Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped seismic waves for swoon-worthy romance—meet Jackie Lau! This Toronto-based author crafts contemporary romances that blend humor, heart, and vibrant cultural tapestries. From her witty Kwan Sisters series to the holiday hijinks of Holidays with the Wongs, Lau’s stories celebrate love, family, and identity against cozy Canadian backdrops.
With a knack for turning everyday moments into laugh-out-loud narratives, Lau has become a beloved voice in romance, especially for readers craving diverse, authentic characters. Her journey from geophysicist to bestselling author is as inspiring as her books, proving that passion can spark a whole new career.
The Making of Jackie Lau
Jackie Lau’s love for storytelling began in grade two, when she penned whimsical tales like “The Heart That Got Lost” and “The Land of Shapes.” Born and raised in Canada, she took a practical detour, studying engineering and working as a geophysicist, analyzing the earth’s secrets. But her creative heart never stopped dreaming. In her mid-twenties, Lau pivoted to writing, trading technical reports for romantic comedies that resonate with readers worldwide.
Lau’s Toronto roots and Chinese-Canadian heritage deeply influence her work. Her decision to focus on Asian-Canadian leads was a bold step, driven by a desire to reflect her own experiences and amplify underrepresented voices in romance. This authenticity has become a hallmark of her storytelling.
Jackie Lau’s Unforgettable Stories
Lau’s bibliography sparkles with over twenty books, each brimming with humor, steamy moments, and heartfelt family dynamics. Her Kwan Sisters series kicks off with Grumpy Fake Boyfriend, where introverted Will pretends to be bubbly Naomi’s boyfriend, only to fall for her sunshine charm. The novel’s fake-dating trope and witty banter make it a fan favorite.
The Holidays with the Wongs series is a four-novella delight, following the Wong siblings through matchmaking mishaps across Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Valentine’s Day. Each story, like A Match Made for Thanksgiving, blends humor with cultural traditions, showcasing Lau’s knack for warm, relatable characters. Donut Fall in Love, a standalone hit, pairs actor Ryan Kwok with baker Lindsay McLeod in a Toronto-set rom-com that’s as sweet as its title suggests.
Lau’s style is light yet layered, weaving themes of identity, belonging, and love into laugh-out-loud plots. Her Toronto settings—think bubble tea shops and dim sum joints—feel like characters themselves, grounding her stories in vivid, multicultural landscapes. Readers adore her diverse casts and the way she balances steamy romance with poignant family moments.
Why Jackie Lau Matters
Jackie Lau has carved a unique space in contemporary romance, championing Asian-Canadian representation with every book. Her stories resonate with readers who see themselves in her characters—whether it’s navigating cultural expectations or chasing love. By centering diverse leads, she’s helped broaden the romance genre, joining authors like Alisha Rai and Farah Heron in redefining who gets a happily-ever-after.
Lau’s impact goes beyond her pages. Her transition from geophysicist to author inspires aspiring writers to follow their dreams, proving it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Her books, filled with humor and heart, offer a joyful escape while celebrating the beauty of multicultural identities.
- Key Works: Kwan Sisters, Holidays with the Wongs, Donut Fall in Love
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
- Hobbies: Cooking, hiking, eating gelato, reading on rainy balconies
Snag Donut Fall in Love or dive into the Wong family’s holiday chaos with Holidays with the Wongs—Jackie Lau’s rom-coms are the perfect blend of sweet, steamy, and side-splitting!