The Bro Code | ARC Review

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Synopsis

As a certified stand-up bro, Nick Maguire knows that some things in life are sacred: Do not skip ab workouts. Never back down from spicy foods. And always accept the outcome of Rock, Paper, Scissors. For these are the revered doctrines of The Bro Code, rules of conduct that have been passed down through the ages from bro to bro.

Heading into his senior year, Cassidy High’s star soccer player has his priorities straight and intends to spend his time playing sports, hanging out, and living by the code. But when his best bro Carter’s sister Eliza returns from studying overseas, the awkward, academic girl Nick remembers is different.

Carter might be Nick’s bro, but Eliza becomes his whole world—and he has to make a choice between them. Is being with the girl of your dreams worth breaking the most important rule: never date your best friend’s sister? Somehow, Nick never expected that following The Bro Code may have even bigger consequences than breaking it.

Review:

I was eager to read this book because 1. it’s in the POV of a guy which we don’t get enough of in YA and 2. it sounded funny and fresh. It didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

There was a little more backstory at the beginning than I would have liked. It’s essential to explain some things at the beginning because, as readers, we have to learn who all the characters are and their stories. However, I felt a little like I was being bombarded with backstory. I think it really could have been spread out more throughout the book.

As well, the writing was very bro-y. I know that’s kinda the point since this book is called THE BRO CODE and it’s about bro friends, but it got very annoying very quickly. I kinda felt like I was reading the thoughts of a stereotypical frat boy even though this guy is in high school.

There were, however, some fun parts to this point. My favorite was probably the bro rules at the beginning of each chapter. The gave a hint as to what was to come in the chapter and made things a little more interesting, especially when the rules were broken.

I also really liked that the book challenged the bros’ toxic masculinity. It was definitely made clear that the bro code is meant to be challenged and changed for the better. Seibert made a point of making her characters understand the importance of empowering women and supporting diversity in friendship.

Overall, this wasn’t one of my favorite reads. The idea was nice and I enjoyed the actual bro code, but it wasn’t executed very well.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating:

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