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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: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
creativelifeofliz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book really took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I struggled to fully support Gretchen and Colton in all their choices since they were being so frustrating for so long. Full warning: this book gets pretty dark so read the content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Classism, and Deportation
Moderate: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity
jackiepreston's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infertility, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, and Deportation
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: Alcoholism, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Gaslighting, and Classism
lunahale's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
this was a perfect holiday read, and i’m so so happy that gretchen and colton got their happily ever after
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse and Classism
juffnstuff's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Classism
purplepenning's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Blood, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Infidelity, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Deportation
theespressoedition's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Let me start this off by saying that The Bromance Book Club is one of my favorite (and most-recommended) rom-com series. I've read all of the books, in order, and I truly love the cast of characters, their wild stories, and how they all blend together to create this fantastic world of inspiration, inclusivity, humor, and of course--spice. They're some of the most unique contemporary romance novels I've read and that's a huge reason why I love them so much. They've never ceased to bring a smile to my face.
Now, let me get into why I struggled with A Very Merry Bromance. The number one reason? It didn't feel like it was part of this series I've come to know and love. Despite the whole cast making appearances throughout the book, it felt wholly disconnected. If those recognizable character names hadn't shown up, I don't think I ever would've associated this installation with the rest of the books.
Despite being a bit of a self-absorbed celebrity who's unused to being told "no," Colton doesn't really take the primary spotlight in the book (even if he should have - for all the work his character needed). He also doesn't receive his advice from the romance books as the bros have in all of the other stories. He does, however, loan a romance book to Gretchen (which, by the way, we never really see have any affect on her) and constantly mentions A Christmas Carol, a story that supposedly had a huge impact on his own life and way of celebrating Christmas. So yes, there's mentions of reading, but it doesn't hold much sway on either of the characters, unless you count them both admitting they're part of a "grump and sunshine" trope a few times.
Gretchen has a lot of family issues. I mean a lot. If you're uncomfortable with the topic of familial abuse, this is not the book for you, since the story relies heavily on that element of her life. I wanted to see more growth in her character, since I loved her heart, but it felt more like Colton fought her battles for her (and not very well, I might add). I honestly wanted more of Uncle Jack!
Truthfully, I expected to walk away from this book with giddy good feelings and a tummy ache from all the laughter. Instead, I was frustrated with the protagonists, disconnected from the story as a whole, and frankly, just irritated at how different it was from the rest of the series. I wouldn't say that I hated it, and there were some things I really enjoyed (mostly the side characters--and visualizing Vlad in a Santa suit), I was disappointed by the book as a whole and can't imagine that I'd pick it up again. This one was a bit of a bust for me, sadly.
Now, let me get into why I struggled with A Very Merry Bromance. The number one reason? It didn't feel like it was part of this series I've come to know and love. Despite the whole cast making appearances throughout the book, it felt wholly disconnected. If those recognizable character names hadn't shown up, I don't think I ever would've associated this installation with the rest of the books.
Despite being a bit of a self-absorbed celebrity who's unused to being told "no," Colton doesn't really take the primary spotlight in the book (even if he should have - for all the work his character needed). He also doesn't receive his advice from the romance books as the bros have in all of the other stories. He does, however, loan a romance book to Gretchen (which, by the way, we never really see have any affect on her) and constantly mentions A Christmas Carol, a story that supposedly had a huge impact on his own life and way of celebrating Christmas. So yes, there's mentions of reading, but it doesn't hold much sway on either of the characters, unless you count them both admitting they're part of a "grump and sunshine" trope a few times.
Gretchen has a lot of family issues. I mean a lot. If you're uncomfortable with the topic of familial abuse, this is not the book for you, since the story relies heavily on that element of her life. I wanted to see more growth in her character, since I loved her heart, but it felt more like Colton fought her battles for her (and not very well, I might add). I honestly wanted more of Uncle Jack!
Truthfully, I expected to walk away from this book with giddy good feelings and a tummy ache from all the laughter. Instead, I was frustrated with the protagonists, disconnected from the story as a whole, and frankly, just irritated at how different it was from the rest of the series. I wouldn't say that I hated it, and there were some things I really enjoyed (mostly the side characters--and visualizing Vlad in a Santa suit), I was disappointed by the book as a whole and can't imagine that I'd pick it up again. This one was a bit of a bust for me, sadly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Alcohol, and Classism