Romance "Manuals"

A group of macho men in a book club that reads romance novels? Sounds like fiction, right? That fresh concept is exactly what made The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams irresistible to seasoned romance fans and newcomers alike.

With a boost from TikTok and a playful cover that stood out among traditional bodice rippers, this book soared to blockbuster status. 

A stuttering jock with a heart of gold and a sassy artist who lost herself in their marriage and motherhood are characters readers root for. Readers saw themselves in Gavin and Thea’s troubled relationship and laughed out loud at familiar situations. The adorable side characters set up future books that gave readers somewhere to go next.

Gavin fumbled like a buffoon half the time, but his six-pack abs and willingness to learn redeemed him. More importantly, his journey toward emotional intelligence struck a chord in a #MeToo cultural moment, when readers were craving healthier depictions of masculinity on the page.

All the stars aligned here: a big publisher’s backing, perfect cultural timing, and the spark of social media buzz. Add in the high-concept hook, universal tropes with a fresh twist, and built-in series potential, and it’s clear why this book became a runaway hit.