My apologies, my thoughts are all over the place when it comes to this book. I will just say that Robin Covington has crafted a story that everyone MUST read. His Convenient Husband is an amazing love story, but it is also a call to action to raise awareness of the injustices and atrocities not only at home, but abroad. It's about choosing to staying quiet or using your voice to shine a light in dark corners where evil lives.

This book has struck a chord deep in my heart and the next time I see Robin Covington, I am going to hug her neck and thank her for this beautiful story.

My rating? Not enough stars in the galaxy.

Over the years I have expanded my reading to encompass many different genera. Through this I have learned a very important thing; although romance in all shapes and sizes are there for our entertainment, I have discovered that I often learn a lesson or two while reading them. His convenient husband gave me a little bit of a different perspective on the dynamics of a relationship between the two main characters and their teenage son. This is a work of fiction, but it made me think and that is never a bad thing.

I enjoyed the story and all of the characters, but I especially enjoyed the unique relationship between Isaiah, Victor and their teenage son and reading about the different experiences that they go through because of their lifestyle. Yes this is a gay romance, but it is so much more.

I was happy to request to review this amazing story through NetGalley.

Not sure I can agree with anyone who thought this was more than a 3 star story.

Isaiah is a pro-footballer, widower, and single dad to an awesome kid named Evan. Victor is a supposedly Russian, gender fluid ballet dancer with a loud and outspoken passion for LGBTQ+ rights and it's that outspokenness that is the problem for he is unable to return home and has to apply for asylum, which he does not get. Ian, the manager for both these talents pushes them to meet and Isaiah offers to marry Victor to keep him in the U.S

I loved Victor for the most part. He is strong in his personality and very strong and kindhearted. Isaiah on the other hand was not my favorite an that arts as soon as they meet. This story is an insta-love if I ever saw one. I abhor those for the most part. Sure we see the chemistry and attraction, but the fact that they both jump into bed with each other as soon as the book starts even though they are both relatively high-profile celebrities irked me.

Then, once they get married, oh my gosh, Isaiah is a jerk. He has a kid from his previous marriage, Evan, and he wants Evan to grow up and not be affected any by of his or Victor's spotlight life. For someone who is supposed to know his kid is like Victor he sure does not, and when Evan gets in trouble he is way out of line with Evan and Victor. Not once do they really act like a true couple or a married couple. I admit the beach, and the consummations were nice, but the way Isaiah is so harsh with Victor, even though Isaiah is out regardless of how demonstrative is unreal. It's not like Isaiah is still in the closet and protecting himself from public and professional backlash since he was previously married. I felt like even if he's more private he should have been more accommodating and sensitive to the needs of Victor and Evan, and he wasn't.

Also, I've read many convenience relationship stories and I always expect immigration in them. It was odd that there wasn't anything about that. Or even the possible threat of someone from Victor's old life coming after him. I felt like their relationship can't even be called a relationship because it seemed to be mostly sex, with no character, story, or emotional depth for the most part.

This is the first book I've read by this author and the writing style agreed with me because I finished it, but the execution of the story needs work.

This title was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review

3.5 Stars

His Convenient Husband very much ticks the Harlequin romance feeling for me. Marriage of convenience to avoid deportation is a plot that we've read - perhaps - hundreds of times before. What differs is the author's way of weaving the tale and Robin Covington's hits the spot with the likable characters and not overly drama in this book.

Relayed alternately from Victor and Isaiah's POVs that allow readers into their thought and feeling, this book touched on LGBTQ current issues; such as concentration camp in Chechnya, gender-fluid, the label of queer - whether or not one could passes as straight in society - etcetera without being preachy. It's a heartwarming story about second chance and new beginnings with not a little help from (nosy but well-meaning) friends and family.

I like the portrayal of characters, a pair of opposites personalities from different background, each with chips on their shoulders. The chemistry between the men is of the chart and rather instant. But their refrains - not letting their actions being led by their nether regions - are more than compensate for the swift start of their relationship. The heat-meter is quite tall, though I say the steamy scenes are strategically spread across twenty-two plus chapters.

Enriching the story are interesting supporting characters; Evan, the couple's friends and non friends. Even the narration about Isaiah's late spouse do not irritate me (tbh, I find it easier to get riled by Isaiah's vapid act or treatment of Victor). I have a hunch Isaiah's two best friends would tell their own stories (in their own books) in the foreseeable future.

Overall the plot in His Convenient Husband is rather predictable, just like the expected grand gesture nearing the end. But I take it in place for the much needed groveling, considering the number of times Isaiah's yo-yoing with Victor's heart. This is the second Robin Covington's MM book that I read and her writing style's clicked with me. In fact, I think I'm gonna look up Playing the Part, the book starring Isaiah's cousin from a few years back.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Fake" marriage, or marriage of convenience is not a trope you see often in the MM romance world. But you should. After marriage was finally declared legal by the Supreme Court, it opened up a whole new world! So this was my first book with the trope and I hope it won't be my last.

Isaiah is a widower with a teenage son. He is also an NFL player in his off season. His incredibly artistic son gets to meet a world renowned ballet star from Russia. Sparks fly but neither can or want to commit. So after one night, they move on. Until Victor is denied political aslyum for his outspoken views on how gay men are treated in Chechnya. On a whim, Isaiah proposes, but says they have to stay platonic so that he doesn't risk getting hurt again.

We all know how that goes. So, yes, it was predictable there. But the story and leading up to the HEA were still a good read.

Even though both Isaiah and Victor have high profile, demanding careers, the focus is on them as a couple and on Isaiah's son. While this could have been a much longer book by adding more story to their careers, I liked that they didn't. That way more of the story could focus on them and be character driven.

I expected more angst, and it would have been welcome. I didn't really feel Isaiah's pain at being a widower, but that is just me. I expected backlash from his son Evan about the relationship, but he was totally welcoming. And while Victor was outspoken, again I thought there would be more immediate repercussions.

So while there was a lot of "could have beens" in the story, I still really enjoyed it. The subject could have been dark but the author kept it light. Seeing Isaiah and Victor live together while dancing around their feelings was fun. And I really loved Evan- Isaiah's gender fluid son.

There was tons of representation- which is a very cool thing. Victor is described as gender fluid, but I didn't see that. Wearing a bit of make up doesn't gender fluid make.

Ultimately, this was a nice story to read. I probably won't remember it in a few weeks, but I don't regret reading it.

The always amazing Robin Covington kicks off a new series with a book that is so good it just may be her best yet. Seriously, this book is amazingly good. Saying I loved it does not cover my feelings for this story and these characters.

When the author said she was going to write a full length male/male romance, I may have squealed in excitement. I knew Robin Covington could pull it off and boy did she!!! I’ve had the pleasure of reading this book twice since I got it and let me tell you dear reader, this book is knock your socks off good.
I know I keep saying how good it is, sorry I can’t help it. But it really is. I’m struggling to find the words to give it justice. This story sucked me in from the opening pages, dragged me through every emotion, had me wanting to throw it across the room at one point and left me in giddy gooey happiness by the end and I loved every second of it.

Just wait till you meet and fall in love with both the Blackwell men in Isaiah and Evan and the oh so wonderful Victor. They are all so special that you can’t keep from falling in love with them from the first moment you meet them.

This was a beautiful love story between two men who instantly gravitate towards each other and somehow find the other part of their soul while doing it. Yes the chemistry is off the charts hot between Isaiah and Victor, but for me it was the deeper connection they had that I loved.

The sinuously beautiful dancer and the widower athlete shouldn’t be a perfect pairing but they are and watching them open up to each other and fall was a fantastic thing to behold. Seeing them fight the pull of attraction and more, priceless and hot. Really hot.

I must mention Evan, Isaiah’s son who is hands down one of the most unique characters I have ever read. I LOVED him. Oh and Isaiah’s mother, she is one in a million and lovable.

I could gush on more, but I won’t because I honestly can’t recommend this book enough. There is nothing better than when you put a book down and keep thinking about it and this is one of those books. Robin Covington you have given us a book that will stay with me forever.

So total is 1.5 stars for Evan as the only and I mean the only redeeming quality of this book.

First off the blurb lies. Plain and simple it lies. There is nothing genderfluid about Viktor. Wearing make up twice and lingere does not gendefluid make. Neither does the uncomfortable hyper masculine way Viktors body is constantly described. Like shoving in your face how many muscles he has and how manly his body is. Like yes, he is a dancer and has muscles, but this nor how his body hair looks like when draining, pasta is needed.

Second the actual genderfluid queer character is Isiah''s son Evan. Who he does not deserve because he is so utterly clueless on what that boy needs. THE only good point in this book is when Evan verbally bitch slaps his father about how Evan will never be able to pass for CisHet which Isiah does not understand at all. And the fact that Isiah blamed Viktor for Evan sticking up and defending himself from abuse is disgusting. Cause clearly my husband being an activist means my queer son shouldn't defend himself and is being uppity.

Evan and Viktor both deserve better than Isiah. I don't care if he was still grieving his perfect husband who was a downlow straight passing queer. That doesn't give you leeway to be a disgusting asshole. Little to no time is given to him not actually being an asshole to Viktor.

Second thing wrong: getting married in vegas does not mean your asylum is going to be granted. It means they are going to look at it more skeptically than before.

So overall let me just say gay men can be effeminate and wear make up that does not immediately make them genderfluid. If Viktor was supposed to be genderfluid I would have liked that to be shown more. Evan who actually seems genderfluid deserves his own story ans Isiah doesnt get much redemption in this book..

The blurb as I said before ticked off so many correct boxes for me but was a huge let down. This seems to be a new series so I might check out the next one.

I will also chalk it up to arc formating but there were so many formating and structure problems with this arc such as going from spaced out paragraphs to walls of text, random symbol inserts and missing spaces after way to many commas

His Convenient Husband By Robin Covington,
At first sight is this a great m/m romance novel,with a nice
plotline.as soon as you begin to read.you get easy in the story.
and it is a nice read.
I liked both characters and the sidecharacters a lot.

how ever,with wat me and my little knowledge about the subject.
I did not see the genderfluid in this storyline.
and the sudden moodchanges in the dialogues is strange,there is no
build up in thoughts.

but it is a nice read,the idea is fine,but no 4 or 5 stars for me

His Convenient Husband is a short but sweet read. There's a dash of angst, an arranged marriage and some mutual pining.

On one hand we have Isaiah Blackwell. He a NFL player but shy and quiet, keeping to himself so he can raise his son away from the spotlight. Having lost his husband a few years back he's certainly not looking for a replacement.

On the other hand we have Victor Aleksandrov. He's out and proud and refuses to be anyone but himself. Originally hailing from Russia, this ballet dancer is applying for political asylum and isn't about to stop championing human rights and shedding light on his country's violation of them.

Isaiah and Victor share a passionate one night stand...and then a marriage.

This short read was a lot of fun. Isaiah and Victor clash but ultimately fall in love. I particularly liked Evan, Isaiah's son. It would have been nice to see the world expanded a little, this is very much focused on the relationship between Victor and Isaiah, and with the family being built with Evan. So we don't see into the respective ballet and football worlds Isaiah and Victor inhabit but it is nonetheless a sweet and entertaining read.

When I saw this book, I was attracted by the title which brought a smile to my face. The marriage of convenience trope is a popular one in romance and I've read a few in my time. Indeed some of them I remember very fondly.

Covington does not offer a trope bending read, the usual marriage of convenience trope is what you get, with it's beautiful, perfect and good mc's and it's angsty moments. Not a read for those who like deep diving into the human psyche but rather a surfing experience into a trope beloved by many.

3.5 stars.

Isaiah Blackwell is a pro football player who lost his husband three years ago. He is raising his 14-year-old son, Evan. Evan looks up to the professional Russian ballet dancer seeking asylum in the US, Victor Aleksandrov. Isaiah and Victor meet after one of Victor's perfomances, and the two are attracted to each other, but decide that nothing should come out of it because Isaiah feels he already had his chance at love, and has Evan to worry about now. However, after Victor's asylum is denied, Isaiah offers to marry him so that Victor - who is very publicly vocal about gay rights - is not sent back to his country and possibly killed. The two try to navigate their new reality as newlyweds and try to determine the nature of their relationship behind closed doors as well.

Reading about Isaiah and Victor falling in love was great. Victor is an interesting character, and different from MCs in other books in the genre. There is angst there which keeps it interesting, but since we get to hear the story from both sides, it doesn't hit you as hard as it could have, which drags it down a little for me. I would also have liked to hear more about Victor's life and problems in his home country, and Evan's - Isaiah's son - navigation in the genders and his sexuality.

So, like many other folks in the book community, I got all a-twittah when I saw this book rec'd on Twitter, doubly so after reading the synopsis. However none of my expectations were met, and they were fairly low considering Covington is an another I have never heard of or read before, and I actually feel slightly.. misled.

First of all, I want to get the good out of the way : representation. It's there. What with a lead who is African-American, with an adopted biracial son who is also bisexual, and the romance between two men, I mean, that's pretty solid. Not to mention a lot of dialogue around human rights, queer activism, and speaking out against hate. Secondly, the trope. Who doesn't love the fake marriage/married for [insert reason that basically means avoiding sexytimes for most of the book to ratchet up expectations] trope. Delicious. Also there's a snarky Brit bestie who I enjoyed quite a bit.

However, the actual execution, the pretty mediocre writing, overexplanation of things that didn't need a simple explanation much less a complex one, glaringly obvious flubs or lack of proper set-up in some scenes (like, the big "okay fine we love each other, lets get married for real" moment happens in front of a giant audience and there's no mention of a microphone being turned off for the moment to be private. you want me to believe no one will make a stink over the fact that they just admitted their marriage was done for the sole reason to keep someone from being deported? that no fuss was made? I'm all for grand gestures but nope), some instances of corny dialogue (you're cute, no you're cute, no, youuu), stupid actions/reactions just to make the plot move (or not, as it were, two steps forward, four hundred back), and the total lack of a genderfluid character (as promised/described in the synopsis), left a lot to be desired and negated any potential fun or deliciousness.

The upside? This is novella length, so you won't be forced to invest much time in getting to the inevitable happily ever after. But sadly this felt like the rough draft of a good idea that should probably have a lot more time devoted to it. And maybe some actual effort to make a genderfluid character more than just an effeminate gay man who wears eyeliner.

1.5 "sex doesn't have to lead to feelings, I have conducted several experiments on this, and I can assure you it's true" stars


** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

The blurb definitely had me exited.A gender fluid ballet dancer and a NFL player....just my thing.Unfortunately this did not live up to expectations.


The Story.

Victor is a Russian ballet dancer currently seeking asylum in the US.He's very vocal and passionate about gay rights,something he's not prepared to change.

Isaiah is a NFL player,preferring to live his life away from the public eye as much as possible.He lost his husband three years ago and is raising their adopted 14 year old son,Evan.He's terrified of going through the pain of loss again.

The two men hook up one night but Isaiah makes it very clear that's all it will be.When Victor is denied asylum Isaiah makes him an offer.....they will get married and have a marriage of convenience.No sooner said than done and off to Vegas they go!


Despite my rating this isn't a bad story but there is one issue that couldn't be overlooked.But,I'm going to start with what I liked,

-I really liked Victor,I thought he was a beautiful character inside and out and I absolutely loved how he bonded with Evan.

-Evan,I found him quite fascinating and would love to read his story when he's older.

-it's my first read by this Author and the writing style definitely worked for me.


Negatives,


-Victor is described in the blurb as being Brash,loud,and gender fluid.Firstly I really didn't consider him brash at all.He was loud in respect of his opinions but all he was doing was standing up for his beliefs.If I hadn't read the blurb for this there is absolutely no way I would have thought Victor was gender fluid.Wearing make up and one reference to lingerie DOES NOT make someone gender fluid.And his gender intentity is never mentioned or discussed in the book.He came across as a slightly effeminate man and that's all.This is definitely a major issue as I'm sure a lot of people might be drawn to this book because of the blurb.

-I never really warmed to Isaiah and hated his treatment of Victor at times,he does redeem himself in the end but it was just a bit late for me.


Conclusion:

The blurb promised a lot but definitely didn't deliver and my rating reflects that.

While I enjoyed the premise--a football player marries a ballet dancer in order to keep him in the country--things fell a bit flat for me. First, Isaiah proposes to Victor out of the blue after he insists nothing could happen between them and forces them to keep their distance. I understood the purpose of it, but considering he wanted to keep his space from Victor, the suddenness of the proposal didn't sit right.

Then there's Isaiah himself. I wanted to like him. I felt for him, being a widower and single father. But I didn't care for the way he treated Victor. It was ok to have sex with him, but only in the guest bedroom, not his. He lets Victor get close and gets his hopes up that they could have an actual relationship, then pushes him away time and time again. He always makes Victor feel like an outsider. When the owner of his football team makes a slight towards Victor right in front of him, Isaiah didn't even stick up for him. Honestly, his gesture towards the end of the book was sweet, but I thought it was too little, too late. It definitely didn't make up for how he treated Victor throughout the book.

I liked Isaiah's son, Evan. He's not afraid to tell Isaiah that his treatment of Victor isn't right. He's bi-racial and often likes to dress in women's clothing. And while this gets him bullied, he always tries to find the right way to handle it. He, like Victor, is not afraid to speak out.

I would have liked the book more if it weren't for Isaiah. He brought down the book for me. The constant push and pull he had going on with Victor was too much. Victor deserved better, even if the marriage started out as a marriage of convenience.

**A copy was provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

This was not the book for me. It was just a little to much over the top drama for me. After the first chapter you could predict the outcome of the book, so I skimmed over most of the book and that was more than enough for me. Sorry, it just wasn't the book for me,

Isaiah is a veteran NFL player, widowed, with a teen son, uninterested in a new relationship three years after the death of his husband. He is out publicly, but has always been low-key about his private life. He meets Victor, a ballet dancer, through their mutual agent. Victor is Russian, in the U.S. on a one year contract with an American ballet company. During that time, Victor has been outspoken against the Russian mistreatment of queer people. He has requested asylum to stay in the U.S. past his original contract.

Victor and Isiah make a fast, intense connection, and then Victor's asylum request is denied. He will be in danger if he returns to Russia, perhaps even killed. Isaiah suggests they get married so Victor can stay. It is a marriage only for Victor's immigration status, Isaiah says, even though the two of them are deeply attracted to each other, and Victor has a growing relationship with Isaiah's teen son as well.

The emotional journey of this book is very satisfying. Isaiah's internal conflict is clear and resonant, between his undeniable attraction to Victor, and his wariness of a relationship after the death of his husband. Victor's straightforward desire to have a marriage and family with Isaiah also rings true. The connection between them is palpable, and Victor's bond with Isaiah's son makes it even more special.

The part that didn't work for me was Isiah's NFL career. Nothing about it rang true. It just isn't believable that there would be an out NFL player and it wouldn't be a big deal. Also, there was nothing about the enormous commitment of being an elite ballet dancer or professional football player. Both careers are incredibly demanding in terms of time and physical effort, which puts pressures on family and relationships. None of that was brought into play.

Every moment of the relationship between Isaiah and Victor rang true. Every hesitation was believable, and the depth of their emotion was apparent on every page. These were two mature, complicated men who, in spite of challenges, could make a genuine connection.

3.5 stars. Over all I did like the premise of this book but what I didn't like was how Isaiah treated Viktor at times, especially the scene at the school which really pissed me off. Yes I understand that Isaiah didn't want to allow himself to fall in love again because he didn't want to lose that love again (his husband had died 3 years previously whom he loved with all his being). Another part that really made me mad was Isaiah telling Viktor that he could have a relationship with someone else as long as he was discrete. Really?? The speech at the end more than made up for the way he treated him. The last issue is I didn't really care how it ended. Instead of the re-marriage I would have liked to have seen them settled in their life a year or so in the future. This was a new author for me & I look forward to reading more by her.

This 5+* story explodes stereotypes while celebrating love in the tale of a quiet and somewhat reserved African American NFL player, widower and father of one, who is paralyzed by his stunning, immediate attraction to a Russian ballet dancer.  The fabulous and gender fluid Victor, with his black eyeliner and lip gloss was every bit as drawn to quiet Isaiah and to his artistic young son.  Although Isaiah is grieving the loss of his husband Stephen, and paralyzed by the fear of further loss, he can't resist the charismatic Victor, renown dancer and Russian human rights activist.  This story draws every emotion from your soul as we participate in the attraction and fears of these two men.  The author definitely paints a picture that surrounds the reader, "sensation crept along his skin and lit up his nerve endings". .. "when it comes to loving.., being scared is never the acceptable answer"

A marriage of convenience involving a quiet black masculine NFL player and a loud and out genderfluid Russian ballet dancer whose asylum was denied and this story could have been pulled from the pages of the L.A. Times.  The setup provides so much opportunity for opinion, controversy, and emotion.  I LOVED this story and although the author is new to me, I am going to check out the backlist!

This was my first M/M read. I was interested for the blurb, and the book did not disappoint. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Roamce is romance and this one is exceptionally done.