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Last updated on April 19th, 2024
In this Undercover Bromance review, we’ll dive into the story of Braden Mack, the founder of the Bromance Book Club, and Liv Papandreas, Thea’s sister from book #1.
Though this story deals with a more serious theme than the previous book (sexual harassment), there is enough witty banter and comedy to make it an enjoyable and engaging read.
Synopsis
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 sous 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.
Characters
Mack
After getting introduced to Braden Mack and his charm in Gavin and Thea’s story, I couldn’t wait to find out more about him. And this book did not disappoint.
Mack is funny, confident in his masculinity, and a pure-hearted soul who wants his own happily ever after. Seeing him grow from trying to be perfect to someone more vulnerable and flawed was a moving journey.
And kudos to his patience in dealing with Liv.
Liv
The younger sister of Thea Scott is a spitfire. She’s stubborn, and a bit judgemental but has a huge heart. She often jumps the gun, and while her heart is always in the right place, her execution isn’t always the greatest.
Throughout the book, she skirts the line between being independent and coming off a bit bitchy. While she does cross the line sometimes and comes off as rude, she does admit when she’s wrong.
“A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.”
For more hilariously insightful words of wisdom, check out Lyssa Kay Adams’ most memorable quotes from this series.
I loved that her friends didn’t sugarcoat things for her and called her out on her flaws when necessary, forcing her to take a deeper look into herself.
For someone used to making her own way in the world, it’s not easy to depend on another person. Her character is real and flawed, and watching her walls come down with Mack was oh-so gratifying.
Side characters
There’s a great development with side characters’ storylines as well. ROSIE, whose farm Liv resides on, is like a second mother to Liv and reminds you of an older version of Liv herself.
The BROS in the Bromance Book Club series continue to be a great supporting cast. Their unmoving camaraderie and hilarious antics make the story that much more charming.
Plot
If I could sum up the main plot in a single sentence, it would be – a comedic form of vigilante justice. And even though enemies-to-lovers is not one of my favorite tropes, this book is one of my top reads in this category.
As mentioned before, the central theme throughout this book is sexual harassment in the workplace. The author did a great job handling this issue delicately while promoting female empowerment and solidarity.
The ending was a swoon-worthy and realistic conclusion that will have you rejoicing with your fists pumping in the air.
Writing
While the first book used the story within a story format, this one did not. But this ended up being for the best. As this book dealt with more serious issues, adequate time was needed to develop this without leaving the reader unsatisfied.
And Lyssa Kay Adams did a great job balancing the heavy material with the lighthearted comedy.
Conclusion
Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams is a fresh, engaging, and hilarious story that is great for a quick feel-good read.
If you love charming and flawed characters with a bit of girl power thrown in, then this book is for you.
If you’re keeping up with the series, then check out the next one in line – Crazy Stupid Bromance – great for fans of the friends-to-lovers trope and cats! 🐈
Enjoyed this Undercover Bromance review? Then be sure to add it to your TBR. And if you have already read this book and have some thoughts to share, drop them in the comments below. I would love to hear them!
