the truth of Ngin Ngin's marriage was a obstacle she needed to overcome before she was ready to commit.
I also really liked that both Iris and Alex messed up in significant ways. Iris's anti-commitment stubbornness, for one, and Alex's careless remarks when they meet for the first time at work after their hook-up. But they both did work to change, do better, and then to apologize, and I liked how low-key that was, despite the "Noooo, don't do that!!" reactions both of those things elicited from me.
June 16, 2019
This was really cute and overall I liked it a lot. I really appreciate the way Lau handles women writing in male-dominated profession. She really nails the way you just . . . THINK about it.
But the conflict is one of those that feels just thrown in because you've gotta have a conflict!
Fulfills "Sassy Grandparent" for Ripped Bodice 2019 Bingo
But the conflict is one of those that feels just thrown in because you've gotta have a conflict!
Fulfills "Sassy Grandparent" for Ripped Bodice 2019 Bingo
April 12, 2019
This was cute and fun, but I didn't love how Alex kept making it seem like she magically fixed it and Iris's reason for calling things off was eye roll inducing to say the least. Still, an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
August 19, 2019
Deciding I would spend 2019 reading the books written by the women I follow on twitter is one of the best decisions I’ve made in a while. I’ve yet to come across a dud. Jackie Lau’s He’s Not My Boyfriend, is available for $.99 through the end of April. You should jump on this opportunity.
Iris Chin is happily single and has no interest in being anything else. Her grandmother and mother are determined to find her a boyfriend. Alex Kwong is grieving the loss of his mother and struggling to establish a relationship with his father. He is also happily single. Iris is a structural engineer. Alex is a construction supervisor. First they have a one night stand and then they have to work together.
Both of them are at points where their lives are in flux. In addition to dealing with the aftermath of his mother’s death, his best friend has gotten engaged and Alex is feeling like a potential third wheel. Iris’s lease has ended and she is talked into moving in with her grandmother, the one who is trying to matchmake. They are both considering what it means to be independent, and adjusting to new family dynamics.
I loved that Iris and Alex both had complicated families who were integral to their lives. Iris’s grandmother was a delight. It felt like she had just been waiting for someone to notice how she had blossomed. Her joy at having Iris around made me miss my grandmothers so much. I would be on board if Jackie Lau decided to write a romance for a 91 year old Chinese Canadian woman.
Iris Chin is happily single and has no interest in being anything else. Her grandmother and mother are determined to find her a boyfriend. Alex Kwong is grieving the loss of his mother and struggling to establish a relationship with his father. He is also happily single. Iris is a structural engineer. Alex is a construction supervisor. First they have a one night stand and then they have to work together.
Both of them are at points where their lives are in flux. In addition to dealing with the aftermath of his mother’s death, his best friend has gotten engaged and Alex is feeling like a potential third wheel. Iris’s lease has ended and she is talked into moving in with her grandmother, the one who is trying to matchmake. They are both considering what it means to be independent, and adjusting to new family dynamics.
I loved that Iris and Alex both had complicated families who were integral to their lives. Iris’s grandmother was a delight. It felt like she had just been waiting for someone to notice how she had blossomed. Her joy at having Iris around made me miss my grandmothers so much. I would be on board if Jackie Lau decided to write a romance for a 91 year old Chinese Canadian woman.
May 11, 2019
Another solid book from Jackie Lau, who has become one of my go-to authors when I’m in a reading slump. While I expected to love Iris—and I did—what surprised me is how much I connected with Alex. This book has a grief arc with his character; he lost his mother to cancer less than a year before the book started and he’s still coping with it. As someone who lost my mother to cancer, this was hard to read, especially so close to Mother’s Day. But I thought this was explored so well in the book, especially how this affected his relationship with his father.
I also related to Iris being a singleton and not wanting any kind of commitment despite pressure from her relatives. I love that Iris is intelligent and competent and driven and flawed and stubborn. She realizes she was being judgmental about other people’s relationships and letting this affect how she approached her relationship with Alex. Also: Ngin Ngin! I’m not always a fan of ~quirky older relative~ in books but she was such a great character and I loved their scenes together.
Jackie Lau writes books about people who feel “real,” people I could meet and be friends with. I think that’s what makes her books so good and so comforting even when they tackle hard subjects like losing a parent. There’s always humor, yummy food, and family. And love! I look forward to continuing to read more of her books! (I’m almost caught up.)
I also related to Iris being a singleton and not wanting any kind of commitment despite pressure from her relatives. I love that Iris is intelligent and competent and driven and flawed and stubborn. She realizes she was being judgmental about other people’s relationships and letting this affect how she approached her relationship with Alex. Also: Ngin Ngin! I’m not always a fan of ~quirky older relative~ in books but she was such a great character and I loved their scenes together.
Jackie Lau writes books about people who feel “real,” people I could meet and be friends with. I think that’s what makes her books so good and so comforting even when they tackle hard subjects like losing a parent. There’s always humor, yummy food, and family. And love! I look forward to continuing to read more of her books! (I’m almost caught up.)
March 20, 2023
I'm waffling on star rating because I think I'm not a big fan of this author's writing voice, but I very much like her characters and societal & multicultural tie-ins. I just wish the storytelling were a little less clinical? That said, this book was better than the first (Not Another Family Wedding) so I don't know if that's a function of her writing skills being honed by simply writing more, or more editing.
July 29, 2019
Jackie Lau writes romances that are so easy to read, you consume them in a day. At least that's what happened to me. Both the hero and heroine are prickly characters, and this romance is definitely a prickly one, but it had heart and steam and was wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the interactions with Iris' family. Her grandmother is THE BEST. Recommended.
January 1, 2024
MF - contemporary romance - Asian author - Asian MCs - high steam - pov third dual - one night stand - workplace. One of my favorite things about Jackie Lau books are the side characters, and especially the grandmas. This one did not disappoint because the heroine LIVES WITH HER GRANDMOTHER. So funny! Also it was refreshing to have a heroine who sleeps around a lot
April 16, 2019
So much fun!
Stories with meddling grandmothers are great and this one is no exception. Iris and Alex are a lovely couple and their love story is heart warming even if it begins in an unusual way. A great story!
Stories with meddling grandmothers are great and this one is no exception. Iris and Alex are a lovely couple and their love story is heart warming even if it begins in an unusual way. A great story!
April 14, 2021
It's no secret that I adore everything Jackie Lau writes and this one is another good one.
I love that the heroine has the better job than the hero. And I love that he deals with that with no dramas. It's funny, romantic, and hot. An excellent escape from the world.
I love that the heroine has the better job than the hero. And I love that he deals with that with no dramas. It's funny, romantic, and hot. An excellent escape from the world.
April 19, 2021
Jackie Lau consistently delivers really good romances that are fresh, cute, funny and sexy, but still have all of life’s up and downs. Seriously I don’t know how she does it, but I’m so glad she does. I also love how they feel like a “small town romance”, but in the big city.
I really loved this one again. I definitely related to the heroine being in a male dominated field. I loved that she loves her single life and sleeps with who she wants without feeling bad about it.
The hero is also so well developed. They’re perfect for each other. He gets a great arc too.
Plus! We have a sassy granny, which I am always down for. I love her so much.
I really loved this one again. I definitely related to the heroine being in a male dominated field. I loved that she loves her single life and sleeps with who she wants without feeling bad about it.
The hero is also so well developed. They’re perfect for each other. He gets a great arc too.
Plus! We have a sassy granny, which I am always down for. I love her so much.
September 5, 2023
Jackie Lau’s books tend to have silly titles, but they also have great family and friend relationships and nicely believable romances. I didn’t love the dark beat at the three-quarter mark (omg, Iris, get over yourself), but this was fun and charming. Iris’s grandmother in particular was a delight.
November 23, 2018
Another Jackie Lau book, another hit out of the park. Like previous books, the title’s pretty accurate for what you get, and it’s a cozy read, though it doesn’t shy away from harder topic, in this case, the loss of a parent and the difficulty of being a woman in fields traditionally dominated by men. Also, lots of yummy food!
After her cousin Natalie’s marriage, Iris is the remaining unmarried holdout of her generation in her family – something her mother and her grandma, Ngin Ngin, are trying to remedy as quickly as possible. Iris, however, is perfectly happy being single and has no interest in a relationship longer than a one-night-stand. Part of that stems from watching her grandma and mother’s relationships, and comparing how much more outgoing Ngin Ngin was after her husband’s death and her mothers 70s-era single escapades to her staid married life, and part of it is just that she’s never met anyone that she wanted more with. Of course, this being a romance novel, things change when she meets Alex at a bar. For whatever reason, neither can stop thinking about the other, and after a workplace encounter, next thing they know, Alex is having dinner with Iris and Ngin Ngin, even while they’re still insisting they’re not in a relationship.
I was so happy to see Ngin Ngin again! There’s lots of her in this book, as Iris ends up moving into her house. She’s quite hilarious, and I hope I’m just like her when I’m 91! Honestly, I loved the family relationships in this book, from Alex’s dad’s weekly grocery deliveries (every single guy needs 3 freezer bags of wontons!) to Iris’ mom’s and grandma’s romantic machinations. The matchmaking attempts by both Iris’s mom and grandma were hilarious, though frustrating from Iris’ point of view. Iris’ and Alex’s relationships with their respective dads were an interesting contrast to their relationships with their moms, and I think it’s something that a lot of readers will empathize with.
I understood Iris’ reasons for not being interested in a relationship – honestly, she sounded like she had a good thing going – but I did find her incredibly stubborn. She based a lot of her self-identification around being a cool, no-strings-attached single woman, and the clash of that and another stressful event led her to be quite cruel to Alex. Alex, for his part, is trying to learn to live with his new normal after his mother’s short battle with cancer. He’s survived it so far by basically burying his emotions and being the go-to guy for going through the motions. Iris is the first person in a long time who brings out his playful side, and he can’t resist needling her. Also, holy crap, this book is steamy. Maybe it’s my own advanced age and soccer mom status, but it was refreshingly sexy how direct Iris and Alex were about getting down to business after meeting at a bar.
Overall, I enjoyed this very much and recommend it highly to anyone looking for a sexy, sweet romance, and Jackie Lau continues to be one of my most recommended authors!
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“Iris looked at her watch. It had taken seven minutes and thirty-two seconds from the time she’d entered her grandmother’s house for someone to mention her single status.”
After her cousin Natalie’s marriage, Iris is the remaining unmarried holdout of her generation in her family – something her mother and her grandma, Ngin Ngin, are trying to remedy as quickly as possible. Iris, however, is perfectly happy being single and has no interest in a relationship longer than a one-night-stand. Part of that stems from watching her grandma and mother’s relationships, and comparing how much more outgoing Ngin Ngin was after her husband’s death and her mothers 70s-era single escapades to her staid married life, and part of it is just that she’s never met anyone that she wanted more with. Of course, this being a romance novel, things change when she meets Alex at a bar. For whatever reason, neither can stop thinking about the other, and after a workplace encounter, next thing they know, Alex is having dinner with Iris and Ngin Ngin, even while they’re still insisting they’re not in a relationship.
“You know, I won’t be around forever. Am very old. One day, I will be dead, and you will say, ‘I wish I told Ngin Ngin about hot Chinese man I slept with!’”
I was so happy to see Ngin Ngin again! There’s lots of her in this book, as Iris ends up moving into her house. She’s quite hilarious, and I hope I’m just like her when I’m 91! Honestly, I loved the family relationships in this book, from Alex’s dad’s weekly grocery deliveries (every single guy needs 3 freezer bags of wontons!) to Iris’ mom’s and grandma’s romantic machinations. The matchmaking attempts by both Iris’s mom and grandma were hilarious, though frustrating from Iris’ point of view. Iris’ and Alex’s relationships with their respective dads were an interesting contrast to their relationships with their moms, and I think it’s something that a lot of readers will empathize with.
“Rather than giving up a part of myself, I found a part of myself when I was with you.”
I understood Iris’ reasons for not being interested in a relationship – honestly, she sounded like she had a good thing going – but I did find her incredibly stubborn. She based a lot of her self-identification around being a cool, no-strings-attached single woman, and the clash of that and another stressful event led her to be quite cruel to Alex. Alex, for his part, is trying to learn to live with his new normal after his mother’s short battle with cancer. He’s survived it so far by basically burying his emotions and being the go-to guy for going through the motions. Iris is the first person in a long time who brings out his playful side, and he can’t resist needling her. Also, holy crap, this book is steamy. Maybe it’s my own advanced age and soccer mom status, but it was refreshingly sexy how direct Iris and Alex were about getting down to business after meeting at a bar.
Overall, I enjoyed this very much and recommend it highly to anyone looking for a sexy, sweet romance, and Jackie Lau continues to be one of my most recommended authors!
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 1, 2019
This book gave me feminist whiplash. On one hand, it’s squarely feminist. She is an engineer instead of being in a pink collar job; she owns her sexuality and shuts down slut shaming; she’s not interested in coupling up for the sole sake of being a couple. Also, she acknowledges her immigrant grandmother’s marriage to a very traditional man was not great.
Plus, the heroine is allowed to be slightly unlikable while the hero yearns for her; he is careful about consent; and she’s slightly higher than him on the professional totem pole.
Great huh?
Except the misogyny. In the sexist and ageist tradition of romance genre novels, mothers are allowed to be dead-but-saintly, sick/dependent or bitches who push their own agendas. Here we see all three types and we see them repeatedly.
Also, both of the father figures are charactured silent men. As in hardly every saying a word and requiring their wives to carry to burden of socializing with their own families. Left to their own devices, faced with a child, they are helpless and speechless. I get that some men are like that. But a matched set?
Plus, these men are middle aged Gen Xers. Why are they acting like the more traditional generation before them?
The whole ‘why couple up’ question is answered oddly as well. Or at least it’s not answered from a feminist perspective. The love we see is so heavily influenced by physical chemistry and loneliness on the hero’s part, I don’t know if it will last.
On the heroine’s part, it turns out her reasons for not wanting to be married are based on misunderstandings rather than be well founded or frankly worthy of respect in and of themselves. As a single person who has chosen to be single, that felt like a betrayal. The author is essentially saying there aren’t good reasons for some people to want to be single. That’s not ok. It’s certainly not feminist.
Plus, the heroine is allowed to be slightly unlikable while the hero yearns for her; he is careful about consent; and she’s slightly higher than him on the professional totem pole.
Great huh?
Except the misogyny. In the sexist and ageist tradition of romance genre novels, mothers are allowed to be dead-but-saintly, sick/dependent or bitches who push their own agendas. Here we see all three types and we see them repeatedly.
Also, both of the father figures are charactured silent men. As in hardly every saying a word and requiring their wives to carry to burden of socializing with their own families. Left to their own devices, faced with a child, they are helpless and speechless. I get that some men are like that. But a matched set?
Plus, these men are middle aged Gen Xers. Why are they acting like the more traditional generation before them?
The whole ‘why couple up’ question is answered oddly as well. Or at least it’s not answered from a feminist perspective. The love we see is so heavily influenced by physical chemistry and loneliness on the hero’s part, I don’t know if it will last.
On the heroine’s part, it turns out her reasons for not wanting to be married are based on misunderstandings rather than be well founded or frankly worthy of respect in and of themselves. As a single person who has chosen to be single, that felt like a betrayal. The author is essentially saying there aren’t good reasons for some people to want to be single. That’s not ok. It’s certainly not feminist.
February 26, 2019
Prematurely disenchanted with relationships--be it committed dating or marriage--Iris Chin has sworn off anything more serious than a fling. But even though she meets Alex through her preferred channel of a fun night, she gets in deeper and deeper until she realises with dismay that they've built a relationship unintentionally.
After the death of his mother the previous year, Alex is struggling with the hole she left behind. Particularly when it comes to his relationship--of lack thereof--with his father. They simply don't know how to be around each other without Alex's mother. Alex isn't interested in relationships anymore than Iris is, however his reasons didn't seem that concrete to me.
Actually, neither of them had some deep pathology explaining the way they were or why they didn't want to make a romantic commitment. Just some simple reasons that are dealt with over time. This is a nice, cosy romance that has a lot of humour. It reminded me of romantic comedies, but with a way lower cringe factor. Ngin Ngin getting a Kindle and reading Harlequins is easily my favourite part.
There isn't much plot, but that never felt like a problem. Iris moves in with Ngin Ngin to solve a housing problem, and Ngin Ngin continues to be the best character, and I rather liked Alex's dad. At the beginning, I didn't care for Alex, but by the end, I have to say I've got a lasting fondness for him.
Perfect when you don't have much time to read, but you want your reading time to be satisfying. It's funny, cute, and the side cast shores it up quite well.
After the death of his mother the previous year, Alex is struggling with the hole she left behind. Particularly when it comes to his relationship--of lack thereof--with his father. They simply don't know how to be around each other without Alex's mother. Alex isn't interested in relationships anymore than Iris is, however his reasons didn't seem that concrete to me.
Actually, neither of them had some deep pathology explaining the way they were or why they didn't want to make a romantic commitment. Just some simple reasons that are dealt with over time. This is a nice, cosy romance that has a lot of humour. It reminded me of romantic comedies, but with a way lower cringe factor. Ngin Ngin getting a Kindle and reading Harlequins is easily my favourite part.
There isn't much plot, but that never felt like a problem. Iris moves in with Ngin Ngin to solve a housing problem, and Ngin Ngin continues to be the best character, and I rather liked Alex's dad. At the beginning, I didn't care for Alex, but by the end, I have to say I've got a lasting fondness for him.
Perfect when you don't have much time to read, but you want your reading time to be satisfying. It's funny, cute, and the side cast shores it up quite well.
November 20, 2018
***AVAILABLE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20***
Jackie Lau's best yet: more laughs, medium angst. He's Not My Boyfriend is totally irresistible.
Where her previous books have gone to forced proximity to get hero and heroine together, Jackie Lau's latest is straightforward: an initial meet in a craft beer bar turns into a one night stand. It ends up being more satisfying, not to mention complicated, than either Iris or Alex bargained for when their paths cross again -- at work.
Even more than the chemistry between Iris and Alex, I loved the family elements in this story. Alex and his dad are figuring out how to relate to each other. Iris' family is as crazy as ever. I loved every scene with Iris' Ngin Ngin (grandma). She's a brash 90-years young woman who's made great friends at her community center and is discovering a love for romance novels. Her bluntness about life, romance, her grandchildren and their relationships is absolutely delightful. I'm ready for the Golden Girls remake starring Ngin-Ngin and her friends.
Bonus points for the Simu Liu/Kim's Convenience reference (go watch it on Netflix, if you haven't!!) and for resolving rather than leaving the HR issues hanging.
If you're trying to escape your own crazy family, go meet Iris'.
Jackie Lau's best yet: more laughs, medium angst. He's Not My Boyfriend is totally irresistible.
Where her previous books have gone to forced proximity to get hero and heroine together, Jackie Lau's latest is straightforward: an initial meet in a craft beer bar turns into a one night stand. It ends up being more satisfying, not to mention complicated, than either Iris or Alex bargained for when their paths cross again -- at work.
Even more than the chemistry between Iris and Alex, I loved the family elements in this story. Alex and his dad are figuring out how to relate to each other. Iris' family is as crazy as ever. I loved every scene with Iris' Ngin Ngin (grandma). She's a brash 90-years young woman who's made great friends at her community center and is discovering a love for romance novels. Her bluntness about life, romance, her grandchildren and their relationships is absolutely delightful. I'm ready for the Golden Girls remake starring Ngin-Ngin and her friends.
Bonus points for the Simu Liu/Kim's Convenience reference (go watch it on Netflix, if you haven't!!) and for resolving rather than leaving the HR issues hanging.
If you're trying to escape your own crazy family, go meet Iris'.
September 14, 2022
This book made me miss my grandmother so damn much. And I cried ugly tears. So instant 5 stars.
April 10, 2019
I feel like a broken record having binged through Jackie Lau's catalogue the last few days but I loved this book and while a lot of it certainly has to do with the fact that these are Chinese characters living in Toronto so there's familiarity here that I've NEVER experienced before, the writing is topnotch.
This is a romcom that is completely relatable, regardless of the characters ethnicity.
What single woman of marriageable age doesn't have meddling friends and relatives who wonder why she isn't married yet? Granted, being set up by both her grandmother and mother at the same time is next level, but there's comedy here. Iris' ngin ngin, or paternal grandmother, who was so very hilarious in the first book in the series, Not Another Family Wedding, takes a more prominent role in this last in the series since Iris moves in with her, and she continues to deliver comedy gold.
On a more serious note, we have Alex, who's mother died less than a year ago and he and his dad are still navigating their grief. His father copes by bringing weekly boxes of groceries he's bought on sale to make up for losing her because that's what she used to do and in hindsight, I think this may be the first example of a truly happy and loving marriage that I can recall in Lau's books so far. Meanwhile, Alex projects this strong image but he hasn't coped with her loss either and Iris recognizes this and invites him over for dinner with her grandmother because she sees that he misses his interfering mom.
They kind of fall into a friends with benefit relationship but somewhere along the way, they fall in love, although Alex realizes it first, and it isn't until Iris realizes that her perspective of her parents' and grandparents' marriages was completely wrong that she finally comes around and the last grandchild in the Chin family finally settles down for her HEA.
This is a romcom that is completely relatable, regardless of the characters ethnicity.
What single woman of marriageable age doesn't have meddling friends and relatives who wonder why she isn't married yet? Granted, being set up by both her grandmother and mother at the same time is next level, but there's comedy here. Iris' ngin ngin, or paternal grandmother, who was so very hilarious in the first book in the series, Not Another Family Wedding, takes a more prominent role in this last in the series since Iris moves in with her, and she continues to deliver comedy gold.
On a more serious note, we have Alex, who's mother died less than a year ago and he and his dad are still navigating their grief. His father copes by bringing weekly boxes of groceries he's bought on sale to make up for losing her because that's what she used to do and in hindsight, I think this may be the first example of a truly happy and loving marriage that I can recall in Lau's books so far. Meanwhile, Alex projects this strong image but he hasn't coped with her loss either and Iris recognizes this and invites him over for dinner with her grandmother because she sees that he misses his interfering mom.
They kind of fall into a friends with benefit relationship but somewhere along the way, they fall in love, although Alex realizes it first, and it isn't until Iris realizes that her perspective of her parents' and grandparents' marriages was completely wrong that she finally comes around and the last grandchild in the Chin family finally settles down for her HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2018
Alex and Iris make a terrific couple in this heartwarming romance!
Iris is happy with her no-strings-attached lifestyle, not willing to risk repeating what she sees as the marital mistakes of her parents and grandparents. A one-night-stand with sexy Alex is just what she needs. But as much as he stirs so much more in her heart than anyone ever has, she still has to walk away for the sake of her independence.
Alex locked his heart away in a secure box after his mother died, and he's not going to risk feeling anything ever again. So why does he feel like he's lost something important when Iris sneaks out in the morning?
Then she finds out he's the site supervisor she has to work with. Sparks fly, feelings start tripping up their good intentions, and next thing she knows, he's having dinner with her and her grandma while she's insisting a thousand times over that he's just a friend.
I absolutely loved the way Alex was willing to fight for what he knew they could have together. Once he decided what he wanted, his determination was sexier than ever. The coffee shop, the swing, the flowers, this guy really knows how to romance a girl! His scenes with his dad were almost heartbreaking, but necessary for his return to a life worth living. And his interactions with her grandmother were absolutely priceless.
Iris endures far too many matchmaking attempts by her mom and grandma, but these attempts do provide much needed levity and shows her just how lucky she is to have a chance with Alex. The entire book was a joy to read start to finish, and I couldn't have loved it more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Iris is happy with her no-strings-attached lifestyle, not willing to risk repeating what she sees as the marital mistakes of her parents and grandparents. A one-night-stand with sexy Alex is just what she needs. But as much as he stirs so much more in her heart than anyone ever has, she still has to walk away for the sake of her independence.
Alex locked his heart away in a secure box after his mother died, and he's not going to risk feeling anything ever again. So why does he feel like he's lost something important when Iris sneaks out in the morning?
Then she finds out he's the site supervisor she has to work with. Sparks fly, feelings start tripping up their good intentions, and next thing she knows, he's having dinner with her and her grandma while she's insisting a thousand times over that he's just a friend.
I absolutely loved the way Alex was willing to fight for what he knew they could have together. Once he decided what he wanted, his determination was sexier than ever. The coffee shop, the swing, the flowers, this guy really knows how to romance a girl! His scenes with his dad were almost heartbreaking, but necessary for his return to a life worth living. And his interactions with her grandmother were absolutely priceless.
Iris endures far too many matchmaking attempts by her mom and grandma, but these attempts do provide much needed levity and shows her just how lucky she is to have a chance with Alex. The entire book was a joy to read start to finish, and I couldn't have loved it more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 21, 2019
This story was just adorable. My favorite character was the grandmother, Ngin-Ngin; she was hilarious and I laughed out loud at some of the stuff she came out with. I also appreciated the emphasis on the different backgrounds of two Chinese-Canadian characters. Their families speak different languages/dialects, and their journeys to emigrate are not similar. (There's a line about someone describing "Asian food" and a character asking them what type of Asian food is their favorite, which gets confusion as a response.)
It's a very modern romance, with characters for the most part acting the way we wish people would in real life. It didn't seem too wish-fulfillment-y, though, just HOPEFUL. The reasons both the heroine and hero have for not wanting a relationship are tested (obviously) and they realize they didn't really know the full story on some things they thought they understood (especially Iris).
Despite being a feel-good romance, a lot of heavy topics are touched upon. Loss, grief, and some horrible stuff in the grandmother's history that led to her choice to leave China. But it's all handled very well, and it was a super satisfying read, overall.
It's a very modern romance, with characters for the most part acting the way we wish people would in real life. It didn't seem too wish-fulfillment-y, though, just HOPEFUL. The reasons both the heroine and hero have for not wanting a relationship are tested (obviously) and they realize they didn't really know the full story on some things they thought they understood (especially Iris).
Despite being a feel-good romance, a lot of heavy topics are touched upon. Loss, grief, and some horrible stuff in the grandmother's history that led to her choice to leave China. But it's all handled very well, and it was a super satisfying read, overall.
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