Not My Romeo was fun, flirty and smile inducing. I was absolutely giddy with how this story played out, I fell hard for the characters, and I devoured this book way too fast. If you're looking for a romance story that has a lot of heart and steam, then definitely check this one out! I can't recommend it enough!

What kind of person pretends to be someone else’s date?
Who exactly did I have sex with?


It was a case of mistaken identity, that turned hilarious, and I was pulled right into the story. Elena was at a restaurant, looking for her weatherman blind date. Jack thought she was the blogger his PR guy had mentioned. One thing led to another and after a wild and sexy night together, the truth came out. Neither of them expected to run into the other so quickly afterwards, but fate had other plans. Again and again. This story brought me so much joy and I found myself hanging onto every single word, waiting to see what happened next.

I want him to lose control with me, to think back on this and wish he had me forever.


Elena was someone I adored and she was so easy to relate to.....I mention the quarter inch in my height and randomly use the phrase throat punch too lol. I loved her voice, her take charge quirky attitude, and she felt like someone I'd known for years. Elena was a librarian in a small town, and her pet pig, family and friends meant everything to her. But she had this other side to her, which not everyone knew about. Elena designed beautiful, one of a kind lingerie. And she had no problem throwing a remark out there about her vibrator lol. But from the first day Elena met Jack, it set her on a different path and completely shook up her quiet, small town life.

I gaze down at her, laughing more, then sobering as emotion claws at me, soft yet somehow terrifying as it tiptoes its way inside my chest. A knot forms in my stomach, and I can’t seem to take a breath, and it has nothing to do with running.
It’s the girl in my arms who’s got me freaked out.


Jack Hawke was a famous football player who had a bad rap. But tortured didn’t even begin to describe Jack. People used him, few could be trusted and his past and childhood made my heart hurt. So I was rooting for him every step of the way. I was hoping he would be brave when it came to trusting others. But even though Jack was jaded, he was so thoughtful. Not only for everyday things, but in the bedroom too, sigh. Jack reeled me right in and was the ultimate book boyfriend!

I close my eyes, holding him. Does he feel this too? How good we are?
You’re mine, he said.
But . . .
For how long?


When Jack and Elena were near each other, I loved how easily they connected and talked. But I also loved that their chemistry was instantaneous. It was scorching hot. The details when they were together made my heart race faster. But underneath that heat was an emotional story, one that made me have tears in my eyes. This book had the best of both worlds and it included a cast of characters that warmed their way into my heart. From Topher, to her little pig Romeo, to Devon, Aunt Clara and even Giselle, there was so much heart in these pages!

I walked out.
And he didn’t follow.
Right.


Not My Romeo was a sexy, feel good story that I absolutely loved. There were so many laugh out loud moments, and I loved how there was also a deeper emotional side too. If you love epilogues and HEA, this book will make your heart soar. So if you're looking for a romance book to pick up, definitely check this one out!

4.5 stars

Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills is such a good read.

The storyline is enjoyable from start to end, it's well written, well paced and I loved getting to know the all characters.
Watching Jack and Elena's relationship unfold brought out all the feels, they made me smile, swoon and captured my heart with their love story.

Author Ilsa Madden-Mills has given us another entertaining and enjoyable read in Not My Romeo and I'm excited to read Not My Match the next book in The Game Changers Series.

*A big thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance ARC*

I'll admit mistaken identity is not my favorite trope, but this book was a nice surprise. I was glad that part of the story wasn't actually kept up for long. This book was an enjoyable read, but not particularly memorable for me. I am glad it introduced me to Ilsa Madden-Mills though because I've read several of her backlist since. (All available free in KU!)

Thanks to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for the ARC to review.

This book was a fun sports romance with a bit of angst. Jack is an NFL quarterback, won 4 championships but never won the super bowl. Elena is a smalltown librarian. The two meet on a blind date where Elena thinks she's on a date with a weatherman. Jack doesn't correct her because he likes the fact that she doesn't know who he is. The plot was actually deeper than I originally thought and that was a good thing. I enjoyed Elena as a character. She was witty and wonderful. She proved to be her own person and not fit the nerdy virgin stereotype. I loved the banter between Jack and Elena. They both had issues they needed to resolve on their own. They were good for each other. The actual love story was epic. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I am ashamed to admit this is my first Ilsa Madden-Mills book. I’ve had her books on my TBR FOREVER. Not My Romeo was such a great introduction to her work - I will definitely be reading more from her ASAP.

I had hearts in my eyes the entire way through this one. I loved it! The relationship between Elena and Jack is goals. The attraction and devotion leapt off of the page for me and I could genuinely feel the connection between the two!

There is just something about an Ilsa Madden Mills story that makes me not only smile but always connect fully. I lose myself within the pages and find comfort in the characters strengths and flaws. It is like she has a recipe that guarantees the perfect blend of heart, friendship, angst, feels and laughs. I just love them all. This one grabbed me from the meet cute and held me captive. I loved these two, Elena was sweet, loyal and feisty. Jack was broody, hot and smitten, together they jumped off my kindle pages right into my heart. Fun, heartwarming with secondary characters you find yourself also caring about. Another hit. Thanks girl xo

Rom-com isn't usually my favourite genre but this book was such a fun read. This was a really enjoyable romance Jack and Elena were fabulous characters. I adored their blind date meeting it was full of witty banter innuendo and intense sexual chemistry.

Elena was such a strong character and with her crazy family she needed to be. I loved that she had ambition and a backbone to make it happen. I adored her quirky nature it was very endearing. Jack is not your usual arrogant football player he had hidden depths that surprised me. He is guarded and has issues from a past relationship that make it difficult for him to trust . I loved the way it all worked out with the play and the epilogue was perfect.

I love everything that Ilsa Madden-mills writes and this was no exception. The characters were extremely likable and they kept my attention.

This book ended up being so much sweeter and deeper than I had originally anticipated! Not My Romeo starts with a grumpy football player, a sassy librarian, and a case of mistaken identity. As the story continues, it gains its uniqueness through a pig, a play, and lingerie.

The characters are truly where this book shines for me. Elena is a great headstrong heroine who does not let the hero push her around (too much). I love her relationship with her mother, aunt, and sister. They are not a cookie-cutter family, but, in the end, their love for each other really is the most important thing. Jack, one the other hand, is such a grump, but he balances it with a genuine heart of gold. I appreciate how his quirks and flaws made sense. He is not an asshole for the sake of being an asshole. Plus, his group of friends is their own little found family which is one of my favorite tropes.

My only complaint is that Jack and Elena are really push-and-pull throughout the book, and it got to be a little frustrating, especially near the end. I definitely think communication was lacking in this book. Or at least Jack had a hard time accepting that he was communicating and that he needed to continue to communicate.

Overall, I think this was a sweet and fun read that had a large dose of heart and fantastic side characters. I highly recommend it!

Isla Madden Mills has done it again with Not My Romeo! A great romance with hot chemistry between the main couple!

Not My Romeo is a fun and flirty sports romance. Ilsa Madden-Mills never disappoints.

Elena is a young and single librarian who has recently went through a bad breakup. She wants to move on so he agrees to a blind date. When her date walks in, he isn't like what she expected.

Jack is a professional football player who is easy on the eyes. He is known as a playboy but its all for show. He wishes his love for the game didn't come with the celebrity because it leads to a lot of trust issues. When he meets his blind date, Elena, he is attracted to her.

Elena and Jack lead two different lifestyles but they can't get enough of each other. Elena isn't like any woman he has met before. She is feisty yet such a genuine person and he can't help but want to get to know her better. Jack is so hot and Elena sometimes feels unworthy to be seen with him. But when she gets to know the real him she feels comfortable and safe with him.

I give Not My Romeo 5 stars. I couldn't get enough of this romance. I am a sucker for a sports romance and Elena and Jack had such amazing chemistry. I loved how innocent Elena is when we first meet her and I do love a charming and irresistible hero. Illsa Madden-Mills checked all the boxes for me!

I love Ilsa Madden Mills and I've loved all of the books I've read of hers. This was a great contemporary sports romance. The actions of some of the secondary characters were really frustrating, but other secondary characters were great. The beginning of Not My Romeo was particularly great!

Blind dates never really work out all that well, so when Elena is late and her date is not responding to her text, she figures it's a lost cause. Until she spots a tall, dark haired hottie wearing a blue shirt. At first she is a bit upset that he couldn't be bothered to answer her text, add to that he didn't even bother to wait to eat with her as he already ordered. With her second glance she is thanking Topher, the one who put this all in motion, silently as that man is HOT. When she storms over and confronts the hottie, she is unsure as to how this night is going to go, but with forearms like his she is willing to take a chance.

Jake has no clue who this chick is, but he is fascinated by her. At first he doesn't see the harm in not telling her he is not Greg, but as the night goes on he starts to feel a bit guilty. He hasn't been this interested in over a year, and lord knows he doesn't trust women so he is going to hold it in for just a little bit longer. But when the truth finally does come out will it be too late? Will he find himself going to the tiny town of Daisy to get a second chance?

This was such a cute story, I am tickled pink that we are getting a new series and can't wait to see where the author goes with this. Some action, drama that will make your heart ache, and naughty bits that will steam your glasses; I give this 4 stars.

This was a great read, it has a great storyline and I was hooked from the beginning!The story starts with Elena meeting Jack and thiking he is her blind date .When he figures she's mistaking him for her date, he doesn’t correct her or tell her the truth, because for the first time in his quarterback life, someone doesn’t recognize him.

“My nana used to say that broken people love the hardest because they appreciate the things that make their heart beat. Do I make your heart beat?”

They have an intense and steamy relationship , what I didn't like a lot was the ending it felt a little bit rushed for my taste!

Ah, Ilsa Madden-Mills writes the perfect romance stories and Not My Romeo was a delight to read!
Capturing my attention from the first chapter, the main characters have a mixed-up introduction that sets the scene of this book! I love Elena, her personality, her attitude and the way she has Jack captivated. The getting to know you parts of their relationship was my favourite - these two just totally clicked despite my initial thoughts of them being opposites in every way!
Ms Madden-Mills delves beneath the layers, inviting her readers to get to know the real heart of Elena and Jack and I could not put this book down!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy I received.

This story cracked me up and totally broke me at times.

Elena might be one of my very favorite female characters. She is saucy, but kind. She goes for what she wants, but remembers people's feelings.
Valentine's Day blind date, she went for it, but with the wrong guy. Add in her crew of family and friends and it is nonstop entertainment.
Jack doesn't know this woman sitting as his table on Valentine's day, buy she must be after a story. Only she doesn't seem to know who he is and for him that is refreshing. He's a famous, but shy football player. He is so drawn to her and her amazing and open personality that he can't seem to forget her. Only he can't commit and Elena is only looking for commitment.

They continue "running" into each other and things seem to be moving in the right direction, until they aren't. Jack can't let himself believe that he can love and Elena will hold out for nothing less.
She knows she'll end up destroyed.

This book was so sweet. The whole ending really wraps up the story nicely giving everything you could want.

Really loved this heartwarming, fun and sexy adventure filled with relatable and engaging charters, witty dialog, swoon worthy moments, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a fun and sexy read from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Excellent reading!

Oh Ilsa, how I adore thee! I can't even count they ways. There's just no better way to escape life for a few hours than one of your books.

A pro athlete, a librarian and a blind date. What could go wrong? The question really should be what could go RIGHT. This pair is a smokin' hot ball of chemistry and hilarious banter. The way Ilsa manages to make two character's rough edges fit with their perfect match is completely entertaining and always satisfying. I couldn't get enough of Jack and Elena and I was so sad when this was over even though I was totally happy with this story.

Always a recommend!

Not My Romeo was a cute and entertaining romance, but in the end it wasn’t overly memorable. I’d still recommend it to contemporary romance fans.

NOT MY ROMEO is the first instalment in Ilsa Madden-Mills contemporary, adult THE GAME CHANGERS erotic, romance series. This is twenty-eight year old, professional football quarterback Jack Hawke, and twenty-six year old librarian/lingerie designer Elena Riley.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Elena and Jack) NOT MY ROMEO follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-eight year old, professional football quarterback Jack Hawke, and twenty-six year old librarian/lingerie designer Elena Riley. A Valentine blind date, and a one night stand finds our heroine battling between head and heart when she discovers that her blind date wasn’t her blind date after all but professional football player Jack Hawke. Our heroine had mistakenly believed Jack was her date, and Jack, being the gentleman that he isn’t, played along but our hero’s current reputation both on and off the field is in tatters, and quickly finds himself getting attached to a woman who wants something more. Unable to offer Elena forever or a happily ever after, Jack continues to find himself drawn to our heroine, a draw that is about to spiral out of control. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jack and Elena, and the potential fall-out as Jack’s issues of trust find our heroine on the outside looking in when Jack accuses her of manipulation and lies.

Jack Hawke grew up in the foster care system having lived much of his life angry and abused. Betrayal at the hands of his ex force Jack to keep one eye open including having Elena sign an NDA, an agreement Elena refuses to accept. Elena Riley had no idea the who or the what of quarterback Jack Hawke. Falling for Jack, Elena knew she was about to have her heart broken, having been forewarned by our story line hero. Been burned in the past, Elena knows she has to move on but there is always a constant reminder wherever she goes.

The relationship between Jack and Elena starts as a case of mistaken identity , one in which Jack carries over into a one-night stand. Jack doesn’t do relationships having been betrayed by his ex, and in this Jack struggles with issues of trust, issues that will directly affect his relationship with our story line heroine. Elena continues to battle her attraction to Jack knowing Jack wants nothing to do with a happily ever after but Jack’s constant presence in her life give our heroine pause as to perhaps there may be hope for something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Elena’s ex boyfriend Preston, her roommate Topher, and her sister Giselle, as well as their mother, Aunt Clare who owns and runs a local salon. We are introduced to Jack’s head of security Quinn, a young man who is more or less our hero’s gopher; fellow teammate and friend Devon, quarterback Aiden Woods, PR agent Lawrence, Town stage director Laura and her son Timmy, and Jack’s ex girlfriend Sophia.

NOT MY ROMEO is a story of family, friendships, betrayal, trust and love; a story of one man’s struggle to move on from the past, and one woman’s heart break when said man refuses to acknowledge her love. The character driven premise is captivating and seductive; the romance is fun and flirty; the characters are lively, dynamic and charming. A wonderful and impassioned story.



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