This book was everything I wanted and more! I have been waiting to learn about the Russian and his wife since the first time I read the Bromance Book Club. I am obsessed with the Bros and wish I had a group of guys who loved me as much as the Bros love their wives. I also love how close they are with each other. I am so happy to finally learn Vlad's story and I cannot wait to read Colton's books and to see what the Bros get into!

I'm sad to say but this book never hit the mark for me.
I had big expectations, but the book started to fizzle early on and I lost interest midway through. Sadly I didn't connect with either Vlad or Elena, the plot failed to pull me in and the romance actually felt like an afterthought to everything else.
It's disappointing but the charm of the bromance book club has officially dried up and I don't think I will continue reading this series.

It was ok. I enjoyed it. More then some of the others in the series. Worth the read. Good Quick rom com

This series has my heart ya’ll💕 I remember from book one that I thought it would be so cool if the Russian had his own story and let me tell you Lyssa Kay Adams DELIVERED👏🏼⁣
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The story was so heartwarming and fast paced—before I knew it I was halfway down with the book⁣
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I adored the characters and would find myself just smiling at the book

The Bro in the know when it comes to romance needs all the help he can get for his own ticklish situation when his wife threatens to defect. The Russian! I have been all sorts of excited for Vlad to get his story since book one, The Bromance Book Club. Were my expectations too high? Stick around!
Review

Isn’t It Bromantic? is book four in the Bromance Book Club. This latest contemporary romance is a self-contained romance, but reader, you don’t want to miss getting to know The Russian from the beginning.

So Vlad aka The Russian married Elena, his childhood friend, in a marriage of convenience to help her out after her dad, a journalist, was killed back in Russia. She has been living in Chicago attending uni while he has continued his hockey career. Somewhere along the way, Vlad fell in love and he goes for broke and tells her that he wants a real marriage when she finished school. Poor romantic bro was shot down cold. Elena is planning to return to Russia and wants a divorce. But, a drastic injury sidelines Vlad and Elena rushes to Nashville to help care for him. Vlad isn’t feeling so optimistic or romantic at the moment.
With the aid of Vlad’s The Loners widowed women friends and the Bromance Clubbers, this pair might stand a second chance- that is if the danger from Elena’s past doesn’t put a permanent end to their chances.

Vlad is the most adorable, romantic man and it is even better because on the outside he’s a big, hulking hockey player. He’s worked out his gastronomic troubles though he still adores his cheese and there is a mysterious ‘The Cheeseman’ going about that catches the attention. From romance fan to author, he impresses even more. But, ugh, he and his gal fall into the dreaded romance novel trap of miscommunication. Instead of talking things out, they get vulnerable and bite their tongues when they have a great opportunity this last chance while stuck together.

Honestly, I was appalled that Elena shut him down so hard in the beginning and it took a bit for me to even care if she got this wonderful guy, but her story comes out later and it’s worth withholding final judgment for. The Bromance guys which includes a new one, Colton, gave her a chance and gave good advice to Vlad just as his group of widow friends do. Turns out I could end up cheering for this pair hard and loved the combo of marriage of convenience with friends to lovers and that sizzle of attraction that showed up when they were together.

The middle was a little laggy to me in one spot, but it didn’t stay that way for long so I had a splendid time with this romance. I’m glad to know that this didn’t turn out to be the end of the line and a few other Bromance Clubbers are going to find their happy in their own way. The books are a combo of light and fun with serious struggles in the variety of romances that appear in the series. I can definitely recommend these to other contemporary romance fans.

I rec’d this e-ARC from Berkley Romance to read in exchange for an honest review

It’s finally time for the Russian’s story! It feels like it’s been a long time coming to get to see more of Vlad than just his bowel problems.

Vlad, AKA the Russian, married his childhood best friend Elena to help her get out of Russia after her father’s disappearance (he was a journalist). He was OK with the marriage of convenience at the beginning, but then eventually joined the Bromance Book Club with a goal of learning how to make his wife fall in love with him. Elana seems like she’s ready to move on and let Vlad find a new life of his own. The Bromance Book Club plus the meddling widows living near Vlad, called the Loners, decide to join forces and help Vlad and Elena find their happily ever after. Although Elena’s past life intrudes and puts the happy ending into question.

Full disclosure: I’ve had mixed feelings about this series thus far. I really enjoyed the first book (The Bromance Book Club) and gave it 5 stars. Then I DNF’d the second book (Undercover Bromance) before enjoying the third one again (Crazy Stupid Bromance). I definitely went into this story with a bit of trepidation, even if I was really excited to get to know Vlad better and have his character really fleshed out into an actual person. I was not disappointed! We got to know Vlad and Elena and see the baggage they each brought into their relationship. We also got to see Vlad try to write his own romance novel (how cute!). Of course, the bros couldn’t help but get involved. Even though the choices Vlad and Elena made were often frustrating, I could understand how they came to make those decisions so I could still root for them to end up together.

I did have a couple of issues with the story. Throughout the book, the bros were super open in their communication and shared literally everything and never judged one another. While I appreciate their healthy emotional lives and how this series seeks to show the problems with toxic masculinity and how men can actually express their emotions, it felt a bit unrealistic for it to be totally perfect. No teasing at all in hard moments? Really? I also struggled with the subplot of Elena’s past and what she was working on. Why is this story another romantic suspense (kind of)? I thought that genre was covered with Undercover Bromance and we were going to get something else in this book. Although it didn’t make me dislike the book as a whole, it was frustrating to watch Vlad have tons of really in-depth emotional conversations with the bros but basically zero of them with Elena until he was forced into it by her past. If he was really as emotionally mature as the rest of the story tried to show us he is, and they were really former best friends, I think they would have had a real conversation earlier.

Overall, however, I did enjoy the story and would definitely recommend it for people who have liked the previous books in the series. It was nice to see some of the previous couples pop back up throughout this book. I hope we get a chance to see the other members of the Bromance Book Club get their happily ever afters. I also want to see more of the Loners and learn more about them so they become more 3D characters instead of just caricatures. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we hear news about another book soon!

It's getting harder and harder to talk about this series without just spoiling all of it but here we go.

I know this particular book has been hit or miss for fans of the Bromance Book Club but I really enjoyed it! The thing about this series is that because we see so much toxic masculinity in the real world, you kind of have to suspend your belief in order to see these men as actual humans. Which I think is part of the point.

For Elena and Vlad, (wait, was this a Vampire Diaries reference?) a lot of their story felt either too slow or too fast. Yet at the same time, the way it was told worked for me? Yeah, I don't understand it either. And the end was VERY real. Like a weird hostage situation that was so unrealistic that I'm just completely stunned by it still. I think it was all glossed over a little too much to make the plot stand out.

That's the thing about this series. It tackles some seriously DEEP topics while also being completely ridiculous at the same time. And I feel like the plot in this one, in particular, was off balance.

I don't know if there's going to be more from this series (but from the amount of Colton we got in this book and him being the remaining single member, I can guess so) but I would absolutely pick up the next installment.

My favorite of the series! The Russian is solid book boyfriend material.

The Bromance Book Club series are perfect beach/vacation reads: page turners that leave you wanting more so you can't help but finish in one or two sittings.

Thank you for approving my request for an early copy. I had such fun reading it.

I'm obsessed with this series and this book was a great addition to the series! I'm so glad they made the Russian relatable and more than just his gastric issues!

Like many people, the Russian has been a favorite of mine throughout the whole Bromance series. So I was so happy to get his story in Isn’t It Bromantic and I am happy to report I loved it.
Vlad is so sweet and sensitive and I love having a whole book about him. It was so great to get some more insight into his life. I loved how many groups of friends he had, it just shows what a wonderful person her was. This book of course had the bros, but there was another cast of side characters who were very entertaining. I loved Vlad and Elena’s story. It might have been difficult to make Elena likable, given how loved Vlad is, but I will admit I really liked her. She was strong and snarky and it was clear how much she loves Vlad.
As with all these other books, this one does a great job of making romance about feminism. I love the discussion of the toxicity in our culture and the societal norms. These books show that men can be sensitive and masculine at the same time.
I don’t know if there will be more books in the bromance series, but I really hope there are, Colton perhaps.

This series continues to delight! I'm so jazzed The Russian finally got his own story. Adam's romances are meta and witty. The pacing in this book was a bit different from the rest of the series, but the strengths are all still present: the fantastic cast of characters, charming world building and great romance. Vlad and Elena's HEA felt well-earned. Long live the Bromance Book Club!

This series is fast becoming one of my favorites. I can't keep the books in stock and the waiting lists are a mile long. The books are hilarious, the romance steamy, and I keep waiting for more!

I want to apologize in advance. I tried reading this book and it really wasn't like Ms. Adams's other "Bromance" books. I was really looking forward to the Russian's book, but in the end it did not work for me.

Isn’t it Bromantic? 🏒

Lyssa Kay Adams does it again!
Thank you to @berkleypub @berkleyromance #partner for a gifted copy!

I have been obsessed with this series since the beginning when I begged @berkelyromance for a copy of The Bromance Bookclub and every book since then has not disappointed!

I have been waiting for Vlad’s story from the start!
He absolutely cracked me up with his bowel issues (nurse humor right here) and I just knew he was an absolute fluff ball deep down.

This story had you hoping for love, it had you on the edge of your seat with Elena’s decision, and it had you filled with worry at the end of the book!
I adored the audio version of this book and thought the voices were done perfectly!

Thank you again @berkleyromance!
Definitely add this one to you TBR!

I was so nervous about finally getting The Russian’s story…he quickly became one of my favorites in the Bromance Book Club and I needed his story to be fantastic…spoiler alert: IT WAS.

Adams chose to use the marriage of confidence and friends to lovers plot together and OMG CHEF KISS PERFECTION. I loved the dialogue she created around sexuality and virginity for both men and women and how toxic it can be. I loved how complex the Russian was as a character, and his wife was right there with him in complexity.

I cannot wait for others to read this one! Might be my favorite of this series!

I have been waiting for this book since reading the first Bromance Book Club back in 2019. Isn’t It Bromantic? follows Vlad, “The Russian”, a professional hockey player who made friends in Nashville by joining the Bromance Book Club. This “secret” book club is composed of Nashville's big hitters, who are trying to understand the women in their life and be better partners to them. Vlad has always been a bit of a mystery in the previous books, but he was there to support his friends. Now it’s time for his friend to help him. Vlad has been married to Elena for five years and although they were childhood friends, their marriage is one of convenience. Vlad asked Elena to marry him in order to get her out of Russia and as far away from the corruption that led to her father’s disappearance. Vlad wants to pursue a relationship with Elena but she is hesitant and feels like a burden upon Vlad. However, when Vlad has an accident that halts his hockey career, Elena sees this as an opportunity to pay back old debts. Being in close proximity reignites a childhood romance that has been complicated by the present. I thoroughly enjoy The Russians' story. I had high expectations and Lyssa Kay Adams did not disappoint. This book was emotional, heartfelt, and had an intriguing mystery/suspense storyline that kept me engaged.

Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Isn’t It Bromantic? {partner}

Genre: Romance
Trope: Forced Proximity
Pub Date: 7.20.21
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Steam Rating: 🔥🔥

“People only let misunderstandings linger when they’re afraid to talk about them.. or when they’re too afraid to hear the truth.”

Ahhhh, after three books, my favorite character FINALLY has his own story. Throughout the entire Bromance series, I have always loved when Vlad makes his appearance in the book - he’s sweet, hilarious and genuinely wears his heart on his sleeve.

I couldn’t have asked for a better storyline surrounding his character. I loved the introduction of Elena into the crew and how they immediately brought her into their circle of friends. Then there are the Loaners, and oh my gosh, they were the PERFECT addition to this book.

🤣 Pages that had me snorting/crying with laughter
🐓 Vlad and Hazel (the chicken) was when I knew he would be my new book bf
🗣 A lot of miscommunication or lack of communication between Vlad and Elena
😍 Why are there not more guys like the Bros?
💗 Did I mention how much I love Vlad??

I recommend you read Isn’t It Bromantic if you enjoyed any other books from the Bromance series.

Thanks to Berkley Pub for the arc!
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One sentence review: How can you go wrong with a romance where the hero is a hockey player, a romance writer, the biggest cinnamon roll around, and has his Bromance Book Club around for moral support?⁣
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If you are a fan of the Bromance Book Club series, you have no doubt been waiting in high anticipation of the Russian's story. And in my eyes it did not disappoint. The basic story is that Vlad and his wife are in a marriage of convenience. However Vlad wants more from his marriage. And with the Bromance Book Club involved you can just imagine the shenanigans involved.⁣
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My thoughts:⁣
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- While this book is a series I do think it could stand alone. You won't know all the backstory on the different Bromance club members but I don't think that would detract from the larger story.⁣
- The highlight of this book for me is Vlad. He is just a character you can't help but love.⁣
- As always the book club plays a big part in this one. I feel like in this book the club as a whole didn't feel quite as frantic, which is great in my viewpoint. They are really there to support their friend in his time of need.⁣
- This book delivers what I expect from the Bromance series: interesting characters, a tight knit male support group, male characters really trying to do their best by the women they are in love with, and finally an appreciation of romance writing in all forms.⁣
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Long story short - if you are a Bromance fan, you'll want to pick this one up soon. It is probably one of my favorites of the series. I just ❤ The Russian.

Isn't It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams is the long awaited story of 'The Russian' aka Vlad! There is a lot of mixed feelings for Vlad among the book lovers of this series. He's always been known as the foreign member of the group who says silly things, loves animals, and really shouldn't be eating cheese. In this book; however, we see a completely different side to him. He's a giant softie who wears his heart on his sleeve.

From the previous books in the series, we learn that Vlad is married and honestly, I've always been curious about his wife. With that being said, I was surprised that Vlad's marriage was one of convenience.

Elena's character, I have to say I found her kinda of cold and in the beginning it was difficult to connect with her because of this. It wasn't until I read her story and understood her struggles and why she was closed off that I felt empathic towards her.

This was definitely a slow burning romance between best friends. Of course, there was a lack of communication and misunderstanding from the start of their marriage that I was not particulary fond of, which is reflected in my overall rating for this novel. I truly believe if it were not for Vlad's injury, his marriage with Elena would not have been saved. In the end, I loved how Vlad opened up his heart by writing a romance book that reflected his own love story—I want to read Promise Me on its own!!

Isn't It Bromantic? had me swooning and feeling giddy! It was not my absolute favorite in the bunch but I equally enjoyed it. On top of it being a romance story Lyssa added elements of suspense and some unexpected twists. She knows how to bring the funny and the bromance, their epic moments being highlights for this series!

Supposedly, this is the last book in said series, but I have to say NO! There's one character that I feel needs his story to be told *cough* Colton *cough*. So please, Lyssa if you're reading this... give the guy his romance story!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

I loved being back with the bromance bookclub members. I love their meetings and I love the men’s banter so much. I didn’t know what to expect with Vlad’s story, I felt like he was the most difficult man of the group to connect with because we didn’t really know too much about him. Learning about his story with his wife just proves what a sweet man he is.