Audiobook Review: Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Narrator: Andrew Eiden

Title: Crazy Stupid Bromance

Series: Bromance Book Club #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor, & Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 27, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.

Review:

Yayy! With this book I have completed the Reading Romance Challenge! YAYYYYY! *throws confetti* 

Here we follow Alexis and Noah. Alexis and her cat cafe, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef. She was sexually harassed along with so many other women who were just trying to make something of themselves. Alexis has taken this in stride and has become a beacon of moving forward. So many women have come to her to help move forward with their lives. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, Alexis assumes it is another victim, but what this woman claims that she and Alexis are sisters who share a father. Alexis never knew her father! Of course, she turns to her best friend, Noah, for comfort. Noah is a computer genius. He once was an angry teen who loved hacking, but he left that behind and has become a successful computer security expert. Both Noah and Alexis want more, but they don't want to ruin their friendship. Enter in the Bromance Book Club to save the day. 

I will advise at least reading book 2 before diving into this bad boy. In a perfect world, read the first book too. 

Honestly? I'm really, really liking this series. I think this book really cemented that fact. To be honest........I think this is my favorite of the series so far. I have a couple left to get through soooo we shall see. 

Awwwwwwwwwww I loved Alexis (which I knew that from the previous book) and I liked Noah a lot once I got to know him. They are both gems and deserve all the love and all the happiness life can give them!!!!

I loved seeing them be friends and then eventually more. It wasn't an easy change, but once they were open and honest and TALKED they fell into the love mode really easy. Of course, there will be some drama that will test their new love. Past trauma certainly can destroy things. I'm glad that, with their friends and family, they were able to move forward. 

The author did a wonderful job balancing the romance element with all the real feelings and issues and STILL has a nice sprinkle of humor on top of it all. It felt....real. Was everything magically fixed? No. Is everything perfect? No. But love can conquer all. Not just romantic love between Alexis and Noah, but between their families and friends. BEAUtiFUL.

The narrator was amazing. I'm glad he's doing the rest of the series!!!! He is a gem and his voices are in my head. I can't imagine anyone else doing these people.

All-in-all, this was the best of the series so far. I can't WAIT to get started on the next one! The next one is FINALLY Vlad the Russian. Eeek. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #53 for Audiobook challenge

- #25 for Romance Reading Challenge - Animal on the cover (yayy all done)

Audiobook Review: Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Narrator: Andrew Eiden
Title: Undercover Bromance

Series: Bromance Book Club #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit
Published: March 10, 2020

Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Summary: 

Braden Mack thinks reading romance novels makes him an expert in love, but he’ll soon discover that real life is better than fiction. 

Liv Papandreas has a dream job as a pastry chef at Nashville’s hottest restaurant. Too bad the celebrity chef owner is less than charming behind kitchen doors. After she catches him harassing a young hostess, she confronts him and gets fired. Liv vows revenge, but she’ll need assistance to take on the powerful chef.

Unfortunately, that means turning to Braden Mack. When Liv’s blackballed from the restaurant scene, the charismatic nightclub entrepreneur offers to help expose her ex-boss, but she is suspicious of his motives. He’ll need to call in reinforcements: the Bromance Book Club.

Inspired by the romantic suspense novel they’re reading, the book club assists 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 to Liv’s heart... even though she’s determined to squelch the sparks between them before she gets burned.

Review:

I read book 1 a while back and it was okay. I remember having some issues, but I simply loved the premise so much that I decided to do the next book. This time I found book 2 as an audiobook at the library!

Here we now follow Liv and Braden. Liv is Thea's salty sister who doesn't trust anyone for anything. She has a quick wit and doesn't believe in love. Liv had landed her dream job as a pastry chef at Nashville's hottest restaurant. However, after an incident with a cupcake (thanks a lot Braden) and then catching her boss harassing a young hostess, she is fired. In order to bring down her ex-boss, she will need to team up with Braden. Braden is a rich entrepreneur who is more than happy to bring down that scumbag. He'll need to call in reinforcement....the Bromance Book Club. 

Okay....I hated Liv in book 1. She was just an unrelenting ball of hate. I get their father was a piece of shit, but damn was she overly bitter. She is still bitter and a live wire, but I did warm up to her after seeing her POV and seeing that her hate and wit were a cover. Her dawn of realization at the end made me cheer!!! Yayyyy!

Mack is a good egg. Sure did he suck at being real and actually committing? Yes, but he has trauma too. However, once he fell in love he FELL. You could see how much he cared for Liv and how much Liv cared for him. So much trauma between the two of them that it took FOREVER for them to realize they needed each other. I def see some therapy in the future. Maybe not marriage counseling, but they both need to talk to someone. They both had such a shitty upbringing. 

I really enjoyed this. I loved seeing all of our side characters again and meeting some new friends. Awwwww Liv's landlady was adorable. I loved that side romance. CUTE! And the friendship between Vlad and the chicken made me "aww". I am happy to report that our couple from the first book seems to be living their HEA. I had my doubts, but they seemed to have worked out their issues and were communicating and being happy. Yayy.  

The narrator was fantastic. Even for the girl parts, I was stunned by how perfect his lady voices were. Some were a little similar to each other, but he did well. Guys doing girl voices tend to be harder, but I am content. I hope he does book 3 ;) 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this one. I had my worries because Liv was unbearable in book 1, but getting inside her head and seeing her slowly warm up to love and trust made me happy. Onto the next! 4 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #49 for Audiobook challenge

TMST: Famous Authors from Michigan

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

3/21/2023 Tell us about some famous author from your city/state/country

Famous? Mmmmmm I'm going to have to do some digging for this one. I know a few people that have written books that are from my state or city. I live in the US so I could list a few, but I'm going to try and research Michigan folks. *vanishes to the Googleverse*

*pops back*

Okay...here is what I found!

• Lyssa Kay Adams! She wrote 'The Bromance Book Club' which I read a little while ago. She certainly is making a name for herself. :) I can't wait to read more by her. She currently lives in Michigan. Not sure if she was born and raised here, but cool that she is here. 
• Steve Hamilton. I have seen his books everywhere so that is fun that he is a Michigander. Looks like he is known for mysteries and thrillers. I'll have to finally check out one of his books. 
• Mitch Albom. Originally born in New Jersey, but he currently lives in Michigan. I feel like I knew this fact, but still nice to see a familiar name! Plus I have read many of his books! 

Those are the names that stuck out to me when thinking and researching. I'm sure I've seen (and maybe even read) some books by other Michigan folks. Here is a list I found that has a bunch of names of authors tied to Michigan in some way. 

Book Review: The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Title: The Bromance Book Club

Series: Bromance Book Club #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports, Chick Lit

Format: paperbook

Pages: 352

Published: November 5, 2019

Where I Got It: My shelf (Xmas gift)

Summary: 

The first rule of book club: You don't talk about book club.

Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it'll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.

Review:

Had my eye on this one and was pleasantly surprised when I received this as an Xmas gift from the lovely Blodeuedd! Thank you!

Here we follow Gavin and Thea. Gavin is a second baseman on his major league baseball team. Even celebrity athletes have trouble in their marriages! Gavin recently found out that his wife has always faked the Big O. He doesn't take this well and is hurt deeply...so he doesn't react great about it...it is the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce and Gavin is out of hope. In comes the Bromance Book Club. Gavin will find help from a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. They read romance books and will use these books to help coach Gavin in saving his marriage. Thea has lost her trust in him so it will take everything he can to win her back. 

When I closed the book....I took some time to think it over. I DID enjoy this. I really did. I loved Gavin and his friends. I also really liked Alexis and Nessa. I loved the secret book club between manly men reading romance novels to help their relationships. Such a clever idea.

HOWEVER, I had TWO big issues. Get prepared for a rant and for some spoilers! SPOILER ALERT!

1) Thea. I get it...she has parent issues. They pretty much abandoned them so she has trust issues. She never really ever trusted Gavin with her heart and her past. SURE. I can get it. Her dad was a scoundrel and has married and cheated...married and then cheated. However, how can you punish Gavin for that? He never, ever cheated. Also, I don't understand why she wouldn't just tell Gavin the truth about anything. If anyone should have trust issues in this marriage it should be him. Omitting the truth is a lie sweetie. Maybe therapy could've helped? Say you're having issues in the bedroom and go from there. AND Gavin never ASKED you to stop going to college when you got preggo. He never ASKED you to give up your career for his career. So to use that against him is crap. AGAIN, Thea has some major issues so I can see why she has trust issues and etc. That isn't fair to make Gavin have to fix everything and beg and plead for you back. It takes communication, honesty, and patience for love to work. I am glad she seen the light and realized how toxic she had been. It took forever though. 

2) Liv (Thea's sister). I get that she has the same issues as Thea. They both had shit parents and have the same trust issues. I get it is her sister and she will stand by her side. However, she treated Gavin like he cheated and beat Thea to an inch of her life. Later on in the book, Thea hinted that she had a good time on their "first/redo" date and wanted to have smexy times with him Liv lost her marbles. You are supposed to be her sister. You are supposed to stand by her side. And also...be honest with her. Thea wasn't 100% without fault in the failure of the marriage. Gavin did nothing so bad that they can't fix it or go to marriage counseling to help fix it. She kinda realized she was being toxic....but not really. She does get her own book so maybe she'll realize how shitty she was to Gavin and realized she was projecting her daddy and mommy issues onto him. 

I bet you can tell that I was really holding this in LOL. Liv and Thea are pretty toxic in my humble opinion. Yes, Gavin messed up by being angry and giving her the silent treatment. Yes, Gavin messed up and left when Thea told him to go and move out. Sure. He should've stayed and fought and suggested therapy or something. It takes two to tango and it takes two to make a marriage work. They were both in the wrong in so many ways, but I felt like Gavin had to do all the work to rekindle that love and make up for his wrongdoings. She just said sorry once and he was all "I LOVE YOU AND FORGIVE YOU! LET US REMARRY!"  There is a scene when he strategically throws in the towel and leaves. Good for him. 

END OF SPOILER ALERT!

BUT I did enjoy this book even though I found Liv and Thea pretty dang toxic. I loved watching them rekindle their love. I loved the WAG drama. I loved watching Thea find herself again and go back to college. Good for her. I loved their kids. They were adorable and oh-so innocent. 

Vlad made me laugh. Mack was adorable. 

Alexis deserves the world and I want to read her book SO bad. 

This book is perfect for book club. I may make mine read it one day. So much to discuss. I'm sure this could lead to a lively debate. 

All-in-all, I had some issues with two characters but I did enjoy this at the end of the day. I want to read more of the series. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #9 for Romance Reading Challenge - Sports Romance

Blodeuedd's Book Review: The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

339 pages, Paperback

Series: Bromance Book Club (#1)

Published: November 5, 2019 by Berkley

Contemporary romance

Own

The more I thought about it the more annoyed I got.

They could not communicate. No one said you had to marry just cos you were preggers, do not blame your problems on others. Thea felt, bleh, I disliked her more and more. She blamed everything on others, fudge girl, maybe you are the problem.

Her sister was toxic. Why the hate? Your brother in law is not the problem, and you are a bitch.

Gavin Gavin, I know you had a hard time finding a woman. And yes you should be loved for who you are, but it would have been better to leave this one behind.

I do not believe in their HEA: They will definitely divorce at some point when Thea has issues again. And Gavin needs to just leave

I am just so disappointed. It was depressing, there was no romance, and nah I wont be reading more.

Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it'll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.