Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Die Liebesroman-Mission

I loved the first Bromance Book Club book, and I decided to read the rest of the series while memories of the characters are still fresh. Add the fact that I really liked Braden Mack's character in the first book, and I've been looking forward to read Undercover Bromance. It's true that Liv wasn't my favorite character in the first book, and I'm still not that big of a fan of her in this sequel, but thanks to Mack and the rest of the characters I still had a brilliant time reading it. I didn't expect this story to be quite so serious, as it has a heavy focus on sexual assault and power imbalance at the workplace. I liked how the topic was incorporated into the plot though, and I was rooting for them as they try to bring the bastard down. The only reason I didn't rate it higher is probably because of Liv; her stubbornness and attitude made it very hard to like her character, and it took way too long for her character to fully redeem herself. I absolutely loved Mack's character though, as well as the rest of the book club members and the new characters incorporated. I literally flew through this story, and I already can't wait to read the next book and learn more about Alexis.

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hee28's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful 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

3.5

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beckyyreadss's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.0

I have seen this series all over the book community. I was dying to read this series. I loved the first one and was excited to read this one when I found out it was focusing on Mack. It was funny and cute, but at the same time, absolutely heart-wrenching.

This book has two points of view. The first is Liv Papandreas – we meet her in the first book, she is Thea’s younger sister and Gavin’s sister-in-law. Liv has a dream job as a pastry chef at Nashville’s hottest restaurant. Too bad the celebrity chef she works for is less than charming behind closed doors. Liv catches him harassing a young hostess, so she confronts him and gets fire. Liv is out for revenge, but she’ll need help to take him on. The second point of view is Braden Mack. He owns several nightclubs in Nashville and he runs the Bromance Book Club. Mack has offered to help expose Liv’s ex-boss, but she is suspicious of his motives. So he calls the guys from his book club. Mack is inspired by the romantic suspense novel they’re reading, the book club assist Liv in setting up a sting operation to take down the chef. But they’re just as eager to help Mack figure out the way into Liv’s heart, even though she’s determined to squelch the sparks between them before she gets burned.

I love these two characters; I think the trope that best describes them is golden retriever meets black cat. I liked these characters in the first book, but I did find them both annoying in how they acted – Liv, being a complete bitch at times and just constantly trying to shut everyone down and away from her and then Mack, pushing for the book club and having to open up but then him not doing the same in this book. I loved Rosie and Hop and would have preferred for them to have their own book rather than a side line love story in this book, but I just want them to adopt me, please? I love Noah as well, he reminds me of a techie version of Spencer Reid, just be like yeah, I know what to do and I'll do it, don’t worry about it.

This storyline jumps right in and is very heavy on sexual harassment and sexual assault. So please just be careful if you read this. There is something in the notes before the book begins – Lyssa Kay Adams talks about the Me Too movement and how she wanted to write about that, but please just be careful. The smut is this is the same as the last book, I was expecting more but was happy with what I got and Mack needs to teach everyone to read romance book to impress their partners – the way he let Liv have control and was like boss me around I'm all yours – like BOY I was on the floor.

Overall, I liked how fast-paced this book was and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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