Sorry, Bro, the debut novel by Taleen Voskuni, is a clever and funny romantic comedy featuring a slightly shy Bay Area reporter who unexpectedly returns to her cultural roots. Nareh Bedrossian has always refused her mother's attempts to set her up with a nice Armenian boy, in part because her late father tried hard to blend into mainstream American culture and heartily approved of Trevor, her tech bro boyfriend. But after Trevor proposes to her in an embarrassingly public way and Nareh instinctively says no, she suddenly wonders if maybe their lack of connection is explained by the cultural divide.
Explore Armenia, a monthlong series of cultural events in the Bay Area, is beginning that week and will attract most of the Armenian Americans residing in Northern California. Nareh decides to allow her mother to play matchmaker like she's always wanted to and starts attending the events her mother lines up. Nareh isn't drawn to any of the men she meets--but she finds Erebuni, the woman organizing many of the Explore Armenia events, irresistible. And as their flirtation intensifies, Nareh realizes Erebuni likes her, too. But will Nareh's traditional mother ever be able to accept her daughter's bisexuality if their burgeoning relationship goes public?
With an awkwardly relatable heroine, Sorry, Bro is a sweet queer romance. Armenian culture shines: Voskuni introduces readers to Armenian history, food and dances. This charming and original story is perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory or Alison Cochrun. --Jessica Howard, freelance book reviewer