Since being introduced to The Russian in the first book, I have been eagerly (and not so patiently) wanting him to get his own book. Well, my lovelies, my prayers were answered! Known for his flatulence and sweet demeanor, Vlad (aka The Russian) is a professional hockey player who brings heart and humour to his group of romance lovin' friends. In the past Vlad's bowel issues have created some funny scenes but we forego his ill-mannered bowels this time out. They are handled with a quick explanation and fix because nothing puts a damper on romance like farts and bowel problems, am I right?
In this fourth installment, the focus is on Vlad and his estranged wife Elena who have a long, complicated bond and a marriage of convenience. Adams gives them a great backstory, depth and a delicious slow burn romance that features a couple of popular tropes - friends to lovers (my fav) and miscommunication. I'll admit the miscommunication went on a bit long, but my bigger beefs were the subplots involving Elena's dad and the 'book within a book' which muddled things up unnecessarily.
This is a great addition to the series. With heart and lots of humour, this is the perfect fit for readers looking for a RomCom series that's a little different from the rest. I love that it features a group of men who support each other and confidently explore their emotional sides. A revelation!! When the first line of a book has you giggling out loud, you know you're in for a treat.
I'm placing my bets that the next book features country singer Colton. *fingers crossed* If you haven't read this fun series, I highly recommend reading it in order.
My Rating: 4 stars
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Series: #4 in the Bromance Book Club series
Genre: RomCom, Romance
Type and Source: Trade Paperback from public library
Publisher: Berkley Books
First Published: July 20, 2021
Opening Lines: It's all fun and games until someone shits their pants.
Book Description from GoodReads: With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad took up the pen to write a novel the Bromance Book Club would swoon over.
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.
