The Bromance Book Club

The premise of this series sounds so cringey you can probably understand why I was so surprised by how much I adored this book. I mean, some random “big wigs of Nashville” coming together in a book club where they secretly read romantic books??? Sounds pretty ridiculous, almost like it could be a fanfiction (Gavin would be Kylo Ren, Mark would be Poe…you get where I’m going with this). But this was actually the best new age romance I’ve read in a very long time. Not only was it funny, but the problems in Gavin and Thea’s marriage were fleshed out in such a beautiful way. From the summary I thought it was going to be a twenty something chapter book of some husband trying to find his wife’s G-Spot and finding reconciliation through sex.

I’m grateful it wasn’t about that. When it’s revealed that Gavin was insecure about his relationship with Thea because of his stutter, and Thea was afraid to be vulnerable because of her relationship with her father, I couldn’t have been happier with this story. it

4.5 stars

The moment I read the synopsis and saw the amazing cover, I knew I needed to read ​The Bromance Book Club​. I fell in love with the idea of a bunch of men forming a secret romance book club in order to better understand women and help their own relationships. I will admit that I was a little worried that the book might not live up to all the hype and buzz, but I can happily say that for me, it was just what I needed and more. ​The Bromance Book Club​ is a hilarious and heartfelt romance that had me laughing out loud one moment and clutching my heart the next. The story is told in the 3rd person, but we do get to hear and know the thoughts of both main characters. There’s also a wonderful romance novel called ​Courting the Countess​ that runs parallel with the main story, which our hero, Gavin, uses to better understand his wife and himself.

Gavin and Thea’s story of a marriage in crisis is all too relatable. They are so perfectly human. Each making mistakes, struggling to find themselves, and facing hard truths. I may not share the same past histories and experiences as Gavin and Thea, but I think all relationships over time face challenges. I found myself contemplating my own marriage throughout the book and the give and take that occurs to make a relationship thrive. How sometimes you have to “open a vein” and lay yourself bare to come out stronger on the other side. The message of loving someone for their whole self and not despite their faults, was so powerful. I loved how Gavin and Thea both grew and matured individually through the course of the book and that in the process, their marriage did as well. One thing I found really refreshing was that Gavin was not the typical over the top alpha romance hero. He stutters, has insecurities, and he is all in for Thea and their daughters from page 1. All these things only endeared him to me more.

This review wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the actual bromance book club. I loved the inspiration and purpose of the club, as well as the diversity of the members and how they each had their own insights into the “manuals”. I thought the secondary characters were just as wonderful as Gavin and Thea. Mack was especially hilarious and provided wonderful comic relief for some of the heavier moments. I’m excited to hear that his book will be next, especially after his awkward meet cute with Thea’s sister, Liv. Speaking of Liv, as a little sister myself, I can completely relate to the fierce protectiveness and unapologetic support she gave to Thea (even when it wasn’t necessary). I know her behavior may rub some readers the wrong way, but I believe her heart was always in the right place.
The Bromance Book Club​ is a fantastic read from start to finish and I’m already counting the days until Mack’s book!

*​I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

Even though the sisters in this story had a reason for their behavior, I was rooting for the guy from the first all the way through. An OK story.