“You guys read romance novels?”
“We call them the manuals.”
When I wrote that scene for The Bromance Book Club, I wasn’t writing with men in mind. Though the series is about a book club of men who secretly read romance novels, the books were marketed to the primary demographic of romance readers—women.
So, imagine my surprise after the book was published in November 2019 when I started getting messages from men saying that they have been secret romance readers for years. Along with those messages came others from men who had never considered reading a romance before but had discovered The Bromance Book Club and now wanted to try more.
I was like, this is a real thing?
Men were really reading romance in secret?
But the men who contacted me didn’t just want to say hello. They wanted book recommendations. They wanted to know if I could direct them to any real-life male romance novel book clubs. They wanted my advice on buying romance novels without having to hang out in the romance section of a bookstore.
In short, they wanted my help.
Guys, I listened. I’m here to help.
Introducing… Men Read Romance!
What it is: The first ever subscription box and book club for men who read romance… or those who want to start.
How it works: Every three months, you’ll receive a shipment of three books personally selected by me, along with a reading and discussion guide for each book. You’ll also receive carefully curated products to help improve your relationships and be the best version of yourself. PLUS, you’ll have access to a members-only book club.
Why you should do it: Because you’re tired of playing a guessing game about which books and authors you might like. Because you’re interested in romance but not sure where to start or are embarrassed to ask your friends for recommendations. Because you want to be part of a community of readers just like you. Because you love happy endings. Because you know that good books make great men.
Is it really only for men? Absolutely not! Anyone who loves romance novels will enjoy this subscription box. It also makes a great gift for couples who want to start reading romance together! But I specifically market to male-identifying readers because they have been left out of the romance conversation and have never been given social permission to read romance.
When it starts: The first box will be shipped Aug. 1, but pre-orders begin May 28. Quantities for the first box are limited, so don’t wait until the last minute to reserve yours!
Good Books
Make Great Men
Every three months, you’ll receive three romance novels personally chosen by Lyssa that will introduce you to new authors, new subgenres of romance, and a variety of romantic tropes.
A reading and discussion guide for each book created by Lyssa and each author that will enrich your appreciation for and understanding of the romance genre.
At least one other carefully curated product from a small business to help you gain the edge and live your own best life.
Access to a live, thought-provoking, members-only book club discussion with authors and experts on love, relationships, and modern masculinity.
Enrollment in the Men Read Romance monthly newsletter, where I’ll share book reviews, recommendations for upcoming releases, relationship advice, and links to compelling articles about relevant issues.
It’s everything you need to start your exploration of the romance genre.
Want some more guidance to start your exploration of the romance genre? I’ve also created a starter kit for newbie readers! It’s everything you need to fall in love with romance.
Five romance novels personally selected by me, each featuring storylines of sex-positivity, healthy masculinity, enthusiastic consent, and equality in relationships.
A reading guide to explain the different types of stories published in the romance genre so you can identify which ones you like best
Enrollment in the Men Read Romance monthly newsletter, where I’ll share book reviews, recommendations for upcoming releases, relationship advice, and links to compelling articles about relevant issues.
A 10 percent discount on a one-year box subscription (four quarterly boxes)
