the setup…
Country music star Colton Wheeler experienced a life changing moment with immigration attorney Gretchen Wheeler after the wedding reception of Liv and Braden Mack. What was for him the start of something wonderful turned out to be something completely different for her as she woke and bolted. A year later, after endless attempts to reach out to her, Colton suddenly gets a visit and a business proposition from her. What he didn’t know was she is one of those Winthrops, that wealthy family who owns the ultimate whiskey brand. If ever Colton needed help from the Bromance Book Club, now was the time.
the heart of the story…
I immediately liked Colton from earlier stories and highly anticipated this one. Gretchen was the woman who dumped Braden so I always wanted to know more about her. Her abandoning Colton after their one night of passion was inexplicable but after getting to know her family, clarity prevailed. They were over the top awful, their treatment of her even more inexcusable. I enjoyed the romance journey between Gretchen and Colton, how he came to appreciate her qualities despite her history and prickly nature and she slowly removed a lot of walls. She brought out the best in him and he gave her much needed courage and confidence. But, I was disappointed about her predictable behavior near the end and it didn’t ring authentic, putting a stain on an otherwise lovely romance.
the narration…
I enjoy Eiden’s storytelling, especially those moments when the Bromance Romance Club is in full throttle. He not only does a great job with the male voices but handles the female characters nicely, not falling into that falsetto trap.
the bottom line…
Colton and Gretchen’s romance was one of my favorites until that unfortunate moment near the end, leaving it on sort of a sour note despite them working through it. But there was so much to love about this story that it didn’t negatively change my overall opinion. Her family dynamics, his career issues and the Bromance Book Club shenanigans added many layers to this engaging story, having me experience a full range of emotions. If this is the last in the series (I hope not!), it’s been a great reading experience, especially on audio, and I got exactly what I hoped for in seeing men not only reading but embracing and promoting the romance genre.
Book Info
- Release Date: November 1, 2022
- Series: Bromance Book Club #5
- Narrator: Andrew Eiden
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 41 minutes
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
I’ve enjoyed these too. Are you part of the Christmas in July contingent?
Anne – Books of My Heart
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No, it just worked out this way with the series group read.
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Fab review! We read this one almost at the same time haha! I get what you mean with the twist near the end slightly ruining things… I did love the second half more than the first personally, because somehow it took me some time to properly warm up to Gretchen and Colton. LOVED the banter though!
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Thanks, Yvo💜 I noticed we were on a reading parallel. I liked Colton, liked Gretchen, didn’t like Gretchen and Colton until I got further in. Then I adored them!
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Now that you say it, that was exactly what I felt as well! I did like their characters, just not them together in the beginning. The whole ‘forced’ dating thing changed things quickly though.
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I still need to start this series! Glad to see that it stays strong throughout. Great review!
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Thanks, Lisa💜 I’ve enjoyed every book in the series.
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This sounds surprisingly complex – I guess using the word “bromance” in the title kept my expectations low. 😂. I like the sound of it overall. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 It’s one of the best surprises of the series. While the Bromance Nook Club provides lots of delicious humor, each story tackles some tough, relevant issues. The best in contemporary romance.
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Wonderful review, Jo. I loved Colton and was so happy to see him get his happily ever after, even though Gretchen really made him work for it.
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Thanks, Carla💜 Wasn’t Colton just the greatest character? I really liked Gretchen and thought the author erred with that last move. I’ll get over it😏
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I agree. She had a lot to overcome with her family, so it was a bit disappointing.
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I’m really hoping we get more books in this series. I’ve had so much fun with this cast of characters.
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So do I, Suzanne. The series was optioned for development by Netflix two years ago so I’m thinking if that moves forward, there will probably be more books.
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I like the idea of men promoting romance in this! It must have been quite original in its own way. I’m glad you had a blast with it, Jonetta. Great review! 😀
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Thank you, Lashaan💜 I really did! They applied it to their own circumstances. It was wonderful.
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I’ve been enjoying this series and I have Crazy Stupid Bromance lined up next.
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I hope you love it💜
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Just finished it and I did love it! It had be really emotional at times. Now, it’s time for the next one.
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