I've read this whole series and unfortunately didn't love this one. I was excited about a "second chance Christmas romance" but found Colton to be very pushy. Not only just with pushing Gretchen to date him, but also feeling the need to make her love Christmas. This one missed the mark for me.

The Bromance Book Club is back for their next matchmaking mission! And this time it’s during the most magical time of the year. The 5th book in the series focuses on country singer Colton. Colton is struggling to find the next step in his music career when he is approached by Gretchen, a one-night-stand from a year prior with a business proposition. He says he will consider her offer on one condition: she has to go on three dates with him before Christmas. He is determined to use those dates to prove to Gretchen that they could have something real.

This entire series is a gem and this book is no different. I loved that this book paired the fun and humor of the Bromance Book Club and added the perfect sprinkle of holiday magic. While the
Christmas setting was fun to read during this time of year, this book was not overly Christmas heavy. It could easily be enjoyed at any time of year. As always a highlight of this book was seeing the bromance book club all together. The moments that feature their friendship are always so special and really make this series a joy to read. In addition, the romance between Colton and Gretchen was also magical. Seeing them slowly open up to each other in different ways felt extra special with the holiday setting.

This book was such a fun read and did not disappoint!

Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. Thank you to @berittalksbooks and @dg_reads for the buddy read!

3.5 - 4 stars

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m a sucker for the found family trope. I especially love it when you have a character who feels like they’re basically unworthy of love, and the people around them prove them wrong and make them realize how special and loved they are. I’m tearing up just thinking about it!

That’s what this book is: Gretchen has been hurt and betrayed, and she doesn’t want to let people get close to her. She especially doesn’t want to open her heart to sweet, thoughtful, Christmas-loving country music superstar Colton, even though they had one amazing, memorable night together a year ago. When they’re thrown back into each other’s lives, Colton is determined to break down Gretchen’s walls; he’s also determined to get her to see the fun side of Christmas since she’s a total Scrooge.

This book has a bit of everything: festive fun, family drama, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, a friendship group, career struggles, overcoming past struggles and trauma, and more. There’s a good balance of humour, heart wrenching emotion, and swoony, steamy romance. While this is probably my least favourite of the Bromance Book Club books so far, I did enjoy it and would recommend it, whether you’ve read the rest of the series or not.

A sweet romance I have been waiting for since Colton and Gretchen first met in Crazy Stupid Bromance. As mentioned in the story it was the grumpy one/sunshiny one trope and took place at Christmas. Gretchen and Colton are turned in to more fully fleshed out characters in contrast with their previous appearances in the Bromance Book Club series.

Gretchen is struggling with her law firm where she helps those in need of immigration attorneys, she runs mostly on donations but lately it has become a strain on her employees. When an opportunity presents itself to get on the charity board of her families whiskey company she will do whatever it takes. However whatever it takes is convincing Colton Wheeler big time country star to be the face of the company. However the two have history when she ran out on a one night stand almost a year ago. Colton is also having problems, his record label hated his newest music. Colton agrees to hear a pitch if Gretchen will go out with him on the date he always wanted.

Thanks to Lyssa Kay Adams, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Gretchen Winthrop is not a fan of the holidays, a verifiable Scrooge. But when her awful older brother offers her an incentive to get a place on the family board, Gretchen finds herself contacting Colton Wheeler, country star and her hookup from over a year ago. Colton finds himself in dire straights this holiday season, still pining over Gretchen and having trouble with his music/ muse. Will they be able to come to a business agreement that works for both of them? Or will sparks fly between this grump and sunshine?

As always, I love this series. I love the take on positive masculinity and how every one of the Bormance Book Club members is fully fleshed out and their own character. The friendships between the boys is definitely what keeps bringing me back.

I liked the pacing of this book, it kept up both the flirting and plot very well. I liked the grump/ sunshine trope, but loved Gretchen's awful family more. What can I say, I'm sucker for a girl who does her best to rise above and for a man who'll fight for her. I found this book a lot more emotional than the last few, but they all pack a punch. Happily Ever After included alongside a heaping helping of Christmas Cheer!

Thank you to Berkley, NetGalley, and PRH Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest reivew

CW: physical/emotional abuse from a sibling (past), blackmail, violence, family tensions

This is part of the Bromance series but can be enjoyed entirely as a standalone

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-holiday romance
-opposites attract
-loves the holidays vs. hates the holidays
-one night stand

This is a series that just constantly delivers. A fun twist to the grumpy sunshine, the lover of the holidays vs hating of the holidays. The country music star pining away for the one night stand vs the cynical attorney who had a terrible experience growing up with the holidays despite her affluent upbringing.

Colton and Gretchen had a great dynamic. the push and pull as these two slowly opened up to each other, amazing chemistry and a fun holiday spin. I really enjoyed this on audio, the narrator aded another great layer to this story, and it's always a joy to see the Bromance book club together, calling each other out and being there for each other.

Steam: 3.5

The boys are back in town for the 5th book in the series! This book is all about Colton a very famous Country star with a sunshine/grumpy trope. Colton is sweet, the best brother, uncle, son, but he can’t seem to find his muse to write more songs. With his career on hold and unable to get Gretchen out of his mind, he finds a way to get to know her.

I personally felt represented by Gretchen, she dislikes Christmas, nothing personal, I’m just a Christmas baby. So, decorating and all that is not something I personally enjoy. The banter between Colton and Gretchen was soooo good, chef’s kiss! I love the approach the story took in acknowledging toxic family, healthy boundaries, and inner healing.

My favorite part of the series is always checking in on The Bromance Book Club. I just wish there were more Bromance Book Club moments, but that is only because I love them together. This book was the perfect start to the holiday reading season.

Andrew Eiden is such a great narrator; I end up waiting for the audiobook because he is that good. It would be nice to have a female narrator just to represent the ladies.

The Bromance Book Club series has quickly become one of my favorite romance series to recommend to patrons, and Colton's addition to the collection did not disappoint. Filled with all the magic and delight of the holiday season, plus a little shenanigans that one can only expect from the resident superstar, this book is sure to bring a smile to anyone who picks this up this holiday season.

When I saw we were getting a book with a Christmas focus, I was so excited! Y’all know this series is my jam! No Colton wasn’t the hero I wanted, and no I did not like Gretchen at first, but I still had a lot of fun reading this.

Ok, so when I said I didn’t really want Colton as a hero…. it wasn’t because I don’t like him. It was more so because I still felt like he was too new. I wanted someone that was invested. I was wondering why the hell we never got Malcolm, but I’m thinking that question was answered in this story. He’s always the one with all the answers. I guess I wanted to see what type of conflict that would bring since he is the one that knows all. ANYWAY, back to Colton. He was super sweet. I just wish there were more music scenes with him. I hated that his slump was part of the plot. Because if there’s a book about a musician, I would expect it to be about music lol But still I understood why it had to happen. But Gretchen took a while to grow on me. Her attitude was terrible. I knew it was because she had something happen to her in the past, but it still made me not like her. She was over the top dramatic and she didn’t tell anyone anything. And y’all know that’s my pet peeve.

I did love the way the book was more in this book tho. The little excerpts that aligned with what was happening in the story is always my favorite part. So when they didn’t add that in the past few stories, I was a little upset. But this one is super sweet and not only did it go with the story, it also went with the season. It seemed to be Christmas in the story too. It sounded like a basic Hallmark Christmas movie, but for that reason I wanted the full length novel of it lol It sounded so good! Definitely something I could see myself reading/watching.

The plot of this was all over the place. Just when I thought I knew what was coming, I realized I had no idea. This was crazy! And here I was thinking there would be some musical influence on this too. But no. It was so much darker than what I was expecting. And listen, I have some weird ass people in my family, but she had some TERRIBLE people in hers. I’m talking I hated everyone. It was just all bad. It definitely made the plot unpredictable tho, and I loved that too.

The Bromance Book Club was there of course as usual. I always love seeing how they help each other. And this one was no different. And I actually liked the advice they gave him this time. Usually I cringe, but this time I really though it was good advice. Like that time he threw her out? Yeah he could have done that a lot better than he did lol Now I did have to grapple with what they told him at the end (I wanted him to do exactly what he did, but I digress) but when I realized that the other person also realized they messed up, I was like ok, I’ll let everyone make it.

The setting of this book sounded beautiful tho. I wanted to see the snow and the Christmas trees and the food trucks! I don’t know if it’s because when I read this it was in the 80’s where I’m from or what, but Lordt I wanted to be in this book so bad. If nothing else so I could look around at everything. And of course for that Christmas party scene. I was swooning so hard lol Ugh it was so cute. Definitely my favorite part.

This wasn’t my favorite in the series, but I am still hella sad to see it go. I want more of this series. Like another branch or something. But the idea of men reading the manuals and using them for good and not mansplaining….. Ugh. I just want more. I know we get the Countess book, but I want another book-book. But even if this is the end, I can live with it. As long as I can get the Countess book in my hands in record time. Thanks and Goodnight lol

Heartthrob country star Colton Wheeler has a long lasting crush on his one night stand from his friends wedding. Gretchen is a immigration attorney running away from her family’s whiskey legacy and fortune. She is also Colton’s one nightstand.

True to the form of this series, I love the friends who have become a family and getting to see the guys from the bromance book club. The story within a story is never my favorite part, but this story was a sweet and charming love story. The holiday setting was perfect for curling up with a warm beverage and whisking yourself away for a hilarious and spicy Nashville Christmas.

I am a huge fan of this series, and going into it, I knew I was going to love this one too! Lyssa Kay Adams just does not disappoint! AT ALL! She never misses! I loved every second of this one, and I hope she continues to write about more of the friend group! This one might be my favorite of all of them! I loved the relationship between Colton and Gretchen! They were literally perfect together! AHH it was just so good!

3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed a lot of this. Colton and Gretchen were great together. Perfect opposites attract story. I loved some much about them and how they both lived their lives. Gretchen completely broke my heart with how she was treated by her family and what that did to her. And Colton just wanted to love her and be loved by her. There were 2 things that I didn't love, all the other characters from the other books (they felt invasive and didn't add to the story much, and how Gretchen's family was really "handled". But all in all this was a good read.

These books keep getting better and better! I love watching the friend group grow and each couple get their spotlight. Colton & Gretchen were adorable, and I loved how they were both semi-well-known instead of just being a famous person/normal person couple.

3.5 Stars

Bromance meets A Christmas Carol in Adams’s latest.

The fifth installment of the Bromance Book Club finally gives us Colton Wheeler’s story. I won’t lie, I’ve been waiting for this one for a while. Though it didn’t quite give me what I was expecting.

Colton is our hero, a country music star with fame, fortune, and a major writing slump. He’s on the verge of losing his contract or being forced to write songs he doesn’t want to. So how will Colton break through the funk… get distracted with Christmas and the one woman he can’t forget.

Gretchen Winthrop, she originally showed up in Bromance Book Club #2, as Mac’s girlfriend. Though she dumped Mac pretty quickly at the beginning of that story. Since then, her and Colton shared a one-night stand she’d rather forget. Though not because it was a bad time, but one that might affect her determination to not get involved too far. Gretchen is a badass immigration attorney and the daughter of one of the richest whiskey distillery families in Nashville.

These two are just so delicious for each other. Grumpy and Sunshine, but I bet you never guess which one is which. Of course, the bros make plenty of appearances. Even our dearest Vlad in a Santa suit. Both Colton and Gretchen experience the magic of the holidays as they fall for each other and become entrenched in each other’s families… one has a good one and the other, not so much.

I really enjoyed this book, though I thought the conflicts and the resolutions were a bit disjointed at times. A lot of things are drawn out one way and then easily resolved or vice versa and not drawn out enough. Regardless, these opposites attract pair worked well together and Adams continues to deliver plenty of Bromance drama, manual learnings, and characters to enjoy.

For those who enjoy Christmas romances that are not over-the-top and without the Hallmark-esque feel, this may be the one for you.

~ Landra

I love this series. I love these characters. I was afraid I wouldn't love this one because Gretchen isn't my most favorite heroine I've ever read but her back story and perspective was nevertheless so compelling.
The premise is silly, but the whole thing is! I feel like Lyssa Adams embraces the silly and knows how to do it with her heart on her sleeve.
I just LOVED this.

The guys from the Bromance Book Club are back to add some holiday cheer to your romance reading in Lyssa Kay Adam’s latest installment of this fun series, A Very Merry Bromance!

I honestly don’t think I’m ever going to get tired of this series. It always delivers so much heart and humor, and I adore every character. The book club guys are of course the heart and soul of the series. They are in love with love and not only do they want to secure happily ever after for themselves, but they make it their mission to help their friends find love too. And this holiday season, they have their sights set on their pal, Colton.

Colton is a country music star and a hottie who could have women lined up to date him if he was interested. Colton, however, is only interested in one woman, an immigration attorney named Gretchen he thought he had a connection with but who ghosted him. With the help of his book club buddies, Colton is hoping he can convince Gretchen that they are perfect for each other.

This was such a fun read for me! It was exciting to finally have Colton in the spotlight. I also loved that he’s a Christmas loving ray of sunshine and that one of his obstacles with Gretchen, in addition to figuring out why she pushes him away, is finding out why she dislikes the holidays. I was a little lukewarm on Gretchen at first because she just seemed so stiff about everything but once we get her backstory and see what’s driving her, I fell in love with her and wanted to kick some people’s butts on her behalf.

I don’t want to spoil anything so I’m just going to say if you’re in the mood for a grumpy-sunshine (or should I say Grinchy-sunshine) romance that is filled with book club bros and their shenanigans, as well as Lyssa Kay Adams’ signature wit and humor, you can’t go wrong with A Very Merry Bromance!

The Bromance boys are back and I am here for it!
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This book was just what I needed this week and Lyssa Kay Adams never disappoints!
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Country singer Colton and attorney Gretchen connect after their best friend's wedding, but quickly, Gretchen bails as she knows she can't be with someone so close to her friends group. A year later, it's Christmas and Gretchen and Colton have a run in during an ad campaign. Did they miss their chance? Can they give it a second try?
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What I loved about this book was that Lyssa's talent lies in her ability to create these characters that feel like friends. Gretchen's struggles around the holidays resonated with me. I love that Lyssa reminds us that just because Christmas in the past wasn't up to par, doesn't mean future Christmas is ruined for you.
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I can't get enough of the Bromance crew :)

A Very Merry Bromance is a sunshine and grump romance between Colton, country music's golden boy, and Gretchen, a grumpy immigration attorney. Colton and Gretchen had a one-night stand a year ago and now their paths cross again as Gretchen approaches Colton with a business proposal for her family's business. In exchange for considering the proposal, Gretchen must go on three dates with Colton before Christmas. Colton is determined to make Gretchen enjoy Christmas.

Lyssa Kay Adams never disappoints me. I always enjoy her books and this delightful holiday romance is no exception. Colton and Gretchen had such good chemistry together. Colton was the perfect foil for Gretchen. I also really enjoyed the family drama on Gretchen's side. It was very toxic, but also extremely entertaining to read. The climax was not my favourite, but overall, I really enjoyed the story and especially the romance.

As expected, the bros lived up to my expectations. Their scenes always make me laugh out loud. I'm really hoping the Cheese Man gets his own story LOL.

A VERY MERRY BROMANCE is the fifth book in the Bromance Book Club series and it doesn’t disappoint! It’s filled with quirky but endearing characters who are part of the male (or bromance) book club that talks about tropes and grand gestures—something all romances need at some point. This is Colton and Gretchen’s story. The pair got together a year ago after a friend’s wedding. But soon after Gretchen ghosted Colton since her family is dysfunctional. She feels like she brings out the worst in others and can’t be loved since her own family avoids her.

Gretchen comes from money and a well known whiskey making family but has always been an outsider. Everyone in her family, except for her uncle, treats her poorly, most of all her brother, who is set to inherit it all. She’s an immigration attorney whose clients are usually pro-bono cases, and she’s struggling to keep her firm afloat. When her path crossed Colton again, will they be able to pick up where they left off?

Colton is a country music star whose career is ready to implode—but not if he can help it. He’s taken by surprise when his record company doesn’t like the direction his music has taken, but he’s willing to prove himself and put in the work to get back on track since many people depend on him. He seems to find his muse again after a dismal two years. Could that be thanks to seeing Gretchen again?

There are a lot of story lines in this book, and they are effortlessly woven together. I love that the story is set at Christmas and that there are family traditions as well as other activities richly described. The main characters feel real and have you rooting for them.

A VERY MERRY BROMANCE is an emotional holiday read. I do hope there are more books in this series because there are definitely more stories to tell. The cover is colorful and festive as well. A wonderful holiday romance that will warm you right up!

Colton hasn’t been my favourite book club member in past novels because his personality was too … flirty maybe, I don’t know. He came across as a player who used his fame as a country singer to get with women and I just didn’t love it. However, this book revealed a whole new side to Colton Wheeler and has allowed me to look back on past situations/dialogue of Colton’s with a new outlook.

This novel also starts with a scene from the night of Mack and Liv’s wedding, same as the previous novel, because that is where Colton becomes acquainted with Gretchen. We are acquainted with Gretchen from previous novels because she actually had a short-lived relationship with Mack before he met Liv. I actually really love the dynamic of that situation. Though it it not discussed a lot - Gretchen does occasionally mention that she sometimes feels awkward in Mack and Liv’s presence - as a reader, it is actually really inspiring to read about this makeshift family knowing that they really don’t exclude anyone. They are all so darn likeable!

This book is marketed as a Christmas romance, which I guess it technically is because it mostly occurs around Christmas and there is a lot of banter because Colton loves Christmas and Gretchen resents it, but I personally wouldn’t consider this novel a Christmas story. I still enjoyed it all the same though! I did like the compare and contrast between Colton and Gretchen’s families and upbringings. I think it shed a lot of light on the significance of nature vs nurture in people and I found that really interesting. There was a bit of foreshadowing as to how this story would unfold prior to Colton and Gretchen’s reconciliation, which occurs in all of these books actually. The book that the boys are reading typically has a lot of similarities to whoever is having a love life crisis at that time 😂

Colton and Gretchen were a good match and I really did like them together. I enjoyed getting to know Gretchen - she came with A LOT of juicy, rich family drama - but she was a bit annoying at times… Though I can understand and appreciate the fact that she had a traumatizing upbringing and did not agree with her family’s values and thus actively worked to be the opposite of them, she was a bit too self-deprecating… sorry Gretchen! I do look forward to hearing tidbits about their future in this series’ future novels.