When I first started putting the puzzle pieces together how books 1 & 2 correlated I wasn’t sure how I felt. I didn’t want to read about Giselle. Not after what happened. But IMM knows how to make you fall for her characters. Giselle was was the virgin science expert. Devon the hot football jock. They are worlds apart. But what do they say, opposites attract. I loved this book. Devon will definitely make you swoon!! I loved the journey Devon and Giselle went through for their HEA. The side characters are also fantastic. I loved Myrtle. Giselle’s Mom. Aunt Clara. Topher. Also the little mystery surrounding Devons Dad. Many many aspects of this book to keep you turning those pages.

Giselle needs a place to stay. Devon, her brother in law's best friend, offers her a place and the rest is history. Except it's not quite that easy or that simple because when he ends up "helping" her with the dates she keeps finding online, something in their friendship shifts and soon they're moving from friends to much more. But how can he possibly be good for the girl with genius brain?

I honestly do not remember Devon and Giselle very well from Jack and Elena's story, Not My Romeo, but here in their own story, they're interesting and entertaining and a perfect case of opposites attract. When a playboy is brought to his knees by love, I am so there to read, and I was not disappointed reading as Devon's ass got felled by a nerdy girl with the brilliant brain. They're not only seriously hot together, but quite adorable, and I loved them as a couple. Perhaps not quite as much as Elena and Jack, but a lot, nonetheless, and I was sad when the story came to its end.

This was fun. I loved how Devon tried to control himself around Giselle but you could only hold on to so much. The story flows well and him following her around on dates just took the cake for me. Masochist much? This was fun but sexy and the chemistry was explosive.

Hmm..Okay. I'm having a tough time rating this. I was really enjoying it in the beginning, but then the middle got a little slow. And not in the slow burn way, because I don't classify this as a slow burn, but just in the way that they're constantly back and forth with their feelings. Devon is constantly calling her "baby" which, for me, usually signifies that the H has realized his feelings and is ready to dive in. That's a personal issue, of course, but it threw me off. I don't know any friends that refer to their friends as "baby", so I suppose that's why it bothered me.

Expanding on my feelings of why this isn't a slow burn- They have feelings for each other before the book even begins. My definition of a slow burn is when both characters take a while to even remotely have feelings for each other, not when it just takes a while for them to get together. So keep that in mind if you're a slow burn snob like me ;)

Moving on to the characters...

I actually really loved Giselle. She wasn't even remotely how she was described in the first book. I wasn't hesitant going into this after her horrible intro in Not My Romeo because I absolutely love these kind of character arcs. They are some of my favorite to read because I love to see how authors redeem these people. This one did not disappoint. Giselle had her...dowdy moments, but she was never cold like described in NMR. She was patient with Devon and so great with her students. Aside from her somewhat conservative clothes in the beginning, she did a complete 180 from the character we originally met. She was silly, funny, and super adventurous. She had a wild side, for sure.

Devon was not what I expected. I expected more of a rough and tumble alpha jerk, but he wasn't at all. He was a really sweet guy with a lot of emotional baggage. I really liked how good he was to Giselle, even when he was being wishy washy.

As for the story line- Like I said before, it got a little slow there in the middle. It felt like it was kind of repetitive almost? I struggled through that part, if I'm being honest. That being said, once we got toward the 70% mark it started picking up again and the conflict kicked in. That was resolved rather quickly, which was kind of a bummer. I would have liked for it to have gone in a different direction for at least a little bit, but it wrapped up nicely and the epilogue was super cute.

Overall, this book was entertaining. It's pretty aligned with the first book so if you liked the first one, you'll like this one. Fingers crossed Aiden gets a book, too! I want more of him...badly!

I loved this so much!!! The characters come alive right off the page and there's so much depth to them. Giselle so so amazing and I'm always left wanting more. I love that in the same book you can get such raw emotions and laugh all the same. I'm always left looking forward to the next book Ilsa writes!

Giselle et Devon sont deux personnages agréables, j'ai pris beaucoup de plaisir à les voir évoluer ensemble et travailler sur leurs failles. La première a un petit souci avec sa V Card à 24 ans et le second n'a pas envie qu'on l'abandonne une nouvelle fois... et ne veut pas sortir avec elle, qu'il pense trop bien pour lui. On va donc naviguer pendant un moment dans cette phase amitié et j'ai aimé justement les voir y aller doucement, apprendre à se connaitre, à voir au delà des apparences et aller au fond des choses. Certaines parties sont intenses et le final vraiment très mignon ! Une chouette romance amis à amoureux !

Isla Madden-Mills did something I never thought possible--she made me love a heroine I previously didn't like. Giselle and Jack are now my favorites from this series and no one can convince to revert back to my previous line of thinking. They are just THAT good together. Not My Match, is a emotionally charged and sexually sizzling novel that hits you with moments of raw authenticity and comedic gold.

Like I said before--I went into this book not like Giselle. From Not My Romeo (NMR), she was the sister that had me rolling my eyes and scowling at. But cracking open this story and learning more about Giselle and her side of the story from the events that happened in NMR, my cold heart thawed, and as I dove deeper I began to root for her in more ways than I can count. Giselle is this super genius who happens to know everything outside of the bedroom. After having a shit storm of a relationship come crashing down, Giselle is out to prove to herself that she has what it takes to be in a relationship and the sexual prowess that comes with it too.

Enter Devon.

I absolutely LOVED Devon in NMR. And I think I actually squealed in a work meeting when I found out that Devon was getting his own story. A famous professional football player, Devon is known for his player ways both on and off the field. Attracted to Giselle beyond belief, he decides that he isn't the right match for Giselle and begins the adventure of being her matchmaker. Y'all this man has LAYERS. Every time I got to a new chapter, it was like I was introducing myself to a different and updated Devon. I got so invested in his life and who he was that everything else ceased to exist when I was in his point of view.

From the very beginning these characters clicked, and watching them fight their feelings and then come together was the most satisfying thing I've witnessed all year. The push and pull and the leaning on each other during difficult moments was like chef kisses. If you can't tell I am smitten and loved every single moment of this story.

The Chemistry, the emotions, and the well developed characters--Ilsa Madden-Mills threw it out of the park with this story. I was completely entranced from start to finish, and if the others didn't solidify my belief that Isla is a bonified QUEEN--then I don't know what else will. I highly, highly, recommend you grabbing this series up and devouring it. Trust me you won't regret it!

I wasn't sure how Giselle was going to redeem herself since we learned about her in Not My Romeo, but she pulled it off. This was a fun, slow burn, friends to lovers read. I found myself laughing out loud so many times throughout this book. Devin will steal your heart and have you swooning, his vulnerability was so sexy. Sometimes love is that missing piece you never knew is what you needed.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased a copy of the audiobook and listened to that as well, for me, the narrators ruined the story.

This is an honest review for an arc received. “It pays to keep an open mind, but not so open your brains fall out.” Gieselle Riley is the super smart nerdy girl, who’s convinced everything going wrong in her life currently, is due to her birthday curse. She’s got big plans for her life and has a list to prove it. After a failed engagement and not so great dates via an online dating app, she’s looking to turn her luck around. But after a fire at her apartment building, she’s considering her options. Never in a million years does she see herself living with Devon Walsh. Once she finds out her brother-in-law Jack (from Not My Romeo) told Devon her biggest secret, she’s now on a mission. “You’re like every guy’s wet dream for a farm girl – you know that, right?” Devon Walsh is a hot, sexy, tattooed star football player and also best friends with Gieselle’s brother-in-law Jack. Although a chance run in with Gieselle ended poorly, he’s determined to apologize. When he comes to her rescue after her apartment fire, he offers her a place to stay. Devon has secrets that he keeps closely guarded. Will he open up to his quirky roommate who he promised to watch out for? What happens when the nerdy girl breaks down the defenses of the hot, alpha male football star? “Out of the hurricane of my life, out of everyone I know, she’s become a true constant, a calm breeze that eases me.” This is a 5 star touchdown! If you’re looking for a book with witty banter, fun loving characters that you can’t help but root for, brains and braun, and hot sexy times, then this is the book for you! These two are perfect for each other. I love a good sports romance and this one is right at the top of my list. Get ready for an opposites attract, steamy, sweet love story. Can’t wait for Aiden’s book!

I knew when Devon was introduced in Not my Romeo that he would be someone special.
Devon is beautiful inside and out. He has baggage he carries from when he was a child. But he’s so good to Giselle and he wants her to have a guy that deserves her.
Giselle is smart and beautiful and she really sees Devon. She doesn’t see the football superstar but the man and she loves him the way he is.
I loved how the were friends after they met even though the attraction was there from the moment they met. I love the way they are with each other. They become roommates but Giselle still take care of her friend an older lady who is hilarious. Giselle can’t help herself and she has to answer whatever question is asked. She’s still trying to forgive herself for what happened with her sister even though Elena has forgiven her. She also believes her birthday is cursed because of things that happened when she was a teen which is quite sad.
Her mom is something else and her prayers during dinner had me laughing so hard. The way Elena and Giselle are during the prayers made me laugh.
I love Giselle’s sense of humor and the things she does to Devon. I must say I would’ve screamed like Giselle when Cindy ended up on her bed but what she does to Devon when it lands on him is priceless. I love the sense of humor and the serious moments this book had.
I love Devon, he’s just swoon worthy. He and Giselle are perfect for each other. And that ending was perfect. I highly recommend this book.

This is a great book with some fantastic characters. A little Alpha male, with lots of chemistry. Add in sports romance and this book really does have it all.

4.5 stars
I am a sucker for a good sports romance. Not My Match was exactLy what I needed and so good. I loved the characters so much.

Giselle was so different from when we met her in the first book. She was a great heroine and so easy to love. The more we learned about Devon you couldn’t help but love him. He was a great hero. Giselle and Devon were perfect for each other.

Not My Match was a fast paced read that pulls you in. I am a huge fan of Ilsa Madden-Mills, she is a must read author for me. If you love sports romances you will love this book.

My favorite by this author I've read so far!

I have to be honest, after finishing the first book, and learning that Giselle was the heroine in book two, I was a little worried. I went from hating Giselle in the first book, to absolutely loving her in this one. Her story was so good!

After meeting Devon in the first book, I was excited to see what happened with his own story. Giselle is the perfect match for him. I was completely engaged in their story and I enjoyed their journey to a happily ever after. I love geek and athlete romances. This one was no exception. Giselle is so smart, a scientist and author. Devon is sweet, hot, a stellar athlete, and has even his alpha moments that had me swooning.

I really hope we get Aiden's story! I love him and I want to see what girl brings him to his knees.

Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.

Wow, I thought Jack from "Not my Romeo" was smooth, but Devon may have just stepped in front of him in the coolness factor. You may remember Devon as Jack's good friend and teammate and Giselle the sister to Jack's girl, Elena. After Giselle and her fiance end their relationship, she finds herself looking for love in all the wrong places. Well, maybe not love....Giselle is looking for that special someone take her virginity at the ripe age of 24. Enter Devon....he'd love to help, but A) doesnt' think he is good enough and B) is afraid of what Jack might think. Well, that didn't last long....Devon finds himself with a new roommate when Giselle's apartment has a fire and here comes a whole new set of sparks.
I loved these two together! Despite her inexperience, Giselle is all in with Devon and he is smitten. Devon has some serious abandonment issues to work through and other than an episode of angst...he and Giselle get the HEA we are looking for.

Holy smokes Ilsa writes amazing books and this series just gets better and better!!! There are not enough words to say how much I loved this one!!! It is one of the best love stories. I must admit I wasn't happy with Giselle in the first book, but learning more my heart breaks for her. I don't want to give too much away - this book is a must read!!! Devon is - just everything and so much more and nothing I thought he would be!!! These two opposites are perfect and have more in common than I would have thought. I loved this couple so much. A birthday curse, butterflies, aliens, sharks, banter, dreams, football, family, friends, and so, so much more! Their story gave me all the feels and holds a special place in my heart!

I absolutely loved Devon and Giselle. Devon is a football player and keeps himself guarded and doesn’t do relationships. Giselle is a nerdy and just out of an engagement. When her place burns down, Devon steps in and they become roommates. Lots of push and pull with these two. Loved the chemistry and the writing. Definitely a five star read for me.

Not My Match by Ilsa Madden-Mills is book Two in The Game Changers Series. This is the story of Giselle Riley and Devon Walsh. I have read the previous book 'Not My Romeo' where we did meet Giselle who is Elena's sister and Devon is Jack's best friend which did add to my enjoyment of this book. I did feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Devon along with the other team mates have been warned off Giselle by her brother in law Jack. Devon is focused on his career but hasn't shined away from having fun. But with Giselle she is the total opposite of the hot jock because she is the very smart beautiful but shy 24 year old innocent. Devon has taken Giselle under his wing in the dating department trying to lead her to guys that more deserving of her but he is finding that he can't help but be upset when she is around other men. It doesn't help that she is now living with him and he has to keep himself in check with her...but its becoming to hard to fight his feelings. I am such a fan of this author's writing. Ms. Madden-Mills never has disappointed me yet. Loved this book.

Whenever I read a book by Ilsa Madden-Mills I always think I've found my new favourite book of hers and my favourite book boyfriend but then she releases a new book and I fall in love all over again.
We first met Giselle in Not My Romeo and whilst reading that book I made up my mind about Giselle, or so I thought I'd made up my mind about her anyway until I started reading Not My Match and she completely redeemed herself.
Giselle is a bit of a nerdy girl who has recently found herself single after a broken engagement so she's looking to date and more importantly lose her virginity. In walks Devon, a fellow football player/team mate and also friend of her sister's husband, who offers to help her find a decent guy for her to date.
Both characters are dealing with their own personal problems and insecurities throughout the book which make them all the more lovable to both each other but also to us as the reader. Giselle and Devon end up being the perfect match for each other and I fell in love with them as much as I'd go as far as to say that they would probably have to be my new favourite book couple!
Not My Match is a friends to lovers book which is one of my favourite tropes.
Ilsa Madden-Mills never fails to write an amazing storyline that contain characters you instantly connect with. If I could rate this book higher than 5 stars then I would as I absolutely loved it!
I would highly recommend this book, 5 stars from me.

Arc provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In Not My Match, we return to the world introduced in Not My Romeo. Ms Madden Mills brings us back to Daisy, TN and the Daisy Lady Gang with younger sister Giselle.

Giselle is at a bit of a cross roads when we meet her in this book. We see her struggle a and even deal with her birthday curse. On the sidelines for her adventures, and to come to the rescue when needed, Devon (the teammate of her new brother in law).

I liked both characters here. Giselle is a lot stronger than she thanks she is and it was truly fun to see her stretch her wings and fight for what she wants and needs. Devon is a great example of still waters running deep. He’s a good guy hiding behind a playboy persona.

This is a fun, well written slow burn/friends to lovers story that kept us guessing as to what would happen. The secondary cast here is great too. Aiden (another teammate) adds a layer of competition/humor and Giselle’s family is a hoot.

Technically, this is a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading Not My Romeo first as pieces of the background are laid/more fully explained there. Having enjoyed the first two books so much, I have to admit that I hope Aiden has a story coming soon too.

5 Stars

Not My Match by Ilsa Madden-Mills is the second book in The Game Changers series and OMG it was fan-freakin’-tastic! Every time I pick up a Madden-Mills story, I know that I am going to fall head over heels in love. Not My Match was no different. This book stole my heart and was completely unputdownable. From the very first page to the last, I was swept away into this fictional world and never wanted to leave.

Giselle and Devon were AMAZING! They were complete opposites but Mills writes them where they not only attract, but mesh in a way that makes the story seem realistic. Devon was the perfect alpha hero and is so broken. Giselle’s life was mess after mess. But when Devon offers her a place to stay, she has no idea how much her life is about to change.

This book was incredible! Full of a delicious slow burn, friends to lovers, swoony, steamy and romantic- Not My Match is one story you do not want to miss! Highly recommend reading it!