Scan barcode
noriboo's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
🌶🌶🌶
•••
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
Colton and Gretchen have good banter between the two of them. I liked how their relationship developed and how the third act break-up was done. Navigating toxic family and unhelpful patterns can be hard. I think that the author did a good job at making Gretchen and Colton well-rounded emotionally mature characters, who falter at times but, in the end, aren't too proud to apologise.
•••
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
Colton and Gretchen have good banter between the two of them. I liked how their relationship developed and how the third act break-up was done. Navigating toxic family and unhelpful patterns can be hard. I think that the author did a good job at making Gretchen and Colton well-rounded emotionally mature characters, who falter at times but, in the end, aren't too proud to apologise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Violence
Minor: Child abuse
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.0
Finished reading: July 9th 2023
"I think you should always consider opportunities when they come your way."
I know that I usually only read Christmas themed stories in December, but I decided to make an exception and join Christmas In July in spirit just so that I could read the fifth and final (for now?) Bromance Book Club book while memories of the previous books were still fresh. I confess that Colton didn't really stand out that much as a character for me in the previous books, but I was still curious about his story (and Gretchen as well). It did take me a bit longer to fully warm up to the story and A Very Merry Bromance wasn't my favorite of the series, but I can't deny that it was still a solid read. I think part of the issue might have been that the other bromance book club members aren't really all that visible especially in the first half? And somehow Colton and Gretchen initially didn't fully convince me... Although that improved considerably once Colton 'forces' Gretchen to go on dates with him. The second half of the story was considerably stronger, and as a result the book ended on a high note for me (although I could have done without the 'twist') . I was happy to see the book within a book feature appear again, although I would have liked to have more chapters incorporated... A little warning is also in place for more serious topics including toxic families, abuse and deportation. That said, A Very Merry Bromance also offers plenty of banter and lighter moments, all wrapped with a big red Christmas bow. Fingers crossed there will be news about a possible book six soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Cursing, Violence, Sexual content, Alcohol, Abandonment, Misogyny, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
meghanm404's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Deportation, and Injury/Injury detail
prettylightsandcitynights's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Minor: Deportation, Bullying, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Violence, and Gaslighting
The majority if the content warnings apply to background information about the main female protagonist's childhood and her interactions with her family in present day. Avoid this book if familial neglect/abuse/gaslighting is triggering.macykey's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
Colton always used to annoy the hell out of me but I think he’s now my favorite member of book club. Christmas, banter, what else is there not to love?? The only thing keeping this from being 5 stars for me is that I wished we would’ve gotten a little bit more of the book club book they were reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Violence
rachelmerrie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m biased because I love this series. This was my least favorite of the series because there were hardly any scene with the actual book club, which was my favorite part of the others. I enjoyed reading about what the men discussed in their club and how to work through gender roles and expectations. This book really had none of that, if anything it encouraged gender roles. Additionally, any time the book club tried to give the main male character advice, it didn’t really go anywhere. I wasn’t a fan of how they immediately fell for each other then abruptly got engaged at the end in the midst of an argument.
Overall, the writing is great and keeps me engaged. I love the characters and their development and the ties from past books.
Overall, the writing is great and keeps me engaged. I love the characters and their development and the ties from past books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Classism, Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, and Cursing
krisalexcole's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Cursing
Minor: Violence, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Child abuse, Bullying, Physical abuse, and Gaslighting
bayleereads's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Continuing on with the fifth book in my favorite romance series... Lyssa Kay Adams did not disappoint-- again! I love Colton SO much and Gretchen was loveable as well. This book combines two of my favorite tropes, second chance romance and grumpy/sunshine. The fun part about this though is the grumpy/sunshine is reversed (grumpy gal w sunny guy)! I loved the Christmas aspect (definitely recommend reading this one around the holiday season to get it's full effect!) and enjoyed the playful banter between these two. Also-- for the love of family drama!!! Of course, the Bromance boys are hilarious per usual-- I always bust a gut when the guys get together. Truly a great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next(?)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Emotional abuse
hazelgirl21's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child abuse and Blood
rakizaka's review against another edition
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, and Violence