Have you ever read a book, and it just... completely starts off on the wrong foot? That initial stumble flavors your entire reading experience, and then suddenly all of these other little things start to bug you. That's how this went for me. There's a lot of good stuff going on in the story - a fake dating scheme, a small town feel, discussion of grief and healing, playfulness - but that sense of disconnect never abated and I found myself skimming. I'm usually a big fan of Madden-Mills' work, but this just couldn't recover from the initial issues.

The story follows Ronan, a former football player grieving the loss of the woman he loved. When he meets a sexy stranger at a party, Ronan feels a connection that he never expected. They share one steamy evening that devolves into the worst one night stand ever. A few years later, Nova runs into Ronan again… but he doesn't recognize her. Disheartened that the night truly meant so little to Ronan, their relationship in present day is full of tension. Ronan is now the star football coach in their small town, Nova is his neighbor, and they just keep running into each other. In an attempt to get people to stop playing matchmaker, Ronan asks Nova to fake a relationship with him. She seems to be the only woman in town who is immune to his charms, and that both intrigues and infuriates Ronan.

I typically love Madden-Mills' books, so I was both surprised and disappointed that this one just didn't work for me. There's nothing overly bad about the book (beyond an excessive amount of OW and OM drama), but there also wasn't enough swoon to overcome that initial fumble either. There's playful banter and some heat, but not a lot of intimate moments - the plot gets distracted by so many other characters. What was so bad about the start? Well, this opens with a sudden, vaguely described one night stand between strangers, and Ronan is so drunk that I questioned his ability to consent. The fact that he doesn't even recognize Nova when they meet again a few years later makes the whole interaction feel really slimy. From there, I struggled to connect, and the parade of women throwing themselves at Ronan didn’t help. I liked the lighthearted, small town feel, but would’ve appreciated more focus on Nova and Ronan’s connection without everything else getting in the way.

It takes skill to write a book that makes a reader laugh and also one that touches you emotionally something Isla excelled at. Nova and Ronan's first meeting leads to a passionate one night stand but fate is not done with them when they are reunited in her home town.

When they first met Ronan was struggling to get over the loss of his fiancee. His feelings of loss and guilt were written with such feeling and emotion and I loved how she made the male character so vulnerable. Nova moved home to care for her sister after the death of her mother her feelings of grief are complicated by her worries of keeping a roof over their head and worries that she will somehow let her sister down. The story had the perfect amount of sweet and sexy it was finely balanced to give the reader just enough of what we love. There are a rich and diverse group of secondary characters that I can see getting their own stories Ronan's football players and Sabine especially. The story had a Friday Night Lights vibe at times and I loved every second spent reading this book.

“Because you’re a burst of light. Because you believe in people. Because I can’t look up at the night sky without thinking about you. You’re a star.”

Everyone, drop everything you are doing and just… read this book. Ilsa wrote another spectacular book that easily became a favorite of mine. Full of emotions, with lots of laughs, heart, love, steam (hello, pool table) and plenty of “oh no, you didn’t” moments. Former’s NFL quarterback Ronan and beauty queen Nova, has my heart with this story and My only issue was that it wasn’t longer.

Soon enough you find why Ronan is so grumpy (and sometimes sad), over one night he lost everything he thought it was his whole future: his fiancée and football career. A year later he meets a mysterious woman (Nova), dressed as Princess Leia and his life is once again changed. Only that, he was so drunk he couldn’t remember her name. Despite their instant connection, their one night stand turned very wrong quickly.

Years later they found each other again in a small town Texas, with their lives completely different. I loved them so much, from their incredible teasing and banter, to their develop friendship, to their “ridiculous” fake relationship and all the feels they brought to the story. Even the haters in the story couldn’t deny that they were made for each other.

I talked a lot about Ronan, but Nova as much she was strong, she was also the sunshine, hot mess and the glue that hold every thing in this book together. I absolutely loved her as an individual. Also, apart from the great couple, there are incredible secondary characters, honor mention Nova’s sister, Sabine, Caleb, Sonia and the guys Ronan coaches. I wish there were books for all them too.

“Listen. Find your glow. Discover all the possibilities. Reach for the stars. No one deserves this more.”

Nova's new neighbor is annoying, and after she meets him, smug and cocky, gorgeous, and...apparently doesn't remember their ons from years ago. How humiliating. But at least it's not too bad, he doesn't remember her, so he can't say anything awful about that night. Right? Well, she was wrong about him not freaking her out because now the man is asking her to be his fake girlfriend to get all the crazy matchmaking people of their small town off his back. You see, he's the high school's new football coach, and everyone knows the south takes its football SERIOUSLY! So that means they want him to stick around. What better way to get him to stay than to find him a woman? Yeah. Cringe. Yikes. But Nova will do just fine at keeping them at bay. Until fake starts feeling awfully real. Now Ronan's faced with a life changing decision - take his chance to get back into the NFL, or stay where his heart is? Nova's not sure what he'll choose, only that she wants him to be happy, so she's resigned herself to going it alone, again.

Ronan's heart was broken back when he first met a gorgeous woman dressed as Princess Leia. The one with the hot costume. He may have no memories of that night because he was already spiraling into depression, alcohol and other bad decisions, but he sees Nova now. Sees her beautiful, giving heart. Sees how she cares for her teenaged sister. How she loves their small town. Asking her to help him keep away all the wackadoodle crazies trying to find him a woman seems like the best idea. Even if he's starting to fall for her, though, he's probably not sticking around, about to head out to bigger things like getting back into the league. But can he really leave his heart behind by heading to take a coaching job in the NFL?

Ahh how I've missed reading Ilsa's sweet and sassy heroines and the men they bring to their knees. Nova is the kind of heroine I love best with her big heart and the way she goes after what she wants, and Ronan was damn swoony even though his waffling made me want to smack him a time or two. There was witty, snarky banter, hot chemistry, lots of heartfelt emotion, and a secondary cast as amazing as the two leads. I loved these two, their friends (Tuck!!!) and fellow residents, and the love they found with each other.

This book was EVERYTHING I love in a romance book!! It's a romcom, fake dating, small town, sports romance. Definitely what I needed!! I feel like it's been a hot minute since I read Ilsa Madden-Mills book, and I totally miss it. And me being a football lover, this was totally done right!!!

Ronan and Nova met in New York, had a one night stand, and haven't heard from each other since. 2 years later, Nova's mom past so Nova went back home to Blue Belle to take care of her sister. She was totally caught by surprised when her neighbor was no one else but the man that she had a one night stand with. Ronan is now the retired football QB to the high school football coach. Nova left everything in New York so she'll have to start over, look for a job, etc.

The chemistry was amazing!! Totally off the charts. Love all the characters so much. When I tell you, I also listened to the audiobook after reading, just shows you how much I enjoyed it.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This author never lets me down!

I was hooked on Nova and Ronan’s story from the beginning. So many of my fave tropes rolled into one and a bunch of supporting characters who made it feel like such a rich story. I never wanted it to end.

Add in their chemistry and one of the best epilogues ever and I was a very happy reader.

4.5-stars!

Beauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills was such an emotional, charming, and delightful read! Ronan and Nova had some amazing chemistry, witty banter, and an undeniable connection. They do not see each other for years after a one-night stand that did not end well. Ronan needs help and now Nova and he are fake dating.

I loved Ronan. He had some heartbreak in his life and was living his new normal. Nova’s responsibilities bring her back home to find her new neighbor is the hot NLF player she had the one-night stand with. Now they are spending time together and blurring the lines. Their journey was one of second chances, grief, love and all the feels. I loved it and highly recommend it.

Happy reading!

I have not read a sports romance in a really long time because I went through a phase where that is all I read, so I kind of got tired of it. Beauty and the Baller totally surprised me and is bringing my love for sports romances back! I have read a lot of Ilsa Madden-Mills books and I forgot how freaking good they are.

Ronan Smith was an NFL quarterback until a tragic accident caused him to lose his career, his fiancé, and almost his life. After slowly falling into the pits of grief and alcohol, something changes him. That something is a mystery girl in a Princess Leia costume that somehow ended up at his team’s dinner, which resulted in a one night stand that was eye-opening to Ronan and absolutely tragic to his mystery girl, Nova. Several years go by and these two are brought back together again when Nova moves back into her childhood home, which happens to be next to the high school’s new football coach and Nova’s regretful hook up that she would rather forget.

This book was hilarious and overall, a really good time. I was cracking up at not only the two main characters, but all the side characters as well. Nova and Ronan’s relationship had a lot of ups and downs, which kept me guessing on what was going to happen next. This Texas town was full of so much love and found family. I really adored this story.

Thank you Social Butterfly PR and Ilsa Madden-Mills for sending me this ARC for an honest review. Beauty and the Baller releases 3/29!

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀
- Sports Romance
- Romantic Comedy
- Ex NFL Player and Ex Beauty Queen
- Grief
- Fake Dating
- Scarred hero
- Take care of her when she is sick trope

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: 💗💗💗
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Nova and Ronan had one magical night together that ended badly. Like really bad. Years later, fate brings them together again in the most unlikely of places. They both have problems that could be solved with a fake relationship and soon the sparks fly. But she may be in love with her ex and he’s sure this town isn’t going to be his home for long. Throw in the mutual attraction and they both know this is dangerous but that’s not enough to stop them.

There are no surprises here but the characters are interesting enough that I didn’t mind. Nova’s funny, sassy and a little quirky. Ronan is sweet and fun. He cares about his players and does a lot of good for the town beyond just football. Their story is fun and steamy, with a great supporting cast, including a hairless cat and at least one goat-napping, all of which make it worth every minute.

I have loved reading Ilsa Madden’s book in the past and this one didn’t disappoint at all. I mean who wouldn’t fall in love with a good small town, grumpy/sunshine, fake dating sports romance?
Thank you social butterfly and montlake for providing me with an arc.
Ronan is this gorgeous NFL quarterback, and after his car accident, he is in grief and doesn’t know how to overcome it. Nova, I love this woman!! She’s written just so brilliantly. She’s responsible, dedicated and everything I could love in a woman. She’s also weird but in the best way possible. I loved this book sm! The way the character is written showing all the sides, funny, emotional and quirky. I loved Ronan and Nova from their first meeting. The chemistry, the spark, the interaction..it’s everything you could ask for. The banter, the slow burn, the TOUCHING…SO SO GOOD!
Beauty and Baller was an amazing book that many would fall for. I adored the story and the characters so much and would definitely recommend it to everyone.

Nova and Ronan's story goes way back, they meet again under circumstances that were not optimal for a relationship, yet I loved the way they find each other again after that. Their relationship starts with a fabulous banter and sort of enemies, they built something really special, they both grew as individuals, and together they simply fit. Their story was sweet, with heartbreaking times, and full of romance and steamy scenes. All characters are fantastic and well developed, the world-building is awesome so I hope to get more of these characters' stories in the future.

Tortured pro athlete. Former beauty queen. One-night stand. Fake relationship. Passion, swoon, antics, and great supporting characters. Beauty and the Baller has it all! I loved Ronan and Nova's story and how far he's come by the end of the book from the grief-stricken guy we meet at first.

Their first encounter is memorable to both of them but for very different reasons -- for Ronan, it was the night he realized he needed to get his life back together and move past the death of his fiance. For Nova, him calling her his dead fiance's name wasn't a highlight of her life. When they end up being next-d00r neighbors two years later when Nova moves back home to take care of her teenaged sister, will Ronan get a chance to make up to the one that got away?

Well, first he has to fake-date Nova to get the matchmaking ladies of Blue Bell and a jealous former fling off his back. It works well for Nova as well now that she's also working with the high school boyfriend who broke her heart. Amid all the fake dates, Nova and Ronan realize that they just may be each other's perfect match. But will Ronan's future plans destroy their chance at a future together?

This book is definitely binge-able! It's a feel-good second chance romance with lots of heart and heat. I loved the side romance between Skeeter and Sonia and would love to see a story about them!

I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily left a review.

Beauty & the Baller is about 2 people who have dealt with loss and pain meet each other by fate. And years later they end up being neighbors and coworkers. I thought this book felt so different from her other work and I loved it!

I loved this book was much!! Ilsa Madden Mills is the romcom queen, genuinely, her writing is out of this world. Not only are her characters really likeable and relatable, but her writing also takes us to a different level. Not only do I read their story, I feel and experience it with them. It was incredible.

Ronan and Nova are amazing, both together and separately. They made me laugh and they made me cry. My heart was on an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book yet I couldn't put it down.

Overall I would highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and socialbutterfly_pr for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The beauty and the baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a swoony passionate romance story of NFL quarterback turned small town coach Ronan Smith and former Beauty queen Nova Morgan.

Ronan is spinning out of control after losing his NFL career and his fiancée in a car accident.The loss of someone you love is hard the grief consumes him and makes him question everything. When he is in his lowest, he meets Nova dressed as a Princess at his party, they have a one night stand that they cannot forget (not in a good way)!

Fast forward 2 years, Nova is back in her hometown Blue belle. She is broke and is taking care of her younger sister after the demise of her mom. She bumps into the towns most eligible and handsome coach Ronan! Their interaction and chemistry is pure perfection! The booster club in town keeps shoving women at Ronan in the hope of keeping him in town, and as a solution he suggests fake dating!

Beauty and the Baller was the perfect read, I loved every heartwarming moment of this book, so full of humour banter with lasting friendships and love. I love both of these characters and the side characters! Roman is swoon worthy brooding hero who has walls high as the sky! Nova is sassy smart and bubbly. She has been hurt before so she keeps her heart closely guarded as she doesn't want to be hurt again.

This book Makes you sigh and laugh and cry and whimper and cheer them for their HEA! Ilsa Madden-Mills' has written an effortless spellbinder of a story that kept me turning the pages.
If you love secod chance sports romances that are light and fun with a side of moody, than look no further, this book is for you.

I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Netgalley.

Thank you to Montlake, Ilsa Madden-Mills, and NetGalley, Social butterfly PR for an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

Witty banter. Great characters - main and side. Sweet and sexy. This book checked all my boxes. Beauty and the Baller is a delightful, fake dating, small town romance full of charm and quirkiness with a dash of emotion. I really enjoyed this book. From beginning to end, I was hooked.

The chemistry between Nova and Ronan was great. I could not get enough of their flirty banter and red hot connection. They also communicated really well. They acted like adults and talked about their issues and helped each other overcome past hurts, regrets or griefs.
Nova, especially, was super endearing to me. I have a bit of a girl crush. I loved her personality and all her sass. She’s fun and selfless and she has a big heart. You can see that with the special relationships she shares with her sister and some of her students.

The town of Blue Bell as a whole was amazing. I was so taken by this football obsessed town. The side characters made this book with their meddling and antics. I want to live there.

Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers another winner. Giving the reader a well rounded and fun experience. I highly recommend picking up standalone.

5 Stars!
Ronan Smith is a superstar NFL quarterback who had it all until his dreams were shattered by and accident that took away his fiancée and his career. He was suddenly on a path of self destruction when he hits rock bottom. He’s in a dark place as he mourns his old life. Then he makes new plans and starts over in a small town in Texas.

Nova Morgan leaves behind her life in New York and returns to her hometown in Texas. She swore she’d never come back, but she is now her sister’s guardian, and family is everything to her. She is desperately in need of a fresh start and hoping things turn around for her. She could definitely use some good in her life, but luck isn’t on her side when she learns her new neighbor is the awful, awkward one night stand she’s never been able to forget. It’s been two years since she’s seen Ronan. He’s still just as beautiful as she remembers, and they share a history that could complicate life in a small town since he’s the new high school football coach the town adores. Football is the most exciting thing in Blue Belle, and everyone is trying to play matchmaker with the newest bachelor. He’s not interested in a relationship and is emotionally unavailable. After an unexpected proposition she finds herself fake dating the one man that could be dangerous to her heart. As things feel too real and lines get crossed will they let the past ruin their future, or take a chance on love?

Beauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a standalone, small town, neighbors, fake relationship, second chance, sports romance full of emotion, humor, chemistry, passion and plenty of swoon. It’s about family, change, fresh starts and beautiful connections. I loved this story and couldn’t get enough of this sexy ex-footballer and his quirky Texas beauty queen! <333

4 stars!

Beauty and the Baller was such a fun and sweet story! It makes you laugh out loud. Nova our heroine is probably one of my favorites, she is such a unique character. She is strong and fierce, beautiful and funny but she is sensitive and has been hurt and is hurting. Nova moves from her small town in Texas to live in New York and makes her life there, but after her mom passes she must make the move back to Texas to take care of her sister.

Ronan our hero is deeply hurt wounded by his past and after a tragic accident and not being able to play football anymore he starts coaching a high school team in Texas. Nova meet your new neighbor and person you thought you’d never run into again, your one-night stand for New York…let the fun begin.

“Beauty isn’t on the outside. Beauty is how we go on, the life we create around us. Living a life that’s meaningful.”

First of all Ronan and Nova had some undeniable chemistry and some great banter, but I loved how they worked off of each other, it was hilarious. Both Ronan and Nova want other people to think they are dating so they fake date and their interactions are great as you read their fun interactions you see the feelings start to develop and then the push and pull, especially for Ronan. He feels he’s not worthy of love anymore and doesn’t want to experience it again because of the pain he’s felt in the past and is still feeling.

Ronan and Nova did not disappoint, and then we got all the fun side characters which were just as much fun, from the fellow teachers to the students. I’m so happy I read this and got my Ilsa on again after some time. Bring on the next one!!

Our lives can be changed in an instant. Ronan's life is forever changed after an accident that kills his fiancée and sidelines his professional football career. Just when he can't seem to get his life on track, he meets the one that got away. Ronan's one night stand after a very drunken night is the reality check he needs. Ronan moves to Texas to take over the coaching job of a local high school football team. Two years after his move, Ronan still isn't convinced this is where he is staying. Nova is forced back home to take care of her sister after their mother passes. Nova is stunned to find out her next-door neighbor is the man she left in NY after their one-night stand, except Ronan doesn't remember her. The chemistry between Ronan and Nova is unmistakable and Ronan realizes she is the one that got away. This couple is perfect together, bringing out the best in each other. Can their love overcome all the pain they both have from the past? Well fake dating will force them together to find out. Ilsa does such a great job intertwining such fun aspects into her stories. Let's talk about a cat who is walked on a leash, all the Star Wars references, the lice, the list goes on. Another great book and such a great read.

I am a fan of Ilsa's books, so when she announced this book, and with that beautiful cover. It immediately became my priority to read it.

The book is incredible, Ilsa's style is felt from the first moment and the story is very agile, entertaining and fun book (In addition to the original it has a theme that made me laugh and that I had never read in a book before 😂). You read it without realizing it, the story feels so fluid and entertaining that when you least expect it, you already finished the book.

With this book, she confirmed once again that Ilsa does not have a male character who doesn't steal my heart. Literally this woman creates such wonderful male protagonists that it is impossible not to fall in love with them.

I completely loved the book, the story and the protagonists, they are both wonderful and they made me laugh, fall in love and made me trust love once again. That when we find that special someone, all our priorities can change. When we least expect it that spark comes into our life, coincidences and destiny exists. When it is predestined to be for you sooner or later that time will come.

The book is beautiful, it tells us about two people who are somehow going through a very complicated moment in their lives. How they seek to get ahead, without realizing it influences each other in such a way to get the best of yourself. I loved that although they were afraid to love and trust again, they were wonderful people who helped others no matter what. They are very nice human beings who made mistakes, and that those mistakes helped them grow. Although at first it is difficult for them to open up to others and trust again, just one look was enough for that little spark to shine again.

I loved the book, definitely one of my best reads this year. I didn't tell you much about the story because you really need to discover it for yourself and be surprised with every moment of this incredible couple, Ronan and Nova.