Her Rustanov Husband

by Theodora Taylor

When you see your ruthless ex, you should…

A. Throw a drink in his face 🍸
B. Tell him you still hate him 💔
C. Drunk marry him 💍
D. All of the above 😱

Crap. Crap. Crap. Why did I pick D?

Six years ago, I gave Russian hockey god Yom Rustanov back his ring for a reason. A very good what kind of psycho did I almost marry?? reason. Since then, I’ve changed my name, built a life, and co-founded a dog rescue adoption cafe while helping my best friend raise her special-needs son. Trust me, I’m overworked, overwhelmed, and I have zero time for shenanigans...

...like waking up in Vegas drunk-married to my ex? How did this happen? No idea. But now Yom wants me to stay on as his fake wife for ninety days—while he buys my estranged father’s hockey team. And he's offering me five million dollars for the possibly life-ruining inconvenience.

I should say no. But five million dollars could change everything for my godson after a devastating diagnosis.

All I have to do is hold out while my ex swaggers around in gray sweatpants, gives me daily contractually mandated toe-curling kisses, and goes out of his way to prove he’s not the monster I ran away from.

I can’t give in. But I know what that hungry stare leads to: Ruthless Ruin. Mine.
And ninety days is a long, unfairly hot, and sweaty time not to look down while he’s wearing those gray sweatpants…

Her Rustanov Husband is a maybe-this-time second-chance romance featuring a resolute do-gooder and the obsessive Russian hockey player determined to prove he's her forever.

Perfect for readers who crave fake marriages that turn all too real, rage pining, morally black heroes you cheer for, and second chances that burn even hotter than the first

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Interracial Romance, Sports Romance, Second Chance, Marriage Of Convenience, Mafia Romance

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

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Theodora Taylor writes hot books with heart. When not reading, reviewing or writing, she enjoys spending time with her amazing family, going on dating nights with her wonderful husband, and attending parties thrown by others.

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Theodora Taylor schreibt feurige Bücher mit Herz. Wenn sie nicht gerade selbst liest, schreibt oder Deutsch lernt, verbringt sie am liebsten Zeit mit ihrer Familie oder geht mit ihrem wundervollen Mann aus.

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Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow that was harsh

Good writing just story was not for me! The ending was like yay for revenge, but cringe for presentation! Ouch. I hated Ingrid and Paul and there is no way Ingrid would have ever got.Yom. Never! He stayed faithful for six years and so did she! Lots of sex, lots of growling, lots of machismo but just not for me. although i would love someone to love me so obsessively. Well kind of. Not the punishment part or the violent.... Okay I really guess i do not want that but good for Lydia!

[Aba · Rating 1 out of 5]

That 1 star is being very generous. This might be the end of my road with TT. What has kept me checking in on her over the years is her world building creativity and ultimately decent writing skills. I’m blaming this recent shift on Booktok and the need to appeal to that crowd, but the difference in quality is too much for me. It feels like she’s trying to hit certain points, include popular buzzwords, build a story rigidly around a trope. I already found the “revenge” trope in every single book of hers to be incredibly problematic. Now the plots are even more ridiculous with characters who are caricatures. The Bully bit? Really? I can’t swallow the ridiculousness without good writing to help it go down anymore. I only wish she’d published Josh and Neisha’s story before this switch up.

Edit: I’ll just add things that irritated me here

Calling your love interest a bitch? In a romance? Absolutely not.

The dark romance/morally grey MMC thing has gone a bit far. Lydia absolutely had a right to not want anything to do with him and those horrible lab scenes should have had her running.

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was confused because I had already read the first book and was curious as to what Yom may have done that made Lydia break off their engagement. The back and forth that Ms. Taylor had written the story brought clarification but also showed the vulnerability that both Yom and Lydia had felt towards one another. At first, I felt that Lydia was being difficult and then of course, Yom was dangerous like his uncles in the other Rustanov books. And, as always there is a third person involved, too! I will not reveal too much especially for those who have not read the book yet! This was really good and worth reading!

[becs 🌻🌸🌷 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this but it felt so rushed and short. Especially the last 30%. It’s not often I want a romance book to be more than 350 but if this had maybe a 100 more pages I would’ve been satisfied. And the constant time jumps were really confusing. Even the random Tasha pov.

Also another thing, where the fuck did those lab scenes come from? I’m sorry but I couldn’t have forgiven Yom after he put Lydia through that because it’s so dehumanizing and morally wrong. Then the lawyers added in? Nah this isn’t romance at all

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️

I can’t put my finger on a specific aspect of the book I just disliked. Yom and Lydia had a weird dynamic from book 1 and to see the story jumps from one timeline to the other confused me a little.

Yom was very rash and Lydia just needed a spine. Events that happened throughout just went from one extreme to the other, like I legit could not keep up. To the point where I legit had to skim read at least 80% of the book and I’m happy I did.

In all honesty I should’ve stopped at book one if this was the drama I was looking forward to. The pov’s where confusing at times because of the person it was written in and the list goes on.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing end to a weird, warm and beautiful love story. Yom (Volfie) and Lydia (Zhena/Library Girl) were awesome flawed and emotionally scarred in different ways but perfect for each other-I love them. I love how Theodora makes her characters superpowers things other consider flaws or issues like dyslexia or even just being a bit different as a kid growing up like sweet little Bully. Lydia's love for books and thirst for knowledge but struggles learning the traditional way or presented clearly, and I love how she is honest about her struggles but excels and helps others. I also love how she never realized how much her Yom loved her for everything she was and what she disliked about herself. The pop ups from some of my favorite characters like Alexi, Eva, Samantha,  Uncle Nikolai, Bair, Suro and Tasha and their kids -Spidey, Gracie the twins made my year. I would read the Rustanov exploits for the rest of my days I love this crazy, madcap, loving and crazy family. Great, great 2-part book that made me laugh and cry all at once and I want to know what Ruthie and Pascal are up to and who is the baby daddy for bestie Merry and will she and baby brother Chris get a happy ending? I knew I did not like Paul or Ingrid, but they enriched the great storyline.

[Lesli · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! So Good

I have been eagerly waiting for this book. I woke up and downloaded the book before I even made my coffee. It was so worth it. As usual full of so much drama and heat. It keeps you guessing and there were multiple twists I did not see coming. I was worried when I got to 70% and he was still making mistakes. I was worried there wouldn't be enough of the book left to get to the HEA, tie up all the loose ends and have a satisfying ending. I will not doubt Theories Taylor again. She got the HEA, tied up all loose ends and threw one more plot twist in just for fun.
I highly recommend this book.

[Elizabeth Rogers? · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES !

As with all TT books yet another hit . I’m glad that Lydia finally saw Paul for what he was ,a monster. When the truth was uncovered about all the things he had done to Lydia even as a kid I knew then he should have been put down like the rabbit dog he acted like. I truly didn’t see the bully angle coming but it all worked out in the . Those Rustanov men are protective , obsessed,and deadly when it comes to family . I really hope we get to see more of the family and see more of volfe black flags when it comes to his family.

[Annette Auston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books!

I love Mrs. Taylor books be hating when they end ,they be so much fun to read and so crazy that you can't stop reading because you want to know what happens next. I can't wait until she writes another book. I look forward to the next adventure with Mrs. Taylor. Happy reading😀

[theincrediblesulk · Rating 3 out of 5]

so insane it circled back around to fun but the you know what trope doesn't hit as hard when it's a secret from us, too

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG! What a rollercoaster ride!

I was wondering why Lydia was so angry with Yom in part one. Now I understand but her brother did not deserve her loyalty. He was an addicted spoiled entitled brat. Why is it those that are close to you are the ones to betray you and hurt you. For Yom, it was his mother's first abandonment that had him messed up. With Lydia, it was her birth mother dying. Yom and Lydia were so young when they first fell in love. She did not understand about the Rustanov men's way when it comes to their children and women. They went through so much trial and tribulation after the barn scene. One thing they had in common was their love of Bully. When he was threatened, Lydia turned into the Monster's wife. That was everything to her Volfie. He had given his heart to his Library Girl when he first saw her and never gave it back, even in his anger with her. He worked hard for his Zayka to become his Zhena. Through trial and tribulations, he has his HEA with her and their spreading family.

[Cammyjoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

…‘Rough Conversation ‘…😜

This series is cray cray !!! lol
The Rustanovs are in a category of their own, if you thought Alexei was ruthless you haven’t seen them all lol. I haven’t read them in order and I have yet to read Chess’s story, but if he is anything like his brother Yom, … lawd have merrrrcy !
Yom loved Lydia with a fierceness that was beyond reason… possessive, obsessive… and there wasn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for her, as long she doesn’t leave him & then she did…

Well, I am having trouble putting my thoughts into words so I guess you have to get your own copy and see for yourself & believe me there won’t be a dull moment. Yom, Lydia, the Rustanovs and their “associates” will keep you entertain. And there are things you will never see coming…!!!

[Early · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Theodora is one of my favorites. Lydia/Skye and her Bully!!!!! This was Book 2 in this series and did not disappoint. I loved that the entire Rustanov family and friends were involved in this story. The characters are multi dimensional and have to work through their issues and reveal them to each other before the HEA. I didn't trust Ingrid from the beginning and wondered about Paul. Love the baby Bully. Does Merry have a story? Can't wait for the next Rustanov!!!!

[MichelleVeiga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Crazy Rustanov 🥰

Yom & Lydia/Skye share a great love yet a painful past. It will take all his ingenuity to rekindle a fire his love thought had died. However it never died. The fire had simply been banked & waiting for a reason to spark to life. This was a painful yet wild loving ride. Those Rustanov men are straight crazy. Getting to the HEA will have a few bumps in the road. Yet they make it to the finish line of love.

[Sav · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. Make sure you read the 1st book to understand what's happening in this one. The storyline was worth the wait. It had lies, drama, deceit and truths. The twists ans turns had me thinking I knew but I was wrong. These two are definitely made for each other.

[Kami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been so excited for this book because Her Rustanov Bully is one of my all-time favourite novels by Theodora Taylor, and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of the conclusion to the duet!
Without giving away any major spoilers, I honestly feel this was the perfect way to end their story. Penance was served, and the two lovebirds finally got their well-deserved happy ending! The only thing I would’ve changed is the secret baby trope — while I usually love that, I just felt like these two characters and their journey didn’t really need it.
I also wish the book had been a little longer; it ended so quickly… or maybe I’m just greedy because I love Theodora’s writing so much? 😭😂 Either way, I truly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us! 🩷

[Tracy Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed is all I can say

Let me start off by saying I thoroughly enjoyed book one of this series, even though I wasn’t happy with the cliffhanger. I was ecstatic to start book 2, and it started off OK reasonable. But, this just was not my cup of tea. I thought that we had Avoided a certain trope that I hate. I now realize that this trope is par for the course with this particular author.





Spoilers



let me say that I absolutely hate the hidden child trope, and every book that I have read by this author contains just that. And what I hate most is that the reasoning behind ““ hiding the child is never reasonable it never makes sense to me and it’s more times than not Ludacris. The bully reveal pissed me clean off. I almost wanted to stop. But I only continued to see what come up and Lydia would have and to my horror and discussed Yoms punishment was almost irredeemable if not redeemable. And Lydia’s excuses for why she ran away why she kept the baby away from Yum made no sense. Like she did all of this for her brother Paul who was a piece of shit he literally tried to force her. To have sex with someone she didn’t want and she Risk her whole future for his bitch ass.

With that said this is the last book. I wanna read by this author because I can’t continue hate reading her books because I somewhat like the MMC while also disliking the FMC because she’s an idiot. This has been the case for every book I’ve read by this author and I’ve and read at least five books by the author. I gave this book a 2.5 out of 10.

[Tiffani Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Rustanov Conclusion

This book is intense, dramatic, and impossible to put down. Theodora Taylor delivers another unforgettable Rustanov story that digs into themes of love, loyalty, and what family really means.

Yom is every inch a Rustanov—selfish, ruthless, and obsessive. But once he gives his heart, it’s absolute. Lydia walking away made sense, but their drunken Vegas marriage forces her back into his world and into a relationship that’s as dangerous as it is magnetic. Their back-and-forth is messy and frustrating at times, but it also makes the payoff that much stronger.

I appreciated how the story balanced the obsession of a Rustanov love with Lydia’s need to protect herself and the people she cares about. It highlights the vulnerability in both of them while reminding readers that being with a Rustanov means being part of his family—for better or worse.

This isn’t a light romance. It’s passionate, dark, and full of high-stakes emotions. If you’re ready for a love story that burns hot and never lets up, this book delivers.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love that endures the test of time.

This was a really great ending to Lydia and Yom’s story, although once again Yom’s actions are questionable at times. His emotional trauma of being abandoned by his mother is deep-rooted and greatly affects his relationship with Lydia, who in turn is constantly reminded of her own childhood issues and insecurity. The story does flit between past and present so you do have to pay attention whilst reading. There is a monumental twist halfway through and Yom’s ensuing actions delve into dark areas which I found a bit disturbing to be honest. Communication has always been lacking in their relationship but finally that is overcome in an unusual way and they find their way back to each other. I absolutely loved the last few pages where Lydia finally takes control of one aspect of her life and her actions will surprise you when she decides that enough is enough.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book!! Yom did not disappoint! He is a true Rustonav and displays all the crazy possessiveness every Rustanov husband has shown. He and Lydia went through it in this book which picks up where the first left off but with a time jump. I liked how the author took us back to cover the past six years in relation to where they were in the present and why things were the way they were. Of course, there was lots of crazy hot chemistry and a secret that I had to stop and say "wait, what!" So much happened here and I don't want to give anything away. This is a must read book with a few twists, lots of turns, serious smoldering and very possessive Russian and the woman he has fixated on. I have to say that Lydia and Yom had some definite growth from the last book which continues in this book. Always good to see past characters and the interactions of the family and friends. I hope we get more Rustanovs soon and would like to read about Merry and her elusive whale.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start with Her Rustanov Bully.
4.25 ****
An intense, emotionally charged second-chance romance that hooks you and never lets go. It’s messy, magnetic, and maddening in the best way. From the moment Lydia wakes up drunk-married to her obsessive Russian ex, the stakes soar: five million dollars, a fake marriage, and a man determined to win her back.

Yom Rustanov isn’t just a hockey god—he’s an unstoppable force of nature wrapped in muscle, mystery, and irresistible intensity. Every toe-curling kiss, every contract clause every smoldering glance is a clash between past heartbreak and present temptation. And Lydia? She’s fierce, drained, and fighting for her godson’s future while resisting the man who once broke her heart.

This story is packed with tension—emotional, romantic, and sexual. If you love your romance gritty, steamy, and with a hero who fights like it’s war, Her Rustanov Husband will wreck you—in the best way.

[Timitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Rustanov Husband was completely bonkers, over the top and unhinged even more so than the first book. I enjoyed it more than I did the first one until it took several left turns and things went downhill from there quickly. I don't want to give specifics because I don't want to spoil it for other readers. But...The back and forth between the past and present was confusing more than it was illuminating. I wasn't onboard with the way Yom treated Lydia after a particular event. It didn't sit well with me at all. I wasn't onboard with what she did either even though I got why she did it I still wasn't onboard with it. I'm giving it a three star rating because I did enjoy parts of it. It was entertaining, amusing and kept my attention but ultimately it didn't fully work for me. Which is a shame since there was so much potential for it to be amazing.



Copy provided by author

[Maloma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy that there was such a short wait in between books. I detest waiting a year or more for a sequel or follow up and the author did a great job in closing out this particular couple’s storyline. Yom is still cut throat and gorgeous and Lydia has developed more of an assertive demeanor and lost her naivety about life somewhat. The reunion was not explosive but certainly unexpected and eventful. Various family members are highlighted and play crucial parts in keeping Yom in line and Lydia alive. There is a bonus add on so make sure you read that as it explains or gives insight on what took place after the HEA. I love the growth that both characters exhibited but felt that Yom still had more self anger and violent tendencies that was tampered down. Surprises are in store for the reader but if you’re a fan of the author you probably already know what happens to a certain extent.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequel we’ll worth the wait

Yom and Lydia picked up where they left off. The love, passion, attraction, and obsession was as present as ever between these two. They both reverted to their old ways when they were younger in handling their feelings and actions. However, the growth for both of them at the end was well worth it. I loved that I couldn’t predict this story. There was some serious twist and turns and I enjoyed every bit if it. Also, I loved seeing a lot of the family/friends making vital appearances in this book. Nice to see some characters get what they deserved. Lydia being free to be the badass she was kept hidden was a necessary cherry on top. Soooo glad they got their HEA. They both waited long enough to start their lives as a family. ❤️

[Patty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not always an easy read for me…

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Yom and Lydia’s story in the first book “Her Rustanov Bully,” because Yom lived up to the title and I loved Lydia. This book was frustrating in so many ways starting with the back and forth between past and present. Once I got past that, I got so pissed off at Lydia. I’m not going to reveal any spoilers (I may be totally alone in my feelings). I was so upset that I had to take a long break from reading the story. I actually read 3 other novels before I came back to finish this. I can only admit that I still love Ms. Taylor’s novels because she’s a kick-ass writer. So much so that she evoked such strong emotions in me with this story and the other books I’ve read.

[Alex Ciz_naughty · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to end this 4.5 star duet!

These books felt like a juggernaut but in the best way! I absolutely loved how Yom loved Lydia. His love was so fierce it made his hate even worse. I actually wanted to cry toward the end…he REALLY got ruthless didn’t he? Still a little miffed but I guess I know what where it steams from.
This book had all the spïce we love and adore as a Theodora Taylor staple was present in abundance! Also the cameos from books past, love it! It’s always fun catching up with past characters.
All in all a fitting end to this duet. These two had a long hard road to their HEA but they made it! I wonder if we hear from a merry in Germany…do we get her story?

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book picks up 6 years after Her Rustanov Bully ends…BUT…it also toggles back and forth between the present and the past.

Yom and Lydia have been separated for 6 years when they meet again in A Las Vegas sports bar. They end up drunk marrying each other. The rest of the book is about Yum and Lydia coming back to each other.

In the meantime, there are a couple of twists. The last one is pretty crazy. All of the backstories are explained. And Yom and Lydia get their HEA.

I rated this 3.5⭐️ because it kept me interested and I was invested in Lydia and Yom’s love story. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Rustanov Husband by Theodora Taylor was the conclusion to the immensely engrossing story of Yom and Lydia. She has left him….for good. Now, six years later, he’s back…and, the shocks just keep coming!!

The initial brutality of this story shocked me!. The had to come out eventually. He is a monster and she will have nothing to do with him. Until, he makes an offer she can’t refuse. Not at all what I was expecting from this sequel…but, whew!!! What a sequel!!!! Couldn’t stop reading!!!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theodora can do no wrong!

First off amazing books! Lydia and Yom were everything and this book genuinely took me on a roller coaster of emotions! Every time I thought I knew what was coming next you would throw me for a loop. And let me tell you the sexual tension in this book was almost as good as the actual steamy scenes in the first book. Second thank you for making this only two books! I would have been distraught if I had to wait longer for their ending. This was a perfect read and I’m so happy with all of the choices you made for this story.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

finally some good fucking food

theodora was putting out some mid to kinda basura books for waaaaayyy too long that felt like cash grabs and barely upgraded novellas. and while this 2 parter had some dropped plots i wanted to explore, (what happened to the daddy thing??) it felt fully fleshed out and there were actual connections and easter eggs.

now please stay off bear mountain and give us geoff/dawn's story and merry and the german. also i ain't forget about that war vet dude and his ghostwriter that we were promised would be fully fleshed out.