Like many people I suspect, I was drawn to this book by its comparison to Crazy Rich Asians and Bridget Jones' Diary, both favourites of mine, and it did not disappoint as an entertaining, easy read with a good dose of humour. Andrea is a successful lawyer in Singapore, on the cusp of making partner, who is trying to juggle her professional ambitions with her personal life, and family pressure to find a husband and have children. Written in diary format, the book is a humorous look at juggling family expectations, work and the search for "the one" - Andrea's character is very well drawn and the supporting cast add greatly to this fun book which is worth adding to your summer reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Yeah I'm just gonna DNF this. I do love messy characters and overbearing mothers harping on their children about settling down and having kids but the casual fatphobia whew. And while there were times I actually found Andrea's observations of certain things amusing, and the setting of Singapore was really intriguing i don't think I want to keep reading this.

The dating app aspect was fun for a bit but like...Andrea's cousin literally says about the guy she's dating: "I thought he was fat. And now even though I still find him fat, i look past that because we get each other.." N O P E

Could've been a good read but ALAS...

At first glance this cover reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians, and once I’d read the blurb, I knew I had to read this book.

Like all good Chinese children, Andrea Tang is doing her best to fulfill all her mother’s plans for her life: she’s on track to become partner at a top law firm in Singapore, she has a beautiful apartment in the right postcode, and a perfect boyfriend who is practically made of husband material.

Except that those plans are unravelling fast: there’s an unfairly attractive new lawyer out to steal her promotion, she has credit-card debt up to her eyeballs, her perfect boyfriend is now her perfect ex-boyfriend, and the last single cousin in her family just got engaged, leaving her exposed to romantic scrutinising on all sides.

Last Tang Standing is a laugh-out-loud, rib-tickling rom-com with all the drama of meddling Asian families who won’t stop from throwing the importance of wealth, class, race, marriage (and getting them together, in the right order) in your face every chance they can find.

Written as a Dear Diary account, the book begins with Andrea dissecting her family’s origins, layer by layer, and elaborating the necessity to sift the true Chinese from the Singaporean Chinese and the Malaysian Chinese.

The narrative is insanely witty, tastefully seasoned with cultural idioms, strategically placed for maximum hilarity. The characters are wonderfully flawed, going about all the wrong ways till they find their true path. Reading this, I was often reminded of Anuja Chauhan’s writing style which, in all its romantic madness, like this book, is uniquely Indian.

If you love Kevin Kwan and/or Anuja Chauhan, you will find yourself practically inhaling this one.

This ARC courtesy of Netgalley and HarperCollins UK.

The acerbic and mean tone of this novel is really unappealing. The narrator's scathing commentary is unpleasant and off-putting. Also, why is she explaining Chinese traditions through a Western lens? And why is she addressing her readers with the assumption that they are Westerners? I find little humour in her mean commentary about her relatives and friends.

I had to DNF this after just 90 pages 😩I absolutely hate DNF'ing books! I just couldn't get into it, not sure if it was the writing style that I struggled with or the pace of the story or what?! This book had so much potential and I'm sure it's going to be such a hit with so many people but, sadly, it just wasn't for me.

Included as a top pick in bimonthly June New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached).

I received an ARC of this book via HarperCollins UK (Harper Fiction) and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Description

Like all good Chinese children, Andrea Tang is doing her best to fulfil all her mother’s plans for her life: she’s on track to become partner at a top law firm in Singapore, she has a beautiful apartment in the right postcode and a perfect boyfriend who is practically made of husband material.

Except that those plans are unravelling fast: there’s an unfairly attractive new lawyer out to steal her promotion, she has credit-card debt up to her eyeballs, her perfect boyfriend is now her perfect ex-boyfriend and the last single cousin in her family just got engaged, leaving her exposed to romantic meddling on all sides…

My thoughts

Admittedly, when I saw the early reviews for this book – Last Tang Standing– I panicked. People hailed it as the next Bridget Jones’s Diary or Crazy Rich Asians, two things I haven’t yet read – and have only just seen snippets of the movies! I was convinced this book was going to go way over my head.

It turns out, though the comparisons are completely understandable, I didn’t need to worry. What we had was Andrea, a woman who has it all…without having it all under control. Even though she’s older than me, I could definitely relate to Andrea – a character that is confused about who she is (outside of the wider expectations placed on her by her family, and herself), who she wants to be and who she wants. She was funny, a little bit sassy but also unsure and insecure and I loved reading these emotions in her narrative (though I especially loved the incoherent parts lifted from nights she’s had one too many, something a lot of us – myself included – can relate to, for sure!).

Thankfully, all of Ho’s attention wasn’t just on Andrea, as she created a bunch of likeable characters readers get to know along the way – Andrea’s younger sister, Melissa, her cousin and best friend Linda, her friends Ben and Jason and her co-worker Suresh. Even though the novel is written as Andrea’s diary, I felt like all of the characters were incredibly detailed and fleshed out.

Another thing I liked was how detailed Ho’s description was. I’ve never been to Malaysia or Singapore or a lot of the countries she describes – and it looks as though, if the current situation is anything to go by, I won’t be going for a while – but I really felt as though I was there in the foods everyone ate, the places they visited and the scenarios that took place.

The romance was a bit of a slow burn of this one, something I’m not that keen on. In this instance, though, I liked the fact it took time. Even though my mind screamed “you two need to kiss right now!” , I’m glad Andrea went through her share of doomed – and slightly promising – courtships. It felt nice that somebody who wasn’t on top of the dating world (and definitely didn’t understand the concept of apps, something I completely get – even if I am on them!) was presented for a change – and it was even better that she might just have got her happy ending.

The one thing I wasn’t that keen on was the open ending. Not because I want to find out more, or how Ho chose to end the novel felt lacklustre, but because I want to find out more immediately- I don’t feel prepared to let go of Andrea, and the other characters, just yet.

Last Tang Standing will be published on 1 June 2020.

Absolutely marvellous ! I completely and madly adored this book. Such a hilarious romance , full of representation, also an insightful look into Asian culture and traditions. Andrea was definitely fabulous, I loved her so much , the supporting characters are wonderful too, but for me Andrea was just brilliant, relatable, funny and genuine. This was a delight to read and I look forward to future books of which I’m sure there will be plenty.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Although I thought the writing style was good and the story in itself was funny, I was bored for a good part of the book. And I'm sad because I truly liked Andrea, she's very fleshed out, and it's easy to get attached to her, but I wasn't a huge fan of the way queer characters were portrayed, and I would have loved for Andrea and Suresh's relationship to be a bit more developed. That being said, I very much related to the Asian family aspect of the book. I'd definitely read more from this author.

This book was so much fun to read! Told in a diary format from Andrea’s perspective, this book was fast-paced and a quick read! Lauren Ho’s writing is superb and I honestly loved this book!

Andrea is a very realistic and relatable character who is trying to find her place in the dating community whilst having the added pressure from her mother and the elders of the Tang Clan. This book gave me an insight into how Asian culture and the pressure faced with marrying. Whilst I can’t say if this is an accurate description in modern day but it was definitely eye opening. I loved reading her diary entries, especially when she had been drinking!

Whilst I had a general assumption of how this book would end that didn’t stop me from being completely captivated by the story and wanting to know what happened and the adventure of getting there. I loved the drama in this book and I also really liked the side characters who made the book even funnier!

My only issue with the book is I would have liked a bit more at the end. I would have liked to have seen how everything had panned out and where Andrea’s life had taken her. I also would have liked to have seen more romance but as this was written in diary format you’re only getting Andrea’s point of view and her feelings on the matter.

This book had a great message to it. It reminds us to be happy and do things that make us happy. It’s about taking the leap of faith in order to pursue happiness even if it goes against everything you thought you believed in.

Overall this was a light and incredibly fun read that I recommend to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

~

I’m not a big reader of rom-coms anymore, but wow, was this the perfect book to remind me how much I enjoy them when I’m in the mood! Critics who have described this as Crazy Rich Asians meets Bridget Jones couldn’t have described it better!

The book is mostly in the form of a diary, which made it easy and quick to read. I flew through this book so quickly! I loved how Lauren uses more of a ‘show, don’t tell’ style of writing, as the tiniest diary entry can tell you all you need to know.

Andrea is funny and smart, but still has family/job pressures like every other adult out there! She’s such a relatable character, but also gives me an insight into Asian culture and how big the pressures to marry early and marry ‘right’ are. I obviously can’t verify if this is accurate, but I’ve seen other reviews which say their families are exactly the same! I liked how work was basically a secondary character in this story as it has such an important role. I loved the work relationships and office gossip, as well as the unlikeable characters – they made it much more interesting and funny!

I ended up loving every one of Andrea’s friends and lived for each bit of drama that Andrea has to navigate through this book. Her life was messy in an entertaining way rather than tragic as most of the drama wasn’t hers.

I only wish that there was a little more focus on Andrea and Suresh’s relationship. I wanted to see everything with them but it felt like less time was spent on it compared to other relationships in the book. I suppose Andrea’s denial and the diary form limited this slightly, but I loved their interactions so much that I wanted more!

Lauren wraps the book up with the message that everyone should choose their own path to happiness, but manages to still leaves it quite open makes me hope for a sequel where we follow Andrea as she discovers herself again. The story, while focusing on relationships, didn’t feel like that was the sole point of the story. Andrea’s personal development was as much of plot point as the men in her life and I loved this aspect.

At the end of the day, this was a cute enemies to lovers romance that is a feel-good, quick read! I gave this book 4 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit at the start I was a little sceptical. I felt like the 'Bridget Jones' type character might be too obvious and maybe a little cringe, but I quickly changed my mind. I fell in love with Andrea and all her wonderful friends. I loved them and the story so much that I only took one break (to sleep) before quickly picking it up again and finishing it.

I loved this book so much, so so much. I actually said 'nooooo!' out loud when I finished because I just wanted more. My only critique is that it had to end. 'Last Tang Standing' is such a lovely, funny, charming and wonderful book - the perfect romcom.

Andrea Tang is a Chinese woman in her early 30s. A SINGLE Chinese woman in her early 30s. Andrea is a lawyer and is focused on making Partner, but her family belittle her and put pressure on her to get married and have children.

There are a few love interests throughout the book. Andrea has a fun circle of friends and an office full of cut throat people which mean there’s a lot going on.

It’s an easy read and I would agree that it’s definitely suitable for anybody who enjoyed Crazy Rich Asians.

The main negative was that I found Andrea to be self absorbed and annoying at times. I wanted to shake her and say FFS, get your head out of your arse, stop going through the motions and pull yourself together! I’m clearly very patient and maternal 😂 It was a 3.5 star for me.

This was a delightful read characters that involved me made me laugh.Family relationships friendships romance Will be recommending To my reading friends perfect book to escape into.#netgalley #harpercollinsuk

Last Tang Standing - one for all the romcom fans! 😍 Spent my weekend reading and loving each diary entry from Andrea Tang.

Andrea Tang is on the look out for the romantic life as wished upon by her relatives. But this is a story on her learning to follow her heart not her head when it comes to work and love.

At thirty-three, Andrea Tang is living the dream: a successful career as a lawyer, a posh condo, fun-loving friends and a wardrobe full of expensive bags. All she has to do is make law partner, and her life will be perfect. And if she's about to become the lone unmarried member of her generation in the Tang clan--a disappointment her family won't let her forget--well, she doesn't need a man to complete her.

Yet when a chance encounter with charming, wealthy entrepreneur Eric Deng offers her a glimpse of an exciting future, Andrea decides to give Mr. Right-for-her-family a chance. Too bad Suresh Aditparan, her office rival and the last man her family would approve of, keeps throwing a wrench in her plans. Now Andrea must figure out what she wants and whether to follow her head or heart.

I've seen it compared to Bridget Jones Diary, and hope that the similarities mean that it would come with more books, three films because I loved the characters, Lauren Ho's writing and want more!

Thanks for the early copy via Netgalley, @harpercollins. This is published on 6 June and out on Kindle shortly before 👍

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. I think the description of Crazy Rich Asians meets Bridget Jones’ Diary is spot on.

I did get a bit frustrated with Andrea’s decisions and stubbornness, seemingly being aware she was making the wrong choice but doing it anyway and her refusal to acknowledge her true feelings at times. But I think it demonstrated how your head can want one thing and your heart another!

I predicted the romance from the outset but this did not deter me from reading, I really enjoyed how the love story progressed throughout the book and the will it happen/wont it happen relationship.

I also loved the relationship between Andrea and her cousin/best friend. I love seeing female friendships in books and as someone who is very close with my cousins, I completely understand the dynamic and that sometimes family can get away with being brutally honest in a way that perhaps a friend would not get away with.

Overall, would definitely recommend this book as an easy read.

If you loved Crazy Rich Asians, then you'll like this one! Much thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC.

👩🏻‍💼Andrea Tang is a high flying, hard working lawyer concentrating on making partner, pitted against the new hotshot in the firm, who also just happens to be gorgeous!😍 She's trying to manage her career whilst trying to fend off her interfearing mother, who is ever hopeful of Andrea producing a perfect husband and babies. Life isn't easy when you're the Last Tang Standing!😀

4⭐- This is what I like to consider a 'palate cleansing read'-something to enjoy in between reading crime and psychological thrillers. It's a fab romantic story, both fun and funny, I really liked losing myself in this book. A great summer read 😎

Such a great light and easy read, perfect to take your mind off the current worldwide situation! I love Bridget Jones and didn't know Crazy Rich Asians, so I just watched the film before starting this book and yes, Last Tang Standing is a great mix of both indeed.

I am unfortunately not familiar with the Singaporean culture so I loved getting a little glimpse at the family at the beginning, it really made me understand better the pressure on Andrea's life. I found Andrea very likeable, not perfect, making wrong decisions, it all happened to many of us and I liked that I could really relate to her. I also enjoyed that the story wasn't all about her romantic life but mixed with family, friends and work like in real life. She has a brain and uses it, she isn't dependant on the man/men she meets.
However, I think there wasn't enough focus on the main love interest, he sounded very nice but a bit bland because I didn't really get to know him. I would have loved to see more of that relationship and I found the ending was a bit rushed.

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fun and entertaining! While I could not help but draw parallels between Last Tang Standing and Crazy Rich Asians, this book fully deserves to stand on its own.

The story is written very well and I truly enjoyed it.

4.5 stars, rounded down!

This book was so much fun! I started on this intending to flip through a couple of pages, just to get a feel of the writing style and the general plot, but Lauren Ho had me laughing to myself within the first chapter and I knew I had to continue reading. Very, very smart, Lauren, to open with a CNY scene that every Chinese can relate to. The imaginary boyfriends, Auntie Side-Eye, interrogations by Older Chinese Relatives ("Why are you not married?") albeit slightly exaggerated for entertainment purposes but are still very real.

Our protagonist Andrea is smart, hilarious and extremely relatable. Coming from a Singaporean-Chinese family, I understood her career choice and how she ended up slogging in a job she didn't really like. Every thought and reaction Andrea had about her job - competing with work rivals on who bills more hours, going into the office on weekends, seeing other people win at life on social media and thus begin a downward spiral of questioning her own career choice - I've experienced all of them while working in a previous job. I feel that this helped to make Andrea more realistic and I could relate to her better, as if she were a real person working in Singapore as opposed to just a character in a book.

I really liked Lauren Ho's writing style. It's very fluid and she is able to switch seamlessly between the funny moments and the serious parts. Most importantly, I like that she's able to "show, not tell" in Andrea's diary entries. I think this played a very big part in keeping me engrossed in the story as it made me feel more connected with the plot and the characters.

The pacing of the story was good - I didn't feel like it really dragged at any point. However, I wish there was more development in the romantic relationships of the characters as I did not feel particularly connected with this aspect of the story ): That aside, I liked that the book had some focus on Andrea's work and career because, let's face it, work really is life in Singapore, especially if you're a hot-shot lawyer working in the CBD.

Towards the end of the book, Lauren Ho delves into more serious topics such as managing family and societal expectations. In Singapore (and maybe in most Asian cultures? I'm not sure, so I dare not speak for them), it's ingrained in us from a young age to go to a good school, a good University, get a good job, get married and have kids. A "good job" is usually defined as any of the following professions: Lawyer, Accountant, Doctor, Engineer, Dentist etc. Any deviation from The Path could lead to judgment from relatives or society. As a result, I think many people in Singapore let The Path dictate their life and career decisions instead of really reflecting on what they truly want in life.

Through Last Tang Standing, Lauren Ho very nicely brought across the message that we should all be the decision-makers of our own lives. And rightly so. While the intentions of our relatives and members of society may be good, at the end of the day, we are the ones who have to live with the choices we make. Whether it is about that "shitty, life-sucking job" or "marrying the right kind of person", we should not let other people's opinions and decisions dictate our lives.

All in all, this was a really enjoyable read. It was fun and entertaining but it also had an important underlying message that is so relevant to today. I'm really looking forward to what this author writes next!

This review was also posted on my Goodreads account, with minor edits :)