My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills

In a sizzling romance that sparkles with wit and depth, two wounded souls meet by chance in the desert and agree to get married, and their lives will never be the same.

On a normal day, Emmaline Darling isn’t a car thief. She’s just a simple girl who runs a bookstore and adores cats. But when she’s stranded in the desert and needs to get away from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, she picks her only option: swiping the keys to a famous football player’s Lamborghini and speeding away.

Football star Graham Harlan is in chaos. First he took a hit on the field that left him with a near-death experience, and now he’s promised his brother he’ll get married to secure the family inheritance. Trouble is he isn’t even seeing anyone.

Then a mystery woman steals his car. With his usual stubbornness, he tracks her all the way to Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum: marry me or I’ll press charges.

Her choice is obvious, only neither of them expect the sparks that ignite between them.

As the end of their arrangement looms, will Graham take a chance on love or let his darling walk away forever?

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Emmy is hiding from her ex-boyfriend in a motel in the Arizona desert. Graham is trying to get his life back on track after a concussion on the football field. They meet when she needs him to pretend he is her boyfriend to drive the creepy guy away. After Emmy's ex shows up at the motel, she steals (borrows) Graham's car to escape her ex. Now the fun begins, Graham has an idea that will help Emmy redeem herself and help him out.

Turns out Emmy works at a bookstore and part-time she works at a bar that Graham's brother goes to. When Graham meets with Emmy, she thinks he is there to have her arrested. But he has other plans, a quick wedding so he can get his family inheritance and she will get a hefty sum in the end. Emmy thinks about her siblings and niece and accepts his offer, hoping she doesn't fall for him in the process. Graham doesn't think he is falling for Emmy but all he thinks about is her. So where will they land when the marriage is up?

As a fan of this author, I couldn't wait to read this one. It is filled with a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you engaged in the story of Graham and Emmy. I loved Graham and Emmy. I hope there will be more about them and Brodie and Cass.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really enjoyable read with two very likeable and amusing characters and one of the more incredible fake marriage stories I have read in a while!

Emmy has just escaped from her footballer player boyfriend whose temper got the better of him, and is hiding out in a dodgy motel, when a rather gorgeous man arrives in a Lamborghini. Little did she expect the turn of events which follows – I will leave you to enjoy that by reading it!

As the two of them navigate the marriage they have agreed to in order to help Graham's brother, Emmy and, separately, Graham soon realise just how much they really like each other. We have the pleasure of being privy to both their thoughts and we just have to wait for the penny to drop with them.

Great fun and really well written, thank you, 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 Bestseller 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.

Connect with Ilsa Madden-Mills!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Unicorn Girls

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills to read and review.

Princess and the Player by Ilsa Madden-Mills

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?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Strangers in Love series!
For book one, Beauty and the Baller, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~ Also Available with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved the first book in this series and this one did not disappoint. Who better to turn the player into a loving husband than the girl who is the opposite of all the girls he usually dates?

Tate Avery is an NFL player that everyone wants a piece of, and Francesca Lane is the down-to-earth girl who loves art. They live in the same building but never speak. When they meet at a masked ball, the spark between them is felt at every touch. Neither of them wants more than one night.

This is the perfect opposites attract story and it is absolutely perfect. I loved the way Tuck is with Francesca and, in the end, family life is what he needed. The story is filled with banter, flaws, a past that will make you cry, a strong heroine, a troubled hero, great friends, sweet emotions, and a love to last in the end.

I was drawn in from the first page and loved the ride with Tuck and Francesca until the end. It is the perfect love story. I highly recommend reading the first book in this duet, although it is a standalone, you do not want to miss a thing with Tuck in that book too.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

Francesca is living her best life now that she's left her cheating fiancé behind. With her best friends, Cece, Brogan, and Darden, Francesca has surrounded herself with love.

Tucker is high on life. He is successful, can have any woman he wants, and has a great team around him. His best friends are hilarious and keep life interesting.

When Tucker and Francesca have their one night – no names, just attraction – you can see the steam leaving the pages. They have intense chemistry and a reaction to each other than neither knows quite what to do with.

When Francesca finds herself knowing who her one night was with AND finds out that she's now in a family way, she leans on her own strength, her friends, and perhaps a little love to figure out what her life will look like moving forward.

Tucker is scared. He has been for a long time. Getting hurt is not something he wants to relive and so he keeps everyone at arm’s length.

When Tucker and Francesca have to come to terms with their futures, both will have to decide if it's alone, or together.

You won't be disappointed in this story. It's fresh, fun, sexy, and the characters are people you would want as friends yourself.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, but you can read it as a standalone – although I really enjoyed Beauty and the Baller, so would also recommend it to you.

Tucker Avery may seem to have it all as the son of a wealthy family and a successful NFL player, but we learn how the truth can be hidden by his playboy and playful ways. And getting to know him, and how one woman gets under the façade, is a really enjoyable adventure – if somewhat sad at times.

Francesca was a genuine foundling, left on the steps of a police station in the snow, with only a necklace to give any clue as to who she was. A life of foster families and hard knocks could have made her a hard person, but she had so much about her, that she is now a graduate of art school and a semi-successful artist, living in a beautiful building overlooking Central Park.

They first meet behind disguises, but then discover not only their identities in a restaurant, but that they live in the same building! This should seem ridiculous, but makes complete sense in the context of the story – and was such a fun twist!

Neither really wants to get involved, even if they both have feelings for each other – but one might say destiny has other ideas.

Lovely story, with lots of lovely side character friends – I just spent my Sunday totally immersed in their world and loved every page.

 

 

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 Bestseller 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.

Connect with Ilsa Madden-Mills

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Unicorn Girls

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Princess and the Player (Strangers in Love #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills to read and review.

Boyfriend Material by Ilsa Madden-Mills Blog Tour

#1 Amazon bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers an all-new, enemies-to-lovers sports romance, a breathtaking tale of passion, heartbreak, and love…

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 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... 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 this hockey player prove he’s boyfriend material, or will this be a game we both lose?

Boyfriend Material is a steamy, new adult, college romance perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers or second chances. Please read the trigger warnings.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Eric’s large frame and rugged handsomeness takes the air from my lungs. His hair is pulled back in a man-bun, my fav look on him.

No. I do not have a favorite look for him, but it does show off his ridiculous cheekbones and aristocratic, slightly bent nose.

He’s wearing jeans, gold Converse, and a HU shirt. The lion on the front seems to glare at me—much like he is now.

I lean against the doorjamb. Be cool, be cool. “Howdy, partner.”

He doesn’t smile. “That guy at the laundromat is scary. Stay away from him. I mean it.”

I huff. The nerve of him to tell me what to do.

“That’s what I told you. I repeat, you could have been hurt. Let me handle Connor.”

His arms cross. “How did you get involved with him? Are you on drugs?”

I tuck my hands in my pockets and dip my head so he can’t see how much his words hurt. I know I strip, no one has to remind me, but in prep school, I was the goody-two shoes who never wavered. I had to keep my grades up to keep my scholarship—not that I was ever invited to parties. I wrote poetry. I drew. I daydreamed about him. “Do I look like an addict?”

His golden eyes roam over me. Assessing. “Maybe.”

My throat tingles with words I want to say but know I shouldn’t.

The less he knows, the better.

His nose flares. “I’m trying to help you and you’re giving me the cold shoulder. What’s wrong with you?”

I swallow thickly as I gaze at him. “Eric. Please. Being around me will only smear your good name—”

“Stop,” he calls out, then rubs his face, his anger seeming to deflate like a popped tire. “Don’t put yourself down like that. You’re a person, Julia. One that people care about.”

And I want to protect those people.

I chew on my bottom lip. “You shouldn’t have interfered.”

He lets out a long sigh, gives me a searching look, goes to leave, then stops. He reaches into his pocket and holds something up. “This is yours, I assume.”

I stare at the ring, my lips parting. “How did you...?”

But he’s already out the door.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in Hawthorn University and a second-chance romance for Eric and Julia. He is the hockey hero, and she is the stripper trying to help her mother recover. They knew each other in high school; he used her and then walked away.

While Eric is fighting demons from his past, Julia is dealing with them in the present in the form of a cheating ex-boyfriend who will not leave her alone. Eric realized that being around Julia brings calm to him and kinda centers him; as they spend more time together, he realizes what he walked away from during high school.

As they grow closer and his demons become more, they have to struggle to stay together. It all comes to blows with his father at the Christmas party, she leaves and Eric has to figure out what he wants his life to be, a lawyer for his father, hockey for him, and with Julia or not.

This story is so much more than a college romance, it is filled with pain, demons from the past, great friends, and a love that is meant to be. This author has a way to pull you into the story so you are invested in every page. I hope you give this duet a chance and that you love it too.

 

 

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 Bestseller 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.

Connect with Ilsa Madden-Mills

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Unicorn Girls

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Boyfriend Material (Hawthorne University #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills to read and review.

Beauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills

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?

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~ Also Available with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars

If you have read this author before, you know that it is going to be a great story. Nova and Ronan met a few years back at one of his parties; she really wanted to meet him, but he was grieving the death of his girlfriend. Drinking at the time and he wasn't sure the night happened at times, and he doesn't remember her.

Now she is back home in Blue Belle, Texas and her neighbor is the last person she wants to see, Ronan Smith. When he sees her, he is drawn to her and doesn't know why, and she doesn't want anything to do with him.

As these two grow close, due to a fake dating scheme to keep the town from pairing him off on one of the women in town to keep him around, Nova is falling for him; but Ronan can't get past the pain and guilt from his past to move forward and he is leaving town after this school year.

This story is great, the fun and banter between Nova and Ronan will have you laughing until you cry. Then there is her cat, and you can't forget their friend. This group of friends and family is so fun, you will love this story. I can't wait for the next book from this author.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Nova is living a whole new life. She is now responsible for her sister, after her mom dies much too young. She also lost her father at a very young age. When she finds herself back home, she can’t help but be sucked into the high school community again. Nova thought that she had outgrown these people, but being back home, she realizes that while she has, these people still might hold some power over her.

Ronan is trying his best to love his best life after football. Since his accident, he hasn’t been able to let anyone else in his heart. He misses her. There just isn’t another way to put it. His heart broke when she was lost, and he’s never truly gotten over it.

Living in a small community where high school football is life. He didn’t expect to have to beat the women off with a stick. He just wants to concentrate on the game.

When his new neighbor stomps over and gives him what for, Ronan is intrigued. Nobody has really ever talked to him like that. She isn’t scared of him, and she cares a lot about her sister. When he realizes that she is the one woman from his past who might have gotten through a crack after his accident, he comes up with a plan to help both of them.

Nova thinks Roman’s plan is slightly crazy, but she also knows it will work. Nova and Ronan lay out ground rules to help guard their hearts. He will help her with her old high school folks, and she will help him avoid the grabby hands of the local women. Ronan knows he doesn’t want to stay in this town forever. His ultimate goal is back in the NFL. Nova knows she has to stay for her sister’s sake. Can these two figure out whether or not their chemistry can be more?

This is a sweet story with fun young adult aspects to it. It’s sweet and lighthearted.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is such a lovely read, fun, romantic and full of goodness, with a dash of crazy.

We first get a view of Ronan soon after the accident which ended his career and killed his beloved fiancée, drunk and seeking escape with a woman dressed as Leia – as a Star Wars geek, and unexpectedly attracted to her, even in his sadness he could not resist. But a terrible misspeaking means she leaves, and he realises that he has to turn himself around.

Inevitably, a couple of years later they meet again – he is convinced that he has met her before but cannot remember exactly when or how – and are now neighbours.

Nova has given up her New York life to come home and care for her also newly orphaned, teenaged sister. Whilst she is not really disappointed to leave New York behind, she is worried about getting a suitable job to be able to support them both. When she discovers that her neighbour is the man who she spent one sadly memorable night with, she really doesn't know how to react. Her regular walks with her hairless cat, Sparky, on a lead seem to be her chance to think on how to proceed.

As the two of them navigate around the life that they are living, and try to make the best of every opportunity, we get to see what good people they are. Ronan is in need of a buffer from the constant suggestions of a suitable girlfriend and persuades her to help him out – which they both know is a recipe for a closeness they will be hard pressed to escape. And they do do very close rather well!

I loved the school time – both the interactions with students, and the hiding in supply closets by teachers to have a chat, a smooch, or an e-cigarette fix. Lots of fun, as well as reminders of the more difficult parts of being that age.

A very engaging and happy read.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I do love me a good football story, and this one doesn't disappoint.

When the reader first meets Ronan, he's depressed and blaming himself for an accident that killed his fiancée and ruined his NFL career. When Princess Leia walks into a party for the New York Titans he believes it's a figment of his imagination, but his best friend tells him to save the pretty lady who is probably lost. Little does he know that Nova is there for him.

Fast forward two years and Nova has returned to her hometown with her tail tucked firmly between her legs. Life in the big city wasn't as easy or glamorous as she hoped it would be. Now, she's back home and living next door to her one-night stand with a man who doesn't remember her – just the outfit she was wearing that night.

I enjoyed this book immensely and it will definitely pull at your heart strings.

 

 

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 Bestseller 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.

Connect with Ilsa Madden-Mills

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Unicorn Girls

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Beauty and the Baller (Strangers in Love #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills to read and review.

Not My Match by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers a smart and sexy romance about a professional football hottie and the girl he’s sworn to never touch.

Homeless and heartbreakingly innocent, Giselle Riley walks into my penthouse and chaos follows.

I shouldn’t have invited the girl genius to live with me, but it’s clear she needs my help—not only for a place to lay her pretty blonde head but in finding real love, which she’s not going to get with the crazy men she picks up online.

Too bad she’s a twenty-four-year-old virgin and I’m a bad boy wide receiver. She’s off limits for a hardcore player like me—and we’re just friends.

Instead, I’m her matchmaking service, no matter how jealous it makes me when I tag along on her dates.

I can keep my self-control. Right? No way will I give in to everything inside me that dreams of a girl like her in my world.

I may be the best wide receiver in the country, but how could I hold on to a girl like her?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Game Changers series!
For book one, Not My Romeo, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the Game Changers series, and we met Giselle and Devon briefly in book one. Giselle is the one who stole her sister's boyfriend but that was a mistake because as it turned out, he was only out to use her. Devon is the teammate of Giselle's brother-in-law and they met at her sister's wedding.

These two could not be any more different, she is a physicist and he is a football player. When her building catches fire and leaves her homeless, Devon offers her a place to stay until she finds another apartment. he knows it is not a smart decision, but he can't help wanting to save her. The longer they spend together, the more the sparks fly.

Can they stay away from each other? Will Devon help her with her little problem? Is there a chance for a future between them?

I love this author and her stories about football players and the women they love are a favorite too. This story is packed with all the feels that make a story great and it also has the crazy mom and aunt to make it even better. If you are looking for a new author to read, then give this one a try. You will not be disappointed.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and as I absolutely loved book one, I certainly could not resist. I would recommend that you read them in order, so that you get the connections, but it could be a good read on its own too.

Our first introduction to Giselle was less than favourable, but we should have got that straightened out by now. And the very fact that we know she is a virgin would suggest that any cheating was not quite at the level that might have been expected. She is such a fun, clever, and enjoyable character. I love that she has high career ambitions to work at CERN, but also loves her crazy family and hometown. Her birthday woes will have you laughing in disbelief that she can really have so many disasters on that particular date!

Devon is undoubtedly a sports god, but he clearly has morals and behaves so correctly with Giselle; it is really funny watching them dance around each other. And whilst the 'helping the girl find a lover whilst wanting to date her yourself' scenario is not unique, it is played for every laugh and sexy encounter so perfectly, especially given they are sharing a home.

It was also good to see Jack and Elena, and to catch up on their relationship, as well as some of the crazier members of the family, like Aunt Clara. All in all a very enjoyable dip back into a world which gave me the pleasure of complete escapism from the everyday.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
This book is a great read for a snowy afternoon.

Giselle and Devon dance around each other, both wanting the other yet being too afraid to reach out. Hampering the romance is Giselle’s brother-in-law, who also happens to be Devon’s teammate.

Giselle wants to be a normal woman, not the geeky nerd in the corner who doesn’t know how to make small talk with anyone, especially good looking men like Devon.

Over the course of the book you can see Giselle’s self-confidence increase the more she gets to know Devon.

Devon really likes Giselle but he’s just a ‘dumb’ jock who knows he will never be good enough for her. Yet when she looks at him, he feels like he’s just won back-to-back Super Bowls.

Take a few hours and enjoy the story. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Giselle is a nerdy, shy virgin who just wants to teach science, work at CERN, and write her fantasy sci-fi novel, with real science facts. Her best friend is a hilarious older woman who makes me think of what a crazy aunt would be, if I had one. Giselle loves teaching her students, but her advisor is a sexist jerk who doesn’t see the value in teaching kids any other way than his way.

Giselle is also looking for love. She wants the type of love that will last forever. The fact that she is still a virgin weighs on her but she doesn’t want to just have sex to have sex. With her sister happily married and on her honeymoon, Giselle isn't expecting her brother-in-law's friend, Devon, to come to her rescue in more ways than one.

Devon knows that Giselle is beautiful and smart. If only he wouldn't be seen as such a player. Devon knows that his friend wouldn't want him dating Giselle, if only because she's so innocent. But when Devon sees that Giselle is in trouble, the words "come stay with me" just tumble out.

Giselle and Devon dance around their attraction for a while. It became almost too much dancing around – the push and pull between them was too slow at times. Giselle has to work hard to make sure that she isn't going to change her life for someone who might not change their life for her. She wants an equal partnership. But when she gets to know Devon more, she sees what he is hiding away from the public eye. You'll want to love Devon despite his player ways.

These two have a cute story with family drama and meddling friends. You'll cheer them on, groan is frustration, and cross your fingers and toes for them. With that said, I wish that we could've seen more of Giselle's intelligence in the story. I'm looking forward to the next book.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
I wanted to enjoy this more than I actually did. The story of a scientist and a football star should have been a perfect fit for me. But while there are a few great moments, the story didn’t quite work for me.

I found it impossible to feel a connection to Giselle. In my real-life Big Bang Theory-ish world, I’m surrounded by female scientists and nothing about Giselle’s studies or career ambitions rings true. Her experiences don’t make her very likeable, either. Giselle is the girl who takes a crazy amount of time off for ‘personal issues’ and then complains about discrimination when her supervisor isn’t impressed.

Apart from the scientist thing, the most interesting thing about Giselle is her virginity. There’s a culture gap for me here – I will never understand the importance placed on virginity by Americans. The drama around her ‘long preserved virginity’ is absolutely tedious. As a UK reader, I often struggle with conservative and religious undertones in American romance and parts of this one just felt wrong to me.

There are a couple of great scenes in this book. I love Giselle and Devon smashing things up in her barn – but that scene was borrowed from a show. Giselle’s neighbour and her interfering mum provide entertaining moments.

I realise I’ve forgotten to mention Devon. Probably because he has already blurred into all the other alpha/bad boy/star athletes in romance. He’s closed off because of family issues and struggles to share his feelings. Yawn. He feels weirdly parental and proprietary over Giselle. He’s weirdly obsessed with her virginity. He gets his feelings hurt when she gets an amazing job offer. Urgh. Nope. He just doesn’t do it for me.

After two books, I think I’m done with this series. I do recognise there’s a bit of a culture clash for me and this author – more conservative readers will likely enjoy the books more than I have.

 

 

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 Bestseller 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.

Connect with Ilsa

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Unicorn Girls

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Not My Match (The Game Changers #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills to read and review.

The Revenge Pact by Ilsa Madden-Mills Blog Tour

#1 Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers an all-new emotional enemies-to-lovers romance that blurs the lines between revenge and love…

River Tate is a god on campus.
The king of football.
A tattooed bad boy with gunmetal eyes that see right through you.
The only chink in his armor is her, the girl he pretends doesn’t exist, the forbidden one with the shy smile and lavender hair.

Anastasia Bailey is a nobody.
The queen of nothing.
An outsider with the face of an angel and a body made for sin.
The only chink in her armor is him, her boyfriend’s frat brother, the football player who hates her.

But when Anastasia’s life comes crashing down, River’s the one who sweeps in and picks up the pieces.
Torn between loyalty, lies, and secrets, he battles the temptation to take everything from her when they make their revenge pact.

He can’t tell her no.
Because revenge (or love) is, sweet, and once you get a taste, the craving never ends.

The Revenge Pact is first in a series about three college football players.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

River

“Why is the elevator so slow?” she mutters.

“Tell me three things you’re grateful for,” I say.

She does a double take. “Is this where I’m like your… pet project? Don’t feel sorry for me.”

Rainbow, sorry is the last thing I feel for you.

I want you under me.

Deep and hard.

“How are things with Donovan?” I ask.

Her throat bobs. “I-I can’t talk to you about him. I mean, yeah, um, it… doesn’t feel right, you know, to him.”

Right. He’s her boyfriend and my frat brother.

The door opens and she slips out, her arm brushing against my chest. I follow, sucking down the electricity between us.

She blows out a breath. “I know what this is, why you’re being nice to me—”

“Yeah? Tell me, because I can’t figure it out,” I snap, annoyed she won’t open up while the other side is pissed at myself for asking. “Trust me, I wish I didn’t…” I stop, my jaw clenching.

She stops at the door to class and faces me. “Your paper. I’m sorry I can’t help you, I really am. I love helping others, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for us…” She bites her lip, her gaze avoiding mine. “There’s something about you and me—” She halts and looks down at her feet. “Anyway, I know a few students who tutor athletes. Let me give you their names—”

“No one but you, Anastasia.”

“What? Why?”

Instinct takes over and I back her against the wall, towering over her. I tilt her chin up, and she doesn’t speak or move, just breathing fast, as my hand slides around to her nape. A hum of heat goes through my body as my hands tangle in her hair.

“River… what…” Pink rises on her cheeks as her lashes flutter.

Every time, I’m pushing a little more, the dark side of me winning. Monday. Her apartment. Now.

I could kiss her right now, but it’s wrong, immensely, and I’m being bad, so bad…

She gazes up at me, her eyes flaring, the gold around her pupils darkening. She swallows as goose bumps appear on her neck.

A primal sound builds in my throat.

Anger.

Frustration.

Loyalty.

Dammit. I shouldn’t be this close, shouldn’t touch her—

“I’ll wait.” I grind my teeth and step back.

Her lips part, a small puff of air coming out. She looks at my mouth. “For what?”

The lethal side of me, the one itching to play this game no matter the consequences, tries to take over and speak the truth. I shove it down.

You, I say in my head.

Leaving her there, I sweep past her and go to my seat.

Five fucking rows back.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars

Anastasia has been with Donavan for a year; they are going to Harvard law school and live their life together. That is, until Ana gets a rejection letter. And that is just the beginning of her life with Donavan falling apart. It seems as her world is crashing down around her when her friend suggests a revenge date.

River Tate was the perfect book boyfriend, he is the BMOC (big man on campus), football god, has everything going for him, or so it seems. His life is anything but perfect. All he wants is to play football just like his dad did. He sees Anastasia but doesn't want anyone to know, so he acts as he hates her and that is okay with her because she could care less. At least, that is what she tells herself.

I love this author and knew I wanted to read this one even before I knew what it was about. This story is a full-blown belly-dropping rollercoaster ride, so be prepared and keep your hands inside and enjoy the ride. I hope you enjoy River and Anastasia's story as much as I did. I can't wait for more in the Kings of Football series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I feel this is a sports romance to an extent, but there is little actual sport, more the issues around getting from college to the NFL – or not! I think it is more about the trials and tribulations of loyalty, trust, bad decisions, and the impact that family has on your life at that age. It is a good read, and I enjoyed being in that wonderful, crazy, confusing, and life affirming environment that is college, frat houses, and future dreams.

Anastasia – usually called Ana – takes life quite seriously as she doesn't have much money and is working her way through college. She, however, has a super rich, old-money family, boyfriend who is treating her badly, mainly due to said family. It is painful to read, and completely relatable. She finds that his frat president, and for a while her nemesis, River, has decided to be her protector, which is confusing, but much appreciated.

As these two fight their feelings, are confused by their loyalties, and finally acknowledge the elements of life which matter and those which really, really don't, we get a compelling story, which ensured I just kept reading another page, until I was finished!

Very enjoyable, entertaining and I recommend it to you – I am looking forward to the next one already!

 

 

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.

Connect with Ilsa

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Unicorn Girls

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Revenge Pact (Kings of Football #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills to read and review for this tour.