Thank you NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have to be honest, this wasn't my favorite in the series, it was a quick read and I breezed through it but I wasn't obsessed. I still think the first few books in this series were the best and they've kind of fallen off as it has gone on.

This was childhood friends/marriage of convenience and although I adore these characters and the humor everything about this one felt a little bit predictable and easy. I didn't feel the tension in the conflict and the last few chapters just felt like an easy way to create some hype/action.

It all just felt a little too easy and in the end I just felt a bit bored. Not to say that the writing was bad, I love the cast of characters, and I always get a good laugh out of the banter but this romance just wasn't for me. Overall, not terrible but not nearly my favorite.

Isn’t it bromantic? By Lyssa Kay adams is the 4th installment in the Bromance book club series. This book follows Vlad and Elena as they navigate their “fake” marriage and all that it entails.
As Elena prepares to graduate from her masters program in Chicago, she decides that she needs to go back to Russia and finish the story that her father died trying to complete. By doing so, she has asked Vlad for a divorce so they can each have a clean slate and go on with their lives.
As Elena is getting ready to fly back to Russia, Vlad has an accident on the ice and is injured, making it so that he needs a care giver while he is healing.
Rife with miscommunications and insecurities, Elena and Vlad try to find the friendship/love they once had before everything went wrong.

The story in itself was engaging. However, the author included some themes that were jarring and took away from the overall story. To the point, I can tell you in detail which parts got under my skin but I can tell you very little of the nuances of the story. Don’t get me wrong, some of these are important topics that need to be discussed, however, they have a time and place. Romance novels are not that place. People read romance novels to escape the real world/ politics of everyday life. Your demographic is looking for fluff. If they want real world they will get non-fiction/general fiction where these themes have a place.
In all honesty, this book would’ve been a 4 star for me. It was a quick read, for the most part, and was somewhat engaging. However, it was knocked down to 2 stars because I feel like the author wasn’t true to her genre, had to incorporate her political agenda ((which FYI, is why people don’t like journalists)if you read the book you’ll understand) and the last 20% of the book was a struggle.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

QOTD: How do you feel about reading books in a series out of order?

In a perfect world, I prefer reading books in a series in order. I’ve been that way ever since I’d not so patiently wait for the latest Sweet Valley or Babysitters Club book to drop. It’s not like either series were required to be read in order. As anyone whose ever read a Babysitters Club book knows, they reintroduced those girls EVERY. DAMN. TIME.

Still, that doesn’t stop the perfectionist in me from wanting to read books sequentially. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way.
Case in point, the latest release in the Bromance Book Club series. I’ve read (and enjoyed) the first installment, but life, NetGalley, library holds etc have prevented me from reading books 2 and 3 yet. But this one I had to finish for a buddy read and for NetGalley, so I forged ahead.

This installment of the Bromance Book Club centers around Vlad, the Russian athlete/ fledgling novelist with a heart of gold. For years, Vlad has been married to his childhood best friend, Elena. He’s always held a torch for his friend and vice versa, but miscommunications along the way have kept the two in a strictly platonic (and frustrating) friend zone.

Elena has given up on believing Vlad will ever want a real marriage with her, so in typical rom com fashion, they sidestep each other and make assumptions instead of just dealing with the issue at hand. If they had though there wouldn’t be this novel, and nobody wants that.

One day Elena announces she wants a divorce and to return to Russia where she can become a journalist of justice, just like her father. But then an injury sidelines Vlad, putting the trip home on hold. Can Vlad muster the courage to tell Elena his true feelings before it’s too late?

I enjoyed the story of Vlad and Elena, but what makes this series so enjoyable is the vulnerable friendship between the men in the club. They are adorable and earnest and of course, seem downright perfect. This book also left me with a hankering to try some new Russian dishes, but I digress.

Thanks to @netgalley and @berkleypub for letting me hang out again with the gang!

I absolutely adored this one! It might be my favorite of the series. The friend group was stronger and funnier than ever. Elena makes me want to cook all of the things, and Vlad is so stinkin' sweet.

We're getting Colton's story next, right?

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the free ebook!

Now, say hello to my favorite of the series! To be fair, I’ve probably said that each time, but this time it feels extra true. I’ve always loved Vlad and connected to him on a very deep & digestive level. He is so emotional, thoughtful, and funny. The friend group outdoes themselves in this installment, defying gender stereotypes, being hilarious, and taking such good care of one another.

A marriage of convenience mixed with a sports romance, childhood friends, and a bit of forced proximity situation…so many things I love.

Everyone was waiting for The Russian’s story, and it did not disappoint. I will say, however, that I am super hoping she writes Colton’s story next…this can’t be the end!

If you haven’t read this series yet, hop to it. All four are the perfect romcoms.

p.s. I made Russian pancakes. I found a recipe on Pinterest that sounds like Elena or Vlad could have written it. I subbed ricotta cheese for farmer’s cheese (because I don’t have a cheese hookup – IYKYK) and I topped them with a raspberry sour cream & blueberries. They were delicious, and I never want to eat a traditional pancake ever again.

I love this series, but this book by far is my favourite. I have loved Vlad since the first book and am so glad that he got his own book and I loved reading about his relationship with his wife as he wants things to become real, just as she has decided to return to Russia. When an injury forces them together again they are made to deal with their feelings and what they truly want.

I loved the development of Vlad and Elena's relationship as well as the also present Bromance that is truly the real heart of this series and is why I keep coming back book after book. This book was also action filled which was fun as well as Vlad's own take on penning a novel.

This book is so good! Seriously, stop reading this review now and go read it! This is the 4th book in the Bromance Book Club series. They're all good so go read those as well. This story focuses on Vlad and his sort of wife, Elena. I've been waiting for this story and it definitely did not disappoint. I just love the scenes with all the members of the book club. I could seriously just read a story of them, they're so funny! Aside from that, I really like the romance and chemistry between Vlad and Elena. I would definitely recommend!

Oh my how I love the Russian. Vlad is the one who has always made me laugh so hard in these books and I am so glad he got his own story!

Vlad and Elena are childhood friends from Russia and they have a marriage of convenience only (which isn't totally true as Vlad has always loved her). They haven't lived together for 6 years but when Vlad is injured in a hockey game, she vows to stay and take care of him until he's back on his feet.

In this book, the book club isn't reading a romance novel, they are trying to help Vlad finish a romance story that he's writing. But as all the rest, this book being written will help in his relationship with Elena I love their book club meetings for this one! I think my favorite side "bro" in this is Colton. I really hope he gets a story!

This was another fun addition to the Bromance series.

I liked getting to know the Russian more and seeing his relationship with Elena progress.

But really what made this book were the scenes with the book club. I especially loved the scene when the guys were talking about the different type of kisses in romance books. *swoon*

There was also a great comedy with The Cheese Man. That little element had me giggling.

I will say there were a few eye rolls with the story line featuring Elena’s search for what happened to her father (a journalist in Russia) and her progress in following up on his last story. It just felt a little too perfect.

Overall, a fun sweet story about love and created family.

I gave the last two books in this series 3 stars, and was going to be done with it, but then I saw this next book is the Russian's book, and. Well. I clearly needed to read it. And oh my gosh, I am SO GLAD I did! This is my favorite book in the series by far.

I loved finally getting Vlad (aka the Russian)'s story (and am so glad he got his GI issues figured out!) Marriage of convenience isn't a trope I see much on contemporary romance, so it was great to see this spin on it! This book basically plucked my heart out right from the first chapter and I was DEEP in my feels through the entire thing. If you're into mutual pining, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. Stop reading this review and go pick up the book. I mean it. GUH. Just... gutted. I got to the 80% point and was like "I would like the book to just end now please. They seem happy enough. I don't know if my heart can handle the third act Black Moment." However, I'm so glad I kept reading. ("We always run for grand gesture.") The chemistry between Elena and Vlad is just... everything. I adore them. I love them to pieces. One of my favorite books I've read this year, I don't even have more words to say. Just go read it.

This is the fourth book in the Bromance Book Club series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, there are a lot of characters to keep track of and it's easier if you've read the first three. There are some spoilers for the first books as well.

DNF at 51%

Y'all, no one is more disappointed than me! I've really loved previous installments in this series but Isn't It Bromantic? just was not working for me. This is the story of Vlad (the Russian) and his sort of wife Elena. They are childhood friends who got married for visa purposes, so it's a marriage of convenience even though they secretly have feelings for each other.

I'll be honest, I wasn't feeling this for awhile, but I kept hoping it would get better. At the halfway point, I just don't think there's anything that would make this more than a middling read at best. The humor really isn't landing for me and the characters feel very flat. I love the idea of Vlad as this giant teddy bear, but in practice he and Elena are just really bland and lack chemistry. The jokes feel like they're too try hard.....yeah I'm unfortunately just not a fan. I wondered if it was me or my mood, so I switched to another romance and got fully sucked into it. So no, I don't think it's just me. Hopefully other's will enjoy this more than I did, but I think I'm going to pass on the rest of it. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I swear, this series gets better and better with each new release. When I picked up the first book in the series I expected a bunch of laughs and hijinks, especially given the title of the series as a whole and the premise that this was a bunch of guys getting together to research romance novels in order to help them with their love interests. And don’t get me wrong, there were some laugh-out-loud moments in The Bromance Book Club, but there was also a tender marriage in trouble romance with a heartfelt HEA. And since then this series has grown into something special.

This time readers get Vlad’s story, and I’m sure if you are like me, you were wondering just what was going on with his marriage and eager to finally meet his wife. The Russian hockey player, who is easy to laugh and cry, loves animals and has been a dedicated and loyal friend to this found family group of bromance book club members deserved nothing less than an epic love story.

When Elena first walked onto the page, I didn’t know what to expect exactly. She’s been mentioned so many times that I was intrigued, but seriously… who wouldn’t want the wonderfully soft-hearted Vlad? Who wouldn’t want to eat this man up with a spoon and come back for seconds? Who would stay away so long? Turns out Elena and Vlad have this incredibly complicated backstory that starts out in Russia and has continued on after their marriage in the United States. So much longing! So much miscommunication!

Just when Elena finally tells Vlad she wants a divorce and is headed back to Russia, he gets hurt in a game and she thinks this is her chance to take care of him and make up for all of the times she felt like she was a burden. Vlad has finally come to terms with the fact that his wife wants to leave him, but he also really wants her to stay. But while in the close quarters of a shared home, and with the help of all of their friends, this is the chance they need to work out all of their misunderstandings and actually talk. Get to know each other again. HAVE SEXY TIMES. Learn that their love for each other is real and true and worth everything.

This was a mix of marriage in trouble, forced proximity, and friends to lovers tropes and I really enjoyed my reading experience. There is a pretty dark external conflict having to do with Elena’s work as a journalist and her backstory with her dad, but it didn’t overshadow the main romance and actually made Elena’s motivations for returning to Russia make sense. I really loved this couple. The secondary characters all make appearances and there is a new group of outrageous, but loveable friends introduced. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we see them again in the future. Especially, Cheese Man.

This was another great addition to the series, and I wholeheartedly recommend.

I have enjoyed the Bromance Book Club so far and this was a great continuation. Vlad, the Russian hockey player had so far been the comic relief in the background and in this novel, we get his story. He is married to a woman (Elena) he has loved since childhood but marries so that she can come from Russia to this country. There are misunderstandings between the characters from the beginning of the marriage and Elena believes it is only a marriage of convenience while Vlad deeply loves her and always has. He has given her space to continue her education so they lived apart for many years.. She has asked for a divorce and is planning to move back to Russia when Vlad is injured in a hockey game and she becomes his caregiver. Vlad is writing a romance novel of his own after all the book club ideas he has gained and it reflects portions of his own situation. Sparks fly between Elena and Vlad but neither will admit there is more to the marriage than convenience. With the help of the book club guys and a group of neighbor women, the Loners, the romance grows. There is a bit of mystery and suspense but Vlad and Elena get their happily ever after.

This is a cute, fast reading romance where you root for the characters to come to their senses and realize how foolish they are being. Vlad is a great character who has been developing through the series from being the comedic relief to a serious, mature, sweet man. This book was entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

4.5 ⭐️

After a hockey accident, Vlad’s wife Elena is called and appears at his bedside. 6 years of of living apart, they are reunited. But, Elena decides to return to Russia after Vlad has recovered from surgery, leaving Vlad hurt, conflicted, using the Bromance Book Club to help him keep his girl. Will Vlad and Elena fix what their relationship?

I really enjoyed reading about Vlad’s story. He was a TOTAL SWEETHEART! It was infused with Russian culture, a lot of Russian culinary staples, and touched on immigration. The tenderness of their miscommunicated unrequited feelings were what made me sad and frustrated. But, Adams delivered such a touching second chance romance! It was of course great to be with the members of the Bromance Book Club again, too.

Short Review: YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Long Review: I've been a huge fan of the Bromance series starting from book one. I may have squealed in delight when I found out the Russian was going to get his own story. From the beginning, he has been one of my favorite characters. So, all that said, this one was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021. Did it live up to the hype I already assigned it?

Hell yes it did. I absolutely loved it.

You see, Vlad has a tiny secret. His marriage isn't what his friends think it is. It's falling apart. Vlad doesn't want to admit it, but he needs his fellow Bromance-ers help asap. Of course they are up for the challenge. Lovable and hilarious antics soon follow involving relationship advice, writing advice, and a dark underground drug.......er cheese house.

Seriously, get this one on your must read list! All the stars and all the love.

Another fantastic hit in the Bromance Book Club series. What can I say about a book that hits all the marks? It's funny, heart-warming, sticks to the rom/com tropes, sexy, and has happy ending. The book club guys are back and just as silly. They've been learning from the manuals and don't spend much time discussing what they've learned from them (which is what I love about these books). Looking forward to Malcolm's book. That's next, right?

Perfect book for someone looking for a modern, funny romance with a bit of silliness.

Only downside: I feel like the subplot of Elena's family and development as a journalist competed, instead of enhanced, the romance plot. It's as if the story was wearing two hats and each one took narrative power away from the other. But I'm giving it 5 stars anyway.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Isn’t It Bromantic is the lastest in the Bromance Book Club series but it is by no means the least. Like many other fans of the series, I was super excited to learn that we would be getting a book featuring the Russian, Vlad. I was even more excited when I found out his story would be centered around a marriage of convenience and childhood friends-to-lovers romance. Lyssa Kay Adams definitely delivered the goods with this one!

In the first book, Vlad is written as the butt of most jokes and the comedic relief. I’m so happy that his character has fleshed out as the series continued and in Isn’t It Bromantic we really get to explore him, his personality, and his character growth. There is so much more to him under the surface and I’m glad readers are able to finally see it.

I love a good romance story and this book was filled to the brim with some of the best tropes. Childhood friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, forced proximity; it’s all here and written splendidly! I really enjoyed watching Vlad and Elena work through their problems and finally find the love between them. Vlad is so deserving of a good love story and a happy ending and I could not be more thrilled for how it all worked out!

Isn’t It Bromantic is a wonderful addition to an already fantastic series of books. I highly recommend these to any fan of rom-coms. I haven’t heard any word yet, but I hope there are more to come in the Bromance Book Club!

Ahhh, the Russian's book!! What an absolute treat 😍 I know some readers are worried about Vlad being the hero when he's consistently been the comedic relief in the series. But trust me, LKA makes it work. This is now my favourite book in the series.

Vlad and Elena are childhood friends who entered a marriage of convenience 6 years ago. Vlad continued building his career as a professional hockey player, while Elena moved to Chicago for school. Now that Elena has finished her studies, she plans to go back to Russia to pursue her dream job as a journalist. But when Vlad gets injured, Elena returns to Nashville to help him recover.

OMG. The PINING. Holy. Moly. Vlad and Elena have been pining for each other for the longest time. They used to be best friends in Russia. They even grew up together. But their marriage of convenience and the subsequent long distance after they moved to America have made things awkward. Now, being in close proximity in the same house, Vlad and Elena have to finally face their fears and try to see if they can make this marriage work.

I enjoyed Vlad and Elena's romance so so so much. The pining. The angst. The chemistry. The love. The patience. Ugh. Vlad is a soft teddy bear of a hero and I LOVE HIM SO MUCH 😭 He's a cinnamon roll, too good and too pure for this harsh world. As for Elena, her traumatic past has taught her just how harsh the world can be. But Vlad is a reminder of all the good things in the world and she finally allows herself to open up to him.

Isn't it Bromantic is a slow burn romance. It's also angsty with lots of pining, but there is still the comedy we've come to expect from the bromance book club. Just be prepared for lots of mutual pining and angst! It works really well with Vlad and Elena's story 🥰

This was pretty cute! I've read the first book in this series, and then this one, so it can definitely be read as a standalone. Elena and Vlad are childhood friends in a marriage of convenience so that they can both escape their Siberian hometown. Despite being married for years, they've lived separately and had little contact. As Elena finishes up her degree and considers moving back to Siberia to work in journalism, like her father did, she asks Vlad for a divorce. Vlad is devastated because he's wanted a real marriage with Elena for years. After Vlad is injured, Elena takes care of Vlad, and miscommunications from the past come to light as they both realize basically that they're idiots.
I liked Vlad a lot, and he didn't really have any faults other than not putting himself out there. But Elena was a bit harder to like, especially because the reasons for her coldness were flimsy and frustrating at times. Her pushing Vlad away for years basically came down to a miscommunication, which is always frustrating. This book also has a kind of romantic suspense plot-line, which you wouldn't guess from the cover. What drew me to this book were the tropes, and I think they could have been executed a bit better.
Overall, a quick read full of a lot of fun tropes.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for this electronic advanced reader copy!

I love this series. The main thing I love about this series is the breaking down of male masculinity. These men read romance books to not only better help the women in their lives, but to get in touch with their sensitive side. Every time one of them says some along the lines of like "be a man," the others call them out and tell them to unlearn that and dig deep on why that was their reaction. LIKE... THANK YOU?

I have come to the understanding that second-chance romances are one of my favorite romances. This one is about how "The Russian" aka Vlad asked his childhood best friend to marry him and move to America with him to live a better life than what she was. With some miscommunication, they both are under the impression the other isn't in it for marriage. Vlad feels she doesn't love him because she never wants to be with him and actually moves cities. Elena feels Vlad married her more out of obligation instead of love.

There are so many hilarious parts in this. Like "The Cheese Man" when you get to it or helping Vlad out in the shower (not going to explain that further, just know it's the boys not Elena LOL).

I really enjoyed this one. I am so excited for the show!