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 Isiah meets Victor, he's not ready to fall in love again, so they have a steamy one night stand and he vows to keep his distance if they see each other again.  But when Victor is denied political asylum, his solution is to marry him. 

He tries to keep his distance because he likes the guy and doesn't want to hurt him, but that doesn't last long. As they spend more time together, the inevitable happens. 

Victor, a ballet dancer, is offered a chance to dance in New York and thinks it's the best solution to protect his heart. When Isaiah realizes his feelings, can he convince Victor to stay.

I was hooked from the start and didn't want to put it down. I'll admit Victor and Evan, Isiah's son were more likable characters. In fact, it was Evan who convinced him not to throw his relationship with Victor away. I know Isiah had his reasons, but he was a dick on more than one occasion.

Recommended

I loved the premise because it was so original, so unique, and I think HIS CONVENIENT HUSBAND is the best marriage of convenience trope I have ever read! I expected a sexy story – obviously – and something light with some serious undertones, and Robin Covington wrote a heartbreaking, emotional, tender, wonderful story that really matters. I adored Victor for everything he is: breathtakingly artistic, and fearless. I cannot call HIS CONVENIENT HUSBAND a romance, it is a grand love story. Triumphing over impossible odds, the heartbreak when the ghost of another hovers and stunts one’s sentiments, letting go of the past, of preconceptions and embracing love and what is given to you; wow. My heart was breaking for Victor, and in another way for Isaiah as well, but Victor is the sort of character – and person – you never forget, the one who makes a difference. I loved the connection between Isaiah and Evan, but even more so between Evan and Victor; Victor really understands Evan, and you know he will fight to the death for Isaiah’s son because they are so much alike. HIS CONVENIENT HUSBAND is a truly amazing book and Robin Covington shines like never before.

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*


~ * ~ * ~ * ~ 

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....

3.5 Stars

This was a likeable story, using the fake husband trope with the added twist of saving a ballet dancing activist from persecution and arrest in Russia. That was a hook for me, since the trope isn’t one I prefer, but the subject is so topical. Robin Covington is a new-to-me author, so I had no predetermined expectations, but a primarily MF author always makes me cautious. I was pleasantly surprised in some ways but let down in others. 

The pleasant surprise was the diversity, having a black protagonist, his adopted gender-bending son, and an NFL that accepted his sexuality, as long as he didn’t “flaunt” it, with some subtle homophobia from a few. That all felt quite realistic, including the fact that Isaiah didn’t rock the boat, unless the prejudices were blatant. His private life and his son had priority. I really liked the depiction of the son, Evan, and the strong support that Isaiah gave him, with all his choices.

I suppose my disappointment is only a personal one, as I would have liked to see the juiciest subjects explored more. Victor’s activism for LGBT rights was only touched on and I’d have appreciated some elucidation. It was only used as a point of contention between Victor and Isaiah when Evan was involved in the scene. Evan was the best character in the narrative when he gave his dad an earful at one point. That made me want a bit more cultural background for Isaiah, and what, if any, impact it had on some of his actions. Victor wasn’t a strong character for me either, as his reserved reactions to Isaiah’s hurtful words didn’t seem genuine. He was far too weak and forgiving for my tastes and it didn’t seem to fit with someone who knew how to speak his mind in other areas of his life.

As a romance with a good balance of sizzling sex scenes, it was quite enjoyable, and the lack of too much heavier subject matter suited that aspect. The author didn’t ignore the themes entirely but didn’t allow them to enrich the narrative. It was gratifying when Isaiah finally pulled his head out and stopped with the rather tired plot device of “I’m afraid to love again!” It was a sweet epilogue and a strong HEA. Recommended for the romance but don’t expect too much depth to the diversity.

*An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review on Jessie G Books blog*

His Convenient Husband is the first book I've read by Robin Covington and it won't be my last! I love m/m romance and I have been seeing her name and books for years and when I saw this I knew I needed to make time for it. Needless to say, I was not disappointed! Her writing is fantastic, her characters well developed. Isaiah is a famous football player who lost his husband three years ago. He's raising his son and likes staying quietly on the sidelines in his personal life. The minute he sees loud and proud Victor, he's consumed with want. Victor is everything that Isaiah isn't. The attraction is palpable and before he knows it, Victor has an invitation to Isaiah's house. One night of off the charts passion leads to Isaiah offering to save Victor from prosecution in Russia. They agree their marriage will be just friends. They get all the safety and none of the perks. But the growing attraction is too much and they give in. Isaiah is scared to lose his heart again. Victor wants a love and family more than anything, but he's afraid to admit his feelings. When words cause one of them to run, can they find their way back to each other. Is the risk worth the reward? I loved this story! Isaiah is big, quiet, sexy and funny. Victor is beautiful, sexy and proud to be who he is. He wears makeup and speaks his mind about the LGBTQ issues in the community. Isaiah's son is gender fluid and he loves having Victor around. They just get each other. I loved that each man has a best friend to confide in and tell them when they are being stupid! Overall, I laughed, cried, smiled a lot, got all tingly and was overcome with joy at the end! 

"Your husband is fucking hot."

"Holy shit. If that's how you look at him when he has his clothes on, then we'll never get you out of bed once the season starts." 

He tasted so good, like whisky and Isaiah, sin and redemption. He surrendered, melting against Victor with a moan that spoke of the nights they'd spend apart.

There are a couple of elements here that appeal--the convenient marriage of course, and Evan's character, so earnest and strong--but the delivery was a little too sweet, a little too sappy for me.

Victor is a hero, of course. He braves bullies and uncertainty to speak out against hate crimes. This part of the story was important. Social commentary in romance novels is welcome, as long as the facts are right, and the tone suits the overall feel of the book. Here it works with Victor facing his own demons. He also sees himself as a role model for kids like Evan. That relationship is nicely developed and one I enjoyed.

Isaiah worried me. His initial reaction to Victor is completely physical, and his whole reason for refusing to give himself completely over to him is because he lost one husband and doesn't think he could survive a second heartbreak. Fair enough, I guess, but at some point (sooner, preferably) he needed to own up to his feelings and communicate them. I was very grateful for the grand gesture, because he says some very hurtful things at about 85%, and he really needed to redeem himself.

This is light and predictable, and full of romance fantasy. Two rich boys who have the capacity to change lives, but who take an awful long time to sort their own out. Oh my.

Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. His Convenient Husband will be released on Oct 9.

I adored this super angsty story which surprised the hell out of me because me + angst = RUUUUUUNNNNN!!!! lol

Isaiah, an NFL football player, and Victor, an openly gay Russian ballet dancer, spend one steamy night together but Isaiah is still pining over his husband three years after his death. He had the real deal and lost it. He's afraid that going through that kind of loss again would break him and his son Evan is his #1 priority. No relationships for him.

When Victor, who has been an outspoken advocate about his country's treatment and torture of gays, doesn’t get approved for asylum, Isaiah makes an impulsive decision to get married so Victor can stay in the US rather than face danger and possible death going back home. It’s just an arrangement – they will just be friends and then go their different ways once the asylum comes through.. And really, surprisingly, despite their one night together and obvious desire for each other, that’s what happens for most of the book.

Despite their differences, Victor and Isaiah had a wonderful chemistry and friendship that developed during the course of the book. It wasn't all based on sex (although there are sexy times).

I really loved Isaiah's son, Evan, and his relationship with Victor and how that woke Isaiah up to the struggle Evan was going though as a bisexual/bi racial teen who bends gender norms. It was something that Isaiah thought he shielded Evan from by placing him in an elite, *progressive* school. Evan was so damn huggable, brave, open and honest.

Victor is just the sweetest man and had given up any chance at love or family when he became a ward of the Russian government in exchange for a career in the ballet. Marrying Isaiah to get asylum gives him a glimpse at what he could have if only Isaiah will take the chance.

Soooo...like I said - this book is SUPER angsty but I felt like I understood where both men were coming from even when they lashed out. And boy does Isaiah lash out. Some readers might have a hard time with him but I got it.

I would have given this one 5 stars if it weren't for a few nitpicks.

1) There were a few scenes at the beginning that just cut off 

2) The end is a clear HEA but I wish we could have seen them together - happy as a family a bit more.

Despite those few quibbles I LOVED this. It was very emotional and I was so rooting for them to make it in the end.

I'm definitely looking into this author's other books because anyone who can make me like angsty romance is a winner in my book.

Reading the blurb was like reading a wishlist I've had in my head forever, everything about it screamed to me that this is a book I need right now...unfortunately it didn't really come together the way I hyped it up in my head.

Note: when I read/reviewed this book the blurb said Victor was genderfluid, that has since been removed (bc there's zero indication in the book of any kind of genderfluidity when it comes to Victor) but it was the main reason I was excited to get my hands on this story. My rating does reflect the lack of rep I was expecting & my disappointment with lines like "dancers of both genders" in a book that wants to include diverse rep.

There were several instances of casual slut shaming which I'm so tired of reading, find something new /:

The wedding/reveal all felt anticlimatic & almost clinical, I hate saying this but it was really just...boring

There were times it was hard to figure out who was being talked about... I'm not good identifying what tense/voice is being used in a book but I do know that I didn't enjoy what was used here, it almost felt like it kept changing?!?

I hit chapter 10 (45ish %) and just wanted to dnf from boredom...nothing happens, there is nothing exciting hooking me):

The way Isaiah treated Victor abt his activism was gross, this is something he knew beforehand & was pretty vile abt throwing it in Victor's face. 

Overall, this was a boring story lacking in any real conflict (the conflict that did exist was forced & didn't feel inline with the character) or excitement, there was no depth. I didn't really care abt either MC and quite honestly wished they'd it skipped ahead 3yrs &  just walked away from each other.

Before I started this one I read several critical reviews on it so I must admit I started with some apprehension.  After reading the story I have to say I'm glad I don't always listen to the naysayers.  I absolutely loved this book.  I thought this was a wonderful M/M romance that not only gave me a wonderfully entertaining story but also reminded me how important it is to live life just as you are.

Isaiah Blackwell is a man who have known great love in his life.  The pain of losing that love has been overwhelming but he's moved on with life for the sake of his son.  One thing is for sure, he'll never risk loving like that again.  Then Victor Aleksandrov enters his life and nothing will ever be the same.  They are complete opposites.  Isaiah is quiet, reserved, and very private.  Victor is loud, flamboyant, and outspoken.  When a one night stand turns into a marriage of convenience these two have to learn to live in each other's worlds.

I would definitely recommend this one!