NOT MY ROMEO by Ilsa Madden-Mills is the First book in The Game Changers Series. This is the story of Elena Riley and Jack Hawke. Elena is set up on a blind date that ends up being a one night stand but fate has other plans. Elena is a normal librarian who feels average in looks so when she learns who Jack is, she know he isn't for her. Jack is a NFL player who is very guarded person due to his past, but he is finding there is something special about Elena that opens him to some new feelings. I am such a fan of this author so I would highly recommend this book and really any of her writing.

Its not secret I am fan of Ilsa Madden-Mills and her writing and this was a fantastic start to her new series, she brought her trademark fun and witty style of writing that I have come to know and love. Once you start you will not want to put it down as you will be completely hooked.

Elena is one adorable nerd that you can't help but love, shes quirky and the complete opposite to Jack. He is the typical Jock but along with his slight arrogance he has a vulnerability that can't help but draw you in. Their connection was seriously hot, I'm surprised steam wasn't coming out of my kindle.

We were brought a brilliantly paced story which brought a rollar-coaster of emotions full of heartbreak, love and laughter. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.

Picking up a book by Ilsa Madden Mills usually means a good time, I got into her books with high expectations because I have yet to find one I didn’t like. However, there are a few in the flock that stand out above the rest. The ones that have main characters with flaws and issues that bring their humanity out and make it easier to connect to because they are not “Perfect” I don’t want a perfect character. Give me the emotion… Not My Romeo gave me all of the emotions and then some! From the first page I was ready for more. Elena was such an interesting character, shy and quiet with an edge of strength throughout. I loved her spunk and need to be herself. She is quiet but sure of herself and she doesn’t let the bright shiny lights that surround Jack to blind her and she doesn’t take his crap. LOVED THAT!

Jack though, his interest in Elena I think is sparked because she didn’t fall at his feet, maybe more so because she couldn’t have cared less about who he was on the field but who he was as man. Jack’s issues run deep, after a bad breakup and a tell all book of lies is released, I cant blame the guy for his commitment issues. But that doesn’t stop him from falling for Elena even when he doesn’t want to admit to it.

Elena and Jack are such a match made in heaven, I cant get over it. You will lose sleep over these two because putting the book down is so hard! Funny, emotional, alpha male, quirky female, angsty, steamy and soo full of love! This pair is one of my favorites of all time, and I can not wait to see what will come next for this series! There were some really great support characters that I would love to read in the future!
-Mackenzie

4.5 Stars - Top Pick

Samantha’s Thoughts 💭

Elena is stepping out on a blind date with a hot weatherman. Instead, of the hot weatherman, she finds herself on an interesting date with Jack, a professional football player. Despite them being total opposites, they end up having a fun night together. When Elena discovers who Jack really is, she takes a step back. Good thing she doesn’t have to run into him again.

Jack has been through the ringer in the press so he likes to lay low. He is perfectly fine with never having to see Elena again. However, he lands the gig of Romeo in a small community play and his Juliet is no other than Elena. The tension rises as they are constantly in each other paths.

I normally shy away from sports romances. They just do little to hold my attention but I have to say this is not my first sport romance by this author and I know she is going to bring all the feels with it. So I didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to read this one. There is an equal amount of feels and funny moments.

While there are so many other things floating around in this book, it is strictly the romance that wins the spotlight. The chemistry is spot on with these two from the first encounter until the last page. Elena is so cute and quirky. On paper, she doesn’t’ seem to be what Jack would be into but she is exactly what he needed. I love it.

Jack has been hurt by past relationships. The author focuses on his insecurities and issues instead of making him the hot jock. He has plenty of reasons to not want any attention on him and trust females. It just makes him more adorable and I really liked him but in the same vein it took away because he constantly pushed Elena away. It is only cute the first time which is why I couldn’t give this the full five stars. Eventually, they got it together but it didn’t really add to the story.


Landra’s Thoughts 💭

My first Madden-Mills started out hot but missed a few notes in the end.

First up, this is my first from this author and I went in bit blind, but I love a good mistaken identity trope when done well. Not My Romeo has just that. Our hero, Jack, is a pro-quarterback with a bad attitude. He’s like the Marshawn Lynch of Madden-Mills football world in this new series, The Game Changers. FYI: I love football, in some ways I’m a dude shacked up in a woman’s body, so this element added a bonus to the story-telling.

The heroine, Elena, is a librarian who has not had much luck in the dating department since her split from her ex. She ends up on a blind date on Valentine’s Day and meets Greg, the meteorologist, or at least she thinks it’s Greg. But… it’s Jack, our quarterback, and everything rolls on from there.

There’s something about mistaken identity that always ropes me in, mainly how will the other party find out about the identity snafu. I want to see if it plays out in a believable way, and all the other juicy details. Bring the popcorn! This little date plays out over four chapters. Four. Chapters. I wasn’t bored, nope. There’s lots of tension, plenty of action, including Elena’s ex, magically taking his new girlfriend (Elena’s sister) to dinner at the same restaurant. Ooh, drama, chase me and the over protective jock hero. Normally this wouldn’t work for me, but it did. Elena is the anti-confrontational part of me that can’t stand to cause family issues, and Jack is that grumpy, grumbly man who I want to sink my teeth into. It gets even hotter by the end of the chapter:

“It’s Valentine’s Day. What else do you have planned tonight? Crying into you ice cream over our ex?”

“Maybe.”

“I’m better than ice cream.”

“Obviously you haven’t had Ben & Jerry’s Rocky Road.”

“Obviously you haven’t met me before.” I reach out and briefly touch her plump bottom lip, grazing my thumb across her silky skin…

Her eyes close, and her throat moves as she swallows, her mouth slightly parted. “Um…I don’t know.”

“Elena, are you going to make me beg for it?”

Yes, and I was hooked. Of course, there’s more issues especially that up until this point Elena still doesn’t know Jack as Jack. I eagerly turned pages engaged in the story. So, where did it go wrong?

About halfway through things fell flat. Sure, Jack has emotional baggage from being used and vilified by people he once considered close to him, which makes him super private and big on trust. Elena has her own issues and being a secret, involved with someone who likes everything private and closed off, doesn’t make sense to her. This all culminates in a loose, semi-out of nowhere black moment. I didn’t see it coming and found it not making sense compared to earlier parts of the book.

Additionally, the grand gesture read a bit out of place. I can understand why it happens where and how, but it still didn’t meet up to what I was hoping for. That’s on me, of course.

Outside of that Madden-Mills writes snappy dialogue, scenes that hook and easily kept me turning pages, along with smokin’ sex scenes. For readers who have enjoyed her stories before I doubt they will be disappointed.

Overall, this was another instance where I enjoyed first person point of view and I will be willing to give Madden-Mills books a chance in the future, especially any in this particular series. For readers who enjoy Alexa Martin’s Playbook series.

Wow. I am blown away. Jack and Elena sizzle with chemistry and you will find yourself hoping they can get out of their own way to find happiness.
Jack, a cocky yet shy, football quarterback doesn’t trust easily, especially after his last girlfriend messed with his life. His childhood was horrendous and he doesn’t believe love is worth the trouble. Elena is a small town librarian with a naughty side. She is on a blind date when she mistakenly thinks that Jack is her date. Their one night together will change their lives forever.
With banter, chemistry and highly relatable characters this book will leave you with all the feels. The added plot of the play was a great way to have him realizing some things and admitting the truth to himself and her. A great book about family, friendship, and love.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

This book was so much more than I was expecting. It was funny, hot, and this new group dynamic is going to be hard to beat.

Elena is a librarian who comes off a little nerdy and shy. This outward persona couldn’t be further from her true self. She has such a big, outgoing personality, and I love how she spells things when she gets flustered.

Jack is a shell. He doesn’t let anyone in and doesn’t trust many people. He is just living life going through the motions.

Their meet cute was so hilarious. With Elena babbling and Jack’s broody exterior, I was cracking up and feeling the chemistry immediately.

Watching these two open up to everyone around them, divulge secrets that they have kept hidden, and become better versions of themselves was such a great experience. This was the perfect book to get me out of my book slump, and I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.

It's official: THIS book is my favorite one written by Ilsa Madden-Mills. It has everything I could have hoped for: heart, heat, humor, and angst. But that's over-simplifying it. Don't call this a sports romance because there's very little of actual football on the field, although we do get some of the behind-the-scenes stuff, i.e. working out, public relations, injuries, and press conferences. This is, however, very much a romance, and one that has depth to it even as some may feel it skims over the sports part (which is why I feel labeling it as such is a disservice to the story). The romance started off as a no-strings-attached, one-night-only sort of thing, but the connection the main characters shared demanded that it be explored further. Naturally, there are complications, and I'm not talking about simple ex stuff either. Elena and Jack's tale highlights how vital trust and communication are in relationships.

Speaking of Elena and Jack, these two were just the tip of the iceberg as far as the wonderfully unique and quirky cast of characters is concerned. We've got Elena's awesome best friend, Topher Wainscott, her protective and nosy mom and aunt, Cynthia and Clara, respectively, her wee bit insecure younger sister, Giselle, and her precious pig, Romeo. Over on Jack's side, there's Devon Walsh, his flirty best friend and teammate, Aiden Woods, his cocky backup and teammate, and Quinn (whose last name wasn't mentioned), his foster brother and close-in security. There are other people who caught my attention--Scotty the mailman who has a thing for Aunt Clara, Laura and Timmy, the mother and son who becomes one of Jack's ties to Daisy, and Patrick, the new pastor and possible date. I already know who book two is about, so I'm hoping at least three other people get books (two of them together, ehem). Because a beginning as fantastic as Not My Romeo deserves numerous follow-ups. Five-plus stars. ♥

4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Elena and Jack’s story. This story will have you feeling all kinds of emotions. These two have to overcome some hard stuff in order to be together. He must let go of past pain in order to move on. She thought it was one night and he would never find her, but he keeps showing up all over. Will he love her forever or break her heart in the end?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.

This one was so good. Ilsa Madden-Mills has definitely become an auto buy author for me. Her romances always grip me from start to finish, and this one was one of the best. And boy, do I love a tortured hero. Jack’s childhood and relationship experiences are tragic and so very impactful. You see it play out in all of his actions. Something I really enjoy about this book, is how vulnerable Jack got on multiple levels. He may have money from being a professional football player, but he has lots of issues he’s dealing with. It just made him very human. Elena is just what Jack needs! She’s got her own issues she’s dealing with, but man does she have a heart of gold. She is sweet as pie and I loved that about her. I loved how she handled all of the situations that came at her. Plus, her family (plus Topher) are an awesome support system. I loved not only seeing Elena and Jack grow, but their relationships with other grow over the story too. I definitely loved this one!

Nothing compliments a balmy summer day more than a romantic comedy with well-defined characters and hot sexy times. Not My Romeo by author Ilsa Madden-Mills, is a fun read that kept me entertained and smiling. I read this book from cover to cover very quickly because the narrative was too good to put down. This is the first book from the brand new series The Game Changers and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Elena loved growing up in the small town of Daisy, Tennessee. After graduating from NYU, she enjoyed living in NYC and working as a romance book editor. When she inherited her grandmother's stately home, she decided it was time to return to the hometown that she loved. Now back in Daisy, she is very involved in the community and enjoys being the town's librarian. Elena is quite creative and designs sexy lingerie in her free time.

Jack Hawke is a famous and talented football quarterback. His horrific upbringing has caused him to be quite insecure when it comes to trusting and relationships. Elena has no idea who he is and she mistakenly thinks he is her blind date. They share an instant chemistry and one passionate evening evolves into much more.

I truly enjoyed this book. Elena and Jack are wonderful together and their sexy times are hot. The author brilliantly combines a complicated yet delightful romance, emotional moments, and unique individuals into this seductive narrative. Don't pass up the opportunity to read this well-conceived, contemporary romance.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

This is my first book by this author but definitely not the last! This one was not only light but full of fun and a little angst but good ole' bless your heart southern romance. Elena is on the rebound after her boyfriend leaves her for her sister and her roommate sets her up for a blind date on Valentine's Day (really) and when she shows up she finds a man who is dressed like who so she sits down and after an awkward time where she rambles through the entree they end up back at his penthouse for the night. After she is asked to sign an NDA (which she signs with the wrong name) they have an unforgetable night. Jack turns out to not be her blind date but a football star who really needs a reputation rehab but really he just needs Elena. These two are perfect for each other but they have so much working against them, including each other. Trust is a funny thing...just when you think you have it, something creeps up. Will Jack forget he really does know Elena after all? This one was really good and I cannot wait to read more from this author!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Not My Romeo starts with a blind date mix up that I thought was just too cute. Jack loves the idea that someone doesn't know him and so he plays along, pretending to be Elena's date.

After that meet cute, Elena does learn his true identity, but Jack isn't giving up. He ends up getting the part of Romeo to her Juliet in a local production of Romeo and Juliet. Adorable! These two are so different: Jack is a football bad boy with a string of women in his wake and Elena is a buttoned up librarian who has never been satisfied by a man. Her last boyfriend left her for her sister! Elena has some unique talents she totally embraces and I loved that about her. I loved that Jack was tenacious when it came to Elena and that he admitted he was out of his element but not willing to give up.

Overall, Not My Romeo is sweet and sexy so its perfect for a lighter weekend read! There is plenty of humor and both Elena and Jack are characters you will fall in love with. The secondary characters are great as well, and really make the town of Daisy come to life.

Also, I must mention the cover model for Not My Romeo. That face is chiseled! Stunning.

Not My Romeo is the story of Jack and Elena, who would never have crossed paths if it wasn’t for Elena’s friend setting her up on a blind date, and Elena mistaking Jack, the misunderstood ‘bad-boy’ quarterback of the NFL, for the man she was meant to be meeting.

When a quirky woman sits down at Jack’s table in a restaurant on Valentine’s evening, he can only assume it’s another reporter trying to get a story out of him. But when she introduces herself and starts talking about the weather, he realises that this woman has no clue who he is, about his past or his career, and thinks he’s someone else. Deciding to go along with it, they spend the night together, and Jack disappears the next morning, leaving behind a note letting Elena know about the mix up. Elena, finding out who he is from Jack’s bodyguard, is angry and confused. Returning home to her small town just outside of Nashville, where her younger sister has just got engaged to her ex, the last person she expects to run into a church the next day is Jack. Jack, having hit headlines again for the wrong reasons, is suddenly thrown into small town life to make up for his mistakes, including playing Romeo in the town’s production of Romeo and Juliet, opposite Elena as Juliet. As they begin to spend time together, in rehearsals and out, Elena begins to break down Jack’s walls, realising he’s a shy and introverted guy who is paranoid and has trust issues thanks to his past. He slowly lets her into his life, opening up day by day about his past betrayals and why he is the way he is. But when Jack gets the slightest idea that Elena could be untrustworthy, will he throw everything they’ve built away?

Not My Romeo was heart aching, sweet, and I loved how Romeo and Juliet was interwoven into the plot, along with other author’s work. Both Jack and Elena had been betrayed, meaning they had an inkling as to how the other felt. Jack had had a difficult start in life, and after being let down time and time again decided it was best to just trust nobody. Expecting everyone to want something from him, he was extremely private, but found it refreshing when Elena sat down at his table without a clue who he was. Being from completely different worlds made them work because Elena couldn’t care less about his fame, or believe the lies people had published about him, she knew the real him and that was all that mattered. I loved how patient he was with her, how romantic and sweet, because although it was hard for him to trust but he wanted to try for Elena.

Elena saw herself differently to everyone else, not believing in herself after her ex left her for her sister. Known in town as the quiet librarian, she had to keep her sexier side of herself hidden to avoid the scrutiny of her small town, and her mother, but she could be free and open with Jack, he knew every side of her. She knew her worth, standing up to Jack’s demands for an NDA and making sure that he knew where she stood always. She was there for him, ready to listen and support through anything, but she knew when to stop fighting and let him come back to her. Jack and Elena’s love was partially star-crossed, but only because of their own insecurities trying to keep them apart.

My favourite scene of the whole book had to be the performance of Romeo and Juliet, no spoilers but it was absolutely perfect, so Jack and Elena and Ila took the script and twisted it to make it her own, which made it perfect. It made me laugh, smile and my heart ache, but I went back and re-read it straight away because it was so amazing. The secondary characters really added to the story, especially Devon, Jack’s friend and Topher, Elena’s friend who was responsible for the Valentine’s date, and I cannot wait for the next book from this world and to return to these characters. Not My Romeo is such a great romance read, I would highly recommend it.

Looking for an alpha male that is so used to everyone taking advantage of him that he does not know how to react when Elena does not use him for his fame or fortune? Check out Jack Hawke a pro quarterback for a football team that Elena knows nothing about. When they accidentally go out on a blind date sparks fly, the attraction is there, and they both do not know what to do about it. Are you wondering how someone accidentally goes out on a blind date? You will have to read the book to find out the answer to that.



I loved Elena. She has spunk, she is strong, but she has a sweet and innocent side to her. While she puts Jack in his place more than once, she also understands that Jack is used to people using him for what he can get them, where he can take them, and what he does for a living. Very few people know the real Jack Hawke and Elena wants to know that person.

The small-town setting where most of the book takes place is so true to form. Everyone knows everyone else, they gossip, drive by the house when a new car appears, and knows your coming and goings. Daisy, the town, was the perfect place for Elena to live and for her story to be told.

This book was a great mix of fun, romance and a bit of angst. I loved the main character, Elena!! She was truly awesome and witty and once you thought that she fitted the stereotype of the nerdy virgin girl you were proved wrong!! Which is great.

The banter between Jack and Elena was gold. They both had issues to resolve and at first seemed the kind of people that could never be together, but they were exactly what each other needed. This story wasn't silly at all, it had several layers of depth and you were caught in the plot from the first page. I remember I read half of the book during the first sitting, and this is saying something.

Waiting for the next book of the series!

Jack is a professional quarterback who has learnt the hard way of the perils of letting the wrong person too close and he is paying the price. He certainly wasn’t looking for love when he sat down to enjoy h is solitary meal but when a beautiful woman joins him thinking she is his blind date he isn’t about to just walk away.

Elena is a librarian, but she has a sexy side that she keeps hidden as evidenced by her second career. All she knows about her blind date is that he is a weatherman but what she wasn’t expecting was the chemistry she would feel for him or that the steamy night they shared was based on a lie.

They never expected to see each other again but fate had other plans. Both have been burnt by love in the past so they are cautious, but some things are undeniable. The chemistry between them is intense, their banter is humorous and the romance is enough to make you swoon so even though there were a few obstacles along the way it only make it that much sweeter.

THIS BOOK IS WHAT MY DREAMS ARE MADE OF.

hello, jack?? i’m in love with you.

this book was the perfect sport / mistaken identity / sweeeet romance. it was truly *chefs kiss* of perfection.

the story flowed so effortlessly & the secondary characters added so much to the story, helping to create a dynamic cast of characters & growth. truly there wasn’t a character i wasn’t invested in.

if you’re looking for one of my favorite romances of ALL TIME. yes, i said it. give this one a read!

i received an arc in exchange for my honest review.

One of my favorite reads this year! It has everything I love in a romance novel.

Elena is a feisty heroine with a strong sense of self and style. Some people take her as shy or a people pleaser but she is not afraid to be herself with a good dose of rebellion. Even with insecurities that every woman faces, she pushes forward with what she wants and deserves.

Elena’s family of women (mom, aunt, and sister) who has their issues but band together and support each other in their own way. Three cheers for the Daisy Lady Gang.
Elena even has a super cute pet miniature pig, Romeo, who has a personality all his own.

Jake is an alpha hero that is broken and extremely guarded but you see him grow and open up to Elena throughout the book.

Their mistaken identity meet-cute is the best! I am not going to say anything else because I want you to have the joy of experiencing it for the first time without any spoilers.

Their chemistry together is off the charts! Elena is not afraid to challenge Jack, which is not something he is used to as a superstar athlete. These two are able to see each other based on their true self and not public perceptions or others' expectations. Their ‘arguing’ is HOT, the dirty talk is 🔥 and the way that Madden-Mills write the kissing scenes makes me melt. Who knew a kissing scene would get you so worked up!

Football player and a librarian... talk about match made in romance heaven. Jack and Elenas story is full of humor and sass.
Ilsa has a way of captivating her readers. She writes characters that are flawed yet relatable. If you are looking for a story that will have you smiling and swooning, look no further. Looking forward to this series.

I was pleasantly surprised by this story as I hadn't read anything by this author before. It was funny with witty banter and the circumstances as to how they keep seeing each other is hilarious. They have amazing chemistry as well so there's this amazing tension between them.