This author never fails me! Beauty and the Baller was such a fantastic fake dating romance that hit me right in the heart. Both main characters were wonderful and I loved all the side characters as well. It was spicy and emotional with the best epilogue!

4.5 stars

Author Ilsa Madden-Mills brings readers a delightful spin on a small-town romance in her latest novel, Beauty and the Baller. It’s as refreshing as a mint julep on a warm summer’s day and as comfortable as a snuggling with a soft blanket near a fire in the middle of winter. Madden-Mills also weaves in sort of a second chance-meets-fated mates vibe that ticks all the boxes.

The first time former NFL quarterback Ronan Smith encounters Nova Morgan he’s instantly intrigued. Their chemistry is immediate and results in a steamy one-night stand, which turns out to be a game changer in more ways than one. Two years later, Nova returns to her hometown of Blue Belle, Texas, and dismayed to learn that her new next-door neighbor happens to be the man who called her by the wrong name when they hooked up. Even worse? He doesn’t remember her. Add in a scheme to fake date, and the sparking of Ronan’s memories, and things are about to get infinitely more complicated.

One of the things I love about Madden-Mills’s books is how there’s sort of an underlying theme of fate woven into her stories. And she delivers the promise of that theme by showing the reader the connection rather than telling them. It’s never overdone or in your face. It just kind of exists in the narrative, right underneath the surface. Ronan and Nova are such interesting characters on their own. Together? They’re fantastic. There are some angsty moments in the plot, but nothing ever feels too heavy, which is kind of lovely.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and will be returning to it whenever I need a comfort read. If you love a hero who feels feelings but maybe doesn’t know what to do with them all of the time, plus a heroine who has a backbone of steel and a tender heart, you will absolutely love this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What an adorable story! Ronan was a professional football player but lost his career and his fiance when he got into a car accident. One day, Nova and he get together (really cute meet-cute involving dressing up as Princess Leia) but it was an awkward one night stand.

They meet again when Nova returns to her home town and realizes that Ronan is now a coach and teacher at a school. Fake dating commences and they get closer. I loved how sweet Nova is- she's happy, amusing and bright and oh so perfect for Ronan. Their chemistry, banter and snarky moments were so well characterized and the supporting cast was another bright point to this romantic comedy. I loved Sabine, Nova's sister, and I hope that we get more from this world. I really want to relive this book through the audiobook so I'll be buying that once it's available. Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an early copy.

I'm the twelfth man when it comes to Beauty and the Baller. I was a huge fan of this book for so many reasons. It was everything my contemporary romance/romantic comedy reader heart loves. What was so great about it? Well...

*It started with an awkward, but entertaining meeting that turns into a one-night stand.
*It followed that up with an even more awkward second meet cute.
*There were two MCs (Nova & Ronan) I couldn't help but love for different reasons, but who were both looking for their places in life.
*The siblings, friends, co-workers, coaches, football players and even exes that made built up both our MCs and their story.
*The small-town life with all its gossip and connections was alive making everything that much more awkward.
*There was just the right about of small-town Texas high school football culture.
*There were so many funny moments.
*The Star Wars and the Heisman trophy had some special moments. (IYKYK)
*The love story between Nova and Ronan made me swoon.
*I loved this setting and all of the characters so much I would happily take more books with them in them to make a series.

Beauty and the Baller was a touchdown with a 2-point conversion for me.

Sigh! I love the heart, sizzle and laughs that Ilsa Madden-Mills's Beauty and The Baller delivered. This small town love story had the perfect combination of a delicious and sexy one-night stand with a pining-filled fake-dating arrangement!! Ronan and Nova were a breath of fresh air that I loved! I enjoyed their chemistry, banter, snark and swoony moments!!!

I think what I loved more than anything was the author's honest portrayal of Ronan and his complicated emotions as he navigated his own feelings for Nova after coming to terms with his loss. This story was sexy, poignant and filled with sigh-inducing moments! In addition, Nova was adorable. She had trainwreck moments that had me covering my face in embarrassment but her honest, hilarious and forthright nature won me over! She knew what she wanted and Ronan never saw her coming!! Overall this was a quick and fun read! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula

This book left me with such a huge smile on my face. It is laugh-out-loud funny and wonderfully sweet. It also packs just the right amount of emotional punch to keep you fully engaged. Nova is a former homecoming queen who left town imaging she'd marry the star quarterback and live happily ever after. That future didn't happen and now she is back in Blue Belle trying to find a new way forward. Ronan's plans for his future also didn't happen after the accident that killed both his career and his fiancé. He's been building back since that time and being a Texas high school football coach is all part of that plan.

I adored Nova and her sassy, positive outlook. She took a lot of punches - but just kept on going. Her relationship with her younger sister was also wonderful. I loved that she took on the parental role after her mom's death - but clearly never tried to replace their mom. She was more of a big-sister+ more than anything else. Her one night with Ronan in New York was epic - in many ways - not all of them positive. So when she finds out he is her neighbor - and that he doesn't really remember her - it isn't a great restart for them.

But encountering Nova again really does push Ronan in a new direction in his life. Watching that happen felt right for all of the characters involved. It is clear that everyone in town wants Ronan to stay - and I think clear to everyone - that Ronan (maybe in spite of himself) has been building a life there himself. All he needed was a reason to stay.

Overall - I can't recommend this book highly enough. If nothing else - you need to read it for the lice scene.

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This was my first read from Ilsa Madden-Mills, and WOW I wasn’t disappointed. An NFL quarterback and a Texas beauty queen… what’s not to love!

On receiving this book, I was unsure whether or not I would enjoy it as a theme I seem to dislike in books is small town, everyone knows everyone, romance novels but this book flipped by thoughts on it completely. This was small town romance done PERFECTLY!

The book follows Nova and Ronan over the course of 2 events, firstly their awkward one night stand and then fast forward to a few years later where they become neighbours after Nova moves back to Texas to look after her teenage sister after the death of their mother.

Both Nova and Ronan’s characteristics were so believable (probably one of the best relationships I’ve read). The fun, flirty banter between them was so authentic including some genuinely awkward moments that everyone goes through in the dating stages of relationships. Ilsa captured both her main and supporting characters personalities perfectly, including some sensitive topics such as the autism spectrum.

This was my first read from this author and I will 100% be automatically picking up her next releases, and would recommend this to any romance readers.

I didn’t think I would like this as much as I did after the first chapter. The first chapter had me a little iffy, because I’m not a fan of one stands but it took such a good turn.

I love small town romances and this had everything you can want and more. I especially loved Sabine and I wish we saw if her and Tuck were still together during the epilogue!! I really really hope we get a story for them!! They’re one of the reasons I gave it 4 stars.

Ronan and Nova were the definition of destiny. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy❤️

*4.5 Stars*
What a wonderful and humorous romance. A one night stand and fake dating. Nova and Ronan gave me what I could expect from these two tropes and it was amazing.
I was a little unsure about Nova in the beginning but she evolved so much throughout Beauty and the Baller. The responsibility of her younger sister Sabine and sacrifices she made. Nova was a fabulous heroine. Ronan, the beast who’s lost his wife, feels guilt and fear to connect to another person romantically.
He never saw Nova coming. She tore down his wall despite how hard he tried to keep them up.

Their fake dating arrangement was done so well. Sizzling chemistry and awesome pining. Nova was so comfortable in herself and her sexuality that their scenes together was fantastic and fun. She definitely switched it up and took control.
The side characters were a highlight as well. Nova’s sister Sabine, Ronan’s best friend Tuck and colleagues Skeeter and Sonia. It was truly a perfect ensemble. The epilogue was just icing on the cake.

Beauty and the Baller turned out to be a wonderful surprise and it exceeded my expectations. It delivered on all accounts.

4.5 Glowing Rosebush Stars

Nova and Ronan have a history…one that neither can forget. When they meet again, things go a little sideways and it only gets better from there! A great story about family, love, friendship, and being true to yourself! Loved it!

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! The initial one night stand was not my favorite, but later interactions between the characters were funny and steamy.

A great read with lots of heart. Enemies to lovers and small and big city charm mixed in. Loved the characters and the feeling of coming home. Highly recommend!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the chemistry between the main characters. I also liked the side characters and how Nova ended up feeling being back in her home town.
I guess I found the story just a bit too busy? Is that the right word? Was it an awkward one night stand trope? Was it an enemies to lovers? Was it a fake relationship trope? Or was it a make your ex jealous trope? Maybe it was a mixture of all of those things.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the advance copy of this book!
This is a small town sports romance. It’s definitely a spicy romance book for sure. Nova and Ronan hookup multiple times in the book. I don’t really have any specific critiques of the book. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it. If you’re out there living your best life reading steamy romances then you will get what you are looking for here.

Cute story that was easy to read. I jumped right in and didn’t let up till the end. Super enjoyable and not one you have to think to hard about.

I think this may be my favorite book by Ilsa Madden Mills, and I don’t say that lightly. This book had absolutely everything I look for in a romance. I devoured it in one sitting and now I can’t wait to see what’s next! Fantastic RomCom with all the feels!

Beauty and the Baller encompasses all the best things about a small town sports romance. Ronan and Nova have a chance encounter that leads to an awkward one night stand. Flash forward a few years, Nova is moving back home to Blue Belle to take care of her teenage sister after her mother's unexpected death. Her new next door neighbor is famous ex football player turned high school coach, Ronan. In order to keep all the townspeople from throwing their single daughters at him, he proposes that Nova fake date him. Of course, they catch feelings pretty quickly.
I absolutely love a small town high school football romance and this is one of the best that I've read. This book had such a fun characters. The author made the secondary characters just as entertaining and interesting. I loved the autism representation in Nova's sister. The witty banter and heckling between Nova and Ronan felt like such a real relationship. Plenty of steamy scenes and lots of chemistry. I can't wait to try some of Ilsa Madden-Mills other books.

Tropes include: small town, sports, second chance, fake dating, forced proximity
Thank you to NetGalley, MontLake, and Ilsa Madden-Mills for giving me and ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What I liked about “Beauty and the Baller”, by Ilsa Madden-Mills (Montlake):
The main characters, including a brooding, wounded hero. The side characters, too.
The love story.
The autism representation.
The sports and the Texas small town universes.
The family and friendship bonds.

What I disliked:
The sometimes boring dialogue.
The glorification of the perfect body.
The clichés and excessive drama.

I felt a bit frustrated because the ”I’ve loved you for years” trope felt a bit thin.

Beauty and the Baller, first off this cover definitely caught my eye and I do enjoy reads from this author. Then I saw the tropes and had to read it immediately! Contemporary, sports romance, small town, fake dating, second chance (one night stand 2.5 years prior).

Ronan Smith is a former NFL quarterback superstar who got into a car accident which lead to the end of his career and the death of his fiancée a year ago when the story starts. He is downing some drinks at a NY bar when in walks a gorgeous blonde dressed up as Princess Leia, complete with gold bikini. They share one hot night together but Ronan is a mess and when he wakes up the next morning she’s gone and he never got her name. He decides that next morning that it’s about time he gets his life together.

2 and a half years later, the story cuts to Nova. Former homecoming queen, Nova has moved back to her hometown of Blue Belle, Texas after her mother passed away. Nova is now looking after her 15-year-old sister Sabine, a hairless cat named Sparky, and trying to find a job. She meets her neighbor, the highschool football coach who happens to be Ronan, her one-night-stand who doesn’t even recognize her at first! Nova ends up getting a job at the highschool teaching English part time and then the other half of her time working as the personal assistant to Coach Ronan. He’s desperate for help in his office and his personal life, the local booster club (and entire town) has been throwing women at him in hopes of keeping their beloved football coach around longer. He suggests he and Nova fake date to help him and also help her since her ex from highschool is also working at the school.

This definitely had some fun moments, lots of Star Wars references (Ronan is a major fan wish lots of memorabilia around his house, while Nova has never seen a movie). They play a lot games together that turn steamy, darts and pool and sneaking around in closets around the school together. Their fake dating leads to real dating pretty quickly but the whole time the chance of Ronan leaving for bigger and better looms over them. I do enjoy small town romances and seeing all the side characters who play a big part in their lives, the neighbors, coworkers, Nova’s old highschool friends, her sister, his football team, the students. I did at times feel like there was a lot going on and wished we had more time focused on just Nova and Ronan together. It had its charming moments but it also had moments where I wasn’t as into (teachers sneaking around/hiding out in school closets to vape, the lice, her highschool ex, the women going so hard for the hero all the time). While not my favorite by this author I think if you enjoy small town, sports, fake dating with a second chance romance, then this book will definitely hit the spot!

Thank you to the publisher (Montlake) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. Beauty and the Baller has a publish date of March 29, 2022.

Nova Morgan is back in her home town of Blue Belle, Texas. After living in New York for a number of years, the death of her mother brings her back to town to help take care of her teenage sister. When Nova moves back, she definitely did not expect her one night stand and former NFL quarterback Roan Smith to be her neighbor.

After being star quarterback for the New York Python's, an injury left Ronan unable to play. Not only did he lose his football career, but also the love of his life and fiancee in a harrowing car accident. After too much drinking and partying, Ronan is loving coaching high school football. What he's not loving so much is the meddling townsfolk who think if they get Ronan to settle down and marry then he won't leave them for green pastures.

When Ronan's spunky new neighbor gives him sass, he can't help but think he remembers her. But from where? And when did they meet? Ronan and Nova's chemistry is off the charts, and they end up getting even closer when Nova lands a job as his assistant and English teacher at the high school. For the best interest in all parties involved (heh), Ronan proposes the idea of fake dating. This way the boosters will leave Ronan alone and Nova can show her ex-boyfriend that she's moved on. Will this plan backfire when they start to develop real feelings?

Beauty and the Baller had everything I love in a romance. It had: fake dating, forced proximity, a second chance romance with plenty of humor and enough angst to make my heart catch. I love Ilsa Madden-Mill's writing and this was no exception.

Nova and Ronan were such well rounded characters and I immediately felt their connection to one another. The meddling townsfolk, the secondary characters - everyone added something special to this plot and I loved Beauty and the Baller even more for it! I can't wait to read this book again!

CW: death of a loved one (off page), themes of grief and loss, cheating (secondary character).