Scan barcode
reading_redhead_106's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lili_lichtermeer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
ashleighyoung's review
5.0
9/10 - did i just read a christmas book a month after christmas? yes, but it wasn’t the most christmas book, i just took place during christmas time, like no i am not now in the holiday spirit, but man oh man i love this series, i’m sad to see it end but the last one did not disappoint, also to my mother who always tells me that boys don’t like it when you won’t let them open your door or when you don’t do girly things, THIS BOOK SAYS I’M RIGHT, gretchen is a bad ass woman who didn’t need no man, and honestly she was straight up mean to the guy, but low key she is a super hero saving the world and living her life for the greater good of others, and somehow colton snuck his sunshiny little self into her life, and it was perfect
anneke25's review
fast-paced
4.75
I lived this book! This whole series has honestly been some of the funniest, most lovable characters I have ever read about. I really hope this isn't the last book in the series. I'm so sad it's over!
books_after_bedtime's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sian_m's review
4.0
I give this book 3.75 stars. It was a joy to read. It has all the qualities of a good Christmas book with friends, family, drama, some festive fun and romance, with a little pinch of spice. I loved both the MMC and MFC. I felt their relationship to be tangible, with all their elements of life issues and human emotional responses.
The cover is great, although, you don’t get much input from the ‘book club,’ side of things. That was missing for me, however, I have gone straight to book 5 in the series. Perhaps if I’d read them first, it could have been more acceptable to me, due to the potential input in previous books, showing the dynamics of the book club members and their combined friendship’s. Overall, it’s a book I’d recommend.
The cover is great, although, you don’t get much input from the ‘book club,’ side of things. That was missing for me, however, I have gone straight to book 5 in the series. Perhaps if I’d read them first, it could have been more acceptable to me, due to the potential input in previous books, showing the dynamics of the book club members and their combined friendship’s. Overall, it’s a book I’d recommend.
asreadbykat's review
3.0
True Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
I usually don't read romance novels, but felt like taking a chance when I saw this in the bookstore. I haven't read any other books in the Bromance Book Club collection, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this.
I definitely enjoyed reading this; I found myself laughing out loud and smiling more than a few times. Both of the main characters were endearing, and they definitely had chemistry together. It was also brilliant to see Colton called out on some of his actions, and his actual willingness to apologize and admit his wrongdoings.
Probably my biggest issues with the story are the almost constant "breaking" up and making up (more than two times makes me roll my eyes and give up usually), and the way Gretchen's backstory with her family suddenly went to a very dark, serious place with very little warning. There is a VERY big difference from simply growing up in a cold family and what ends up being revealed about her brother, and some more hints towards that would have been appreciated.
Another issue I had was the steamy scenes; I generally skim over those anyway, as a romantic asexual being, but I did notice that there was a vague dip into the inexperienced/"vanilla" BDSM-esque with orders being given and followed using stereotypical gender roles -with absolutely no discussion whatsoever. Admittedly the orders/actions were enjoyed, but I still feel like it's extremely important to discuss likes/dislikes when it comes to bedroom shenanigans BEFORE they actually happen, especially when they start to veer from standard into other territory.
Overall: I enjoyed reading it, but there were a few issues that kept me from giving it a higher rating. But I definitely enjoy it enough that it is going to be at the very least a yearly holiday re-read
I usually don't read romance novels, but felt like taking a chance when I saw this in the bookstore. I haven't read any other books in the Bromance Book Club collection, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this.
I definitely enjoyed reading this; I found myself laughing out loud and smiling more than a few times. Both of the main characters were endearing, and they definitely had chemistry together. It was also brilliant to see Colton called out on some of his actions, and his actual willingness to apologize and admit his wrongdoings.
Probably my biggest issues with the story are the almost constant "breaking" up and making up (more than two times makes me roll my eyes and give up usually), and the way Gretchen's backstory with her family suddenly went to a very dark, serious place with very little warning. There is a VERY big difference from simply growing up in a cold family and what ends up being revealed about her brother, and some more hints towards that would have been appreciated.
Another issue I had was the steamy scenes; I generally skim over those anyway, as a romantic asexual being, but I did notice that there was a vague dip into the inexperienced/"vanilla" BDSM-esque with orders being given and followed using stereotypical gender roles -with absolutely no discussion whatsoever. Admittedly the orders/actions were enjoyed, but I still feel like it's extremely important to discuss likes/dislikes when it comes to bedroom shenanigans BEFORE they actually happen, especially when they start to veer from standard into other territory.
Overall: I enjoyed reading it, but there were a few issues that kept me from giving it a higher rating. But I definitely enjoy it enough that it is going to be at the very least a yearly holiday re-read