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Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome

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Bristow Sparks, an interior designer in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has just landed the contract of a lifetime, working for the Cherry Wyeland, volatile reality star and CEO of Wine-A-Lot. Designing for a crazy person is an around-the-clock commitment. It frays Bristow’s nerves and forces her to compromise in unimaginable ways, but, given that the finished product will be featured on The Decorating Network, she must succeed.

While her professional life is hot, her personal life is barely room temperature. After surviving the relentless media spotlight because of a personal tragedy and a traitorous ex-boyfriend, Bristow flies so far under the radar she can’t even be detected. A homebody to the core, she binges on episodes of the Showtime series, Dexter, lives in sweatpants, and is addicted to exercise and Oreos.

As for relationships? She has fallen hard and fast for witty and adventurous Jack Hoffmann. However, after their disastrous first date where Bristow collides with a park bench among other mortifying mishaps, they are unfortunately just friends. At least there’s one male sharing her bed, even if it’s only Vegas, her theatrical golden retriever.

For her twenty-ninth birthday, Bristow goes out of her comfort zone and gets a makeover at an elite spa. Post-Brazilian wax and in excruciating pain, Bristow realizes that she’s been in a post-traumatic state for years. She vows to start taking risks again. When she finally goes after what and whom she wants, no matter the cost, tragedy strikes again . . .

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2015

6 people are currently reading
318 people want to read

About the author

Tamara Lyon

8 books42 followers
Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome (May 2015 release) is loosely inspired by an unfortunate, painful event that occurred three years ago and is critically acclaimed author Tamara Lyon’s sixth novel. Her previous works include The Ugly Tree series, a Flamingnet Top Choice Award winner, 2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist, Eric Hoffer Finalist, and Midwest Book Award Finalist. In 2010 her novel, Fixing Forever Broken, earned an IPPY Award for romance. Lyon has taken her recent books in a decidedly chick-lit direction and creates characters and stories that are refreshingly and humorously real. She makes her home in Wisconsin with her talented husband, cycling-superstar son, and counter-surfing golden retriever, Macy.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️.
1,045 reviews1,535 followers
May 26, 2015
*** Currently a READ NOW book on NetGalley***

4 Entertainingly Cute Stars!


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Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome
(to be further referred to as PTBWS), had all the elements of a hilarious, light-hearted read. I started out immediately thinking fans of Penny Reid or Alice Clayton would find this book enjoyable.
I'll preface my review with the first paragraph in the book. The heroine SELLS the book herself...


For those of you who are blissfully ignorant as to what a Brazilian wax is, allow me to enlighten you. All of the pubic hair is removed, or, in more accurate terms, wrenched out by the roots through a barbaric, insidious waxing process. Sounds like fun, right? Currently post-Brazilian, I’m trembling, disgustingly sweaty, and on the verge of fainting. My crotch is a raging inferno. Yes—I’m exaggerating a bit. Flames aren’t shooting out of there. No fire extinguisher needed. No stop, drop, and roll required. Although how that technique would work in this instance, I’m not sure. Clench, drop, and roll?





Bristow Sparks
is a rising interior decorator. Starting her own business with friend, Lola, work lately is the least of her worries. Her life is in shambles at any given moment, usually borne from her crazy family, or her ex-boyfriend, who she only refers to as "Asshat." She's single, a planned virgin (saving herself for marriage, apparently), painfully addicted to Oreos (causing her extreme gas), loves watching Dexter movies, chasing after her dog Vegas, and avoiding the elderly, perverted next door neighbor. ***Wipes brow*** That's just the tip of the iceberg with her.


Bristow's, 99 year-old great-grandmother (Gigi) was hilarious. Suffering from a serious case of sporadic dementia, she's got it engrained in her head that Bristow is getting married very soon, that her deceased father is still alive, and that she is imminently passing away herself (or so she hopes).


When Bristow isn't trying to please crazy rich clients who are impossible to please, avoiding asshat, making emergency runs to the grocery store for prune juice (because grandma refuses to die FOS), she's swooning over "Bike-Helmet" at the gym. Yes, everyone has a name and she and this guy competitively strive to out-do one another daily at the gym. He's also named Dr Jack Hoffman, a local anesthesiologist. He's what her nether region dreams about at night...but so far out of her league. Who's interested in a quirky, inexperienced, workaholic girl with serous ability to obsess about just about anything?





This book is the poster child for the chick-lit genre. It's got seriously ZERO smut. Everything happens to this girl but nothing happens. It's a constant ride of everything crazy that can go wrong in her life and her inability to step up and make something go right- find love. Her friends and family try everything (enter spa getaway including infamous Brazilian wax) to "spiff her up" but Bristow is perfectly happy in worn-out sweatpants and her late father's old t-shirts. She's the oldest twenty-nine year old there is! She's addicted to exercise, vacuuming, estate sales, dumpster diving, coupon clipping, and general bargain hunting of any kind. Only second to her love of Dexter episodes is her love for Twilight. Oh, and she's fifty-shades-of-horny. Mustn't forget that. Even her crazy cousin is getting some!


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PTBWS is an endearingly cute, yet crazy ride where the reader can't help but root on the heroine for luck at love and a happily-ever-after. Her friendship with Jack (aka Bike Helmet) grows into tight friendship. Can she finally shed the barriers constructed to protect her heart after it was shredded by Asshat? Should she risk her friendship with Jack for the off-chance that he thinks anything for her beyond their obvious friendship?


**The only thing that I wished for is more romance building. If you're looking for a friends-to-lovers trope, I guess this is it but the romance aspect is almost nonexistent- and I'm not talking sex. I'm talking about that slow build that makes you scream, "Kiss him already!" It was a super duper slooooow build. The crazy antics of her family, friends, crazy neighbor, runaway dog and posh clients take a front seat for sure.
** Second, the timeline kind of threw me off. We'd be in a particular scene then she'd jump forward a few days, just to turn around and recollect the events of that scene we had previously been in before the jump. It felt a bit disjointed that way. Why not just move forward steadily instead of going from, say an event on Tuesday...then jump to Friday, and on Friday recollect what happened on Tuesday when she jumped ahead? Clear as mud? Sorry.


But if you're looking for a lighter, more entertaining read, this book sure hit the spot. Not heavy on the steam or romance but more-so entertainment of epic proportions.





An advanced copy received by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.


Profile Image for Meredith (Trying to catch up!).
878 reviews14.2k followers
October 9, 2015
This book will make you laugh out-loud. The characters are really likable, and while there are some frustrating moments, you will be happy you read it!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kika.
153 reviews
May 31, 2015
*2.5 sweet stars*

This is a tricky one to review... up until 30% i was really into it but then it kinda became flat for me. And while the title is pretty smart and catchy it doesn't really represent the whole concept of the book so i couldn't appreciate its originality by the end.

The book is about a 29 year old woman, Bristow, who has a successful career as an interior designer but her personal life is pretty much nonexistent. In the beginning it was fun to read about Bristow's obsession with Twilight and Dexter, her vacuuming habit and her Oreo binging but it became old news not long into my read. It wasn't fun to read about these things anymore, it felt tiring and that's why it took me almost a week to finish this book. I hated her cousin, Margarita, she was one of those people who you'd rather not having in your life despite the fact that they are "family".

The truth is that i couldn't connect with the main characters, Bristow and Jack, both as individuals and as a"couple" and i hate it when that happens because i find it impossible to invest myself in their story.

Nevertheless, this wasn't a bad book. I guess i just wasn't in the mood for this kind of read.

P.S. no images and gifs for this review. It's not worth my time and effort.

I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,049 reviews934 followers
Want to read
May 23, 2015
This blurb sounds awesome!! Currently a READ NOW on Netgalley!
Profile Image for Tina.
406 reviews11 followers
June 6, 2015
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I have to say that this book is one of the funniest & most frustrating books I've read in awhile. It was a very well thought out & executed book. The characters were great & full of personality. As much as I loved the characters I also found myself yelling at my kindle, putting my face in my hands & shaking my head, or wanting to throat punch someone! With how frustrated I would get at something a character would do or how the female MC would act I kept wanting to put the book down because I was getting heated. But I couldn't put it down I had to keep reading. Bristow is a 28 year old successful business woman who seems to have it all except she has some personality quirks holding her back. She suffered a loss & a betrayal years ago that she can't seem to get past & that have left her stagnant in her social life. She's also a bit OCD, pessimistic & scared to try new things. Through this she meets Jack, who she goes to the same gym with. But because of her hang ups had never spoken to him there. She finally speaks to him when they run into each other outside a store. They end up striking up a friendship. Here's one of the parts that frustrated me about the book the female MC was so skittish about everything that it took her forever to figure out what her & Jack were. And I wanted Jack to suck it up already & just go for the girl!!! But the way the book ended & we see why Jack handled things the way he did. It made sense & made the ending that more poignant. All in all it was a good book, very entertaining & I would definitely recommend it to other readers. When a book makes me feel such strong emotions I know that I've read something pretty amazing. So thank you for making me want to pull my hair out, and put the smack down on pretty much all the characters at some point in this book lol.
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,532 reviews179 followers
June 18, 2015
Okay as most of you know I love a good book that makes me laugh and gets me frustrated all at the same time and this book did that for me. I loved it from the beginning to the end. I mean I laughed so hard at times I cried and my husband said what the heck is so funny so I asked him did he know what a Brazilian Wax was and he said no does it come Brazil? I laughed so hard I fell out of my chair and proceeded to tell him and show him on google what it was and his answer was holy hell I would never do that! Are these women crazy or what? Laughing I said women will do what they have to do to be beautiful.

This story is so much more than the was though and I loved all the characters because they fit in place and they all had their say and I loved that. You know sometimes some characters like the main ones get most of the book but this was equal and fun and I need to read another book by Tamara soon because lord she had me hooked and laughing and wanting to try a Brazilian Wax for myself but I decided HELL NO bush here we go!
Profile Image for Sarah.
209 reviews5 followers
June 6, 2015
5 fun and hilarious stars *****

Very catchy title totally caught my attention alone. I have to say this is by far my favorite read this year. Was just hilarious and fun and emotional. I could totally relate to the heroine in many ways myself. She had a very crazy family I have to say. Her 99 year old great grandmother especially was a hoot. Loved her to pieces. It seemed there was one thing after another with poor Bristow and just had to know how it all was going to be solved. So many hilarious scenes and quotes I had to share some just to make people think "what is she reading!" I highly recommend this for anyone who is looking for a fun and light read....
Profile Image for Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover.
962 reviews585 followers
October 16, 2015
3.5 Stars

This was a cute and funny read. Definitely for those who are chick-lit fans as there is no smut in this book. Sometimes books like these are the perfect palate cleansers, especially if you read a lot of dark, smutty books. You can't help but fall in love with heroine...she's quirky, funny and just adorable.

*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Heather (_lifewithheather_).
43 reviews
July 14, 2015
A must have for your summer reading list! A romance that never took itself too seriously. I was always rooting for the main character to figure out her love life and find happiness.
Profile Image for moonlit reads.
120 reviews21 followers
July 19, 2025
This one was a little tricky to rate, but I’m going with 4 stars because it was genuinely entertaining and hit a nice balance between funny and serious. The author made a few smart choices that really worked: the title is catchy, the characters are amusing, and there’s just the right touch of realism.

The title was actually what first caught my eye. It definitely gives you a vibe before you even open the book. And Bristow, the main character, isn’t your typical chick lit lead. She’s old-fashioned, analytical, and very much her own person. Maybe not instantly relatable for everyone, but that’s part of what makes it work.

Even though the genre might lead you to expect a full-on romance, that wasn’t really the focus of the book for me. There’s a lot going on plot-wise, and honestly, I appreciated that the focus drifted more toward Bristow’s personal journey and her quirks, her family drama, her struggles. Even if I did wish the love story had grabbed me more.

Some things didn’t work as well. Bristow’s inability to speak up for herself didn’t always line up with how sharp she is otherwise. A few things get repeated more than needed, especially when trying to emphasize how different she is or highlight the romantic tension. And while I get that her cousin plays an important role, her character felt overly simplified at times. Also, it’s very predictable, which isn’t always a bad thing! But here, I just kept wishing for a few more surprises. Most of the outcomes were clear early on, and instead of building suspense, the delay made some parts drag a bit.

Still, I really enjoyed how unique all the characters were and how some of their dynamics brought a lot of humor. Underneath it all, it’s about a woman trying to get her life back! The relationships, the messiness, the growth. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt familiar in a good way. Like this could totally happen, and Bristow could very well be your neighbour or someone you grew up with.

So yeah, it has that certain something. It’s quirky but not silly, heartfelt but not heavy, clean but not boring. It's a hard mix to get right, but this book did it.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
June 1, 2015
Great Book!
This is a great book by Tamara Lyon. Bristow is an interior designer and has landed the contract of a lifetime with the famous Cherry Wyeland. However, Cherry is crazy and the worst person who can’t make up her mind on anything. To make matters worse Cherry is dating Bristow’s ex-boyfriend who she hates. I love Bristow but she can’t catch a break between her crazy family, her allergies to Oreos, her dog, this book had be laughing out loud many times while reading this book. If you are looking for a great summer read then you need to read this book!
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Profile Image for Sue Paulsen.
299 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome is a hilarious, fun read. One of those books that completely draws you and won’t let you put it down until you are done!

I loved Bristow and could totally relate to some of the funny things that happen to her. I, also, loved the banter between Bristow and Jack and watching their friendship grow. My favorite character, though, was Gigi! Everyone should be lucky enough to have a Gigi in their lives.

Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome should definitely be on everyone’s summer read list!
Profile Image for Susan Riley.
126 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2015
I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome is a terrific read. Told in the first person by Bristow Sparks, a 29 year old woman who has suffered unbelievable humiliation at the hands of her ex. Can she find happiness and love, or will she allow her past history to ruin any chance she has? I couldn't put this book down, reading far too late into the night. And the ending was quite satisfying! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Nicole.
110 reviews27 followers
June 6, 2015
I haven't laughed so hard while reading a book in what seems like forever. I absolutely loved this book, and I couldn't put it down. I was constantly laughing. Not to mention it also has some suspenseful parts in it. Cherry I wanted to throat punch though, she is one hard lady to please. As for all the other characters they were fabulous. Lyon executed a perfect description for each character. Loved, loved, loved. Highly recommend.


More of a review to come soon. :)
373 reviews45 followers
September 27, 2018
This book is fabulous. Bristow is my favorite character. I feel bad that Bristow keeps losing with love. I am glad she met Jack. I feel like Jack will give her anything she could need. I love Gigi. Bristow and Jack will make an awesome couple. This book is well written. I hope there will be more books to come with these characters. Give this book a try. I am glad I did.
Profile Image for Mariana Lee.
672 reviews18 followers
June 9, 2015
This is a great little story, it's funny, witty has great characters and is captivating. I really enjoyed it and found myself giggling and laughing out loud. If you are looking for a fast pace funny read, give this one a try!
1 review1 follower
June 10, 2015
Great summer beach book.

This author places you in the mind of her characters easily. I love a book that is hard to put down and this one is it! Fun and light reading for a lazy day at the beach or on your back porch.
Profile Image for R.M. Anderson.
Author 1 book5 followers
May 5, 2015
Hilarious and also speaks to the heart. A great read! Would definitely recommend this book - and author - to other people. Hoping for a sequel!
8 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2015
Read in a day! Great!

This was such an easy summer read. It was funny (especially the grandma) and it was emotional. I could not put it down.
Profile Image for Blue.
1,651 reviews24 followers
not-for-me-previewed
October 17, 2017
DNF @ 12%. Nothing really happening up to the 12% mark, but lots of explanation of her cousins life. Ultimately what made me stop is the religious undertone starting to come through, and that doesn't interest me at all. The writing itself was just okay, the story becoming possibly religious is a no-go and too rambling for me.
Profile Image for Melissa (thereaderandthechef).
536 reviews191 followers
June 19, 2015
Okay, I admit it. I thought this book wasn't going to be for me. The title itself had me doubting because, despite being eye-catching, it seemed like a more mature read than the ones I'm used to. However, this book surprised me in so many awesome ways. I ended up loving it and I seriously had the time of my life reading it.

Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome is the story of a 29 year old virgin. She's a successful designer with a crazy, but lovable family, and after losing her father three years ago and suffering a horrible betrayal from her ex-boyfriend involving the media, she swears off having relationships until she meets the "right guy", if ever. But meets him she does. Just before her 29th birthday, the gorgeous Jack Hoffmann enters her life and puts a spin to her oreo and Dexter binging nights. The problem is,somehow they end up being "just friends", and to top it all off, suddenly her ex is back in town and things start going horribly, horribly wrong.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: great characters = great books, and this book nailed it with them, starting with Bristow. I'm typically a YA reader, so I often have a hard time connecting with older main characters because I'm so used to reading about teens and young adults, so it was a nice surprise that I instantly connected with Bristow.
She was a fun character to get to know and I loved her quirks that so many readers will instantly relate to. Cookie-eating + series binge-watching? Yup, I'm quite familiar with that. And not only that, she's a really strong woman with great family values. She's far from perfect but she tries to look out for her own, even give more than generous second chances to people who don't deserve it all.

However, Bristow wasn't my favorite character. Her great-grandmother, Gigi, was the real deal for me. What an awesome old lady! She had me laughing every time she would say something, and although she was quite old and had trouble with her memory, she was a dazzling, bright character that held her weight in this book. I loved her so, so much. Actually, the rest of Bristow's family was crazy awesome and I adored their close relationship. The death of Bristow's father was a hard thing for them, but I'm glad that this was not the case in which the family breaks apart.

Jack was another amazing character. I admit I fell a little in love with him. He's kind, smart, hard-working, sweet and overall, a perfect guy. His relationship with Bristow started out weird and highly embarrassing, but I loved that. Right from the get-go there were no secrets between them - except for their feelings for each other - so it was kind of awesome how their friendship developed. I should emphasize here a bit more how entertaining the embarrassing aspects were. Totally hilarious and mortifying!

I wouldn't call this a fast-paced book, but neither a slow kind of read. It goes at a steady pace and it absorbs the reader as one goes about Bristow's slightly traumatic life, her cousin Margarita's messed up choice in men, and her highly demanding career as an interior designer. This book is a really great read and I'm glad I had the chance to read it. It's not every day that one crosses a clean adult read as good as this one!

*This review can also be found at The Reader and the Chef! Thanks go out to the tour host & Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.*
Profile Image for Laura.125Pages.
322 reviews20 followers
May 23, 2015
Original review posted on www.125pages.wordpress.com
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars
Bristow Sparks is a nobody wallflower and that is exactly how she likes it. Three years after a family tragedy thrust her in the spotlight she is more than content to blend into the background. Then she meets Dr. Jack Hoffmann and is instantly attracted. Unsure of how to proceed she decides that being friends with Jack is the best course of action. Between dealing with a crazy client, a crazy family and crazy lust Bristow may just go crazy herself.

This book had many good elements and one issue that made me constantly frustrated with the main character. The story was well paced and the supporting characters were well fleshed out. I loved the tension and the play between Bristow and Jack. My main issue was that Bristow was portrayed as thoughtful and analytical and yet all of the drama could have been avoided if she answered her phone. I know there needs to be drama to carry the story forward but to put it all down to the phone just grated at me. However, that aside, this was a fun fast read perfect for the summer.
Profile Image for Karla.
144 reviews28 followers
July 9, 2015
Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome by Tamara Lyon
Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome
Tamara Lyon
Tamara Lyon

I have to admit that my curiosity was piqued by the title and cover of this book. I'm so happy the story inside exceeded my expectations. You will love and root for Bristow and Jack, who have such a hard time getting together. There were times I wanted to walk right into the pages to shake these two into seeing what's right in front of them. This book is full of emotion, hilariously funny and poignantly sad, and ends on a satisfying note. I really enjoyed this story and think you will too. Five of five stars. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
June 11, 2015
How do I write this review? I laughd OUT LOUD and I had my heart tugged and smashed and squeezed!
There was blood and guts! Characters that I will remember forever. And tears!
I will add a tissue alert.

This is in fact the perfect vacation or beach read.
Perfect for both genders and all ages! Well, maybe high school and above.
I have recommended it to all of my friends. I can't wait to share it with more people.
Drama, adventure, comedy - a dog to live for! I can not praise it highly enough.

I fell for the main character and her Gigi. I agonized with her on those disasterous dates!
There were times I wanted to reach into my ereader and slap certain characters. I stayed up late to keep reading it!

I do not want to give away any spoilers but will say you will NOT be disappointed unless you put off reading this hilarious novel.

I did receive a free copy of the book to enjoy and review.
Profile Image for Tara.
86 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2015
This book was cheesy, good, fun with laugh out loud moments. It also had some serious moments, but it was really just a fun, good read. Bristow was an absolutely hilarious character. Lovable, quirky, clumsy and blunt to a fault - while being so naïve and stubborn. Jack was swoon worthy. The epitome of the perfect man. Cousin Margarita was eccentric, crazy and impulsive. I could go on about all the characters. Their personalities were well captured with the author's descriptions.

I think I'm going to borrow Bristow's mom's phrase 'oh my nerves'... going forward.

I don't know if there is any plan to write a book about Bristow's crazy cousin, Margarita. If there is, I'd definitely read it. I'm kind of curious to know more about her and her life.
1 review
May 7, 2015
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance review copy of Post-Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome by Tamara Lyon, and I have one piece of advice: Add this book to your summer beach-read list immediately. This is chick lit in the tradition of Helen Fielding and Sophie Kinsella. Fast and funny, it's got that great mix of humor and heart that will keep you up past your bedtime reading just one more chapter. This is a new direction for Tamara Lyon, and I think she's found her sweet spot.
Profile Image for Savannah.
30 reviews
June 14, 2015
This book had me addicted and thinking about it all day long. I could not put it down, finished in 3 days. The story was a classic love story where the main girl had no clue. Yes, I did get frustrated at the fact it took her so long to figure out that he loved her and what happens with her cousin's husband, but it had me intrigued where I had to keep reading to figure out how it all came together.
Profile Image for Ella.
297 reviews21 followers
Read
May 26, 2015
Cover: Eyebrow raising
My Rating: 85/100
Overall: Very good
Page Turner: Yes
Recommend: Yes

COMMENTS: YES! This book is SO up my alley! Yes yes yes and YES! Loved it, brilliantly written. VERY nice. Read it, you won't regret. It did require a bit of patience, but it was worth it! I loved it so much!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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