Cover Image: Isn't It Bromantic?

Isn't It Bromantic?

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Member Reviews

This was another super fun installment in the Bromance Book Club series. I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed the romance/story very much. Now I’m reading A Very Merry Bromance.

I think my book slump is finally over!!! :)

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I am DNFing this whole series. I tried more than once but each book comes with a main character that I just dont like

Thanks to NetGalley / Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for a review.

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This is my favorite installment in the series! Second chance romances can be so hit or miss for me personally but I think that Adams did this one so well! The pacing was excellent, the side-characters really added to the story, and the romance between Elena and Vlad was so sweet. I think that any romance lover would really enjoy this book.

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I’m attempting to tackle my backlist of books I’ve meant to read, including finishing the book series I’ve meant to read. One of those book series is Lyssa Kay Adams Bromance Book Club. It’s time for me to finish reading this series, especially since I love that it is about men being part of a romance book club. I read the first three books in the series and picked up where I left off: Vlad’s book, Isn’t It Bromantic.

Storyline/My Thoughts: I loved Vlad’s character in the previous books in the series and was happy to hear that the Russian Hockey Player would get his book. This man has been a favorite in the series because he may come off as an intimidating, touch hockey player, but when you get to know him, he has a soft, romantic side. I learned more about his other side in this book when I found out why he married his childhood best friend and that the man not only reads romance books but he is writing his own romance stories. Readers will get sneak peeks of what he is writing and how the other guys in the romance book club are assisting him with this story. That’s not the main focus of the story, though.

Vlad’s marriage is in trouble with his childhood friend, Elena. He married her to get out of Russia and keep her safe after what happened to her father, but she has decided she wants a divorce and to return to Russia. She’s been attending a university in Chicago for a few years while Vlad focused on his hockey career, so they didn’t have a typical marriage. Elena knows she’ll be deported back to Russia once they divorce, and she’s okay with it. The issue is that Vlad and Elena can’t admit they have feelings for each other. When Vlad gets hurt on the ice and needs help recovering, Elena steps in to assist him, but Vlad doesn’t understand why she wants to help when she wants a divorce, but he’ll take her up on her offer, even if he’s heartbroken with her leaving him. There is a lot of back and forth with these two characters fighting the fact they have feelings for one another. It’s obvious from their POVs how much they care, but they are stubborn, especially Elena.

Sometimes I wanted to go through the book and talk with Elena about how she was making a mistake leaving Vlad. The man cared for her from the beginning by marrying her to protect her, but she decided it was wrong and she couldn’t stay with him. The whole reason she wanted a divorce and to return to Russia made me upset. I could sympathize with Vlad on his feelings regarding her wanting a divorce after what this man did for her. He was protecting her and had obvious feelings for her.

I’m not a fan of miscommunication in romance books, which this book had from the beginning. It was a lot of not communicating between both MCs, and there were times I wanted to DNF because of it, but I kept on because I wanted to know if Vlad would get his HEA. I kept thinking he deserved better the whole time, especially with what happened at the end of this book. Vlad was at fault, too, when reading his POV when it came to miscommunicating with Elena. The man kept how he felt from Elena the whole time, and it took his friends in the romance book club confronting him about his feelings for his wife.

What I enjoyed about this book, which stopped me from DNFing, was my investment in Vlad because I loved his character from the beginning of the series. I wanted this man to get his HEA, and I enjoyed getting his POV finally and finding out this man is all about caring for others. It saddens me to give this book 2.5 stars. It’s only due to the miscommunication trope and Elena’s character not being lovable, which is why it gets such a low rating.

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Bromance Book Club series.

Steam/Spice: 🌶

Genre/SubGenre(s)/Trope(s)/Element(s): Romance | Contemporary Romance | Romantic Comedy | Marriage of Convenience | Marriage in Trouble | Friends to Lovers | Virgin MMC | Miscommunication

Would I recommend this book? This book may have gotten a low rating from me, but other readers may enjoy it, so I recommend it to readers who enjoy the marriage of convenience trope and have read the other books in this series from Lyssa Kay Adams. If you are like me and don’t like miscommunication in books, then this book may drive you crazy, like it did me.

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If you are a devoted fan of the Bromance Book Club then this story is one you don't want to miss. This friends to lovers story is for anyone who believes in second chances and true love.

Elena Konnikova has finally finished her degree and made the decision to return to Russia and divorce Vlad. Does she really want to say goodbye? What exactly are the details of their marriage? When she shows up at a wedding, her future will be changed once again.

Vlad "the Russian" Konnikov is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the ice. A hockey player with a heart of gold and a passion for romance. A lover of romance fiction he will devour, discuss and digest the stories. When he finally confesses to his buddies the real reason he's a book connoisseur it will challenge them to resolve his issue.

When a sports injury sidelines him and he needs round the clock care, will he be able to handle Elena living in his house and helping him? The development of their relationship is tender, emotional, and adds layers to the group of men and the assumptions we might've had about this group of friends.

For the past six years, Elena has not stopped searching for the truth surrounding her father's death in Russia . Who can she trust? Faced with a difficult decision she will need to decide if she can find the courage to tell Vlad the truth about how she feels. Will they finally have a happy ending?

A spicy sweet, tender, and heartwarming story of a love that is pure. I loved the infusion of the story that Vlad is passionate about within this story. There is plenty of banter, witty one-liners, wisdom, and enough bathroom mishaps that will leave you plotting your next bath.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this advance reader copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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I remember when I first heard Vlad was getting his own book I thought, "You've gotta be kidding me. THAT guy?". But I am so glad I was wrong! This one was so sweet and we love a second change romance!

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This was such a pleasant surprise! This might even be my new favourite of the series. I was a little skeptical for the Russian to get his own story just because he wasn't really developed that much in the previous books, he was just comic relief really. But oh my goodness the romance between him and Elena, the tension, all of it was immaculate. I loved Elena as a character. It was soooo frustrating to see the lack of communication between them but it wasn't an annoying frustration if that makes sense. It made me want to keep reading because they both were so well matched and had each other in mind and that's what was keeping them apart. It was just a joy to watch their story develop, and of course with the great cast of supporting characters.

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In the windy city of Chicago, a group of wealthy influential athletes and businessmen solve each other’s girl troubles by turning to romance novels for guidance, advice, best practices, and grand gestures. In this fourth book in the series, hockey player Vlad, known for his moves on the ice, his stinkyness, and wise insights sets out to move the barometer of his marriage of with the childhood friend he’s in love with from “brink of divorce” to “the real deal” in this sweet and suspenseful second chance romance. When he gets injured, his wife steps in to assist him and it’s the opportunity they needed to reconnect and (finally!) consummate their marriage of convenience.

Vlad has been treated as comic relief in previous books, and it’s nice to see his character fleshed out with emotion and backstory, and for him to be more than the one with the flatulence of the one who misunderstands. Unfortunately, the plot revolves mostly around miscommunication and assumptions. The subplot of Vlad writing his own romance novel is very meta. Oh, and there’s Elena’s backstory, and the Russian mob, which adds another layer to the plot. But it’s the underground cheese ring is what made this book for me. Hilarious, sexy, and intriguing, the cheese man’s access to banned (illegal to import into the US) cheeses is what brings all the girls to the yard.

This series doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is best enjoyed in that vein. I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #IsntItBromantic from #NetGalley.

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If you’re looking for a romance featuring a big, burly hockey player who’s actually the sweetest, softest, squishiest cinnamon roll ever, this book is for you.

I have to admit, I didn’t pay all that much attention to Vlad in the previous Bromance Book Club books; to me, he was there for comedic relief with the occasional word of wisdom. I loved him so, so much in this book, though. He’s just the sweetest, softest, most loving guy, and I enjoyed getting to see more of his depth and growth. I wanted to knock his and Elena’s heads together on several occasions, but I also appreciated that their happily ever after was hard won. I loved the interactions between Vlad and the guys, and I enjoyed the overall mix of humour, emotion, friendship, and romance.

I think Isn’t it Bromantic might just be my new favourite Bromance book!

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All of the Bromance Bookclub series is absolutely wonderful and I can't wait for the next one!

What I loved:

1. Vlad is in love with his wife, but the problem is that they are a marriage on paper only. I loved his character and immediately fell for his bride as well so I immediately started hoping for their HEA. It was great to see these two stubborn people find love and make it work despite their initial hiccups.

2. Vlad was more of a comic relief in previous stories so it was nice to get to know his character and learn about his back story.

3. I loved revisting my favorite bros from previous books!

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My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available to me.

Enjoyable. It was nice to see the back-story of "the Russian", and it was entertaining enough if a bit predictable for the most part. I'm actually more interested in hearing the story of Vlad's next door neighbor crew of women than in hearing more about these rich and famous men who I have trouble relating to. Perhaps it's time for a side-series?

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The RUSSIAN!!!!! Need I say more?! Finally getting to read The Russian's story was absolutely everything I hoped for and more and I loved every single page.

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I've been reading my way through Lyssa Kay Adams Bromance Book Club series and have been looking forward to the infamous Russian's story since the start!

Isn't It Bromance? reminded me of what I loved about the first book in the series, and I think Adams particularly shines when writing romances that focus on two characters who deeply care about each other but also have a complicated history they need to overcome. I really loved the slow unveiling of Elena and Vlad's shared history, and the ways that they both worked so hard to make the other happy while often sacrificing their own happiness along the way. Them learning to connect, communicate, and fall in love was such a joy to read.

While the romance felt really strong, I was a bit let down by Elena's professional plotline. It felt as though it was an important aspect at the beginning and end of the novel and less so in the middle. The culmination of it also really surprised me in that it felt like a significant tone shift compared with other parts of the novel which were more light-hearted or emotionally angsty.

That said this is definitely my second favorite in the series and I hope to see Adams writing even more second chance romances!

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While Vlad, or "The Russian", has been mostly comic relief in the first few books in this series, he steps up as the protagonist in this volume, which is as deeply emotional and humorous as the previous volumes.

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Well, I'm awfully late with this review, but since reading this last year, I have picked it up and reread my fave parts at least three times. Which basically tells you how I feel about Lyssa Kay Adams and these characters. Vlad and Elena have the ultimate in communication breakdown problems, and their stoicism makes it impossible for them to actually have the relationship they both want. That's it. That's the story, in a nutshell. The rest is all just fun stuff with the Bromance Book Club, a hockey injury that requires Elena to come back into Vlad's life, and SO MANY roadblocks. And yeah, okay, a bit of suspense, but mostly, this is the story of two people who really really love each other, their big hearts, their love for Pushkin, and how they overcome. Is it good? Yes. But really must be read with the rest of the books in order to get the true depth of Vlad.

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I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but had a hard time with the second two. I found myself losing interest about halfway through and it was a challenge to finish it.

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I'm always excited when a new book comes out in this series, but unfortunately this one wasn't my favorite. I have been highly anticipating Vlad's story but I can't stand when the conflict in a romance is due to lack of communication, which is definitely the case here.

I did really like the banter between all the guys and it had some laugh out loud moments. Knowing Colton's story is next, I plan to read it as he is my favorite side character.

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I really enjoyed this 4th book in the Bromance Book Club series. I rolled my eyes a lot at Vlad''s character in the first book, but he grew on me a bit in book 2 and 3. I'm thrilled we got his story in this fourth book. I love romance books where the couple is married and working to improve their marriage. I enjoyed Vlad and Elena's story. They probably could have had a conversation much earlier and saved themselves a lot of hassle, but I was along for the ride. Also I didn't care much for the story in a story. Vlad was writing a manuscript and I don't think it added anything to the story. Still this was an enjoyable read.

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Another installment in this absolutely enjoying and endearing series! This times we learn more about the life of Vlad "The Russian". In the past he has brought us so much joy and laughs and had the biggest heart when it came to cheering the guys on in the love stories. And when it came to "grand gesture time", nobody ran faster or was their biggest supporter. But this time, he gets and deserves his HEA! I love him and the rest of the guys and love these books so much! If you haven't tried this series, where have you been?????!!!!!

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Okay, I’m going to be honest, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Vlad’s story at first, but I honest think this is my favorite Bromance Book Club story yet! I absolutely loved Vlad’s tender heart and his unwavering devotion to Elena. It was so beautiful and I never wanted this story to end!

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