The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

4*

Romance books sell more than any other genre, yet they’re often seen as guilty pleasures or dirty little secrets. As Del says in this book, “...toxic masculinity permeates even the most mundane things in life. If masses of women like something, our society automatically begins to mock them. Just like romance novels. If women like them, they must be a joke, right?” Yet, it’s these same books that this group of high-powered men use as self-help manuals to learn how women think, how toxic masculinity can destroy relationships, and how to shed it to win back their wives and girlfriends. The premise of a romance book club for men is laudable for its unique approach although it’s never explained how the group formed, they don’t hold regular meetings, and only half of the members appear throughout the book. Inexplicably, one of them is Braden Mack, a single flirt whose sole purpose seems to be to throw snarky and annoying roadblocks in Gavin’s path. Aside from the club, however, the story follows a standard romantic trope of a couple (Gavin and his wife Thea) who aren’t honest with each other and who will destroy their marriage if they don’t revisit their past (“backstory”) to acknowledge the baggage that stands in their way. It’s a fun and often frustrating read, and romance readers will enjoy the spin.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Small Town Hearts by Lillie Vale

4*

In this sweet coming-of-age romance, Babe is on the cusp of adulthood, facing a possible future without her lifelong friends, still suffering from a broken relationship with her closeted ex-girlfriend, and wondering if she should break her own rule and fall for “summer boy” and artist-in-residence Levi. As high school ends and Babe looks forward to a last summer on their small island in Maine, something happens that rocks her world and forces her to evaluate what it means to be a true friend. Although Vale uses the predictable trope of the main character losing (in some way) everyone she’s ever loved, she carefully handles the slow-building, but precious relationship between Levi and Babe who fears that he is “just another memory waiting to happen.” The fact that he doesn’t react to the news that she’s bisexual is a relief, but her lies of omission threaten to destroy everything. The scenery as seen through an artist’s eyes is central to the story, and Vale does an outstanding job of drawing readers in and making them root for a happy ending. Highly recommended for libraries serving teens, especially those interested in art.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Swoon Reads through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

California Girls by Susan Mallery

2*

It’s not always sunny in Southern California especially for three sisters who all get dumped over a single weekend. Finola is a TV talk show host whose husband Nigel announces his affair with a young country-pop singer just minutes before she’s supposed to interview her live. Zennie. an OR nurse, is on a 4th date with Clark when he walks away after questioning her lack of enthusiasm and her sexual preference. Ali, the youngest and least attractive, hears the news of her broken engagement, not from the groom, but from his brother, Daniel. In the ensuing months, each one’s lives is on a trajectory of self-reflection, personal growth and wish fulfillment. The paths they take will either bring them together or tear their family apart.

Generally, Mallery’s books are filled with charming characters, strong, affectionate friendships, humor and some minor to major roadblocks to happily ever after. This was a less-than-successful departure from that formula. Most of the supporting characters were appealing, but the central family, including the judgmental and non-supportive parents, were defined by egocentrism, denial, or low self-esteem. Rather than eliciting eager expectations, the dialogue is anxiety-inducing and the story’s lack of depth makes it difficult to engage. Not Mallery’s best effort.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Mira through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.