Isn’t It Bromantic?

Bromance Book Club #4

By Lyssa Kay Adams

ISBN13: 9780593332771

Author’s Website: lyssakayadams.com  

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                 

Summary:

With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad wrote one.

Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared, she escaped danger the only way she knew how: She married her childhood friend, Vladimir, and moved 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 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 neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves the Loners. But just when things finally look promising, Elena’s past life intrudes and their happily ever after is cast into doubt. (Goodreads)

Review:

Finally, Isn’t It Bromantic? is the story of one of my favorite characters in the Bromance Book Club series. Vlad, the Russian defenseman, a gentle giant, with many gastrointestinal catastrophes, and cheese fanatic is getting his HEA… hopefully – well at least the one that he is writing. We shall see if his personal HEA comes to fruition.

Vlad married Elena (his best friend) initially to assist with visa issues. Once they arrived from Russia (Vlad has been pursuing his professional NHL hockey career in Nashville for the past six years), Vlad and Elena lived apart as Elena went to university in Chicago. As a member of the Bromance Book Club, Vlad has the support of his “brothers” when the true nature of Vlad’s marriage comes out. And his buddies are all too willing to help him in his romantic endeavours to win over Elena as a true wife in all that it entails. Alas, the story is of course more convoluted. Elena has some personal demons that she must address and work through.

As a result of an injury on ice, Vlad needs some personal care so Elena comes from Chicago to help Vlad. And thus, the fun starts. At first, the two are awkward around each other but as time progresses, a peaceful co-existence emerges – though you can tell that Vlad would really like something more.

I really enjoyed watching both Vlad and Elena swim through the muddy waters of their relationship.  With Vlad’s Bromance Book Club members as well as “the Loners” (a group of divorcees and widows who have befriended Vlad) working in concert – how did Elena and Vlad stand a chance of not getting together! I love the addition of the Loners and certainly hope they are in future books! There is of course, misunderstanding and angst between the two and all I wanted to do was scream at Vlad and Elena and say ‘just talk to each other!’. 

Also glad that Vlad has finally solved his gastrointestinal issues…a huge relief – both for himself and his friends! And I had the biggest chuckle when the big cheese secret was divulged. Additionally, we got a bit of an education on Russian cuisine… Yummy is all I can say.

There is some heart-stopping drama as Elena addresses her issues with her relationship with her father and her past. So this story is not just romance, but a bit of adventure as well. I look forward to the next installment of the Bromance Book Club series with baited breath. Here is hoping it is Colton’s turn?  We shall see.

If you like a romance with humor (you will have some laugh-out-loud moments) and a wee bit of drama, then I suggest you pick up Isn’t it Bromantic by Lyssa Kay Adams, get a beverage of your choice, and settle down for a really enjoyable read.