Undercover Bromance

Adams follows The Bromance Book Club with this cute comedic twist on the romantic suspense genre. Charming Braden Mack is the de facto leader of his all-male romance book club, remarkably comprising the most eligible, athletic, and successful men in Nashville, who hope to learn how to be “better men, better lovers, [and] better husbands” from the genre. Despite Mack’s natural charm and romance novel training, he’s off his game when it comes to pastry chef Liv Papandreas, whose sister, Thea, is married to another book club member. Prickly, distrustful Liv isn’t looking for a boyfriend, but when her celebrity chef boss, Royce, fires her for calling him out as a sexual predator, she accepts Braden’s and the book club’s help to confront and expose him for his crimes. The book club hatches a plan, drawing inspiration from the romantic suspense novel they’re reading, though series fans may be disappointed that, unlike in the first volume, no excerpts from the novel within a novel appear. Instead Adams weaves romantic suspense tropes into her contemporary rom-com to excellent effect. Strong characterization, humor, and a genuine connection between Liv and Mack make this one a keeper. Agent: Tara Gelsomino, One Track Literary. (Mar.)