This has been a fun little series for me to read! I really enjoyed the vibes of the first book, so I wondered how this would would go. I overall really enjoyed it. Brooks and Siena did suffer from a very very obvious and annoying miscommunication, but at least it was at the start of the book and not the third act! But their chemistry was obvious, and once they started actually communicating, it was working like gangbusters.

For me the biggest letdown is that Melody and Zac are barely in this one - it makes sense since, like, they've moved, but I think it may have worked a little better had they been more prominent in this one. Instead we had a lot of Parker and Summer as connective tissue, obviously setting up their book next (I hope???) I also thought some of the spicy scenes were a little erratic, which sort of tracks with my experience with the first book as well.

Overall, it's a great entry into the series and fans of the first will be very happy! Four stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I had an absolute blast reading this book!

I read Only in Your Dreams first and really enjoyed it, but I have to say, this second book was even better. The characters had more depth, and their conflicts felt much more real. I loved seeing them work through their issues individually while also coming together as a team to work toward their happily ever after.

Thank you so much to Atria for sending me this e-ARC! To be totally honest, this book wasn’t on my radar at all but DAMN I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read it because I absolutely LOVED IT!!

This book had NO business being this good! I love the fake dating trope and once I knew that was a major plot point, I was hooked. I laughed out loud multiple times and was constantly swooning.

The banter is top notch, the spicy is spicin’, and the found family elements are so beautiful.

Brooks is probably my favorite sports romance book boyfriend ever?? (Sorry, Garrett Graham!) I won’t spoil anything specific about it him but my GOD what a perfect man he is.
Siena is so sexy, independent, loving, and the backstory of her childhood added such a unique and serious element to her as a character.

This book had my heart aching in the best way and, to my utter surprise, had me shedding tears more than once.

I HIGHLY recommend that all my fellow romance readers out there get their hands on this one, especially if you like these tropes:

💕 fake dating
💕 sports romance
💕 he falls first (and harder)
💕 found family

Thank you x a million to Atria and Ellie K. Wilde for giving me the gift of reading this book early!

This author has upped her game.
Adored this first book in this series but this sequel just demonstrates she's only getting started...

Who do you meet in this sports romance with a side of bittersweet ?

Siena. She's snarky, and loyal.
Brooks. He's driven, beloved by friends and sweet.

Their meet cute is more a meet distrust shaped by their respective relationships with others.
If you're a romance reader looking for balance of spicy (see: gala scene) with sweet (her relationship with parents, the flower delivery scene, the symbolism of the necklace), this book should be on your TBR.

Already looking forward to what this author has in mind for the next book of characters .

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Atria Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I fricken loved this book.
I read the first book in the series and I’ve been waiting patiently for a book about Brooks since, and it was truly worth the wait because Brooks and Siena are everything.

Fake dating sports theme. Very similar to others I have read in the past. The characters were ok but some of the dialogue was cheesy

This was a pleasant surprise! I had book 1 on my TBR but received this book via NetGalley, so I decided to jump right in with Only Between Us. Brooks might own a German Shepard but he is 100% Golden Retriever. Even coming from a dark place during his recovery after a career ending industry, the guy just loves a laugh. He carries around lollipops in his pockets! Who can’t love that? Then there is Siena - a total wild card with quick wit who loves to be honest. I loved the unique fake dating set up and their escalation to breaking the rules.

The spice is HOT and the tension was thick. This burn is slow but I promise there’s enough tension and banter that you won’t care when they actually get together.

1000000 ⭐️ specifically for Peter.

Thank you Atria Books for providing this book review for consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I received an arc via netgalley

I was pleasantly surprised that this book was better than the first in the Oakwood Bay series.

The male main character, Brooks, is from the first book, but we meet the female main character, Siena, for the first time in this book. I liked the setup that Brooks has trust issues after his long term girlfriend broke up with him when he retired from the nfl so when he finds out Siena used to date a pro football player he assumes she’s a jersey chaser and writes her off. Siena meanwhile has trouble asking for help and is self sufficient to a fault when eventually all Brooks wants to do is help her. I liked the evolution of their relationship from fake dating, which fit much better in this book than the first, to fighting to admit it was more to acknowledging it was more but had an expiration date because Siena didn’t want to do long distance. They had a good amount of communication and vulnerability which had me rooting for them.

I adored this book. The relationship between Brooks and Siena felt so natural as it developed. The issues that they face felt realistic and didn't drag on longer than necessary. It always felt like they had an open line of communication, and I loved how at times they didn't even need to say anything because they knew what the other was thinking. This book is marketed as a "hate to love" but I don't think that is true. I never got the impression that they hated each other, they just had a misunderstanding due to past trauma. They worked through that misunderstanding fairly quickly. The ending of this book is so sweet, and I almost cried on behalf of Siena. Siena is without a doubt my favorite part of the book and Ellie K. Wilde does such a good job building her and her fears to where we feel the relief Siena does at the end. It would be very easy to be annoyed at the conflict, but instead we understand her viewpoint and why she leans a certain way. After finishing this book, I found myself wanting to start it all over again and to spend some more time with Brooks and Siena.

I was absolutely obsessed with Only in Your Dreams and SO excited to read Only Between Us, and this book did not disappoint.
Brooks was such a gentle and charming MMC in a way I wouldn’t have expected after Only in Your Dreams. He was such a golden retriever compared to Sienna’s dry wit persona and that is my favorite dynamic. I really appreciated how both characters came from such different backgrounds and were on vastly differently paths in life but were written with so much chemistry that it blended perfectly. The trials they went through never felt redundant or basic 3rd-act-breakup vibes but instead really realistic concerns that they were actively communicating about it which always help me root for a couple even more. It was everything you want out of a romance novel with the humor and HEA but just real enough that you get so gripped into the story. I’m also a huge fan of all the side characters in this series and both books leave me more and more intrigued for the next one!

Ellie K Wilde delivers a sweet, refreshing romance in Only Between Us, mixing just the right amount of tension and playful banter to keep the pages turning. From the start, you can’t help but root for Lillian and her blossoming feelings, which strike the perfect balance between swoony romance and that nervous excitement of falling for someone new.

The pacing is spot on, giving you time to really get to know the characters—especially the dynamic between Lillian and the ever-charming Blake—without slowing the story down. Their chemistry feels natural, helped by the fact that Wilde peppers in moments of witty dialogue and genuine vulnerability. The side characters bring an extra layer of warmth, adding fun and insight into both Lillian’s and Blake’s worlds.

I loved how Wilde tackled real-life challenges in relationships and personal identity, weaving them seamlessly into the overall plot. While there are a few predictable beats, the story still manages to surprise you with small twists and heartfelt revelations. The writing style itself is comfortable and easy to slip into, which makes it perfect for a cozy reading session.

Overall, Only Between Us is a lively and heartfelt romance that hits all the right notes. If you’re looking for a read that’s equal parts entertaining and sincere, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR list. It’s a solid four-star read that will leave you with a smile—and maybe just a touch of longing for more time with these characters.

I gotta be honest with you- when I got the invitation to read this book early I almost pooped my pants I was so excited. I literally had to contain the squeal I was about squall.

Now, as far as the book goes, I really liked it! The beginning was a bit hard to get through. I still don't understand why she went on the field? Anyway, after that first part I could not stop reading. Like you wanna talk about slow burn? SLOWEST BURN OF MY MF LIFE. thats probably dramatic but tf? i waited until 3 am for what I was waiting for 😉

Now, my SINGLE complaint, and I fear you know what it is.... <b>why TF do we need to go through that third act "break up"??????</b> Like please I get she has her reasons, but GIRLLLLL omg don't be dumb!!!!!!!!!

Phew ok sorry but yeah great book great characters great plot. Thank you so so much to NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc!! 🫶🏼

This book was exactly what I needed it to be. I was looking for something fun, something I could binge, something spicy and sexy. Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde was exactly that. It’s the perfect blend of fun, steamy, and emotional - the perfect palate cleanser.

The book is written in dual POV, which I LOVE because it really allows me to connect with both characters, Brooks and Sienna. They were both so much fun, I really had such a blast with both of them. Sienna is fierce, independent, and confident, while Brooks is charming, wholesome (not behind closed doors), and a huge softie, which to me, is the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. They start off really hesitant to trust each other, but as they unintentionally start to show little hints of their true nature, they realize they have more in common than they thought and their chemistry is chef's kiss.

In reality, this book is a little long for a sports romance - but it didn’t feel that way at all. I ate it up in less than 48 hours. I typically shy away from male characters who have controlling or obsessive tendencies, but Brooks - although had some moments where I was like, REEL IT IN PAL - felt well-balanced. I quickly forgave his weird moments (like when he randomly started showing up at her apartment to drive her to work or when he demanded she cut off her friends-with-benefits situation at work). I think getting his POV and understanding why he had trust issues, and where his need for validation comes from helped.

One of the things I really appreciated was the extra depth Ellie K. Wilde gave to Sienna’s character. She’s had her share of trauma, but she’s tough and full of personality. I loved her character. Her relationship with her family added an emotional layer that made the book even more compelling.

The side characters also had me hooked, and I’m already excited to see where the next book in the series goes. Parker and Summer seem like they’ll play a major role, and I’m definitely picking up the next book to see what happens next. I’ve found my new dopamine-boost author.

As soon as I finished Only in Your Dreams last year, I KNEW I needed this book the second I could get my hands on it. And I was SO right! Only Between Us had me hooked from the moment Brooks and Siena literally crash into each other. The combo of football + fake dating just hits like nothing else!

Brooks and Siena had that perfect tension between two people who are desperately fighting a connection. It certainly had that “everyone else sees it” feeling, and when they finally realized it, I was also jumping for joy. How Siena fought her attraction to Brooks for so long is truly beyond me!

I really love the world that Ellie K. Wilde has created for these characters! Seeing Brooks get his happy ending was extra satisfying after his role in the first book, and now I’m even more invested in the next story that will be told. I’m hoping it’s Parker… but I’ll be sat for anything Ellie writes!

Thank you to Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book! A classic fake dating sports romance. Both characters had strong personalities and interesting backstories. I loved Brooks! This book was better than the first in the series! Thank you Atria books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I truly love this book. I’ve read the first book in the series, “ Only in Your Dreams”, and remember Brooks so I’m glad that it’s his story now. Him and Siena are an adorable couple who are cute and hilarious together. Can’t wait for the 3rd book in the series ❤️

Ever since reading book 1 (Only in Your Dreams) I have been dying for Brooks’ story. Ellie really delivered with this book - the tension and chemistry between the MMC and FMC were just perfect! I am such a sucker for fake dating and Brooks makes such an excellent fake boyfriend. Really hoping there’s a book 3 in this series!!

I got this arc the afternoon of 3/23 and finished reading it less than 24 hours later. And let me tell you, I savored every single word.

If you're into MMCs who are DOWN BAD and FMCs who are equally smitten but fighting it hard, this book is for you. Brooks is so dreamy. Filthy mouthed, self aware, big hearted, and an absolute marshmallow. Siena is hilarious, so reassuring to Brooks, and has a strong enough personality to meet him toe-to-toe.

This was so good!!!

I loved how this was written. Brooks and Siena were not what I expected. Siena was so personable and I loved her. The way Brooks and Siena loved each other and learned to love each other was so cute and my favorite part of this fake turmed real trope.

Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde is a sizzling, feel-good sports romance that hits all the right notes—sharp banter, emotional depth, and a fake-dating setup that spirals into something undeniably real. From the first page, I was drawn in by the chemistry between Brooks and Siena. Their dynamic is electric—full of tension, wit, and moments that made me both laugh out loud and swoon.

The fake relationship trope is done so well here. Their banter is quick and clever, but it’s the quieter, heartfelt moments that really sold me on their connection. There’s a slow build from irritation to understanding to something deeper—and watching them navigate the line between pretend and real love kept me completely hooked.

The story also brings warmth with its family elements, personal growth arcs, and just the right dose of steamy scenes to balance out the emotional beats. The pacing was smooth, the writing crisp and engaging, and the stakes—both professional and personal—felt authentic.