What an upheaval. The book I knew the least about, and was SO very unsure of, ends up being maybe my favorite of the series? Could it be? I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Russian’s book, but I found myself enjoying every moment. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared after speaking out against government corruption, she escaped danger the only way she knew how. She agreed to marry her childhood friend, Vladimir, and move to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.
Vlad, aka The Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But after four years, it’s become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he’s learned is that he deserves more. He’s ready to create his own sweeping romance–both on and off the page.
The Bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love–and this time they’re not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad’s senior citizen neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves The Loners. Just when things finally look promising, the danger from Elena’s past life intrudes, and the book club will face their first-ever life-or-death grand gesture as they race to a happy ever after
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I feel like we have known probably the least about the Russian this entire series. But with Isn’t it Bromantic? Adams changes all that. Adams weaves a story about emotional vulnerability, second chance romance, and childhood crushes all in one. Talk about a story that was going to tug at every heart string I have. Combine that with the fact that I was so drawn to this book once I saw the heart of Vlad. I felt like before he was kind of used as a punchline and comic relief, but in this book we see the softness of his heart.
All these thread of love, yearning, and fear. The ways that, yes we have made a mistake of it, but it also takes another person to be willing to hear our apology. After Isn’t it Bromantic? I think Vlad might be my favorite of the Bromance Book Club – what a comeback! Plus this rich cast of side characters enhanced this almost family like feel that Adams has been establishing. And don’t get me started on how much I enjoyed Elena’s POV.
I adored the ways that you can see each of their feelings. The ways they think they’re being clear, but we can see the fog. How we misinterpret intentions and actions which are buried under layers of our own insecurities. My love for Isn’t it Bromantic? is partly born from the super precious characters and romance, but also the feel of friendship and family Adams has been cultivating. If you’ve been enjoying the emotional nuance, the second chances, and the side characters, then this is a go!
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