The meet cute was so good and funny

I loved all the characters in this book and the life they brought to the story

I loved that you could see how much the mmc cared about the fmc even when he was in the denial stage/this is just a marriage of convenience and I won't get feelings for her

I wish we got more time with the characters after the third act conflict, it didn't feel rushed but I was just left wanting more

- sports romance (American football)
- marriage of convenience
- he buys her the bookstore she works at and hopes to one day own

Ilsa Madden-Mills has delivered once again, a great love story between two people faith had in mind for each other.

Graham and Emmy have both been hurt in the past. They have given up on love and are not looking. But what happens when Graham needs her so he could help his brother? She says yes even though they agree not to fall for each other. But spending time together and getting to know each other better proves that to be hard thing to do. But being close off for so long almost destroys the love that just started to bloom.

I have a few soft spots for Ilsa's heroes. But I think Graham just made it to the top and if you've read her books you know the competition he had for the top spot. I absolutely loved this story and I'm hoping we get her sister’s spry next because that girl is a firecracker.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

Emmaline by chance steals a car from football star Graham to get away from a dangerous ex. Graham is recovering from a near death hit on field. He needs to get married to secure the family inheritance. When Graham tracks down Emmaline he tells her she can marry him and avoid him pressing charges. Of course sparks begin to fly as they get to know one another.

My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a contemporary sports romance with a fake relationship that can be read as a standalone. With some humorous moments, a quirky grump meets sunshine meet-cute and a marriage of convenience, what more could you want?
While I feel like Ilsa doesn't publish as often as she once did, when she does produce a book, she always has something to say and I am always brought back to why she has always been a one-click buy author for me. She excels at writing sports romance and while there is always a loveable and relatable character, there is also always a realistic reference to her stories, such as angst, real life struggles etc which is what I admire about this author. I also enjoy how she incorporates secondary characters into her books and it always makes me wonder if these characters will get their own stories.
Overall, another fantastic book by Ilsa. I can't wait to see what she will publish in 2024.

I was a bit iffy about the book at first but in the end I enjoyed it. Graham was just such a stubborn character

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Arranged marriage
Football
Loved the meet cute
Fate
😸 Side character
Grump/sunshine
She manages a library
(he buys it for her to save it 🥹)
Lots of health rep.
⚠️ Abuse discussed.

Their relationship still needed a lot of growth. It felt like there could have been a few more chapters of them in the both in love and acceptance stage.

Get ready to fall in love, laugh and just want to literally crawl into this story and become lost! Emmaline Darling is a funny, sweet, sassy bookstore gal that is also an all-in family girl. She cares for her siblings and provides for them daily. When a rough break up brings back terrible childhood memories she finds herself in a desert motel with the need for a fake boyfriend. Graham Harlan is a football star that is just trying to help out his family when he runs into a sassy secretive woman that may have just taken his new car. Now fate and a bit of investigating is about to step in and bring these two words together. A fake marriage, a bookstore in jeopardy, so much family crisis and two people that only want better for the people around them. Funny, sweet, so much chemistry, a wonderful cast of supporting characters, a fake marriage with two characters that have such big hearts!
Loved it!
~~Michele McMullen~~

This book follows the unlikely romance between Emmaline Darling, a bookstore owner, and Graham Harlan, a famous football star, whose lives intersect when Emmy "steals" Graham's car. Forced into a fake marriage by Graham's ultimatum, sparks fly between them as they navigate their complicated feelings. Despite obstacles and emotional hurdles, their chemistry is undeniable, leading to a sweet and satisfying conclusion. Ilsa Madden-Mills' skillful storytelling and character development make this a captivating read, filled with humor, passion, and heartfelt moments.

My Darling Bride is a modern day marriage of convenience story that weaves together an interesting meet cute, a love of books, and insta-love. Ilsa Madden-Mills is a contemporary author who when I pick up a novel from her I always expect to be taken on a fun and interesting ride. My Darling Bride is exactly that, a fun, well paced, romantic and sexy escape from the everyday. Madden-Mills' writing is easy to engage with and enjoy, it has a clarity that is comforting and keeps the story moving forward. Madden-Mills also easily brings to life. her characters and builds their relationship with understanding for who they are as people. My Darling Bride reads like a modern day fairytale and I really enjoyed watching this low angst romance blossom before my eyes. My Darling Bride is a delightful escape and a sweet romance that was softly enjoyable, and any lover of Madden-Mills works is sure to be charmed.

Emmaline and Graham have more in common than initially appears, and yet they couldn't be more different.
Two completely opposite lives that mainly revolve around their respective families.

great cinema, great and at times funny story with great characters, not just the main characters.

Have fun reading for yourself!

Unfortunately this book was not for me. Super fast romance which made no sense to me. We didn’t get to see any development from the side characters. Honestly I nearly DNF this book several times which took me by surprise because I almost always enjoy the author’s books.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest opinion

My Darling Bride is a fast paced, marriage of convenience rom com that will keep your attention and have you rooting for a happy ending. I enjoyed the book and the characters, I particularly liked Emmy who is such a good person who deserves all the happiness. Graham could definitely be infuriating with his lack of communication but thats pretty expected in these types of stories. I does have some trigger warnings so be sure to read those first before going in = things like abuse, parental death, etc. I hope there will be a Jane/Jasper book next.

Ahh! Isla Madden Mills story are legit pure Kindle crack laced with an addictive substance only she can deliver. I love love LOVED this story. The banter, swoon, connection and feels hit the mark! 5 stars! ~Ratula

I really enjoyed this hilarious, emotional, very unique arranged marriage story. This book just keeps you glued to the pages. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. These characters are so special and I wanted them to find happiness together. The writing is excellent and you will just love this story!

This was a really cute and fun read by a new-to-me author. Graham and Emmy have an unconventional first meeting - he chases her down because she stole his car. She didn't mean to steal it, but she had no choice in order to escape from her dangerous ex-boyfriend. Graham is in a little bind himself. In order to gain access to his inheritance, he needs to marry, so he makes a deal with Emmy. He won't press charges if she agrees to marry him. Graham manages to convince her that this is the best option for both of them, and she agrees to the plan.
Marriage of convenience tropes are always fun to read, because I enjoy seeing the characters fall in love with each other and finally realize their feelings. Watching them get to that point through all the ups and downs and misunderstandings is always exciting and this book was just exactly that. This was a creatively written story with interesting and endearing characters and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

My Darling Bride is the newest romance from Ilsa Madden Mills. I'm a huge fan of Ilsa's and I absolutely loved this story. Emmy and Graham are so much fun together. From their crazy meet-cute to the fake marriage to Fate doing its thing. I love a well-executed fate story and this one hit me in all the feels. Emmy and Graham had a connection from the first time they saw each other. It only grew stronger as they got to know each other. It's just pretend until he gets what he needs to help his family. But they both know there's more going on than an arrangement, they just have to take the leap and admit how they really feel. I loved all the family, friends and fun they had together. They are both stubborn, but they were made for each other. I really, really want to see a secondary character (or two!) get their story! Overall, I loved every second of it. I laughed, teared up, smiled, swooned and laughed some more. It's a feel good romance that left me both satisfied and wanting more!

I really enjoyed this book. It’s great to read a book that doesn’t feel just like every other book out there.

I really love Emmy’s character. I love how much she looked out for others. She was strong and determined. She knows her worth and won’t accept less!!!

Graham is a great character as well. His character was relatable, I understood his struggles. I loved watching him overcome some obstacles to become a better person for not only others but himself.

I really enjoyed this story and hope there will be a book about Jasper and Jane!!! Those two are going to be explosive!

Ilsa Madden-Mills delivered a sexy, funny, emotional story that I couldn't put down. My Darling Bride was such a joy to read. I laughed, I cried and I swooned. Fake marriage, forced proximity, grumpy sunshine.....this book has it all.

I adored Emmy and Graham. They had an interesting meet-cute followed by specific events that led to their fake marriage. Both characters had difficult past events that shaped their personalities and viewpoints. It took a lot for Emmy and Graham to break through those walls to find their happily-ever-after but eventually, they got there. It wasn't easy but it was worth it in the end. Their witty banter and sexual tension were exactly what was needed to take this story to the next level. Madden-Mills clearly knew the assignment! Add in a fun cast of characters from siblings to teammates and this story was perfect. And I am not-so-secretly hoping we get a story with Jane and Jasper because their animosity and chemistry were fire!

Madden-Mills's stellar writing was on full display and I literally devoured every word. This story seriously gave me all the feels. From the first page to the last, I was invested and couldn't put it down. What an amazing story! 5 stars

“Maybe sometimes, things really are meant to be.”

Ilsa’s writing has a magnetic quality. It’s hard to set her books aside because of their well-paced narratives, intriguing side characters that leave you craving more, and a perfect blend of sweetness and spice — and that is all found in “My Darling Bride”.

Emmaline Darling’s bold decision to break free from an abusive relationship brings her to an Arizona desert motel. A twist of fate unfolds as football star Graham Harlan becomes an unexpected ally in her journey, creating a heartwarming “meet-cute” moment. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Emma “borrows” Graham’s Lamborghini for a hurried trip to the airport.

Graham not only locates her in Manhattan but presents an intriguing proposition loaded with a “you owe me” undertone: marriage. He says that marrying is essential to get the inheritance his brother needs, connecting their lives in a complicated mix of responsibility and necessity.

When Emma and Graham are together, there’s a palpable warmth that fills the room. Whether it’s their closeness, playful banter, flirtation, or unspoken yearning, the ache in your chest intensifies, drawing you into the perfect blend of angst and simmering desire they share.

Emma’s dedication to her family resonates deeply. Graham recognizes this, realizing that what she offers is precisely what he has been missing in his own life: “Her loyalty and self-sacrifice to others? It’s challenging for me to comprehend because I’ve never had someone like that in my life…” This dynamic adds a layer of depth and emotion to their love story, making it all the more memorable and delightful.