Book Review: Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Title: Crazy Stupid Bromance
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Release Date: October 27, 2020
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Bromance Book Club #3
Pages: 352
Buy: Indigo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Rating: Donate It
Disclaimer: Mild spoilers.

Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.

A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance. (Goodreads)

I’ve always been an avid reader. However, this year I blew it out of the water. My goal was to read 100 books. As of today, I’m at 136. Wowza!

With that in mind, I’ve also branched out in my reading preferences. I read some horror, mystery, and contemporary romance. Romance novels have always held a special place in my heart. They are the books I reached for when my bank account couldn’t keep up with my reading habits — thanks, mom, for always having regency romance novels lying around — and continue to dominate my book collection. 

So, what am I getting at?

I’m a bit of a romance novel snob. I LOVE regency/historical romance. For years and years, I refused to pick up a contemporary romance novel. I would always politely listen to recommendations, but never took them. Not this year! If there is one thing I’ve done, it’s dive head first into contemporary romance. 

The Bromance Book Club is one of the first series I read. They are funny and light. I seriously laugh out loud, which is why I decided to continue with the series. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Crazy Stupid Bromance and it got me out of a mini reading slump. There is nothing better than the “villain” being named Karen and the comic relief coming from a cat named Beefcake. That right there deserves a *chef’s kiss*. So, why did I give it ⅖ stars? 

I could not stand Alexis. Connecting to the main character on some level is really important, and I promise I tried. She drove me nuts. Like Noah points out to Alexis, she runs from confrontation/fights. Right from the beginning I wanted her to be mad with Candi (her biological sister). Not because I wanted her to be mean, but I wanted her to be logical. Protect yourself! Right from the beginning she learns that Elliot (her biological father) and Candi knew of her existence for three years. Yet, Candi shows up when they need a kidney match. GET OUTTA MY FACE.

Again, it’s not that I didn’t want Alexis to help. It was her reaction to the situation. Noah reacted the way most people would have and it wasn’t even his family. Being so accommodating was more than I could handle. I’m glad Alexis finally let it all out, but I didn’t feel relief. It was a little late, if I do say so myself. 

 If I connected with anyone, it was Noah (except his patience #BLESSHIM). The only thing that redeemed this is what Malcolm said during one of their Book Club meetings:

“What would you say is your pet peeve about poorly crafted romance novels? That would be when two adult characters avoid having a grown-up conversation that could change the course of the story.”

“You know what I love most about the books? I love how they can make us cheer for pretty much any character if we understand why they’re doing something. We’ll let them get away with pretty much anything–including pushing away the woman they desperately want–if they have a strong motivation. The why behind their actions.”

Crazy Stupid Bromance – Lyssa Kay Adams

It’s a great way to break that fourth wall and remind the reader of the important points in the story. Unfortunately, even with that in mind, Alexis drove me nuts. 

Speaking of the story, I think Adams tried to do too much. Sure, it plays into Noah’s reluctance to make a move on Alexis because she has so much going on, but good grief! We have the remnants of the sexual harassment case from the last book (where Alexis came forward), Candi shows up unannounced, Elliot needs a kidney and Alexis may be a match, Alexis struggles with finding out her mom never told Elliot she was pregnant, Mack and Liv are getting married (so, wedding planning a la Bromance Book Club ensues), Noah is struggling with his dad’s death along with the tension with Marsh (his dad’s friend), and we have Karen complaining about the café. 

Ya, Noah, there is a lot going on. 

Reading through all this made me feel like the plastic puck on an air hockey table. I wish Lyssa would have narrowed down the chaos a little.

Overall, this book was a quick read. Hilarity ensues and it perfectly sets up the next instalment of the series. Honestly, I’ve decided to view this book as just a segue into the Russian’s story. I look forward to seeing how the Book Club will help him through his marriage troubles. And, the best part, it’s my favourite romance trope — a marriage of convenience.  

Have you read Crazy Stupid Bromance? Are you planning to? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

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