I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from the author.

It was good. Ilsa Madden-Mills is a wonderful writer and her stories are masterpieces.

Tuck and Francesca meet by chance on Tuck's birthday. They have a one-night stand that lead to a secret pregnancy. Tuck and Francesca keeps running into each other after their one night. In fact it turns out they live in the same apartment building. Tuck pursues a reluctant Francesca.

**3.75 Stars**

Princess and the Player is book two in the Strangers in Love series and I did find it overall more engaging than the first book in the series. Francesca and famous NFL player, Tuck have a steamy night of fun as complete strangers where their identities remain hidden all night due to the event they are at. While they both had an amazing time and the chemistry was off the charts, the chances of finding the other person in New York City are pretty slim.

Despite those slim chances, they do end up running into each other a few times and figuring that they actually live in the same building, and that Francesca actually despises Tuck...well until she gets to know him a little bit better. Both of their walls are kind of high and neither wants to let the other get too close.

I liked that Francesca persevered despite the poor way people treated her. I loved her relationships with her roommates and with her neighbor, Mr. Darden. That was probably a highlight for the book for me because it showed a softer, compassionate side to her and I highly enjoyed their back and forth banter.

While I love a good accidental pregnancy story, I am not quite sure this one was well executed, or maybe it just didn't quite work for me. I liked Tuck for the most part, and while I understood his hesitations about having a family, I struggled with the way both people handled the pregnancy, but especially him, and then I felt like everything was resolved much to quickly to be realistic.

Having said that, I overall enjoyed the characters and I read to escape so things don't always have to completely be perfect or realistic etc, and sometimes I just need to be interested in seeing where a story goes, so I did find the book engaging and very easy to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a lot more fun than I expected. Francesca is an artist who ends up at a club where she meets a mysterious stranger and has a great night. This one night will continue to have consequences for reaching that include hilarious encounters and fun neighbor adventures. The chemistry between Tuck and Francesca is hard fought and develop organically. There is a secret that dangles between them that has you trying to race through the pages to see how it’s resolved. It’s a fun romance for lovers of New York as there’s plenty of sites that are lovingly mentioned and amazing chemistry.

She came from nothing, and after things were starting to come together for her in her life, she lost almost everything. He had it all growing up, except for loving parents. He had his football to keep him thriving, until he started to lose that. After an antonymous one night stand, the two were never the same again. Luckily fate had plans for them and they soon realized just how much fate/destiny was pulling them together. But will his past force him to ruin a good thing or will it be the secrets she's keeping? Both are a little broken. She just wants to have a family of her own after being abandoned her whole life. He doesn't trust women, and to top it off, he's on the verge of losing the one thing that has kept him sane all his life. Both are wonderful characters for different reasons. There are other side characters who bring a lot to the story as well. It's a good story about friendship, strength, survival, and opening your heart. While, for the most part, this is a lighthearted read, there is a heavier current underneath. There is sexual content which may be more suitable for mature readers. It alternates between POVs.

*I received an ARC from Netgalley.

This book exceeded my expectations in a big way. I’m always a bit hesitant to read unexpected pregnancy books because I wonder whether the hero truly cares for the heroine or is just with her because of the baby. That was definitely not the case for this book. Francesca and Tuck had chemistry from the beginning, and I adored watching them get to know one another. Francesca was such a sassy, independent heroine, and Tuck was full of kindness and love.

The secondary characters were absolutely superb. They were incredibly funny and supportive, and they added to the emotional depth of an already very well-written book with plenty of chemistry and connection. Tuck could’ve done a better grovel, but I was still quite satisfied by the book’s conclusion. I love a good epilogue, and this novel delivered.

Overall, this was a dramatic and heartwarming romance. I highly recommend it.

*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*

Ilsa Madden-Mills has done it again. I read this in one day! The story she gave us for Tuck and Francesca was so good. It had just enough angst mixed with romance. I really wanted to shake Tuck, but he more than made up for it :)

I'm hoping Jasper gets a book of his own. He almost stole the show here LOL

Tuck's friends take him out for his birthday to a sex club. While there he meets Francesca who happens to be there as well after finding out her fiancee cheated on her. What these two encounter that night was agreed upon as a one night stand. Can it be just great? Great story and chemistry.

I'm rating this as a 3 right now because I'm very conflicted with my feelings on it. I loved Beauty and the Baller and have read it multiple times so even though accidental pregnancy isn't my jam, I was REALLY looking forward to this one.

I liked Francesca a lot in the beginning. I loved her tenacity and her independence. She was a funny spitfire who didn't let anyone walk all over her. I liked her back story a lot and I felt like it really made her a 3 dimensional character. She was great. At first. She started losing me when it took her so long to tell Tuck about the baby. And I mean an uncomfortably long amount of time. Thinking about it I really don't understand how that was even possible because she should have been showing at least somewhat well before the time she even told him. Especially if her stomach was basically concave from being sick. It didn't make sense to me. Either Tuck is oblivious to things or that was just ignored to buy more time.

I actually liked Tuck and to be honest, I don't blame him for his reaction. He was basically in an "honest" relationship for months and Francesca KNEW he had trust issues. What did she expect to happen? While I don't agree with his reaction, I can 100% see how it happened. A) She was lying to him, B) he had very little time to process it and C) that was not something he wanted..ever. That's a lot to digest, especially when you've just found out you've been lied to by someone for MONTHS.

There was a lot that was happening in between the pregnancy issues that felt like they didn't need to be there. Edward, Levi, the girls at the end. It was just...a lot. I feel like if most of that had been left out we would have had more room for the meat and potatoes. Tuck could have found out earlier and we could have had his development and transition into being happy about the development. Instead it was kind of just done off page and I feel like that was a huge disservice to his character.

What I did love about this book was all of the secondary characters. Cece, Brogen, Darden, and Jasper were just a bunch of rays of light. They were all unique in their own ways and were definitely the bright spots of this book. I'm guessing Jasper will probably get a book and I hope we get to see more of those characters if he does end up with one.

Overall, this one doesn't compare to Beauty and the Baller. This falls into the "read it if you want to" category for me.

Princess and the Player is full of quirky characters, steamy chemistry, emotional backstories, and a romance that was undeniable. Princess and the Player is swoonworthy reading at its best. 

Tuck Avery is reaching the end of his NFL career, although he may not want to admit it, yet. It's been his life...well, forever. Celebrating another birthday is just another reminder that he's the oldest wide receiver currently playing, along with other horrible memories that surround his birthday, but Jasper, the current QB, and his current roommate, Jasper takes it upon himself to take him out. Instead of a nice quiet dinner that he normally prefers, yes he knows how old that makes him sound, Jasper takes him to a club...yes...a seggesy club and for one night he indulges in a beautiful woman...his Princess. Is it possible that he sees her again, living in his building? Was their night even happenstance or a total setup?  

Francesca Lane is a beautiful mix of strong woman and silent strength. On the day she was supposed to be married, which didn't happen due to a cheating ex, she decided to celebrate her freedom at a masquerade party. She spends one fantastic night, no names, no strings with a stranger and feels completely refreshed...except weeks later she's feeling run down and can't seem to shake a bug, but is it?  Then when she figures out who her masked stranger was, well, that is when she runs into him again, and again, and again...well, fate sure has a sense of humor because this is also when she realizes she might not actually be sick.

The secondary characters are so quirky and they added a ton of flavor to the story which brought out the fun and sassy to both Francesca and Tuck. There were lots of LOL moments between everyone, but at the heart they were a found family, which was beautiful, more than anything.

This is a book that once you pick it up you will not set it back down until you reach The End, I know I didn't. I was completely engrossed in the story of Francesca and Tucker that I had no idea I'd stayed up until 2am...whoops...I loved every second it of it...no regrets!!

Ilsa Madden-Mills has blown me away!
This was an amazing story about inner demons, strength, fear, heartbreak, perseverance, personal growth, love, chosen family and taking chances. I loved both characters.

Francesca was strong, independent, fiercely loyal to her loved ones, strong, and for the most part straight up. Tuck was strong, tortured, humble, charismatic, kind, and felt unworthy. Both needed to face and work through the demons of the past that haunted them, to let them go, and end up the strong, caring and loving individuals that could take a chance on each other. I loved the dark way these two characters knew each other and saw each other from the start without knowing each other. The way they met was so different and grabbed your attention.

The supporting characters of the "chosen family" are amazing! The Characters of Gianna and Valentina are also wonderful. I can't wait to know more about their stories hopefully! They show how a "chosen family" can be there for each other, and have each other's back. This story grabbed me from the start and had me routing for Fran and Tuck, both individually, and as a couple with the surprises that came along the way.

It is a must read!! I adored this one and could not put it down!! It was perfect and just what I needed. I was struggling to find something to read that I could get into before this story.

Princess and the Player is the 2nd standalone book in the Strangers in Love Series by Ms. Madden-Mills and I couldn't wait to read Tuck's story after having met him in the first book. If your favorite genre is one-night stands with some unexpected circumstances, I think you'll really enjoy this read. I really liked Tuck's character but it was Francesca's strong-willed, brave characterization that I really enjoyed. The secondary characters, most especially Darden, really add to the story line, but at times I felt it to be a bit disjointed, but that may just be me! If you enjoyed Ronan & Nova's story in Beauty and the Baller, you'll want to grab this one and dive in. I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

The Princess and the Player started out well, but sadly that’s about it. TPATP read very much like an uncorrected proof and could’ve used another round or two of editing. It was both too much and not enough. Too much in the sense that there were too many storylines, too many exes, too much emotional damage, too many coincidences and a rushed ending. Not enough in that there wasn’t enough detail in any of the storylines that Madden-Mills tossed out. TPATP would’ve been a much better book had she concentrated on one or two of the supporting arcs. Since there is so much going on the book is messy and unbelievable.

On the writing front there are some odd transitions, wrong words and weird phrasing. The worst being “I card my fingers through her hair.” I’ve never, ever heard this phrase before and it’s used eight times. Eight! I don’t think IMM knows how pregnancy works. Francesca and Tuck are having sex and she’s six-months pregnant. She’s not showing and the baby is healthy? I know everyone is different, but there is no way you can hide a naked six-month bump.

I’m all for suspending belief when reading. However, a doorman building, granting a three bedroom apartment at a reduced rate to a low-income person is beyond believable. This book is a romcom, not fantasy. I love me a sports romance, but unfortunately I can’t recommend The Princess and the Player.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It’s hard not to fall for Tuck💕 He’s a kind hearted, dirty talking, football god his only flaw…he’s afraid to love and have a future with anyone😞

It only takes on fateful night to change his mind. He & Francesca are perfect together. They have great chemistry and she slowly gets him to believe in a future & love 💕

Their family group is goals for sure. I love their group. Darden is so sweet & grumpy🙃 Brogan & Cece will do anything for Fran…and Jay Bird is the best!! He’s sweet, kind, funny & loyal. — “We’re not blood but better.”

💕fave quotes📖
What to do, what to do . . . Choose door one or door two.—-always the question & Francesca chose the best answer for her & Tuck. 🥰


…and the world—ah, it’s the perfect chaos.—-that’s the best kind♥️

Omg! I love, love, love this book! Football star Tuck Avery gets taken to a secret masquerade x club for his birthday by his friends. With masks on, no one will be able to identify who they are. Francesca Lane is devastated with her now ex fiancé so she figures why waste a good wedding gown. She goes to a masquerade party instead. That’s where she stumbles into a hottie. One night to forget all her troubles…what could happen, right?! Well, when she gets in a argument with football star Tuck Avery she thought something was familiar. That’s when Francesca realizes who he is and gets an extra surprise in the form of two lines. Can she find a way to tell him? Will this princess bride and prince player find their happy ending? I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The banter, the chemis!ry, all of it was timed perfectly. A feel good romance for those that love strangers to lovers with plenty of laughs. There is also a sweeter and emotional story that lies beneath that’s is <chef’s kiss.> As a side note, Jasper is a hoot and the perfect comic relief lol. A definite top read of 2022! I could not put this down. Told in dual POV

This book is the definition of UNPUTDOWNABLE. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Breezing through page after page utterly transfixed, utterly mesmerized by the characters and their journey. Ilsa has slayed a troupe that I don’t particularly like, she may have just converted me to a lover of surprise pregnancy romance, I never thought I’d see the day.

This book hit the mark on so many levels. The banter between Tuck and Francesca was *chef’s kiss* flawlessness. The heat and passion were set your kindle on fire scorching. And the layering of so many contrasting emotions were twist your heart brilliance. I had been in such a book funk; nothing was really sustaining my attention and then this book dropped onto my kindle and immediately I felt so many emotions. I love a story that really wrenches and pulls every type of feeling possible from you. The type of book that can set your soul on fire and your panties a flame and this book was exactly that.

Tuck and Francesca are living in two completely different worlds. There is nothing inherently similar about them in anyway, but they work so well because of it. The darkness and pain that they each endured growing up, binds their very souls together. They may appear to be dissimilar, but their entire beings recognize the need and longing for each other. These two soared to the top of my favorite couples by Ilsa without a second’s hesitation.

Only Ilsa can take a troupe that I don’t predominantly like and create a world that I don’t want to leave. This entire story captivated me body and soul, securing Ilsa’s place as one of my go-to authors. My heart broke for them but healed because of them as well. Bravo Ilsa this book is a MUST READ for anyone who likes surprise pregnancy but also for those that may not, she unquestionably changed my mind.

The cover of this book looks like it will be a romcom, but there's some surprisingly dark content in the Princess and the Player. Francesca and Tuck meet at a sex club after Francesca finds out her fiancee is cheating on her. She wears her wedding dress to a masquerade ball and has a hot night with a stranger, who she later finds out lives in her building. Francesca ends up pregnant in the classic "accidental pregnancy" trope (of which I'm really not a fan, but I pushed through). Both Tuck and Francesca have some deep past trauma (including child abandonment, suicide, mental health concerns, etc.), which was unexpected based on the synopsis. This one could do with some trigger warnings!

“ I want to see you in my bed. I want to fuck you. I want you to suck me off. I want to see your face over candlelight. I want to take you to dinner. “

I really enjoyed this book! The book starts with Tuck and Francesa meeting at a sex party. It is Tuck’s birthday and his friends brought him there. Francesca is there to forget about the fact that it was supposed to be her wedding day. I loved their meet cute. Right away they have chemistry. but they didn’t exchange names or any info about each other and they were wearing masks. It was funny reading how A few weeks later they bump into each other and they both realized that they live in the same building. Francesca finds out that she’s pregnant but decides not to tell Tuck. Francesca was abandoned as a baby and shifted between different housings. She has always been left by people and can’t possibly take the fact that Tuck might not choose her or the baby. I loved how persistent Tuck was though to try to get her to go out with him. The things that came out of that man’s mouth are delicious! The only thing I really didn’t like about the book was that Francesca wasn’t upfront with Tuck from the beginning. The third act break up and make up was a little fast but I loved the ending. It was a beautiful way to end their story.

Read if you like:
Dual POVs
Football hero
Surprised pregnancy
Neighbors to lovers
Open door romance
Supportive friends

I enjoyed this story, which pulled me in from the start. Francesca and Tuck meet at a masquerade party and eventually have a one night stand. Both think about each other, but they don’t even know each other’s name. When they run into each other one night and thereafter, it seems like fate is pushing them together. Tuck isn’t looking for a relationship based on family drama from his past and Francesca is trying to figure her career out as they try to navigate the pull they have to each other.

A masquerade party leads to a chance meeting. Later, Francesca and Tuck meet again, but she’s pregnant and he doesn’t know. They get involved and she still doesn’t tell him. As he gets further entangled with her and her life, what will she do?

I found myself more fascinated with Francesca and her friends in the building than I did with her and Tuck. I was not impressed with the behavior or attitudes presented by them. I’m sure they came across how they were meant to, so kudos to the author. Tuck showed some growth, so he redeemed himself.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was just not for me. It had potential and I did read it quickly but I felt like there were too many moments where Francesca could have opened up but didn’t. It just felt frustrating. The highlight for me was the secondary characters - and I need their books ASAP.