Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills (Page 1 of 2)

BOOK REVIEW: Christmas Cupid by Ilsa Madden-Mills

November 6, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Christmas Cupid by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Dear Sneaky Santa,

I’d like to have a word about your sense of humor. Was it really necessary to stick me, a professional hockey player nursing an injury and avoiding the media, in an isolated cabin with a bratty, boot-designing princess who seems to have made it her mission to despise me? I mean, come on, what did I ever do to you?

And let’s talk about our first encounter. Was it your intention for her to barge in on me while I was enjoying a soak in the tub? It wasn’t exactly my finest moment, and I’m sure she didn’t appreciate the view of my massive body floundering around as I tried to grab a towel.

Now, I’m stuck with her, thanks to a mutual acquaintance, in the middle of a snow blizzard, navigating through bear attacks, sketchy neighbors, and whole lot of tension. I had plans, Santa, plans to escape to Cabo and forget about the world, not to be trapped with a woman who thinks I’m unworthy of her time just because she can’t stand hockey players.

Oh, and speaking of our delightful Iris, she’s stingier with her food than Scrooge was with his pennies! I’m not asking for a feast, but a guy’s got to eat! And could you possibly turn her yippy dog into a reindeer or something? It would certainly add to the Christmas spirit and save my eardrums.

I’m trying to rediscover the meaning of Christmas, and you throw me into this chaos? Is this some kind of test, or are you just having a jolly laugh up there in the North Pole?

So here’s my Christmas wish, Santa: sprinkle a bit of your magic and either get me out of here or be a Cupid and ignite a fiery, undeniable passion between us, because right now, this scenario is frostier than a snowman.

Slapshotting Through the Snow, Kyler Blanchette

Review:

Christmas Cupid was a forced proximity, heartwarming Christmas story. With snow falling, enemies to lovers and an adorable dog, this book was so easy to read in one sitting!

I pop a piece in my mouth as I lean against the island. “Come on, sweetheart. I’m too pretty to throw out like dirty dish water.”
She hoots. She actually hoots. “Hockey boys and their egos. You are pathetic.”
“Like water off a duck. And you are a bratty princess. Tell me, did those boots slide in the snow? Did you bring any real shoes?”
“I can shove this boot up your ass.”
I smile widely. Damn, I do like her spirit.

Iris’ brother was a hockey legend who let her have the cabin he had rented, so she could find some peace and Christmas joy. A year ago, the boyfriend she thought would be proposing on Christmas ended up dumping her and marrying somewhere else. And Iris had been struggling and moping around for the last year. I adored Iris right away. I loved her thoughts and that she talked to her little dog too! There were a few times I questioned her being a good dog mommy, but I still couldn’t help but like her. Especially when Iris’ alone cabin time was ruined when she walked in on Kyler taking a bath in the cabin that was supposed to be empty. Her reaction was so fabulous!

I’m not making the mistake of coming on to my teammate’s little sister, but damn if her lips don’t look so sweet…
Dragging my hands down my face, I take a deep breath. It’s cabin fever, driving me insane. That’s all.

Kyler played hockey with Iris’ brother and was offered the cabin too. He also was in desperate need of a break from his life. With a pinched nerve and surgery on the table, he was looking at being off the ice for the rest of the season. And that was eating him alive. So while my heart hurt for Kyler, I couldn’t help loving him the most. The way Kyler messed with Iris had me laughing out loud every single time he got a rise from her. Add in that he was beyond sexy without even trying, especially when he always seemed to be in some form of naked haha, and it was impossible not to fall for him. When Iris and Kyler got stuck at the cabin, because of a blizzard, I couldn’t wait to see their banter chemistry turn into more!

He’s everything I’ve sworn to avoid: my brother’s best friend, a hockey player, and definitely not my type. Yet there’s something about him that makes me feel like I’m having fun for the first time in ages.

With spice, holiday cheer, and banter, this book was so easy to devour! I loved how Kyler and Iris truly communicated and talked things out. And Rob/Puck stole the show time and again! If you’re looking for a quick read that will get you in the holiday spirit, and ends with a happily for now, this one may just do the trick!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Princess and the Player (Strangers in Love #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

November 8, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

Princess and the Player (Strangers in Love #2)
by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A masquerade ball brings together an NFL player and a penniless princess in this smart and sexy romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.

Levelheaded Francesca Lane never thought she’d miss her own wedding. But when her fiancé betrays her, she puts on her wedding dress and ditches the altar for a masquerade ball—at an exclusive lifestyle club.

There, she meets unknown-to-her NFL star Tuck Avery, dressed as a prince and hiding behind a mask—he’s there to celebrate his birthday. For one night, Francesca and Tuck indulge in a wickedly incognito affair. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.

Unfortunately, Francesca realizes quickly that her masked prince is the wealthy jock who lives in the penthouse of her apartment building. His hobbies include parties and supermodels—or so the tabloids say. Getting tangled up with a shallow jerk is the last thing Francesca needs right now, so she vows to keep Tuck from recognizing her (not that she’s his type anyway).

But fate has a teeny-tiny trick up her sleeve…a plus sign on a pregnancy test. Can this tormented prince accept love, or will he push his princess away forever?

Review:

Princess and the Player was a charming, romantic story. With two jaded characters, some steamy scenes, a surprise pregnancy and friends that will have you laughing out loud, this book was so much fun! If you adore adult sports romance, definitely put this one on your list!

“One night. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.”
“Deal.”

This story started us off in a sex club. Tuck was taken there by his best friends, for his birthday. And Francesca, looking like Princess Bride, ended up there after ditching her wedding because her fiancée cheated on her. When Tuck was challenged by his friends to win over the closed off Princess Bride, it led him to rescuing her from a complete jerk. After one thing led to another, they slept together. And it was unforgettable. For the both of them. Yet they left not knowing who the other was, but thankfully fate was on their side.

“Not sweet at all. See, I recall a girl who sat in my lap and fed me birthday cake. She said I slayed the pantyhose dragon. She was perfect.”
“I was drunk, and perfect girls don’t exist.”

I liked Francesca right away. She was a tattoo artist and painted too. Her past and situation with her ex just made me want to hug her and help her find her HEA! Especially when she found out she was pregnant, from her one night stand with a stranger. But I loved her positive attitude and those she surrounded herself with. Her made family was so heartwarming. So when she put the pieces together for who that mystery man was, a NFL player who lived in her building, I was screaming. And so nervous for her. Because there was still that chemistry there. Lots of chemistry. And it seemed that everywhere she turned, Tuck seemed to be there too.

He is everything I shouldn’t want, but . . .
I close the distance between us. My hands move up his chest and curl around his neck. My fingers tangle in his hair.

While Tuck fought so many demons and struggles, he was such a thoughtful gentlemen. He had a rough past and his parents shaped his idea of how he saw his worth in relationships and wanting love. He didn’t ever want commitment or a family. On top of that he didn’t have a ton of trust in strangers after dealing with a crazy stalker from his past. So Tuck was the ultimate player. And he never got attached. He also had a lot on his plate since he was old for being in the NFL. He knew his days were numbered, but that had been his world forever. Yet even with his dying career, he couldn’t seem to get Francesca out of his mind. Tuck wanted her again. And Tuck always seemed to get what he wanted.

I wanted anyone, someone, to just pick me.
I want him to pick our child. Would he?

As the pieces fell together and they figured out who the other was, I was laughing and even gasped out loud. Their banter was fabulous and I loved the ease they could talk to one another. And while they both had some steep walls, Francesca’s seemed even higher. So when she would give Tuck an inch, my heart would soar. But with jealousy, desire and friendship mixed together, they were explosive. And secrets were kept, by the both of them. So while there was a lot they had to conquer, I felt like this book had a good amount of angst. Neither too much or too little. It fit. And so did the fate between the two of them too. Francesca started to believe, but Tuck wasn’t there. I kept my fingers crossed for the both of them while they kept having steamy or heartwarming moments together.

“Francesca,” Mr. Darden says, then takes my shoulder. “My dear . . .”
I turn to him, and he wraps his arms around me. “My eyes are leaking again,” I whisper.
He gives me his handkerchief.

With a fabulous group of friends, it rounded out this story so well! I adored Jasper and his crazy ways. Darden was her grumpy elderly neighbor who made me smile. I adored Francesca’s friendship with Cece, it felt like they were sisters. And from the moment I met Gianna, I liked her right away! And I just have to say that you definitely don’t have to read the first book in this series, Beauty and the Baller, to enjoy this book at all. It can easily be read as a standalone but I can’t recommend that other book enough! And disclaimer, I didn’t read the synopsis so I had no clue this had the pregnancy trope. I love Ilsa’s books so I went in knowing nothing, other than it would revolve around a football player and I enjoyed every minute!

“I’m half-afraid you might disappear.” The words are barely a whisper, and I’m not sure she hears. I watch the slow rise of her chest as she drifts off. I’m in deep with her, and I’ve got no idea where we’re going. My fear? This is gonna hurt when it’s over.

If you’re looking for a romantic Kindle Unlimited book to binge, I definitely recommend Princess and the Player! With flawed and relatable characters, a heartwarming story-line, fun side characters and a fabulous HEA, this book was such a huge win! I can’t wait to read whatever Ilsa releases next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

About Ilsa Madden-Mills:

Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Amazon I Instagram I Mailing List I Goodreads I Bookbub I Book+Main I Website

Join her Unicorn Girls Group on FB, the best way to keep up here.

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BOOK REVIEW: Boyfriend Material (Hawthorne Univeristy #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

July 26, 2022 / Jen / 5 Comments

Boyfriend Material (Hawthorne Univeristy #2)
by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Can this hockey player prove he’s boyfriend material?

#1 Amazon bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers an all-new, heart-wrenching enemies-to-lovers sports romance...

Skyscraper cheekbones, lush lips, and magnetic topaz eyes.
I’m talking about Eric Hansen.
Rich prick.
Glorified hockey star.
Thinks he’s amazing.
Yeah. The Golden Boy and I are well acquainted. In prep school he trampled on my heart and kept right on going.

Three years later, he’s living the high life with frat parties and puck bunnies at Hawthorne University. On the other hand, people barely notice me. I’m the nobody, surviving in the seedy part of town as I struggle to keep my head above treacherous waters.

The avoidance game we’ve been playing on campus was working—until he rescues me from a bad guy and claims he wants to help me more. Hello. I don’t need a knight in shining armor. This girl saves herself.

Yet, he keeps showing up just when I need him, and I'm not sure how long I can ignore the undeniable spark between us.
(It’s not even a spark; it’s a full-fledged blazing fire.)

Can Eric prove he’s boyfriend material, or will this be a game we both lose?

*Boyfriend Material is an emotional (and steamy) new adult college romance perfect for fans of enemies to lovers or second chances. It's a stand-alone story about a new couple although reading Boyfriend Bargain (Book 1) may enrich the reading experience.

*Please note the trigger warning inside the book.

*Included in the HEA (happily-ever-after) is a 4,500 word epilogue about the couple in the future.

Review:

We have a history, a backstory that craves to be rewritten, and maybe this is how we do it.

Boyfriend Material was an angsty new adult read that I devoured in a day! With characters that leapt from the pages, a story-line that pulled at ones heart and sizzling scenes, this book had it all. If you love enemies to lovers or sports romance, you will want this one on your tbr!

A butterfly is proof that you can become something new.
It’s rebirth and transformation.
Something beautiful.
Ethereal.
Someday that will be me.

Julia and Eric’s best friends ended up together, in Boyfriend Bargain, yet they tried their best to avoid one other. Btw you don’t have to read that book to enjoy this one, but I can’t recommend it enough! When Eric and Julia were younger, Eric destroyed her heart. Years later with them both at college, Eric ended up saving Julia not once but twice. And those heart stopping moments led their enemies to lovers relationship to start to forge a tentative friendship. Yet they both had so many obstacles in their way. Not only between the two of them, but also within themselves.

“Can we wait a minute and just sit here? I-I don’t want to let you go just yet.”
My heart skips a beat. We’ve turned a corner somewhere.
I sense it.
She senses it.
If the blush on her face is anything to go by.
“Then don’t,” I say softly.

Julia was head strong, confident, likeable and was just trying to make ends meet while in college. She had a psycho ex Parker, who I wanted to see pounded down into the ground or destroyed, and a mom whose story will hurt your heart. I liked Julia right away and I wanted her to have some happiness or lightness in her world. And who would have ever thought she could get that from Eric?! The boy who had broken her heart.

“I guess your life isn’t as perfect as I thought.”
He laughs harshly, then sobers. “Uh, no.”

Eric Hansen was a star hockey player at college, yet he definitely had demons from his past that haunted him. His relationship with his dad hurt, and the expectations that were pushed upon him seemed impossible to reach. With hockey and friends, he was able to push through each day. But when Eric saw Julia in trouble, his past is what led him to helping her. He couldn’t deny he felt something towards her. Or that he was awful to her in the past. So the more they ran into one other, the more he realized he wasn’t able to get her out of his head.

I may not have wanted a knight in shining armor, but he is one regardless.

Boyfriend Material definitely felt darker and grittier. There were intense moments that I didn’t know if Eric would make it out okay. Characters that were pure evil. And as someone who can’t handle certain sexual assault scenes, I was able to read the one in this book and it left me hoping for retribution! I wasn’t sure where this story would lead me. There were so many emotional struggles, but through it all Eric and Julia had their friends who had their back no matter what. Reece, Boone and Eric’s puck game had me cracking up! But ironically, Eric and Julia were able to find solace within one another at times. Their past didn’t matter in certain moments. They defended the other. And I kept wondering and hoping when they would actually become more.

“We’re rewriting the past,” I say without meaning to, but there it is, out there in the universe.
“Julia . . .” he murmurs and I imagine I see a dawning in his depths.
A new beginning. Endless possibilities.
Am I crazy?
He growls as he kisses me hard.

Boyfriend Material brimmed with emotions that were raw and real. With off the charts chemistry, seductively sexy scenes, moments of redemption, this book was so easy to binge! If you’re looking for a new adult story that has sports and enemies to lovers laced throughout the pages, check this one out! And the epilogue?! Oh my heart, it was everything! We also got to see characters from Boyfriend Bargain and you won’t be disappointed! Don’t mind me as I’ll be patiently waiting to read whatever Ilsa Madden-Mills writes next!

PS Can Boone and Reece get their own books please?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Boyfriend Bargain (Hawthorne University #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

July 25, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Boyfriend Bargain (Hawthorne University #1)
by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Wanted: one hot guy with rock-hard abs and a big stick.

Broke and desperate, Sugar Ryan has no use for arrogant, bad-boy athletes…until she’s forced to bargain with the cockiest of them all.

If only he knew she was alive. Her mission? Get on this hockey player’s radar any way possible. Zack Morgan is the king of the ice and the bedroom, but nothing prepares him for the mystery girl who shows up everywhere he does—frat parties, his favorite bar, and finally his front door with an offer he can’t refuse. The only rule in her boyfriend bargain: no falling in love.

But after one (um, two) smoking-hot hookups, he’s done with pretending and vows to make their fake relationship real. Too bad she can’t trust a player with a reputation for breaking hearts.

Will this hockey star score his forever girl, or will this boyfriend bargain end in heartbreak?

Review:

He’s the king of the ice, and I’m just… no one.

Boyfriend Bargain was an emotional read that was filled with fabulous angst, friendship, forgiveness and love. This New Adult story was beyond sexy and the characters were so easy to click with. Plus the story line was so easy to devour. If you love sports romance with fake dating, then make for sure this one is on your tbr!

“There’s something going on between us that’s…I don’t know…interesting. I knew it the moment I saw you.” He pauses. “I want you.”
I want you.

Zack Morgan, aka Z, was the star hockey player at his college. He was already picked up to play pro, but he stayed another year to finish out his schooling and to take his team to the championships. Yes he was the ultimate player, but Z also stole my heart. We learned from the beginning that he had severe anxiety coupled with panic attacks. The guilt from his past was destroying him from the inside out. Z was drowning, and not only was it crushing his ability to play, but it threatened to take everything away from him. Z was the ultimate tortured hero.

Zack Morgan is an inferno that will burn me up. There’s something about him that makes me lose my breath. And that…that must not be allowed.

Sugar Ryan desperately needed Z to be her fake boyfriend. He was the key to get what she wanted. And while Sugar was self-sufficient and had the hugest heart, she struggled with insecurities from her past. I liked her so quickly and I loved that she matched her lipstick to her mood! When Sugar and Z met, it was like fireworks exploded and electricity crackled between them. The pull they had for one another was intense. And all consuming. So when Sugar proposed her fake dating plan to Z, he was all in. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her!

I’m toeing my boots off and shoving down my leggings and underwear. He’s watching me, his hand palming his cock. With a growl, he picks me up, cupping my ass in his hands. He’s rough, his fingers digging into my skin, a man who knows what he wants, and I moan in anticipation. This is the fastest, craziest sex I’ve ever had, but I know what to do. My legs wrap around him and hang on tight.

Z was the ultimate player and Sugar had no desire to get attached to him. Even when Z could be so smooth, Sugar kept her walls up high. Neither of them could deny though that they intrigued one another. So the more time they spent around each other, they couldn’t help but forge a friendship. Or keep their hands off of each other. There were so many moments between them that were explicit and scorching hot! But there was also lots of angst too, and it was so much fun! With their fake relationship, the line of what was real and what was pretend seemed to blur at times. And on top of that, Z was playing a dangerous game in regards to his past. That’s not something I can talk about, you have to discover on your own, but I was so nervous for how it would play out!

“We were supposed to keep this unemotional,” she says quietly.
“I don’t even care about that bullshit bargain. This is about you and me.”
“It’s not bullshit to me.” Her voice is flat.

This story also had side characters I adored, who had Z and Sugar’s backs. Eric was one of my favorites, and I was beyond ecstatic to hear that he was getting his own book! Boyfriend Bargain was so easy to read and I loved that there was jealousy, vulnerability and emotions that neither of them saw coming within the pages. Z and Sugar both had emotions towards their pasts that they had to face head on. So watching them help each other with their struggles touched me. And getting to hear the story in both of their voices added a richness to their story. Through it all, I was cheering for Z and Sugar to get the HEA they both deserved!

She’s just a tiny bit intimidated by me when she’s the one who’s got me by the balls.
I’m going to make her mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Boyfriend Bargain was a fabulous new adult story that was filled with all of the drama and angst. With laughter sprinkled throughout the story and heartfelt moments, this book was a lot of fun! And the epilogue at the end?! We get to see into the future and anyone else who loves epilogues is going to absolutely LOVE this one! If you’re looking for a sexy, sports romance to pick up, definitely give this one a try!

Other quotes I loved…..

I tug at a strand of his hair. “I like how you look at me like you might die if you don’t fuck me.”
His lashes flutter. “I like it when you say fuck.”
“Fuck me then,” I say.

We take off across the quad and I know people are staring at us, but ignore them completely, not caring that he’s all that and I’m just…me. The world is topsy-turvy, and even though I don’t know which way is up or down, I do know that my heart is having a hard time telling him no.

“Don’t be afraid of falling, okay?” I make eye contact with her, and I don’t think I’m talking about skating anymore.

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty and the Baller (Strangers in Love #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

March 30, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

Beauty and the Baller was such a wonderful story! Check out my 4.5 Star Review below, enjoy ♥!

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty and the Baller (Strangers in Love #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills Beauty and the Baller (Strangers in Love #1)
by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

An NFL quarterback turned small-town coach gets sacked by a Texas beauty queen in this swoony, passionate romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.

Gorgeous, talented, and brilliant, NFL quarterback Ronan Smith has the world in his hands. But after losing his career and his fiancée in a car accident, he falls into a pit of grief and bad choices. When a mysterious girl shows up to his party, he feels drawn to her and makes her his…for one night.

Former beauty queen Nova Morgan is on a mission. Scantily clad as a princess from a galaxy far, far away, she sneaks into a high-profile party to capture the attention of her favorite quarterback. But her hopes crash after an awful one-night stand.

Fast-forward two years. Broke and desperate, Nova returns home to Blue Belle, Texas, where, by a cosmic twist of fate, her broody neighbor is none other than Ronan, the shiny new football coach everyone adores. But he has no idea who she is.

The booster club keeps shoving women at Ronan to keep him in town. His solution? He proposes fake dating to Nova. But things heat up for real under these Friday-night lights when he realizes she’s the one who slipped away.

Has this jaded beauty found her forever baller, or will his past keep them apart?

Review:

I want to touch the stars, even if I get burned.

Beauty and the Baller was a sexy, swoony, angsty read! With a spunky cat, a lovable heroine and a sexy hero, this book was a lot of fun. Add in fake dating, small town charm and a wonderful HEA and this book was such a beautiful love story. If you like sexy, adult romance then you definitely need to check this one out!

“I like seeing you squirm,” she murmurs.
“Why?”
“Payback.” A slow blush works up from her neck to her face as she mutters something under her breath.
“What was that?”
She clears her throat. “Just . . . life has a funny sense of humor.”

Ronan Smith had a tragic past. His fiancé was killed in the car wreck that also killed his professional football career. While still struggling a year later, Ronan found himself having a one night stand with someone he actually felt a connection to. Too bad for Ronan, Nova Morgan saw it as a horrible and left before he woke up. I just want to say I screamed noooooo out loud over something that went down, so I got why Nova bailed afterwards….you’ll see lol. Two years later, fate had them both living in the same small town, neighbors and unable to escape one another at every turn.

I’m Ronan Smith and . . . I pause as clarity runs through my head. I want my life back, no matter what that may be.
Closing my eyes, I touch the ring around my neck.
Today is when everything changes.

Ronan was in Blue Belle Texas coaching their high school football team. With the small town scared that they could lose their coach, they went to unimaginable lengths to keep him. Especially their attempts to set him up with every single female. So when Nova re-entered his life, he didn’t remember her. He just knew that she wanted nothing to do with him, unlike everyone else. So when he proposed that they fake date, to solve both of their problems, I was so happy when she said yes! Yes Ronan had some growing to do, but I absolutely loved him. Jaded characters always sneak so easily into my heart. And when Ronan started to show us little bits of himself, I just knew he was so much more than meets the eye.

“Everything will be fine. We’re different flowers from the same garden, but we’re perfect together. Mama always said so.”

Nova was completely unique. She was someone who knew what she wanted and went after it, like dressing up in the past as a Star Wars character to win over Ronan for their one night stand. She loved telling us about the outfits she was wearing. She had so much sass. But her life completely flipped upside down when she gained custody of her high school aged sister, since her mother passed away. While trying her best to raise Sabine, Nova definitely had her hands full. This story was an emotional journey for Nova too, and Ronan helped play a big part of that. But Nova had no problems pushing Ronan’s buttons. And telling him when he was being a jerk, I actually clapped out loud in one scene lol.

I literally have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into. On the outside, I’m cool, but on the inside, I’m quivering with uncertainty.

The way the fake dating played out was so much fun! The touching. The kissing. Showing the town that they were together. And time and again they crossed that line of what was real and what was fake. Because Ronan and Nova definitely wanted to rip each other’s clothes off. The passion between them was so intense. And when things did develop between them, it was extremely sexy and hot! But Ronan was terrified to feel and he didn’t want to love. His past still haunted him. Except when he was around Nova, it was impossible not to feel. And for Nova, each time Ronan showed a true piece of himself to her, it was hard to keep him away from her heart. It didn’t matter that they didn’t want anything to happen, there was no stopping it!

My head tells me to keep the walls up around us, but the other side of me—my stupid, weak heart—clamors to tell him things.

This story was rounded out so well with some fabulous side characters. I’m looking at you Skeeter, Sabine and Sonia! And I loved the feel of the small town charm that was laced throughout this story. Plus not only did Nova and Ronan’s love story cause me to laugh so much, but I even shed a tear. Beauty and the Baller was a wonderful, adult romance that many will fall hard for!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

About Ilsa Madden-Mills:

Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Amazon I Instagram I Mailing List I Goodreads I Bookbub I Book+Main I Website

Join her Unicorn Girls Group on FB, the best way to keep up here.

Sign up for phone alert for book releases (max of 4) Text ROMANCE to 21000
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