This is the first bromance that I’ve read and I have to admit that I chose it because of the author rather than the blurb. I’ve read quite a few books by Robin Covington and thoroughly enjoyed them all.

This one has some great characters in it and they are brought to life within the pages of the story but I didn’t like aspects of Isaiah’s attitude and I felt so much sympathy for Victor. Evan is brilliant, so well portrayed! There are also some scenarios that just didn’t quite gel for me but it is still an enjoyable read.

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Oh, what did I love this book in so many parts. I was hooked right from the start. The blurb first mentioned Victor is a gender fluid chararcter but soon this error was corrected and now it's right. Though Victor is not gender fluid he is wearing make-up, femine clothes and is a role-model for Isaiah's son Evan, who is a teenager who tends to be gender fluid (and would maybe label himself as an adult this way) but is still searching for his own terms in taking his own time and doesn't want to be labeled right now. It's such a great (on page) display of how a young character is having difficult times with the own identity.

I loved the premise of the book, the theme of the fake-wedding, the way how Victor is getting help from Isaiah because he is in danger in not being allowed to stay in the USA without the needed papers. A pretty unconvenient solution is given him by Isaiah, and it's an opener for a relationship which is, truth to say, full of heartache and slight drama. It is really heart clenching how we see Victor being actively standing up for the rights of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but also what it means to be in a "relationship", more, being married to a famous NFL football player who is surrounded by cameras nearly 24/7. Isaiah is the opposite to Victor, in his character and appearance; with being a football player he is full of muscles where Victor is delicate, a body made for the twists, the jumps, fluid in motion. Both guys know what it means to belong to a marginalized group: Victor as a Russian homosexual ballet dancer and Isaiah as a black pro-footballplayer, single parent and widower. Isaiah doesn't want in any case the unneccessary attention more than he has it already, especially not for this son who he fiercly tries to protect - and that's his most lovable but also weak-point and leads to a few flaws in his character.

The blurb says Isaiah is a widower and this part of the story is satisfying but pretty emotionally included. We see that Isaiah is still grieving, he is still in his thoughts with his passed away husband; he honors him in keeping him alive and be a good, caring father for Evan, his son. But although Stephen, Isaiah's passed away husband, is present in the book, he is an important part in the live of the three men. At the end it's well done how the problems are solved in the book.

Sometimes I've to admit I thought Isaiah was a bit too stubborn and had a limited view. He was often lead by his emotions, which leds to several dramatic and hurtful scenes, and it's pretty impressive how Victor is showing strenght towards him. He is truly a fitting partner but so different as Stephen - and it shows the reader that Victor is his own character and not a substitute, although Isaiah has a rocky path to get to this point.
I really liked the maturity and how vicious Victor was acting. I could relate to him more than to Isaiah, if I'm honest but both have their great moments and of course flaws. This makes the characters so loveable and believable. It gives the story also its spice and it's truly not an easy story; so many events to deal with.

The mentioned spice is also pretty present in the kinda "insta"-lust at first, but soon it's changed and both guys are enwinded in their deeper going feelings for each other.

I would have dropped the rating to 4 stars if the supporting characters weren't this great - because some of the drama was too dramatic :D - , therefore the whole book gets 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Evan is my secret hero in this book; for a teenager he is such a mature young man. He shows what matters for him (see my first paragraph), he is super lovable and I really wish we get his own book when he is older. I think he is one of the most unique side-characters I recently read in a book, and I enjoyed the parts with him truly. But also the other friends in Victor's and Isaiah's circle of people are adorable and I'm so happy to read there are two more books so far planned, one with Matt and the other with Ian. :)

The book is truly recommended, although the dramatic parts were sometimes a bit overly dramatic and especially Isaiah was a stubborn guy sometimes. :) The marvelous side-characters, mainly Evan, stole my heart and for the premise of the book, the topic of being in a fake-wedding it gets 4.5 out of 5 stars. Read it, because it has a lot of diverse characters included.

Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words

For a M/M romance, this book exceeded my expectations. The chemistry was there and tangible, the development of a true and factual relationship took work. The denial of political asylum moved forward a relationship that may not have occurred otherwise because Isaiah was too stuck in his previous marriage to be ready or open to a new, deep relationship.

I definitely liked Victor, his character was basically what a lot of people see as a strong person, who is really a wreck on the inside, but fights for what is right; but when the potential consequences arise, they don't crumble, they just move forward with their head held high. Many people see this as arrogant, but it is strength in a moment of weakness. Victor definitely had a lot more strength to his character than originally portrayed. He was a true underdog.

Evan is a piece of work, I personally am so glad my kids are grown and we didn't have to deal with half of the issues or concerns today's parents struggle through. But I did like his interaction with his dad, Isaiah. Glad that Victor and Isaiah finally made their inconvenient marriage a happy ever after.

This is the first book by this author I have read. I loved it. I loved Evan and how he doesn’t hide who he is. Isaiah is gay and out but is quiet and isn’t one to march in a gay parade. Victor is open about his sexuality and very outspoken about what is going on in his country with the LGBTQ community and how they are being treated.
I liked how Evan stood up for what he believed and how he stood up for Victor when someone was being unfair to him. He accepted Victor right away and saw someone he was like in a lot of ways.
Isaiah and Victor have chemistry. It’s undeniable how attracted they are to each other. Isaiah has loved and lost and is afraid to do so again. Victor wants things he never had. Isaiah has a good heart and marries Victor to protect him and keep him in the country. But there are rules and old feelings that keep them apart.
I would love to see a book about Evan.
Highly recommend this book.
Received a copy from netgally for an honest review.

This was a fun, tropey, escape for a long weekend. I like the large cast of supporting characters, and I am looking forward to hearing some of their stories.

Isiah was a likable character. Though I can imagine there would be a lot of complications with being an out, married, NFL player, this book focuses much more on the love and developing relationship between Isaiah and Victor.

I really enjoyed Victor. He is loud, brash, and yet vulnerable. I really wanted the HEA for Victor more than anyone else.

This is a fun forced-to-marry romance, and I think you will enjoy it as much as I did!

This book was recommended by some of my favorite authors and I feel like it needed more work.
I liked this book because I felt the narrative was unique, it had some time jumps that should not have worked but they did. The story was at times not believable all the way, the fast they marry so fast and easy and do not have issues with the government was a bit strange. Also that part was sort of glossed over and I felt it left too much open and unexplained or processed. I liked the fact they incorporated LGBT rights and a teen with gender fluidity. I felt like some parts were rushed, or simplified and it was at times annoying or frustrating.
Victor, Isaiah and Even are interesting complex characters that had their time to shine in this book but again, I felt like it was inconsistent and maybe like some parts were edited out and left gaps in the story.

I did like that their relationship took time to build and had hardships despite the obvious attraction between Victor and Isaiah. They are in a complex situation and I liked that they did not just get over those hardships within 2-3 weeks. That being said I still feel like there are parts that don’t fit in the story, fast shifts in character and plot line and it was a problem for me as a reader. I think the hardest thing about this book to me was that it had a message I did not relate to and felt was problematic. It seems from the way Victor's activism is portrayed that a gay man has to back up LGBTQ causes and be an activist. Because when Isaiah tried to distance himself from that he was "punished" by not having Victor, his son was mad at him because he was a "coward" and did not speak up publicly like Victor. After his son gets in a physical fight with other boys in his school instead of punishing him( for hurting other people, something there is no justification for unless you need to save yourself) Isaiah ends up chastised by his son. He claims that because Isaiah appears straight he does not understand how queer men like Victor and Isaiah's son live and what they face every day. Now, I do agree to some extant but it sends a message that if you are gay and look gay you have the right to not only demand your rights (which is a good thing) but to also be violent about it if other people say offensive things about LGBTQ people. I feel that is a problematic message, it made Isaiah week and in the end he did not discipline his son because his son made him believe he is lacking for not being more active. It also suggests gay men who do not appear gay according to society stereotypes are some kind of "second class gays". I did not care for that part of the book, in the end making it so only when Isaiah spoke up publicly to Victor and became somewhat of an activist did he get him back. This narrative does not include gay men who do not want to be part of the activism, do not appear gay- therefore they do not know what it is to BE GAY. I am not gay myself but I found it offensive and a bit one-sided, and when you deal with these complex themes I think there needs to be better care and handling of them.

Living life as a gay man isn’t always easy. To have your life thrust in the spotlight by your occupation can be even more tricky. For Isaiah Blackwell - the reality of his sexual preferences have never been a secret. With a career in the NFL, Isaiah has always managed to balance a low key spotlight on his personal life. A welcome relief to the man that loves to keep his life private.

What Isaiah never could have predicted was how one meeting could change his life. A Russian ballet dancer that has set the world on fire. Victor was seeking asylum from the atrocities for the LGBT in his former country. With a flamboyant appearance and a fluidity of his craft that mesmerizes everyone that has the pleasure to watch him dance, Victor is a force to be reckoned with. A far cry from the lifestyle that Isaiah is used to leading.

The two athletes have one common factor. They both have the same agent. Ian is not your typical agent either. The boisterous Brit is full of himself, and always has his clients’ well being in mind. When Victor’s quest for asylum was denied, Ian called on Isaiah to bring the Russian from harms way. A trip to the bar to retrieve the dancer results in a plan to save Victor from the harm that awaits him in his home country.

A quick trip to Vegas seals the deal, and the two unlikely lovers are now a couple. While things were merged with the best intentions, rules have been set forth to keep the couple from attachments that could impact their personal lives. The heat from their one night of passion still will not be ignored. Fueling a fire between two hearts that fight so desperately to keep a purely platonic relationship. With all things tempting, dipping a toe into the water will prove harder to keep fighting. Where will this relationship lead when their careers and family are on the line?



First let me say…..Robin Covington has done it again!! A unique romance that defies the odds and pulls you into its grip with each page. These two characters were definitely a captivating couple. Isaiah was a successful NFL pro, amazing parent, and held the poise of a man who knows what he wants in life. Victor was the complete opposite. A flamboyant dancer with an air for speaking his mind about the underdog. Two very different men that cannot fight an attraction that few experience in life.

The stubborn streak that both characters possessed added to the struggles in their relationship. A genuine heart felt union that explored the nuances of controversy, strong opinions, and finding that one true love.

His Convenient Husband is the first book that I've read by Robin Covington and I loved it from start to finish. I don't generally read M/M books but the blurb interested me straight away and I found myself looking forward to reading the story of Isaiah and Victor.

“They are both survivors.” - Ian

Robin Covington includes a lot in this book but it all goes together perfectly and you find yourself wanting to fight for what the characters believe in, especially Victor and Evan who are true to themselves and show amazing strength when faced with the discrimination of others. Even though Ian’s statement (as quoted above) is about Isaiah and Victor being survivors, I feel it could also be said about Evan who shows amazing maturity and doesn't allow his past to stop him from grasping life and following his dreams. Some of us, including myself, could learn from Evan.

Isaiah shows how the grief of losing a person you love can remain and become a barrier to moving on and finding love again. Whilst some readers may become frustrated with how he keeps Victor at arms length and lashes out at him, I found myself being able to understand Isaiah’s reactions and my heart broke for him. Victor was just what Isaiah needed and he showed Isaiah that you can be yourself and publicly stand up for what you believe in. Victor took some big risks by openly advocating for his fellow Russians and I really felt for him when he was faced with the prospect of returning to Russia and the dangers that awaited him.

I have a lot of admiration for authors who write books that deal with ‘real life’ and don't shy away from the sensitive and difficult subjects. Robin Covington certainly doesn't shy away and takes great care when writing about the battles some face every day. Hats off to Robin for giving us a book that makes you stop and think long after you've finished it.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.

When a person is faced with a death sentence, one would be desperate enough to accept an offer of marriage from a not-so-stranger when it means he can live.

As Viktor is quite vocal about what happens in his native country, he knows what will become of him if he ever set foot back to his country. Luckily, he was saved by an offer of marriage.

I enjoyed this story somehow, though I really didn't like Isaiah sometimes. I want to whack him in the head just like what his mother do when he blamed Viktor for something that he has no part of. It's not like he had encouraged Evan to take part in every protest there is.

As Evan pointed out, he is just like Viktor, and bullies would flock to him, whether he like it or not. While I agree that violence isn't always the solution, it's important to make Evan realize the consequences of his actions before resulting to one.

The interaction between Evan and Viktor however was a nice contrast between Viktor and Isaiah. They both can relate to each other. It's no wonder Evan was the one who was able to barrel through Isaiah's fears. A bit anti-climatic really. And just like that it was simple again. But then again it never was complicated. Isaiah was just hardheaded.

The Chapter three POV was confusing to me as it suddenly shifts from Viktor to Isaiah when the first two chapters where alternating, but then it went back to alternating after that as far as I noticed.

3.5 stars Isaiah NFL player is with his son Evan in theater so his son can meet the beautiful gracious ballet dancer Victor.
There is a sparkle between Isaiah and Victor. The meet again and have a steamy encounter.
After Victor is denied a asylum status he has to go back to Russia were a sudden death is waiting because of Victor's out and proud spoken opinion against the homophobia in Russia
Isaiah has a wonderful idea... they will go to Vegas and get married

There were several moments I didn't liked Isaiah at all. He hurt Victor's feelings more than once.
He'd gave me a bad whiplash. He was an overprotective father and made the decision to let no one in his heart. After his husband died he didn't want to feel the pain ever again. So after offering Victor a place in his house he was clear about the fact 'not in his heart'! Only you can't control lust and love.
So....big protective Isaiah, hard with words but with a lovely heart, has it hard to withstand his feelings toward Victor.
Victor is the main for me. Sweet, humorous, always helpful and in love with the man who has no room in his heart for him.

Nice story, written in a touching way. Family is important in this story... the personalities were put down in a good way. The writing style was appealing.
A minus was the fact that I didn't always get who was talking or thinking. That was confusing.

I LOVED this book deeply. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that this wasn't an easy, immediate love between the characters. The way they had to work for it was real and added some depth to the characters and series both. The supporting cast of characters were also delightful. I also highly enjoyed the way neither charafter compromised their beliefs and who they were but instead found a way to work together and as a family. I highly recommend this story.

So hot, so wonderful; I loved it!

His Convenient Husband is the first book I've read by Robin Covington and what an introduction to her writing! This book knocked my socks off and I can't wait to read more stories in the Love and Sports series.

I knew before I finished the first chapter that I was going to love this story and that opinion didn't change as I continued to devour this book. I couldn't read the words on the page fast enough and yet I knew I would be sad when it ended.

Isaiah lost the love of his life and now he's afraid to love again and risk his heart. He's happy with the life he and his son, Evan, have going for them even if he's lonely at times. Victor is taken with Isaiah and his son. He and Evan have a lot of things in common, including their love of Isaiah. Now if he can only get Isaiah to trust his heart again.

The chemistry between the characters was palpable, the heat and love (that one of them wouldn't admit to) projected like a real and living thing. But, oh, did I want to knock some heads together a couple of times! It's a romance and has an HEA so everything works out in the end but not before I shed more than a few tears for the heartbreak these two suffered. Then the HEA and the epilogue brought on the happy tears. All in all, this is exactly the kind of story I love to read.

Did I mention that this book is HOT, HOT, HOT?

I have to note one small thing that bothered me a few times. There were more than a couple of places where I had a bit of trouble telling whether it was Isaiah or Victor doing the talking – enough that I found myself re-reading passages. While the story was still so overwhelmingly engrossing, I felt it only fair to deduct a half star from my rating. Still, this was a fantastic 4.5-star book for me.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com (10/9/17)***

This is a very tropey story. I loved it. They guys meet, end up having what they think, is a one night stand. Then things change. People know Isaiah is gay, but he isn't someone who you'd see march in a parade. Victor is all about being vocal and active. He's from Russia where bad things happen when they know you are gay. As outspoken as he's been, he's afraid to go home because he might just disappear. He applies for asylum but isn't given it. Isaiah's solution? Marriage.

I enjoyed both characters and the book was wonderful. Very well written and my first book by Robin Covington. I'll be reading more by her. She took two different men and made us see that they were perfect for each other.

If you like books where the couples first get married for something other than love and have to build from that, You'll love this book.

3 1/2 (nearly 4) Stars!


First off, I'm 10000% here for the set up: football player/single dad (hero of color!) and ballet dancer hero (somewhat genderfluid, I believe?) enter a marriage of convenience.

This was hot, had some fun interactions between characters, and was a great read.

Rushed ending though, wanted a bit more from both guys, and there was some kinda rough writing on some of the sex scenes (that is, it was a bit confusing to follow who was doing what).

Still, very much enjoyed this one, definitely recommend it, and hope that Covington will be writing both more M/M and more within this world. Like, say, Ian.... *begs*


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I will be talking about the book on my next Whatcha Reading? podcast, which is now up on TBQ's Book Palace (10/7).

I liked this a lot. I had feelings of love from time to time, but not throughout the whole story. There is a lot of good stuff in this book. I very much enjoyed Isiah and really empathized with him as he struggled. I also feel like I also hated him a lot though, too. Really, he makes one bad decision after bad decision. It was extremely infuriating. He's thoughtless and hurtful even when he doesn't mean to be. Part of that is because at times he was so clueless and incapable of reading Victor at all.

But Victor, he was who I fell for fast. I loved him quick and found his passion infectious. The impact Victor has on Isiah's son is huge and so positive. Actually, the impact and influence Victor has on both of them is wonderful. This was probably my favorite thing about the story.

While I really did love where this book went in the end, I struggled with how it lags a bit in the middle. This made the issues Isiah was having more difficult to deal with. Sill, this was really enjoyable for me and I'm glad I got the chance to read it.

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I am normally a fan of a Robin Covington and was excited to read this book. While there was nothing wrong with it, it just wasn’t for me.

His Convenient Husband by Robin Covington is a gay romance novel about starting over and learning to love again. The main characters are professional football player, Isaiah Blackwell and ballet dancer, Victor Aleksandrov. From their first meeting the chemistry, sexual and otherwise, sizzles. These two men occupy center stage; their mere presence in a room draws attention.

Isaiah is rather straight-laced and reserved. He doesn't deny who he is, but he's not wearing a placard either. Victor is the complete opposite. Victor wears his sexuality out loud and in your face. His sexuality is there for anyone to see. Covington brings these two men to life with all their pain and burning passion. She knows how to tell a story!

Victor's gay rights/human rights activism is what brings the two men together. His speeches against the persecutions at home and the denial of his asylum status in America, compels Isaiah to marry him in a rushed ceremony in Las Vegas. Once that's done the two men must cobble a life together and there hangs the story.

Covington includes some delightful secondary characters in His Convenient Husband. Isaiah's artistic teenage son, Evan, who has his own secrets to reveal; Isaiah’s mother, Esther, who wants to nurture everyone, including Victor, and Ian the best friend and agent to both men. Covington fully-develops each character. Evan is a pivotal character in the story. His relationship with these two powerful men and their feelings for him almost destroys them when Evan confronts Isaiah about an incident at school.

The passion between Isaiah and Victor is fiery, smoky-hot, but fear stands between them. There were times when I wanted to smack Isaiah on the head; tell him to wake up and look around. Isaiah's lost one love, his first husband; a loss that nearly destroyed him. He can't seem to take the next step to move forward. Victor on the other hand recognizes what he and Isaiah could have together, but he’s just thankful he can stay in America and live freely.

Finding out if these two men can come together and make a life for themselves and Evan made for an entertaining read. The sex is steamy and the emotional battles are taut and painful. His Convenient Husband is well worth 4 stars. It’s going to be one of those I read again.

I was intrigued when I read the synopsis of this one but from the beginning I was hooked and could not put it down. Isiah is a single dad, professional football player, and gay but he is not loud and proud about it. He was married to the love of his life and lost him to senseless accident and thought it would never find another love. In walks Victor, or should I say dances since he is a premier ballet dancer and he is loud and proud and his activism may be the death of him if he is not granted asylum. A one night stand and the chemistry that is off the charts and Isiah stepping up to save Victor when asylum is not granted and a marriage of convenience is born. Will it stay that way or will the love that is evident bloom? These two are opposite in so many ways but they work. It was a pleasure watching them find their way and watching them come together and become a family along with raising a son. I definitely recommend this one.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Victor, oh how I loved thee... Evan was my little buddy as well. Isaiah, well he grows on you. Ian, perfect comic relief when situations get too emotional but he can deal a truthism for your brain.

Robin, Robin, Robin.... I was with you from beginning to end. You started an entire movement using the emotional closeness of Isaiah paired with the drive and longing of Victor, BUT.... Throw in Evan who turns the light on and keep it bright. I want to give so many spoilers but I am not. I would say though that reality is only what is shown to you. You can either open your eyes to it or be blinded by what you think is true. Poor Isaiah was blind as a bat until circumstance opened his eyes and also released his rage and pain.

This book has truths of what is for some people, keeping you invested in the beginning but delivering a hell of a blow at the end....