The Book Club Boyfriend by Kendall Ryan: Book Review: When the Queen of Anti-Romance Meets Her Match
- Joao Nsita
- 12 hours ago
- 13 min read
Introduction
What happens when an author who built her entire brand on why romance is "overrated" is forced to co-host a romance book club... with the one man who is the living, breathing embodiment of a swoon-worthy book boyfriend? In the vast, wonderful world of contemporary romance, some stories offer a quiet, gentle escape, while others, like Kendall Ryan’s The Book Club Boyfriend, are a high-energy, laugh-out-loud, and addictively spicy celebration of the genre itself. This book is a perfect storm of the tropes that have taken #BookTok by storm: a fiery enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the coveted "he falls first" narrative, and the irresistible allure of a hockey romance. Ryan has crafted a story that is not just a book; it's an event. It’s a witty, sharp, and deeply heartfelt look at how the person who gets under your skin the most might just be the only one who truly sees your heart. This is a must-read for anyone who loves their romance with a heavy dose of banter and a whole lot of steam.
For more fantastic contemporary romance reads and recommendations that will make your heart race, be sure to explore the amazing collection at That Love Podcast’s Romance Book Recommendations.
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Book Summary: The Match We Didn't Know We Needed
The Book Club Boyfriend introduces us to the formidable Scarlett "Scottie" Calloway. She’s a successful author, but her niche is a cynical one: she writes popular books about why women don’t need men and why the concept of a "soulmate" is a marketing ploy. She is the queen of anti-romance, a brand she has carefully cultivated. Her personal kryptonite? Chase Remington. He’s the star forward for the local NHL team, insufferably handsome, endlessly charming, and seemingly beloved by everyone. To Scarlett, he’s a walking, talking cliché, and their public back-and-forths have become the stuff of local legend.
Chase Remington, on the other hand, lives for three things: his career, winning, and the fiery spark he ignites in Scarlett every time they meet. He’s never met a challenge he couldn’t charm, and the beautiful, prickly author is the most fascinating challenge of all. He is, as the "he falls first" trope demands, completely smitten with her, even if he only shows it by relentlessly pushing her buttons.
Their world collides when their respective PR teams cook up a "brilliant" stunt: the two public frenemies will co-host a romance book club for a summer. The goal? To soften both of their images and generate buzz. For Scarlett, it’s a nightmare—a betrayal of her entire brand. For Chase, it’s a golden opportunity to spend time with the one woman he can't get out of his head.
What begins as a battle of wits in front of their new book club members quickly spirals into something more. The forced proximity of their weekly meetings, the meta-discussions about the very romance tropes they are living, and the undeniable, sizzling chemistry they share, all conspire to break down Scarlett’s carefully constructed walls. Chase is determined to prove to the queen of anti-romance that he can be the real-life book boyfriend she secretly deserves. But as the snowflakes fall and the book club heats up, both Scarlett and Chase have to decide if their public feud is worth sacrificing a private love that could be the realest thing in their lives.
Author's Style and Craft: A Masterclass in Banter and Steam
Kendall Ryan is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author for a reason, and The Book Club Boyfriend is a dazzling showcase of her signature style. Her writing is fast-paced, addictive, and infused with a witty, contemporary voice that makes her books impossible to put down. She doesn't just write stories; she creates experiences that are perfectly engineered for the modern romance reader.
Dialogue as Foreplay The absolute standout feature of this novel is the dialogue. Ryan is a master of "banter as foreplay." The verbal sparring between Scarlett and Chase is the engine of the story. It is sharp, relentless, and genuinely funny. This isn't just arguing for the sake of conflict; it’s their primary mode of flirtation. Every insult is layered with unspoken attraction, every comeback a test of the other's wit. This rapid-fire dialogue makes the pacing of the book incredibly quick, pulling you from one delightful confrontation to the next.
The Power of the Dual POV Ryan's choice to use a dual point-of-view is what elevates this story from a simple rom-com to a truly satisfying romance. This narrative technique is crucial for the "he falls first" trope. We, the readers, are let in on a delicious secret: while Scarlett is fuming about Chase's arrogance, we are in his head, watching him utterly swoon. We get to see his internal monologue, his patience, and his strategic (and often hilarious) attempts to win her over. This creates a wonderful dramatic irony that makes the slow-burn tension even more exquisite. We are no longer just watching a love story; we are active participants, rooting for Scarlett to finally see what we see.
Pacing and Structure The book club itself is a brilliant structural device. Each meeting, where they discuss a different romance novel, acts as a new "chapter" in their own relationship. It forces them into regular, contained interactions and allows them to meta-comment on their own dynamic through the lens of the books they are reading. This clever structure keeps the plot moving and provides a natural, organic framework for their forced proximity. Ryan balances the witty, public-facing moments with quieter, more vulnerable private scenes, creating a rhythm that is both exciting and emotionally resonant. The journey of these characters from enemies to lovers is a beautiful illustration of how our perceptions can change, a theme we explore in our article 10 Life Lessons From Watching Shrek.
Themes and Deeper Meaning: Deconstructing the Cynic
While The Book Club Boyfriend is a fun, steamy, and lighthearted read, it is built on a foundation of surprisingly deep and relevant themes that resonate strongly with modern readers.
He Falls First: The Appeal of the Sunshine Hero The most significant trend this book taps into is the "he falls first" dynamic, often paired with a "grumpy/sunshine" pairing where the heroine is the grumpy one. For years, the romance genre was dominated by the stoic, emotionally constipated alpha male. The rise of the "golden retriever" hero—a male lead who is cheerful, supportive, patient, and openly vulnerable with his feelings—is a massive trend on #BookTok. Chase Remington is a perfect example. He is a successful, confident athlete, but he is also the "sunshine" in this dynamic. He is the one who is emotionally available, the one who initiates, and the one who is patient enough to wait for the heroine to catch up. This subversion of traditional roles is incredibly refreshing and provides a powerful fantasy of being pursued and cherished by a man who is not afraid of his own heart.
Vulnerability as a Shield: The Anti-Romance Author Scarlett’s "anti-romance" brand is the central conflict of the book, and it's a brilliant exploration of cynicism as a defense mechanism. Her entire career is built on a wall of self-protection. This is a deeply relatable theme for anyone who has been hurt in the past and has decided that it's safer to be cynical than to be vulnerable. Her journey is not just about falling for Chase; it's about her learning to be vulnerable again, to dismantle the public-facing brand she built to protect her private heart. Her journey is a powerful act of self-discovery, a theme we explore in our guide 10 Journaling Prompts to Reset Your Mind in January.
The Meta-Theme: A Love Letter to Romance The book is, at its core, a love letter to the romance genre itself. By having the characters read and discuss romance novels, Ryan gets to playfully engage with the very tropes she is using. It’s a smart, "meta" narrative that celebrates the joy, comfort, and emotional intelligence of romance novels. It validates the experience of reading romance, a genre often dismissed by literary critics. The book argues that romance novels are not a "guilty pleasure," but a powerful and legitimate genre that can teach us profound things about love and connection. For more on the power of the genre, you can explore academic studies on the positive impact of reading romance, like those discussed by the Romance Writers of America. This celebration of the genre is a joy for any romance fan to read, a feeling we also had while reviewing The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore.
Strengths: What Makes This Book a Must-Read
The Book Club Boyfriend is a top-tier execution of the sports romance, and it excels in several key areas that make it an un-put-downable, five-star read.
1. The "Golden Retriever" Hero Who Falls First Chase Remington is the star of this book. He is the perfect blend of confidence and vulnerability. He’s a flirty, charming hockey star who is also a secret softie, a devoted dog dad ("a wingman with paws"), and a man who is not afraid to be the one who is pining. His internal monologue, where he is clearly head-over-heels for Scarlett while she is still busy loathing him, is both hilarious and incredibly swoon-worthy. The "he falls first" trope is a massive trend for a reason, and Kendall Ryan delivers one of the best examples of it here.
2. The Sizzling, Addictive Banter The dialogue is the undeniable engine of this book. The chemistry between Scarlett and Chase is electric, and their primary love language is a kind of witty, high-speed verbal sparring. Their arguments are the very definition of "banter as foreplay," and it makes their eventual physical connection feel incredibly earned and explosive. This is a masterclass in building tension through dialogue.
3. The Perfect Blend of Slow Burn and High Heat Kendall Ryan is known for her spicy romance, and this book is no exception. However, the spice is not just for shock value; it's the culmination of a fantastic slow burn. The build-up of tension through their forced proximity, their public arguments, and their private, longing glances is exquisite. When they finally do get together, the "open-door" scenes are both incredibly steamy and emotionally resonant, a perfect payoff for the journey. This perfect balance is a hallmark of a great romance, a quality we also praised in our review of The Love Hypothesis.
4. The Meta, Hilarious Premise The book club setup is simply brilliant. It’s a fun, unique, and modern premise that provides the perfect, logical reason for these two enemies to be in the same room every week. It allows for so many moments of levity and meta-humor that make the book feel fresh and clever.
Areas for Improvement: Navigating the Tropes
While The Book Club Boyfriend is a stellar example of its genre, some elements, depending on the reader, might feel like weaknesses.
1. The Stubborn Heroine Scarlett is the "grumpy" one in the dynamic, and her "anti-romance" identity is central to her character. However, her resistance to Chase's charms—and to her own obvious feelings—lasts for a significant portion of the book. For readers who love a true slow burn, this is a strength. But for those who get impatient, her stubbornness and her repeated "I hate him (but he's so hot)" internal monologues might start to feel a bit repetitive. Her journey to vulnerability is a long one, a theme that requires patience, as we explore in 11 Cozy Self-Love Practices to Help You Heal From the Inside Out.
2. The Low-Angst, Trope-Driven Plot This is a comfort read, through and through. The conflict is almost entirely internal (Scarlett's fears) and relational (their feud). There are no high-stakes, life-or-death external plotlines. The book leans heavily into its tropes, which it executes perfectly. Readers looking for a dark, complex, or angsty plot with major twists and turns might find this story too light or predictable. However, for those who are here for the tropes, the banter, and the steam, this is a feature, not a bug.
Comparative Analysis: Where It Fits in the Romance World
The Book Club Boyfriend is a perfect, shining example of the modern, #BookTok-driven sports romance.
Compared to Elle Kennedy: It fits perfectly on the shelf next to Elle Kennedy's iconic Off-Campus series, which starts with The Deal. Both feature the hockey romance setting and a fantastic "found family" of teammates. Ryan's writing, however, is often considered to be a bit spicier and faster-paced than Kennedy's.
Compared to Tessa Bailey: Ryan shares a similar mastery of witty, fast-paced dialogue and high-heat steam with Tessa Bailey. Fans of the "he falls first" dynamic in Bailey's Hook, Line, and Sinker will find a new favorite hero in Chase Remington.
Compared to Ali Hazelwood: The book is a fantastic example of the "grumpy heroine/sunshine hero" dynamic, a fun flip of the classic trope. It shares this with books like The Love Hypothesis, where the brilliant, cynical heroine is the one who needs to be won over by the patient, supportive hero.
Compared to Emily Henry: The clever, meta-premise of a book club within a book is reminiscent of the smart, self-aware writing of Emily Henry, particularly in a book-centric romance like Book Lovers.
This novel takes the best elements of the genre—the sports setting, the witty banter, the "he falls first" trope—and combines them into a package that is pure, addictive, contemporary romance.
Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?
This book is a must-read for a specific and enthusiastic audience. You will absolutely adore The Book Club Boyfriend if you are:
A dedicated fan of hockey romance and sports romance in general.
A lover of the enemies-to-lovers trope, especially when it's driven by delicious, witty banter.
A reader who actively seeks out the "he falls first" and grumpy/sunshine dynamics.
A fan of spicy, open-door romance that is both steamy and emotionally connected.
Readers who love the meta, bookish humor of authors like Emily Henry.
Fans of Kendall Ryan's other novels, or the works of authors like Elle Kennedy, Tessa Bailey, and Ana Huang. We recently reviewed Ana Huang's The Striker, and fans of that level of chemistry will be very happy here.
This is a fun, low-angst, high-heat read that is the perfect, satisfying escape.
Personal Impact: The Perfect Mood-Boosting Read
Reading The Book Club Boyfriend was a pure, unadulterated joy. It arrived on my reading list at the perfect time, after a string of heavier, more angsty books. This novel was a perfect palate cleanser. I found myself smiling at the pages, laughing out loud at the banter, and genuinely kicking my feet at the sweet, swoon-worthy moments. Chase Remington is a perfectly crafted "book boyfriend" whose patience and devotion were a delight to read. It was a fun, fast, and incredibly satisfying experience that reminded me exactly why I fell in love with the romance genre in the first place. It’s a story that will leave you feeling warm, happy, and completely charmed.
Conclusion: A Five-Star Power Play
Kendall Ryan’s The Book Club Boyfriend is a triumphant, five-star addition to the sports romance genre. It is a perfect, sparkling example of a rom-com that knows exactly what it is and delivers on every single promise. It’s a book that is fun, witty, incredibly steamy, and has a massive, beating heart. The "he falls first" hero is a complete joy, and the meta, book-club premise is a clever and delightful framework for a fantastic enemies-to-lovers story. This is a must-read for any fan of the genre.
Click here to buy The Book Club Boyfriend by Kendall Ryan on Amazon.
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About the Author
Kendall Ryan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. With over 3 million copies sold, she is known for her addictive, high-heat romances, her lovable "alpha-softie" heroes, and her fun, witty storytelling. She is the author of the beloved Must Love Hockey series, Filthy Beautiful series, and many other fan-favorite novels. She lives in Texas with her husband and their two sons. You can find more about her and her work on her official author website and her Goodreads page.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to read the first book in the Must Love Hockey series to understand The Book Club Boyfriend? A: No, The Book Club Boyfriend is the second book in an interconnected standalone series, but it focuses on a new couple (Scarlett and Chase) and can be read and enjoyed as a complete standalone.
Q: What is the spice level of The Book Club Boyfriend? A: The book is considered a spicy romance, with a 3 out of 5 spice level. It contains multiple open-door, explicit scenes that are well-integrated into the couple's emotional journey.
Q: What are the main tropes in this book? A: The main tropes are: sports romance (hockey), enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine (with a grumpy heroine!), he falls first, forced proximity (due to the book club), and a slow burn.
Q: Who is the hero, Chase Remington, like? A: Chase is a "golden retriever" hero. He is charming, flirty, funny, and secretly a total softie. He is the "sunshine" in the relationship and is completely devoted to the grumpy heroine.
Q: What makes this an "enemies-to-lovers" romance? A: Scarlett (the heroine) genuinely dislikes Chase at the beginning of the book. She finds him arrogant and annoying. Their relationship is built on a foundation of public arguments and witty banter before it slowly evolves into love.
Q: What is the "he falls first" trope? A: This is a popular romance trope where the male main character develops romantic feelings for the heroine long before she feels the same way about him. It often involves him pining for her, which many readers find very romantic.
Q: Is this book part of Kindle Unlimited? A: Yes, as of late 2025, The Book Club Boyfriend and many of Kendall Ryan's other books are available to read for free as part of a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Q: What other authors are similar to Kendall Ryan? A: If you love Kendall Ryan's style, you will likely enjoy the works of other spicy contemporary romance authors like Elle Kennedy, Tessa Bailey, Ana Huang, and Vi Keeland.
Q: Is this book available as an audiobook? A: Yes, The Book Club Boyfriend is available as an audiobook, often narrated by popular romance narrators. This is a great way to experience the witty banter and dialogue.
Q: What is the "Must Love Hockey" series about? A: The Must Love Hockey series is an interconnected standalone series by Kendall Ryan. Each book focuses on a different couple within the same professional hockey team, so you get to see recurring characters and the "found family" of the team.
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