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Hopelessly Bromantic Duet #1
Hopelessly Bromantic
an alternate cover edition can be found here
A sexy, passionate, utterly addictive, roomies-to-lovers MM romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!
Look, when I met the sexy, witty Brit on the streets of London last night, I had no idea who he was. He was just that hot guy I wanted to have a drink with so I asked him out for my first evening in town.
One thing almost led to another. After a midnight kiss, we made plans for a whole lot more the next day.
But when I unlock the door to my rental in the morning, the English hottie is lounging on the couch like he lives here too. Great. For the next year I’ll be sharing a tiny flat with the sexiest guy I’ve ever known.
Time for a few simple rules -- don’t walk around the flat wearing only a towel, don’t spend our nights together exploring London, and don’t crack open my secrets for him.
Even as I smash all those rules, I try to resist falling for the cocky charmer. But after a taste of his lips, I give all the way in, telling myself one night and we won’t fall in love.
Too bad in the morning I discover that hiding my true feelings is the least of my worries, compared to a twist I never see coming.
Contents Include: One broody American, one charming Brit, and two libidos that can barely fit into the smallest flat in London. Translation – hot, angsty nights in the first novel in a scorching and emotional two-book epic MM romance!
A sexy, passionate, utterly addictive, roomies-to-lovers MM romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!
Look, when I met the sexy, witty Brit on the streets of London last night, I had no idea who he was. He was just that hot guy I wanted to have a drink with so I asked him out for my first evening in town.
One thing almost led to another. After a midnight kiss, we made plans for a whole lot more the next day.
But when I unlock the door to my rental in the morning, the English hottie is lounging on the couch like he lives here too. Great. For the next year I’ll be sharing a tiny flat with the sexiest guy I’ve ever known.
Time for a few simple rules -- don’t walk around the flat wearing only a towel, don’t spend our nights together exploring London, and don’t crack open my secrets for him.
Even as I smash all those rules, I try to resist falling for the cocky charmer. But after a taste of his lips, I give all the way in, telling myself one night and we won’t fall in love.
Too bad in the morning I discover that hiding my true feelings is the least of my worries, compared to a twist I never see coming.
Contents Include: One broody American, one charming Brit, and two libidos that can barely fit into the smallest flat in London. Translation – hot, angsty nights in the first novel in a scorching and emotional two-book epic MM romance!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2022
908 people are currently reading
7899 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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June 4, 2022
Hopelessly Bromantic is book one in the Hopelessly Bromantic duet by Lauren Blakely. I swear I feel like a lovesick teenager when I finish one of Lauren’s MM Romances. My heart is wildly pounding, my stomach is doing all sorts of topsy turvy things and I’m just an emotional mess, in all the best of ways! This book takes place in London, New York and Los Angeles and spans seven years. There is a cute little prequel, Shameless Flirt which isn’t required for this book but I very much enjoyed it.
TJ Ashford is twenty three years old, living in New York and works for 24News. He’s just gotten the best news of his life, they are sending him to London for one year to report on the financial news. He visited there ten years earlier with his family and can’t wait to go back. TJ’s dream is to write a novel and what a better place than to write the book of his dreams!
Jude Graham is an aspiring actor and also works at a book store. He is also twenty three. Jude was badly hurt back in college by his (ex) boyfriend and is now a confirmed bachelor. But he can’t help but to look twice when he sees the oh so good looking American on the street looking into a store window.
These two have the most adorable meet cute. Their initial chemistry is off the charts. They both have big ideas about how they might spend the next day together. So just imagine how shocked they both were when TJ walked into the new apartment 24News rented for him and realized that Jude was going to be his roommate for the entire year he was there. So hooking up with his roomie...not such a great idea. They would have to just be friends then. No problem, right?!
These two fight valiantly against their growing feelings for one another but the connection is just too strong. They have so much in common. I loved their banter. I loved their talk of books and how TJ introduced Jude to new bands. They were just adorable. But then a twist was thrown into their plans and their lives were once again set on new paths.
“When you smile at me, it’s like the world disappears and I’m caught in your spotlight.”
I’m going to stop there but just know, there is so much more to their story. As I am writing this, I can’t even begin to describe to you how I am feeling. I loved these two so much. WHY WHY WHY must their journey have so many roadblocks?! WHY WHY WHY is the timing never right for them?! I don’t know how Lauren does it, makes us fall so hopelessly in love with her characters time and time again. Because that’s exactly what she has done with TJ and Jude. Now I have to bide my time until the second half of their story comes out, Here Comes My Man. I’m sorry (not sorry) if your fingers are getting tired typing, Laren. Because I’m going to need this book as soon as possible!
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...
TJ Ashford is twenty three years old, living in New York and works for 24News. He’s just gotten the best news of his life, they are sending him to London for one year to report on the financial news. He visited there ten years earlier with his family and can’t wait to go back. TJ’s dream is to write a novel and what a better place than to write the book of his dreams!
Jude Graham is an aspiring actor and also works at a book store. He is also twenty three. Jude was badly hurt back in college by his (ex) boyfriend and is now a confirmed bachelor. But he can’t help but to look twice when he sees the oh so good looking American on the street looking into a store window.
These two have the most adorable meet cute. Their initial chemistry is off the charts. They both have big ideas about how they might spend the next day together. So just imagine how shocked they both were when TJ walked into the new apartment 24News rented for him and realized that Jude was going to be his roommate for the entire year he was there. So hooking up with his roomie...not such a great idea. They would have to just be friends then. No problem, right?!
These two fight valiantly against their growing feelings for one another but the connection is just too strong. They have so much in common. I loved their banter. I loved their talk of books and how TJ introduced Jude to new bands. They were just adorable. But then a twist was thrown into their plans and their lives were once again set on new paths.
“When you smile at me, it’s like the world disappears and I’m caught in your spotlight.”
I’m going to stop there but just know, there is so much more to their story. As I am writing this, I can’t even begin to describe to you how I am feeling. I loved these two so much. WHY WHY WHY must their journey have so many roadblocks?! WHY WHY WHY is the timing never right for them?! I don’t know how Lauren does it, makes us fall so hopelessly in love with her characters time and time again. Because that’s exactly what she has done with TJ and Jude. Now I have to bide my time until the second half of their story comes out, Here Comes My Man. I’m sorry (not sorry) if your fingers are getting tired typing, Laren. Because I’m going to need this book as soon as possible!
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...
June 7, 2022
Ooh I should have waited for the second half
I knew I should have waited until the second part of this duet was out because now I'm suffering from not knowing how TJ and Jude find their way back to each other!
This was a lovely first instalment though and it made me smile a lot.
I knew I should have waited until the second part of this duet was out because now I'm suffering from not knowing how TJ and Jude find their way back to each other!
This was a lovely first instalment though and it made me smile a lot.
June 16, 2022
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started reading this book but it wasn’t for two lovable idiots who have communication issues to break my entire heart in two and then step on it until I was a mess and not much else.
This book was so much fun to read and the two main characters had a lovely banter. But it also made me super emotional and I really liked the combinaison of the two.
This story just gripped me from the start. I had only read the prologue and I was already so invested. This was just a really well done romance and I really like the premise of this one, and i’m so excited to see where their story goes in the second book in this duology.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
This book was so much fun to read and the two main characters had a lovely banter. But it also made me super emotional and I really liked the combinaison of the two.
This story just gripped me from the start. I had only read the prologue and I was already so invested. This was just a really well done romance and I really like the premise of this one, and i’m so excited to see where their story goes in the second book in this duology.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
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July 18, 2022
MM Romance
Roommates To Lovers
2.5 Disappointed Stars ⭐️
There used to be a time when Lauren Blakely could do no wrong in my world. She’s the reason I found MM when I read her “Men Of Summer” series last year and it’s opened me up to a genre I absolutely love and I’ve met the most wonderful people because of it. However, this book was not only disappointing but made me angry because it’s obvious this author now favors quantity over quality with how many books she puts out a year and this one has no business being a duet. I would have loved this book had the time in London been in a prologue and the actual book started 7 years later and we went from there but instead TJ and Jude spend most of this book apart and it caused this book to just drag. I quickly lost interest and when that happens, things I can usually overlook or tolerate start to aggravate me and those things made me really dislike this book. However, there were a few parts that had me a bit teary eyed and despite the things I hated I know I’m going to end up reading the sequel because I’m a masochist like that.
I hope the second book can turn this duet around for me but as of right now I’m put off by the ridiculous miscommunication and misunderstandings that happened in this and wish this couple had been more open with each other because right now their bond feels pretty superficial despite how much I like both characters. I also thought the sex scenes were pretty routine and nothing special which was weird because this author usually does them quite well. I tried to have low expectations going into this but it was disappointing all the same. I never thought I’d rate a LB book so low but here we are… 💔
Roommates To Lovers
2.5 Disappointed Stars ⭐️
There used to be a time when Lauren Blakely could do no wrong in my world. She’s the reason I found MM when I read her “Men Of Summer” series last year and it’s opened me up to a genre I absolutely love and I’ve met the most wonderful people because of it. However, this book was not only disappointing but made me angry because it’s obvious this author now favors quantity over quality with how many books she puts out a year and this one has no business being a duet. I would have loved this book had the time in London been in a prologue and the actual book started 7 years later and we went from there but instead TJ and Jude spend most of this book apart and it caused this book to just drag. I quickly lost interest and when that happens, things I can usually overlook or tolerate start to aggravate me and those things made me really dislike this book. However, there were a few parts that had me a bit teary eyed and despite the things I hated I know I’m going to end up reading the sequel because I’m a masochist like that.
I hope the second book can turn this duet around for me but as of right now I’m put off by the ridiculous miscommunication and misunderstandings that happened in this and wish this couple had been more open with each other because right now their bond feels pretty superficial despite how much I like both characters. I also thought the sex scenes were pretty routine and nothing special which was weird because this author usually does them quite well. I tried to have low expectations going into this but it was disappointing all the same. I never thought I’d rate a LB book so low but here we are… 💔
October 28, 2023
Exactly what I needed, some good angst, pining and heartbreak - no one seems to write heartbreak that lasts longer than half a chapter anymore! Can't wait to read the concluding book.
July 19, 2022
3.5**** stars
Ooops shiiiit. This ending. Won’t say anything but honestly there is not much you can do than continue with the duet *lol
Haha, way to make a strangers to lovers in the first book to an enemies to lovers in the second. Ofc I need to see where this goes.
But first to this one. I had a bit of a hard time with the first good half of the book, suffering a little from boredom. I really enjoyed the Prequel Shameless Flirt (which wasn’t a real prequel at all, not in the very sense of the word, but anyway) so I was pretty excited for this book. But the story on how Jude and TJ met in London, how they found their way to each other until they needed to part ways again, draaaaged. Ngl, if this book as a whole had a hundred pages less I wouldn’t have been mad at all.
Part two of the book (starting at around sixty percent), when they meet again seven years later was much more to my taste of pace. So I enjoyed this quite much. I also enjoyed very much that the audio had not only two great narrators but was also a full supporting cast production. That was pretty awesome. That’s why I eventually settle on four stars.
The premise for the continuation looks promising so far, so I’m ready for Here Comes My Man.
********
side note: I loved the part when TJ (who is a bestselling author) and Jude talk about re-done covers, where the ones with the male abs now are ones illustrated *lol - I always wondered. And now I assume that’s why this duet hat two available covers.
#0.5 - Shameless Flirt - 4.5 stars
#2 - Here Comes My Man - 4.25 stars
Ooops shiiiit. This ending. Won’t say anything but honestly there is not much you can do than continue with the duet *lol
Haha, way to make a strangers to lovers in the first book to an enemies to lovers in the second. Ofc I need to see where this goes.
But first to this one. I had a bit of a hard time with the first good half of the book, suffering a little from boredom. I really enjoyed the Prequel Shameless Flirt (which wasn’t a real prequel at all, not in the very sense of the word, but anyway) so I was pretty excited for this book. But the story on how Jude and TJ met in London, how they found their way to each other until they needed to part ways again, draaaaged. Ngl, if this book as a whole had a hundred pages less I wouldn’t have been mad at all.
Part two of the book (starting at around sixty percent), when they meet again seven years later was much more to my taste of pace. So I enjoyed this quite much. I also enjoyed very much that the audio had not only two great narrators but was also a full supporting cast production. That was pretty awesome. That’s why I eventually settle on four stars.
The premise for the continuation looks promising so far, so I’m ready for Here Comes My Man.
********
side note: I loved the part when TJ (who is a bestselling author) and Jude talk about re-done covers, where the ones with the male abs now are ones illustrated *lol - I always wondered. And now I assume that’s why this duet hat two available covers.
#0.5 - Shameless Flirt - 4.5 stars
#2 - Here Comes My Man - 4.25 stars
June 5, 2022
It's a duet and should have waited!
Now i don't know about how it goes on:(
The book is good though
Now i don't know about how it goes on:(
The book is good though
December 3, 2022
Hopelessly Bromantic is book 1 of the Hopelessly Bromantic duet by author Lauren Blakely. Dual POV with a cliffhanger ending.
By the numbers quick review:
★ Character dev.: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 5
My initial thoughts:
OMG I need book 2 NOW!!
I laughed, I smiled, I fell for the heroes and then I cried for them. This epic love story is an incredible journey of longing, connection and love I can’t wait to continue.
I also couldn’t have said it better than my fellow book reviewer Carol from Carol’s Book Reviews “I swear I feel like a lovesick teenager when I finish one of Lauren’s MM Romances.”
All of her books are a perfect blend of fun, flirty, sexy and emotional and I’ve enjoyed every one for a long time now. But let’s talk about this book.
TJ Ashford is a young 23YO aspiring author who’s just been relocated to London for a year by his current employer 24news who’ve also taken care of his living arrangement which includes an apartment and a roommate.
He’s super excited about the move. Even more so when on his first day there he meets a gorgeous and charming guy he can’t wait to go out with.
Jude Graham wants to be an actor. In order to go to more auditions and callbacks he’s found himself a really good deal on a shared apartment, not knowing he’s already met his roommate at the bookstore he works at. Should they break the roomie rules and give into their sizzling chemistry or should they fight it and stay friends?
Honestly, Jude and TJ’s story is so much more than intense attraction. They have a strong connection, solidified by their shared interests and spiced up by their banter. They’re young and just starting to work towards their goals though. So when life throws a wrench in their plans, decisions must be made.
Needless to say that there’s a reason this is a two book story. Jude and TJ’s journey to get their HEA is so far a hard earned one and there’s still more obstacles to come. But I’m sure it’ll be entwined with fun, flirty and charming moments that’ll make me smile.
★ I was given an ARC of this title by the author via Candi Kane. I am voluntarily reading and reviewing it.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram
By the numbers quick review:
★ Character dev.: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 5
My initial thoughts:
OMG I need book 2 NOW!!
I laughed, I smiled, I fell for the heroes and then I cried for them. This epic love story is an incredible journey of longing, connection and love I can’t wait to continue.
I also couldn’t have said it better than my fellow book reviewer Carol from Carol’s Book Reviews “I swear I feel like a lovesick teenager when I finish one of Lauren’s MM Romances.”
All of her books are a perfect blend of fun, flirty, sexy and emotional and I’ve enjoyed every one for a long time now. But let’s talk about this book.
TJ Ashford is a young 23YO aspiring author who’s just been relocated to London for a year by his current employer 24news who’ve also taken care of his living arrangement which includes an apartment and a roommate.
He’s super excited about the move. Even more so when on his first day there he meets a gorgeous and charming guy he can’t wait to go out with.
Jude Graham wants to be an actor. In order to go to more auditions and callbacks he’s found himself a really good deal on a shared apartment, not knowing he’s already met his roommate at the bookstore he works at. Should they break the roomie rules and give into their sizzling chemistry or should they fight it and stay friends?
Honestly, Jude and TJ’s story is so much more than intense attraction. They have a strong connection, solidified by their shared interests and spiced up by their banter. They’re young and just starting to work towards their goals though. So when life throws a wrench in their plans, decisions must be made.
Needless to say that there’s a reason this is a two book story. Jude and TJ’s journey to get their HEA is so far a hard earned one and there’s still more obstacles to come. But I’m sure it’ll be entwined with fun, flirty and charming moments that’ll make me smile.
★ I was given an ARC of this title by the author via Candi Kane. I am voluntarily reading and reviewing it.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram
July 14, 2022
"I thought I was in control. But when I shift to my back, and he rolls the protection down my shaft, then straddles me, I know that was a lie I told myself. I am only ever pretending to be in charge. He's got me in his hands. All I can do is let him weave his magic."
i will forever be a lauren blakely trash oops. i have thoughts, comments, opinions, and so many things but let's save it all up for the second book. also, the covers suck. i'm taking the shirtless guys over these.
June 17, 2022
*3.5 stars*
This was super long, and by the end of it I restlessly wanted them to get together, AND there is a cliffhanger, with a second book coming ughh.
I liked them together, The chemistry wasn't fireworks unfortunately for me. I loved the comedy part and the writing part of this rom-com.
This was super long, and by the end of it I restlessly wanted them to get together, AND there is a cliffhanger, with a second book coming ughh.
I liked them together, The chemistry wasn't fireworks unfortunately for me. I loved the comedy part and the writing part of this rom-com.
July 2, 2022
I'm so glad I waited until the sequel was released, before picking it up. Because dude! That ending was a *mean* cliffhanger.
July 31, 2025
This book has got to be the absolute King of misunderstandings! 10/10 for the amazing narration. Full RTC when I finish. Here comes my man.
June 22, 2025
DNF at 40%. Not for me. It was just doing the most.
The characters were way too self-aware, explaining their every action and choice in the narration to the audience throughout.
Didn’t feel realistic for 23 year-olds, I can’t always explain my every action and I’m a decade older.
Dude, I don’t need you to dramatically explain why you aren’t telling your deepest secrets to a roommate you met less than a week ago, you barely know him. Chill out.
They also were absurdly on the same page from the start, and had no conflict by 40%, 2 weeks after meeting.
except for both being mutually horny 100% of the time
100% success rate recommending fashion and music to one another
love the same books
unquestionably supported one another’s work and personal projects
After talking twice and identifying they both love famously gay Oscar Wilde and orgasms, they said they were starting a secret society for those shared interests, like Grindr doesn’t already exist a bit redundant!
The amount of emotional buy-in these two had by 30% (1 week into the story) made it feel more like it was a story of childhood friends who moved apart and reconnected.
not who had flirted over drinks, avoided each other for a week because they were both so horny for one another, then met again to go thrift shopping.
On the plus side I did get a good laugh out of Jude enthusiastically selling TJ on the “unique” thrift find “you’d never find at Target” of a black t shirt with skulls on it.
Yeah, unheard of, never been done 😂
Seriously though, Jude was selling TJ on buying 5 different t shirts with emojis on them at 4 different thrift stores like he was in Mad Men.
No one has pushed for a product that hard on Product Runway or Shark Tank 😂
It was like someone selling you hard on this hidden gem of local authentic Mexican cuisine, bringing you to Taco Bell, and handing you a Doritos taco 😂
A couple quotes of Mad Men-esque pushes to buy emoji shirts:
When you thrift,” he says, stopping at a black shirt with tiny skulls on it, “you can not only find bargains. You can also find something unique.”
He yanks the black shirt from the rack then holds it against my chest. “Like this. I see you with a certain style. It starts with short sleeves. Something nice and tight in the chest. You ought to show off this body, but in a way that’s not showy. That’s simply . . . clever.”
For the eggplant emoji t-shirt, sure to inspire any writer to win the Pulitzer Prize:
”It’s perfect for a writer. It’s cheeky and a little sarcastic. Like you.”
Perhaps he’s right. When I look in the store’s mirror, I look like who I want to be. Not just a financial journalist in staid blues and whites and grays, but a man who can create. A guy who can spin a yarn. The author penning his first novel.
The characters were way too self-aware, explaining their every action and choice in the narration to the audience throughout.
Didn’t feel realistic for 23 year-olds, I can’t always explain my every action and I’m a decade older.
Dude, I don’t need you to dramatically explain why you aren’t telling your deepest secrets to a roommate you met less than a week ago, you barely know him. Chill out.
They also were absurdly on the same page from the start, and had no conflict by 40%, 2 weeks after meeting.
except for both being mutually horny 100% of the time
100% success rate recommending fashion and music to one another
love the same books
unquestionably supported one another’s work and personal projects
After talking twice and identifying they both love famously gay Oscar Wilde and orgasms, they said they were starting a secret society for those shared interests, like Grindr doesn’t already exist a bit redundant!
The amount of emotional buy-in these two had by 30% (1 week into the story) made it feel more like it was a story of childhood friends who moved apart and reconnected.
not who had flirted over drinks, avoided each other for a week because they were both so horny for one another, then met again to go thrift shopping.
On the plus side I did get a good laugh out of Jude enthusiastically selling TJ on the “unique” thrift find “you’d never find at Target” of a black t shirt with skulls on it.
Yeah, unheard of, never been done 😂
Seriously though, Jude was selling TJ on buying 5 different t shirts with emojis on them at 4 different thrift stores like he was in Mad Men.
No one has pushed for a product that hard on Product Runway or Shark Tank 😂
It was like someone selling you hard on this hidden gem of local authentic Mexican cuisine, bringing you to Taco Bell, and handing you a Doritos taco 😂
A couple quotes of Mad Men-esque pushes to buy emoji shirts:
When you thrift,” he says, stopping at a black shirt with tiny skulls on it, “you can not only find bargains. You can also find something unique.”
He yanks the black shirt from the rack then holds it against my chest. “Like this. I see you with a certain style. It starts with short sleeves. Something nice and tight in the chest. You ought to show off this body, but in a way that’s not showy. That’s simply . . . clever.”
For the eggplant emoji t-shirt, sure to inspire any writer to win the Pulitzer Prize:
”It’s perfect for a writer. It’s cheeky and a little sarcastic. Like you.”
Perhaps he’s right. When I look in the store’s mirror, I look like who I want to be. Not just a financial journalist in staid blues and whites and grays, but a man who can create. A guy who can spin a yarn. The author penning his first novel.
June 30, 2022
Swoony and sexy,
but just a setup for book 2.
Profit over plot.
but just a setup for book 2.
Profit over plot.
September 8, 2022
Honestly this was going to be a two star book but the bloopers at the end of the audio book had me crying laughing so I had to bump it up. Shane East and Teddy Hamilton absolutely slay me 😂
June 7, 2022
I really, really wanted to like Hopelessly Bromantic as I know Lauren Blakely writes wonderful stories.
But truthfully......I could not get into the story, at all. I liked both Jude and TJ as characters separately but didn't sense any chemistry between them. It just didn't feel natural or organic, which is why I found myself skimming a good majority of the book. And had I not received an early copy of the story, I probably wouldn't have finished. In some ways, I'm glad that I did finish as towards the end, after the separation and them being reunited, I finally found an inkling of a connection between them. But by then, it was a little too late for me and I won't be continuing on the journey to watch them get their happily ever after.
But truthfully......I could not get into the story, at all. I liked both Jude and TJ as characters separately but didn't sense any chemistry between them. It just didn't feel natural or organic, which is why I found myself skimming a good majority of the book. And had I not received an early copy of the story, I probably wouldn't have finished. In some ways, I'm glad that I did finish as towards the end, after the separation and them being reunited, I finally found an inkling of a connection between them. But by then, it was a little too late for me and I won't be continuing on the journey to watch them get their happily ever after.
July 2, 2022
there's a whole lot of coincidences for sure in this and usually I'd mind but i don't even care😭 i just need to know what happens next bye.
October 15, 2022
3,5 stars. It was an enjoyable read, with some funny scenes and banter but the whole premise (we can't be together because we're roommates) and the long break in communication felt forced. In this day and era, to imagine that two guys were so into each other only to decide not to have any sort of contact for seven years rang unrealistic. I guess the author needed this for the plot, to make their reunion more dramatic, but it ended up being a bit cliched and OTT.
June 9, 2022
3.75 stars - I want to be mad and maybe I kind of am, but not enough to even entertain the thought of not reading the second book in this duet. I need to see Jude and TJ happy and together. Right now I just want to smack them both, yell at them and then smack them some more for good measure. I'm officially adding "misunderstandings", "overreactions" and "jumping to conclusions" to my list of romance novel no-no's. I thought all of those things were covered by "miscommunication", but this book made it evident that they needed categories of their own. Good grief, the end of this book. My Kindle is lucky to be alive.
I loved everything that happened in London. The sexual tension between Jude and TJ was off the charts, but ignoring their attraction (or at least avoiding it as best they could) gave them the opportunity to become friends, which I really enjoyed. Jude was adorable. He couldn't reign in his flirting at all and I loved that about him. TJ was more reserved, always overthinking and keeping his big ideas to himself. It was so sweet how Jude lit up when TJ shared personal things with him. They were so good together in London and it made me sad when their time together came to an end.
Seven years later Jude and TJ were different people. That good old life bus had run them both over a few times and they had scars that weren't there when they were starry eyed 23 year olds with big dreams and a plan to reach them. As much as I hated the grand misunderstanding, I got it. They were trying to pick up where the left off, but they probably should have started over instead. The whole thing was a little over the top for my taste and the dealbreaker was like, really? That's the hill we're choosing to die on? But I'll bite because I'm a sucker and I want to forgive them because when they're good, they're really good and I need them to be good again. Selling the next book as enemies-to-lovers might be a stretch, though. They have no reason to hate each other as far as I can tell. I guess we shall see.
I loved everything that happened in London. The sexual tension between Jude and TJ was off the charts, but ignoring their attraction (or at least avoiding it as best they could) gave them the opportunity to become friends, which I really enjoyed. Jude was adorable. He couldn't reign in his flirting at all and I loved that about him. TJ was more reserved, always overthinking and keeping his big ideas to himself. It was so sweet how Jude lit up when TJ shared personal things with him. They were so good together in London and it made me sad when their time together came to an end.
Seven years later Jude and TJ were different people. That good old life bus had run them both over a few times and they had scars that weren't there when they were starry eyed 23 year olds with big dreams and a plan to reach them. As much as I hated the grand misunderstanding, I got it. They were trying to pick up where the left off, but they probably should have started over instead. The whole thing was a little over the top for my taste and the dealbreaker was like, really? That's the hill we're choosing to die on? But I'll bite because I'm a sucker and I want to forgive them because when they're good, they're really good and I need them to be good again. Selling the next book as enemies-to-lovers might be a stretch, though. They have no reason to hate each other as far as I can tell. I guess we shall see.
July 12, 2022
4.5 Stars
I’m recovering from COVID currently and in the grips of it I was feeling way too rough to read. This is the first book I picked up after feeling better (thank you vaccines!) and it was just great!
This is probably one of the most adorable, ridiculous, humorous, unforgettable meet-cutes I’ve ever read.
TJ and Jude are probable some of the most adorable, ridiculous, humorous, unforgettable characters I’ve ever read. I haven’t enjoyed this author’s writing in the past but this was worlds above what I’ve read from them. The banter was amazing. The chemistry was fire. The romance was “swoonworthy,” even if the author uses stupid outdated words like “stud” …or “swoonworthy.”
This duology spans 11 or 12 years I believe. The first time that life events splits these two up, it made sense. I didn’t get the normal (for me) oh, come on feeling that I usually do when this happens.
When they come back together it is so fucking satisfying. I’m so glad I didn’t read this until the second book was out, though, because that cliffhanger would’ve hurt me.
Emotions are strong with this book and I felt them all!
I’m recovering from COVID currently and in the grips of it I was feeling way too rough to read. This is the first book I picked up after feeling better (thank you vaccines!) and it was just great!
This is probably one of the most adorable, ridiculous, humorous, unforgettable meet-cutes I’ve ever read.
TJ and Jude are probable some of the most adorable, ridiculous, humorous, unforgettable characters I’ve ever read. I haven’t enjoyed this author’s writing in the past but this was worlds above what I’ve read from them. The banter was amazing. The chemistry was fire. The romance was “swoonworthy,” even if the author uses stupid outdated words like “stud” …or “swoonworthy.”
This duology spans 11 or 12 years I believe. The first time that life events splits these two up, it made sense. I didn’t get the normal (for me) oh, come on feeling that I usually do when this happens.
When they come back together it is so fucking satisfying. I’m so glad I didn’t read this until the second book was out, though, because that cliffhanger would’ve hurt me.
Emotions are strong with this book and I felt them all!
May 30, 2022
BIIIIITTCCHHHHH OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
June 5, 2022
(audiobook) I’ve been following this author’s MM romances as they keep getting better and she’s still quite new to the genre. I wasn’t disappointed, though I expected more.
The two parts with a seven year gap was interesting, since the story deals with becoming a celebrity and how life isn’t alway a straight line–AH! First part is about the young men with dreams and ambitions, and the blooming relationship between them, while the second part is about their reunion and the level their career has reached.
All fine, except for the fact they barely spend two weeks together before they get separated at the end of the first part, with no hope to meet again, and yet they still love each other madly when they reunite seven years–and multiple relationships–later. I always have troubles believing this trope. I mean, they could seduce each other again after so long, and I would be okay with it. Here, it’s like they haven’t seen each other in a week or less, and they get back to it right away.
The conflict that threatens their relationship at the end of part two–leaving the book on a cliffhanger–was well done though. It comes directly from their personal arc, be it the state of their career or their emotional struggles. Jude and TJ’s characterization was quite good, and their personal stories consistent.
There was some sexy, but I felt they talked and thought more about it than they did it. I was more interested in their friendship, to be honest. The connection between them was so great!
Though I’m not totally sold on the story–or at least some elements–the audio was a great experience. It would have benefited having less characters or more narrators, I don’t know which, as I mixed them up a few times. They were all excellent though, both the two main narrators and the supporting cast. Definitely a book to listen to.
Quickie
- Series: Hopelessly bromantic duet #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #MM romance #celebrity romance #second chance romance #friends to lovers #roommates #actor #writer
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Jude Graham & TJ Ashford
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + they had a great relationship as friends
- – seven years, multiple lovers, but they still have feelings for each other? not buying it
The two parts with a seven year gap was interesting, since the story deals with becoming a celebrity and how life isn’t alway a straight line–AH! First part is about the young men with dreams and ambitions, and the blooming relationship between them, while the second part is about their reunion and the level their career has reached.
All fine, except for the fact they barely spend two weeks together before they get separated at the end of the first part, with no hope to meet again, and yet they still love each other madly when they reunite seven years–and multiple relationships–later. I always have troubles believing this trope. I mean, they could seduce each other again after so long, and I would be okay with it. Here, it’s like they haven’t seen each other in a week or less, and they get back to it right away.
The conflict that threatens their relationship at the end of part two–leaving the book on a cliffhanger–was well done though. It comes directly from their personal arc, be it the state of their career or their emotional struggles. Jude and TJ’s characterization was quite good, and their personal stories consistent.
There was some sexy, but I felt they talked and thought more about it than they did it. I was more interested in their friendship, to be honest. The connection between them was so great!
Though I’m not totally sold on the story–or at least some elements–the audio was a great experience. It would have benefited having less characters or more narrators, I don’t know which, as I mixed them up a few times. They were all excellent though, both the two main narrators and the supporting cast. Definitely a book to listen to.
Quickie
- Series: Hopelessly bromantic duet #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #MM romance #celebrity romance #second chance romance #friends to lovers #roommates #actor #writer
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Jude Graham & TJ Ashford
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + they had a great relationship as friends
- – seven years, multiple lovers, but they still have feelings for each other? not buying it
March 26, 2023
First of all: avoid the short story included in the beginning. It totally messes up the timeline and is confusing.
In short, the blurb does not fit the novel. Two men meet for 24 days and after 7 years (in a fast forward) they meet for two days. This does not make an epic love story. I enjoyed the reread, though. And I like to finish this one with half of novel #2 (because after that novel #2 gets tedious).
Follow my reviews at http://HemmelM.blogspot.com
In short, the blurb does not fit the novel. Two men meet for 24 days and after 7 years (in a fast forward) they meet for two days. This does not make an epic love story. I enjoyed the reread, though. And I like to finish this one with half of novel #2 (because after that novel #2 gets tedious).
Follow my reviews at http://HemmelM.blogspot.com
June 4, 2022
4 STARS!
“𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚣𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚒𝚖. 𝙸’𝚖 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚣𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝙹𝚞𝚍𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸’𝚖 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚖𝚎. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚍𝚘 𝚊 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚗.”
I hope that wherever you are, that it’s officially summertime for you, and if so, this is the PERFECT summer read!
Jude and TJ share an instant spark when they first meet that they try and douse when they find out they’re roommates soon after. But even the chance of an awkward morning after doesn’t keep them away from each other for long.
This one had kind of a slow start for me, but once it got going, I was in love. The second half of this book is scorching hot and packed all the feels.
TJ and Jude’s epic romance spans from London to New York to LA. But past trust issues and competitive issues soon begin to threaten what could’ve been. I loved these two together and I cannot wait for the next installment of this duet, Here Comes My Man, which releases on June 28th.
P.S. I HIGHLY recommend grabbing the audio on this. Shane Easton and Teddy Hamilton’s duet narration is basically liquid sex!!! 🥰
“𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚣𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚒𝚖. 𝙸’𝚖 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚣𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝙹𝚞𝚍𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸’𝚖 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚖𝚎. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚍𝚘 𝚊 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚗.”
I hope that wherever you are, that it’s officially summertime for you, and if so, this is the PERFECT summer read!
Jude and TJ share an instant spark when they first meet that they try and douse when they find out they’re roommates soon after. But even the chance of an awkward morning after doesn’t keep them away from each other for long.
This one had kind of a slow start for me, but once it got going, I was in love. The second half of this book is scorching hot and packed all the feels.
TJ and Jude’s epic romance spans from London to New York to LA. But past trust issues and competitive issues soon begin to threaten what could’ve been. I loved these two together and I cannot wait for the next installment of this duet, Here Comes My Man, which releases on June 28th.
P.S. I HIGHLY recommend grabbing the audio on this. Shane Easton and Teddy Hamilton’s duet narration is basically liquid sex!!! 🥰
July 1, 2022
This is an AMAZING romance. It’s a two parter, though. We don’t have our HEA yet, and the journey to get there is a roller coaster of pure emotion. The next one comes out on June 28th, so plan your reading accordingly!
TJ and Jude are an opposites attract romance in the best of ways. TJ is the enigmatic American writer who keeps his thoughts close to the vest and Jude is a charismatic British actor with a flair for thrift store fashion. These two are looking for a casual hookup and get SO MUCH MORE.
The chemistry between these two was palpable and that they deny themselves this connection for as long as they did is a feat of inhuman restraint. And when they did get together, I think they almost melted my kindle; they burned with the heat of a thousand suns. It was some of the hottest, most honest, love scenes I’ve ever read.
But I think these two have been programmed over time to not trust a good thing and to look instead for the flaws.
This story reminds me of this quote from Veronica Mars - “I thought our story was epic, you know. You and me. Spanning years and continents. Lives ruined and blood shed.” This one definitely spans years and continents. I think the only thing missing is the bloodshed, but that’s ok. Bloodshed is overrated in contemporary romance.
Loved this so much! I’d give it more stars if I could!!
I requested an early reader copy of this book from Candi Kane PR and these are my honest opinions.
TJ and Jude are an opposites attract romance in the best of ways. TJ is the enigmatic American writer who keeps his thoughts close to the vest and Jude is a charismatic British actor with a flair for thrift store fashion. These two are looking for a casual hookup and get SO MUCH MORE.
The chemistry between these two was palpable and that they deny themselves this connection for as long as they did is a feat of inhuman restraint. And when they did get together, I think they almost melted my kindle; they burned with the heat of a thousand suns. It was some of the hottest, most honest, love scenes I’ve ever read.
But I think these two have been programmed over time to not trust a good thing and to look instead for the flaws.
This story reminds me of this quote from Veronica Mars - “I thought our story was epic, you know. You and me. Spanning years and continents. Lives ruined and blood shed.” This one definitely spans years and continents. I think the only thing missing is the bloodshed, but that’s ok. Bloodshed is overrated in contemporary romance.
Loved this so much! I’d give it more stars if I could!!
I requested an early reader copy of this book from Candi Kane PR and these are my honest opinions.
June 2, 2022
Cute actually.
June 22, 2024
This strangers to lovers meet cute is so good. I was hooked from page one and so there for those two idiots. They have a sexy whirlwind romance which is sadly doomed from the beginning. There is a 7 years gap and
Way to end a book... NOT. Can't wait to find out how this is going to pan out.
Way to end a book... NOT. Can't wait to find out how this is going to pan out.
dnf
March 21, 2025Just not feeling it (16%)
April 21, 2023
4.5*
It was SO GOOD, it had me in a chokehold, it did it all for me, but then the third act conflict hit...
I hated it so much, it caused me physical pain, y'all, so my act of revenge is taking away 0.5 stars despite it being otherwise perfect.
I had been wanting to read this book for ages, which is the case with A LOT of books on my TBR, so one day I was like idk what to read, why the fuck not?
And I'm so glad I did, because I was genuinely surprised by how good and enjoyable this book was!
The pros:
. TJ was a very likeable main character with vew few flaws, which in some cases would be an unrealistic turnoff but I actually enjoyed that about him in this book.
As for Jude... Look, I liked Jude, how direct and honest and straightforward and insecure and cute as fuck he is, but time-jump Jude was not the best and that's why I'm a bit ehhh about his character.
. The writing was very simple and easy to read, which, again, is something I can appreciate in a romcom.
. Speaking of that, this book is one of the very few "romcoms" I've read in a long time that's an ACTUAL ROMCOM. Like it was a genuinely funny romance book that actually delivered on the promise of a romcom and I respect it for that.
The humor was very good, that's that.
. Now about the romance, I surprisingly really enjoyed how it all came about!
From the meet-cute to the first date, their relationship slowly developing from (surprise) roommates to two people actually realizing that their feelings run deeper than they should, it was simply very well done.
Those rare moments where they both shared the most intimate and private parts of themselves with one another were the highlights of the book.
. The setup was also quite fun, them going from a meet-cute loaded with sexual tension to finding out they're roommates and having to live together, unable to profess their feelings to one another and fucking their brains out, very fun.
. I enjoyed the sex scenes, as they were both dirty as hell while also maintaining a level of classiness to them.
. Multiple POVs!!
. The time jump element was bomb, and one that I haven't really experienced in a romance novel before, at least I don't think.
I liked how we got to see them both as two guys trying to jumpstart their careers in the arts to two men who actually made it, to different levels of success.
. The plot twist at the end... The audacity Lauren Blakely had to dangle that little bit of bait in front of us!
The cons:
. Jude's character took a turn for the worst after the timejump, and while that does make sense because he is a flawed person and not everyone can age gracefully.
His insecurities were out there for us to see and he kept lashing out at TJ despite him not deserving that treatment from Jude, which did make me dislike him towards the end.
. TJ's treatment of the barista friend just because he thought he may have gotten involved with Jude... Damn, who would want to be your friend if that's how you treat them based on a mere assumption.
. The third act conflict... Look, I may be able to kind of get what Jude was going through but him immediately going on the offensive, lashing out at TJ and saying some truly unforgiveable things was completely unacceptable and it did tarnish his character in my eyes.
TJ definitely did not deserve that treatment, and had he been able to explain the situation, it'd have been resolved, but Jude did not allow that and just made his own assumptions, hurting the great love of his life in the process.
I didn't like how this was done because the course of action the author followed actually harmed one of her main characters in a way that I don't believe can be reversed.
Will probs read book two this month because I cannot help myself lol.
Strongly recommended!
It was SO GOOD, it had me in a chokehold, it did it all for me, but then the third act conflict hit...
I hated it so much, it caused me physical pain, y'all, so my act of revenge is taking away 0.5 stars despite it being otherwise perfect.
I had been wanting to read this book for ages, which is the case with A LOT of books on my TBR, so one day I was like idk what to read, why the fuck not?
And I'm so glad I did, because I was genuinely surprised by how good and enjoyable this book was!
The pros:
. TJ was a very likeable main character with vew few flaws, which in some cases would be an unrealistic turnoff but I actually enjoyed that about him in this book.
As for Jude... Look, I liked Jude, how direct and honest and straightforward and insecure and cute as fuck he is, but time-jump Jude was not the best and that's why I'm a bit ehhh about his character.
. The writing was very simple and easy to read, which, again, is something I can appreciate in a romcom.
. Speaking of that, this book is one of the very few "romcoms" I've read in a long time that's an ACTUAL ROMCOM. Like it was a genuinely funny romance book that actually delivered on the promise of a romcom and I respect it for that.
The humor was very good, that's that.
. Now about the romance, I surprisingly really enjoyed how it all came about!
From the meet-cute to the first date, their relationship slowly developing from (surprise) roommates to two people actually realizing that their feelings run deeper than they should, it was simply very well done.
Those rare moments where they both shared the most intimate and private parts of themselves with one another were the highlights of the book.
. The setup was also quite fun, them going from a meet-cute loaded with sexual tension to finding out they're roommates and having to live together, unable to profess their feelings to one another and fucking their brains out, very fun.
. I enjoyed the sex scenes, as they were both dirty as hell while also maintaining a level of classiness to them.
. Multiple POVs!!
. The time jump element was bomb, and one that I haven't really experienced in a romance novel before, at least I don't think.
I liked how we got to see them both as two guys trying to jumpstart their careers in the arts to two men who actually made it, to different levels of success.
. The plot twist at the end... The audacity Lauren Blakely had to dangle that little bit of bait in front of us!
The cons:
. Jude's character took a turn for the worst after the timejump, and while that does make sense because he is a flawed person and not everyone can age gracefully.
His insecurities were out there for us to see and he kept lashing out at TJ despite him not deserving that treatment from Jude, which did make me dislike him towards the end.
. TJ's treatment of the barista friend just because he thought he may have gotten involved with Jude... Damn, who would want to be your friend if that's how you treat them based on a mere assumption.
. The third act conflict... Look, I may be able to kind of get what Jude was going through but him immediately going on the offensive, lashing out at TJ and saying some truly unforgiveable things was completely unacceptable and it did tarnish his character in my eyes.
TJ definitely did not deserve that treatment, and had he been able to explain the situation, it'd have been resolved, but Jude did not allow that and just made his own assumptions, hurting the great love of his life in the process.
I didn't like how this was done because the course of action the author followed actually harmed one of her main characters in a way that I don't believe can be reversed.
Will probs read book two this month because I cannot help myself lol.
Strongly recommended!
May 31, 2022
5 SMOOCHES!
I’m a huge Lauren Blakely fan—her romantic comedies and contemporaries are some of my favorite things to read. I can now add her MM romances to that list. Starting with her debut MM romance, A Guy Walks Into My Bar, each one has blown me away. These stories clearly have a special place in her heart. The passion, the depth, the characters and the obvious attention to detail that she pours into these romances is evident on every single page.
I listened to the audio version of Hopelessly Bromantic, narrated in duet by Shane East and Teddy Hamilton, complete with a full cast. The organic chemistry between Shane and Teddy brought TJ and Jude to life in my ears. I love both narrators on their own, but paired together in these roles, they were simply magical. Teddy captured TJ’s quirky charm perfectly, and Shane’s British accent made for a realistic portrayal of the flirty and confident Jude. Their performances were outstanding—the whole cast was fantastic.
Hopelessly Bromantic is a duet, and this book starts the emotional roller-coaster that is TJ and Jude’s relationship. Spanning continents and years, Blakely penned a right person, wrong time romance full of twists and turns, ups and downs and all the lust and longing of a budding young love that isn’t going to work out. TJ and Jude meet in their early 20s, at a time in their lives when they’re both focused on their careers, just getting started professionally and hustling to get noticed. TJ has just relocated from NY, on a year-long assignment in London, and Jude, an actor who’s working in a bookshop, is the first person TJ meets on his first day in town. Fate plays a huge role in TJ and Jude’s story, and boy she really did mean business when she said now is not your time to this couple. Stumbling blocks, complications and miscommunications all worked together to keep this couple apart.
Lauren is known for her lighter hearted writing, and I love those stories so much. But when she writes an emotional romance, she lays it all on the table. Hopelessly Bromantic is a two-part story, so go in knowing that you’ll be left hanging at the end of this story. The thing is that there is no bad guy here, and while my heart broke for both TJ and Jude, I know that Lauren is going to piece it back together with a hard-fought, scorching hot, finale full of feels. I’m literally on the edge of my seat waiting for it. Five smooches for Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
I’m a huge Lauren Blakely fan—her romantic comedies and contemporaries are some of my favorite things to read. I can now add her MM romances to that list. Starting with her debut MM romance, A Guy Walks Into My Bar, each one has blown me away. These stories clearly have a special place in her heart. The passion, the depth, the characters and the obvious attention to detail that she pours into these romances is evident on every single page.
I listened to the audio version of Hopelessly Bromantic, narrated in duet by Shane East and Teddy Hamilton, complete with a full cast. The organic chemistry between Shane and Teddy brought TJ and Jude to life in my ears. I love both narrators on their own, but paired together in these roles, they were simply magical. Teddy captured TJ’s quirky charm perfectly, and Shane’s British accent made for a realistic portrayal of the flirty and confident Jude. Their performances were outstanding—the whole cast was fantastic.
Hopelessly Bromantic is a duet, and this book starts the emotional roller-coaster that is TJ and Jude’s relationship. Spanning continents and years, Blakely penned a right person, wrong time romance full of twists and turns, ups and downs and all the lust and longing of a budding young love that isn’t going to work out. TJ and Jude meet in their early 20s, at a time in their lives when they’re both focused on their careers, just getting started professionally and hustling to get noticed. TJ has just relocated from NY, on a year-long assignment in London, and Jude, an actor who’s working in a bookshop, is the first person TJ meets on his first day in town. Fate plays a huge role in TJ and Jude’s story, and boy she really did mean business when she said now is not your time to this couple. Stumbling blocks, complications and miscommunications all worked together to keep this couple apart.
Lauren is known for her lighter hearted writing, and I love those stories so much. But when she writes an emotional romance, she lays it all on the table. Hopelessly Bromantic is a two-part story, so go in knowing that you’ll be left hanging at the end of this story. The thing is that there is no bad guy here, and while my heart broke for both TJ and Jude, I know that Lauren is going to piece it back together with a hard-fought, scorching hot, finale full of feels. I’m literally on the edge of my seat waiting for it. Five smooches for Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
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