I really enjoyed this book. Jasper and Jane at first glance are complete opposites, but when you peel the layers back are more alike than you would think. He is a football player and she is a matchmaker. When he signs up to have her help him find love (he signs up to get under her skin) their relationship changes.

Little by little they start to see the person beneath the walls they have erected. Both have been hurt in the past, both in their formative years, and now they protect themselves by not letting anyone too close. I love her daughter and how she acts with Jasper. I got irritated with Jane at one point and felt bad for Jasper.

When she pushes him away and he honors her wishes, it could be the end for them. A book about learning to trust and rely on others. I also liked the fact that they both got jealous at different times, even if they didn’t want to admit it to each other.

A really good book that I recommend. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

5 Stars!
Jasper Jannich is an NFL star quarterback for the New York Pythons. He has a loving family and grew up with four older sisters he adores. He’s known for his charming, sunshine personality, and is one of New York’s most eligible bachelors. When he unexpectedly crosses paths with a woman he’s always clashed with he can’t help being intrigued. He can’t figure out why she doesn’t like him, but it’s clear she definitely thinks he’s somehow earned her disapproval. He enjoys getting a rise out of her, and engaging in their usual dance they seem to play since they met.

Jane Darling is a former model that became a single mother. She’s dealt with heartbreak and built a life for herself and her little girl Londyn. She’s a strong, independent woman struggling to make ends meet while getting her new matchmaking business up and running. She wants to make Cupid’s Arrow a success by offering a personalized approach to finding love. While at a local sports bar trying to grow her clientele list she runs into a professional athlete she’s known a while. He never fails to irritate her, so she’s shocked when he unexpectedly comes to her rescue. He’s a typical playboy jock whose charm doesn’t work on her, but surprisingly he becomes her newest client. Soon something shifts between them as lines get blurred and a connection grows. Jane is building a career on love even though she doesn’t have time in her life for romance. Her daughter is her world, and she’s been focused on protecting and guarding her heart. Falling in love wasn’t part of her plan, but can she let herself dream of a future where she gets her happily ever after and her own true match?

My Darling Jane (The Darlings #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a slow burn, single mom, reverse grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, frenemies to lovers, sports romance full of emotion, humor, angst, passion, sizzling chemistry and fabulous banter. I really enjoyed this story, and love this series! Jasper really brought all the swoon and kept me smiling from start to finish! <333

My Darling Jane is book 2 of the Darlings series. I absolutely loved this book. It was a fun, flirty read. And Jasper was absolutely swoon worthy. He was one of my favorite hero’s to read this year.

Jane Darling is a single mom trying to get her matchmaking business off the ground. She also manages her sister’s bookstore as well as parenting her daughter Londyn. Jasper Jannich is New York’s star quarterback who has the reputation of a playful flirt. Jasper has a singular goal in mind; stopping at nothing to win Jane’s heart. Jane has past relationship trust issues and doesn’t believe Jasper could truly ever love her. Jane is the kind of character you want to root for especially after reading her struggles in My Darling Bride.

Jasper agrees to sign up for Jane’s matchmaking service as a way to help her out and endorse her. But Jasper isn’t really interested and has his sights on Jane. Jasper’s singular determination to win Jane at all costs is so sweet. He really is such a great hero. I enjoyed their playful banter and friendship so much.

We met Jane’s sister in My Darling Bride. And Jasper has made appearances in other books as well. This was such a fun, enjoyable read with very likable characters you find yourself rooting for the whole book.

Thanks to Ilsa Madden-Mills, NetGalley & Montlake for the ARC opportunity.

I adore Ilsa Madden-Mills' brand of mixing sweetness and sarcasm and My Darling Jane is no exception.

Jane is a woman's woman. Sassy and fun. Doing her part to build her business and provide for her daughter. She doesn't have time for Jasper and his playboy shenanigans. Not gonna lie it took me a minute to warm up to the QB. He was a bit cocky and seemed to just be at it to get under Jane's skin.

But the more I got to know him, the more his good intentions and kindness showed (cue all the scenes with his nieces). All he needed was to get Jane on his level. It took some scheming and a whole lot of honesty to bring her walls down, his too.

Ripe with family and friendships, steam and secrets, Jane and Jasper prove that sometimes the things that don't make sense on paper make the best match in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Ms. Madden-Mills for the opportunity to read an ARC of this story. An honest review was requested but not required.

Seriously though, what happened to Jane and Jasper from My Darling Bride? In my review I wrote that I thought they outshone the MC couple. I came into this book with VERY high hopes (which in retrospect was probably part of the problem.) but was disappointed by Jane here. Jasper was just as charming and cinnamon-roll-y as he was in the first Darling book but Jane! Jane must have stuck her finger in a light socket or something. She was super judgmental and basically pushed Jasper away at every opportunity EXCEPT when she wanted to get laid. I really felt for Jasper. There was a part when he said "it was time to stop pining after someone who didn't want him" (very Mark from Love Actually) and he was SO right. I never once felt that Jane felt the same thing for Jasper that he did for her. Then there was the third-act "push-away" breakup that caused a huge eye roll. Idk. Maybe this series is not for me...?

What was good: the bookshop in general was really fun. Loved the senior lady with the fancy diapered chicken, and Babs, of course. The hijinks with the twins were fun, and I LOVED Jasper. His "dates" were hilarious. I guess it would be pretty difficult as a celebrity to genuinely meet people and not have to second-guess their motives. The cameos of Emmy and Graham were VERY brief. I would have liked a little more on-page time from them. Overall this was a fun read and probably I would have really enjoyed it were it not for my overwhelming distaste for Jane.

Sports Romance | Single Mom | Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine | Matchmaker | Protector | Slow Burn | Angsty

In “My Darling Jane”, we follow Jane, a single mom, bookstore owner, and part-time matchmaker. Her latest project? Finding a match for her frenemy, Jasper—the charming, nice-guy quarterback. But as Jane gets to know Jasper better, she finds it harder to resist his warmth and undeniable charm. Their chemistry and playful banter bring plenty of spark to this angst-filled romance. ❤️

Jasper falls first, and while I wished Jane hadn’t given him such a hard time, she eventually recognizes his depth and loyalty: “What I love most about Jasper is that he’s Jasper… his ego, his sunshine, his grin. I love the soul underneath it all.”

Both struggle with abandonment, and while a single character return would have been fine (instead of two), I appreciated how they supported each other through it all: “We’re two people shaped by our pasts who’ve learned to protect not just our hearts but our very selves.”

“My Darling Jane” has plenty of enemies-to-lovers moments and spice you’d enjoy!.
3.5⭐️

*My Darling Jane* by Lisa Madden-Mills is a delightful romance that strikes a balance between heartwarming sweetness and sizzling chemistry. With a fresh take on the athlete romance trope, the novel offers readers a captivating mix of humor, emotion, and substance.

At the heart of the story is Jasper, a professional athlete who defies the typical "bad boy" image often associated with sports stars. While he enjoys all the success that comes with his career, what he truly longs for is something much deeper: love, stability, and a family. Jasper’s vulnerability, paired with his determination to break free from the shallow stereotypes of his profession, makes him an engaging and multi-dimensional hero.

On the other side of the romance is Jane, a woman who has always been forced to rely on herself. As a single mother, Jane's life has been shaped by responsibility and resilience. She’s tough, independent, and deeply protective of her daughter, but beneath that exterior lies a woman yearning for connection and the possibility of love—if she can ever let her guard down.

Madden-Mills crafts an emotional narrative that avoids the usual clichés, creating characters that are not only relatable but also complex and real. The chemistry between Jasper and Jane is undeniable, but what truly drives the story is their emotional growth. The book explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and the challenge of letting someone in when you've had to stand strong on your own for so long.

The story is rich in humor, with moments that will make readers laugh out loud, as well as emotional depth that might bring a tear to the eye. It's rare to find a romance that offers such a well-rounded experience—one that doesn’t just focus on the heat between the characters but also gives readers a fulfilling, complete narrative arc. Madden-Mills has a knack for making her characters' emotional journeys feel authentic, and she doesn't shy away from exploring their fears and insecurities.

In addition to the compelling romance, *My Darling Jane* also subverts the stereotypical portrayal of athletes in romance novels. Rather than presenting them as superficial or solely driven by lust, the athletes here are shown to be multifaceted individuals with their own vulnerabilities and desires. Jasper’s longing for something real, something lasting, adds a refreshing depth to the book.

In short, *My Darling Jane* is an engaging, heartwarming, and spicy romance that will appeal to readers looking for more than just a surface-level love story. Madden-Mills has created a world where love is messy, complicated, and entirely worth the effort. If you're looking for a novel that offers both heat and heart, this is definitely one to pick up.

With a strong cast of characters and an emotional journey that will resonate long after the last page is turned, it's no surprise that I'll be diving into the rest of this series.

Jane is into the matchmaking business, and her company is at a standstill right now. She desperately needs a new client, so one night she goes out to find some new prospects. That very night, Jasper, playboy and famous football star, happens to be there too... and volunteers to help her, although he would much prefer to go out with her.
This dislike to lovers, reverse grumpy sunshine, single parent, found family where he falls first romance is book two in the Darlings series, and although it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend you read book one, it was really good! I was not a fan of the third act breakup, which was an utter over reaction to something that had nothing to do with the MMC, but the rest of the book was really good. I really liked both main characters, Jasper was so sweet! It was a very fun read.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A totally delightful second book in this series! Jane Darling is working hard to make her dating site, “Cupid’s Arrow” a hit and profitable. She cares for her young daughter, Londyn, without any assistance from Lyndon’s father who didn’t want to be involved. Dressing up as an angel, she decides to visit the local sports bar to encourage men to sign up for her site. She didn’t plan on seeing quarterback Jasper Jannich there, although if she could sign him up, it would be a welcome influx of cash. He agrees to try a match, although he seems more interested in her. His first date wants to know the size of his…what? On to date #2! Meanwhile, he is enjoying the time he is spending with Jane, but she knows that she shouldn’t get involved with him. He is not the obnoxious jock that she expected, he values his family and friends. Issues abound as Londyn’s biological father asks for a chance to meet his daughter, Jasper is dealing with problems both on and off the field, including an unexpected meeting with his biological mother who he last saw when he was five-years-old. Will they be able to find the time to deal with the attraction, and maybe something more, that is developing between them? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

This was a heartwarming single mom x football player romance. In this book, we have Jane Darling (Emmy's sister from My Darling Bride) and Jasper Jannich, New York's hot QB unexpectedly finding love. They're acquaintances (because her sister and his teammate are now together) but they don't exactly get along well.

When Jasper decides to offer himself up as a client for Jane's new matchmaking business, these two find that they have more in common than they originally thought. After a few lackluster dates with Jane's clients, Jasper realizes he has more fun bantering with Jane than anything else. Can these two get past their childhood trauma to make something work between them?

These two were a lot of fun, and I particularly enjoyed the secondary characters like Jane's daughter, Londyn, and Jasper's nieces, Macy and Lacy.

Thank you to Ilsa and Greys Promo for the ARC!

I am always happy to read a new story from this author, as I love her characters, not only the main ones, but also those who make up their lives. In this one we had the adorable little Londyn, Jane’s daughter, as well as Jasper’s twin nieces Lacy and Macy, who were a ton of fun as well. And then we had the somehow enemies to lovers type of story, even if Jane maybe misjudged poor Jasper a bit out of the gate.

The whole dating app/service was a fun aspect to the story, and I liked how Jane soon learned that maybe the computer’s picks of matches might not be perfect in real life. The different dates were funny, both Jasper’s as well as hearing how terrible some of the others went, and knowing that is realistic for many people who find themselves in those situations. The romance was sweet, but also very steamy at times.

While I understand that Jane’s more dream job was running her matchmaking service, I would have loved her bookstore management gig myself. I laughed at the codes they called over the intercom, as well as the strange customers they had, like a flasher and a pet chicken. Another fun story from one of my favorite authors!

This one ticked so many of my favourite boxes.

Single mum ✅
Reformed Playboy ✅
Frenemies to lovers ✅
Hilarious side characters ✅
Slow burn chemistry ✅

This is the perfect book to get you out of a funk. It’s full of witty dialogue, great characters and plenty of delicious chemistry. Definitely recommend.

Rating: 4⭐
Spice: 2🌶️

I honestly haven't read one of Ilsa's books for a hot minute, but I do seriously need to go back! My Darling Jane was a seriously cute and easy read, and I was literally flying through the pages!

Jane has newly started her match making business and she needs it to be successful if she wants to provide for her daughter, Londyn. When desperation calls, she dons her Cupid getup - complete with toga, glittery white wings, quiver and bow in hand, she heads to her local bar to drum up some business. That is until he comes face to face with the one and only, QB player (and playboy), Jasper Jannich.

Jasper can't quite put his finger on why there's no love lost between him and Jane. Setting her up for a challenge to find him a suitable woman of his liking, Jasper joins as a client. However, it soon becomes apparent the only woman he wants is Jane. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Jane has been badly burned before and doesn't know if she can learn to love again. Jasper isn't one to back down from a challenge and makes it his goal to make her his.

I have to say I loved the funny and easy banter Jasper and Jane had from day one! Jane starts to realise she's pegged Jasper wrong all along, and soon learns to enjoy his company thus becoming fast friends. Their underlying chemistry is obvious to see and Jasper definitely fell first and hard. His patience with Jane was second to none, always letting her know she could depend on him and trust him with her heart. She in turn gave Jasper a sense of belonging as a family (along with Londyn) and the ending could not have been sweeter for them all.... Ahhhh 💗🫠

And who couldn't forget the meddling sisters, twin nieces Macy and Lacy and Babs?!? They absolutely made my day!! 🤭🤭

My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a charming, frenemies-to-lovers romance between a football star and his matchmaker. Jane is a quirky character, a fiercely protective mama bear to her daughter Londyn, and Jasper is a charming, misunderstood pro athlete with some insecurities and a huge heart.

From all outward appearances, Jasper looks like a playboy, but there's always been something about his friend's sister-in-law that he's been drawn to. When Jane is struggling to get her matchmaking service a boost, Jasper volunteers himself as tribute... but the only one he really wants to go on dates with is Jane herself.

Both Jane and Jasper have deep-rooted abandonment issues, as they were both left behind by their mothers. I liked Jasper more than I liked Jane, to be honest. I found myself mentally yelling at her to open up her eyes and just accept what Jasper was so clearly offering her.

This is a lighthearted feel-good frenemies-to-lovers romance. There is some drama with Londyn's dad coming back into the picture, that I didn't think contributed all that much to the story and could have done without. But if you're looking for a feel-good single mom story, check this out!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Angst free, cute and sexy. Enjoyable, but not riveting. I really liked Jasper, a star quarterback who says it as it is. The way he went along with all Jane’s matchmaking disasters, just to make her happy, because Jane is the one he’s always wanted. He was very misunderstood, most of all by Jane, who I thought was a bit hard on him. They both have abandonment issues, Jasper though is a lot more open about his issues, and I loved that he tried his best to help Jane. I didn’t really connect with Jane, there was just something about her that didn’t click with me. Her daughter though, that’s a different matter, 5 years old and cute as a button. Some other great characters in and amongst. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

3.5 Stars

I am a huge fan of Ilsa, and I like this book. It was good, and the characters were likable. This enemies to lovers, sports romance, matchmaker, and single mom with some angsty vibes is entertaining.

Jane and Jasper have a relationship that starts of rocky and comes to be more when they spend some time together.
Jasper is an NFL star and has more to him than what you initially think.
Jane is a matchmaker and trying to get her business going while being a single mom.

I liked this story. I enjoyed the tropes, and it hit a lot of my favorites. But I didn't feel that connection to the characters that I usually do with Ilsa's books.

This was a bit slower than I anticipated. I enjoyed the build up of the two of them. They've known each other a while and all he wants is a chance with Jane. He doesn't say it out loud but he's been in love with her for a long time. He was super cute with her daughter and I wish we got more of that.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Sweet, sassy and engaging, My Darling Jane is a feel good read.

With fun characters, a slightly whacky backdrop and a sweet plot, Jane and Jasper’s chemistry is palpable, and leaking off the page. I loved Jasper's determination and tenacity in wooing Jane, the quick banter, and the over all sweet and simple feel of them.

4 stars and a cupid costume

Jane is a bookstore owner slash matchmaker and single mom who can't stand pro football player and playboy Jasper so when he tries to enlist her help finding him a girlfriend she doesn't take him seriously. The more time the spend together though the more she comes to understand Jasper is misunderstood and actually a big softie who truly wants to find his own HEA. Can Jane take a chance on love again? I really enjoyed this dual POV sports romance that works as a standalone and was fantastic on audio! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

This is the second book in the Darling series. Jane and Jasper were introduced in book 1, but this can be read as a standalone.

This was a fun and quick read. I really liked Jasper. There was some good banter with the characters. I think this is a good pallet cleaner book. It was enjoyable and had some good spice.

💘Single mom
💘Reverse grumpy sunshine
🏈He fall first
💙Protect you vibes

Thank you, Netgalley for the ARC.