This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read. I couldn’t put it down from the moment I started it and was smiling the entire time. I love a man who knows what he wants from the very beginning, and that is definitely Devon. While his fear of abandonment initially stopped him from pursuing Giselle, he was committed to her the entire time. There was not a moment when you doubted his devotion to her and his jealous, protective nature—absolute swoon.

Giselle was also one of the most likable heroines I’ve read in a long time. She was vulnerable but still independent, hilarious, and incredibly intelligent. Her quirks were adorable and read as genuine and realistic. She reminds me of one of Penny Reid’s amazingly smart and unique characters. And Giselle and Devon’s chemistry was positively scorching.

There was some slight action/suspense that made the story even more interesting, and the resolution to the primary conflict was neither unrealistically short nor annoyingly drawn out. Madden-Mills has such a gift for keeping your attention throughout the entire story, and her foreshadowing makes you anxious to see what happens next.

I loved the epilogue, the side characters—all of it, really. There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about this novel. I give it an emphatic five stars and the highest of recommendations.

*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*

"You are the best person in all my universes."

I LOVE this series! Not My Romeo (The Game Changers, #1) is at the top of my favorites list, so I was eagerly excited to go back to Daisy for Giselle and Devon's story. In real-world uncertain times Not My Match (The Game Changers, #2) delivers everything you need for top-notch literary escapism.

I adore the dynamic between Giselle (a fierce, intelligent physicist) and Devon (swoon-worthy, heart-of-gold pro-footballer) ─ the witty banter, push-and-pull tension, laugh-out-loud humor, and emotional connection that all lead to a love rooted in deep devotion, respect, commitment and admiration that you feel with every heartbeat and turn of the page. And that epilogue *dreamy sigh*

I will be hoping and eagerly awaiting more from this series!

4.5 stars

Note: You do not need to read Not My Romeo to enjoy Not My Match but I highly recommend starting with book one.

3.5 stars

I wasn’t thrilled when I started this read, knowing that Giselle was the heroine. In the previous book, I couldn’t stand her. But, I tried to go into this read with an open mind. In the end, I came around to Giselle. The author did a great job of showing the true personality of her character and explaining exactly why G was the way she was.

I adored Devon. Absolutely adored him. He had a painful past and was still dealing with the effects of growing up in a broken home and feeling as though everyone leaves him. He was convinced that he couldn’t let anyone too close to him because they’d eventually leave. Always the fun loving, good time guy to mask his pain.

This opposites attract romance was entertaining in the beginning but after a while, the wishy-washy dynamic between the characters became frustrating. Neither of them knew what they wanted and when they did, they wouldn’t say anything. It was a roller coaster. I also didn’t believe anything that happened in the bedroom after the h lost her v card. She’d instantly turn into this sexual explorer and basically banged Devon everyday in all kinds of positions. Her virginity was such a major part of the story that everything felt completely unrealistic. Hot, yes. Believable, hardly.

There was a lot going on in this novel. A ton of nerdy science jargon, sci-fi romance writing, football, small town dynamic... it was kind of all over the place!

The HEA was lovely and I was happy with the way the author made both characters deal with their heartbreak and loneliness before throwing them back together. I was pleased that neither character had to give up their dreams so they could be tougher. They compromised and leaned on each other.

Not My Match is everything I love about Ilsa's writing.

After Not My Romeo, Giselle started at a disadvantage with me. I tend to hold grudges. But throughout the book I managed to forgive, forget and empathize with her whole heartedly. I loved her character, the sweet and nerdy girl, who can wield her beautiful mind and break down black holes and string theory, supporting women in STEM, on one hand and a pen to write scientifically accurate romance to feed her soul with the other.
I loved Jack in the first book, but I'm sorry, Devon just dethroned him.

Ilsa weaves a magical tale of love and fate, beautifully crafted and heart warming. A slow burn that leads to an epic blaze and an eternal flame and I fully anticipate this book to stay with me and lead the top of my 2021 reads.

10 stars and a particle accelerator

I received a free ARC from the author for the promise of an honest review.

Ms. Madden-Mills is one of my favorite authors. Her stories always draw me in from start to finish and Not My Match was no different. She is a master at storytelling.

Devon and Giselle are complete opposites. Devon is the number one wide receiver in the nation. Giselle is physics doctorate student at Vanderbilt University with a few loveable quirks. Devon and Giselle meet because Giselle's sister is married to Devon's best friend. Giselle and Devon forged a friendship but when Giselle's apartment building catches on fire, Devon offers her a place to stay. Their mutual attraction grows.

This story fits the elements of a sports romance but it is refreshing and compelling. You feel the emotions of each character. You feel like you are a part of their story.

"She's, well, a lady. Nice.
And I'm bad. Very, very bad."

After reading Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills, I knew I had to know more about the blue haired (or was it purple haired) devilishly handsome wide receiver, Devon. I always like a bad boy because generally speaking, there is something that made them that way and I couldn't wait to see what would be in store for him. While you absolutely do not need to read that book to enjoy Not My Match, it's always nice to see other characters mentioned in the books.

Not My Match is about our handsome, lady-loving player, Devon and the virgin, smart as a whip, a little weird and oddly attractive, college student and teacher and woman of Daisy, Giselle. They recently met through Giselle's sister and Devon's teammate since they were the couple in the first book. Giselle has just gotten out of a bad relationship (don't get me started on that one) and Devon is the one there to help her get out of her shell and maybe set her up with someone more fitting for her. Only problem is, Devon may be a player, but he's attracted to the one person he shouldn't be.

Ilsa Madden-Mills has a special talent for creating characters that have this chemistry that can't be denied. One of them, and usually it's the female lead, is this quirky character that we can't help but love. They have this odd sense of humor and just something that you can never put your finger on. But those men that capture their attention sure feel that pull and it's always something special to watch on the page between the characters. In this case, it's Devon and Giselle and they have it in spades. They are so different, but they just get each other. Their friendship and the way they could talk, banter, laugh and be honest with one another was what grabbed me. I liked that the most. And man, the sexual tension was all throughout. Especially since it's such a slow burn. Devon may be a "bad boy", but I really didn't see it much. He was a good man in all the best ways.

"Oh, Devon. You are the best person in all my universes."


If you want some opposites attract, sexual tension, and a slow burn, Not My Match is for you. The characters are likable and the chemistry between them is obvious. I loved each character separately and I enjoyed them together as friends and later as lovers. How they start to connect with a living situation was a little off for me, but it didn't hinder the story. I liked their friendship the most and I liked the way Devon was so protective and brought Giselle out of her shell. I liked what they did for each other. They balanced each other out and I loved watching them get to that point. They had that zing! And the supporting characters are just perfection, even if some of them are in your business too much. I could have a book for each of them and never get bored with the Daisy citizens.

"It's part of the universe. Essential. Everything is a push and pull-gravity, if you will-how we are drawn to certain people and not others. And when you get that zing with it....it must be amazing, They have zing."

Overall, this story was just what I needed to start my 2021. There was some heartbreak, but it made me feel good and made me laugh. I just adored all the characters and the way Devon and Giselle's relationship blossomed. They were fun and balanced one another perfectly. This story is one to make you smile and feel good.

„I want to be in all your universes.”

I am aware that it’s only January, but I can definitely say that Not My Match will be high on my list of Top Reads of 2021. I just finished reading this fabulous story and I already want to re-read it. This book is so heartwarming, so sweet and funny and emotional! I devoured Devon and Giselle’s story in the blink of an eye and I didn't want it to end. Ilsa Madden-Mills has outdone herself, I even dare to say that this book has topped Not My Romeo in the swoon-factor!

Giselle is such a kick-ass heroine! Extremely smart, a bit quirky and all sorts of adorable! This girl is sweetness mixed with spice. She’s a source of entertainment, completely different from the character we could’ve imagined after reading the book about her sister. Giselle is a dreamer with a heart of gold, she's considerate, caring and friendly.

Where to start about Devon? He is the man for whom women lose their minds and panties. Completely irresistible, he's all alpha with a tender side. I loved how protective and attentive he was. I adored to see him as more than a famous jock. This guy is helpful and solicitous, and although he was wronged in the past, he has a big heart that has so much love to give.

This couple is a perfect example of how opposites attract. And although their romance can be classified as a slow-burn, its intensity can't be denied. Their chemistry was sizzling, their passion fierce and fiery. I loved everything about Giselle and Devon- from their hilarious banter and tender moments, to their fervent intimacy and struggles they needed to face.

Not My Match is a book that will entertain you, touch you and make you swoon. After reading it I want to crash Sunday dinner at Giselle mom's, have a girls' night with Myrtle the neighbor and participate in a rodeo lesson with Devon (yeehaw! Haha). This story was simply amazing- romantic, sexy, charming, with all the feels! I’m totally smitten with this book!

Oh, and I need Aiden’s story. I CRAVE IT!

This book started like a fairly standard Innocent Buttoned-Up Virgin meets Sportsy Sexpert Bad-Boy. I was enjoying reading the beginning it just wasn't knocking my socks off. But-OH MAN-did this book just get better and better!

Giselle is the kind on heroine I ADORE. Super smart, quirky, hilarious, and real! She is so sweet and I really loved her back story.

Devon was just SWOONY! Yes, he is emotionally closed off to romantic relationships, but the more I read the more complex he became. The reader gets to see exactly why he is closed off, but there's more nuance than we usually get in these characters. It wasn't the standard "hurt once so he's a total jerk to everyone" story. He is still kind, still loves his friends and family deeply. He still helps others and cares. He just has particular hurts that make him hesitate when it comes to long-term romantic relationships.

I loved the very real and not easily dismissed conflict in this story.

And WOWZA—did this book ever bring the HEAT! I loved every second of the steam in this book.

It was also very funny in parts. There was a laugh-out-loud scene centered on a lengthy dinner prayer that will have you snort-laughing!

I took off 1/2 star because it is clear this is a second book in the series. I had not read the first book and there were times when I felt a little lost when storylines from the previous book were mentioned.

RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: alcoholism, cheating in past relationships, parent abandonment, past attempted sexual assault (not overly graphic).

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sorry for the long review, I'm just feeling everything.

This was just what I needed, and I'm so thankful for Ilsa Madden-Mills and her writing. Devon and Giselle are still in my head.

First things first, the characters. They were amazing, from the main characters to the side characters. Giselle is such a complex character, and I absolutely loved her. The experience of sexism inside the STEM community was my favorite, and how she was also a brilliant writer. We don't get enough scientist heroines, we love to see it! About Devon, I can say that he annoyed me a little bit with his "alpha male" type, but it really grew on me. I don't think they'll leave my head so soon.

I am so in love with the atmosphere Ilsa created here. The family and the small town in contrast with the big city, all of the country vibes just made me fall so hard for this book. It was so funny and light-hearted, but it was serious when it needed to be, touching on great topics; like the universe and fate talk. It got so into the story because I am so fascinated by both of these conversations.

Finally, let's just address the tension build up. Ilsa never fails to deliver such steamy and gripping tension between the characters. I felt too much reading this, I was on the tip of my toes everytime. Plus, friends to lovers is my favorite trope ever, so it is no surprise I fell head over heels with them. Their friendship and roommate times were just chef's kiss.

Just a final warning: Devon does struggle with an addictive father, so beware before going into it. I did admire the way the author recognized it as a disease and talked about both father and son's struggles regarding it.

P.S.: Giselle and the spider: couldn't relate more.

5 star Review of Not My Match (The Game Changers #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

I loved the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to read Not My Match. I enjoy Ms. Madden-Mills style of writing, her characters were easy to relate to, strong and engaging. This book was one that had my emotions going all over the place but I was hooked from the first to the last page in the story she wove. This is a friends to lovers romance that most certainly ticked the boxes for me.

I love a story where the hero is a bit of a bad boy and Devon a professional wide receiver is that. From their initial meeting until the end I was fully invested in the journey that Devon and Giselle Riley were on.

Devon and Giselle appear to be total opposites but they have more in common than one would expect. This was a great read, with some drama, humour and heat with a hero and heroine who you cannot help but fall for. I loved that Devon allowed himself to show his vulnerable side as he got to know Giselle and I loved how smart, sweet and brilliant she was.

The secondary characters were just as entertaining and I hope to see more of them in the future. Not My Match is one of my favourite stories from Ms.Madden-Mills. One click this little gem, you won’t be disappointed and if you haven’t already read Not My Romeo, then why not one click that one too? .

I received a copy through the publisher via NetGalley

I should’ve known that this book wasn’t for me based on the fact that it had the wonder virgin trope, but I let the blurb convince me into requesting an arc anyways.
Let’s just say that I didn’t enjoy the plot or humour and wasn’t a fan of the characters either.
Overall this book just wasn’t my cup of tea.

***5 ‘You Are the Best Person in All My Universes’ Stars***

Have you ever been all kinds of excited to get your hands on a book and yet are kinda scared to dive in because maybe you kinda sorta had a tinsy bit of a problem with one of the main characters in the previous book and while you totally trust in the author’s ability to at least make you like them, if not love them in the end??

Well, that was me (if you’ve read Not My Romeo you’ll know why) but I can honestly say that I should not have allowed myself to worry because I freakin’ ADORED this book. From start to finish ADORED it ~ even the frustrating I want to Gibbs smack you while I hug you moments and really just want to spend a lot more time with Devon and Giselle and the rest of the crew.

Devon and Giselle. I adored these two. Devon is a sweetheart and there is seriously so much more going beneath the surface that is all kinds of goodness than anyone knows. Giselle. This woman didn’t grow on me, she slammed into me and I basically gave me no choice but to love her. She’s quirky, sweet, sensitive and I loved how much she loved everything that mattered to her.

There is a lot I could say about their journey to their HEA. A LOT. But that would ruin the fun of it all. But what I can say is that for two people who are opposites, they flowed so well with each other in all ways that there was no way I couldn’t root for them to get the HEA they both deserved.

This was a great read. So great my cheeks hurt from all the grinning I was doing thanks to Devon and Giselle. But outside of those two, I loved catching up with crew from Daisy ~ Topher and Aunt Clara were awesome and Cynthia definitely up’d her game in this one. I would have loved a little more time with Quinn and even Lawrence, but Aiden definitely added some fun to the story...and I think that if I ever get a puppy I may just name it after him *smirk* but as for the newbies in this one. Myrtle was ALL kinds of awesome and I’m crossing my toes that Selena gets her own HEA one day...so, bring on the next book!

Another great read by this author, I really enjoyed the chemistry and the main characters. Really looking forward to more in this series

Poor Giselle has a birthday curse. I mean, it's pretty serious, some of the stories that happened around her birthday are insane! Add to that, she hasn't been lucky in love, and her new brother in law told his teammates to stay away. Ugh. But Devon can't resist her. Oh he tries, sure, while also walking a fine line between friends (yeah right) and more.

Devon's got stuff to work through, too. But like why fight it? He and Giselle are so good together. It's like fate. And their chemistry is so hot, like fire hot. The buildup was awesome in this! And there were some funny moments. But I also liked seeing Giselle figure herself out and gain a backbone. And I got a little worried at one point about her choices but the author wraps things up quite nicely.

Highly anticipated romance between two friends that want nothing more than to be with each other but have hesitations to move forward.

I knew I was going to love this romance novel that took me a little bit by surprise. A surprise that I loved and am looking forward to Ilsa's next book!

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Not My Romeo, and I knew I was going to thoroughly enjoy Giselle & Devon's story before I ever got my hands on it and I was so right! This may be described and advertised as a sports romance, but it's so much more than that. Giselle is a sweet girl who is hard not to like -- she's so darn smart, doesn't realize she's sexy and a breath of fresh air. And as the title indicates, you would assume that the football jock and the smart, nerdy girl wouldn't be a match, but you would be so very wrong because they're definitely a match -- a match that flames hotter and brighter every time they get close to each other! This is a slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance and a standalone, but do yourself a favor and read both books because they're both very well written and more enjoyable if read together. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

I see Isla Madden-Mills books everywhere and I've wanted to read one for a while. I was so happy to see her stuff pop up on here. I'm a sucker for a sports romance so I jumped at the chance to download it. Devon is a football hero and acquaintance of Giselle's through her sister's husband. Giselle is displaced after a fire to her apartment and when Devon is there to witness it, he brings her to his house to stay. Which starts out as a temporary stay ends up being long term after they impulsively kiss and while they both obviously have the hots for each other, neither is willing to risk the consequences of trying it out. Giselle definitely feels the need to do it all, be a good doctoral candidate, a good teacher, take care of all of her friends and family and also try and win over Devon. Devon, is definitely someone who doesn't think he deserves Giselle, or any woman for that matter, and is also trying to play the hero card.

I felt like the connection was so obvious from the start and the characters were just playing dumb or denying themselves. I also didn't like how much emphasis they put on Giselle's virginity. Like she's this inexperienced, innocent nerd who also is into BDSM was just a little far fetched.

Overall I'd give this book a 3.5 stars. This was the second book in the series and while I don't think not reading the first put me at a disadvantage I think it would have helped to have some background context, especially in the realm of her sister and her husband. I want to go back I'm definitely going to pick up a few more of her books to see more.

I love this series. I wasn't sure about Devon in Not My Romeo, but man was he perfection in this book. I super loved how smart and fun Giselle is and I love that we got more from her after learning about her in the first book. It took a little bit for me to settle into the story, but once the slow burn of Devon and Giselle's relationship got going, I couldn't stop. Perfect for fans of sports romances, of Sophie Sinclair's books and series with overlapping characters. I need more.

You are the best person in all of my universes.

Oh, you guys. Just look at how lovely that line is!! My heart!

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. I know that's a weird thing to say, but Ilsa Madden-Mills has been a little hit-or-miss for me lately. I went in feeling a little apprehensive (especially since this is a book 2, and book 1 was a bit of a struggle for me). And then? Then I found myself completely smitten with Giselle and Devon. Smitten in that deliciously addictive way that includes butterflies and the ache in my chest as I fell in love with them falling in love with each other.

This is a slow burn that is sometimes a little too on the nose with its flirtation and chemistry - but it's a slow burn that worked for me nonetheless. I was charmed by the friendship that formed between Giselle and Devon, and bought into the chemistry that sparked with physical attraction and then intensified with the deeper layers that developed as they got to know each other. Their banter was on-point. Giselle was unexpectedly quirky in a way that sometimes felt maybe a smidge over-the-top, but also in a way that made me adore her fiercely. I loved her for being a little extra. And don't even get me started about Devon's whole growly alpha thing -- I can't even tell you why that works for me, but it so works for me, and I found Devon to be positively irresistible. Their opposites attracted in a way that felt so organic and I 100% bought into it.

I devoured this story. It was a quick, easy and super satisfying read. My heart flipped and fluttered and loved every moment it got to spent in this sexy, sweet love story.

GAH! I am SUCH a sucker for damsel in distress stories. I remember Giselle and Devon from the first book in this series and was definitely intrigued on how Madden-Mills would pair them together as they seemed so different at first glance. But like most stories I've come to read from this author: I.Am.Obsessed! The sexy manwhore jock and the virginal braniac were addicting!!! This opposites attract/roommates to lovers story had me hooked and obsessed. This is another win from this author!!

Umm so Ilsa Madden-Mills completely pulled the wool over my eyes and then some with this book! I had no idea how amazing Giselle would be in her own book. We saw a different side to her in the first book but after reading Not My Match I loved her so much! She was an adorable nerd that needed a temporary place to live and a coach to help her cut loose and find her inner vixen. Enter the deliciously sexy player extraordinaire Devon Walsh, her brother in law's best friend, who is down to help her with all three tasks. But when close quarters lead to even closer moments between them....it is on!!!

Sigh! I loved this story. Giselle and Devon had sexy banter and a slow burn tension that kept me on the edge of my seat. She was fun and engaging. Likewise, Devon was my favorite! Moody and broody with a heart of gold. I loved seeing his burgeoning feelings for Giselle and the growing connection between them. I loved this story even more than the first in this series and can't wait for more books from Madden-Mills in the future! 5 stars! ~Ratula