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.

This was a classic fake dating sports romance. No notes. Brooks was fun in book 1 and he continued to be fun and precious in this one. I think Siena was also a very well-developed character. Loved how character focused this was. Also so interested to see what happens with the other friends in the group in the future books.

So much better than book 1!! Really really enjoyed this! Brooks and Siena's story was certainly a fun one and their dynamic was so good! I love how the helped and understood eachother deeply and made sacrifices. Highly recommend

Only Between Us starts with retired NFL player Brooks who is trying to make his comeback to the NFL. He heard his knee two years prior during a football game. We meet brooks at a college training for his comeback. At the college, he meets siena. Siena is at the college with her best friend and daughter to celebrate the anniversary of her father's passing. Siena meets brooks and does not recognize him at first. Once she realizes who he is, siena ask for a photo with him. Brooks is trying to clean up his image to back into the NFL. Of course siena's photo with brooks goes viral and brooks finds out siena use to date a NFL player a few years ago. Long story short, Brooks and Siena decide to fake date each other to help brooks clean up his image and have his big career comeback. Siena agrees because money is a little tight for her. There is a clear instant connection between the two characters but they are a little hurt from previous relationships and life experiences. Only Between us was a great read. I hope there will be more in this series.

Wow-another fun, steamy read from Ellie Wilde. I literally couldn’t put this book down-I read it in one day! Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced read!

Okay Ellie pop off!!! I am crying in the club (my bed).

Siena and Brooks are SO perfectly matched. They have the exact same energy in every way, and the best part is that while at first they both use it to hold each other at arms length, they eventually use it to basically fuse themselves together into one superpowered being (in a cute way).

Brooks has always known security and love, until the big event that broke him. And Siena never did, until the big event that shaped her (and the subsequent discoveries that made her feel indebted to everyone forever, but that is neither here nor there).

In pushing each other to recognize their worth, they are both able to realize their own. They make each other so much better because they are unfathomably open with each other (first because they figure they have nothing to lose, and then, eventually, because they realize they’re already both all-in).

This was just a delight. I love them so much.

Huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for inviting me to read this book in advance!

I am so glad I decided to just jump right into this book because I loved it from the start.

There’s just something about the way that he falls first that just warms my heart. Not to mention that the spicy scenes were giving.

Both the FMC and MMC had genuine motives and insecurities that developed and healed over the course of the book, which made their growing together that much better. And the family plot lines get me every time!

Can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

After meeting Brooks on OIYD, I did NOT… I repeat… did not Mr. Attwood was like that! My word!!! That big ol teddy bear got a mouth on him. I absolutely loved Siena. She was so fun and interesting.

I am loving the Oakwood Bay series so far and I’m not sure if it’s continuing and who would be next (I have a guess after this book), but I’m here for it all!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book 2 in Oakwood Bay Series

First, I want to thank Atria Books and Ellie K Wilde for letting me read this book early.
I got an invite to read Book 1 last year and fell in love with the story/world and Ellie’s writing. I was so happy to open my email and see an invite to read the second book in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed Book 1 with Zac and Melody.
But Book 2 with Brooks and Siena…..tops it, it’s is one of my favorite that I’ve read in a long time.
This is what I love in my romance books, confident bad ass women and the men down bad for them.
I won’t get into any spoilers, but the way Brooks loves Siena was top tier and the fact he’d do anything for her…ugh 😘
Honestly, I’m kind of sad this doesn’t come out till July because I need book 3 now.

A swoon worthy romance! There is so much to love about this book - Siena & Brooks are both so great on their own that together they are perfection! Excellent character development for the free spirited wild card and the lovable football player. Definitely a 5 star read 💖 highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Ellie K. Wilde for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fake dating sports romances are one of my favorite tropes, and this book didn't disappoint. I had a fun time with this book! Siena is a strong, independent woman who knows how to take care of herself, and Brooks has such a sweet heart and wants to show her she's not alone anymore.

Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for providing me with this advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Only Between Us” is a fake dating romance between Siena and Brooks. As they maintain their charade, both individually and together, they explore their pasts and examine the impact they have on their futures. The book is filled with witty banter and heartwarming moments, interspersed with spice. However, the occasional instances of dirty talk feel a bit cringeworthy.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot was fresh and interesting and I really enjoyed the characters, as well as their different personalities!