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Best Bros Forever #2
The Bro Date
Toby
For years, I’ve been pining after someone I can never have—my best friend, Shane. The thought of confessing my feelings and possibly losing him is so gut-wrenching that I’ve hidden my true identity from everyone, including myself.
Until now.
While staying with my grandparents for spring break—away from the testosterone-filled house I share with Shane and two other roommates—I decide I’m finally ready to pursue my attraction to guys. When I get back to campus, I download a gay dating app to meet people.
Shane’s overprotective side flares to life, and he starts to stalk me on my dates, making sure I’m safe and swooping in to rescue me from disaster after disaster. When that protective streak turns into possessiveness, and he asks to kiss me, I have to pinch myself.
Is this the happily ever after of my dreams, or is Shane just leading me on to eventually rip out my heart when he realizes he isn’t gay?
Shane
There’s always been one ray of sunshine in my otherwise dark existence—my best friend, Toby. But when he returns from a trip to Florida and confides in me that he’s gay and wants to start dating guys, irrational jealousy takes hold of me.
Stalking his dates may start by accident, but after the first time, I willingly lurk in the shadows, watching him. Protecting him. None of these losers deserve Toby, and when he continues to get hurt by them, I can’t take it any longer. I guess I’ll have to be the one to show him how special he is and what he deserves.
When one heated kiss turns into a series of dates, I find myself falling for my best friend and questioning everything. Will this be the beginning of something beautiful, or am I doomed to lose the only good thing in my life?
The Bro Date is book two in the Best Bros Forever Series, a collection of standalone contemporary gay romances. You can expect best-friends-to-lovers, bi-awakening, grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity. This novel is intended for 18+ readers and touches on some sensitive subjects.
For years, I’ve been pining after someone I can never have—my best friend, Shane. The thought of confessing my feelings and possibly losing him is so gut-wrenching that I’ve hidden my true identity from everyone, including myself.
Until now.
While staying with my grandparents for spring break—away from the testosterone-filled house I share with Shane and two other roommates—I decide I’m finally ready to pursue my attraction to guys. When I get back to campus, I download a gay dating app to meet people.
Shane’s overprotective side flares to life, and he starts to stalk me on my dates, making sure I’m safe and swooping in to rescue me from disaster after disaster. When that protective streak turns into possessiveness, and he asks to kiss me, I have to pinch myself.
Is this the happily ever after of my dreams, or is Shane just leading me on to eventually rip out my heart when he realizes he isn’t gay?
Shane
There’s always been one ray of sunshine in my otherwise dark existence—my best friend, Toby. But when he returns from a trip to Florida and confides in me that he’s gay and wants to start dating guys, irrational jealousy takes hold of me.
Stalking his dates may start by accident, but after the first time, I willingly lurk in the shadows, watching him. Protecting him. None of these losers deserve Toby, and when he continues to get hurt by them, I can’t take it any longer. I guess I’ll have to be the one to show him how special he is and what he deserves.
When one heated kiss turns into a series of dates, I find myself falling for my best friend and questioning everything. Will this be the beginning of something beautiful, or am I doomed to lose the only good thing in my life?
The Bro Date is book two in the Best Bros Forever Series, a collection of standalone contemporary gay romances. You can expect best-friends-to-lovers, bi-awakening, grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity. This novel is intended for 18+ readers and touches on some sensitive subjects.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2025
About the author
Charli Meadows
9 books417 followersCharli Meadows is an obsessive reader, avid bookstagrammer turned PA, and now an author herself. Lover of all romance, she plans to write a little bit of everything, but make it sweet and spicy.
Living in North Carolina with her husband and young daughter, you can usually find Charli working her boring corporate job or at home playing video games, if she’s not reading, writing or daydreaming about books.
Living in North Carolina with her husband and young daughter, you can usually find Charli working her boring corporate job or at home playing video games, if she’s not reading, writing or daydreaming about books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
April 12, 2026
Oh boy.
I didn't enjoy book one but I read this for a reading challenge I'm doing and it was somehow so much worse even though it improved upon the things I complained about in my other review...
I don't even know how to describe it! Like I said with book one, it felt like I was reading characters who were acting out roles really badly. None of the characters have any depth, and every single side character was either a cliche or a stereotype!
The MCs were ridiculous. They both read like checklists of personality traits e.g. grumpy, possessive, over protective bad boy with a tragic backstory and tattoos even though he never has money, and then the clumsy, cute, naive virgin musician rich boy with terrible parents. He was using grindr for cutesy dates and then getting confused when guys were expecting more than hand holding?!?
They were also either talking like middle aged people or like young teenagers, which was so confusing. The grumpy one was supposedly the poor part of the rich/poor dynamic 🙄🙄 yet he's constantly paying for dates, buying loads of lingerie, making food for everyone - including oysters 🤢🤢 They also somehow had a romantic bath in a share house lived in by four college boys... I don't want to be a dick, but it felt so out of place and so unlikely to actually happen even in fiction 😂 It made me want to go have a shower immediately!!
Also, why were there so many bloody sex scenes?!? I ended up skipping them after the first couple because they weren't progressing the story, they were just taking up pages.
Don't even get me started on the rambling flashbacks!!! There was no need for them.
I think it's definitely time to stop trying books from this author because they just aren't a good fit for what I look for in a book.
I didn't enjoy book one but I read this for a reading challenge I'm doing and it was somehow so much worse even though it improved upon the things I complained about in my other review...
I don't even know how to describe it! Like I said with book one, it felt like I was reading characters who were acting out roles really badly. None of the characters have any depth, and every single side character was either a cliche or a stereotype!
The MCs were ridiculous. They both read like checklists of personality traits e.g. grumpy, possessive, over protective bad boy with a tragic backstory and tattoos even though he never has money, and then the clumsy, cute, naive virgin musician rich boy with terrible parents. He was using grindr for cutesy dates and then getting confused when guys were expecting more than hand holding?!?
They were also either talking like middle aged people or like young teenagers, which was so confusing. The grumpy one was supposedly the poor part of the rich/poor dynamic 🙄🙄 yet he's constantly paying for dates, buying loads of lingerie, making food for everyone - including oysters 🤢🤢 They also somehow had a romantic bath in a share house lived in by four college boys... I don't want to be a dick, but it felt so out of place and so unlikely to actually happen even in fiction 😂 It made me want to go have a shower immediately!!
Also, why were there so many bloody sex scenes?!? I ended up skipping them after the first couple because they weren't progressing the story, they were just taking up pages.
Don't even get me started on the rambling flashbacks!!! There was no need for them.
I think it's definitely time to stop trying books from this author because they just aren't a good fit for what I look for in a book.
July 27, 2025
Shane and Toby are a ridiculously cute couple, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop throughout this story. It is mostly low angst as they both realize their mutual feelings for each other and decide to move beyond just friendship toward something romantic.
I also liked how they were both hesitant about their feelings because they were best friends and wondered how that would change once their feelings were revealed. Shockingly enough, it only made their bond stronger and more meaningful.
Overall, this story is utterly adorable and has many cute moments that I couldn't get enough of. These two are perfect for each other and always kept a smile on my face.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I also liked how they were both hesitant about their feelings because they were best friends and wondered how that would change once their feelings were revealed. Shockingly enough, it only made their bond stronger and more meaningful.
Overall, this story is utterly adorable and has many cute moments that I couldn't get enough of. These two are perfect for each other and always kept a smile on my face.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
August 2, 2025
The Bro Date is book two in the Best Bros Forever series. This MM best friends to lovers romance story is about Toby and Shane.
Toby and Shane have been best friends since fifth grade. Toby has been pining for Shane for years, and has even hidden the fact that he is gay. They are now in college and Toby is ready to pursue his attraction to guys. But once he starts going on dates, we see Shane become even more protective of his best friend. Shane starts stalking Toby on his dates, and ends up being there to rescue him when they turn into a disaster. Shane decides to take Toby on a date to show him how he should be treated.
Shane hasn’t ever been interested in guys, so he finds his feelings for Toby confusing. But it doesn’t stop him from taking Toby on some amazing dates. It was lovely to see Shane finally realize Toby is different and that being with him just feels right.
I do have to say I was waiting for something big and dramatic to happen, but that wasn’t the case. These two easily transition into more and I enjoyed how cute and hot they were together. Toby and Shane didn’t have the best family dynamic growing up, so we did see them having to deal with Toby’s parents and Shane’s mom. But Toby and Shane were supportive of each other, and they also had a great group of friends. If you are looking for a low angst, sweet yet spicy best friends to lovers romance, then you should check out Toby and Shane’s story.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Toby and Shane have been best friends since fifth grade. Toby has been pining for Shane for years, and has even hidden the fact that he is gay. They are now in college and Toby is ready to pursue his attraction to guys. But once he starts going on dates, we see Shane become even more protective of his best friend. Shane starts stalking Toby on his dates, and ends up being there to rescue him when they turn into a disaster. Shane decides to take Toby on a date to show him how he should be treated.
Shane hasn’t ever been interested in guys, so he finds his feelings for Toby confusing. But it doesn’t stop him from taking Toby on some amazing dates. It was lovely to see Shane finally realize Toby is different and that being with him just feels right.
I do have to say I was waiting for something big and dramatic to happen, but that wasn’t the case. These two easily transition into more and I enjoyed how cute and hot they were together. Toby and Shane didn’t have the best family dynamic growing up, so we did see them having to deal with Toby’s parents and Shane’s mom. But Toby and Shane were supportive of each other, and they also had a great group of friends. If you are looking for a low angst, sweet yet spicy best friends to lovers romance, then you should check out Toby and Shane’s story.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
July 31, 2025
This was a very cute and fun story! I really loved Shane, Toby and the side characters. I’m a sucker for best friends to lovers and this story definitely hits the mark. I hope we get a Spencer and Tate story before too long! I recommend reading this one if you’re looking for a sweet story.
August 19, 2025
i hated shane’s friends and i hated toby’s friends….would’ve been a better story if none of them were involved…toby’s friends were obnoxious and of course it would be the stereotypical gay and the black girl…..made the whole community look bad.
story gave wattpad from 2012, especially the clubbing parts like okay we get it.
i loved shane and toby so one star for each of them!
story gave wattpad from 2012, especially the clubbing parts like okay we get it.
i loved shane and toby so one star for each of them!
August 1, 2025
I thought I was in for a light, cheeky friends to lovers vibe, but The Bro Date had other plans, and I’m not mad about it.
Shane and Toby absolutely stole my heart in the kind of quiet, agonizing way that hits harder because it's real. That slow unraveling of feelings? The jealousy Shane doesn’t understand? Toby trying to move on but still clinging to the one person who’s always been his safe place? Ugh. It got me right in the feels.
Toby is sweet, anxious, too trusting, and craving the kind of love he’s been terrified to admit he wants. Shane is a walking contradiction — tattoos, height, scowls for days...but so protective and tender it’ll make your insides melt. Their dynamic? Pure emotional torture. And I loved every second of it.
This book is full of tiny moments that build into something bigger. A hand on the back. A hoodie draped over bare shoulders. A burrito eaten wayyy too suggestively. And kiss that changes everything.
Charli Meadows absolutely nailed the slow burn here. Messy, believable, and full of tension you feel.
If you like pining, emotional chaos, and watching a “straight” boy lose his entire mind over his best friend, grab this book. You're in for a ride.
5 stars. 1 gay awakening. 1 black thong I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Shane and Toby absolutely stole my heart in the kind of quiet, agonizing way that hits harder because it's real. That slow unraveling of feelings? The jealousy Shane doesn’t understand? Toby trying to move on but still clinging to the one person who’s always been his safe place? Ugh. It got me right in the feels.
Toby is sweet, anxious, too trusting, and craving the kind of love he’s been terrified to admit he wants. Shane is a walking contradiction — tattoos, height, scowls for days...but so protective and tender it’ll make your insides melt. Their dynamic? Pure emotional torture. And I loved every second of it.
This book is full of tiny moments that build into something bigger. A hand on the back. A hoodie draped over bare shoulders. A burrito eaten wayyy too suggestively. And kiss that changes everything.
Charli Meadows absolutely nailed the slow burn here. Messy, believable, and full of tension you feel.
If you like pining, emotional chaos, and watching a “straight” boy lose his entire mind over his best friend, grab this book. You're in for a ride.
5 stars. 1 gay awakening. 1 black thong I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
September 15, 2025
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Toby and Shane
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Toby and Shane
September 8, 2025
The first 85% of this book was great, definitely worthy of five solid stars. However, once the main characters declared their feelings for one another, things got super boring. At that point, in my opinion, the story was over. I found it really hard not to skim through the last 15%.
August 13, 2025
meh…kinda liked the beginning. Started skimming around 65% and then skipping ahead between 70% to the end
August 9, 2025
I would like a Shane for myself, please. This guy is the sweetest, hottest, most attentive boyfriend ever made. He's sinfully filthy and an absolute wild man in bed. So yes, I would like a Shane. Oh, and he cooks really well.
“Gonna come,” I grunt, my body shaking with the force of Shane fucking me with the vibrating toy. “Do it,” he demands, leaning down and swallowing my cockhead.I don't care how many dark depraved books I read, I'll always love F2L the most, and this one is just sugary cheesy sweetness. Don't expect super deep characters or any terrible drama. It's just a sweet happy pancake blanket of love. And very very hot🥵
August 4, 2025
After being deep in the Shiloh-verse this was a welcomed ray of sunshine, a brighter spot to bring me out of all those deep emotions. I loved their friendship and the snippets we got of them growing up. Shane’s protective/ possessiveness was 🔥 And I loved how Toby came out of his shell and into his own.
Expect:
•first times
•grumpy/sunshine
•childhood friends to lovers
•mild stalking
•bi awakening
Expect:
•first times
•grumpy/sunshine
•childhood friends to lovers
•mild stalking
•bi awakening
August 9, 2025
4☆
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Toby, Shane
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Bi-awakening, Best Friends to Lovers, Lingerie, Grumpy Sunshine
El libro es super adorable, y los protas aun mas la relación entre Toby y Shane es bella y lo protector que es Shane con Toby amo y la vida de ellos en todo sentido desde una decada atras es fascinante por como van creciendo las cosas y mas aun cuando se dan ese primer beso y descubre Shane poco a poco lo que de verdad quiere
🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔:🌶🌶
🅛🅐🅤🅖🅗🅢:🤣🤣🤣
🅣🅔🅐🅡🅢:🥲🥲
🅜🅒🅢: Toby, Shane
🅟🅞🅥: 1st Dual
🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢: Bi-awakening, Best Friends to Lovers, Lingerie, Grumpy Sunshine
El libro es super adorable, y los protas aun mas la relación entre Toby y Shane es bella y lo protector que es Shane con Toby amo y la vida de ellos en todo sentido desde una decada atras es fascinante por como van creciendo las cosas y mas aun cuando se dan ese primer beso y descubre Shane poco a poco lo que de verdad quiere
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
2⭐ I feel like all I read about was Shane getting jealous and justifying it because he loves Toby.
Sometimes they were cute, but the vast majority of the book felt repetitive and nothing really happened besides them interacting (pointlessly) with their friends.
Don't even get me started on Tate because he felt annoying as heck, super stereotypical and 0 self awareness, I really hope he gets better development on his book...
Sometimes they were cute, but the vast majority of the book felt repetitive and nothing really happened besides them interacting (pointlessly) with their friends.
Don't even get me started on Tate because he felt annoying as heck, super stereotypical and 0 self awareness, I really hope he gets better development on his book...
July 26, 2025
Shane + Toby
-mm college romance
-best friends to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-mutual pining
-some light stalking
ohhh these little cutie patooties!! i loved this one cause while it was our classic gay bestie falling for their "straight" bestie...he hadn't even actually come out yet!! so it made for some great tension for a little bit!! love love love!
-mm college romance
-best friends to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-mutual pining
-some light stalking
ohhh these little cutie patooties!! i loved this one cause while it was our classic gay bestie falling for their "straight" bestie...he hadn't even actually come out yet!! so it made for some great tension for a little bit!! love love love!
August 3, 2025
This was such a fun and sweet read. I love best friends to lovers and this did it very well. I love how much Shane cared for Toby even before they realized it was romantic love. He knew no matter what he didn't want to lose Toby and to realize his feelings weren't just friendship was such a fun story to read. I loved these two and the side characters as well. Tate was hilarious. l loved it.
April 7, 2026
Another sweet best friends to lovers romance. I loved Shane's protectiveness and his instincts to care for Toby and give him the best treatment. His date ideas were adorable and he was utterly devoted and obsessed. Toby is a sweetheart although often too trusting, but luckily Shane is always close by to be his bodyguard/stalker.
Great slow burn, tension and chemistry.
Great slow burn, tension and chemistry.
August 4, 2025
** ARC review **
The Bro Date is a fun and easily enjoyable story about two best friends falling for each other! Now this is best friends to lovers trope done right. The way Shane and Toby care for each other is adorable and the characters on their own are amazing too. Toby is too sweet for his own good and Shane has a heart of gold.
The only thing that kept taking me out of the story was the use of italics - there were just way too much, like almost on every page.
At the end things got a little too cheesy and easy for my taste and I would’ve hoped for more pining but other than that, I really enjoyed this book!
The Bro Date is a fun and easily enjoyable story about two best friends falling for each other! Now this is best friends to lovers trope done right. The way Shane and Toby care for each other is adorable and the characters on their own are amazing too. Toby is too sweet for his own good and Shane has a heart of gold.
The only thing that kept taking me out of the story was the use of italics - there were just way too much, like almost on every page.
At the end things got a little too cheesy and easy for my taste and I would’ve hoped for more pining but other than that, I really enjoyed this book!
June 17, 2026
No tan bueno como el primero 😢
August 7, 2025
Toby and Shane were so right for each other! I adored their dynamic; it was almost like they were already a couple from the start, with neither of them realizing it. I loved that Shane wanted to show Toby how a romantic partner should treat him. The awestruck pining on Toby’s end fully had me then and there. Like how was Toby not supposed to become even more obsessed?
Toby was as cute as a button with a kind heart and absolute loyalty towards the people he cares for. I had a sneaky feeling Shane wouldn’t be able to resist Toby’s ultra cuteness 😏 The protectiveness Shane held toward Toby was so sweet and equally as hot 🥵. I love possessive MCs, the type where it’s “touch him and you’ll regret it” and that’s what Shane was serving.
If you’re looking for an easy, fluffy read with childhood friends to lovers, pinning, and mega possessiveness, then I highly recommend this book for you!
This was my first ARC so thank you so much Charli 💖
✨ Tropes ✨
Grumpy/Sunshine
College Roommates
Pining
Light Stalking
Jealousy
Overprotective Top
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Virgin MC
Toby was as cute as a button with a kind heart and absolute loyalty towards the people he cares for. I had a sneaky feeling Shane wouldn’t be able to resist Toby’s ultra cuteness 😏 The protectiveness Shane held toward Toby was so sweet and equally as hot 🥵. I love possessive MCs, the type where it’s “touch him and you’ll regret it” and that’s what Shane was serving.
If you’re looking for an easy, fluffy read with childhood friends to lovers, pinning, and mega possessiveness, then I highly recommend this book for you!
This was my first ARC so thank you so much Charli 💖
✨ Tropes ✨
Grumpy/Sunshine
College Roommates
Pining
Light Stalking
Jealousy
Overprotective Top
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Virgin MC
September 18, 2026
Quality: 3.25 ⭐️
Enjoyment: 3.8 ⭐️
Rounded up closer to enjoyment rating, since this is more important to me.
Frankly, this story has very little basis in any kind of reality, even more so than average for romance books. So if you want to enjoy it you’ll need to suspend pretty much all of your disbelief. However, I was in the mood for a cotton candy style book (enjoyable but not very complex) so I had fun with it once I suspended my disbelief.
Toby is a cis white 19 year old gay man. He is about 5’ 10” with a slim but toned build. He has curly brown hair and “gold eyes.” He plays the violin and is a music major. He is…almost too innocent to function, honestly. Very young, very naive, questions almost nothing. When Shane insists He’s straight but can’t have Toby dating anyone else and so offers to platonically kiss and date Toby, Toby doesn’t give it a second of thought, ever. He just agrees.
Shane is a cis white 21 year old bisexual man. He could be read as being demi-romantic and/or possibly homoromantic since he’s only ever been sexually attracted to girls but has never had an interest in dating one. He has dark hair and brown eyes, and is 6’4” and muscular. He has several tattoos. He doesn’t have much family except Toby, and he has some attachment issues that lead him to be extremely attached to Toby and overly concerned with his wellbeing. That plus he has unknowingly had a crush on Toby for years makes him go wacky when Toby starts to date other guys.
Contains:
—gay mc x bi mc
—both MCs are closeted initially
—bi side characters: Spencer (closeted), possibly Jake, Toby’s dad (but the dad doesn’t think it “counts” because he married a woman)
—gay side characters: Tate
—unknown sexuality queer characters: Alex, Landon
—the phrase “man bun.” Can we please retire this? It’s just a f*{^}%€ bun.
—size difference (Shane is 6’4” and more muscular, Toby is 5’ 10” and has a slim build)
—flashbacks
—bad dates
—jealousy
—protectiveness / overprotectiveness
—bisexual realization
—internalized homophobia/biphobia (MC insists he is straight despite being demonstrably sexually attracted to at least one man - insists that because he is more attracted to women he isn’t bi…which is funny because a crap ton of bi people have much stronger attraction to one sex over another). This understandably hurts the other MC once they start to get serious.
—moderate virginity/sexual inexperience kink
—unsafe sex (sex without condoms and without any other prophylaxis)
—sex including mutually jerking off and “just the tip”
—lingerie
Other:
—first person dual POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no
—kids: no
—break up: no
—sex: Several explicit open door sex scenes on page. Strict roles with Toby preferring to bottom and Shane preferring to top. Shane is more dominant in bed and Toby is more submissive and they both enjoy this.
—HEA: they’re like 20, but it’s implied to be yes.
I liked:
—friends to lovers is always a fun trope!
—Shane realizing his determination to be “straight” while also sexually and romantically head over heels for Toby was doing nothing but hurting Toby (saying “I love you but dear god I’m not bi, I only like women! And somehow you, I guess” is not very kind and it reeks of internalized homophobia/biphobia). Many characters just stop interrogating WHY they’re so scared or “too liberated” to say they’re under the bi umbrella, so I loved seeing that kind of addressed here.
—the found family elements were good.
—Shane and Toby were really invested in making sure the other was safe and happy.
—Shane eventually being comfortable with being bi and not “straight, even though I’m dating a man,” and I love that because it shows growth, and he seemed so much more at ease with himself.
I struggled with:
—how dramatic Toby’s crush on Shane is. It is constant and blatant and honestly exhausting. His every other thought (or more sometimes) is how hot Shane is and/or how much he’d like to date him. Every time Shane touches him it sends “shockwaves” or a “lightning bolt” that goes “straight to his dick.” It’s so constant that it’s baffling it hasn’t impacted their relationship somehow. It threw me off badly. There was no let up.
—with such rigid, religious parents, I was baffled at Toby’s lack of fear about telling them he is gay. I didn’t need it to the the brutal and real fear that your parents may well murder you for being gay, but zero actual worry other than “it’ll just be another thing they don’t like just like me playing violin” was a crazy take on this. He’s worried Shane will abandon him for being gay, but not his super Christian parents???
—Toby falls a LOT. Nearly constantly. Like he should see a doctor, he can barely stay on his feet. I don’t listen, missing the last step and rolling my ankle like a baby giraffe before falling to the ground. I think he fell like at least once every 10 pages at least in the beginning. It’s excessive.
—“giggle” and its derivatives were used 32 times in the book. That is waaaaay too much for a book about people older than 5 years old.
—silly phrases like “darn tootin’,” and “what in tarnation.” It sounded like a Loony Toons cartoon at times.
“I’m sorry for dragging you along.”
“Don’t be,” he murmurs, and I almost don’t hear the next part. “I’d go anywhere with you, Toby.”
Shane pauses, staring down at me for a moment, his intense gaze analyzing my face. “Work doesn’t matter,” he grumbles. “You matter.”
Tate snickers, whispering something to Toby that I can’t quite hear. I push through the exit with two harness-clad twinks under my arms, completely aware of how this situation looks.
“I don’t want to argue with you, Shane. You’re just gonna have to get used to me being with guys.”
His words are a solid punch to the gut. I don’t want to get used to that. I can’t. “Are you looking for a boyfriend?” I blurt. The question tastes sour on my tongue, like bile rushing up a tender throat, ready to choke the life out of me. I don’t fully understand the feelings growing inside me—the jealousy at seeing him smile and laugh with another man—but it makes my skin crawl so badly that I want to peel it from my bones.
“I’m not gay,” I blurt with absolutely no tact. “Or bi.”
Toby’s dimples make an appearance. “Oookay. So, if you’re not gay or bi, then what was that?”
I shrug. “Don’t know. Does it need a label?”
“Not gay,” I grunt. Jake snorts in disbelief, and I narrow my eyes at him before helping Toby off of me and sitting up straight. “I’m not gay,” I repeat, and I can practically feel Toby shrink in on himself. I need to fix that. “I . . . I think I’m bi. I’m still attracted to girls, but the only person I like is Toby. And he’s a guy.” That felt really weird to say out loud. But also good.
“Yeah?” Toby whispers, his amber eyes sparkling with concern.
I would die for Toby.
He’s mine now. And I will do everything in my power to keep him happy and safe.
Enjoyment: 3.8 ⭐️
Rounded up closer to enjoyment rating, since this is more important to me.
Frankly, this story has very little basis in any kind of reality, even more so than average for romance books. So if you want to enjoy it you’ll need to suspend pretty much all of your disbelief. However, I was in the mood for a cotton candy style book (enjoyable but not very complex) so I had fun with it once I suspended my disbelief.
Toby is a cis white 19 year old gay man. He is about 5’ 10” with a slim but toned build. He has curly brown hair and “gold eyes.” He plays the violin and is a music major. He is…almost too innocent to function, honestly. Very young, very naive, questions almost nothing. When Shane insists He’s straight but can’t have Toby dating anyone else and so offers to platonically kiss and date Toby, Toby doesn’t give it a second of thought, ever. He just agrees.
Shane is a cis white 21 year old bisexual man. He could be read as being demi-romantic and/or possibly homoromantic since he’s only ever been sexually attracted to girls but has never had an interest in dating one. He has dark hair and brown eyes, and is 6’4” and muscular. He has several tattoos. He doesn’t have much family except Toby, and he has some attachment issues that lead him to be extremely attached to Toby and overly concerned with his wellbeing. That plus he has unknowingly had a crush on Toby for years makes him go wacky when Toby starts to date other guys.
Contains:
—gay mc x bi mc
—both MCs are closeted initially
—bi side characters: Spencer (closeted), possibly Jake, Toby’s dad (but the dad doesn’t think it “counts” because he married a woman)
—gay side characters: Tate
—unknown sexuality queer characters: Alex, Landon
—the phrase “man bun.” Can we please retire this? It’s just a f*{^}%€ bun.
—size difference (Shane is 6’4” and more muscular, Toby is 5’ 10” and has a slim build)
—flashbacks
—bad dates
—jealousy
—protectiveness / overprotectiveness
—bisexual realization
—internalized homophobia/biphobia (MC insists he is straight despite being demonstrably sexually attracted to at least one man - insists that because he is more attracted to women he isn’t bi…which is funny because a crap ton of bi people have much stronger attraction to one sex over another). This understandably hurts the other MC once they start to get serious.
—moderate virginity/sexual inexperience kink
—unsafe sex (sex without condoms and without any other prophylaxis)
—sex including mutually jerking off and “just the tip”
—lingerie
Other:
—first person dual POV
—cheating: no
—romantic rival: no
—kids: no
—break up: no
—sex: Several explicit open door sex scenes on page. Strict roles with Toby preferring to bottom and Shane preferring to top. Shane is more dominant in bed and Toby is more submissive and they both enjoy this.
—HEA: they’re like 20, but it’s implied to be yes.
I liked:
—friends to lovers is always a fun trope!
—Shane realizing his determination to be “straight” while also sexually and romantically head over heels for Toby was doing nothing but hurting Toby (saying “I love you but dear god I’m not bi, I only like women! And somehow you, I guess” is not very kind and it reeks of internalized homophobia/biphobia). Many characters just stop interrogating WHY they’re so scared or “too liberated” to say they’re under the bi umbrella, so I loved seeing that kind of addressed here.
—the found family elements were good.
—Shane and Toby were really invested in making sure the other was safe and happy.
—Shane eventually being comfortable with being bi and not “straight, even though I’m dating a man,” and I love that because it shows growth, and he seemed so much more at ease with himself.
I struggled with:
—how dramatic Toby’s crush on Shane is. It is constant and blatant and honestly exhausting. His every other thought (or more sometimes) is how hot Shane is and/or how much he’d like to date him. Every time Shane touches him it sends “shockwaves” or a “lightning bolt” that goes “straight to his dick.” It’s so constant that it’s baffling it hasn’t impacted their relationship somehow. It threw me off badly. There was no let up.
—with such rigid, religious parents, I was baffled at Toby’s lack of fear about telling them he is gay. I didn’t need it to the the brutal and real fear that your parents may well murder you for being gay, but zero actual worry other than “it’ll just be another thing they don’t like just like me playing violin” was a crazy take on this. He’s worried Shane will abandon him for being gay, but not his super Christian parents???
—Toby falls a LOT. Nearly constantly. Like he should see a doctor, he can barely stay on his feet. I don’t listen, missing the last step and rolling my ankle like a baby giraffe before falling to the ground. I think he fell like at least once every 10 pages at least in the beginning. It’s excessive.
—“giggle” and its derivatives were used 32 times in the book. That is waaaaay too much for a book about people older than 5 years old.
—silly phrases like “darn tootin’,” and “what in tarnation.” It sounded like a Loony Toons cartoon at times.
“I’m sorry for dragging you along.”
“Don’t be,” he murmurs, and I almost don’t hear the next part. “I’d go anywhere with you, Toby.”
Shane pauses, staring down at me for a moment, his intense gaze analyzing my face. “Work doesn’t matter,” he grumbles. “You matter.”
Tate snickers, whispering something to Toby that I can’t quite hear. I push through the exit with two harness-clad twinks under my arms, completely aware of how this situation looks.
“I don’t want to argue with you, Shane. You’re just gonna have to get used to me being with guys.”
His words are a solid punch to the gut. I don’t want to get used to that. I can’t. “Are you looking for a boyfriend?” I blurt. The question tastes sour on my tongue, like bile rushing up a tender throat, ready to choke the life out of me. I don’t fully understand the feelings growing inside me—the jealousy at seeing him smile and laugh with another man—but it makes my skin crawl so badly that I want to peel it from my bones.
“I’m not gay,” I blurt with absolutely no tact. “Or bi.”
Toby’s dimples make an appearance. “Oookay. So, if you’re not gay or bi, then what was that?”
I shrug. “Don’t know. Does it need a label?”
“Not gay,” I grunt. Jake snorts in disbelief, and I narrow my eyes at him before helping Toby off of me and sitting up straight. “I’m not gay,” I repeat, and I can practically feel Toby shrink in on himself. I need to fix that. “I . . . I think I’m bi. I’m still attracted to girls, but the only person I like is Toby. And he’s a guy.” That felt really weird to say out loud. But also good.
“Yeah?” Toby whispers, his amber eyes sparkling with concern.
I would die for Toby.
He’s mine now. And I will do everything in my power to keep him happy and safe.
March 28, 2026
Gosh, this one was difficult to read.
NGL, I thought about giving up on it more than once. The only reason I finished it is because I'm stubborn.
It reads like a fanfiction written by a 12yo on Wattpad back in 2010....
The stereotypes on the book are weird AF to read, the dialogues feel unnecessary most of the time, the side characters are annoying, none of the friendships is nice to read. There's a bunch of scenes that are there for absolutely nothing.
Also, the sex scenes were boring almost every time. And there was no need to have one almost every chapter after they got together.
I had this problem with the first book too, but the going from being friends to being romantically involved happens so weirdly. It's too quick. Snap your fingers and bam, they're bow in love.
I know I'm being super harsh, but I can't point a single thing I've liked...
1.2 ⭐
NGL, I thought about giving up on it more than once. The only reason I finished it is because I'm stubborn.
It reads like a fanfiction written by a 12yo on Wattpad back in 2010....
The stereotypes on the book are weird AF to read, the dialogues feel unnecessary most of the time, the side characters are annoying, none of the friendships is nice to read. There's a bunch of scenes that are there for absolutely nothing.
Also, the sex scenes were boring almost every time. And there was no need to have one almost every chapter after they got together.
I had this problem with the first book too, but the going from being friends to being romantically involved happens so weirdly. It's too quick. Snap your fingers and bam, they're bow in love.
I know I'm being super harsh, but I can't point a single thing I've liked...
1.2 ⭐
August 14, 2025
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review
I've wanted to read Charli Meadows for a long time, and I'm so happy that Shane & Toby was my first introduction to this author, because they're one of the sweetest and most adorable couples I've read. I LOVED the way this author steered the story, giving me a friends-to-lovers with very original touches that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Plus, ALL the characters were absolutely charming and I loved them madly.
Toby is one of the most beautiful characters I've read this year, and that's why he stole my heart from the beginning. He's a boy who is finally ready to live freely and be who he is, He's also determined to move past his crush on Shane, his best friend and the person who has always looked out for him. Toby has a beautiful heart, I loved reading him with Shane, obviously, BUT I also LOVED that the author gave him more loyal friends who are willing to do anything to support and help him on this journey of discovery- Daija & Travis are the funniest, and I really enjoyed that they are Toby's safe place to talk about his sexuality, experiment, and be himself, Spencer & Jake are that part of Toby's old life, but I LOVE that they fit in so well with the rest of the group, that they are so witty, and that they know how to push Shane's buttons, too. Plus, I loved reading this character standing up to his parents, defending his love for music and his dreams of becoming a violinist.
Shane's personal story is a little more complicated and it broke my heart, BUT I really liked that Charli showed me how Toby quickly became that safe place that Shane needed so much since they were little. I really enjoyed reading him being responsible, protective of all his friends, and happy in the kitchen. Also, I LOVED the way the author developed his crush on his best friend and how this grumpy but big-hearted boy dealt with it.
One of the things I loved most about The Bro Date was the solid and strong friendship between Toby & Shane since they met, seeing a bit of the evolution of that relationship and knowing that Toby has ALWAYS been in love with his best friend. And since the love story was one of the things I liked most about this book, I think it's something that should be experienced blindly, what I can say is that this couple is too adorable and beautiful, a couple that melted my heart from that first date, that evolves at the perfect pace and in which everything feels natural.
🎻Toby: 5/5
🍽️Shane: 5/5
🎻Plot: 4.5/5
🍽️Love story: 5/5
🎻Secondary characters: 5/5
🍽️Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
He querido leer a Charli Meadows desde hace mucho tiempo, y estoy muy feliz de que Shane & Toby hayan sido mi primer acercamiento a esta autora, porque son una de las parejas más dulces y tiernas que he leído. AMÉ la manera en la que ésta autora llevo la historia dándome un friends to lovers con toques muy originales que disfruté mucho leyendo, además, TODOS los personajes fueron absolutamente encantadores y los amé con locura.
Toby es uno de los personajes más bonitos que he leído este año y por eso se robó mi corazón desde el principio. Es un chico que por fin está listo para vivir con libertad y ser quién es, también está decidido a dejar atrás su enamoramiento por Shane, su mejor amigo y la persona que siempre ha cuidado de él. Toby tiene un corazón hermoso, me encantó leerlo con Shane, obviamente, PERO también AMÉ que la autora le diera más amigos incondicionales que están dispuestos a todo para apoyarlo y ayudarlo en este viaje de descubrimiento, Daija & Travis son los más divertidos y disfruté mucho que sean el lugar seguro de Toby para hablar de su sexualidad, experimentar y ser el mismo, Spencer & Jake son esa parte de la antigua vida que Toby vivía, pero AMO que encajen tan bien con el resto del grupo, que sean tan ocurrentes y que sepan como tocar los botones de Shane también. Además, me encantó leer a este personaje enfrentando a sus padres, defendiendo su amor por la música y sus sueños de violinista.
La historia personal de Shane es un poco más complicada y que me rompió el corazón, PERO me gustó mucho que Charli me mostrara como Toby se convirtió muy pronto en ese lugar seguro que Shane tanto necesitaba desde que ambos eran pequeños, me gustó mucho leerlo siendo responsable, protector de todos sus amigos y siendo feliz en la cocina. Además, AMÉ con locura la manera en la que la autora desarrolló su enamoramiento por su mejor amigo y cómo lo enfrento este chico gruñón pero de gran corazón.
Una de las cosas que más amé de The Bro Date fue la amistad tan solida y fuerte que une a Toby & Shane desde que se conocieron, ver un poco de la evolución de esa relación y saber que Toby SIEMPRE ha estado enamorado de su mejor amigo. Y ya que la historia de amor fue una de las cosas que más me gustaron de este libro, creo que es algo que se debe experimentar a ciegas, lo que si puedo decir es que este par es demasiado tierno y hermoso, una pareja que me derritió el corazón desde esa primera cita, que evoluciona al ritmo perfecto y en la que todo se siente natural.
🎻Toby: 5/5
🍽️Shane: 5/5
🎻Trama: 4.5/5
🍽️Historia de amor: 5/5
🎻Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🍽️Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
I've wanted to read Charli Meadows for a long time, and I'm so happy that Shane & Toby was my first introduction to this author, because they're one of the sweetest and most adorable couples I've read. I LOVED the way this author steered the story, giving me a friends-to-lovers with very original touches that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Plus, ALL the characters were absolutely charming and I loved them madly.
Toby is one of the most beautiful characters I've read this year, and that's why he stole my heart from the beginning. He's a boy who is finally ready to live freely and be who he is, He's also determined to move past his crush on Shane, his best friend and the person who has always looked out for him. Toby has a beautiful heart, I loved reading him with Shane, obviously, BUT I also LOVED that the author gave him more loyal friends who are willing to do anything to support and help him on this journey of discovery- Daija & Travis are the funniest, and I really enjoyed that they are Toby's safe place to talk about his sexuality, experiment, and be himself, Spencer & Jake are that part of Toby's old life, but I LOVE that they fit in so well with the rest of the group, that they are so witty, and that they know how to push Shane's buttons, too. Plus, I loved reading this character standing up to his parents, defending his love for music and his dreams of becoming a violinist.
Shane's personal story is a little more complicated and it broke my heart, BUT I really liked that Charli showed me how Toby quickly became that safe place that Shane needed so much since they were little. I really enjoyed reading him being responsible, protective of all his friends, and happy in the kitchen. Also, I LOVED the way the author developed his crush on his best friend and how this grumpy but big-hearted boy dealt with it.
One of the things I loved most about The Bro Date was the solid and strong friendship between Toby & Shane since they met, seeing a bit of the evolution of that relationship and knowing that Toby has ALWAYS been in love with his best friend. And since the love story was one of the things I liked most about this book, I think it's something that should be experienced blindly, what I can say is that this couple is too adorable and beautiful, a couple that melted my heart from that first date, that evolves at the perfect pace and in which everything feels natural.
🎻Toby: 5/5
🍽️Shane: 5/5
🎻Plot: 4.5/5
🍽️Love story: 5/5
🎻Secondary characters: 5/5
🍽️Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta
He querido leer a Charli Meadows desde hace mucho tiempo, y estoy muy feliz de que Shane & Toby hayan sido mi primer acercamiento a esta autora, porque son una de las parejas más dulces y tiernas que he leído. AMÉ la manera en la que ésta autora llevo la historia dándome un friends to lovers con toques muy originales que disfruté mucho leyendo, además, TODOS los personajes fueron absolutamente encantadores y los amé con locura.
Toby es uno de los personajes más bonitos que he leído este año y por eso se robó mi corazón desde el principio. Es un chico que por fin está listo para vivir con libertad y ser quién es, también está decidido a dejar atrás su enamoramiento por Shane, su mejor amigo y la persona que siempre ha cuidado de él. Toby tiene un corazón hermoso, me encantó leerlo con Shane, obviamente, PERO también AMÉ que la autora le diera más amigos incondicionales que están dispuestos a todo para apoyarlo y ayudarlo en este viaje de descubrimiento, Daija & Travis son los más divertidos y disfruté mucho que sean el lugar seguro de Toby para hablar de su sexualidad, experimentar y ser el mismo, Spencer & Jake son esa parte de la antigua vida que Toby vivía, pero AMO que encajen tan bien con el resto del grupo, que sean tan ocurrentes y que sepan como tocar los botones de Shane también. Además, me encantó leer a este personaje enfrentando a sus padres, defendiendo su amor por la música y sus sueños de violinista.
La historia personal de Shane es un poco más complicada y que me rompió el corazón, PERO me gustó mucho que Charli me mostrara como Toby se convirtió muy pronto en ese lugar seguro que Shane tanto necesitaba desde que ambos eran pequeños, me gustó mucho leerlo siendo responsable, protector de todos sus amigos y siendo feliz en la cocina. Además, AMÉ con locura la manera en la que la autora desarrolló su enamoramiento por su mejor amigo y cómo lo enfrento este chico gruñón pero de gran corazón.
Una de las cosas que más amé de The Bro Date fue la amistad tan solida y fuerte que une a Toby & Shane desde que se conocieron, ver un poco de la evolución de esa relación y saber que Toby SIEMPRE ha estado enamorado de su mejor amigo. Y ya que la historia de amor fue una de las cosas que más me gustaron de este libro, creo que es algo que se debe experimentar a ciegas, lo que si puedo decir es que este par es demasiado tierno y hermoso, una pareja que me derritió el corazón desde esa primera cita, que evoluciona al ritmo perfecto y en la que todo se siente natural.
🎻Toby: 5/5
🍽️Shane: 5/5
🎻Trama: 4.5/5
🍽️Historia de amor: 5/5
🎻Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🍽️Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
August 9, 2025
I liked this book!!!! I loved Toby!!!! He was such a sweetheart!!!! I really liked Shane!!!! I loved seeing Shane get protective, possessive and Jealous!!! Loved that there was no third act break up!!!! The thing that bothered me the most was Toby being a virgin while Shane was not. I just really hate the experience person and virgin trope.
February 18, 2026
It was starting to get good then just died…
It was at least 100 pages too long with the most random side characters
Then BOOM instant love
It was at least 100 pages too long with the most random side characters
Then BOOM instant love
June 12, 2026
Toby and Shane have been best friends since fifth grade, and honestly, that lifelong friendship is what makes this story work so well.
Toby has been secretly pining after his straight best friend for years. After spring break, he finally comes out, and the very first person he tells is Shane. Shane’s immediate reaction is not judgment or confusion. It is pure protectiveness, which tells you everything you need to know about their friendship.
Shane is very much the grumpy to Toby’s sunshine. He is protective, loyal, and would do absolutely anything for Toby. The problem is that once Toby starts dating, Shane begins having some very confusing feelings. He insists he is straight. He does not think he likes men. He is not interested in anyone else. But when it comes to Toby, suddenly none of those rules seem to matter.
Watching Toby try to explore his sexuality while Shane struggles not to threaten every guy Toby goes out with was both funny and frustrating in the best way.
I am always a sucker for a grumpy sunshine romance, and when you combine that with best friends to lovers, I am almost guaranteed to enjoy it.
These two are adorable together. Honestly, they are sweet toothache sweet. Their relationship is built on years of friendship, trust, and understanding, which made it easy to root for them. They also had some genuinely funny moments throughout the book.
One of my favorite parts was how their roommates basically reacted with a collective “about time” when they finally got together. It felt like everyone around them could see what was happening long before they could.
The spice is definitely a slow burn and felt well earned by the time it arrived. I was a little surprised by how quickly Shane adapted once he finally accepted his feelings, but it worked within the story.
One of the sweetest details in the entire book was Shane calling Toby “Butterfly.” Toby has always loved butterflies, and the nickname goes all the way back to when they first met as kids. Shane remembered Toby’s lunchbox with a purple butterfly on it, and the nickname stayed with him all those years. It became even more meaningful when Shane got a purple butterfly tattoo, carrying a piece of Toby with him forever. Moments like that were what made these two feel so special together.
Overall, this was a very cute read and I enjoyed it quite a bit. At the same time, I kept feeling like something was missing. I cannot even fully explain what it was. The book was sweet, funny, and enjoyable, yet there was still something that stopped it from becoming a favorite.
Charli Meadows wrote a solid romance with lovable characters and a relationship that was easy to root for. I would definitely read more from this author in the future.
Toby has been secretly pining after his straight best friend for years. After spring break, he finally comes out, and the very first person he tells is Shane. Shane’s immediate reaction is not judgment or confusion. It is pure protectiveness, which tells you everything you need to know about their friendship.
Shane is very much the grumpy to Toby’s sunshine. He is protective, loyal, and would do absolutely anything for Toby. The problem is that once Toby starts dating, Shane begins having some very confusing feelings. He insists he is straight. He does not think he likes men. He is not interested in anyone else. But when it comes to Toby, suddenly none of those rules seem to matter.
Watching Toby try to explore his sexuality while Shane struggles not to threaten every guy Toby goes out with was both funny and frustrating in the best way.
I am always a sucker for a grumpy sunshine romance, and when you combine that with best friends to lovers, I am almost guaranteed to enjoy it.
These two are adorable together. Honestly, they are sweet toothache sweet. Their relationship is built on years of friendship, trust, and understanding, which made it easy to root for them. They also had some genuinely funny moments throughout the book.
One of my favorite parts was how their roommates basically reacted with a collective “about time” when they finally got together. It felt like everyone around them could see what was happening long before they could.
The spice is definitely a slow burn and felt well earned by the time it arrived. I was a little surprised by how quickly Shane adapted once he finally accepted his feelings, but it worked within the story.
One of the sweetest details in the entire book was Shane calling Toby “Butterfly.” Toby has always loved butterflies, and the nickname goes all the way back to when they first met as kids. Shane remembered Toby’s lunchbox with a purple butterfly on it, and the nickname stayed with him all those years. It became even more meaningful when Shane got a purple butterfly tattoo, carrying a piece of Toby with him forever. Moments like that were what made these two feel so special together.
Overall, this was a very cute read and I enjoyed it quite a bit. At the same time, I kept feeling like something was missing. I cannot even fully explain what it was. The book was sweet, funny, and enjoyable, yet there was still something that stopped it from becoming a favorite.
Charli Meadows wrote a solid romance with lovable characters and a relationship that was easy to root for. I would definitely read more from this author in the future.
October 29, 2025
Here's Charli Meadows's "The Bro Date." It's the second novel in her Best Bros Forever series.
["Toby
For years, I’ve been pining after someone I can never have—my best friend, Shane. The thought of confessing my feelings and possibly losing him is so gut-wrenching that I’ve hidden my true identity from everyone, including myself.
Until now.
While staying with my grandparents for spring break—away from the testosterone-filled house I share with Shane and two other roommates—I decide I’m finally ready to pursue my attraction to guys. When I get back to campus, I download a gay dating app to meet people.
Shane’s overprotective side flares to life, and he starts to stalk me on my dates, making sure I’m safe and swooping in to rescue me from disaster after disaster. When that protective streak turns into possessiveness, and he asks to kiss me, I have to pinch myself.
Is this the happily ever after of my dreams, or is Shane just leading me on to eventually rip out my heart when he realizes he isn’t gay?
Shane
There’s always been one ray of sunshine in my otherwise dark existence—my best friend, Toby. But when he returns from a trip to Florida and confides in me that he’s gay and wants to start dating guys, irrational jealousy takes hold of me.
Stalking his dates may start by accident, but after the first time, I willingly lurk in the shadows, watching him. Protecting him. None of these losers deserve Toby, and when he continues to get hurt by them, I can’t take it any longer. I guess I’ll have to be the one to show him how special he is and what he deserves.
When one heated kiss turns into a series of dates, I find myself falling for my best friend and questioning everything. Will this be the beginning of something beautiful, or am I doomed to lose the only good thing in my life?"]
I was in need of something cute and fluffy and angst-free, and this beautiful piece of best-friends-to-lovers was perfect. It was nearly seamless, their transition from childhood besties to fake dating to real feelings. It was wholesome and kind and exactly what I needed. These two were a nice little balm for my soul this week. Their friendship, their history, their chemistry, their nicknames. I hope there’s more to this series (the first one was amazing, too).
Trigger Warnings: fighting, mild violence, narcissistic parents, brief flashbacks to bullying and parental neglect, and more.
#thebropact #thebrodate #bestbrosforever #bestbrosforeverseries #charlimeadows #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Toby
For years, I’ve been pining after someone I can never have—my best friend, Shane. The thought of confessing my feelings and possibly losing him is so gut-wrenching that I’ve hidden my true identity from everyone, including myself.
Until now.
While staying with my grandparents for spring break—away from the testosterone-filled house I share with Shane and two other roommates—I decide I’m finally ready to pursue my attraction to guys. When I get back to campus, I download a gay dating app to meet people.
Shane’s overprotective side flares to life, and he starts to stalk me on my dates, making sure I’m safe and swooping in to rescue me from disaster after disaster. When that protective streak turns into possessiveness, and he asks to kiss me, I have to pinch myself.
Is this the happily ever after of my dreams, or is Shane just leading me on to eventually rip out my heart when he realizes he isn’t gay?
Shane
There’s always been one ray of sunshine in my otherwise dark existence—my best friend, Toby. But when he returns from a trip to Florida and confides in me that he’s gay and wants to start dating guys, irrational jealousy takes hold of me.
Stalking his dates may start by accident, but after the first time, I willingly lurk in the shadows, watching him. Protecting him. None of these losers deserve Toby, and when he continues to get hurt by them, I can’t take it any longer. I guess I’ll have to be the one to show him how special he is and what he deserves.
When one heated kiss turns into a series of dates, I find myself falling for my best friend and questioning everything. Will this be the beginning of something beautiful, or am I doomed to lose the only good thing in my life?"]
I was in need of something cute and fluffy and angst-free, and this beautiful piece of best-friends-to-lovers was perfect. It was nearly seamless, their transition from childhood besties to fake dating to real feelings. It was wholesome and kind and exactly what I needed. These two were a nice little balm for my soul this week. Their friendship, their history, their chemistry, their nicknames. I hope there’s more to this series (the first one was amazing, too).
Trigger Warnings: fighting, mild violence, narcissistic parents, brief flashbacks to bullying and parental neglect, and more.
#thebropact #thebrodate #bestbrosforever #bestbrosforeverseries #charlimeadows #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
July 28, 2025
Toby has been keeping the secret that he is gay from everyone in his life. Including his best friend, Shane. Who he is also in love with but will never admit it because one, he believes Shane is straight and two, he never wants to lose him. But he does want to tell him the truth and he wants to start dating. And while coming out to his best friend goes great, the dates don’t exactly go according to plan. Especially when Shane seems to find his way to them more often than not. And while Toby would like to be mad about Shane showing up, he kind of can’t because Shane seems to save him from some pretty terrible guys. But what shocks Toby more is not only does Shane tell him they are going on a date together but kisses him as well. Well, things just got a lot more interesting. Shane has always felt protective of Toby. Ever since they were kids, they have been by one another’s side. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do from him. So when this feeling creeps up on him as Toby goes out on dates, he thinks he is just being protective. Until he realizes that what also upsets him is that fact that Toby is going out with other guys who are not him. Turns out his feelings for Toby are a lot deeper than he ever realized. And with that comes with the fact that he will never let Toby go. Not when he just figured out how they are supposed to be. Loved these two! I loved that Shane didn’t really question the fact that maybe he was in love with his best friend. He rolled with it. He knew Toby was his person and didn’t get stuck fact on the fact that he was a guy. To him, he is just Toby. And I loved that Toby finally got the guy he always wanted! These two were just utterly adorable as they moved from best friends to more. Their connection was so strong and it was clear that these two were always meant to be, they just needed to realize it for themselves! Such a fun story!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2025
✍️ 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾 ✍️
“THE BRO DATE” CHARLI MEADOWS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I can almost say with certainty at this point that Charli Meadows is a guarantee.
Toby has loved Shane, his best friend, for years, but the fear of losing him has pushed him to deny his feelings. During spring break, he finally comes to terms with his sexuality and, once back, throws himself into the dating world. Shane reacts with unexpected jealousy, secretly following him and protecting him from the wrong suitors… until a sudden kiss changes everything. Now, between hidden desires and a friendship put to the test, they both have to figure out if their bond can turn into a love meant to last.
I loved the first book in this series, The Bro Pact, and if you haven’t read it yet, I strongly recommend you go get it because it’s absolutely worth it. I’d say it’s one of those books that doesn’t get the hype it deserves. And The Bro Date is no different.
I really love Charli’s writing. This book felt like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a winter’s day in front of a fireplace. Low angst, no third-act breakup, no useless drama—what more could you want? I adored Shane’s confidence in diving headfirst into this story without regrets or hesitation. Toby had always been his best friend and his entire world, and without him, he’s lost—and I mean that in the healthiest way possible.
Can I just say, from the descriptions alone, I could tell Shane is so HOT. Every time he was shirtless and Toby described the way his muscles moved under his tattoos, I was in absolute bliss. Somebody get me a fan, quick!
I loved the dynamics that developed between the two once they realized their relationship was evolving. And I hope there’s a special circle of hell reserved just for Toby’s mother.
Now I’m left curious about Spencer…
“THE BRO DATE” CHARLI MEADOWS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I can almost say with certainty at this point that Charli Meadows is a guarantee.
Toby has loved Shane, his best friend, for years, but the fear of losing him has pushed him to deny his feelings. During spring break, he finally comes to terms with his sexuality and, once back, throws himself into the dating world. Shane reacts with unexpected jealousy, secretly following him and protecting him from the wrong suitors… until a sudden kiss changes everything. Now, between hidden desires and a friendship put to the test, they both have to figure out if their bond can turn into a love meant to last.
I loved the first book in this series, The Bro Pact, and if you haven’t read it yet, I strongly recommend you go get it because it’s absolutely worth it. I’d say it’s one of those books that doesn’t get the hype it deserves. And The Bro Date is no different.
I really love Charli’s writing. This book felt like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a winter’s day in front of a fireplace. Low angst, no third-act breakup, no useless drama—what more could you want? I adored Shane’s confidence in diving headfirst into this story without regrets or hesitation. Toby had always been his best friend and his entire world, and without him, he’s lost—and I mean that in the healthiest way possible.
Can I just say, from the descriptions alone, I could tell Shane is so HOT. Every time he was shirtless and Toby described the way his muscles moved under his tattoos, I was in absolute bliss. Somebody get me a fan, quick!
I loved the dynamics that developed between the two once they realized their relationship was evolving. And I hope there’s a special circle of hell reserved just for Toby’s mother.
Now I’m left curious about Spencer…
August 5, 2025
The Bro Date
Best Bros forever book 2
Charli Meadows
Shane & Toby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Pining
Best friends to lovers
Overprotective top
Forced proximity
Grumpy / Sunshine
College roommates
Light stalking
This was so sweet
Shane has always seen Toby as his.
And until recently he has never seen him as more.
Toby has recently come out as gay to his best friend Shane. He has also been in love with Shane for years. Never thinking he could be a possibility because Shane has always been straight he believes
Toby wants to date, he wants to be kissed by a man. He wants to explore.
“I can’t stand to see another man touching you. It doesn’t sit well with me, Toby. I can’t let anything happen to you. If you want to kiss a boy . . . then, kiss me,”
Shane can't. Like literally lol cannot handle this lol
No one is good enough. No one is allowed to touch him. Shane is so so protective of Toby in all the ways.
“You’re my best friend, my lover, and the key to my happiness. I want you to be my boyfriend, Toby. Will you?”
Shane now decides he will show Toby how a real man is supposed to treat him, love and touch him 🤭🥵😏
“Shane . . .” Toby’s golden eyes shimmer with barely restrained emotions. “I’ve never been so seen or so heard by anyone in my entire life. I love you.”
I honestly think Shane has always loved Toby too. It just took this situation for him to see it.
These two were adorable together.
So sweet. Perfect for eachother.
Great book. Sweet, funny, swoony. Toby finally got his man!
So thankful for this arc
Best Bros forever book 2
Charli Meadows
Shane & Toby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Pining
Best friends to lovers
Overprotective top
Forced proximity
Grumpy / Sunshine
College roommates
Light stalking
This was so sweet
Shane has always seen Toby as his.
And until recently he has never seen him as more.
Toby has recently come out as gay to his best friend Shane. He has also been in love with Shane for years. Never thinking he could be a possibility because Shane has always been straight he believes
Toby wants to date, he wants to be kissed by a man. He wants to explore.
“I can’t stand to see another man touching you. It doesn’t sit well with me, Toby. I can’t let anything happen to you. If you want to kiss a boy . . . then, kiss me,”
Shane can't. Like literally lol cannot handle this lol
No one is good enough. No one is allowed to touch him. Shane is so so protective of Toby in all the ways.
“You’re my best friend, my lover, and the key to my happiness. I want you to be my boyfriend, Toby. Will you?”
Shane now decides he will show Toby how a real man is supposed to treat him, love and touch him 🤭🥵😏
“Shane . . .” Toby’s golden eyes shimmer with barely restrained emotions. “I’ve never been so seen or so heard by anyone in my entire life. I love you.”
I honestly think Shane has always loved Toby too. It just took this situation for him to see it.
These two were adorable together.
So sweet. Perfect for eachother.
Great book. Sweet, funny, swoony. Toby finally got his man!
So thankful for this arc
August 7, 2025
Okay, this book was so darn sweet! 🥹🥹 It gave me all the feel-good vibes and a huge rush of serotonin while reading.
“But what if—”“No. No buts,” I say, cutting him off. “No butts?” Toby mock-pouts, sticking out his bottom lip exaggeratedly. “I’m not sure how this relationship is gonna work then.”“Only your butt,” I growl, grabbing a handful and pulling him closer to me."
^^^ see, absolutely adorable, and fun, and sweet!!
.
.
Read if you like:
* Best Friends to Lovers
* College Roommates
* Light stalkery behavior (don't worry, mmc likes it)
* Hurt/Comfort
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Overprotective Top
* So much pining
* Lingerie 😮💨
And when I say overprotective top, I mean wayyyy overprotective ... hence the light stalkery behavior. 🤣
Shane was a super intense character. Especially when it came to taking care of Toby. Making sure he was fed. Being a major support when it came to Toby's overbearing parents. And, ensuring he wasn't fumbling around like a baby deer and hurting himself. (Yes, Toby was a bit clumsy and a total damsel in distress, which worked perfectly for their dynamic. Damseland bodyguard.)
And, can we just talk about their chemistry for a minute?! 👀 I swear nothing beats the comfort and ease of best friends becoming lovers. It was fun. It was sexy. And they weren't afraid to be downright filthy with one another! 👏👏
The close-knit friend groups also added a nice light and hilarious touch to the book. I'm hoping for more on them *wink wink*
“But what if—”“No. No buts,” I say, cutting him off. “No butts?” Toby mock-pouts, sticking out his bottom lip exaggeratedly. “I’m not sure how this relationship is gonna work then.”“Only your butt,” I growl, grabbing a handful and pulling him closer to me."
^^^ see, absolutely adorable, and fun, and sweet!!
.
.
Read if you like:
* Best Friends to Lovers
* College Roommates
* Light stalkery behavior (don't worry, mmc likes it)
* Hurt/Comfort
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Overprotective Top
* So much pining
* Lingerie 😮💨
And when I say overprotective top, I mean wayyyy overprotective ... hence the light stalkery behavior. 🤣
Shane was a super intense character. Especially when it came to taking care of Toby. Making sure he was fed. Being a major support when it came to Toby's overbearing parents. And, ensuring he wasn't fumbling around like a baby deer and hurting himself. (Yes, Toby was a bit clumsy and a total damsel in distress, which worked perfectly for their dynamic. Damseland bodyguard.)
And, can we just talk about their chemistry for a minute?! 👀 I swear nothing beats the comfort and ease of best friends becoming lovers. It was fun. It was sexy. And they weren't afraid to be downright filthy with one another! 👏👏
The close-knit friend groups also added a nice light and hilarious touch to the book. I'm hoping for more on them *wink wink*
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