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Bromance Book Club #5
A Very Merry Bromance
'Tis the season for a Bromance Book Club matchmaking mission! This time, they're pulling out the mistletoe for everyone's favorite country music star, Colton, and his second chance at love.
Country music's golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love him and leave him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to push his music forward in a new direction. If it weren't about to be the most magical time of year and the support of the Bromance Book Club, he'd be wallowing in self-pity.
It's hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to afford their rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family reaches out with an offer that will allow her to better serve the community, she's unable to say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of her family's whiskey brand. No big deal...
Colton agrees to consider Gretchen's offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, Colton throws himself into the task of proving to her there's a spark between them. But Gretchen and Colton will both need to overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together.
Country music's golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love him and leave him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to push his music forward in a new direction. If it weren't about to be the most magical time of year and the support of the Bromance Book Club, he'd be wallowing in self-pity.
It's hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to afford their rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family reaches out with an offer that will allow her to better serve the community, she's unable to say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of her family's whiskey brand. No big deal...
Colton agrees to consider Gretchen's offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, Colton throws himself into the task of proving to her there's a spark between them. But Gretchen and Colton will both need to overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together.
368 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2022
About the author
Lyssa Kay Adams
13 books5,621 followersLyssa Kay Adams is the pen name of an award-winning journalist who gave up the world of telling true stories to pen emotional romances. She’s also a diehard Detroit Tigers fan who will occasionally cheer for the Red Sox because her husband is from Boston.
Lyssa lives in Michigan with her family and an anxiety-ridden Maltese who steals food and buries it around the house and who will undoubtedly be a character in a future book.
Things Lyssa loves: Baseball pants, mashed potatoes, and that little clicking sound that scissors make on the cutting table at fabric stores.
Things she doesn’t love: Mean people, melting ice cream cones, and finding food in her underwear drawer.
Keep up with Lyssa on Twitter at @LyssaKayAdams. Please note: She mostly tweets about baseball pants and mashed potatoes.
Lyssa lives in Michigan with her family and an anxiety-ridden Maltese who steals food and buries it around the house and who will undoubtedly be a character in a future book.
Things Lyssa loves: Baseball pants, mashed potatoes, and that little clicking sound that scissors make on the cutting table at fabric stores.
Things she doesn’t love: Mean people, melting ice cream cones, and finding food in her underwear drawer.
Keep up with Lyssa on Twitter at @LyssaKayAdams. Please note: She mostly tweets about baseball pants and mashed potatoes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,508 reviews
December 25, 2023
For a holiday romance I thought this book was great !!! 🥹 Evan can CHOKE!! 🤪😚✌️
January 8, 2023
Once again my dear bookish boys are back in town! I was dying to read Colton’s story for a long time ! ( I always visualized him as Jensen Ackless during my readings and he’s my second favorite character after Vlad! )
I love the idea of Bromance Book Club from the beginning. And as I read more books from the series, my adoration keeps growing for those characters who are best friends, closer than family. The situation they put themselves into make me laugh so hard. And each member’s own lighthearted romance story gives you so much hope, warning your heart, helping you to keep your spirits up!
This book gives great vibes of sunshine meets the grump trope! Or let’s make a correction: this is mostly a pocketful of sunshine hero meets the grinch who hates Christmas heroine!
I could give this book five stars because of sunshiny and rainbow characterization of Colton but I truly get irritated by Gretchen from the beginning. Yes, it was unacceptable for her to jump to the bones of Colton and ghosting him the very next day even though he shows his best intentions to turn this one night stand into serious relationship!
But Gretchen acted like she had stick up her arse, lecturing about inequality, unfairness, taking everything extremely serious, ignoring the fact you can choose your own family by creating your inner circle with your loved ones.
Colton struggles with his upcoming album after getting ultimatum from his recording company that forces him to work with another song writer and start recording a new album from the beginning. He also suffers from hurting ego after the rejection of a Gretchen!
Grinch Gretchen ( I liked the name choice of the author because her name truly reminds you of GRINCH) , an immigration lawyer with 10 years experience, having second thoughts about job offer she has taken from her old friend from D. C. She’s a bona fide heiress of Winthrops: one of Tennessee's richest and most influential families. But she never feels a part of family’s famous liquor brand: Carraig Aonair Whiskey.
When unexpected offer to become a member of company that will help her use funds to distribute the people suffer from poverty, she feels delighted. But the offer came with a BIG CATCH! She has to convince Colton Wheelers to become the brand ambassador of the company. Yes, the same man she jumped on during her ex Mack’s wedding and the same man she ignored his texts and calls.
When she makes the offer to Colton, he makes a counter offer: he’ll be their company star in exchange going on dates with her!
Grumpy Gretchen who is great portrait of Scrooge reluctantly accepts his offer and his efforts to help her discover the true magic of Christmas!
I loved this book! I enjoyed to see the boys in action! Colton is mud pie! Gretchen is absolutely dislikable! But the attraction, smart banters between them are still adorable! I cut one point because I hated the guts of heroine so I’m giving four Christmas magic stars!
I’m looking forward to read more books from the series!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
I love the idea of Bromance Book Club from the beginning. And as I read more books from the series, my adoration keeps growing for those characters who are best friends, closer than family. The situation they put themselves into make me laugh so hard. And each member’s own lighthearted romance story gives you so much hope, warning your heart, helping you to keep your spirits up!
This book gives great vibes of sunshine meets the grump trope! Or let’s make a correction: this is mostly a pocketful of sunshine hero meets the grinch who hates Christmas heroine!
I could give this book five stars because of sunshiny and rainbow characterization of Colton but I truly get irritated by Gretchen from the beginning. Yes, it was unacceptable for her to jump to the bones of Colton and ghosting him the very next day even though he shows his best intentions to turn this one night stand into serious relationship!
But Gretchen acted like she had stick up her arse, lecturing about inequality, unfairness, taking everything extremely serious, ignoring the fact you can choose your own family by creating your inner circle with your loved ones.
Colton struggles with his upcoming album after getting ultimatum from his recording company that forces him to work with another song writer and start recording a new album from the beginning. He also suffers from hurting ego after the rejection of a Gretchen!
Grinch Gretchen ( I liked the name choice of the author because her name truly reminds you of GRINCH) , an immigration lawyer with 10 years experience, having second thoughts about job offer she has taken from her old friend from D. C. She’s a bona fide heiress of Winthrops: one of Tennessee's richest and most influential families. But she never feels a part of family’s famous liquor brand: Carraig Aonair Whiskey.
When unexpected offer to become a member of company that will help her use funds to distribute the people suffer from poverty, she feels delighted. But the offer came with a BIG CATCH! She has to convince Colton Wheelers to become the brand ambassador of the company. Yes, the same man she jumped on during her ex Mack’s wedding and the same man she ignored his texts and calls.
When she makes the offer to Colton, he makes a counter offer: he’ll be their company star in exchange going on dates with her!
Grumpy Gretchen who is great portrait of Scrooge reluctantly accepts his offer and his efforts to help her discover the true magic of Christmas!
I loved this book! I enjoyed to see the boys in action! Colton is mud pie! Gretchen is absolutely dislikable! But the attraction, smart banters between them are still adorable! I cut one point because I hated the guts of heroine so I’m giving four Christmas magic stars!
I’m looking forward to read more books from the series!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
December 15, 2022
There's just something magical about Christmas romances. Scrooge and sunshine is my new favourite trope!
December 11, 2023
This a cute Second-Chance Romance, and this is the 5th book in the Bromance Book Club series. I have read the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do feel that you can read this book as a standalone. I love this series so much, and these characters are just so awesome. This book is everything I wanted from a book in this series. Of course, there were some very funny moments, hot steamy moments and cute times in this book. I really fell in love with the main characters in this book, and I think you really get to feel all their feelings, and I was rooting for those characters with everything I have. This book has so much Christmas in it, so if you are looking for a Christmas Romance with a lot of Christmas this is the book for you. The ending of this book was just so sweet cute and everything I wanted from this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Berkley) or author (Lyssa Kay Adams) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
December 26, 2022
I really enjoyed the first 75% of the book. I liked Colton, I loved all the scenes that included the members of the book club and their wives/girlfriends, and I was only mildly annoyed by Gretchen's inability to stand up to her brother Evan and by Colton having to convince her over and over again that she is worth it.
I do feel that both Colton and Gretchen went to extremes with their grumpy/sunshine personalities, to the point that it became repetitive and one-dimensional. He was too pushy at times and she was too stubborn and rude, but I still enjoyed their dynamics and their banter.
However, it was the last 25% that completely ruined the book for me. Gretchen's family drama overshadowed everything else in the story – the romance, the book club, the book they were reading, Colton's career and even Christmas. All the members of her family felt one-dimensional and unrealistic, especially Evan. The accusations against him were serious, but the whole situation was handled in a way that felt OTT and ridiculous.
I wanted to shake Gretchen so badly. Not only did she let Evan walk over her for the entire book, but she also broke up with Colton because of him, at 85% mark, and just left. After everything they talked about! Of course, everything was resolved quickly in the end - in a way that I didn't find satisfying or believable at all. There was also a grand gesture that made no sense.
This had a potential to be a fun and heartwarming Christmas story, but it only managed to make me angry.
I do feel that both Colton and Gretchen went to extremes with their grumpy/sunshine personalities, to the point that it became repetitive and one-dimensional. He was too pushy at times and she was too stubborn and rude, but I still enjoyed their dynamics and their banter.
However, it was the last 25% that completely ruined the book for me. Gretchen's family drama overshadowed everything else in the story – the romance, the book club, the book they were reading, Colton's career and even Christmas. All the members of her family felt one-dimensional and unrealistic, especially Evan. The accusations against him were serious, but the whole situation was handled in a way that felt OTT and ridiculous.
I wanted to shake Gretchen so badly. Not only did she let Evan walk over her for the entire book, but she also broke up with Colton because of him, at 85% mark, and just left. After everything they talked about! Of course, everything was resolved quickly in the end - in a way that I didn't find satisfying or believable at all. There was also a grand gesture that made no sense.
This had a potential to be a fun and heartwarming Christmas story, but it only managed to make me angry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2023
This might be my favorite book in the series.
Colton and Gretchen had great chemistry, and their banter was so enjoyable. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a winner, and I adored them to bits.
It was fun to see the bros again! I love how they are always there for each other and how they hold Colton accountable and call out his mistakes. Also they’re just so darn hilarious!
The lessons of romance novels had taught them all how to be better men, better partners, and better friends to one another.
Gretchen's family is frustrating, but the author did a good job of showing the weird dynamic that moms sometimes have with their sons where they pretend to be blind to their flaws.
Honestly, I think this might be my favorite book by this author. It had the perfect mix of humor, heart, and romance.
Buddy read with Warda 💖
Colton and Gretchen had great chemistry, and their banter was so enjoyable. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a winner, and I adored them to bits.
It was fun to see the bros again! I love how they are always there for each other and how they hold Colton accountable and call out his mistakes. Also they’re just so darn hilarious!
The lessons of romance novels had taught them all how to be better men, better partners, and better friends to one another.
Gretchen's family is frustrating, but the author did a good job of showing the weird dynamic that moms sometimes have with their sons where they pretend to be blind to their flaws.
Honestly, I think this might be my favorite book by this author. It had the perfect mix of humor, heart, and romance.
Buddy read with Warda 💖
November 22, 2022
This is the most I have enjoyed an installment in this series since the first book and I am pleased as punch about it!!!
December 11, 2022
3.75 ⭐️ so so cute. but nothing too special for me.
i loved colton but didn’t really vibe w gretchen at all. the third act conflict really pissed me off. and i hated the family drama.
loved loved loved that gretchen was an immigration lawyer. that really hit home for me.
and i adored the dynamic of their whole bromance bookclub. i think i’ll really enjoy the rest of the series. even tho i started w the fifth one🧍🏻♀️
i loved colton but didn’t really vibe w gretchen at all. the third act conflict really pissed me off. and i hated the family drama.
loved loved loved that gretchen was an immigration lawyer. that really hit home for me.
and i adored the dynamic of their whole bromance bookclub. i think i’ll really enjoy the rest of the series. even tho i started w the fifth one🧍🏻♀️
November 28, 2022
Prior to this book, I had only read the first book in the series and loved it. Shame on me for not picking up the other books in this series. When I saw my local library had this book on audio, I downloaded it and fell in love with the members of the bromance book club a second time. In this book, country music star, Colton Wheeler is trying to make new music a year after spending the night with immigration attorney, Gretchen Winthrop. Christmas is coming and he is receiving support from his fellow book club members as he feels the pressure to produce new music.
Gretchen is not the biggest fan of Christmas. It holds no special memories for her. She and her brothers picked out their gifts and their mother had them purchased. Her family hired others to decorate their many trees and she has no traditions to pull from. She spends her time advocating for others even though she needs someone to advocate for her from time to time.
When Colton and Gretchen meet again, she has an offer for him on behalf of her family's whisky brand. Colton agrees to consider her family's offer is she will go on three dates with him.
With Christmas coming, will they deck the halls together or will the grinch steal their Christmas?
This was such a wonderful and fun book. I loved the audio version. It was very nicely done. I found myself smiling through the entire book, well except when I was booing at a certain mega jerk in Gretchen's family. As with the first book, I enjoyed how the men joined together to help each other all the while engaging in witty banter and funny razzing of each other.
This was a fun, sexy and entertaining Christmas read! It has inspired me of wanting to gift myself the other books in this series! I found that I did not want to stop listening to this book. Enjoyable from beginning to end, this book is a must read!
4.5 stars
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Gretchen is not the biggest fan of Christmas. It holds no special memories for her. She and her brothers picked out their gifts and their mother had them purchased. Her family hired others to decorate their many trees and she has no traditions to pull from. She spends her time advocating for others even though she needs someone to advocate for her from time to time.
When Colton and Gretchen meet again, she has an offer for him on behalf of her family's whisky brand. Colton agrees to consider her family's offer is she will go on three dates with him.
With Christmas coming, will they deck the halls together or will the grinch steal their Christmas?
This was such a wonderful and fun book. I loved the audio version. It was very nicely done. I found myself smiling through the entire book, well except when I was booing at a certain mega jerk in Gretchen's family. As with the first book, I enjoyed how the men joined together to help each other all the while engaging in witty banter and funny razzing of each other.
This was a fun, sexy and entertaining Christmas read! It has inspired me of wanting to gift myself the other books in this series! I found that I did not want to stop listening to this book. Enjoyable from beginning to end, this book is a must read!
4.5 stars
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 23, 2023
What’s plural for a man-child? Because that’s what these men are, grown ass children. I’ve never met a more dramatic bunch and I absolutely adore them. 🥰
I love what Lyssa Kay Adams has done here: made a whole romance series about men becoming better men through romance books.
The vibe of the bromance book club just screams of men that comfortable with their masculinity, sexuality and emotions. Ain’t nothing more attractive.
“This was a family. It didn’t matter that they weren’t related. They were a family in every other way.”
I think I can safely say that this is my favourite in the series alongside the first book. Both have elements of second chance and fighting for a relationship, to establish one.
Gretchen and Colton were perfect. This starts off with a one-night stand. Gretchen is very much the grump. She rather run away from her emotions than face them. Her upbringing had a lot to to with that.
Colton is just lovable in every way. A sunshine. He’s not afraid to let Gretchen know how he feels about her and my guy pursues her.
Seeing them together was just a treat to read. The interactions were amazing, the banter was one point, their chemistry was palpable. It was such a good romance. 🥹
But even more so, I appreciated how much we got to understand each individual character.
The third-act conflict wasn’t my personal favourite but I can overlook it because these two just had me. I was rooting for them all the way.
*Trigger warnings for abusive family members*
Buddy-read with Azrah. ✨
I love what Lyssa Kay Adams has done here: made a whole romance series about men becoming better men through romance books.
The vibe of the bromance book club just screams of men that comfortable with their masculinity, sexuality and emotions. Ain’t nothing more attractive.
“This was a family. It didn’t matter that they weren’t related. They were a family in every other way.”
I think I can safely say that this is my favourite in the series alongside the first book. Both have elements of second chance and fighting for a relationship, to establish one.
Gretchen and Colton were perfect. This starts off with a one-night stand. Gretchen is very much the grump. She rather run away from her emotions than face them. Her upbringing had a lot to to with that.
Colton is just lovable in every way. A sunshine. He’s not afraid to let Gretchen know how he feels about her and my guy pursues her.
Seeing them together was just a treat to read. The interactions were amazing, the banter was one point, their chemistry was palpable. It was such a good romance. 🥹
But even more so, I appreciated how much we got to understand each individual character.
The third-act conflict wasn’t my personal favourite but I can overlook it because these two just had me. I was rooting for them all the way.
*Trigger warnings for abusive family members*
Buddy-read with Azrah. ✨
February 9, 2023
4 stars
The Bromance Book Club series is so fun, I love all of these characters. This fifth book is about Colton and Gretchen, who hooked up at a mutual friends wedding only for Gretchen to leave Colton behind. Now, months later, she needs his help to get on the board of a charity foundation.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. Colton and Gretchen had great banter. It also delved into tough subjects without getting too heavy and I appreciate that. I loved revisiting all the characters and I am very much hoping the cheese man gets his own book.
If you want a fun romance series with lots of humor and heart, this is the one for you.
The Bromance Book Club series is so fun, I love all of these characters. This fifth book is about Colton and Gretchen, who hooked up at a mutual friends wedding only for Gretchen to leave Colton behind. Now, months later, she needs his help to get on the board of a charity foundation.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. Colton and Gretchen had great banter. It also delved into tough subjects without getting too heavy and I appreciate that. I loved revisiting all the characters and I am very much hoping the cheese man gets his own book.
If you want a fun romance series with lots of humor and heart, this is the one for you.
April 24, 2024
In the series, Colton Wheeler isn't my favorite guy but that doesn't mean I don't want him to have a spotlight. He's a charming country singer who's having trouble on his record label. He needs an inspiration to create new songs. When he hooked up with Gretchen Winthrop during Braden Mack's wedding, he knew she's the woman for him. However, Gretchen puts a wall between them.
Gretchen came from a wealthy family but she doesn't want to be part of the inheritance or the family company. She made her own career. You cannot deny she's longing for a family. She's basically a grumpy heroine to Colton's sunshine -- he's such a cinnamon roll. She encountered him again to convince him to be part of her family's business. In exchange, she has to date him.
Okay, I really appreciate Colton's effort on pursuing Gretchen. The dude deserves the spotlight being the reader's favorite. He's so adorable, caring and charismatic. He makes the heroine comfortable despite of her trust issues and emotional baggage.
Overall, this is such a fun, Christmas-themed, grumpy/sunshine book. I enjoyed it so much and I'm still crossing my fingers for Cheeseman's book.
P.S. I LIVE FOR THE RUSSIAN IN SANTA COSTUME.
----------------------------
I AM SELLING MY ENTIRE SOUL FOR COLTON'S BOOK. GAAH SO FAR AWAY.
————————
Colton Wheeler isn’t really my favorite guy in the series but he just proved he deserves to be a reader’s favorite. The guy is a pure cinnamon roll. 😭 The sunshine hero to a grumpy heroine. Gaah I love this trope.
Review to follow.
PS. Still waiting for Cheese Man’s book.
P.P.S I AM LIVING WITH THE RUSSIAN IN A SANTA CLAUS COSTUME 😛❤️
Gretchen came from a wealthy family but she doesn't want to be part of the inheritance or the family company. She made her own career. You cannot deny she's longing for a family. She's basically a grumpy heroine to Colton's sunshine -- he's such a cinnamon roll. She encountered him again to convince him to be part of her family's business. In exchange, she has to date him.
Okay, I really appreciate Colton's effort on pursuing Gretchen. The dude deserves the spotlight being the reader's favorite. He's so adorable, caring and charismatic. He makes the heroine comfortable despite of her trust issues and emotional baggage.
Overall, this is such a fun, Christmas-themed, grumpy/sunshine book. I enjoyed it so much and I'm still crossing my fingers for Cheeseman's book.
P.S. I LIVE FOR THE RUSSIAN IN SANTA COSTUME.
----------------------------
I AM SELLING MY ENTIRE SOUL FOR COLTON'S BOOK. GAAH SO FAR AWAY.
————————
Colton Wheeler isn’t really my favorite guy in the series but he just proved he deserves to be a reader’s favorite. The guy is a pure cinnamon roll. 😭 The sunshine hero to a grumpy heroine. Gaah I love this trope.
Review to follow.
PS. Still waiting for Cheese Man’s book.
P.P.S I AM LIVING WITH THE RUSSIAN IN A SANTA CLAUS COSTUME 😛❤️
October 31, 2022
4 stars
I am always always here for a grumpy/sunshine romance and Gretchen and Colton's story hit the spot. This was a fun and sweet Christmasy romance that kept a smile on my face.
Colton is a famous country singer and Gretchen is a non-profit immigration attorney. They meet/get together at a wedding of one of the Bromance heroes and this story takes place a year after that meeting. Colton has had it bad for Gretchen ever since that night, but she wants nothing to do with him. She also doesn't like Christmas. Colton plans to change her mind about both things.
I seriously couldn't have loved Colton more. I love a good sunshiny cinnamon roll hero and he was pretty great. Gretchen... it took me sometime, but she also grew on me. She has a big heart deep down and a lot of family hurt/trauma that makes her the way she is. I adored this couple together. This was a feel good romance that could be read anytime of the year, but will be especially great to read around the holidays!
"The sunshiny one always falls for the grumpy one, honey. It's science."
I am always always here for a grumpy/sunshine romance and Gretchen and Colton's story hit the spot. This was a fun and sweet Christmasy romance that kept a smile on my face.
Colton is a famous country singer and Gretchen is a non-profit immigration attorney. They meet/get together at a wedding of one of the Bromance heroes and this story takes place a year after that meeting. Colton has had it bad for Gretchen ever since that night, but she wants nothing to do with him. She also doesn't like Christmas. Colton plans to change her mind about both things.
I seriously couldn't have loved Colton more. I love a good sunshiny cinnamon roll hero and he was pretty great. Gretchen... it took me sometime, but she also grew on me. She has a big heart deep down and a lot of family hurt/trauma that makes her the way she is. I adored this couple together. This was a feel good romance that could be read anytime of the year, but will be especially great to read around the holidays!
May 27, 2023
3.75 Stars
Idk if it’s the Christmas spirits, but FINALLY the MAGIC IS BACK and I want more books from the Bromance Bros!!!! 😭♥
The last three books have been a myriad of misses, mostly in terms of the romance and OTT subplots. I hit the jackpot with this one.
I honestly didn’t remember much about Colton, the country singer, and can’t really picture him looking like Clark Kent (à la Henry Cavill), but OMG HE HAS NO RIGHT TO BE THIS SWOONY and melt all the frost around my heart with his sunshiney disposition!!!!! 😩 He’s charming, takes care of his family, and I loved how he pined for Gretchen and pushed her out of her comfort Scrooge zone.
Gretchen has a bit of guilty complex about being born into a wealthy family while so many unfortunate people are struggling; hence, she lives ascheap simple & sustainable as she could, which is admirable. However, I was also frankly quite annoyed by it cause—while she isn’t exactly being judgy—she sometimes makes it sound like being rich is a sin. I think people are free to spend however they like.
This book definitely focuses more on Gretchen and her family drama. I thought that Colton’s career troubles and his characterisation (why he’s so bright, warm, and easy going; if it’s a facade) would be explored more. So, I was a little disappointed that it didn’t. I also think Gretchen should’ve stood up sooner and done it more often to her greedy brother and neglectful parents cause she deserved better.
The last 30% is a mess, and the resolution rushed in my opinion. I didn’t agree with Gretchen’s decision regarding her relationship with Colton, and I feel like her brother should’ve suffered heavier comeuppance. Regardless of all the niggles, I really enjoyed the romance and the Bromance Bros cameos. I haven’t been able to capture this happy, satisfied feeling since the first book. So, I consider AVMB a win.
My thoughts on:
#1 The Bromance Book Club — 4.5 Stars
#2 Undercover Bromance — 3 Stars
#3 Crazy Stupid Bromance — 3.5 Stars
#4 Isn’t It Bromantic? — 3.25 Stars
(Read as an Audiobook)
Idk if it’s the Christmas spirits, but FINALLY the MAGIC IS BACK and I want more books from the Bromance Bros!!!! 😭♥
The last three books have been a myriad of misses, mostly in terms of the romance and OTT subplots. I hit the jackpot with this one.
Colton (H) & Gretchen (h) had a one night stand on Mack & Liv’s (Undercover Bromance) wedding day. It was a night to remember for Colton, but Gretchen didn’t think the spark between them was worth pursuing. A year later, Colton is having problems with his music & record label; meanwhile, Gretchen is offered a position she’s wanted for a while in her family’s foundation. The only stipulation is for her to convince Colton to be the new face of her family’s whiskey brand. Colton agrees to consider Gretchen’s offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas.
I honestly didn’t remember much about Colton, the country singer, and can’t really picture him looking like Clark Kent (à la Henry Cavill), but OMG HE HAS NO RIGHT TO BE THIS SWOONY and melt all the frost around my heart with his sunshiney disposition!!!!! 😩 He’s charming, takes care of his family, and I loved how he pined for Gretchen and pushed her out of her comfort Scrooge zone.
Gretchen has a bit of guilty complex about being born into a wealthy family while so many unfortunate people are struggling; hence, she lives as
This book definitely focuses more on Gretchen and her family drama. I thought that Colton’s career troubles and his characterisation (why he’s so bright, warm, and easy going; if it’s a facade) would be explored more. So, I was a little disappointed that it didn’t. I also think Gretchen should’ve stood up sooner and done it more often to her greedy brother and neglectful parents cause she deserved better.
The last 30% is a mess, and the resolution rushed in my opinion. I didn’t agree with Gretchen’s decision regarding her relationship with Colton, and I feel like her brother should’ve suffered heavier comeuppance. Regardless of all the niggles, I really enjoyed the romance and the Bromance Bros cameos. I haven’t been able to capture this happy, satisfied feeling since the first book. So, I consider AVMB a win.
My thoughts on:
#1 The Bromance Book Club — 4.5 Stars
#2 Undercover Bromance — 3 Stars
#3 Crazy Stupid Bromance — 3.5 Stars
#4 Isn’t It Bromantic? — 3.25 Stars
(Read as an Audiobook)
December 18, 2022
AWW SHUCKS!! I’M TEARING UP, THIS WAS SO FREAKING CUTE 🥹❄️❤️
• Reverse grumpy x sunshine!!
• Opposites attract
• Christmas rom-com 🎄❄️
The Bromance Bookclub series is criminally underrated. Each book delivers a sweet, cheesy romance that makes you wanna squeal and kick your feet while also talking about important topics ❤️ THE GRAND GESTURES AT THE END OF EACH BOOK ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE 😭🥹 I’m pretty sure I teared up reading each and every one of them…
Country boys ain’t for me, but for Colton, I will make an exception 🥹🥵 THIS MAANNN. Tbh all the men in this series are top-tier. So perfect, in fact, that it might be more applicable to categorize this series as fantasy 🤪
I’m still debating if this book is my fave of the series 🤔 It’s competing with Crazy Stupid Bromance for #1 spot, thats for sure ❤️
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5
• Reverse grumpy x sunshine!!
• Opposites attract
• Christmas rom-com 🎄❄️
The Bromance Bookclub series is criminally underrated. Each book delivers a sweet, cheesy romance that makes you wanna squeal and kick your feet while also talking about important topics ❤️ THE GRAND GESTURES AT THE END OF EACH BOOK ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE 😭🥹 I’m pretty sure I teared up reading each and every one of them…
Country boys ain’t for me, but for Colton, I will make an exception 🥹🥵 THIS MAANNN. Tbh all the men in this series are top-tier. So perfect, in fact, that it might be more applicable to categorize this series as fantasy 🤪
I’m still debating if this book is my fave of the series 🤔 It’s competing with Crazy Stupid Bromance for #1 spot, thats for sure ❤️
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5
December 14, 2022
3.75
This is a great book to read around the holidays. I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of this series. I read the first one and thought it was just okay. I thought this one was good and what really saved it was it being a holiday read. This story was exactly what I needed when I needed it. I haven’t been feeling the holiday cheer but reading this definitely helped me with that. I liked both characters and how they interacted together. I do wish they communicated together more because I feel like that would have really helped their issues. The grumpy/sunshine tropes is one of my favorites and I really loved seeing this one between the characters. I also liked that the trope was reversed because I don’t read many like that. Overall, I would definitely recommend this one because it is cute, well written, and is a quick read. I also think this book would make a cute holiday movie!
Thank you so much @berkleyromance for the gifted copy on Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a great book to read around the holidays. I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of this series. I read the first one and thought it was just okay. I thought this one was good and what really saved it was it being a holiday read. This story was exactly what I needed when I needed it. I haven’t been feeling the holiday cheer but reading this definitely helped me with that. I liked both characters and how they interacted together. I do wish they communicated together more because I feel like that would have really helped their issues. The grumpy/sunshine tropes is one of my favorites and I really loved seeing this one between the characters. I also liked that the trope was reversed because I don’t read many like that. Overall, I would definitely recommend this one because it is cute, well written, and is a quick read. I also think this book would make a cute holiday movie!
Thank you so much @berkleyromance for the gifted copy on Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 19, 2022
A meeting at a friend's wedding leads to a night of passion for Country Star Colton Wheeler and Immigration Attorney Gretchen Winthrop. The next morning Gretchen leaves and won't return his phone calls. Now it's been a year and Colton still can't get her off of his mind. He hasn't put out a new album in a long time and his label is not happy with the songs he has submitted.
Meanwhile, Gretchen is up to her neck in legal work and trying to keep her non-profit afloat. Even though her family is rich and produces a well-known whiskey, Gretchen doesn't see a dime of it. When her brother reaches out and asks her to meet with Colton to talk him into being the new face of their family's whiskey brand, Gretchen makes a deal with him that may come back to bite her.
Colton is shocked when Gretchen tracks him down and gives him her family's proposal. He decides that he isn't going to let her slip through his fingers this time. He will only consider the proposal if Gretchen agrees to a couple of dates with him.
This is the fifth book in the Bromance Book Club series. Colton is probably my favorite hero in this series (so far). I liked the romance; but didn't like Gretchen's habit of running when things got tough. The scenes with the guys from the Bromance Book Club were great. I enjoyed the contemporary romance they were reading as a group. I just wish we could have read the end of that story within a story. Overall, a great addition to the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Meanwhile, Gretchen is up to her neck in legal work and trying to keep her non-profit afloat. Even though her family is rich and produces a well-known whiskey, Gretchen doesn't see a dime of it. When her brother reaches out and asks her to meet with Colton to talk him into being the new face of their family's whiskey brand, Gretchen makes a deal with him that may come back to bite her.
Colton is shocked when Gretchen tracks him down and gives him her family's proposal. He decides that he isn't going to let her slip through his fingers this time. He will only consider the proposal if Gretchen agrees to a couple of dates with him.
This is the fifth book in the Bromance Book Club series. Colton is probably my favorite hero in this series (so far). I liked the romance; but didn't like Gretchen's habit of running when things got tough. The scenes with the guys from the Bromance Book Club were great. I enjoyed the contemporary romance they were reading as a group. I just wish we could have read the end of that story within a story. Overall, a great addition to the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
July 10, 2023
the setup…
Country music star Colton Wheeler experienced a life changing moment with immigration attorney Gretchen Wheeler after the wedding reception of Liv and Braden Mack. What was for him the start of something wonderful turned out to be something completely different for her as she woke and bolted. A year later, after endless attempts to reach out to her, Colton suddenly gets a visit and a business proposition from her. What he didn’t know was she is one of those Winthrops, that wealthy family who owns the ultimate whiskey brand. If ever Colton needed help from the Bromance Book Club, now was the time.
the heart of the story…
I immediately liked Colton from earlier stories and highly anticipated this one. Gretchen was the woman who dumped Braden so I always wanted to know more about her. Her abandoning Colton after their one night of passion was inexplicable but after getting to know her family, clarity prevailed. They were over the top awful, their treatment of her even more inexcusable. I enjoyed the romance journey between Gretchen and Colton, how he came to appreciate her qualities despite her history and prickly nature and she slowly removed a lot of walls. She brought out the best in him and he gave her much needed courage and confidence. But, I was disappointed about her predictable behavior near the end and it didn’t ring authentic, putting a stain on an otherwise lovely romance.
the narration…
I enjoy Eiden’s storytelling, especially those moments when the Bromance Romance Club is in full throttle. He not only does a great job with the male voices but handles the female characters nicely, not falling into that falsetto trap.
the bottom line…
Colton and Gretchen’s romance was one of my favorites until that unfortunate moment near the end, leaving it on sort of a sour note despite them working through it. But there was so much to love about this story that it didn’t negatively change my overall opinion. Her family dynamics, his career issues and the Bromance Book Club shenanigans added many layers to this engaging story, having me experience a full range of emotions. If this is the last in the series (I hope not!), it’s been a great reading experience, especially on audio, and I got exactly what I hoped for in seeing men not only reading but embracing and promoting the romance genre.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Country music star Colton Wheeler experienced a life changing moment with immigration attorney Gretchen Wheeler after the wedding reception of Liv and Braden Mack. What was for him the start of something wonderful turned out to be something completely different for her as she woke and bolted. A year later, after endless attempts to reach out to her, Colton suddenly gets a visit and a business proposition from her. What he didn’t know was she is one of those Winthrops, that wealthy family who owns the ultimate whiskey brand. If ever Colton needed help from the Bromance Book Club, now was the time.
the heart of the story…
I immediately liked Colton from earlier stories and highly anticipated this one. Gretchen was the woman who dumped Braden so I always wanted to know more about her. Her abandoning Colton after their one night of passion was inexplicable but after getting to know her family, clarity prevailed. They were over the top awful, their treatment of her even more inexcusable. I enjoyed the romance journey between Gretchen and Colton, how he came to appreciate her qualities despite her history and prickly nature and she slowly removed a lot of walls. She brought out the best in him and he gave her much needed courage and confidence. But, I was disappointed about her predictable behavior near the end and it didn’t ring authentic, putting a stain on an otherwise lovely romance.
the narration…
I enjoy Eiden’s storytelling, especially those moments when the Bromance Romance Club is in full throttle. He not only does a great job with the male voices but handles the female characters nicely, not falling into that falsetto trap.
the bottom line…
Colton and Gretchen’s romance was one of my favorites until that unfortunate moment near the end, leaving it on sort of a sour note despite them working through it. But there was so much to love about this story that it didn’t negatively change my overall opinion. Her family dynamics, his career issues and the Bromance Book Club shenanigans added many layers to this engaging story, having me experience a full range of emotions. If this is the last in the series (I hope not!), it’s been a great reading experience, especially on audio, and I got exactly what I hoped for in seeing men not only reading but embracing and promoting the romance genre.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
December 7, 2022
I genuinely think I’m a terrible person bc whenever I read a “grand” act of self sacrifice (that literally nobody asked for or needs) I want to vomit in disgust.
Maybe I’m the Krampus we met along the way.
I was gonna round this up to 3 stars but I was skipping minutes upon minutes of the audiobook at the end there bc a. I didn’t want to hear Colton apologizing for shit that wasn’t his fault and b. I wanted it to be over. Three star reads are supposed to be forgettable and though we may pray, I doubt I’ll forget this on my deathbed.
I really liked the beginning and middle of this, sans Gretchen’s literally heinous family. They added the kind of drama that I despise, so naturally I was a rage monster by the end with what Gretchen thought she was forced to do. I still really don’t know why Gretchen wanted to stay away from Colton for like half of this book—besides her family drama she’d bring to the table? Which l get but also girlie you led him right there. How did you think it was gonna go?? Poor Colton was just jerked around and he was so willing 😭
Was it realistic that her brother would end up in jail?? No but I sure would’ve liked him to be locked up and nestled safely in the nearest county. I also wanted everything leaked to the media because he deserves no ounce of scandal cover up. He’s such a narcissistic psychopath that I think the only thing that would truly destroy him would be an attack on his ego. He’s also literally a criminal so I’m not being dramatic with my cries for jail.
Colton was adorable and thank god we didn’t have to hear any cheesy song lyrics bc I was real scared I was gonna have to listen to Andrew Eiden cowboy take me away it and I was Not Prepared. On that note, I liked Eiden’s narration (a legit surprise) of Colton, but I sure hate how he narrates women. He’s meant for YA because all of the women sound so fricken young and blushing.
I also really loved the group of guys (some of my favorite dynamics in romances) and am tempted to read the other books (I’ve only read book one like two years ago) just for them, but from friends’ reviews I think I’m better off not dabbling that close to a mental breakdown again.
Maybe I won’t be this mad in an hour but Hannah rn is salty and spiraling down the highway to hell like Bella in New Moon riding off with those adrenaline junkies, so anyways two stars it is.
Cheese man take me the fuck away.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.75*/5
*We got one sex scene and the rest were fade to black. It was a good scene but I definitely could’ve used another. There may have been another one that is like lingering just shy of my subconscious but I can’t remember it. Maybe a closet was involved? Idk.
Also why did they “answer nature’s call” so many times?? Either say go to the bathroom or nothing??
Thanks PRHaudio for a complimentary audiobook. All opinions are honest and my own.
Maybe I’m the Krampus we met along the way.
I was gonna round this up to 3 stars but I was skipping minutes upon minutes of the audiobook at the end there bc a. I didn’t want to hear Colton apologizing for shit that wasn’t his fault and b. I wanted it to be over. Three star reads are supposed to be forgettable and though we may pray, I doubt I’ll forget this on my deathbed.
I really liked the beginning and middle of this, sans Gretchen’s literally heinous family. They added the kind of drama that I despise, so naturally I was a rage monster by the end with what Gretchen thought she was forced to do. I still really don’t know why Gretchen wanted to stay away from Colton for like half of this book—besides her family drama she’d bring to the table? Which l get but also girlie you led him right there. How did you think it was gonna go?? Poor Colton was just jerked around and he was so willing 😭
Was it realistic that her brother would end up in jail?? No but I sure would’ve liked him to be locked up and nestled safely in the nearest county. I also wanted everything leaked to the media because he deserves no ounce of scandal cover up. He’s such a narcissistic psychopath that I think the only thing that would truly destroy him would be an attack on his ego. He’s also literally a criminal so I’m not being dramatic with my cries for jail.
Colton was adorable and thank god we didn’t have to hear any cheesy song lyrics bc I was real scared I was gonna have to listen to Andrew Eiden cowboy take me away it and I was Not Prepared. On that note, I liked Eiden’s narration (a legit surprise) of Colton, but I sure hate how he narrates women. He’s meant for YA because all of the women sound so fricken young and blushing.
I also really loved the group of guys (some of my favorite dynamics in romances) and am tempted to read the other books (I’ve only read book one like two years ago) just for them, but from friends’ reviews I think I’m better off not dabbling that close to a mental breakdown again.
Maybe I won’t be this mad in an hour but Hannah rn is salty and spiraling down the highway to hell like Bella in New Moon riding off with those adrenaline junkies, so anyways two stars it is.
Cheese man take me the fuck away.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.75*/5
*We got one sex scene and the rest were fade to black. It was a good scene but I definitely could’ve used another. There may have been another one that is like lingering just shy of my subconscious but I can’t remember it. Maybe a closet was involved? Idk.
Also why did they “answer nature’s call” so many times?? Either say go to the bathroom or nothing??
Thanks PRHaudio for a complimentary audiobook. All opinions are honest and my own.
November 7, 2022
It’s that time of year again!
The time where I fake it ‘til I make it by barfing Christmas spirit all over the house once the clock strikes midnight on November 1st. This year I doubled down on my crazy by requesting eleventy-two Christmas rom coms from NetGalley and what better way to kick things off than with my go-to gal Lyssa Kay Adams and the Bros we’ve all come to love.
This time around it’s Colton and Gretchen’s turn. He’s a country music superstar, she’s an immigration attorney with her own pro bono clinic. The two had a spicy one-off at their pals’ wedding and Colton has been pining ever since. A potential business deal and some undeniable mutual attraction draws these two back together a year later in a flip on the grumpy/sunshine with the female lead playing the part of a Grinchy Scrooge. It delivers when it comes to witty banter and most importantly the smexytimes . . .
My only complaint is the usual one with the unnecessary conflict that causes a break-up/almost instantaneous make-up at the end because god forbid the two main characters actually speak to each other like dang adults. I realize I’m in the minority when it comes to this opinion and that it is a driving force behind what sells books so it will be included for the remainder of time. This one was extra annoying, though, that the lead was just going to walk away from her entire life. Way to be a real shitty representative for your at-risk clients, Gretchen! All in all, though, these Bros and their Hoes are my peeps so 4 Stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The time where I fake it ‘til I make it by barfing Christmas spirit all over the house once the clock strikes midnight on November 1st. This year I doubled down on my crazy by requesting eleventy-two Christmas rom coms from NetGalley and what better way to kick things off than with my go-to gal Lyssa Kay Adams and the Bros we’ve all come to love.
This time around it’s Colton and Gretchen’s turn. He’s a country music superstar, she’s an immigration attorney with her own pro bono clinic. The two had a spicy one-off at their pals’ wedding and Colton has been pining ever since. A potential business deal and some undeniable mutual attraction draws these two back together a year later in a flip on the grumpy/sunshine with the female lead playing the part of a Grinchy Scrooge. It delivers when it comes to witty banter and most importantly the smexytimes . . .
My only complaint is the usual one with the unnecessary conflict that causes a break-up/almost instantaneous make-up at the end because god forbid the two main characters actually speak to each other like dang adults. I realize I’m in the minority when it comes to this opinion and that it is a driving force behind what sells books so it will be included for the remainder of time. This one was extra annoying, though, that the lead was just going to walk away from her entire life. Way to be a real shitty representative for your at-risk clients, Gretchen! All in all, though, these Bros and their Hoes are my peeps so 4 Stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2022
A Very Merry Bromance is the cure for those of us who love Christmas, but find Christmas romance books a touch too… sweet. Don’t get me wrong, this book is very sweet, but it’s also hilarious and has steamy parts.
Both the hero and the heroine are career-driven, but that doesn’t stop them from finding love with each other. Gretchen, the immigration lawyer, doesn’t have to sacrifice her life goals in order to settle down. No, this Christmas book is about her opening up, finding love, and maybe a little bit of a better work/life balance.
The “grumpy/sunshine” trope is a favourite of mine, and this book delivers beautifully on that front. This book can be considered a “reverse grumpy/sunshine”, because unlike typical books with this trope, it’s the woman who’s the “Scrooge.” The banter between Colton and Gretchen is hilarious and cute. Everyone except for Gretchen knows immediately how perfect they would be for each other, but of course, it takes her a little time to acknowledge this.
Like with the other books in this series, we get absolutely adorable scenes with the Bromance Book Club. This time, they’re trying out a geriatric yoga class–and even the professional athletes are struggling to keep up. It’s hilarious!
The only thing that disappointed me in this book is that the author incorporated chapters from a Christmas romance book that Colton has asked Gretchen to read. I wasn’t invested in this subplot, but fortunately there were very few scenes, and they were extremely short. That said, they weren’t wrapped up at all! There was no conclusion. I didn’t care enough to lower my rating because of this, though it was a tad annoying. I was reading an arc from Netgalley, so I’m wondering if maybe there was a quick wrap-up that accidentally got dropped in that version?
All in all, this is a hilarious, romantic, and sweet (but not too sweet!) Christmas romance.
*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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My 2022 Reading Challenge
Both the hero and the heroine are career-driven, but that doesn’t stop them from finding love with each other. Gretchen, the immigration lawyer, doesn’t have to sacrifice her life goals in order to settle down. No, this Christmas book is about her opening up, finding love, and maybe a little bit of a better work/life balance.
The “grumpy/sunshine” trope is a favourite of mine, and this book delivers beautifully on that front. This book can be considered a “reverse grumpy/sunshine”, because unlike typical books with this trope, it’s the woman who’s the “Scrooge.” The banter between Colton and Gretchen is hilarious and cute. Everyone except for Gretchen knows immediately how perfect they would be for each other, but of course, it takes her a little time to acknowledge this.
Like with the other books in this series, we get absolutely adorable scenes with the Bromance Book Club. This time, they’re trying out a geriatric yoga class–and even the professional athletes are struggling to keep up. It’s hilarious!
The only thing that disappointed me in this book is that the author incorporated chapters from a Christmas romance book that Colton has asked Gretchen to read. I wasn’t invested in this subplot, but fortunately there were very few scenes, and they were extremely short. That said, they weren’t wrapped up at all! There was no conclusion. I didn’t care enough to lower my rating because of this, though it was a tad annoying. I was reading an arc from Netgalley, so I’m wondering if maybe there was a quick wrap-up that accidentally got dropped in that version?
All in all, this is a hilarious, romantic, and sweet (but not too sweet!) Christmas romance.
*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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My 2022 Reading Challenge
November 13, 2022
TW: familial abuse.
i usually hate christmas books, but oh my god this was perfection. the familial trauma & immigration discussions mixed with the grumpy-sunshine romance were all so well done. I loved Uncle Jack & the two main characters so much. this is in my top 3 favorites of the series for sure and top favorite romances of all time.
i usually hate christmas books, but oh my god this was perfection. the familial trauma & immigration discussions mixed with the grumpy-sunshine romance were all so well done. I loved Uncle Jack & the two main characters so much. this is in my top 3 favorites of the series for sure and top favorite romances of all time.
December 24, 2022
aww this was a cute one!
December 3, 2022
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Gretchen Winthrop has never enjoyed Christmas. Partly because her clients don't really have time to celebrate the holidays while they're getting deported, but also because her childhood Christmas's were filled with anything but joy and goodwill. Colton Wheeler, hotshot country superstar, lives for the festivities. And he's got his sights set on Gretchen to celebrate with this year, after spending a year pining for the only woman who's rejected him. But can this sunshine singer get his grumpy Scrooge to love Christmas, and him?
I love The Bromance Book club books. The stories are always gentle and welcoming, like a warm hug, with a big cast of likeable characters that have a real family feel to them. Colton has been building up to his own story for a couple of books now. He's been on the peripherals, showing his sunny, easy going nature and womanising ways so I knew it would take a strong woman to reel him in. Enter Gretchen - a smart, compassionate woman with a terrible family and a big chip on her shoulder who needs someone like Colton to melt her heart. Their banter is really good, with Gretchen giving plenty of one liners to keep Colton in his lane, and this just adds to their chemistry.
I liked the backstory involving Gretchen and her family, and thought overall the payoff was good. However, I would have liked to have seen more interactions between Gretchen and her brothers, and explore more of their very difficult relationship, to get a higher payoff for that ending. It felt a bit pantomime villain at times,and Gretchen's family is definitely not as well developed as Colton's.
However, overall this was another hit from me. Please give the mysterious Rowan the cheese man a book though - I need to see his backstory!
Gretchen Winthrop has never enjoyed Christmas. Partly because her clients don't really have time to celebrate the holidays while they're getting deported, but also because her childhood Christmas's were filled with anything but joy and goodwill. Colton Wheeler, hotshot country superstar, lives for the festivities. And he's got his sights set on Gretchen to celebrate with this year, after spending a year pining for the only woman who's rejected him. But can this sunshine singer get his grumpy Scrooge to love Christmas, and him?
I love The Bromance Book club books. The stories are always gentle and welcoming, like a warm hug, with a big cast of likeable characters that have a real family feel to them. Colton has been building up to his own story for a couple of books now. He's been on the peripherals, showing his sunny, easy going nature and womanising ways so I knew it would take a strong woman to reel him in. Enter Gretchen - a smart, compassionate woman with a terrible family and a big chip on her shoulder who needs someone like Colton to melt her heart. Their banter is really good, with Gretchen giving plenty of one liners to keep Colton in his lane, and this just adds to their chemistry.
I liked the backstory involving Gretchen and her family, and thought overall the payoff was good. However, I would have liked to have seen more interactions between Gretchen and her brothers, and explore more of their very difficult relationship, to get a higher payoff for that ending. It felt a bit pantomime villain at times,and Gretchen's family is definitely not as well developed as Colton's.
However, overall this was another hit from me. Please give the mysterious Rowan the cheese man a book though - I need to see his backstory!
January 10, 2023
Lost the magic
I don't know. I think the series has just really has lost the magic of the 1st 2 books. This had a very serious subject matter for a Christmas book (physical and verbal abuse) and in the end I don't really agree with some of the outcomes.
Full reveiw:
So here is the issue, I love romance books. Love them. I may actually hit up some friends for a romance buddy read. So what is starting to drive me crazy is most romance novels the past 2-3 years are really women's fiction. There's nothing wrong with that, but the core parts of the romance novels that I have loved are just missing in newest offerings. Besides really strong subject matter there just is very little romance between the main couples. And it doesn't help that this book series seems to not really know anything about romance novels outside of a "big gesture" so the main couple walks off "HEA." I think if you told most women those were your ideas of a romance novel they boo you and also tell you to get out of their face. "A Very Merry Bromance" continues the trend of a heroine I didn't really get and a hero I was not rooting for. I also maybe laughed at the end Come on. So, let's get into it.
"A Very Merry Bromance" follows Gretchen and Colton. Gretchen is a hard nose immigration lawyer, and Colton is a famous country music musician. After a hot night spent together with Gretchen living him in the dust, the book cues things up a year later. And of course because Colton has decided Gretchen is the one, he leans on his bromance book club members for help. And Gretchen has her own reasons for reaching out to Colton.
So this is not a Christmas book. I repeat, this is not a Christmas book. Do not read this thinking, awww, it's going to perfectly set the season. It does not. The majority of this book follows Gretchen's messed up family. And I probably need a stronger word for that. There is very little romance that happens. I think we get one hot/sex scene and then everything else was a fade to the black. Most of the book can just be chalked up to Gretchen having no sense, not cutting off her toxic family, and not talking to Colton. And Colton was just blah.
The ending....yeah, I got nothing. I don't know if this is the last book in the series or what. But I really wish that if Adams was going to do more books in this series, she would course correct with some of the plots and also how the men in this so called group really don't get romance books. Or she doesn't get them? I don't know. A big freaking gesture is not what makes something a romance. And a bunch of interfering adults who would have caused a saint to shake them is not my idea of a good time.
I don't know. I think the series has just really has lost the magic of the 1st 2 books. This had a very serious subject matter for a Christmas book (physical and verbal abuse) and in the end I don't really agree with some of the outcomes.
Full reveiw:
So here is the issue, I love romance books. Love them. I may actually hit up some friends for a romance buddy read. So what is starting to drive me crazy is most romance novels the past 2-3 years are really women's fiction. There's nothing wrong with that, but the core parts of the romance novels that I have loved are just missing in newest offerings. Besides really strong subject matter there just is very little romance between the main couples. And it doesn't help that this book series seems to not really know anything about romance novels outside of a "big gesture" so the main couple walks off "HEA." I think if you told most women those were your ideas of a romance novel they boo you and also tell you to get out of their face. "A Very Merry Bromance" continues the trend of a heroine I didn't really get and a hero I was not rooting for. I also maybe laughed at the end Come on. So, let's get into it.
"A Very Merry Bromance" follows Gretchen and Colton. Gretchen is a hard nose immigration lawyer, and Colton is a famous country music musician. After a hot night spent together with Gretchen living him in the dust, the book cues things up a year later. And of course because Colton has decided Gretchen is the one, he leans on his bromance book club members for help. And Gretchen has her own reasons for reaching out to Colton.
So this is not a Christmas book. I repeat, this is not a Christmas book. Do not read this thinking, awww, it's going to perfectly set the season. It does not. The majority of this book follows Gretchen's messed up family. And I probably need a stronger word for that. There is very little romance that happens. I think we get one hot/sex scene and then everything else was a fade to the black. Most of the book can just be chalked up to Gretchen having no sense, not cutting off her toxic family, and not talking to Colton. And Colton was just blah.
The ending....yeah, I got nothing. I don't know if this is the last book in the series or what. But I really wish that if Adams was going to do more books in this series, she would course correct with some of the plots and also how the men in this so called group really don't get romance books. Or she doesn't get them? I don't know. A big freaking gesture is not what makes something a romance. And a bunch of interfering adults who would have caused a saint to shake them is not my idea of a good time.
December 20, 2023
I am SO SAD this series is over 😭 this book was e v e r y t h i n g!!!!! The banter, the angst, the love, the bromance book club 🥺🥺🥺 UGH I LOVE THESE BOOKS SO MUCH!!!!! I knew this was going to be one of my faves from this series and it did not disappoint!! I think i cried the entire last 100 pages and i feel like i haven’t done that for a romance book in so long. HIGHLY recommend besties!!
December 1, 2022
Country music star, Colton Wheeler had a steamy night with Gretchen Winthrop the night of Mack and Liv’s wedding. Their chemistry was off-the-charts and Colton wanted more but Gretchen just froze him out. He still can’t stop thinking about her and why she just walked away.
Gretchen feels like she has no time for a relationship, dedicated to her work as an immigration attorney. When a position opens up on her family’s charitable foundation, her dream job, and the only way she’ll be considered is by snapping up Colton as the new brand ambassador for the family’s Whiskey. Colton agrees to consider the offer only if Gretchen agrees to a few dates
Coming from a privileged and wealthy family Gretchen feels for guilty for having so much and so she kind of martyrs herself by doing without: materially and emotionally. Christmas seems frivolous when her clients are barely getting by. It’s Colton’s mission to change her mind.
Gretchen was a real prickly pear to begin with, the grump in this grump vs. sunshine romance. Colton was the sunshine and he gradually chipped away her rigid views. It was impossible for Gretchen to hold to her grouchy ways in the face of Colton’s charm. It was cute and entertaining. Colton made me smile and I had to laugh at their push and pull, while Colton romanced Gretchen, showing her how good they could be together. Colon was a sweetheart and Gretchen had a big heart under all the grumbles!
Of course, this couldn’t be a Bromance book without all the gang alternately trash talking and cheering Colton on. I even liked the story within the story, a forced proximity romance Colton gave to Gretchen to read.
A Very Merry Bromance is the perfect second chance romance read for this season with Colton sharing all the special things about Christmas with Gretchen. Touring a Christmas festival, with all the lights and magic, decorating the tree and I had to laugh at the gifts Colton gave to the Bromance kiddies! A little payback for the trash talking, but well-meant too. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Gretchen feels like she has no time for a relationship, dedicated to her work as an immigration attorney. When a position opens up on her family’s charitable foundation, her dream job, and the only way she’ll be considered is by snapping up Colton as the new brand ambassador for the family’s Whiskey. Colton agrees to consider the offer only if Gretchen agrees to a few dates
Coming from a privileged and wealthy family Gretchen feels for guilty for having so much and so she kind of martyrs herself by doing without: materially and emotionally. Christmas seems frivolous when her clients are barely getting by. It’s Colton’s mission to change her mind.
Gretchen was a real prickly pear to begin with, the grump in this grump vs. sunshine romance. Colton was the sunshine and he gradually chipped away her rigid views. It was impossible for Gretchen to hold to her grouchy ways in the face of Colton’s charm. It was cute and entertaining. Colton made me smile and I had to laugh at their push and pull, while Colton romanced Gretchen, showing her how good they could be together. Colon was a sweetheart and Gretchen had a big heart under all the grumbles!
Of course, this couldn’t be a Bromance book without all the gang alternately trash talking and cheering Colton on. I even liked the story within the story, a forced proximity romance Colton gave to Gretchen to read.
A Very Merry Bromance is the perfect second chance romance read for this season with Colton sharing all the special things about Christmas with Gretchen. Touring a Christmas festival, with all the lights and magic, decorating the tree and I had to laugh at the gifts Colton gave to the Bromance kiddies! A little payback for the trash talking, but well-meant too. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2022
Such a fun Christmas book & perfect addition to the Bromance Book Club. Colton's book was the one I was most excited about because he is the country music singer (although this book didn't give much details about being a musician or dating a musician) This book didn't actually have the book club in it, which I actually liked better. Also - love the appearance of the cheese man.
Full disclosure - I didn't read the excerpts of the romance novel in the book, I completely skipped them, I don't really care about the book within a book at all.
Full disclosure - I didn't read the excerpts of the romance novel in the book, I completely skipped them, I don't really care about the book within a book at all.
December 4, 2022
A new Bromance Book Club book for Christmas? Thank you, Santa! I started my Christmas reading with this wondaful edition to the Bromance Book Club Series. To say I loved this book is a gross understatement, I LOVED IT!! Colton and Gretchen were a complicated couple and I loved how they worked through their stuff to get to their HEA. The only thing I would have liked is more of the "Romance Book". That element didn't get much play in this book.
Colton Wheeler is a glass half-full kind of guy and a country music superstar, but he hasn't had a new album in over two years and his label isn't happy with what he has just submitted. It has thrown him for a loop. When the only girl to ever walk out on him, walks back into his life, he has even more to contemplate. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, maybe Colton can get it right this time.
Gretchen Winthrop is an immigration attorney with more clients than she can serve and is in constant need of more money to keep her non-profit afloat. She is also an heiress to a Nashville whiskey fortune, but she doesn't want anyone to know that about her. Since her family is the definition of dysfunctional, she doesn't celebrate Christmas. To her it is a waste of money that could be used to help those less fortunate. When brother dearest reaches out to her for help to secure Colton Wheeler as the new face for their family whisky brand, she makes a deal with the devil, I mean her brother.
Colton will only agree to hear the deal if Gretchen will give him three dates before Christmas. A year ago, the sparks between these two could start a forest fire and Gretchen barely escaped with her heart whole from their one night together. She has no desire for a repeat. Colton always wondered what went wrong and is determined to get it right with Gretchen this time. As Colton and Gretchen get close, each will need to confront their past ghosts in order to find their future happiness.
Colton Wheeler is a glass half-full kind of guy and a country music superstar, but he hasn't had a new album in over two years and his label isn't happy with what he has just submitted. It has thrown him for a loop. When the only girl to ever walk out on him, walks back into his life, he has even more to contemplate. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, maybe Colton can get it right this time.
Gretchen Winthrop is an immigration attorney with more clients than she can serve and is in constant need of more money to keep her non-profit afloat. She is also an heiress to a Nashville whiskey fortune, but she doesn't want anyone to know that about her. Since her family is the definition of dysfunctional, she doesn't celebrate Christmas. To her it is a waste of money that could be used to help those less fortunate. When brother dearest reaches out to her for help to secure Colton Wheeler as the new face for their family whisky brand, she makes a deal with the devil, I mean her brother.
Colton will only agree to hear the deal if Gretchen will give him three dates before Christmas. A year ago, the sparks between these two could start a forest fire and Gretchen barely escaped with her heart whole from their one night together. She has no desire for a repeat. Colton always wondered what went wrong and is determined to get it right with Gretchen this time. As Colton and Gretchen get close, each will need to confront their past ghosts in order to find their future happiness.
October 24, 2022
Well, after devouring this entire series, there was no way I wasn’t going to jump all over this new story when I got it in my hands.
I’ll be honest: Gretchen and Colton weren’t my favorite. She’s aloof and crunchy. He’s charming and plays on that rockstar persona. Together, I wanted more than just chemistry between them. The book club couples are all there, but it felt way different than previously seeing them.
Plot wise, it’s sort of meh. Don’t get me wrong, there’s loads of conflict between Gretchen and her family. Colton’s career troubles felt like an afterthought as it’s given one small scene and then a few off hand mentions.
I think my main problem (for lack of a better word) is that everything felt so superficial. Yes, we’re supposed to be familiar with these characters, but even at the end, Gretchen and (especially) Colton still felt like strangers.
Overall, this is one of my all time favorite series and I will forever reread them. I can’t wait to see what else Lyssa comes up with.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I’ll be honest: Gretchen and Colton weren’t my favorite. She’s aloof and crunchy. He’s charming and plays on that rockstar persona. Together, I wanted more than just chemistry between them. The book club couples are all there, but it felt way different than previously seeing them.
Plot wise, it’s sort of meh. Don’t get me wrong, there’s loads of conflict between Gretchen and her family. Colton’s career troubles felt like an afterthought as it’s given one small scene and then a few off hand mentions.
I think my main problem (for lack of a better word) is that everything felt so superficial. Yes, we’re supposed to be familiar with these characters, but even at the end, Gretchen and (especially) Colton still felt like strangers.
Overall, this is one of my all time favorite series and I will forever reread them. I can’t wait to see what else Lyssa comes up with.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
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