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Bromance Book Club #4
Ein Liebesroman ist nicht genug
With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad took up the pen to write a novel the Bromance Book Club would swoon over.
Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared after speaking out against government corruption, she escaped danger the only way she knew how. She agreed to marry her childhood friend, Vladimir, and move to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.
Vlad, aka The Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But after four years, it's become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he's learned is that he deserves more. He's ready to create his own sweeping romance—both on and off the page.
The Bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love—and this time they're not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad's senior citizen neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves The Loners. Just when things finally look promising, the danger from Elena's past life intrudes, and the book club will face their first-ever life-or-death grand gesture as they race to a happy ever after.
Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared after speaking out against government corruption, she escaped danger the only way she knew how. She agreed to marry her childhood friend, Vladimir, and move to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.
Vlad, aka The Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But after four years, it's become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he's learned is that he deserves more. He's ready to create his own sweeping romance—both on and off the page.
The Bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love—and this time they're not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad's senior citizen neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves The Loners. Just when things finally look promising, the danger from Elena's past life intrudes, and the book club will face their first-ever life-or-death grand gesture as they race to a happy ever after.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2021
606 people are currently reading
36551 people want to read
About the author
Lyssa Kay Adams
12 books5,981 followersLyssa Kay Adams is the pen name of an award-winning journalist who gave up the world of telling true stories to pen emotional romances. She’s also a diehard Detroit Tigers fan who will occasionally cheer for the Red Sox because her husband is from Boston.
Lyssa lives in Michigan with her family and an anxiety-ridden Maltese who steals food and buries it around the house and who will undoubtedly be a character in a future book.
Things Lyssa loves: Baseball pants, mashed potatoes, and that little clicking sound that scissors make on the cutting table at fabric stores.
Things she doesn’t love: Mean people, melting ice cream cones, and finding food in her underwear drawer.
Keep up with Lyssa on Twitter at @LyssaKayAdams. Please note: She mostly tweets about baseball pants and mashed potatoes.
Lyssa lives in Michigan with her family and an anxiety-ridden Maltese who steals food and buries it around the house and who will undoubtedly be a character in a future book.
Things Lyssa loves: Baseball pants, mashed potatoes, and that little clicking sound that scissors make on the cutting table at fabric stores.
Things she doesn’t love: Mean people, melting ice cream cones, and finding food in her underwear drawer.
Keep up with Lyssa on Twitter at @LyssaKayAdams. Please note: She mostly tweets about baseball pants and mashed potatoes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,451 reviews
August 15, 2021
THE RUSSIAN IS GETTING A BOOK THIS IS NOT A DRILL HE IS GETTING A BOOK
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS
MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
My Review:
In this book we follow Vlad, a famous hockey player and his wife Elena, these childhood friends turned spouses of convenience are on the verge of divorce when Vlad gets injured in one of the penultimate games of the season. Elena swoops in to nurse him back to health and maybe just maybe save their marriage.
The last few books in the series have been misses for me but this one was phenomenal! I absolutely loved the childhood friends to lovers aspect, it was full of all the right angst and pining! And the marriage of convenience aspect was just *chef's kiss* and I love the "one person is injured and the love interest nurses them to health" trope it was just so adorable. I loved Elena and Vlad's relationship so much. Also this book made me enjoy the miscommunication trope? shocking I know but it's true. This story had just the right amount of wholesomeness, angst and hilarity so the melodrama was just part of the larger, very entertaining picture of the story. I adored Vlad's characterization in this, he has so much depth to him and I love that we got to see him outside of his role as the comedic relief. I loved the book club in this book as well, the guys are always so hilarious and I adored their scenes together so much. I think they're my favorite fictional friend group maybe ever?
The only reason this isn't five stars is I felt that this story suffered from the same thing that the last two books have struggled with in my opinion: the tonal differences between the romance's narrative and the subplots. In this story Elena's backstory and subsequent subplot involves a missing parent, and journalistic investigations into crime rings and human trafficking and mostly it was fine but the way it played into the story's ending was just felt cheesy and unnecessary. I wish I could understand Adams' compulsion to add these sorts of subplots to her romcoms 😅
But regardless this was a great time! I absolutely loved it and honestly I can't wait to reread it💖
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS
MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
My Review:
In this book we follow Vlad, a famous hockey player and his wife Elena, these childhood friends turned spouses of convenience are on the verge of divorce when Vlad gets injured in one of the penultimate games of the season. Elena swoops in to nurse him back to health and maybe just maybe save their marriage.
The last few books in the series have been misses for me but this one was phenomenal! I absolutely loved the childhood friends to lovers aspect, it was full of all the right angst and pining! And the marriage of convenience aspect was just *chef's kiss* and I love the "one person is injured and the love interest nurses them to health" trope it was just so adorable. I loved Elena and Vlad's relationship so much. Also this book made me enjoy the miscommunication trope? shocking I know but it's true. This story had just the right amount of wholesomeness, angst and hilarity so the melodrama was just part of the larger, very entertaining picture of the story. I adored Vlad's characterization in this, he has so much depth to him and I love that we got to see him outside of his role as the comedic relief. I loved the book club in this book as well, the guys are always so hilarious and I adored their scenes together so much. I think they're my favorite fictional friend group maybe ever?
The only reason this isn't five stars is I felt that this story suffered from the same thing that the last two books have struggled with in my opinion: the tonal differences between the romance's narrative and the subplots. In this story Elena's backstory and subsequent subplot involves a missing parent, and journalistic investigations into crime rings and human trafficking and mostly it was fine but the way it played into the story's ending was just felt cheesy and unnecessary. I wish I could understand Adams' compulsion to add these sorts of subplots to her romcoms 😅
But regardless this was a great time! I absolutely loved it and honestly I can't wait to reread it💖
November 28, 2022
Yesss!!! Yesss!!! And yesss!!! We got the best book of the series! Vladimir a.k.a Russian, my favorite member of the bromance book club, our sweet teddy bear, gentle and emotional giant finally had his own book! At the ending of my each reviews, I kindly requested, chanted for him to have his own love story and I’m so happy Ms. Adams listened to Vlad’s fans and made their wishes come true!
Vlad is giant Russian, a star hockey player but he’s unconventional hero: first of all don’t get fooled by his intimidating appearance! He is sensitive man: he cries at the weddings, he loves to hang out with stray cats, dogs, even with chickens at his house. He’s addicted to cheese even though he’s suffering from serious gluten intolerance ( we saw the ugly and smelly results when he ate wrong kind of food at the previous books) He’s like a cheerful, gold hearted child trapped in a man’s body! He’s still sweet, honest, a little immature and mostly stubborn!
He only loved one woman in his life, his wife Elena and he attended to the book club to win her heart by reading romance books and learn the ways how to make his own wife fall for her!
Yes, their marriage of convenience to help his wife stay in the states when she had troubled time after her father’s killing in Russia. He supported her education and he patiently waited for her to complete her degree in Chicago and come back to him! But she never did. And when he offered her to stop pretending and trying to have a real marriage, she rejects his offer, telling him she’ll return back to Russia, breaking his heart into millions of pieces!
After this back story, I was a little biased about Elena because she truly hurt my lovely giant! ( I truly agree with the Loners at first, our lovely giant deserves better!) She keeps secret from him, investigating her journalist father’s death who gained so many political enemies, chasing his last unfinished story about sex trafficking, planning to finish it as a tribute to his memory!
But Vlad’s unexpected injury at his last hockey match brings two of them together! Elena offers to take care of him! Vlad doesn’t want her feel responsible to look after him reluctantly and Elena feels rejected! Finally these two ultra stubborn and prideful people decide to live together till Vlad gets healed!
Vlad’s neighbors : a group of senior citizens, meddling widows act so protective around him and judge Elena a little harshly at the beginning. But Vlad’s backup team: our delicious boys club save the day by working on a romantic plan to solve unresolved issues and misunderstandings of the lovers ( there are tons of them!)
Finally when I learn Elena’s side of story, I stopped hating her! She was also sensitive, resilient, insecure but still likable character and I loved their childhood romance as well!
At the previous books, we saw the funny side and special sense of humor of Vlad. He’s natural, unique, childish, sweetheart! And this book helps us to see very romantic side of him!
Some parts of the book are truly entertaining. Especially the secret speak-cheesy operations of Vlad and his cravings made me laugh a lot!
Overall: I was so sure this would be the best book of the series and I planned to give five million stars before I started the book! I’m so happy I trusted my intuitions! They never disappoint me!
I love these boys! I love this series! But mostly I love Russian! That’s my truly favorite book of the series!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions. And special thanks to Lyssa Kay Adams to give my favorite character his own book!
Vlad is giant Russian, a star hockey player but he’s unconventional hero: first of all don’t get fooled by his intimidating appearance! He is sensitive man: he cries at the weddings, he loves to hang out with stray cats, dogs, even with chickens at his house. He’s addicted to cheese even though he’s suffering from serious gluten intolerance ( we saw the ugly and smelly results when he ate wrong kind of food at the previous books) He’s like a cheerful, gold hearted child trapped in a man’s body! He’s still sweet, honest, a little immature and mostly stubborn!
He only loved one woman in his life, his wife Elena and he attended to the book club to win her heart by reading romance books and learn the ways how to make his own wife fall for her!
Yes, their marriage of convenience to help his wife stay in the states when she had troubled time after her father’s killing in Russia. He supported her education and he patiently waited for her to complete her degree in Chicago and come back to him! But she never did. And when he offered her to stop pretending and trying to have a real marriage, she rejects his offer, telling him she’ll return back to Russia, breaking his heart into millions of pieces!
After this back story, I was a little biased about Elena because she truly hurt my lovely giant! ( I truly agree with the Loners at first, our lovely giant deserves better!) She keeps secret from him, investigating her journalist father’s death who gained so many political enemies, chasing his last unfinished story about sex trafficking, planning to finish it as a tribute to his memory!
But Vlad’s unexpected injury at his last hockey match brings two of them together! Elena offers to take care of him! Vlad doesn’t want her feel responsible to look after him reluctantly and Elena feels rejected! Finally these two ultra stubborn and prideful people decide to live together till Vlad gets healed!
Vlad’s neighbors : a group of senior citizens, meddling widows act so protective around him and judge Elena a little harshly at the beginning. But Vlad’s backup team: our delicious boys club save the day by working on a romantic plan to solve unresolved issues and misunderstandings of the lovers ( there are tons of them!)
Finally when I learn Elena’s side of story, I stopped hating her! She was also sensitive, resilient, insecure but still likable character and I loved their childhood romance as well!
At the previous books, we saw the funny side and special sense of humor of Vlad. He’s natural, unique, childish, sweetheart! And this book helps us to see very romantic side of him!
Some parts of the book are truly entertaining. Especially the secret speak-cheesy operations of Vlad and his cravings made me laugh a lot!
Overall: I was so sure this would be the best book of the series and I planned to give five million stars before I started the book! I’m so happy I trusted my intuitions! They never disappoint me!
I love these boys! I love this series! But mostly I love Russian! That’s my truly favorite book of the series!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions. And special thanks to Lyssa Kay Adams to give my favorite character his own book!
Read
January 12, 2022This was such a pleasant surprise! This might even be my new favourite of the series. I was a little skeptical for the Russian to get his own story just because he wasn't really developed that much in the previous books, he was just comic relief really. But oh my goodness the romance between him and Elena, the tension, all of it was immaculate. I loved Elena as a character. It was soooo frustrating to see the lack of communication between them but it wasn't an annoying frustration if that makes sense. It made me want to keep reading because they both were so well matched and had each other in mind and that's what was keeping them apart. It was just a joy to watch their story develop, and of course with the great cast of supporting characters. I have a feeling Colton is going to be the next one to get a love story (don't know if that's confirmed or not) and I dooo see that the title looks to be Christmasy, so suffice it to say I'm PUMPED. But this was a definite success for me!
August 3, 2021
oh wow. i think this is the best book in the series since the first one.
i think its mainly because it uses some of my favourite tropes - childhood friends to lovers strengthening their marriage while the guy is a gentle, kind person. sooo many romance books have an alpha male as the love interest, so its really lovely to read about a guy who is emotional yet confident, quiet but passionate. the russian has always been a dark horse of a side character the entire series, so it was really sweet getting to finally read his story.
as with the other novels, im not really a fan of the interjected chapters of the book the guys are reading (in this case, the book vlad is writing). ive never gotten anything out of them and always find myself skimming those sections to get back to the actual story. but obviously, not a deal breaker, because i adore the actual story.
also, if there is another book in the series, its definitely colton and andrea. i would bet the farm on it.
↠ 4 stars
i think its mainly because it uses some of my favourite tropes - childhood friends to lovers strengthening their marriage while the guy is a gentle, kind person. sooo many romance books have an alpha male as the love interest, so its really lovely to read about a guy who is emotional yet confident, quiet but passionate. the russian has always been a dark horse of a side character the entire series, so it was really sweet getting to finally read his story.
as with the other novels, im not really a fan of the interjected chapters of the book the guys are reading (in this case, the book vlad is writing). ive never gotten anything out of them and always find myself skimming those sections to get back to the actual story. but obviously, not a deal breaker, because i adore the actual story.
also, if there is another book in the series, its definitely colton and andrea. i would bet the farm on it.
↠ 4 stars
August 3, 2021
“Together, they read romance novels written by women to learn how to be better men.”
I just absolutely adore what Lyssa Kay Adams has created with this series as a whole. Her stories are a damn delight in every single way.
Not only is the romance a pure joy to read, but the found family aspect that surrounds this series makes my soul so happy. 🥺
There were times in this book where I felt like things felt just a TAD preachy - just a tad - and I would’ve liked to see Vlad and Elena being in an actual relationship for longer than what we were given before the conflict took over again. And speaking of the conflict, it felt too rushed towards the end.
BUT.
But.
We have these men who are reading romance books to fight patriarchy and dismantle their own toxic masculinity and to become better men and partners and it’s just the most wholesome content. It’s dramatic and over the top and heart-warming all at once. I’m obsessed with them. 😭
I’m so glad The Russian got a book. He deserved it the most.
Colton better be next!
4.5 🌟
——————————————————
WE’RE GETTING A 4TH BOOK!!! 😭
I just absolutely adore what Lyssa Kay Adams has created with this series as a whole. Her stories are a damn delight in every single way.
Not only is the romance a pure joy to read, but the found family aspect that surrounds this series makes my soul so happy. 🥺
There were times in this book where I felt like things felt just a TAD preachy - just a tad - and I would’ve liked to see Vlad and Elena being in an actual relationship for longer than what we were given before the conflict took over again. And speaking of the conflict, it felt too rushed towards the end.
BUT.
But.
We have these men who are reading romance books to fight patriarchy and dismantle their own toxic masculinity and to become better men and partners and it’s just the most wholesome content. It’s dramatic and over the top and heart-warming all at once. I’m obsessed with them. 😭
I’m so glad The Russian got a book. He deserved it the most.
Colton better be next!
4.5 🌟
——————————————————
WE’RE GETTING A 4TH BOOK!!! 😭
August 9, 2021
Lyssa Kay Adams SERVED us with these tropes 😭. Review to come
__
THIS is the one I've been waiting for!! Vlad (aka The Russian) is finally getting his own book!! The tropes include: childhood friends-to-lovers and a marriage of convenience
I'm so excited I could cry
• Release Date: 20 July 2021 •
__
THIS is the one I've been waiting for!! Vlad (aka The Russian) is finally getting his own book!! The tropes include: childhood friends-to-lovers and a marriage of convenience
I'm so excited I could cry
• Release Date: 20 July 2021 •
August 19, 2021
this instantly pulled me in but sadly didn't deliver
which feels weird to say since i had such a great time reading this book, but when the ending rolled around i realized how hollow things were. i think a big part of that was the conflict. i can totally understand miscommunication and how easy that can be. but when there's no central reason for two characters who clearly love each other to be apart it's hard to build any sort of meaningful tension. i was able to overlook that a little bit because the mutual pining was so sweet but i really really needed there to be a good reason why two childhood friends who got married wouldn't work.
there was a lot to love here tho. vlad was the author of the accompanying romance novel "book within a book" which i thought was sweet. elena taking care of vlad while he was sick. the cheese man. the bookclub boys being vulnerable and encouraging vlad's vulnerability.
this was a solid installment in the series but i think for me it's going to have to be a 3 star read.
which feels weird to say since i had such a great time reading this book, but when the ending rolled around i realized how hollow things were. i think a big part of that was the conflict. i can totally understand miscommunication and how easy that can be. but when there's no central reason for two characters who clearly love each other to be apart it's hard to build any sort of meaningful tension. i was able to overlook that a little bit because the mutual pining was so sweet but i really really needed there to be a good reason why two childhood friends who got married wouldn't work.
there was a lot to love here tho. vlad was the author of the accompanying romance novel "book within a book" which i thought was sweet. elena taking care of vlad while he was sick. the cheese man. the bookclub boys being vulnerable and encouraging vlad's vulnerability.
this was a solid installment in the series but i think for me it's going to have to be a 3 star read.
January 19, 2023
#1 The Bromance Book Club — 4.5 Stars
#2 Undercover Bromance — 3 Stars
#3 Crazy Stupid Bromance — 3.5 Stars
#4 Isn’t It Bromantic? — 3.25 Stars
I must confess that for most of this series I thought of The Russian as nothing but ‘that one silly character with a funny accent and nasty irritable bowel symptoms who is often stereotyped and being made fun of.’ In other words, I didn’t think that highly of him as a man. Well, . . .
Because he’s a giant softie. 😭 Tenderhearted and sensitive. Not to mention, a talented writer of romance. His character is refreshing in a way that he’s not the typical alpha male hero. I’m glad he got his own book because after reading this, he felt more real. It’d been englightening getting to know him.
The romance in this book was ✦ f r u s t r a t i n g ✦. Both Vlad and Elena were stubborn. Instead of talking, they just assumed and assumed. If it weren’t for the guidance and encouragement from the Bromance Bros and the Loners (Vlad’s female neighbors), I bet my money they’d never find their way to each other. In saying that, I feel like the romantic development was initiated by these… Idk what to call them… plot devices, I suppose, instead of by the main leads themselves.
To illustrate, I’ve mentioned the Bromance Bros and the Loners acting as Vlad and Elena’s love consultant; but there was also the Cheese Man who was used as a tool to provoke Vlad’s jealousy; Elena’s journalist subplot which only came through as a plot twist and a ‘come to Jesus’ moment for the couple in the third act; as well as Vlad’s writing project being some sort of catharsis for his struggling relationship. With those going on (and other shenanigans besides) and the book being short, the execution felt shallow or schematic.
The last three books in this series haven’t been successful for me because: (1) I didn’t click with the heroines; (2) the romances were secondary and often lost in the mix of the many subplots/outside conflicts. I think I loved the first book because I was into the kids and the marriage in crisis trope. I was also riding on the high of the fact that, at the time, I thought the series was fresh and had one of the most unique concepts (men reading romance) I’d ever read. Now, the novelty’s worn off.
I feel like I was being too critical when these books are meant to be enjoyed mindlessly, but I just didn’t enjoy them as much as The Bromance Book Club. 🤦♀️ In any case, I recommend this series because they’re the perfect reads to unwind to; or to enjoy on your leisure, while you’re on a long drive, on the beach, or doing house chores. Isn't It Bromantic? specifically, I’d suggest for those who’re fond of soft heroes. I’ve heard that Netflix is to adapt the series. I’m so excited! I think the books would transform well on screen.
(Read as an Audiobook)
#2 Undercover Bromance — 3 Stars
#3 Crazy Stupid Bromance — 3.5 Stars
#4 Isn’t It Bromantic? — 3.25 Stars
I must confess that for most of this series I thought of The Russian as nothing but ‘that one silly character with a funny accent and nasty irritable bowel symptoms who is often stereotyped and being made fun of.’ In other words, I didn’t think that highly of him as a man. Well, . . .
Because he’s a giant softie. 😭 Tenderhearted and sensitive. Not to mention, a talented writer of romance. His character is refreshing in a way that he’s not the typical alpha male hero. I’m glad he got his own book because after reading this, he felt more real. It’d been englightening getting to know him.
Vlad (H, 30) aka The Russian and Elena (h, 26) were childhood friends. Upon her father’s death, Elena was left with no one. Vlad, having fallen in love with Elena but never told her, proposed and offered her to come to America with him. A misunderstanding happened, which led to them having a barely there marriage and their friendship being reduced to ‘strangers’ zone.
While in America, they don’t live together because Elena attends university out of town. As she’s graduating, Vlad thinks it’s time to work on their marriage. He’s been pining and faithful to the point where he still holds his virgin card. Much to his dismay, Elena informs him she’s moving back to Russia. That is until Vlad gets injured during his hockey game, and she has to take care of him.
The romance in this book was ✦ f r u s t r a t i n g ✦. Both Vlad and Elena were stubborn. Instead of talking, they just assumed and assumed. If it weren’t for the guidance and encouragement from the Bromance Bros and the Loners (Vlad’s female neighbors), I bet my money they’d never find their way to each other. In saying that, I feel like the romantic development was initiated by these… Idk what to call them… plot devices, I suppose, instead of by the main leads themselves.
To illustrate, I’ve mentioned the Bromance Bros and the Loners acting as Vlad and Elena’s love consultant; but there was also the Cheese Man who was used as a tool to provoke Vlad’s jealousy; Elena’s journalist subplot which only came through as a plot twist and a ‘come to Jesus’ moment for the couple in the third act; as well as Vlad’s writing project being some sort of catharsis for his struggling relationship. With those going on (and other shenanigans besides) and the book being short, the execution felt shallow or schematic.
The last three books in this series haven’t been successful for me because: (1) I didn’t click with the heroines; (2) the romances were secondary and often lost in the mix of the many subplots/outside conflicts. I think I loved the first book because I was into the kids and the marriage in crisis trope. I was also riding on the high of the fact that, at the time, I thought the series was fresh and had one of the most unique concepts (men reading romance) I’d ever read. Now, the novelty’s worn off.
I feel like I was being too critical when these books are meant to be enjoyed mindlessly, but I just didn’t enjoy them as much as The Bromance Book Club. 🤦♀️ In any case, I recommend this series because they’re the perfect reads to unwind to; or to enjoy on your leisure, while you’re on a long drive, on the beach, or doing house chores. Isn't It Bromantic? specifically, I’d suggest for those who’re fond of soft heroes. I’ve heard that Netflix is to adapt the series. I’m so excited! I think the books would transform well on screen.
(Read as an Audiobook)
November 4, 2024
What even was this hot mess?
I didn't like this story but by the time I realized it, I was too far into the audiobook to not see it through.
So I just sped up the narration to 2x.
The sad thing is, the series has such a cute premise.
A bunch of hot dudes get together to secretly read romance novels to improve their relationships.
But there's just not enough of the book club and the guys. And then in this one, there's just all of these off the wall plot threads that don't fit with a Bromance Book Club vibe.
Some of my issues have to do with things that happen in the book, so don't read on if you don't want spoilers.
Bottom line is that the tone of the book felt really off to me. The serious issues seemed to be shoveled in there in just the most hamfisted way possible. None of it was remotely realistic, even for a romance novel, which made it glaringly bad and painfully dull to read.
I won't be reading any more of this series or actively seeking anything else from this author.
It opened with a guy stuck in a bathroom oh god, I'm shitting my pants! and gave you some insight into Vlad's digestive issues. That was sort of funny.
But right away things get awkward because Elena shows up at Vlad's friend's wedding and then runs off like a crazy person for no discernable reason.
This is where we find out Elena's planning to go back to Russia.
Why? Because there was a huge misunderstanding that happened when she and Vlad got married (because of course there was) and she thinks he only married her out of duty. <--it takes waaay too long for this to be revealed to the reader, so she just looks like a complete asshole for the majority of the book.
BUT HE TELLS HER HE WANTS A REAL MARRIAGE AND SHE'S BEEN CRUSHING ON HIM FOREVER.
Which makes the 'misunderstanding' seem even stupider.
The reason they're living together in the book is because he broke the fuck out of his leg during a hockey game and she's there to help him rehab.
Now.
He misses the Stanley Cup Playoffs and this is just barely touched on. This guy lives and breathes professional hockey and it's just a side note that he's missing the biggest games of his career?
And there was this whole Sexy Secret Cheese Man who runs his underground high-end cheese shop like a speakeasy. It would have been a really funny addition to things, but everything was so all over the place that it just came off as strange.
Then you flip over and Elena is some fresh from college 'journalist' who is digging into her father's last story - the one that got him disappeared in Russia. Turns out, it's a sex trafficking ring. There's all this DANGER but...not really.
Right at the end, she gets kidnapped, but it's just so over the top and goofy and you never feel any panic for her. Because naturally, she manages to overpower the Russian mob(ish) guy and get free.
But we're not done with drama! Elana's backstory is that she's chasing her father's last investigation to find out why he always put work before her. He was just 100% a neglectful parent to the point that Vlad's parents took care of feeding and caring for her, but she's determined to solve her dad's last case.
And that whole thing got wrapped up with a cheap bow - no, no. he really loved me underneath it all because he asked the guy who killed him not to go after her.
And why would he have gone after her? She was a kid and there was no earthly reason to think she would have access to any of her father's reports. He was a bad parent. End of story.
Just to add an extra layer of specialness, Vlad is a virgin. An almost 30 year old virgin who has been waiting for Elana all his life, even though he's a sports superstar and she's been gone for about 6 years.
Ok. Sure. Why not.
Not to mention, Vlad has been writing his own romance novel.
Set in Germany during the Second World War, two journalists brave the blah, blah, blah.
At this point, I'm just like...please, I cannot take any more of this.
These books are not for me.
I didn't like this story but by the time I realized it, I was too far into the audiobook to not see it through.
So I just sped up the narration to 2x.
The sad thing is, the series has such a cute premise.
A bunch of hot dudes get together to secretly read romance novels to improve their relationships.
But there's just not enough of the book club and the guys. And then in this one, there's just all of these off the wall plot threads that don't fit with a Bromance Book Club vibe.
Some of my issues have to do with things that happen in the book, so don't read on if you don't want spoilers.
Bottom line is that the tone of the book felt really off to me. The serious issues seemed to be shoveled in there in just the most hamfisted way possible. None of it was remotely realistic, even for a romance novel, which made it glaringly bad and painfully dull to read.
I won't be reading any more of this series or actively seeking anything else from this author.
It opened with a guy stuck in a bathroom oh god, I'm shitting my pants! and gave you some insight into Vlad's digestive issues. That was sort of funny.
But right away things get awkward because Elena shows up at Vlad's friend's wedding and then runs off like a crazy person for no discernable reason.
This is where we find out Elena's planning to go back to Russia.
Why? Because there was a huge misunderstanding that happened when she and Vlad got married (because of course there was) and she thinks he only married her out of duty. <--it takes waaay too long for this to be revealed to the reader, so she just looks like a complete asshole for the majority of the book.
BUT HE TELLS HER HE WANTS A REAL MARRIAGE AND SHE'S BEEN CRUSHING ON HIM FOREVER.
Which makes the 'misunderstanding' seem even stupider.
The reason they're living together in the book is because he broke the fuck out of his leg during a hockey game and she's there to help him rehab.
Now.
He misses the Stanley Cup Playoffs and this is just barely touched on. This guy lives and breathes professional hockey and it's just a side note that he's missing the biggest games of his career?
And there was this whole Sexy Secret Cheese Man who runs his underground high-end cheese shop like a speakeasy. It would have been a really funny addition to things, but everything was so all over the place that it just came off as strange.
Then you flip over and Elena is some fresh from college 'journalist' who is digging into her father's last story - the one that got him disappeared in Russia. Turns out, it's a sex trafficking ring. There's all this DANGER but...not really.
Right at the end, she gets kidnapped, but it's just so over the top and goofy and you never feel any panic for her. Because naturally, she manages to overpower the Russian mob(ish) guy and get free.
But we're not done with drama! Elana's backstory is that she's chasing her father's last investigation to find out why he always put work before her. He was just 100% a neglectful parent to the point that Vlad's parents took care of feeding and caring for her, but she's determined to solve her dad's last case.
And that whole thing got wrapped up with a cheap bow - no, no. he really loved me underneath it all because he asked the guy who killed him not to go after her.
And why would he have gone after her? She was a kid and there was no earthly reason to think she would have access to any of her father's reports. He was a bad parent. End of story.
Just to add an extra layer of specialness, Vlad is a virgin. An almost 30 year old virgin who has been waiting for Elana all his life, even though he's a sports superstar and she's been gone for about 6 years.
Ok. Sure. Why not.
Not to mention, Vlad has been writing his own romance novel.
Set in Germany during the Second World War, two journalists brave the blah, blah, blah.
At this point, I'm just like...please, I cannot take any more of this.
These books are not for me.
May 30, 2021
This is a series I have been loving from the start. A male book club dedicated to the reading of romance novels in order to help better themselves and make them better partners for their wives and girlfriends. Fun right!?
And to this point it was. But with this latest release of book 4, I was left a bit disappointed. It lacked the fun and romance of the previous books.
The focus of this latest release is on Vlad the Russian hockey star and his estranged wife Elena. They have been separated for virtually their entire marriage. Vlad now wants to make the marriage work. After all, she is the only woman he has ever loved.
There are some fun moments with the losers club (the neighborhood women who have lost their men- for one reason or another). The animals that are drawn to Vlad as though he is the Pied Piper.
I share a heritage with Vlad and Elena so reading about all the Russian foods Elena cooked up made me long for my mom’s cooking, 😥.
Unfortunately, instead of keeping the focus on the romance itself, other serious themes kept distracting both me and the characters. It just didn’t fit, not in a light humorous rom-com.
I’m still a huge fan of the series and will be picking up the next release!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to Berkley publishing via NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
And to this point it was. But with this latest release of book 4, I was left a bit disappointed. It lacked the fun and romance of the previous books.
The focus of this latest release is on Vlad the Russian hockey star and his estranged wife Elena. They have been separated for virtually their entire marriage. Vlad now wants to make the marriage work. After all, she is the only woman he has ever loved.
There are some fun moments with the losers club (the neighborhood women who have lost their men- for one reason or another). The animals that are drawn to Vlad as though he is the Pied Piper.
I share a heritage with Vlad and Elena so reading about all the Russian foods Elena cooked up made me long for my mom’s cooking, 😥.
Unfortunately, instead of keeping the focus on the romance itself, other serious themes kept distracting both me and the characters. It just didn’t fit, not in a light humorous rom-com.
I’m still a huge fan of the series and will be picking up the next release!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to Berkley publishing via NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
February 4, 2022
This was everything I hoped for the Russian and more. After so much struggle, the gentle giant finally got the love story he deserved. His love for Elena was so beautiful! ❤️❤️❤️
____________
WE'VE GOT A BLURB!!
And the Russian is gonna write his own romance novel 😍😭
____________
Now that I've read Crazy Stupid Bromance, I CANNOT wait to meet the Russian's mysterious wife.
*seriously considering a hibernation till this book is published*
____________
We're getting a fourth book and it's the Russian's???!!
Excuse me while I go thank the Lord for this huge ass blessing and scream my lungs out
____________
WE'VE GOT A BLURB!!
And the Russian is gonna write his own romance novel 😍😭
____________
Now that I've read Crazy Stupid Bromance, I CANNOT wait to meet the Russian's mysterious wife.
*seriously considering a hibernation till this book is published*
____________
We're getting a fourth book and it's the Russian's???!!
Excuse me while I go thank the Lord for this huge ass blessing and scream my lungs out
February 28, 2023
4.25 stars
Isn’t It Bromantic is the fourth book in the Bromance Book Club series and one I’ve been looking forward to. We all know and love the Russian from the previous books and it’s finally time to get his story.
Vlad’s story was nothing like I expected it to be. It was a mix of marriage of convince, childhood friends to lovers, slow burn and a few other troupes that I don’t want to spoil. Vlad is the sweetest hero alive and I adored Elena as well. The guys were a hoot as always and I had so much fun reading this one! It might just be my favorite of the series so far…
I’ve heard this is the last of the series, but I seriously hope we get a Colton Wheeler book, because… come on! We need it!
Isn’t It Bromantic is the fourth book in the Bromance Book Club series and one I’ve been looking forward to. We all know and love the Russian from the previous books and it’s finally time to get his story.
Vlad’s story was nothing like I expected it to be. It was a mix of marriage of convince, childhood friends to lovers, slow burn and a few other troupes that I don’t want to spoil. Vlad is the sweetest hero alive and I adored Elena as well. The guys were a hoot as always and I had so much fun reading this one! It might just be my favorite of the series so far…
I’ve heard this is the last of the series, but I seriously hope we get a Colton Wheeler book, because… come on! We need it!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: Andrew Eiden
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9h 55m
February 3, 2025
First of all, shame on me for not having read this series in the right order.
Second of all, shame on me for not having read it sooner.
Who are all these people? Is there a reason everyone loves this Russian guy? Where are the wags from the previous books?
To defend myself, it's not like I don't know anything at all about them, it's just very difficult to remember who they are and what they do and if I like them.
But the good news is: The Broomance Book Club can perfectly be read as a stand-alone book too, so you're welcome.
Now, about the Russians.
Friends-to-lovers isn't exactly my favourite trope, but the motives behind their “fake” marriage and the reasons why these could have been avoided with a good chat face-to-face are enough for me to put it just a little under Mack and Liv’s story.
Also, I loved how the author made us see they can both speak English fluently - since they've been living in the States for the past six years -, but the second they were together they switched to Russian, which for them felt more intimate.
About everything else, it's a classic bromance book club story: there's no space for toxic masculinity, lying about your feelings or being dicks to women.
It does feel forced at times, but nothing that can't be forgiven for the sake of a good love story.
↠ 3.5 stars
Second of all, shame on me for not having read it sooner.
Who are all these people? Is there a reason everyone loves this Russian guy? Where are the wags from the previous books?
To defend myself, it's not like I don't know anything at all about them, it's just very difficult to remember who they are and what they do and if I like them.
But the good news is: The Broomance Book Club can perfectly be read as a stand-alone book too, so you're welcome.
Now, about the Russians.
Friends-to-lovers isn't exactly my favourite trope, but the motives behind their “fake” marriage and the reasons why these could have been avoided with a good chat face-to-face are enough for me to put it just a little under Mack and Liv’s story.
Also, I loved how the author made us see they can both speak English fluently - since they've been living in the States for the past six years -, but the second they were together they switched to Russian, which for them felt more intimate.
About everything else, it's a classic bromance book club story: there's no space for toxic masculinity, lying about your feelings or being dicks to women.
It does feel forced at times, but nothing that can't be forgiven for the sake of a good love story.
↠ 3.5 stars
August 10, 2021
This was okay! I liked it much more than the previous two installments in the series, but it's become pretty clear to me that none of the sequels can live up to the magic of the first book for me. I would definitely read more from Lyssa Kay Adams in the future, but I think I can say that I am done with this series now. I'm not sure if there will be future installments, but if there will be, I think I'd rather leave it with a positive experience than read one book too many lol
July 29, 2021
This did not work for me. Idk why but I wasn’t feeling it.
Vlad and Elena have been friends their whole life, they had a marriage of convenience so Elena could get out of Russia and become a journalist to follow in her fathers footsteps, the same footsteps that got him killed. And now after about 6 years? Apart, they’re getting a divorce. However, Vlad has an accident on the ice (hockey) and needs someone to take care of him after his surgery and Elena volunteers.
Now let me start of with my first problem : this was supposed to be Friends to lovers . but there wasn’t a single moment in this book that made me think they’ve been best-friends. Besides the constant verbal reminders. They felt like strangers around each other, never talking or interacting for that matter.
Their relationship : it was so frustrating! Both the characters believed they were no good for the other for like 80% of the book. It was a constant push and pull between them which is fine for a while but Jesus what have these people been through for them to believe that they don’t deserve love? Their relationship, whether friendship or as lovers, was nothing. Which is so sad to say because I feel like with a different plot, them together could've been stunning. I don’t even think they had a relationship tbh, halfway through they decided they wanted to make their marriage work and they had sex. That’s it.
--Vlad stayed a virgin for her. She never asked him to.
--He didn’t ask her to stay 6 years ago
--She distanced herself because of a misunderstanding 6 years ago and never spoke to him about it
--She still planned on leaving to become a journalist and gave him mixed signals
--They never confessed their feelings for each other
--No one took the risk
What are these? Arguments they had. The fights. I mean they need to talk right? Might as well be blood and tears
Next up, sex: I hated it I hated the sex, their first time together was literally just “shoving it in” ( h is not a virgin ) . no foreplay. No oral sex. Nothing. UGHGHGHG.
There wasn’t even sexual tension between them! All their inner monologues are about how they’re ruining each other’s lives, when the fuck did they have time to lust after each other?
And jesus he’s a hockey player. A RUSSIAN HOCKEY PLAYER. Where’s the mouthwatering, panty melting sex scenes? I’ll tell you : it’s implied. im going to smother someone with my pillow
What’s next? Oh yeah, moments. You know when you read slow burn romances, or romances with mutual pining.. the anticipation builds and when they’re finally together, it’s butterflies and sparks and those small moments that’ll make you feel single? Well reading this, I would rather BE single. they didn’t have “the moment”. Their kiss, sex, final moments, it didn’t feel special. It felt forced. Maybe it would’ve been better if we got glimpses of their friendship in the past.
“Because you’re chasing something you’ll never be able to catch. And I can’t compete with a ghost.”
“I’m not asking you to compete with my father.”
“He’s not the ghost I’m talking about. Decide what you want, Elena. Once and for all.”
That’s not to say that there weren't moments that I didn’t enjoy.
The Bromance Bookclub : ngl, they were the highlight of this book. In a literal way, I feel like we got so many scenes of these guys together that it overshadowed Vlad and Elena’s relationship. These guys were fun and flirty, loyal and supportive. Openly. Everything that Vlad and Elena were not.
They were funny and god the things they do for each other. That called me single and lonely.
“Of course I do. I am a hockey player. I have hockey butt.” He crouched with their help so he could sit in the water.
“What’s hockey butt?” Gavin asked.
“From skating,” Vlad grunted, easing farther into the water. “We get big thighs and butts compared to the rest of our bodies. Makes it very hard to buy pants.”
I did enjoy the scenes of Elena taking care of
Vlad after his surgery. And the mutual pining trope was an added bonus.
Other secondary characters : We meet the loners Vlad’s neighbors, single women, insanely protective of Vlad. That entire group is a mood.
Overall: this was meh. Definitely my biggest disappointment. But this is an unpopular opinion sooo. Maybe it’s just me?
Vlad and Elena have been friends their whole life, they had a marriage of convenience so Elena could get out of Russia and become a journalist to follow in her fathers footsteps, the same footsteps that got him killed. And now after about 6 years? Apart, they’re getting a divorce. However, Vlad has an accident on the ice (hockey) and needs someone to take care of him after his surgery and Elena volunteers.
Now let me start of with my first problem : this was supposed to be Friends to lovers . but there wasn’t a single moment in this book that made me think they’ve been best-friends. Besides the constant verbal reminders. They felt like strangers around each other, never talking or interacting for that matter.
Their relationship : it was so frustrating! Both the characters believed they were no good for the other for like 80% of the book. It was a constant push and pull between them which is fine for a while but Jesus what have these people been through for them to believe that they don’t deserve love? Their relationship, whether friendship or as lovers, was nothing. Which is so sad to say because I feel like with a different plot, them together could've been stunning. I don’t even think they had a relationship tbh, halfway through they decided they wanted to make their marriage work and they had sex. That’s it.
--Vlad stayed a virgin for her. She never asked him to.
--He didn’t ask her to stay 6 years ago
--She distanced herself because of a misunderstanding 6 years ago and never spoke to him about it
--She still planned on leaving to become a journalist and gave him mixed signals
--They never confessed their feelings for each other
--No one took the risk
What are these? Arguments they had. The fights. I mean they need to talk right? Might as well be blood and tears
Next up, sex: I hated it I hated the sex, their first time together was literally just “shoving it in” ( h is not a virgin ) . no foreplay. No oral sex. Nothing. UGHGHGHG.
There wasn’t even sexual tension between them! All their inner monologues are about how they’re ruining each other’s lives, when the fuck did they have time to lust after each other?
And jesus he’s a hockey player. A RUSSIAN HOCKEY PLAYER. Where’s the mouthwatering, panty melting sex scenes? I’ll tell you : it’s implied. im going to smother someone with my pillow
What’s next? Oh yeah, moments. You know when you read slow burn romances, or romances with mutual pining.. the anticipation builds and when they’re finally together, it’s butterflies and sparks and those small moments that’ll make you feel single? Well reading this, I would rather BE single. they didn’t have “the moment”. Their kiss, sex, final moments, it didn’t feel special. It felt forced. Maybe it would’ve been better if we got glimpses of their friendship in the past.
“Because you’re chasing something you’ll never be able to catch. And I can’t compete with a ghost.”
“I’m not asking you to compete with my father.”
“He’s not the ghost I’m talking about. Decide what you want, Elena. Once and for all.”
That’s not to say that there weren't moments that I didn’t enjoy.
The Bromance Bookclub : ngl, they were the highlight of this book. In a literal way, I feel like we got so many scenes of these guys together that it overshadowed Vlad and Elena’s relationship. These guys were fun and flirty, loyal and supportive. Openly. Everything that Vlad and Elena were not.
They were funny and god the things they do for each other. That called me single and lonely.
“Of course I do. I am a hockey player. I have hockey butt.” He crouched with their help so he could sit in the water.
“What’s hockey butt?” Gavin asked.
“From skating,” Vlad grunted, easing farther into the water. “We get big thighs and butts compared to the rest of our bodies. Makes it very hard to buy pants.”
I did enjoy the scenes of Elena taking care of
Vlad after his surgery. And the mutual pining trope was an added bonus.
Other secondary characters : We meet the loners Vlad’s neighbors, single women, insanely protective of Vlad. That entire group is a mood.
Overall: this was meh. Definitely my biggest disappointment. But this is an unpopular opinion sooo. Maybe it’s just me?
June 2, 2021
Review posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
A Beloved Series. A Bit of a Let-Down.
As a HUGE fan of the Bromance Book Club series, I could not wait for “Isn’t It Bromantic?” - the next book in the series even though I had my doubts that any book could possibly top “Crazy Stupid Bromance” (Noah and Alexis’ story). Sadly, I was right.
Admittedly, Vlad has never been my favorite character, so perhaps, I was setting myself up for disappointment.
Vlad is a famous hockey player. He’s sweet, lovable, and has a horribly upset stomach at the most inopportune times. Little did he know that all this time he was gluten intolerant! Poor guy! Estranged from his wife and childhood best friend Elena, Vlad wants nothing more than to make her happy. Sadly, Elena wants nothing to do with him. That is until Vlad gets injured playing hockey and needs someone to care for him. Enter, his wife. Taking care of Vlad during his recovery puts these two in very close quarters and as it turns out, both do in fact have feelings for each other, if only they’ll admit it to the other.
Enter the Bromance Book Club and The Losers (Vlad’s widowed neighbors who check in on him from time to time).
Sadly, I felt that the entire romance between Elena and Vlad was forced and missed the witty banter between the book club members, which was lacking.
Looking at other readers' reviews, I appear to be an outlier when it comes to this book. Though this novel wasn’t my favorite, I can’t wait for the next Bromance book by Lyssa Kay Adams.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
A Beloved Series. A Bit of a Let-Down.
As a HUGE fan of the Bromance Book Club series, I could not wait for “Isn’t It Bromantic?” - the next book in the series even though I had my doubts that any book could possibly top “Crazy Stupid Bromance” (Noah and Alexis’ story). Sadly, I was right.
Admittedly, Vlad has never been my favorite character, so perhaps, I was setting myself up for disappointment.
Vlad is a famous hockey player. He’s sweet, lovable, and has a horribly upset stomach at the most inopportune times. Little did he know that all this time he was gluten intolerant! Poor guy! Estranged from his wife and childhood best friend Elena, Vlad wants nothing more than to make her happy. Sadly, Elena wants nothing to do with him. That is until Vlad gets injured playing hockey and needs someone to care for him. Enter, his wife. Taking care of Vlad during his recovery puts these two in very close quarters and as it turns out, both do in fact have feelings for each other, if only they’ll admit it to the other.
Enter the Bromance Book Club and The Losers (Vlad’s widowed neighbors who check in on him from time to time).
Sadly, I felt that the entire romance between Elena and Vlad was forced and missed the witty banter between the book club members, which was lacking.
Looking at other readers' reviews, I appear to be an outlier when it comes to this book. Though this novel wasn’t my favorite, I can’t wait for the next Bromance book by Lyssa Kay Adams.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
December 24, 2021
This is what I expected it to be. I didn't love the Russian's character in the previous books and how over the top he was. His story was the same. Lots of over the top moments that were supposed to be funny that just fell flat to me. That cheese man? Really? The characters act SO SERIOUS over something SO RIDICULOUS and we're supposed to think it's funny? Not so much. I thought the premise was good about two people who have a marriage of convenience but fall in love, but nothing really made me love their romance. I would have loved more depth into their past as friends and what connection made them marry to take care of each other. They were virtual strangers when they were reunited because of Vlad's injury, so it was hard for me to believe that they truly cared for one another. This book was also a lot longer than it needed to be without actually giving me the depth I wanted from their relationship. I haven't loved any of the books since the first one in this series and think I'm going to finally call it quits if the author writes any more.
Read
November 2, 2020
March 6, 2023
This a Sport Romance, and this is the fourth book in the Bromance Book Club series. I have read and reviewed the other books in this series before reading this book. I have been waiting for getting more about the Russian character because I have loved his character in the other books in this book series. I love the slow moving romance in this book. I loved all the characters this book, and I think this is my favorite book in the Bromance Book Club series. This book also is everything the Russian's character romance should be. This book had me laughing so hard at times. I love the Russian's character so much more after reading this book.
July 24, 2021
2.5 stars
Meh
https://youtu.be/8s5cz0XmpY0
Meh
https://youtu.be/8s5cz0XmpY0
April 24, 2024
All I know is, I don't know what to read next because I'm so in love with Isn't It Bromantic?.
Among the books in the series, this is my TOP favorite. My copy is filled with sticky notes and I almost ran out of it for marking my favorite scenes and lines. It's a marriage of convenience / friends to lovers about Vlad Konnikov, or you may know him as The Russian and his childhood best friend, Elena Konnikova.
Vlad pursues his career as a professional hockey player in America and marrying his best friend, Elena seems like a dream come true. However, they aren't acting as a couple since their marriage. No one knows he has a wife until she shows up.
Elena has a lot of emotional baggage especially when her father mysteriously disappeared and murdered leaving her orphaned. She wants to follow her father's footsteps as a journalist and finished what he started. Her life is at stake and doesn't want to put anyone she loves in danger. She asked for a divorce so she can return to Russia even if it'll break their hearts. In the meantime, she stays with Vlad to take care of him after suffering a leg injury in the league.
I'm so sorry Braden Mack, Vlad Konnikov just dethroned you. 😂😛 MY GENTLE, RUSSIAN BEAR. MY PRECIOUS SOFTIE CHEESE LOVER.😍❤️ How can I NOT love The Russian? He's the sweetest, the kindest and the most thoughtful book husband EVER. I love him so much and the bros are so lucky to have him in the Bromance Book Club okay? He's respectful and he values all the people in his life especially Elena.
Let me also compliment Elena Konnikova. Such a brave woman. She may not be the perfect wife but I will always appreciate her selflessness and loyalty. I was waiting for her to finally admit her feelings towards Vlad. I know she loves him but fears it's not reciprocated.
It's true when Malcom said: "But sometimes the most tender people can be the most stubborn, because they have the most to lose when things go wrong."Vlad and Elena had a stubborn streak. They put their guards up and it's a bit frustrating. I couldn't blame them and they had a lot of things to work through. The anticipation and yearning makes their romance blissful. I SWOONED WHEN THEY FINALLY LET THEMSELVES VULNERABLE AND POUR OUT THEIR EMOTIONS. I love the character and relationship development between these two.
As always, the bros are still funny af and more characters, the merrier! I can't with Mack and his salami. I know Colton can be childish and he's definitely a womanizer but the dude is batshit hilarious. Also Claud, this grandma is straightforward and sassy as hell. I was a bit annoyed by her grumpiness but she kinda grew on me. For the love of everyone, CHEESE MAN NEEDS A BOOK IN THIS SERIES.
I highly recommend this series. It's worth the hype. It's worth binge-reading. The bromance is top tier. Absolutely swoon-worthy, I cry. I can't wait for the upcoming books in the series. I hope it's either Colton or Cheese Man.
Among the books in the series, this is my TOP favorite. My copy is filled with sticky notes and I almost ran out of it for marking my favorite scenes and lines. It's a marriage of convenience / friends to lovers about Vlad Konnikov, or you may know him as The Russian and his childhood best friend, Elena Konnikova.
Vlad pursues his career as a professional hockey player in America and marrying his best friend, Elena seems like a dream come true. However, they aren't acting as a couple since their marriage. No one knows he has a wife until she shows up.
Elena has a lot of emotional baggage especially when her father mysteriously disappeared and murdered leaving her orphaned. She wants to follow her father's footsteps as a journalist and finished what he started. Her life is at stake and doesn't want to put anyone she loves in danger. She asked for a divorce so she can return to Russia even if it'll break their hearts. In the meantime, she stays with Vlad to take care of him after suffering a leg injury in the league.
I'm so sorry Braden Mack, Vlad Konnikov just dethroned you. 😂😛 MY GENTLE, RUSSIAN BEAR. MY PRECIOUS SOFTIE CHEESE LOVER.😍❤️ How can I NOT love The Russian? He's the sweetest, the kindest and the most thoughtful book husband EVER. I love him so much and the bros are so lucky to have him in the Bromance Book Club okay? He's respectful and he values all the people in his life especially Elena.
Let me also compliment Elena Konnikova. Such a brave woman. She may not be the perfect wife but I will always appreciate her selflessness and loyalty. I was waiting for her to finally admit her feelings towards Vlad. I know she loves him but fears it's not reciprocated.
It's true when Malcom said: "But sometimes the most tender people can be the most stubborn, because they have the most to lose when things go wrong."Vlad and Elena had a stubborn streak. They put their guards up and it's a bit frustrating. I couldn't blame them and they had a lot of things to work through. The anticipation and yearning makes their romance blissful. I SWOONED WHEN THEY FINALLY LET THEMSELVES VULNERABLE AND POUR OUT THEIR EMOTIONS. I love the character and relationship development between these two.
As always, the bros are still funny af and more characters, the merrier! I can't with Mack and his salami. I know Colton can be childish and he's definitely a womanizer but the dude is batshit hilarious. Also Claud, this grandma is straightforward and sassy as hell. I was a bit annoyed by her grumpiness but she kinda grew on me. For the love of everyone, CHEESE MAN NEEDS A BOOK IN THIS SERIES.
I highly recommend this series. It's worth the hype. It's worth binge-reading. The bromance is top tier. Absolutely swoon-worthy, I cry. I can't wait for the upcoming books in the series. I hope it's either Colton or Cheese Man.
January 28, 2023
3 stars
The fourth book in the Bromance Book Club series, we get the story of the Russian hockey player Vlad, and his marriage of convenience to Elena, his childhood friend. When Vlad came to America to play for the NHL, he married Elena so she could come to the states and go to college. But Vlad never told Elena how he truly felt about her, and six years later she wants a divorce and to return to Russia.
Marriage of convenience is usually one of my favorite tropes in the romance genre, but this one lacked the usual angst and pining we often see with this trope. I thought Vlad was sweet and I would love to see more romances heroes like him. I thought Vlad and Elena lacked chemistry and all of their miscommunications seemed really trivial (and I am someone who doesn’t mind miscommunication in her romance). It was also the last minute danger at the end thrown in for dramatic effect (?) that made me roll my eyes. The moments with the other men were fun, but this is probably my least favorite book in this series so far.
The fourth book in the Bromance Book Club series, we get the story of the Russian hockey player Vlad, and his marriage of convenience to Elena, his childhood friend. When Vlad came to America to play for the NHL, he married Elena so she could come to the states and go to college. But Vlad never told Elena how he truly felt about her, and six years later she wants a divorce and to return to Russia.
Marriage of convenience is usually one of my favorite tropes in the romance genre, but this one lacked the usual angst and pining we often see with this trope. I thought Vlad was sweet and I would love to see more romances heroes like him. I thought Vlad and Elena lacked chemistry and all of their miscommunications seemed really trivial (and I am someone who doesn’t mind miscommunication in her romance). It was also the last minute danger at the end thrown in for dramatic effect (?) that made me roll my eyes. The moments with the other men were fun, but this is probably my least favorite book in this series so far.
May 1, 2021
Oh my gosh I love this so much! Books like this hold such a special place in my heart. So this is the long awaited romance of the Russian! And that right there is what I mean by these types of stories are my favorites. When we get to finally see a fully fleshed out plot and backstory for a character who’s only initial role was to be the comedic relief in others’ stories.
This is almost reminiscent of Cletus’ story in Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series in that we finally get to see the character underneath the quick one liners that make you chuckle in previous books. Vlad is so much more than his gassy presence in the first three books. He is a beautiful cinnamon roll who is pushing boundaries of masculinity and feelings and romance and I just adore him. This is his slow burn romance with his wife! Yup, his wife. She exists. It’s a thing. And I love them so much.
With slight Russian mafia undertones and cultural influences along with some really touching scenes with the book club members we’ve grown to love, this is definitely one of my favorite stories yet.
This is almost reminiscent of Cletus’ story in Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series in that we finally get to see the character underneath the quick one liners that make you chuckle in previous books. Vlad is so much more than his gassy presence in the first three books. He is a beautiful cinnamon roll who is pushing boundaries of masculinity and feelings and romance and I just adore him. This is his slow burn romance with his wife! Yup, his wife. She exists. It’s a thing. And I love them so much.
With slight Russian mafia undertones and cultural influences along with some really touching scenes with the book club members we’ve grown to love, this is definitely one of my favorite stories yet.
April 10, 2023
the setup…
Vlad Konnikova, known affectionately as The Russian to his friends, is the romantic in the Bromance Book Club, even though they’ve never seen his wife. When Elena unexpectedly shows up at the wedding of one of the club members, she shocks not only his friends but Vlad, too. His heart soars as he believes she’s finally returned home from Chicago where she’s been in school, ready to change their marriage of convenience to one based on true love. But, Elena has other ideas and is there to tell him she’s returning to Russia. His heart breaking, Vlad plays his professional hockey team’s last regular season game and gets severely injured. So, Elena decides she’ll stay for awhile to help with his recuperation...body and heart?
the heart of the story…
I couldn’t wait to learn more about Vlad, the emotional, big-hearted member of the Bromance Club who also had some serious gastrointestinal issues that’s brought hilarity in previous stories. I didn’t know about Elena until she was introduced at the end of the last book so I was highly intrigued. Their story was much more than I’d imagined, one with lots of layers considering that Vlad and Elena had known each other since childhood and were close friends when they’d married. And, instead of the guys giving Vlad a romance novel to help with the cause, they help him with the ending of the one he’s been writing as he’s stuck on the ending (but, of course!). Elena was studying to be a journalist, following in her father’s footsteps, primarily to figure out the story he was working on when he suddenly disappeared. Between Vlad’s recuperation, the dangerous story Elena was working on and the stubbornness of these two to actually share their true feelings with each other, there was so much that hooked me here. And, Vlad was also the adopted member of a group of meddling widows called The Losers who were a riot.
the narration…
The narrator was challenged to manage the Russian accents beyond a few simple dialogue exchanges as in previous stories and he was wonderful! And, I loved his voice for the crankiest member of The Losers. Listening to this series is a great experience.
the bottom line…
I was hoping Vlad’s story would be a good one and it surpassed my highest hopes. I was a little leery of Elena at first but came to like her and believe she was a worthy mate for one of my favorite characters. The only thing that detracted from my enjoyment was the plethora of communication issues between the two that didn’t always ring true to their natures. Still, this was a fun, interesting and often exciting story that was befitting for this beloved character. And! His gastrointestinal issues? Solved.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Vlad Konnikova, known affectionately as The Russian to his friends, is the romantic in the Bromance Book Club, even though they’ve never seen his wife. When Elena unexpectedly shows up at the wedding of one of the club members, she shocks not only his friends but Vlad, too. His heart soars as he believes she’s finally returned home from Chicago where she’s been in school, ready to change their marriage of convenience to one based on true love. But, Elena has other ideas and is there to tell him she’s returning to Russia. His heart breaking, Vlad plays his professional hockey team’s last regular season game and gets severely injured. So, Elena decides she’ll stay for awhile to help with his recuperation...body and heart?
the heart of the story…
I couldn’t wait to learn more about Vlad, the emotional, big-hearted member of the Bromance Club who also had some serious gastrointestinal issues that’s brought hilarity in previous stories. I didn’t know about Elena until she was introduced at the end of the last book so I was highly intrigued. Their story was much more than I’d imagined, one with lots of layers considering that Vlad and Elena had known each other since childhood and were close friends when they’d married. And, instead of the guys giving Vlad a romance novel to help with the cause, they help him with the ending of the one he’s been writing as he’s stuck on the ending (but, of course!). Elena was studying to be a journalist, following in her father’s footsteps, primarily to figure out the story he was working on when he suddenly disappeared. Between Vlad’s recuperation, the dangerous story Elena was working on and the stubbornness of these two to actually share their true feelings with each other, there was so much that hooked me here. And, Vlad was also the adopted member of a group of meddling widows called The Losers who were a riot.
the narration…
The narrator was challenged to manage the Russian accents beyond a few simple dialogue exchanges as in previous stories and he was wonderful! And, I loved his voice for the crankiest member of The Losers. Listening to this series is a great experience.
the bottom line…
I was hoping Vlad’s story would be a good one and it surpassed my highest hopes. I was a little leery of Elena at first but came to like her and believe she was a worthy mate for one of my favorite characters. The only thing that detracted from my enjoyment was the plethora of communication issues between the two that didn’t always ring true to their natures. Still, this was a fun, interesting and often exciting story that was befitting for this beloved character. And! His gastrointestinal issues? Solved.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
July 20, 2021
This one deserves a little float for pub day . . . .
You may remember “The Russian” from the previous books in this series . . . .
And yet somehow all of us horny housewives still wanted to read about him getting his freak on and make the sexies with him. If you haven’t read these books you’re probably saying something like . . . . .
To you I say – SHUT THE F*&^ UP! Vlad may have had a butt that continuously betrayed him and farts that could peel the wallpaper, but he was also a super buff defender for a fictional hockey team with a body that just won’t stop. For the past three books I have pictured this . . . .
And that, my friends, is a sploosh just waiting to happen. (And yes I know Turbo was from Turkey and not Russia, but I am allowed creative liberties when it comes to who I cast in my fantasies.)
Okay so the story here starts at the cliffhanger of Book #3 whereTurbo Vlad’s wife showed up at Noah and Alexis’ wedding – but just to drop that bomb that she was going to be divorcing him and returning to Russia. Then Vlad gets injured, Elena opts to stay in order to be his nursemaid and, you know, stuff and things happen.
I love this series unapologetically. It’s brain candy.
You may remember “The Russian” from the previous books in this series . . . .
And yet somehow all of us horny housewives still wanted to read about him getting his freak on and make the sexies with him. If you haven’t read these books you’re probably saying something like . . . . .
To you I say – SHUT THE F*&^ UP! Vlad may have had a butt that continuously betrayed him and farts that could peel the wallpaper, but he was also a super buff defender for a fictional hockey team with a body that just won’t stop. For the past three books I have pictured this . . . .
And that, my friends, is a sploosh just waiting to happen. (And yes I know Turbo was from Turkey and not Russia, but I am allowed creative liberties when it comes to who I cast in my fantasies.)
Okay so the story here starts at the cliffhanger of Book #3 where
I love this series unapologetically. It’s brain candy.
April 2, 2022
Dieses Buch war purer Balsam für die Seele.
Ich weiß nicht, wann ich das letzte Mal so begeistert von einem Liebesroman war. Dieser hier ist einzigartig, wunderschön und einfach perfekt.
Vlad als Protagonist war allein schon ein riesengroßes Highlight!
Ich bin so froh, dass er seine eigene Geschichte bekommen hat. Sie war so so schön. 🤧❤️
Ich weiß nicht, wann ich das letzte Mal so begeistert von einem Liebesroman war. Dieser hier ist einzigartig, wunderschön und einfach perfekt.
Vlad als Protagonist war allein schon ein riesengroßes Highlight!
Ich bin so froh, dass er seine eigene Geschichte bekommen hat. Sie war so so schön. 🤧❤️
March 5, 2023
"It’s going to be okay now, Lenochka,” he whispered. “Everything is going to be okay.”
4💫
Wow, I knew Vlad's book would be good. Since he was my favorite character in this series, I had really envisioned his book, which is the case now. I also really enjoyed the tropes of this book. I mean :
✔️ Marriage of convenience
✔️Best/childhood friends to lovers
✔️Miscommunication
✔️Bromance
✔️Marriage in trouble
✔️Hockey romance
✔️Slow burn (kind of 🤷🏻♀️)
Vlad- my adorable Russian boy! This guy ahhhhh. I love him so much 💗. He's just so perfect. My boy is soft-hearted, funny, attractive, and a damn good hockey player. isn't he perfect? And don't forget: He was waiting for Elena and still had his virginity at almost 30 years old! Sorry, not Sorry I love this Russian guy!
Elena- oh my gosh this girl is damn hot and brave! She's a bit stubborn which annoyed me a bit but what I also loved about her. somehow her stubbornness reminded me of myself. and I was also able to relate to her well.
All in all, I highly recommend it! It was such an enjoyable read.
▪︎ Just random:
How could Elena endure all these years without kissing him or something else? I mean he's so perfect you can't stand it.
Favorite quotes:
♡ “Memories are unfair, you know? They don’t tell us until it’s too late that this one, this detail, is the thing you need to hang on to. Why do we remember the weird little stuff but not the big things?”
♡ “Fear forces us to do stupid things, brother. Make bad decisions, often against our own best interests and against wh-what we really w-want in life.”
♡ “There’s a big difference between letting someone go because you have faith that they’ll come back to you and letting someone go because deep down you’re convinced they won’t. One is an act of love, the other an act of fear.”
♡ “Our society has allowed men to get away with a lack of emotional intelligence by equating the expression of a full range of human emotion with femininity.”
4💫
Wow, I knew Vlad's book would be good. Since he was my favorite character in this series, I had really envisioned his book, which is the case now. I also really enjoyed the tropes of this book. I mean :
✔️ Marriage of convenience
✔️Best/childhood friends to lovers
✔️Miscommunication
✔️Bromance
✔️Marriage in trouble
✔️Hockey romance
✔️Slow burn (kind of 🤷🏻♀️)
Vlad- my adorable Russian boy! This guy ahhhhh. I love him so much 💗. He's just so perfect. My boy is soft-hearted, funny, attractive, and a damn good hockey player. isn't he perfect? And don't forget: He was waiting for Elena and still had his virginity at almost 30 years old! Sorry, not Sorry I love this Russian guy!
Elena- oh my gosh this girl is damn hot and brave! She's a bit stubborn which annoyed me a bit but what I also loved about her. somehow her stubbornness reminded me of myself. and I was also able to relate to her well.
All in all, I highly recommend it! It was such an enjoyable read.
▪︎ Just random:
How could Elena endure all these years without kissing him or something else? I mean he's so perfect you can't stand it.
Favorite quotes:
♡ “Memories are unfair, you know? They don’t tell us until it’s too late that this one, this detail, is the thing you need to hang on to. Why do we remember the weird little stuff but not the big things?”
♡ “Fear forces us to do stupid things, brother. Make bad decisions, often against our own best interests and against wh-what we really w-want in life.”
♡ “There’s a big difference between letting someone go because you have faith that they’ll come back to you and letting someone go because deep down you’re convinced they won’t. One is an act of love, the other an act of fear.”
♡ “Our society has allowed men to get away with a lack of emotional intelligence by equating the expression of a full range of human emotion with femininity.”
Want to read
February 12, 2021so you’re telling me this features a childhood friends—aND marriage of convenience—to lovers trope???? Y’all this better be good😭.
also, wtf did you see the cover?!
ok. bye im dead.
also, wtf did you see the cover?!
ok. bye im dead.
July 20, 2021
Release Day
4.5 Promise Me Stars
Vlad, the cheese loving, gastricly challenged hockey player has been one of my favorite side characters in all of the Bromance Book Club books. He is the character that seems the most invested in making sure that everyone gets their happily ever after. In the beginning I thought it was because he had already found his. In all actuality it is because his marriage is a sham and he wants the real deal.
I read this books so fast. It was hard to put down because it has a few of my favorite tropes. The first being the marriage of convenience and the second is friends to lovers. I was completely in from page one and loved the addition of the Loner’s club to the cast.
Elena was so vulnerable and deserving of someone to make her feel special. Vlad has a tender heart and while he is great at putting it out there for those he calls friends, he is not great at that when it is his heart that could be broken and the man can totally do stubborn better than most. Good thing the Bros are there to point out when he is messing up completely.
After a hockey injury puts him out for the rest of the season his estranged wife comes to help take care of him. It is awkward for everyone, especially Elena who has never really been a part of Vlad’s American life and thinks that all his friends must despise her. She didn’t expect the Bromance Book Club to be so warm and welcoming and she really didn’t expect them to talk about her husband’s cute butt so much. But they are going to be there to help Vlad both write the romance novel he has been stuck on for years and fix the almost marriage he never got.
Vlad is really the best and I enjoyed almost everything in this book. I totally devoured everything. Sure if he and Elena had really talked in the beginning I think most of the misunderstandings could have been avoided. But, then we wouldn’t have the deliciousness that is the two of them finding their way back to one another after six years of basically living apart.
This is my favorite of all the Bromance Books. I was so happy to go on the journey with Vlad and Elena as they found their way back to each other.
4.5 Promise Me Stars
Vlad, the cheese loving, gastricly challenged hockey player has been one of my favorite side characters in all of the Bromance Book Club books. He is the character that seems the most invested in making sure that everyone gets their happily ever after. In the beginning I thought it was because he had already found his. In all actuality it is because his marriage is a sham and he wants the real deal.
I read this books so fast. It was hard to put down because it has a few of my favorite tropes. The first being the marriage of convenience and the second is friends to lovers. I was completely in from page one and loved the addition of the Loner’s club to the cast.
“See, that’s your problem right there,” Claud said, pointing at Andrea. “You’re still waiting on your knight in shining armor who will make you all giddy and sparkly for the rest of your life. What you should be looking for is someone you’re still willing to have sex with after they make you look at pictures of their colonoscopy.”M
Elena was so vulnerable and deserving of someone to make her feel special. Vlad has a tender heart and while he is great at putting it out there for those he calls friends, he is not great at that when it is his heart that could be broken and the man can totally do stubborn better than most. Good thing the Bros are there to point out when he is messing up completely.
Del turned around and returned to the side of the bed. “I’m not leaving until I hear this. Not because I think it’s worth hearing, but because I want to file it away the next time we think we’ve met the dumbest fucker on the planet, and I can say, oh, no, remember the fucking Russian?”
After a hockey injury puts him out for the rest of the season his estranged wife comes to help take care of him. It is awkward for everyone, especially Elena who has never really been a part of Vlad’s American life and thinks that all his friends must despise her. She didn’t expect the Bromance Book Club to be so warm and welcoming and she really didn’t expect them to talk about her husband’s cute butt so much. But they are going to be there to help Vlad both write the romance novel he has been stuck on for years and fix the almost marriage he never got.
Vlad is really the best and I enjoyed almost everything in this book. I totally devoured everything. Sure if he and Elena had really talked in the beginning I think most of the misunderstandings could have been avoided. But, then we wouldn’t have the deliciousness that is the two of them finding their way back to one another after six years of basically living apart.
This is my favorite of all the Bromance Books. I was so happy to go on the journey with Vlad and Elena as they found their way back to each other.
July 28, 2021
four point five stars! ❀ this took me waaay to long to finish bc my life has been a genuine mess lately but i definitely needed this happily ever after today so god bless lyssa kay adams :) this was so, so much more than i was expecting out of vlad and elena’s story. i was excited but nervous when it was announced that he was getting his own book bc in the other three i felt like his character was more for comedic purposes, and i was wondering how his character was gonna truly be in this one but man!! i loved vlad so much 🥺 this was just so phenomenal, and i really really hope this isn’t really the last book of the bromance bookclub bc i genuinely love everyone so much and i just need so much more!!!!
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