Bromantasy by Marie Roche

Fellas, is it gay to kiss your bff while on a quest through the forest you’re unqualified for?

Juniper Reilly is good at only two things: demolishing a pint of mead and finding the perfect skincare routine. Oh, and getting in brawls at the local tavern, backed by his roommate, the absurdly capable, endlessly patient Morn Elmthorn (Mo, for short).

But when Juniper accidentally volunteers them both for a quest to kill a fearsome monster, he knows he’s finally gotten in over his head. Juniper hates camping, he hates the dark, and there’s no way all these foraged mushrooms are going to sit well in his stomach. One thing he doesn’t hate? How good Mo’s thighs look in his questing pants—though that’s worrying for an entirely different reason.

But monsters come in all shapes and sizes. When the brave, totally 100% platonic bros realize the “fearsome monster” is actually just a scared little girl, they’ll begin to wonder who the real villain is… and if Juniper and Mo can find their own happy ending along the way.

In a kingdom utterly unprepared for Juniper and Mo’s single shared brain cell, BROMANTASY is what would happen if David Rose starred in THE PRINCESS BRIDE.

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Pre-Reading Thoughts

I’m braced for absurdity, bro-chemistry, and general chaos in the woods. Juniper and Mo sound like a perfectly dysfunctional pair, and I’m hoping for humour, heart, and maybe a few unexpectedly tender moments amid all the questing disasters.

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Post-Reading

As I thought…
The humour is relentless in the best way. Juniper and Mo are a perfect duo - capable, hopeless, bickering, loyal, and entirely human in all the right ways. I loved the world-building, the clever subversions of quest tropes, and the way the story kept me laughing while still delivering surprisingly sweet emotional beats.

It surprised me by…
…how much heart sits under all the chaos. The monster isn’t what it seems, the villains aren’t quite villains, and the bromance grows into something layered and genuine. That running joke about Juniper admiring Mo’s… assets… went on a touch long, but honestly, it’s balanced by their friendship and trust, which are the true core of the story. I’d happily revisit this world if Marie wants to continue the adventures.

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Music Pairing

🎵 Featured Song: “I’m Still Standing” – Elton John
🎶 Vibe Album: The Adventure Soundtrack: Epic and Chaotic
🎧 Artist Recommendation: Weird Al Yankovic (for pure absurdity vibes, with heart)

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Vibe Check

Colour Palette: Forest greens, tavern browns, and mischiefy yellows
Soundtrack: Chaotic, playful, a little ridiculous
Season: Summer – perfect for questing disasters
Mood: Bro-chemistry, mischievous, heartwarming
Scent: Mead, campfire smoke, and pine needles

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Tarot Pull

Two of Cups – The Two of Cups embodies friendship, partnership, and emotional connection - exactly what Juniper and Mo’s relationship is about. Whether it’s platonic, romantic, or both, their bond carries the story, helping them navigate absurd challenges and find joy together amid the chaos.

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For Fans Of

• Book: The Princess Bride (for wit, absurdity, and adventure)
• TV/Film: Schitt’s Creek (for the brotherly chemistry, chaos, and humour)

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Bromantasy publishes on 26th May. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.