Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams Series: Bromance Book Club #1
Published by Berkley on November 5, 2019
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
The first rule of book club:
You don't talk about book club.Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him.
Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.
Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it'll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.
I’ve seen so many great reviews on The Bromance Book Club I decided I must read it! I had the eARC from Berkley and the audio from the library which I combined to read it. I do think the narration is always a plus for banter and adds to the emotional experience.
I seem to be reading many more books on this topic – saving a marriage – than ever before. While all couples have different backgrounds, hot buttons and emotional issues, there is an overwhelming fact — communication is critical.
I didn’t especially like Gavin or Thea, the main couple in this romance. Thea chose to not communicate and just go along with things, which is an error of omission, but still a lie. An intimate, primary relationship suffers greatly with this choice. Gavin was on the road and building his career and didn’t pay attention to things at home. I was especially disturbed how he was not closer to his daughters.
Bromances are a complete joy and guys reading romance is a hoot! I found the author’s interweaving of a historical romance to be clever and hilarious. It took some courage to read and utilize the perspectives found there. Reading is a key to seeing different perspectives and can help develop empathy to other situations.
I did really appreciate Gavin’s efforts. BUT since he was off season, I would have really liked to see him do some cleaning around the house! But since we didn’t see Thea cleaning all the time either, maybe they had help, as they could afford it. I loved when he spent time with the daughters so Thea could take a breather.
I enjoyed the journey and growth of this couple and will be very interested to see what else happens in this bromance world. Next up is The Undercover Bromance.
About Lyssa Kay Adams
Lyssa 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.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER Friends
This one was so hyped and I felt like somewhat of the odd man out when I read it. I think I gave it 3 or 3.5 stars when everyone else was throwing 5 stars at it. I liked Gavin and how much he loved his wife and family. He was willing to fight for them. I loved the book club guys. What a fun lot! But Thea and Liv about ruined it for me. Thea didn’t communicate with Gavin, never shared her issues, and yet held it against him when he didn’t read her mind and just magically know what was going on. It took her way too long to accept any responsibility for their issues. And Liv meddling in their marriage had me seeing red. You just don’t do that. You do not insert yourself in someone’s marriage (even family). When I learned that the second book was about Liv I decided not to read it. Do you think you’ll continue with the series?
Thought the first one was interesting -thanks for the review on the second book – added to list.
Yes I actually enjoyed both but the second one even more. A bit because I knew all the characters better but I liked the couple more also.
I’ve heard a lot of chatter about this book and have been curious. It’s unfortunate that you didn’t like the main couple more but good to know if I get a chance to read it. Good review!
I liked the second one better but they were both fun.
I do enjoy a good marriage-in-crisis sort of romance. They both made mistakes, but I think I took Gavin’s side a little more. How can you fix what you don’t know is broken? Yeah, he was clueless, too. Yes, I would’ve liked to see him helping around the house more. I like to see that with all men, lol! 🙂
I agree with all you say. I still think Gavin is dumb. I’m sorry as that’s not kind but he’s fictional. I wouldn’t say that about any real person, but he’s just stupid.
I liked the concept and I’ve read the second book of this series which was fun. Great review Anne.
I hope you enjoy this one also. I just like the couple and the humor better in the one you already read.
I somehow missed this post! Great review, Anne? I had a tough time with both characters but they were so realistic it made me love the story, no matter how ill behaved both were.
Thank you! I like the next one better. This one didn’t have quite the humor or additional mission, although it did also introduce a lot of supporting characters and build the world.
I have seen a lot of positive reviews for this one. I have it in print, but still haven’t decided it I’ll read it. Maybe audio is the way to go! Thanks.
I would choose audio if you can. I like the next one better than this one, so I would read both in order. Because I’m OCD like that.
I bought this one at the end of last year but haven’t been able to work it in just yet. I really do like the sound of it but I agree he should clean! I am always a fan of men who clean 🙂 I might have to give the audio a try.
I liked the audio and I much preferred the second book.