Review: Isn't It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams

Author:  Lyssa Kay Adams
Publisher: Berkeley
Publication Date: July 2021

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.

Isn't it Bromantic?  is the fourth book in the Bromance Book Club. This one is Vlad's (aka The Russian) story.  Vlad is married to Elena, but it's a marriage of convenince.  Vlad wants it to be more, but Elena is determined to return to Russia to continue her father's work as a journalist.  OF course, the members of his book club are all in when it comes to helping Vlad.

This is definitely my favorite of the four books in the series.  I have always loved Vlad and was happy he got his own book.  He was big and tough on the ice, but he was a  a marshmallow inside.  I will admit that Elena did have to grow on me a bit.   I could understand her drive to figure out what happened to her father. However, I thought she was a bit too obsessed and should have been more upfront with Vlad. The biggest problem these two had was a clear lack of communication. They had been friends since childhood, so the connection and affection was clearly there.  I was definitely rooting for them. Vlad's revelation about a secret he had been keeping was very sweet.    

The best part of this series is the relationship between the men in the book club.  Their interactions are both funny and really touching.  I thought the Loners were a fun addition to the book.  I would love to have some of them be explored in future books.  I highly recommend this one.  I can't wait to see what is next.