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The Bromance Zone
Two great friends. One road trip. And eight inches …
... of snow that night at the cabin.
If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Friends don't bang friends.
I want my friends to stay in my life, especially that flirty, clever, outgoing best friend of mine.
It's a damn good thing Owen and I made a pact in college to never ever sleep together, or else I'd be tempted.
Trouble is, eight years later I've been wondering what his kisses taste like. And I've been curious if our chemistry would extend into the bedroom. If he might feel the same risky pull.
But I don't want to lose Owen, and history says there's no way a tryst between friends can end well.
So as long as I avoid the bedroom with him, I won't break that hard-as-steel rule.
Except the snow has other plans …
The Bromance Zone is a deliciously flirty, red-hot sexy, friends-to-lovers MM romance about the charming guy next door who's sworn to never date a friend, the flirty hot nerd who's been secretly crushing on that friend forever, and one night snowed in in a cabin. This book comes fully equipped for your reading pleasure with sexy banter, a super awkward dinner party, and a scene in front of a fireplace that proves just how dangerous the friend zone is!
... of snow that night at the cabin.
If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Friends don't bang friends.
I want my friends to stay in my life, especially that flirty, clever, outgoing best friend of mine.
It's a damn good thing Owen and I made a pact in college to never ever sleep together, or else I'd be tempted.
Trouble is, eight years later I've been wondering what his kisses taste like. And I've been curious if our chemistry would extend into the bedroom. If he might feel the same risky pull.
But I don't want to lose Owen, and history says there's no way a tryst between friends can end well.
So as long as I avoid the bedroom with him, I won't break that hard-as-steel rule.
Except the snow has other plans …
The Bromance Zone is a deliciously flirty, red-hot sexy, friends-to-lovers MM romance about the charming guy next door who's sworn to never date a friend, the flirty hot nerd who's been secretly crushing on that friend forever, and one night snowed in in a cabin. This book comes fully equipped for your reading pleasure with sexy banter, a super awkward dinner party, and a scene in front of a fireplace that proves just how dangerous the friend zone is!
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 26, 2021
527 people are currently reading
1761 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
256 books24.2k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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October 22, 2021
RATING 4.5 STARS
The Bromance Zone is book one in The Good Guys series by Lauren Blakely. This is a M/M friends to lovers romance that is sweet and sexy, flirty and swoony and basically just made me smile all the way through. There is no angst, no push away and lots of just plain wonderfulness.
We met River Michaels in the previous Men of Summer series. He is a bartender and now business partner with Grant. By the way, I have to add here that I LOVED seeing a little bit of Grant and Declan in this. My love for them still reaches the stars. But, back to River. He is twenty nine years old. He first met his best friend Owen in college. Both he and Owen had been hurt before and decided their best-friendship was too important to them to take the chance of letting things change. So they made a pact. Friends only. Never anything more.
Owen Hayes is twenty eight. He is the Public Relations man for the San Francisco Dragons, one of San Francisco’s professional baseball teams. He and River have been best friends for eight years. For quite some time, Owen has been thinking of his best friend in a much more than friends way. He regrets having ever made that pact with him. And he has no idea if River might feel even a tiny bit of the things he has been feeling.
Owen and River are going on a road trip. It’s a four hour ride to Lake Tahoe for a Friendsgiving get together with some of Owen’s friends. That’s four hours in the car alone with the man who has been making him crazy. Only, neither of them had planned on the snow, or getting stuck together in a gorgeous cabin. Maybe it’s finally time to figure out what River is feeling?
These two together were adorable. They loved to banter, to challenge each other. It was clear how well they knew each other and how much they cared about each other. But, both of them had begun to feel “more” for the other than just friendship. And with a little help from the snow, some alcohol and a fireplace, the flirting deepens, and both are realizing that maybe what they always wanted has been right there all along.
I enjoyed these two so much. We also get to know Owen’s friend, TJ, a little bit, the romance novelist. Now I can’t wait for his book, Hopelessly Bromantic. I am so excited to see what Lauren has in store for him!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
The Bromance Zone is book one in The Good Guys series by Lauren Blakely. This is a M/M friends to lovers romance that is sweet and sexy, flirty and swoony and basically just made me smile all the way through. There is no angst, no push away and lots of just plain wonderfulness.
We met River Michaels in the previous Men of Summer series. He is a bartender and now business partner with Grant. By the way, I have to add here that I LOVED seeing a little bit of Grant and Declan in this. My love for them still reaches the stars. But, back to River. He is twenty nine years old. He first met his best friend Owen in college. Both he and Owen had been hurt before and decided their best-friendship was too important to them to take the chance of letting things change. So they made a pact. Friends only. Never anything more.
Owen Hayes is twenty eight. He is the Public Relations man for the San Francisco Dragons, one of San Francisco’s professional baseball teams. He and River have been best friends for eight years. For quite some time, Owen has been thinking of his best friend in a much more than friends way. He regrets having ever made that pact with him. And he has no idea if River might feel even a tiny bit of the things he has been feeling.
Owen and River are going on a road trip. It’s a four hour ride to Lake Tahoe for a Friendsgiving get together with some of Owen’s friends. That’s four hours in the car alone with the man who has been making him crazy. Only, neither of them had planned on the snow, or getting stuck together in a gorgeous cabin. Maybe it’s finally time to figure out what River is feeling?
These two together were adorable. They loved to banter, to challenge each other. It was clear how well they knew each other and how much they cared about each other. But, both of them had begun to feel “more” for the other than just friendship. And with a little help from the snow, some alcohol and a fireplace, the flirting deepens, and both are realizing that maybe what they always wanted has been right there all along.
I enjoyed these two so much. We also get to know Owen’s friend, TJ, a little bit, the romance novelist. Now I can’t wait for his book, Hopelessly Bromantic. I am so excited to see what Lauren has in store for him!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 7, 2021
Audio - 4.5 Stars
Story - 3.5
Another story with a slow beginning that didn't make any sense to me. It felt like filler. When the MCs finally decided to give in to their LUST for each other, it was hot and at times swoony.
Story - 3.5
Another story with a slow beginning that didn't make any sense to me. It felt like filler. When the MCs finally decided to give in to their LUST for each other, it was hot and at times swoony.
November 1, 2021
And it's official folks...I'm done with Laura Blakely. Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing really bad about The Bromance Zone. It's a cute best friends-to-lovers, close proximity story, but at the same time, there's nothing really memorable about it either. It's saccharine sweet, fluffy and angst free. And true to Blakely form, it reads like a m/f romance. Even the sex, steamy as it is, has an m/f vibe. Also a word of warning: be prepared for quite a bit of cheesiness.
November 23, 2021
DNF @ 32%…in the middle of a sex scene. That should tell you a lot.
September 17, 2021
Check out the cover for THE BROMANCE ZONE and be sure to snap up this friends-to-lovers romance while it's on a super special 2.99 (US) pre0rder! This book comes fully equipped with...
❄️ Eight inches!
❄️ A dirty game of would you rather!
❄️ Deep thoughts about Paul Rudd!
❄️ A super awkward dinner party scene!
❄️ Hot tub shenanigans!
❄️ Two sexy, charming heroes!
✦ Amazon ➜ http://blkly.pub/KindleBromance
✦ Apple ➜ https://blkly.pub/AppleBromance
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookBromance
✦ Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboBromance
✦ Google ➜https://blkly.pub/GoogleBromance
❄️ Eight inches!
❄️ A dirty game of would you rather!
❄️ Deep thoughts about Paul Rudd!
❄️ A super awkward dinner party scene!
❄️ Hot tub shenanigans!
❄️ Two sexy, charming heroes!
✦ Amazon ➜ http://blkly.pub/KindleBromance
✦ Apple ➜ https://blkly.pub/AppleBromance
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookBromance
✦ Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboBromance
✦ Google ➜https://blkly.pub/GoogleBromance
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May 31, 2023
MM Romance
Friends to Lovers
2 Stars ⭐️
Not even my favorite side characters could save this one. This was so underwhelming and boring it doesn’t even deserve a review.
Andddd I actually bought it because it was released prior to Blakely putting her books on KU. 🤦🏻♀️
Friends to Lovers
2 Stars ⭐️
Not even my favorite side characters could save this one. This was so underwhelming and boring it doesn’t even deserve a review.
Andddd I actually bought it because it was released prior to Blakely putting her books on KU. 🤦🏻♀️
October 25, 2021
The Bromance Zone is a smile inducing, flirty, feel good, friends to lovers, MM romance written by Lauren Blakely
Bar owner River Michaels and publicist Owen Hayes met in college. Back then they made a pact to stay friends and have been ever since. But the truth is, Owen would like much more than platonic relationship with River. The problem is that he doesn’t know if River might feel the same way.
But their four-hour road trip to Lake Tahoe for a Friendsgiving reunion with some of Ownen’s colleges and friends might prove to be the perfect time to explore these feelings. Especially when an unexpected snow storm traps them in a stunning cabin.
River and Owen are delightful. I had met and liked both of them in other books by Lauren, but their personalities excelled here. I loved their banter and River’s flirty personality. It’s clear that they’re perfect for each other.
I also love having Grant and Declan from the MES OF SUMMER trilogy make an appearance and help these two along. We also get quite of TJ. He’s a romance novelist whose brother Chance Ashford stars in The Virgin Replay. I can’t wait to read his book: Hopelessly Bromantic.
The Bromance Zone is book #1 of the Good Guys series by author Lauren Blakely. It is a standalone, contemporary romance. Told from both points of view with a happy ending. Subgenres: MM Romance | Road Trip| Friends to Lovers
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
World building: 🐶🐶🐶🐶
Character development: 👤👤👤👤
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Romance: 💕💕💕💕
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rating: 4
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
Bar owner River Michaels and publicist Owen Hayes met in college. Back then they made a pact to stay friends and have been ever since. But the truth is, Owen would like much more than platonic relationship with River. The problem is that he doesn’t know if River might feel the same way.
But their four-hour road trip to Lake Tahoe for a Friendsgiving reunion with some of Ownen’s colleges and friends might prove to be the perfect time to explore these feelings. Especially when an unexpected snow storm traps them in a stunning cabin.
River and Owen are delightful. I had met and liked both of them in other books by Lauren, but their personalities excelled here. I loved their banter and River’s flirty personality. It’s clear that they’re perfect for each other.
I also love having Grant and Declan from the MES OF SUMMER trilogy make an appearance and help these two along. We also get quite of TJ. He’s a romance novelist whose brother Chance Ashford stars in The Virgin Replay. I can’t wait to read his book: Hopelessly Bromantic.
The Bromance Zone is book #1 of the Good Guys series by author Lauren Blakely. It is a standalone, contemporary romance. Told from both points of view with a happy ending. Subgenres: MM Romance | Road Trip| Friends to Lovers
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
World building: 🐶🐶🐶🐶
Character development: 👤👤👤👤
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Romance: 💕💕💕💕
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rating: 4
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
June 12, 2022
I love a good best friends to lovers romance
Sometimes you just want a no angst, straightforward best friends realise they're actually in love with each other narrative.
Lauren delivers a funny, super sweet and pretty steamy romance with everyone's favourite bar owner River and top sports PA Owen.
We've met three guys in her other MM books and it was great to see them waking up to what everyone else already knew - they were perfect for each other.
Sometimes you just want a no angst, straightforward best friends realise they're actually in love with each other narrative.
Lauren delivers a funny, super sweet and pretty steamy romance with everyone's favourite bar owner River and top sports PA Owen.
We've met three guys in her other MM books and it was great to see them waking up to what everyone else already knew - they were perfect for each other.
November 29, 2021
River's story was 100% worth the wait!!!
We met River back in Scoring with Him book one in the Men of Summer series and he instantly became one of my favorites supporting characters. He was always there for Grant as a friend and then later when they became business partners so I knew that it would take someone entirely wonderful to steal his heart.
River & Owen have been friends for eight years now and all those years ago when they first met, they made a deal that they would never sleep together or do anything nefarious that could ruin their friendship. Now, though River is feeling things for his best friend that he should not be feeling. He learned a long time ago that sleeping with your friends is bad but falling for them is even worse. River has to figure out a way to let these feelings go before he ruins the one friendship that helps keep him going when those dark days come along.
Owen has always been attracted to River, even all those years ago as college kids but now it is something else entirely. River takes up space not only in his mind but in his heart but he knows how River feels about crossing that line, so he won't do it, but it is becoming harder to keep his feelings to himself.
On their way to a Friendsgiving trip, they get snowed in at a cabin River is supposed to be checking on for his friends Declan & Grant. Being locked in with Owen has never sounded better but it has also never sounded worse because being this close to him can only mean that his hold on his feelings is only going to crack. Can one night in a cabin change everything for River & Owen or will they risk losing their friendship?
This was my first time listening to both Vikas Adam & Evan Parker, but they did these characters justice. Especially Evan with River's deep laugh and the vulnerability that Vikas was able to put into Owen's feelings. Both men just jumped to the top of my narrator faves list which is turning into quite the lengthy list if I am being honest.
Finally getting River's HEA was everything I thought it would be and more. We've known since Scoring with Him that he was in love with his best friend, but Lauren gave us the story we all had been hoping for with so much more!!
We met River back in Scoring with Him book one in the Men of Summer series and he instantly became one of my favorites supporting characters. He was always there for Grant as a friend and then later when they became business partners so I knew that it would take someone entirely wonderful to steal his heart.
River & Owen have been friends for eight years now and all those years ago when they first met, they made a deal that they would never sleep together or do anything nefarious that could ruin their friendship. Now, though River is feeling things for his best friend that he should not be feeling. He learned a long time ago that sleeping with your friends is bad but falling for them is even worse. River has to figure out a way to let these feelings go before he ruins the one friendship that helps keep him going when those dark days come along.
Owen has always been attracted to River, even all those years ago as college kids but now it is something else entirely. River takes up space not only in his mind but in his heart but he knows how River feels about crossing that line, so he won't do it, but it is becoming harder to keep his feelings to himself.
On their way to a Friendsgiving trip, they get snowed in at a cabin River is supposed to be checking on for his friends Declan & Grant. Being locked in with Owen has never sounded better but it has also never sounded worse because being this close to him can only mean that his hold on his feelings is only going to crack. Can one night in a cabin change everything for River & Owen or will they risk losing their friendship?
This was my first time listening to both Vikas Adam & Evan Parker, but they did these characters justice. Especially Evan with River's deep laugh and the vulnerability that Vikas was able to put into Owen's feelings. Both men just jumped to the top of my narrator faves list which is turning into quite the lengthy list if I am being honest.
Finally getting River's HEA was everything I thought it would be and more. We've known since Scoring with Him that he was in love with his best friend, but Lauren gave us the story we all had been hoping for with so much more!!
October 20, 2021
Smoken’ hot!
I am a huge fan of Lauren’s and I am quickly becoming a fan of her MM stories. I love the way she makes me feel. I already love a good friends’ to lovers book so I was all over this one.
River and Owen are cute, hot and spicy but most of all they truly care about each other and their friendship.
Attraction can come and go and I can see why neither of them wanted to risk what they already had because of attraction. Plus the past can and does affect the here and now even if we don’t want it to.
So remaining friends and only friends’ works until it doesn’t. I loved the explosiveness in which they both let go. Let it all out and let the chips fall where they may.
If you have read my reviews for a while you know how much I hate drama for the sake of dramalama I can honestly say this book didn’t have any of that!! Hooray!!!
It is a breath of fresh air to get new narrators for MM, as much as I love my regulars it was a nice change and gave these characters their own voice.
Dr. Good In Bed – Bonus story is about Toby and I loved it, he is so sweet and naughty I want MORE! Michael Crouch is the narrator he is Toby 100%.
Maybe This Time – Bonus story a prequel for One Time Only we get the meet cute for Jackson and Stone it’s a glimpse in just how explosive these two are. It really is a must listen.
I am a huge fan of Lauren’s and I am quickly becoming a fan of her MM stories. I love the way she makes me feel. I already love a good friends’ to lovers book so I was all over this one.
River and Owen are cute, hot and spicy but most of all they truly care about each other and their friendship.
Attraction can come and go and I can see why neither of them wanted to risk what they already had because of attraction. Plus the past can and does affect the here and now even if we don’t want it to.
So remaining friends and only friends’ works until it doesn’t. I loved the explosiveness in which they both let go. Let it all out and let the chips fall where they may.
If you have read my reviews for a while you know how much I hate drama for the sake of dramalama I can honestly say this book didn’t have any of that!! Hooray!!!
It is a breath of fresh air to get new narrators for MM, as much as I love my regulars it was a nice change and gave these characters their own voice.
Dr. Good In Bed – Bonus story is about Toby and I loved it, he is so sweet and naughty I want MORE! Michael Crouch is the narrator he is Toby 100%.
Maybe This Time – Bonus story a prequel for One Time Only we get the meet cute for Jackson and Stone it’s a glimpse in just how explosive these two are. It really is a must listen.
October 30, 2021
3,5 stars.
This was a very sweet and low angst romance between two friends.
Owen and River have known each other for a long time, and they are best friends. Their friendship is so precious to them, that they once made a pact to never hook up, because it might destroy everything they have.
When later in life both are a bit older and both are unsuccessfully trying to find love, there eventually comes a moment in which they have a confession to make...
The story is told from both Owen's and River's pov, and it's a nice insight of how both men think about the other and their pact. I loved them both! They are sweet and funny and caring, and it's clear their friendship means the world to them.
This whole story is just a warm experience. There's the friendship, the sweet characters, and eventually the hot scenes in the bedroom (or in other places). There's no unnecessary conflict, no miscommunication or whatsoever. Which I was happy about. Just once in a while it's great to read a book like this, one that has no angst and that's basically all about finding the love of your life, even when he's been in front of you for years.
So, when you're into friends-to-lovers romances and enjoy some good writing in an entertaining story, this one might be just for you. Highly recommended read!
I kindly received an ARC from CandiKanePromotions and this is my honest review
This was a very sweet and low angst romance between two friends.
Owen and River have known each other for a long time, and they are best friends. Their friendship is so precious to them, that they once made a pact to never hook up, because it might destroy everything they have.
When later in life both are a bit older and both are unsuccessfully trying to find love, there eventually comes a moment in which they have a confession to make...
The story is told from both Owen's and River's pov, and it's a nice insight of how both men think about the other and their pact. I loved them both! They are sweet and funny and caring, and it's clear their friendship means the world to them.
This whole story is just a warm experience. There's the friendship, the sweet characters, and eventually the hot scenes in the bedroom (or in other places). There's no unnecessary conflict, no miscommunication or whatsoever. Which I was happy about. Just once in a while it's great to read a book like this, one that has no angst and that's basically all about finding the love of your life, even when he's been in front of you for years.
So, when you're into friends-to-lovers romances and enjoy some good writing in an entertaining story, this one might be just for you. Highly recommended read!
I kindly received an ARC from CandiKanePromotions and this is my honest review
October 31, 2021
A Passionate, Cute, Hilarious & sweet Besties-to-lovers MM "snowed-in together" romance with Feels (oh, my heart!💘), Banters, Low Angst, Sensual, Snow, Heat, Crossing Lines, confessions, Friends fun, Love & beautiful HEA.
I adore Lauren's MM stories & this one was no exception! I LOVE River & Owen so much! I've been hyped for River's story since reading about him 1st in Grant+Declan's series, so hell ya, I was in...& This is amazing! I related to their struggles & was totally invested...DEVOURED this in 5hrs!
Due to my exams, I'm not writing longer reviews, I'll come back for it soon...but for the time being, I 100% recommend this for a fluffy, Feel good read, still emotional & with jokes that cracks us up! Just so fun♥️.
I adore Lauren's MM stories & this one was no exception! I LOVE River & Owen so much! I've been hyped for River's story since reading about him 1st in Grant+Declan's series, so hell ya, I was in...& This is amazing! I related to their struggles & was totally invested...DEVOURED this in 5hrs!
Due to my exams, I'm not writing longer reviews, I'll come back for it soon...but for the time being, I 100% recommend this for a fluffy, Feel good read, still emotional & with jokes that cracks us up! Just so fun♥️.
October 26, 2021
This is Lauren Blakely at her rom-com finest with all the banter, flirt, tension, longing, and foreplay between two longtime best friends.
Hop in the car with River and Owen as they take a journey into the storm that shakes up their friendship pact and throws them into romance-landia territory.
River is outgoing, energetic, has a wicked sense of humor, and cares deeply for those he lets in. He wants to find a partner and be in love, but is scared of being hurt again. Owen is sarcastic, a bit quieter, and longs to find a good guy who will appreciate him. They have been there for each other through everything for nearly a decade, but have kept strictly in the friendship zone.
They always swore they would never let sex ruin their friendship and agreed that being friends was more important. They have been able to compartmentalize this for years. But Owen's been hiding his feelings more and more lately. And River is in a heightened state of confusion with lust and longing. They are both afraid of losing the other, but this trip seems to be where they have no choice but to start unpacking this box that has been wrapped up tight for years. But both are scared of what might happen if they do.
As they spend time together in close proximity, the sexual tension is rising, their banter has surpassed the safe flirting zone, and feelings are getting harder to keep on the down-low. Once things start heating up it has the potential to either blow the roof off the cabin or perhaps obliterate their longtime friendship. But it could be ruined anyway if one wants more and the other does not.
This is a snappy, fun, heartwarming, sizzling hot, M/M rom-com and journey of new discovery. I loved that they are just two really great guys looking for a good guy to partner with, but they have been ignoring what is right in front of them for so long. They are different in some ways, but complement each other too. They know each other so well, but are also discovering new things and exchanging deeper thoughts, feelings, and desires. But it is all a big, quick change and they are both just trying to figure out what is happening and where they stand and are fearful of losing their important friendship. Their feelings are so big that they sometimes do not express them well. I loved that Owen seemed to know more about what needed to be done even if he procrastinated, but River was just so clueless and surprised at times. I loved their vulnerability, but also their bossiness, banter, and protectiveness. I think they are just totally adorable, sweet, and hot together and I thoroughly enjoyed their little trip.
After note: Holy moly the cover for this is just spot on! He is my River!
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Hop in the car with River and Owen as they take a journey into the storm that shakes up their friendship pact and throws them into romance-landia territory.
River is outgoing, energetic, has a wicked sense of humor, and cares deeply for those he lets in. He wants to find a partner and be in love, but is scared of being hurt again. Owen is sarcastic, a bit quieter, and longs to find a good guy who will appreciate him. They have been there for each other through everything for nearly a decade, but have kept strictly in the friendship zone.
They always swore they would never let sex ruin their friendship and agreed that being friends was more important. They have been able to compartmentalize this for years. But Owen's been hiding his feelings more and more lately. And River is in a heightened state of confusion with lust and longing. They are both afraid of losing the other, but this trip seems to be where they have no choice but to start unpacking this box that has been wrapped up tight for years. But both are scared of what might happen if they do.
As they spend time together in close proximity, the sexual tension is rising, their banter has surpassed the safe flirting zone, and feelings are getting harder to keep on the down-low. Once things start heating up it has the potential to either blow the roof off the cabin or perhaps obliterate their longtime friendship. But it could be ruined anyway if one wants more and the other does not.
This is a snappy, fun, heartwarming, sizzling hot, M/M rom-com and journey of new discovery. I loved that they are just two really great guys looking for a good guy to partner with, but they have been ignoring what is right in front of them for so long. They are different in some ways, but complement each other too. They know each other so well, but are also discovering new things and exchanging deeper thoughts, feelings, and desires. But it is all a big, quick change and they are both just trying to figure out what is happening and where they stand and are fearful of losing their important friendship. Their feelings are so big that they sometimes do not express them well. I loved that Owen seemed to know more about what needed to be done even if he procrastinated, but River was just so clueless and surprised at times. I loved their vulnerability, but also their bossiness, banter, and protectiveness. I think they are just totally adorable, sweet, and hot together and I thoroughly enjoyed their little trip.
After note: Holy moly the cover for this is just spot on! He is my River!
January 14, 2023
Reread 01/2023
This was just what I needed after the disappointment of my last book (Foxed).
Best friends to lovers, no misunderstandings or drama.
I've read a few MF books from this author years ago, but soon lost interest, her MMCs were just too OTT confident/cocky for me.
BUT I love her recent MM books.. her characters are confident, but not overly so. It's really fun reading.
I loved this book more the second time around, maybe because last year I had read it after the mini series Hopelessly Bromantic (which I absolutely loved) and this time around I started correctly with The Bromance Zone and will continue with TJ and Jude's books (reading in the correct order).
5 stars.
---------------
07/2022
Sweet! 4 stars.
This was just what I needed after the disappointment of my last book (Foxed).
Best friends to lovers, no misunderstandings or drama.
I've read a few MF books from this author years ago, but soon lost interest, her MMCs were just too OTT confident/cocky for me.
BUT I love her recent MM books.. her characters are confident, but not overly so. It's really fun reading.
I loved this book more the second time around, maybe because last year I had read it after the mini series Hopelessly Bromantic (which I absolutely loved) and this time around I started correctly with The Bromance Zone and will continue with TJ and Jude's books (reading in the correct order).
5 stars.
---------------
07/2022
Sweet! 4 stars.
October 25, 2021
I really loved River and Owen's story so much that I did not want it to end. They are best friends that are hiding their feelings from each other all due to a pact they came up with to protect their friendship. This is so deliciously hot that the sexual tension between them is off the charts, but it's also very cute and sweet. It's so amazing when they finally admit how they feel. Lauren writes such deep characters and is so damn good at keeping that sexy vibe going through the story.
I cannot say enough of how wonderful Vikas and Evan are in this book. Perfectly cast for Owen and River!
I cannot say enough of how wonderful Vikas and Evan are in this book. Perfectly cast for Owen and River!
October 20, 2021
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this book is a standalone spin-off from some of the author’s other series. This MM romance is super sweet and steamy. I love that Owen and River have been friends for so long. I love that even though they know each other well, they are also still learning new things about each other when they decide to become more than friends. The heat and vulnerability between the two characters is intense. They both hope for so much more in their life and want it with each other. One thing I adored about this book was that they recognize that the feelings they have are more at roughly the same time. I love how they are together. *sigh*
If you are looking for a steamy and sweet MM romance, you will want to read this book. If friend to lovers is your jam, don’t wait. Grab this one for a warm, fuzzy, romantic, steamy read.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
If you are looking for a steamy and sweet MM romance, you will want to read this book. If friend to lovers is your jam, don’t wait. Grab this one for a warm, fuzzy, romantic, steamy read.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
October 28, 2021
Ahhhhh that was very passionate and all but not a fan😕.
October 28, 2021
3.5 stars
October 21, 2021
GAH! *happy sigh*
October 18, 2021
The Bromance Zone by Lauren Blakely was just the feel good, make my heart so happy, friends to lovers romance I needed. Seriously, River and Owen were such a sweet and swoony couple that I couldn't get enough of. I found myself laughing, sighing, and cheering for this couple to step out of the friend zone and find their perfect HEA.
Vikas Adam and Evan Parker narrate this audio. These new-to-me narrators absolute blew me away with their performances. Vikas Adam did the best job of portraying all of Owen's vulnerabilities and his hesitancy to risk their friendship and take a chance on a real relationship with River. Plus, he brought a lightheartedness to Owen's character that made him so relatable. Evan Parker's performance of River was tempting and charismatic. Parker's deep rich tone made River's character super sexy and even more impossible for Owen to resist! What a great pairing!
Overall I loved this audiobook! If you love a MM friends to lovers romance, with a hottie in glasses, a super swoony bartender, murder podcasts, a Friendsgiving to remember, a game of would you rather, shower and cabin sex, Paul Rudd references, and HEA perfection (a must!) then you will absolutely fall in love with these characters and adore this book! Thank you for another amazing book, LB!
Also, this audiobook includes a Dr. Good in Bed, a novella narrated by Michael Crouch. Listen to this one for Toby's story! Michael is so good, and I loved all the crazy sex references and more glimpses and great advice from T.J.! What a great new narrator!
Vikas Adam and Evan Parker narrate this audio. These new-to-me narrators absolute blew me away with their performances. Vikas Adam did the best job of portraying all of Owen's vulnerabilities and his hesitancy to risk their friendship and take a chance on a real relationship with River. Plus, he brought a lightheartedness to Owen's character that made him so relatable. Evan Parker's performance of River was tempting and charismatic. Parker's deep rich tone made River's character super sexy and even more impossible for Owen to resist! What a great pairing!
Overall I loved this audiobook! If you love a MM friends to lovers romance, with a hottie in glasses, a super swoony bartender, murder podcasts, a Friendsgiving to remember, a game of would you rather, shower and cabin sex, Paul Rudd references, and HEA perfection (a must!) then you will absolutely fall in love with these characters and adore this book! Thank you for another amazing book, LB!
Also, this audiobook includes a Dr. Good in Bed, a novella narrated by Michael Crouch. Listen to this one for Toby's story! Michael is so good, and I loved all the crazy sex references and more glimpses and great advice from T.J.! What a great new narrator!
October 28, 2021
Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google / Audible
River and Owen have been best friends for years now, but despite their gorgeous personalities (and looks), they've never stepped over the line of friendship, thanks to a pact made early on that friendship was not worth losing over pleasure. But now they're on a little road trip to a Friendsgiving, and the attraction they each feel (have for a long time now) for each other is starting to mess with their heads. When a storm keeps them confined to a cabin together, who knows what could end up happening between these two platonic friends...
I loved River and Owen! River's the sweet, flirty bartender who really only has eyes for his bestie, equally sweet, charming publicist, Owen. I previously met them in Grant and Declan's trilogy, Men of Summer, and I remember thinking there was definitely a story there. I'm glad I got to read it because it's sweet, sexy, and I can't think of a pair of friends more obviously in love who deserve their happy ever after more than Owen and River.
ARC provided by Candi Kane PR for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.
Review / Blog Tour: Live Through Books Blog.
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October 26, 2021
Totally played hooky so that I could devour this yummmmy story!
Owen & River are so freaking cute and scorching🔥🔥🔥 They are the best of friends & have been there for each other for years but now they are both at the point where they want more. Yet neither knows how to let the other know their feelings.
One road trip, game of Would you rather and a ‘Chateau Fight Club Sex Cabin’ and their college pact is broken. {side note where can one find a Chateau Fight Club Sex Cabin? Asking for me;) not a friend lol}
I am counting the days until the audio comes out🥵
Fave quotes:
‘Owen takes a step closer, then slides his thumb along my jaw. Holy fuck. It’s just his thumb on my face, but it’s the most erotic thing I’ve ever felt. I shudder. Everywhere. His hand stops and he cups my face. “Would you rather kiss me tonight or never kiss me?” This is the line. My eyes float closed as the thrill and the danger of his question beckons me to cross the line.’—-Yes! Just Yes!
“I’m so in love with you. And I want you to be my friend, and my lover, and my boyfriend. You’re the one man I want to be good to, and I really hope you’ll let me.”—-💕💕💕💕
Owen & River are so freaking cute and scorching🔥🔥🔥 They are the best of friends & have been there for each other for years but now they are both at the point where they want more. Yet neither knows how to let the other know their feelings.
One road trip, game of Would you rather and a ‘Chateau Fight Club Sex Cabin’ and their college pact is broken. {side note where can one find a Chateau Fight Club Sex Cabin? Asking for me;) not a friend lol}
I am counting the days until the audio comes out🥵
Fave quotes:
‘Owen takes a step closer, then slides his thumb along my jaw. Holy fuck. It’s just his thumb on my face, but it’s the most erotic thing I’ve ever felt. I shudder. Everywhere. His hand stops and he cups my face. “Would you rather kiss me tonight or never kiss me?” This is the line. My eyes float closed as the thrill and the danger of his question beckons me to cross the line.’—-Yes! Just Yes!
“I’m so in love with you. And I want you to be my friend, and my lover, and my boyfriend. You’re the one man I want to be good to, and I really hope you’ll let me.”—-💕💕💕💕
November 1, 2021
-4
Cheesy AF, but who cares 😉
Cheesy AF, but who cares 😉
dnf
February 16, 2022DNF @ 35% No rating.
l am bored... bored to tears. Maybe another time, maybe l'll just let this one die a quiet death, but l can't do any more today.
This and other Reviews | Romancing Riley
l am bored... bored to tears. Maybe another time, maybe l'll just let this one die a quiet death, but l can't do any more today.
This and other Reviews | Romancing Riley
October 27, 2021
To say I was excited to finally get to hear and dive into River and Owens story is a understatement. I was very interested in them and needed to know more when they were mentioned in Lauren’s previous MM Series, The Men of Summer. I was rooting for River and Owen. Oh boy, did Lauren exceed my expectations for this Friends to lovers MM book. It’s so sweet, swoony, seductive, flirtatious, but very sexy, low angst of deliciousness! She truly is an amazing writer of characters that I become vested in, and with every MM book she writes I get sucked in more and more, loving every sexy second!
After 8 years of being very close friends since they met in college, River and Owen made a “no sex” pact. They truly care for each other and do not want to mess that up. But… there is always a sexual tension between them, and now others are starting to see it too. They are constantly flirting with each other, and have the best sexy banter and wild good chemistry. LB is so great at creating that feeling and emotions that jump from each page. They both are starting to feel like they want more from each other but do not want to mess up their friendship that is so solid. Both second guess their true feelings towards each other and are unsure how the other is feeling. When they go on a road trip and get stuck in a beautiful “cabin” things start to get very interesting very fast. It’s so much more than a sex gamble, it’s a heart gamble as well.
Vikas Adam and Evan Parker do such an amazing job narrating these two characters. Vikas plays Owen so well. I feel the vulnerability in his tone, the lust, the laughter. I loved his internal monologue so much, he was perfectly cast. Perfect!
Evan Parker really gets into the roll as River. My goodness… that deep seductive voice got me good. I loved that he can go from sassy joke telling, light and funny banter to full on bossy tone. Fantastic performance from both! Love to hear more about them in coming books I hope!
The icing on the cake, and a HUGE surprise was the novella that was added at the end. Maybe This Time is a prequel to one of my all time favorite MM books, One Time Only. Ohhhh boy, I melted for sure listening to this one. Hearing Jacob Morgan playing the very famous rockstar Stone, and Teddy Hamilton playing his sexy as sin bodyguard. I loved every second on how Jackson came to be Stones bodyguard, and how they met. It was so damn sexy! I couldn’t get enough. Perfection. Absolute Perfection!
After 8 years of being very close friends since they met in college, River and Owen made a “no sex” pact. They truly care for each other and do not want to mess that up. But… there is always a sexual tension between them, and now others are starting to see it too. They are constantly flirting with each other, and have the best sexy banter and wild good chemistry. LB is so great at creating that feeling and emotions that jump from each page. They both are starting to feel like they want more from each other but do not want to mess up their friendship that is so solid. Both second guess their true feelings towards each other and are unsure how the other is feeling. When they go on a road trip and get stuck in a beautiful “cabin” things start to get very interesting very fast. It’s so much more than a sex gamble, it’s a heart gamble as well.
Vikas Adam and Evan Parker do such an amazing job narrating these two characters. Vikas plays Owen so well. I feel the vulnerability in his tone, the lust, the laughter. I loved his internal monologue so much, he was perfectly cast. Perfect!
Evan Parker really gets into the roll as River. My goodness… that deep seductive voice got me good. I loved that he can go from sassy joke telling, light and funny banter to full on bossy tone. Fantastic performance from both! Love to hear more about them in coming books I hope!
The icing on the cake, and a HUGE surprise was the novella that was added at the end. Maybe This Time is a prequel to one of my all time favorite MM books, One Time Only. Ohhhh boy, I melted for sure listening to this one. Hearing Jacob Morgan playing the very famous rockstar Stone, and Teddy Hamilton playing his sexy as sin bodyguard. I loved every second on how Jackson came to be Stones bodyguard, and how they met. It was so damn sexy! I couldn’t get enough. Perfection. Absolute Perfection!
October 26, 2021
5 SMOOCHES!
Lauren Blakely’s romantic comedies are among my most favorite things to read. She takes such great care with every single book that she writes, but her MM romances are clearly a labor of love. My personal favorites are her romcoms. Full of humor and heat and heart, they’re an absolute breath of fresh air. Blakely is a audio genius. The attention to detail in these productions are vividly evidenced by the gold-standard level performances she orchestrates. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, which was fabulously narrated by Vikas Adam and Evan Parker.
Blakely introduced readers to the charming bartender, River, in her Men of Summer series, and I’ve been looking forward to his story since. Owen, an endearing hot nerd and the PR guy for a professional baseball team, is River’s best friend from college. Both Owen and River have always valued their friendship, so much so that they made a pact in their college days to never act on any sort of attraction they may have felt. It’s worked for them, but each has harbored what they believed were unrequited feelings for the other.
Friends-to-lovers romances are one of my favorite tropes, and this was a truly wonderful one with a forced proximity vibe and some perfectly executed miscommunications. Owen and River’s natural ease with each other, rooted in years of friendship, transitioned beautifully into a love relationship simply because love was already there. Aside from off the charts chemistry, their organic, finish-each-other’s-sentences friendship made from some seriously snappy and witty banter. One of the things I love most about Blakely’s writing, though, is the way she takes readers into the minds of her male characters by sharing their thoughts, feelings and vulnerabilities, which adds a very authentic and insightful layer to her already rich character development. This insight into her characters is one of the signatures of Lauren’s writing, and I especially loved those moments of internal dialogue as both Owen and River attempted to sift through their emotions and desires.
A truly special story of friendship turning to love, The Bromance Zone was a life-changing road trip for Owen and River. I loved every twist and turn of their journey to love, and I was completely engrossed in their story. Scorching hot, sweet and romantic, Blakely gave her readers a light-hearted and lusty friends-to-lovers romance in The Bromance Zone. I loved every second of River and Owen’s love story, and I cannot wait for the stories of some of the other characters who appeared here. Five smooches from me for The Bromance Zone by Lauren Blakely!
~Danielle Palumbo
Lauren Blakely’s romantic comedies are among my most favorite things to read. She takes such great care with every single book that she writes, but her MM romances are clearly a labor of love. My personal favorites are her romcoms. Full of humor and heat and heart, they’re an absolute breath of fresh air. Blakely is a audio genius. The attention to detail in these productions are vividly evidenced by the gold-standard level performances she orchestrates. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, which was fabulously narrated by Vikas Adam and Evan Parker.
Blakely introduced readers to the charming bartender, River, in her Men of Summer series, and I’ve been looking forward to his story since. Owen, an endearing hot nerd and the PR guy for a professional baseball team, is River’s best friend from college. Both Owen and River have always valued their friendship, so much so that they made a pact in their college days to never act on any sort of attraction they may have felt. It’s worked for them, but each has harbored what they believed were unrequited feelings for the other.
Friends-to-lovers romances are one of my favorite tropes, and this was a truly wonderful one with a forced proximity vibe and some perfectly executed miscommunications. Owen and River’s natural ease with each other, rooted in years of friendship, transitioned beautifully into a love relationship simply because love was already there. Aside from off the charts chemistry, their organic, finish-each-other’s-sentences friendship made from some seriously snappy and witty banter. One of the things I love most about Blakely’s writing, though, is the way she takes readers into the minds of her male characters by sharing their thoughts, feelings and vulnerabilities, which adds a very authentic and insightful layer to her already rich character development. This insight into her characters is one of the signatures of Lauren’s writing, and I especially loved those moments of internal dialogue as both Owen and River attempted to sift through their emotions and desires.
A truly special story of friendship turning to love, The Bromance Zone was a life-changing road trip for Owen and River. I loved every twist and turn of their journey to love, and I was completely engrossed in their story. Scorching hot, sweet and romantic, Blakely gave her readers a light-hearted and lusty friends-to-lovers romance in The Bromance Zone. I loved every second of River and Owen’s love story, and I cannot wait for the stories of some of the other characters who appeared here. Five smooches from me for The Bromance Zone by Lauren Blakely!
~Danielle Palumbo
October 26, 2021
4.5+ stars
River has a pact to not get romantically involved with friends. The friends he has mean the world to him, and in his mind beginning a romantic relationship with anyone means eventually the relationship will end leaving him without that person who was so important to him. But even though he and his best friend Owen were in agreement when they made that pact 8 years ago, there are certain temptations in play now that were never a factor before, and for the first time River wonders if some rules aren’t meant to be broken.
When they get snowed into a cabin together on their way to Friendsgiving, the pact is tested as the chemistry runs high.
These two! I loved their friendship in the previous books we have seen them in, but to have them front and center was so much fun! They are determined to keep things platonic, but it is in both of their natures to flirt a little bit (especially River) and as they consider the way they flirt with each other versus the way they flirt with randoms (or how River flirts with customers), it becomes clear that there is something different about the flirtation together. Stuck in a mountain cabin together, the walls come down, but when they finally make it to their destination, there will be a reckoning.
This was a flirty, fun, hot friends to lovers story with a road trip twist. I loved their interactions during the road trip as they dove deeper into the flirtiness between them, questioning movies and possibilities.
I can’t wait for more from this series -- the little bit of teaser for the next book was perfect to cause even more anticipation than I usually have for my Lauren Blakely MM fix!
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River has a pact to not get romantically involved with friends. The friends he has mean the world to him, and in his mind beginning a romantic relationship with anyone means eventually the relationship will end leaving him without that person who was so important to him. But even though he and his best friend Owen were in agreement when they made that pact 8 years ago, there are certain temptations in play now that were never a factor before, and for the first time River wonders if some rules aren’t meant to be broken.
When they get snowed into a cabin together on their way to Friendsgiving, the pact is tested as the chemistry runs high.
These two! I loved their friendship in the previous books we have seen them in, but to have them front and center was so much fun! They are determined to keep things platonic, but it is in both of their natures to flirt a little bit (especially River) and as they consider the way they flirt with each other versus the way they flirt with randoms (or how River flirts with customers), it becomes clear that there is something different about the flirtation together. Stuck in a mountain cabin together, the walls come down, but when they finally make it to their destination, there will be a reckoning.
This was a flirty, fun, hot friends to lovers story with a road trip twist. I loved their interactions during the road trip as they dove deeper into the flirtiness between them, questioning movies and possibilities.
I can’t wait for more from this series -- the little bit of teaser for the next book was perfect to cause even more anticipation than I usually have for my Lauren Blakely MM fix!
March 1, 2023
Una historia sencilla. Mucha conversación entre la pareja protagonista, muy buenos amigos, que quieren ser algo más.
Friends to lovers.
Road trip.
Atrapados por la nieve.
Muy tópicos pero lo son porque funcionan.
Friends to lovers.
Road trip.
Atrapados por la nieve.
Muy tópicos pero lo son porque funcionan.
December 5, 2021
Oof. It's hard to believe this is the same author who wrote the Men of Summer series. I've said it before, I'll say it again, Lauren Blakely is so hit or miss for me. I so enjoyed the MoS series--it had such depth, so many feels, and was beautifully narrated. The Bromance Zone, on the other hand, felt completely phoned in. It seems like I get an email once a week from LB announcing a new book she's releasing and seriously, I just think she needs to slow down sometimes to ensure quality over quantity. Granted, I rarely read her MF stuff, so maybe all those books are awesome? Oh but wait, I did listen to an MF recently and it was a big thumbs down. So, I just don't know.
The Bromance Zone seemed to hardly have anything to it. It was completely predictable. Two guys, who have been best friends for nearly 10 years, suddenly and simultaneously catch feelings for each other. I think they'd both been nurturing low-grade like for each other?, but for no clear reason, they both, at the same time, on the same night, decided they wanted to act on those feelings. Nothing about it felt authentic. There was little build up or UST. I felt no feels, no anticipation, no chemistry. Their "banter" was flat and at times eye roll inducing. Things plod along, we check the requisite boxes of hot sex, questioning, declarations, HEA. It was all very tepid and formulaic. I almost DNF'd several times but hung in there. Really shouldn't have bothered.
Beyond the frustration of the story, I didn't care for the narrators. I think one of them is an award winner but IDK, I felt nothing from these guys. The acting skills seemed lacking. Teddy and Jacob are infinitely more enjoyable to listen to and I swear I can feel the chemistry between them. I wonder if that's why I liked MoS so much.
Anyway, this was a big miss. Not enough to 1 star it, but that second star is grudgingly given.
The Bromance Zone seemed to hardly have anything to it. It was completely predictable. Two guys, who have been best friends for nearly 10 years, suddenly and simultaneously catch feelings for each other. I think they'd both been nurturing low-grade like for each other?, but for no clear reason, they both, at the same time, on the same night, decided they wanted to act on those feelings. Nothing about it felt authentic. There was little build up or UST. I felt no feels, no anticipation, no chemistry. Their "banter" was flat and at times eye roll inducing. Things plod along, we check the requisite boxes of hot sex, questioning, declarations, HEA. It was all very tepid and formulaic. I almost DNF'd several times but hung in there. Really shouldn't have bothered.
Beyond the frustration of the story, I didn't care for the narrators. I think one of them is an award winner but IDK, I felt nothing from these guys. The acting skills seemed lacking. Teddy and Jacob are infinitely more enjoyable to listen to and I swear I can feel the chemistry between them. I wonder if that's why I liked MoS so much.
Anyway, this was a big miss. Not enough to 1 star it, but that second star is grudgingly given.
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