Scan barcode
mels_reading_log's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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? Yes
4.5
I love how there is a book in this series for every trope. The romance genre would be nothing without a cute love story about the serious lawyer who hates the holidays and a sweet guy who needs to teach her the true meaning of Christmas.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Gaslighting
edietz22's review
funny
inspiring
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Infidelity, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Alcohol, and Deportation
beckyyreadss'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wanted to read this series because it has been all over the book community. I was dying to read this book; Colton has always been the shy one within the book club and was not going to wait till November or December to read this book. It was like watching a Christmas episode in a series you are binging. I loved these two together and the chemistry between them.
This book has two points of view. The first is country music’s golden boy Colton Wheeler and he felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love him and leave him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to push his music forward in a new direction. If it weren’t for the most magical time of year and the support of the Bromance Book Club, he’d be wallowing in self-pity. The second point of view is Gretchen Winthrop and it’s hard for her not to feel. Little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to afford their rent as an immigration attorney. So when her estranged, wealthy family reaches out with an offer that will allow her to better serve the community, she’s unable to say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of her family’s whiskey brand. No big deal. Colton agrees to consider Gretchen’s offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, Colton throws himself into the task of proving to her there’s a spark between them. But Gretchen and Colton will both need to overcome the ghosts of Christmas part to build a future together.
I still adore these men and these characters and their friendships. I will always love grumpy x sunshine and I love country stars and Christmas. This book was just a man who only has eyes for one girl and that is Colton to a tee. I adore how Colton began a different man even though Gretchen didn’t want him to change but he was protecting her. Gretchen’s family can go and do one because they were all assholes expect Uncle Jack. I adore Uncle Jack; he was great, and I wanted to high-five and scream from the rooftop when he stood up for Gretchen. I loved to see all of the couples and the kids together and Vlad playing Santa Claus and that they were all together to prove to Gretchen that she didn’t need her family because this is the family they have. I love that these men were also telling Colton to pull his shit together and how much grand gestures mean to women.
I just didn’t like how predictable it was getting, especially as this was the fifth book, and you knew how it was going to go down with the third-act conflict and how the boys come together to help with the grand gesture.
Overall, I liked this series and like how fast paced the books have been and I will be reading more of Lyssa’s work in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Violence, and Deportation
noriboo'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
4.0
🌶🌶🌶
•••
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: 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
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: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
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: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Violence, Gaslighting, and Deportation
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: Alcoholism, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Gaslighting, and Classism
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: Sexual content and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Violence, and Gaslighting