A matchmaker single mom and a tattooed playboy football player is not exactly the love story you expect but this frenemies to lovers story is a good time! She becomes his matchmaker , setting up dates for him. Jasper is ready to settle down and Jane is not looking for love but over their time together Jasper is able to convince her to take a chance on him. an Overall adorable story with rich characters,

Darling but a little messy
I’ve read and enjoyed many novels by Ilsa Madden-Mills, and they are always well-written, witty, entertaining, and hot. Her main characters are typically a great mix of strong, broken, and tender, and her sports romances often feature overlapping characters and stories, creating a found-family feel.

‘Darling Jane’—a frenemies-to-lovers story—is no exception. We’ve already met the bubbly and sunshiny quarterback Jasper in several previous books, as well as the snarky Jane, sister of the heroine from Ilsa Madden-Mills’ last novel, ‘My Darling Bride.’

Even though I would categorize her books as mostly lighthearted with a dash of angst, they don’t shy away from exploring heavier topics such as child abandonment and the emotional trauma it inflicts, which gives them a good balance.

While it was an easy, fun read, it’s not her best. Unfortunately, it was a little messy, though it is an ARC version and might see an extra round of editing.

On a side note, I’m a little puzzled by the cover, which features a handsome man with an undercut hairstyle. However, Jasper is continually described as having shoulder-length wavy hair often worn in a bun.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with this ARC.

Jane, dressed unconventionally to promote her matchmaking business, catches the eye of Jasper, a famous quarterback. Despite their differences, Jasper becomes Jane's unexpected protector and offers to be her top client. As they navigate their feelings, they discover a mutual attraction. The story delicately explores their flaws and pasts without needless drama. Overall, "My Darling Jane" is a heartwarming tale of courage and trust as Jasper and Jane consider a future together. This book resonated with me, and I'm grateful to NetGalley, Montlake, and Isla Madden-Mills for the opportunity to review it honestly.

Out Nov 5!

A very cute frenemies to lovers book!

Definitely an opposites attract romance which made the dynamic between the characters a lot of fun to read. Jane and Jasper have to overcome past hurts in order to learn to trust & love again. I really liked how Jasper was all in for Jane. He certainly fell first and I am a sucker for when that happens. It was so cute that he just wanted her even though Jane kept matching him with other people. He only had eyes for her. Swoon worthy romance for sure!

Would recommend if you're looking for a cute & cute read.

Janes wears a toga with angel wings in a sports bar to launch her matchmaking business to raise her young daughter. She is saved by Jasper, the star quarterback, when an admirer crosses the line. He offers to be her matchmaking service's premier client to make her fall in love with him....

Love the fun and joy in the book. So many LOL scenes. The banter is top-notched. The chemistry is great between the couple. Jasper is swoony. Love how much he tries...

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

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