2.75/3⭐️
3/3🌶️
1/3🦋

•My Thoughts•
I wanted so much to like this one. The tropes are great and some of my favorites but I didn’t love how they were executed here. Jane’s prickliness and denial of her feelings made me want to bang my head against the wall (miscommunication trope but with just herself?). I really struggled to like her and had trouble understanding what the MMC saw in her. Jasper is lovable and charming. He’s a reformed playboy quarterback who doesn’t quite know what to do with deeper feelings. I did like his character and enjoyed his growth. Both of our MCs had trauma and abandonment issues so a lot of their relational problems made a lot of sense even if frustrating. There were a few side plots that felt underdevelopment and unresolved or unnecessary. Ilsa continues to write good banter and side characters. Shout out to Babs, who remains one of my favorites of all time (we first meet her in My Darling Bride). While this one wasn’t for me, I LOVED the first book in this interconnected series and am still excited for the next Darling sibling.

Side note (a bit spoilery): There was a scene with some very irresponsible contraception usage on the part of the MMC and I felt like it was just glossed over. It really bothered me, especially knowing Jane’s history.

Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Jane and Jasper's story. Now, I did get really frustrated with Jane. She was so hardened and did not want to open her heart up to Jasper. She kept pushing him away when she clearly didn't want to be doing that. Jasper was a great guy given his childhood circumstances. They both had been left before by someone and it both broke them and strengthened them. Jasper was all in once he figured it out but it took Jane a little bit longer to figure it out! There was a cute epilogue and it was nice to see their little family in the future. I'm really loving the Darlings!

Arc provided by ValentinePR via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jane and Jasper - so much fun!

Jasper is a quarterback so short of neither confidence nor a buck. He's a bit jaded though and realising that the playboy lifestyle does get old. Jane is a bit more complicated, an ex-model with a 5 year old daughter, she’s got abandonment issues and all the worry that comes with a new business that isn't yet profitable. She’s a matchmaker and ropes Jasper in as a client. Of course he wants to help, but even as she sets him up, she’s jealous of his dates and it’s confusing all around. There’s plenty of banter, Jane leans in to being prickly, Jasper in to the playboy - can they see through the facades and find each other? What about Jane's daughter Londyn? Their push and pull is so good with plenty of the New York pace and momentum to keep it fresh.

Quibbles are about Jane's daughter Londyn who is mostly off the page - it would have been lovely to see more of her interacting with Jasper and Jane actively parenting. We see more of Jasper's nieces than Londyn. Apart from that, this works so well. It’s funny and joyful, low angst and skips along. Recommended.

Thanks Ilsa Madden-Mills and NetGalley for the ARC - opinions are my own.

Spicy and sweet join forces to create a tasty delight. My Darling Jane takes the senses by storm with ironic humor and irresistible emotions. Temptation has never been so much fun or exposed as much heart. Jasper and Jane are fire. Addiction at it's most unforgettable.

My Darling Jane is a spicy, delicious snack of a read! The connection between Jane and Jasper is out of this world fireworks from the first encounter. Their banter back and forth is hilarious. The way they egg each other is so much fun to watch. He knows from the beginning that no one else will compare to her but she hold back for as long as she can until he barges into her apartment after a failed date and just makes her home his lol. It’s so…Jasper and Jane. His best friend is her brother in law so he’s not a stranger…but they aren’t close…so she like wow…just make yourself at home dude. I loved every moment of it all. Every page.

4 ⭐ 2 🌶️

My goodness, that was sweet as pie. I absolutely adored these two, and Londyn too. I first met them in My Darling Bride and was so excited to see they got their own story. This felt a bit like frenemies to lovers and I loved the matchmaking plot. It was all around fun and laughs and cuteness.

I really loved Jasper. His tenacity was amazing and while I hated when he backed off, I also respected the heck out of him for it. Plus, him running back was so perfect.

The back stories for both characters were pretty heartbreaking and lended really well to the storyline with them both having abandonement issues. I really enjoyed how Ilsa wrote them, even though it broke my heart a little...

Looking forward to what's next in this world!

This is a charming sports romance with engaging narration by Stella Hunter and Sebastian York. Jane Darling, a single mom, tries to build her matchmaking business and reluctantly agrees to help star quarterback Jasper Jannich find love. As Jane arranges his dates, Jasper only has eyes for her. Hunter’s portrayal of Jane’s vulnerability and determination complements York’s smooth, charismatic voice for Jasper, making their chemistry palpable. The narrators shine in bringing the characters to life, making this an enjoyable listen for fans of sweet sports romances with witty banter.

Well, I just loved Jane and Jasper's story. It's full of angst and it's definitely a slow burn, but it's just so good. They both have abandonment issues that take time to overcome, naturally, but I enjoyed the progression of their relationship.

Jane is a single mother, working at her family's bookstore and trying to get her matchmaking business off the ground...and she's a tad grumpy (love it), Jasper is a professional football player that knows Jane through his former teammate (he's more sunshiny). I'd probably classify this as a frenemies to lovers. It had great banter between the characters, really fun side characters (I'm looking at Jasper's nieces and Babs from the bookstore). I'm truly sad that it's over, I truly enjoyed it!

Favorite spoiler free quote:
"Glued, screwed, and tattooed. You're mine."

Looking for a fun rom com, look no further. This is about Jane who is a single mom that recently started a dating service. She bumps into Jasper, who is a star quarterback to the local NFL team who plays on the same team as her BIL. He agrees to use her service.

The story is fun and lighthearted with Jasper's fun personality. I appreciate that there were some more deeper topics in the story that added more depth.

I did read the first book and felt this can be read as a standalone.

Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

This is a hilarious, and heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance! Jane Darling is struggling to make her matchmaking business a success. When star quarterback, Jasper Jannich, wants to be her client, she reluctantly agrees. They have clashed for years, but as she tries to set him up, thinking he is a playboy, she begins to see that he is more than she first assumed. Jasper loves to rile up the serious Jane, until he sees how much she has on her plate, now he wants to help her. Jane is a single mom to an adorable little girl, so she is not looking for love for herself after not being enough for her ex. So the more Jasper pushed, the more she ran, setting him up on other dates, which only made them long for each other even more. Will they finally be able to give in to their feelings even after being left behind in the past? Their relationship starts off a bit rocky, but I loved how Jane and Jasper slowly begin to reconcile their flawed history. They also have a close knit and quirky group of family and friends who cause more hilarity, complications, and drama that had me laughing out loud, swooning, and cheering for Jane and Jasper's HEA. I really enjoyed this charming, heartfelt and steamy romance.

🤍 Book review 🤍

My Darling Jane
by Ilsa Madden-Mills


"My Darling Jane" by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a light, fun romance that kept me smiling throughout. Jane Darling, a single mom trying to launch her matchmaking business, finds herself reluctantly teaming up with quarterback Jasper Jannich. Their banter is hilarious, especially since Jasper is all charm while Jane is cautious about her feelings. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic really worked for me. Jane's hesitation at times was a bit frustrating, but it made the ending even sweeter when everything came together. Jasper’s persistence and his love for both Jane and her daughter Londyn were heartwarming, and they made the perfect little family. Overall, it’s an easy, enjoyable read with plenty of laughs, sweet moments, and a great romance.

My Darling Jane is a cupid's arrow that captured my heart so perfectly. This story follows a single mother aiming to build a matchmaking business to ensure her daughter’s future, it’s a venture that begins on wobbly feet until a familiar player on and off the football field steps in to becomes a star client. As irksome as she finds Jasper, Jane is eager to find his perfect match, but for some reason cupid’s arrow keeps missing the mark time and time again…or perhaps Jasper is just waiting to take aim for Jane’s heart. What follows is a medley of delightfully infectious laughter, steamy spice, and a romance that will leave you swooning.

I can’t help but play favorites, but I must declare I have a favorite.

With all the love to Emma Darling from my Darling Bride, her sister Jane reigns supreme. I fell head over heels for My Darling Jane (both the protagonist and the book!). The love story was an absolute touchdown! My Darling Jane has everything I love in contemporary romance. That enthralling push and pull. The sizzling chemistry. The spice that is just the perfect mix of physical and emotional attraction and bonding. And a relationship that’s built on such a solid foundation.

Jane Darling lives up to her name! She truly is a darling— a kind soul, a loyal friend, a good sister, a super mom, and a woman who deserves the world. She’s a go-getter not afraid to don some silly toga and angel wings attire to play cupid in the hopes of building a successful matchmaking business. I admired her resiliency and her tenacity to keep going, to set aside any embarrassment and to go for gold. Or perhaps better said— hit that end zone.

Then there’s Jasper. Dare I say Jasper was my favorite?! I always favor the heroines, and I so adored my Jane, she is my favorite of the Darlings, after all! But...there’s just something about Jasper. His journey was so much fun to follow, as well as very heartening. I loved getting into his head and seeing how he’d gleefully get under Jane’s skin. And how he totally got her in a much deeper, soul level. He’d catch her charged glances, her business-stalking (trust me, it’s hilarious), and also her heart. He knows her heart and he wants to be part of it, and he wants her to see him the way he sees her. He’s more than a certain perceived public image, he’s a man who wants to find love and home in a person. And Jane is absolutely that person for him. And she and Londyn are the home he’s been longing for.

I had such a kick watching Jane and Jasper’s romance unfold. There is history there and it’s sour, or at least one-sidedly. Jane most definitely begins this one thinking not very much of the perceived player Jasper, whereas Jasper just loves to poke the mama bear and get her flustered with his playful teasing. To Jane, Jasper is a fly that won’t shoo; to Jasper, Jane is a challenge he simply cannot resist to win over. Eventually they become two halves of a soul that fits perfect one another. If they take the leap of faith to see the journey through. From the spice to sweetness, this romance hit all the right notes for me!

I would have loved more scenes of Londyn and Jasper bonding. That would be my sole little quibble. I’m always such a sucker when the single parent’s love interest takes time to bond with their child— and we witness it as a reader. There is definite bonding, I just wish more of it was on page. Regardless of that quibble, I still left this book feeling whole. Feeling lifted and happy, and ceaselessly swooning.

Thank you so kindly to Grey’s Promotions and NetGalley for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

I've read a few Ilsa Madden Mills books now and enjoyed them all. But this one wasn't for me. I did enjoy parts of this book, but there was more than I didn't enjoy.
Jane was my main issue, I feel like she had so much judgment towards Jasper for no real reason. I found her annoying most of the time. Jasper and London are the ones holding this story together.
The drama with Jane's ex and Jasper's real mom was underdeveloped and it felt forced and put into the book to add a bit of drama.
I wish Jane and Jasper's relationship was developed on a deeper level rather than being mostly physical.
I really did enjoy parts of this book, so it's a shame that I didn't connect with the characters.

My Darling Jane is the second book in The Darlings series by Ilsa Madden-Mills. While it can be read as a standalone, reading My Darling Bride first enhances the experience. This book is a heartwarming, emotional, and funny romance that keeps readers fully engaged.

The story follows Jane Darling, a single mom managing her sister’s bookstore and trying to grow her matchmaking service. Jane is smart, witty, strong, and funny. Her counterpart, Jasper Jannich, is a charming and laid-back football quarterback who knows how to sweep women off their feet. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter is both hilarious and entertaining.

Though the relationship between Jane and Jasper isn’t without challenges, the story ultimately delivers a satisfying happily-ever-after. Madden-Mills skillfully blends humor and romance, creating memorable moments and well-developed characters, including fun side characters like Jasper’s nieces and Babs from the bookstore. Overall, it’s a delightful, well-written romance that leaves readers wanting more.

Every time I read a book by Ilsa, I feel lighter, my spirit lifts and my heart sings.

This is the story of Jane and Jasper, two people more alike than they realized, two soulmates in search for the other, and their dance on the path to HEA is beautiful to see.

With a sizzling chemistry, they first fight it because they are scared of its intensity, but as soon as they give in to their true feelings, everything falls in place.

I loved Jasper so much! Such a great MMC! He has a big heart and through all his trials, he remains true to his character and values. I swooned so much, I spent a lot of time with my hand on my heart, trying in vain to keep him out. What can I say? I am a sucker for a big man with a soft heart.

And Jane, my darling Jane, with her beautiful daughter, and all the obstacles thrown in her path, is such an amazing FMC! Her courage and determination are so inspiring! She is the perfect woman for Jasper.

This book was written so beautifully, the story flows seamlessly and the characters are so relatable that you feel like you know them.

It was one of the best books I read this year! Brilliant work, Ilsa! I love it! Highly recommend it!

Ahh Jane and Jasper make me swoon, this is a great story. I loved that Jasper falls first for single mum Jane. Highly recommended read and series of interconnected standalones

This was a good book with some great characters, and I loved the banter between Jasper and Jane. Just some of the story kind of felt a little rushed and really didn't wow me. I like the characters and their interactions, also loved watching their journey trying to navigate a relationship, also while trying to let go of their past. I really did enjoy this book.

Jane Darling is a single mom trying to start a matchmaking business to support her and her daughter. While trying to drum up business in a local bar dressed like Cupid, in walks her Frenemy, Jasper Jannich, NYC’s star quarterback who saves her from a pushy drunk. He offers to be one of her clients to help her business, but their chemistry keeps getting in the way. Of course, the path to true love isn’t smooth as both Jasper and Jane have serious abandonment issues and have built up walls around their hearts. I really loved Jasper, while Jane thought he was a thoughtless playboy, he was really a good guy who loves his adopted family. Jane was a bit harder to warm up to. Overall an enjoyable read. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.

This was a great book about Jasper and Jane. Jane was fiercely independent... too much at some points. It almost cost her Jasper. Jasper was open, loving, and honest. He gave her space when she asked for it. Jasper babysitting his teen nieces for his sister was great. They were a handful and brought many comedic moments to the book. Jane's daughter was wonderful and smart.

Jasper stepped up when it was most important. The bond between him and Jane was because of their similar lives. I felt the end of the story was a bit rushed and I had a few questions. However, the questions were answered by the epilogue. I wish there was a little less debate with Jane herself and a little bit more development within their story. However, it was great overall!

*ARC courtesy of the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy.*

Jane & Jasper’s story was so good, I couldn’t put it down.

The fact that these two are seemingly incredibly opposites but work so well together in the end is what made this such a good book.

Jane is a single mom just trying to get her matchmaking service up and running. But when she runs into Jasper, she agrees to use him to help.

Jasper was initially doing this just to mess with her but ending catching feelings he swore he would never catch.

Throw in a cute little girl & you have the makings of a sweet love story where two people who have basically pushed away the idea of love finally find it with each other.

This was cute & sweet & absolutely loved the epilogue. It was all very sweet.

Great job!