Great simple story of second chances; single mum who's hesitant to love again and Quarterback who is like cannonball and forces love upon her. This second part in this series is funny, heart-opening and simply simple.

My Darling Jane bu Isla Madden-Mills
(The Darlings #2)
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 5 November 2024

On any ordinary day, Jane Darling wouldn't dream of stepping into a sports bar dressed in a toga with angel wings. But today isn't ordinary—she's determined to launch her matchmaking business to secure her young daughter's future. Her mission: attract new clients at any cost.

Her Cupid costume draws the attention of New York's star quarterback, Jasper Jannich. Though they've always clashed, Jasper steps in as an unexpected knight in shining armour when a persistent admirer becomes too pushy.

He proposes an intriguing deal: become Cupid’s Arrow’s premier client. Despite her reservations about Jasper and his playboy reputation, Jane reluctantly agrees, recognising the potential boost for her business.

As she arranges dates for him, it becomes evident that Jane is the only woman Jasper desires.

She is his goal, his endgame.

She’s not uninterested, but her heart has been burned before. To move forward, they’ll need more than just sizzling chemistry—they'll need courage and faith.

He’s ready to make the pass. Is his darling ready to catch it?

Jasper and Jane are beautifully depicted as flawed yet admirable protagonists. I found myself completely invested in their characters and eagerly anticipating their next moves. Their respective backgrounds are handled with sensitivity, avoiding any excessive dramatization.

Overall, “My Darling Jane” was an absolute delight to read. There were some intensely passionate chapters, but overall, it was a tender and affectionate journey as Jasper and Jane gradually surmounted their own biases and past wounds to explore the possibility of a future together. This read truly captured my heart.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Montlake, and the author, Isla Madden-Mills, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This was a cute Frenemies to lovers book.

Jane is a single mother with a new matchmaking business. She is looking for love for everyone except herself. She is not interested in a love match with anyone, especially Jasper star quarterback.

Jasper is ready to settle down and what better way than to let Jane find his perfect match. The only problem is the more matches she makes for him the more he wants her.

Jasper is all in, and tries his hardest to convince Jane that they would be a good match. Jane is very reluctant, as she has been hurt in the past.

This is a cute story of how these two overcome their pasts and learn to trust again.

I really loved Jasper. I was rooting for him through the whole book. Jane at times made me want to shake her! Overall I thought this was a cute quick read.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake publishing for this book in exchange for my very honest review.

My Darling Jane, written by Ilsa Madden Mills is the second title in The Darlings series. This title is a friends to lovers, sports romance book.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance

Jasper (MMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Football Quarterback

Jane (FMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Matchmaker, single mother

While this is the second title in the series, it is not necessary to read the first book to know what is going on. Since this is the first time I have read this author I was worried I would be lost, each book has its in couple.

Favorite quote:
“Glued, screwed, and tattooed. You’re mine.”

Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, and the author, for the opportunity to read and review this title.

This was a cutie of a read. Some real passionate chapters, but mostly gentle and loving as Jasper and Jane slowly overcome their own prejudices and past hurts to see if they have a chance together. Both jasper and Jane are well described and worthy lead characters, they have faults but are kind and I totally invested in them and their next steps. Both have hard stories as to how they got where they were and these are treated sensitively and not overdone. A great romance.

Jane and Jasper are both side characters from previous books.

Jasper is a character I always wanted to learn more about. He was always funny and a loyal friend.

Jane in her sister’s book was not someone I thought I would enjoy reading about.

Jane is a single mom to a little girl. In the first book of the series, she came across as a very distant parent. It seemed like her siblings were doing the bulk of the work with the baby.

Jasper is an NFL player who enlists Jane as his matchmaker.

Both characters have their own trauma and things they need to work through.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I still think Jane’s sister Emmy’s book is superior. This was a solid 3.5 stars