After finishing book 1, Bromance Book Club, I was excited to see where this installment would lead. I enjoyed Mack's character though Liv got a little on my nerves after a while. Mack has the patience of a saint and it must be love since he's determined to stick with her. Parts of what made the first book really stand out, such as the integration of excerpts of the regency romance, was missing from this installment. The Russian continues to be my favorite character. He adds a lot of humor. What's with him and the chicken?! I hope this series continues because they are enjoyable reads.

After reading the first book in this series I needed instant gratification with a book 2. I LOVE these Romance reading book club boys. Braden Mack is the founder of this little club that of men that get in touch with their and their women's feelings by reading the romance. The porny parts are just icing on the cake.


Braden is the typical he-man pretty boy of the group. He owns several nightclubs in Nashville and seems to be able to have all the ladies. They just don't stay with him. He is wining and dining his latest lady love when the pastry chef drops a thousand dollar cupcake on the date's lap.
The pastry chef just happens to be Thea (from book one's) sister Liv. Liv is a fighter. She believes in standing up to evil men and the evil man she is dealing with is her boss famous chef Royce. He is a dingleberry who just pays women hush money after he does the feely feely to them or destroys their careers if the do not play along.
He a douche.

So how did this story go for me? I honestly didn't like it as much as book one. It just felt kinda rushed and I didn't really ever get mad enough at the douche chef. I know he an asshole but it just never felt personal enough that I wanted to jump in and punch his face.
There were a few times when I kinda thought it was over the top with the men in the bookclub being almost too mushy also.
I mean I know they were planning strategies but I wasn't feeling it.



And dare I say it? I didn't really like Liv a whole lot. We wouldn't be besties.

Now for what I did love...and I DO like this series and will happily read any more that I can get my hands on.
Love number one...and probably enough to count as number two also.
The Russian

Love number three:
The chicken vagina discussion


I just snorted thinking about those things.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

If you enjoyed The Bromance Bookclub then you will love the sequel. Mack returns as your typical male looking for fun yet wanting a relationship, like fellow bookclub members. Incidentally, Mack crosses paths with Liv, and what seems as an obvious connection the two fight it along the way. Lyssa Kay Adams continues her combination of romance with hilarious moments.

LOVED THIS BOOK. I really enjoyed the first in this series, but some parts felt a bit forced, this book improved upon that and was so delightful! TW for workplace/sexual harassment.

TW/CW: sexual assault, workplace harassment, domestic abuse, blackmailing

Review:
HUGE THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BERKLEY ROMANCE FOR PROVIDING ME WITH AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!

So, if you haven’t seen my review of The Bromance Book Club, the TL;DR is that it is easily one of my favorite books of the year. I loved how heartfelt, funny, and overall entertaining the book was and was SO excited to read the sequel early.

I’m going to be honest with you guys, this book had a drastically different tone and dealt with some hecka serious topics, though it was still an overall fun read.

“Fear is a powerful motivator.”

—>characters<—

Mack – Braden-Fucking-Mack, aka the creator of the Bromance Book Club. Despite being able to help his friends save their marriages, has not been able to settle down himself.

Liv – No-nonsense side character from book one who gets into some serious shit after catching her boss be a scumbag. Also, doesn’t like romance novels.

“The fact you started reading romance novels to learn to be a better man shows that you already were a better man than he could ever dream of being.”

–>plot<–

Okay, so this book’s tone was WAY different than Bromance Book Club. The light-hearted nature is pretty much gone after the opening scene.

This book really is a commentary on the #MeToo movement, the way the first book was a commentary on toxic masculinity. In the opening chapter (well chapters, like first 2 or 3), Liv witnesses her boss assault her co-worker after a not-so-great encounter with Mack and his current arm candy.

Now, Liv is on a mission to take her sleaze bag ex-boss down and teams up with Mack, not her first choice, but she’ll take it, to take him down.

Mack, on the other hand, is facing this truth that despite being the creator of the Bromance Book Club and helping his friends save their relationships, he is the only member of the club without a long-term partner. He’s now forced to use his methods on himself and figure out his story.

Now, one of the things I really enjoyed in the first book was how the book club book that was picked for Gavin helped him with his marriage by directly challenging what was missing in Gavin’s marriage. That was definitely missing during this book, though I didn’t feel like it was as needed. Like, I liked the callbacks that we did get, especially when Gavin and Mack were GOING AT IT, but also it felt like it was trying to be a gimmick, but not really. I don’t know. I’m happy that the author didn’t rely on the romance novels in this book as a trope and allowed Mack and Liv to have their own story, but also some more book club would’ve been fun too.

All plot set up aside, watching the romance develop between Mack and Liv was actually really fun. I wouldn’t totally call them enemies to lovers, but there was a little bit of work Mack needed to do to win Liv over. I thought their romance was done pretty well overall. I thought it developed organically (despite the actual drama that initially brought them together) and I found myself rooting for them over the course of the novel and was so invested in their story.

Oh and I don’t fault Mack AT ALL for wanting to keep his secret and he definitely was NOT in the wrong for keeping that and Royce was a total douche for playing that card. That’s all I’m going to say to avoid spoilers.

“And we always run for grand gesture.”

Final Thoughts:
Despite the more serious tone of this one, I still enjoyed it just as much as the first book. I thought the development of the side characters was done so well, as well as focusing on building Liv and Mack’s relationship. I found myself flying through this book and I got so invested in the overall narrative. Lyssa Kay Adams is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors and I hope she continues to write more books in this series.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! I loved this even more than the first in the series! Liv is super super spunky and Mack is just adorable and the chemistry was fantastic! Add in taking down a serial sexual harasser and bringing the #MeToo movement to the forefront? Ugh, this one's a keeper.

I really enjoyed this one story wise. In fact, I think I liked it even better than The Bromance Book Club in that regard. I think I just liked the characters in this one better. Mack is such a big personality, which could easily have been annoying, but was instead just endearing.

If I could not give this ARC a star rating I wouldn't because there was one steamy scene that was a bit uncomfortable for me. The characters are getting it on while angry, which I think was supposed to come off as passionate, but instead read a bit too dubious consent-wise for my liking. As far as I'm concerned, the line, "Just so you know, I haven't actually agreed to sex again" should be explicitly addressed before the characters, you know, have sex again. It seems pretty obvious it wasn't meant to be that way given the rest of the context but still. It stands out to me even days later while I write this review. This was an ARC so maybe that will change in the final copy. It could easily be fixed with a bit of dialogue.

Olivia Papandreas “Liv” is working as a pastry chef in one of the most prestigious restaurants in town. After witnessing a crime at work, she’s immediately fired by her boss, and reality TV star, Royce, who owns the club. Trying to pick up the pieces of his own broken heart, Braden Mack ends up caught up with Liv trying to expose her former boss for who he really is. Along the way, Liv and Braden try to resist the temptations that they pose to each other. With witty and laugh-out-loud dialogue, quick-witted Liv and romance-reading Braden will have you rooting for them in no time. With memorable side characters such as Rosie and Hop, as well as the members of the Bromance Bookclub, this book will have you devouring its pages and plot.

Oh wow, this was absolutely amazing from start to finish! I really enjoyed The Bromance Book Club, but I mentioned in my review of that how I felt there was something missing when it comes to the romance, and because of that I had a hard time connecting to it and loving it fully.

Well, this one was the complete package from start to finish. The banter and chemistry between Liv and Mack was absolutely off the charts, and I fell hard for them as soon as they started sharing scenes.

Not only was the romance amazing, but the plot took me completely by surprise in the most delightful way. This book, just like the first, continued to tackle such important things, but it went even deeper this time and talked about sexual assault, toxic masculinity, and feminism in such an amazing way. I absolutely loved how the author went about it, and I just love the stories these books tell.

I do want to take a moment to mention how amazing the scenes between the book club in this one were. I feel we didn’t get as many bromance moments in the first one, mostly because Gavin was a new member and was still getting to know most of the guys. Mack, on the other hand, is the founder of the club and has known these guys for a while now, which meant this book brought many bonding and friendship moments between the guys that really warmed my heart!

I really enjoyed the new side characters we got to meet in this as well!! Hop, Rosie, Alexis... They were such great additions, and I loved the little side romance between Rosie and Hop!


I was so damn excited for this one, and I am so happy that it exceeded all of my expectations for it. Even better than the first on all accords, and just such a fresh, fun, and swoony story!

The whole crew was back again! I enjoyed this book immensely. I really loved the topic of it especially with all the metoo still being fresh and acknowledged. Outside of that topic it was a funny read. There was enough lightness to combat the heavy moments/issues. Liv did have some issues and attitude that I didn't quiet get along with. I can understand where and how that derived, though that was her only saving grace with me actually liking her. Mack was just awesome all the way around. He really was a good guy. Yea he lied and had this secret but it wasn't bad enough for me for Liv's reaction. 70% in, the national anthem scene was hilarious! And I really like how Alexis told Liv off. Throughout the whole book Liv and Thea seemed to be on this high horse and judgmental. I felt that way with Thea in the first book as well. In all I did love the book!!

Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had a really hard time getting through book 1 in this series because the strained marriage thing isn't my scene. Mack's story was more to my liking, and though I didn't expect the #metoo portion of the plot to be so heavy, I am sure glad it was there. The author did an amazingly crazy good job walking that tightrope between the heavier sexual harassment thread and the romance between Mack and Liv. I am looking forward to continuing this series--when will the Russian get his story? Can't wait!

The second in the Bromance Book Club book series, "Undercover Bromance" is an topical read in todays "Me Too" movement. The female protagonist, Liv (sister of the female protagonist in book 1, Thea), finds herself fired after witnessing her horrible celebrity boss sexually harass a co-worker. Mack, an all around good dude and friend of a friend, offers himself to help Liv take down said horrid boss.

I found this book to be a lot more plot driven then the first book, with the plot not only moving more quickly because of it, but a lot of the themes in it are more overarching in regards to societal issues. In the first book, the aim was to introduce the book club and watch as the characters battled with feelings of inadequacy. In the second book, shame is the overarching theme. Shame for our own "weaknesses" or the shame we feel at the opinions and actions of others.

One thing I enjoyed about this particular book more than the first is that, while the in-book fake book the book club was reading as relevant to the story, it wasn't as drawn out as in the first book. The excepts from the fictional book were condensed down to one important scene, and not scattered throughout in a drawn out way.

One thing I did not enjoy, and this is wish fulfillment on my part, is that I am glad we got to see the villain published, but disappointed none of his enablers were likewise punished or shown to be punished. All the men involved who stayed silent while women were harassed and abused were either forgiven too easily or did not have a comeuppance that was seen.

As a romance reader myself, it is a hoot to see Adams bring what people love about the genre into play for the characters in her books. This is the second title in her Bromance Book Club series. While the first book tackled the second chance romance trope, this one takes the plot points of romantic suspense and uses them with an enemies to lovers trope with a timely, #metoo sensibility. Hilarious banter between the to main characters and I love that the princess saves herself at the end of the day.

Undercover Bromance is a delightful romance contemporary that uses humor and an entertainingly antagonistic romance to give a shout out to the #metoo movement and the price of misogyny. I love the idea of the all-male romance club and the lesson the hero learns in the difference between romance and love. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Ms Adams does it again - what an amazing book! I was utterly charmed by Mack and Liv's story and how it organically played out. I'm not going to lie - Vlad the Russian may be my favourite sidekick character of all time. Every time the Russian was in the scene, I was giggling so hard that my family was giving me the "what are you reading NOW?" side eye. I so appreciate a well-written lactose intolerant character! I was so sad when the book was over and I'm really hoping that this is not the last visit to the Bromance Book Club.

I didn't know this was the 2nd book in a series, so this is my first book by author Lyssa Kay Adams. However, these books can definitely be read as standalones. With that being said, I will be going back and reading the first book because I loved this one so much.

I loved how these men realized their roles in society and how to create and sustain equality for all. I also loved how the book club called out indies for being snobbish towards the romance genre. This book was just the fresh read that I needed. I can't wait to read more by this author

Undercover Bromance is a lot of fun. I have not read the first in the series, but this one is great as a stand alone. It follows Liv and Mack, who have a slow burn hate-to-love relationship. The dialogue is extremely funny but has a very serious plot. Liv’s former boss has sexually assaulted numerous employees and Liv, Mack and the Bromance book club are on it to expose him to the media and his peers. Lots of laughs. Liv was mildly annoying with her never ending snide remarks but I personally found her amusing. Can't wait to read the first in the series!

Sequel-itis is in the eye of the beholder. After I laughed all the way through the repair of a troubled marriage, this follow-up enemies-to-lovers story wasn't going to have the same impact. The stakes of a new relationship feel different, even though Mack is a lovable character with unexpected depths.

Turns out that Mr. Romance Novel doesn't have all the right moves. He's lonely, tired of his string of unsuccessful relationships, and hoping that his encyclopedic knowledge of romance and his innate hotness will finally pay off. Along comes Liv, a chef whose leftovers Mack stole in book 1.

She's still mad about it.

Minor nitpick: I wanted Liv's bad boss to be less of a mustache-twirling villain and more complicated, as harassers often are in real life. The revenge scheme is pretty ordinary, too.

That said, I'm always up for more Book Club, because those clowns are priceless and charming.

Received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book series progressively gets better and better and turns so many tropes on their head while slaying them all.

I loved the first book in the Bromance Book Club and was so excited to get my hands on the 2nd one. Before starting the second book, I wasn't quite sure about Mack as the main character, but man I was wrong. Lyssa Kay Adams did a great job of developing Mack and slowly letting is see what drives him. He is transformed from what outwardly comes across as a shallow, perfectionist to a loving, lost puppy of a guy. Liv equally opens up to reveal a more nuanced character. The romance is slow to build but definitely worth it.

I also applaud the author for bringing the MeToo movement into this book. I was a little worried about how it would come off but no worries necessary. She killed it and in the process and in the process also gave us a delightful cast of characters.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the chance to read this great book!