Beauty and the Baller is Ilsa's newest and she proves why it's worth waiting for an amazing story.

I love this southern sports romance story so much. I honestly didn't know what to expect but I really enjoyed this story. Nova and Ronan are characters you won't soon forget.

Ilsa really knows how to get readers to connect to her characters almost immediately and keep them engaged the whole time.

I love the character development and the many layers to this plot. I love the secondary just as much as the main ones. Ilsa just had this knack for making everything blend together so flawlessly. The flow of this story was just right and I enjoyed watching Nova and Ronan go from neighbors, to friends to more.

There isn't one thing I would change about this story. The plot, the characters, the dialogue – it all gels so well together. Another hit from Ilsa.

I Absolutely loved this beautiful small town romance that is captivating from the first page.

Ilsa writing style is enjoyable and there is no dull moment in the story. Really Enjoyed it.

Nova and Ronan were perfect together. Their first meet cute was an experience that they both remember but for two different reasons.
Ronan was just navigating his new life, but felt this undeniable draw towards his new neighbor. Nova wasn’t going to be easy on him and their interactions were pure entertainment. Watching Nova protect herself and grow as a person, made me love her character even more.
Their paths continuously cross, and you can tell that their relationship was meant to be. Add in all the fun, humorous, and quirky scenes, and I couldn’t put it down.

3.5 stars rounded up. A meet-disaster of a one night stand only to end up as neighbors in a small town? And did I mention he’s a former NFL player? This was a fun, quick read.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for my chance to review,

This book was such a funny refreshing read. I enjoyed it so much, highly recommend it.
I can't wait for the next book in this series

This book was so much more than I expected. Second chance and small southern town romance filled with obstacles love after loss and fighting for what you truly want. Another perfectly written Ilsa book that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!!

This was just not for me. The first chapter put me off, and it didn't any better from there. Nova shows up to a party to seduce Ronan at his friends request. Now that wouldn't be a problem for me if Ronan wouldn't have been blackout drunk. He still takes her to his room, and Nova had no problem with this. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to be involved in something that I know for sure he isn't even going to remember when I'm stone sober. Cherry on top of this whole thing? He calls his dead fiancé's name when he gets his. Like what? I would never want to go back for more, but of course she does. I kept hoping that Ronan would be able to move on, and I guess technically he does, but it's very clear that Nova is a consolation prize. She will always be second place to him and that's just not a romance to me. I've read other books by this author that I really enjoyed, so I will be reading more from her. I just hope this was a me thing.

Absolutely obsessed. A classic Ilsa book with enough of a tragic past to make the happy ending feel earned, and chemistry that would start closets on fire.

This is an ARC review.

I love Ilsa Madden-Mills books. Her writing is an excellent mix of drama, rom com, spice, and heart. Beauty and the Baller is no different. This is told in dual POV, the main characters are adults. As in all of Ilsa's stories we get a HEA.

I adore the characters in this story. Ronan is a pro footballer forced to leave the game he loves due to injury. Nova is her own person, once the popular girl in school now just living life the way she wants. Both the characters have their own share of damage and baggage to work through. The small Texas town of Blue Belle is the setting, Nova returning home to care for her teenage sister after the loss of their mother. Ronan trying to find a life after football is the coach/teacher at Blue Belle High.

There are some really emotional moments in the story but it is balanced nicely with some fun and laughs. Nova and Ronan have some amazing chemistry and the intimate moments are some of my favorites.

If you've read any of Ilsa's books before and enjoyed them I have no doubt this will be your next favorite.

Tropes:
Sports romance (Football)
Drama
Rom Com
Second Chance
Friends-to-lovers
Fake Dating

Ronan was spiraling after the year he had, the loss of the game he loves, and the woman he had planned a future with. It is his final night as a Python and he has no idea how to climb out of the hole he is deep in. When his fantasy walks into the party dressed as Princess Leia from Star Wars they share a night together that's enough to snap Ronan out of his funk and have him working towards a new future.

Nova is back in Blue Belle taking care of her sister. She misses New York but this is Sabine's home she could never take her away after losing their mother. She is doing her best but there is so much to get her head around, her biggest concern, apart from Sabine, is finding a job but in a small town there aren't a lot of choices and as an art major, Blue Belle doesn't have a huge calling.

Lately, though the ruckus her neighbor causes are becoming an issue and after a party-goer takes out the roses her mother planted for the girls she decides it's time to confront this neighbor. Turns out the neighbor is the high school football coach and the boosters are doing everything they can to keep him happy. This is why his house is currently full of single females. When the man in question finally appears Nova can't believe it's Ronan Smith. It was two and half years ago that they shared a night that broke Nova's heart a little. While she remembers him it seems as though he doesn't recognize her. Nova isn't sure if it's a good thing or not.

Ronan is a little thrown by the tall blond beauty ranting in his kitchen, to try and keep some peace he tries to talk to her and sort out their differences. There is something about her that rattles in his mind but he's not sure what it is. He enjoys the fact that Nova isn't throwing herself at him like the women currently in his house. Since he's been in Blue Belle it seems every single woman in town is being offered up to him. There is the hope he'll fall for someone and make Blue Belle his home. He has goals though, while he loves his team and is proud of his accomplishments with the team he has a plan that doesn't involve settling in Blue Belle for good.

The two find themselves bumping into each other regularly and the sparring makes them both feel alive. When Ronan realizes who Nova is he tries to make things right.

Nova's past is alive and well in Blue Belle, she's tried to avoid it but that's no longer possible. With getting a job at the school as an English teacher and the coach's PA she comes face to face with her ex Andrew. When Ronan comes up with an idea that can work for them both the two begin fake dating. Nova gets to show Andrew she has moved on to better things and Ronan gets the women of the town to step back.

The problem is the chemistry that burned them that night years ago is still right there. Despite the rules, they try to enforce they keep finding themselves drawn to each other. Neither knows how to deal with feelings that are building or how they'll survive the fallout when the fake dating comes to an end.

When Ronan gets the job offer of his dream he's conflicted about what the right thing to do is. He's starting to feel things for Nova that he didn't ever think he'd feel again, but what does that mean for his dream job.


Happy Reading.

This book felt way to long. I thought it was never going to end. I felt the references to songs and movies felt very dated and not the things teenagers/young adults are into. Overall, I never believed in the romance.

I have yet to read a book by Ilsa that I have not fallen in love with. The characters and the story line are always amazing and the chemistry is off the charts. I fall in love with every single one of her characters that I've ever read about.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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This is a 3.5 star read, rounded up to 4 stars.

I’m a sucker for a sports romance, and when it also involves fake dating, even better.

Beauty and the Baller had a really good mix of supporting characters as well, which made for a really enjoyable book.

I loved Ronan and Nova!! Ilsa has been becoming one of my one-click authors and this book definitely showed me why!

Ronan was a broken man who lost everything in a split second. His life was completely altered in a way that he was struggling to cope with. Enter Nova. They have a hot and steamy time before everything goes so so wrong. Two years later they are in the same town and being drawn to each other. But Ronan is still working on himself and coming to terms with this new life of his. Nova didn't expect to end up back in her hometown but here she is, and working with none other than the guy who was able to shatter her more than she though someone could in one night. But when he proposes fake dating to keep the other woman off his back, she thinks she can put her heart and feelings aside to help him.

Their story is funny and sweet with a side of steamy. I read it twice in about 5 months because I loved so much. I am generally not a romcom fan but Ilsa drew me in with these characters. I loved how strong both of them were after their lives were upended. I also loved their wit and banter. They were both able to take as good as they gave!

I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!

A story that had it all. A must read!

I loved this story from the very beginning! What an emotional ride! We may all need to trust in fate a little more. The personal struggles and grief that both of the main characters deal with, along with their honesty, wit, and personal growth is truly amazing. The love that they have for one another, with obstacles they both need to overcome is remarkable. All of the characters within the story are well written and made me care for many of them while wondering what is next for them. Especially Nova's little sister Sabine, Toby, Skeeter, Sonia, Tuck and Lois. This story had everything I wanted, small town romance, second chance, opposites attract, football, and a Rom com with a sassy, confident, tell it like it female MC. Ilsa Madden-Mills did it again! Thank you so much for this amazing story with real life struggles that are relatable and understandable. They are what I love about a story and help it seem real and resonate. I could not put it down! This is a must read!

I loved this sports romance by one of my favorite authors. I adored Nova. The story was humorous, sexy, and emotional. This was a binge read for me.

Beauty and the Baller was a sexy and sweet one night stand to fake romance to oops, turns out we caught real feelings romance--with football and a roomful of Star Wars memorabilia for some added flavor.

What kind of heroine has never seen Star Wars? I mean, really... ;)

Nova and Ronan had one of the more unique meets I've seen in romance--IDK if I'd classify it as "cute" necessarily, since one of them had waaaay too much to drink and it didn't end particularly well, but since they both came to terms with it eventually and it did inspire Ronan to turn his life around, so win-win. But it involved a very realistic Princess Leia costume (probably not the one you're thinking of...though maybe it is, you'll have to read it and see!) and a well-meaning bestie who will probably never let them forget he's the one who (kind of) got them together.

It's not all classic movie merch and games, though--both Nova and Ronan have personal issues they need to work through before they can get to their HEA, and goodness, at least one of them takes until almost the end of the book to get it together. It eventually does happen, though, leaving us with a very sweet happy ending--and an even sweeter epilogue (squee!)

Beauty and the Baller is a standalone as far as I'm aware--but I for one wouldn't complain at all if Ms Madden-Mills wanted to bring us back to Blue Belle, Texas...

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Beauty and the Baller is absolutely amazing! Southern belle Nova returns home and who happens to be her new neighbor and football coach but her one night stand Ronan.
Their chemistry is immediate but the way they interact with each other is what is most amazing. Neither Ronan or Nova are where they thought they would be in life but sometimes that is when you’re exactly where you need to be. Each are struggling but they get strength by leaning on each other.
A story of loss, tough choices, and the importance of friends and family.

I'll start by saying that Ilsa's book aren't probably for everyone. It's super cute and lovely, but there is a point where its almost too cute.
Now if you don't mind cheesy books, just like i do, then this is definitely for you.
This is a beauty and best type of rendition, my baby Ronan has been hurt. He lost someone and himself at the same time, therefore, his relationship or lack of them, are what set him up with our beautiful Nova.
They are both strong willed characters, which I loved, and specially how resilient Nova is. She put everyone but herself first, but ended up making a home. A life, which she was missing.
Without giving a lot away, their relationship started as a one night night stand and two years later they meet again... Their relationship starts rocky to say the least, but they eventually figure it out.
And both loved each other, it almost felt like love at first f*ck. So, that's almost an instant love kind of deal.

Really good, cute and perfect as palate cleanser after a hard/long book.

Tropes: Instant love, boss/employee, one night stand, single parent/guardian, sports romance. fake relationship.

Ilsa Madden-Mills left me speechless!!!

I knew this book was going to be amazing, but it was so much more than I expected! When I saw the cover and the title I knew I was going to love it! Beauty and the Baller was a second chance that will have you laughing and swooning like crazy!

Ronan and Nova have history, but it wasn't a happy one. This book was about turning the page and moving on from the past. Nova was sassy and fierce, I loved her so much! She never gave up and never ran the other way. I also loved Ronan, he was just.... GOALS!!

I loved this book so much, perfect for when you are looking for a funny, sweet, read!

I was so excited when I heard that Ilsa was coming out with this book, since she is one of my one-click authors, and I just knew I'd love every word, which of course I did.

I honestly loved everything about this book! This fake relationship romance was fun and flirty, and everything you'd expect from this author. Small-town romance at its finest! Ronan and Nova were perfect for each other! Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved their banter. it had me laughing out loud throughout the book, and it was all just so believable. An excellent read, highly recommended with more than five stars!