The Bro Date: Special Edition

Best Bros Forever #2

by Charli Meadows

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.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, College, Found Family, Contemporary, LGBT

312 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2025

About the author

Charli 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.

Reviews

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.***

[Laura Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Amberly Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Toby and Shane

[rinia carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

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!

[M's ☆~HEA~☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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🥵

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[✶ · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 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!

[Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader]

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%.

[BookNerd · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh…kinda liked the beginning. Started skimming around 65% and then skipping ahead between 70% to the end

[Ellie’s Paper Garden · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Another librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️ 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…

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[s.shadereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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*

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really got into this and read it pretty much straight through, which is unusual for me, normally I swap around. But besties to lovers is my kryptonite, and I loved the dynamic between Shane and Toby almost from the start. Love that Shane was protective and basically his bodyguard but also turned to putty in his hands. They have a really cute relationship and I loved their dates, and I felt their respective friends also really added to the narrative.

There were things I didn't enjoy. The writing still contains an insane amount of italics, both for thought and emphasis, and they simply don't need to be there. (As an aside, Grindr doesn't need to be in italics either, whoever is going around putting brand names in italics needs to be stopped.) These italics, often with three or four instances on a kindle screen, massively disrupt the flow of my reading and make it feel choppy and jumpy when it's otherwise decent. It would read so much better without the italics, for me, at least.

I have to rate this book high on enjoyment alone, Shane and Theo are incredibly sweet and I was thoroughly invested. Loved the lingerie kink and the toys as well, this book is packing some spice, but mixed with a really sweet and obviously loving relationship. I am glad I read it.

[fortheloveofmmromancebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review

4.5⭐️

Toby Livingston has been brought up in a cold, unloving, household. He is at college studying music and plays the violin expertly, which is an embarrassment to his parents , who both disagree with what he is doing. He had been homeschooled until he was in third grade. The first day of school, he meets Shane who soon becomes his best friend and his ride or die. The older Toby gets the more he realises he is actually in love with Shane.

Shane Carmichael will do anything for his best friend, always being his protector. Shane is very territorial around Toby, but he does not understand why he doesn't like other people touching him. He starts to question his sexuality, always believing he was straight, but he is not attracted to men, only Toby,

Shane and Toby already love each other platonically but it slowly turns romantically, and for Shane he welcomes his feelings easily.

This is Charli Meadows’ second book in the Best Bros Forever series. I read The Bro Pact recently and absolutely adored it. The way the writing explains the love between the two main characters is just beautiful. The spice is high too.
I loved the side characters of Tate and Daija.
I am hoping there is more from this series.

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚, 𝙏𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙖𝙨 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣. 𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨.”⁣
⁣
🍁🍁🍁🍁⁣
⁣
Shane and Toby take us on their journey in Charli Meadows Tʜᴇ Bʀᴏ Dᴀᴛᴇ, which is the second book in the Best Bros Forever world.⁣
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Shane and Toby met in the fifth grade, have been best friends, and Shane has been protective of Toby ever since. When Toby tells Shane he’s gay and starts going on dates, Shane’s protectiveness turns to possessiveness, and he takes it upon himself to show Toby how he should be treated.⁣
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Shane and Toby’s journey from best friends to more is sweet and fun. I love the dates Shane takes Toby on, and it’s entertaining to watch Shane fall all while treating Toby like a king. I felt for Toby whenever he had to deal with his parents, but Shane was always there as his support.⁣
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I am interested in seeing if we will get more in this series with Jake and Spencer, potentially getting their own HEAs.⁣
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Vibes…⁣
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🥘 MM⁣
🎻 Childhood Best Friends⁣
🥘 College⁣
🎻 Roommates⁣
🥘 First Times⁣
🎻 Virgin⁣
🥘 Bi•Awakening | Only for You⁣
🎻 Opposites⁣
🥘 Grumpy•Sunshine⁣
🎻 Size Difference⁣
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❤️ Available Now⁣
🖤 Be mindful of sensitive content

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

childhood BFF to lovers is always a top fave trope for me and this one just hits here! Toby has been in love with Shane pretty much since they met and became friends. From day 1, Shane has been Toby's protector and Toby has been Shane's safe space from his horrible family situation. Toby's parents have always put a lot of pressure on him, but finally during one spring break in college, he decides to come out and to start dating.

I enjoyed this setup for the book because it allowed Shane's natural protectiveness and possessiveness to flourish. After seeing Toby date various guys, well, Shane decides to help out and I love it! I am so here for all this! I love the dates Shane takes Toby on - heart melting! I especially loved the special one at the butterfly exhibit. Toby and Shane are wonderful together and I love how they come together in love. Such a sweet story, but with some spice and angst to make it so good! And Shane's nickname for Toby? Definitely one of my faves ever!

What to Expect:

* childhood BFFs to lovers
* college setting
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* secret crush
* possessive/protective MC
* first times
* "butterfly"
* size difference
* lingerie
* queer awakening
* some family drama

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a best friends to more romance, featuring Toby and Shane, and is book two in the Best Bros Forever series.

Toby has always loved his best friend Shane but was too scared to tell him. When Toby starts dating guys, Shane gets jealous, and one kiss between them changes everything.

This is a sweet story full of longing, jealousy, and emotional growth. Toby and Shane’s journey from best friends to something more is full of all the good things I love about BFFs falling in love - emotions, humour, and just the right amount of angst, making it a feel-good read with a satisfying happily ever after.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM college romance
Low angst
Best friends to more
Roommates
Secret crush / unrequited love
Grumpy x sunshine
Size difference
Virgin MC
Jealous & protective MC
Light stalking
MC wears lingerie
Dates
Bi awakening
Spicy times & dirty talk
All the firsts
Calls him butterfly
HEA

First line:
The acrid smell of burger grease and deep-fried everything clings to my nostrils as I hastily clock out and untie my dirty apron, hanging it on a hook next to the employee lockers.

[Dodibook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐

🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️.5

🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
💙MM
💙Best Friends to Lovers
💙Bi-Awakening
💙Grumpy/Sunshine
💙College
💙Light Stalking

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙱𝚛𝚘 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎
𝚋𝚢 @charlimeadowsauthor

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.25/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

↓↓
This was the perfect best friends to lovers. Toby and Shane stole my heart.

Toby was just the absolute sweetest. He could light up a room as soon as he walked in to it. Watching him become his true self was a beautiful thing to witness.

Shane has always been protective but watching him realize his feelings and being so possessive over Toby was hot to watch. I loved the effort he put in to prove to Toby what he deserves.

The little moments these two shared were so precious. They transitioned so effortlessly between friends to lovers.

I loved the friend group so much. Everyone deserves to have the support that Toby had while figuring everything out. Daija and Tate are ultimate bestie goals.

I really hope we get a Spencer and Tate book. I can just see the tension between them being so good.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
💜 College Roommates
💜 Best Friends to Lovers
💜 Pining
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Bi-Awakening
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… At the beginning of the book, I really couldn’t warm up to Toby, while Shane instantly stood out as the more likable one. When Toby kept returning from dates with one bad experience after another and Shane finally decided to take matters into his own hands, I had a pretty good idea where things were heading.

There were definitely some unlikeable side characters, and even the ones who were meant to be endearing often felt too much for me—too loud, too over the top, and honestly a bit irritating. By the end, I got used to them, but since the story wasn’t really about them, I tried to let my annoyance slide.

What truly made this book stand out was the relationship between Shane and Toby. No unnecessary drama, no huge fights, no breakups—just endless amounts of love and support. That kind of portrayal is rare, and it deserves so much respect.

All in all, this is easily one of Charli Meadows’ best books. The characters, their personalities, the storyline—everything just worked beautifully.

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading

This was such a fun read! Shane and Toby are such a cute couple, and I loved reading as Shane realised just what he wanted from his friendship with Toby. This is definitely a low angst, almost cozy read, and you can't help but smile as you read.

I always love a good best-friends-to-lovers story, and this was another super sweet one. There are so many small little moments that lead to the eventual falling in love - the cooking, the always being there - was so cute, and it all added to the overall story. We have two complete opposites - Toby, light and dare I say innocent, just wanting to be able to explore his sexuality; his naivety gets him into trouble, but Shane is there to help him out. Then there's Shane, tattooed and broody, but would do anything for Toby, and when they finally kiss, I'm pretty certain I squealed.

This book is also chock full of fun side characters (who I hope will get their own books down the track!). This story is a perfect combination of slow burn, friends to lovers, bi-awakening that's filled with tension, chemistry, sweetness (and spiciness!), as well as a growing wardrobe of lacy underwear (I'll leave you to discover that one).

Once again, a fun read from Meadows and looking forward to the series expanding!

Thank you to the author and @chaoticcreativeservices for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.