Not My Match by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a sports romance with an alpha male and a nerdy girl and a whole lotta chemistry in between. The story was fun and their relationship builds throughout as friendship turns into love.
Giselle is off limits. She is a virgin, smart and Elena’s sister from Not My Match. Devon is teammates with Elena’s husband and told to watch out for her. Devon is attracted to her from the start, and tries everything to stay away from Giselle. One thing leads to another and close proximity is an every day occurrence.
The two become close and can’t ignore their feelings or temptations. They compliment each other well, and bring down their walls to learn the inner thoughts and emotions.
There was much back and forth between the two until they finally give in. Devon and Giselle are a perfect match.
I loved the two of them and their friends turned lovers relationship. I definitely recommend this book.

“If two people are destined to be together , then no matter how long it takes, their paths will continue to cross and intertwine.They believe there’s an invisible read thread that ties destined couples. The thread may knot or tangle but will never break.”

This story really played a number on me.

I can’t get off this rollercoaster of emotions .

I don’t think there are enough words to describe how this story will tear to apart in the best possible way.

If you thought Elle was weird and unique , get ready for Giselle she’ll change the way you’ll look at life. I’ve always hated physics , but after this book i think I changed my mind.

Giselle wasn’t what I expected , it’s really true that nothing is how it looks like. She’s funny , brave and with really unique interests . The way she could make up those unique stories , bringing together her two passions was mind-blowing .

“How often does a man find a woman like that?”
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And Devon , Omg… I don’t think I need to add anything else.

He is the most lovable person ever , funny, caring , always there for you.

But the only think he wouldn’t never open himself up to was love. He has been hurt from to many important people in life , so he put really high walls around his heart . But then something changed .

“She isn’t like anyone else . She’s not a girl I can let go. She’s shoved me over that cliff , and I’m lying at the bottom on the rocks, waiting for her to finish me off”
Giselle was a game changer for him. She quickly made her way up to his head , invading all his thoughts , his life and soon his heart too. It was inevitable .

“You aren’t different–not underneath , where it counts. Life doesn’t decide who you fall for. Love knows no rules at all…”

The connection they had since the first time , how they understand each other like no one else. They were polar opposite but they completed each other on every possible level .

And yes, the Daisy Lady Gang is back , and this time as a real matchmaking agency 😉

I gave it absolutely 6348356 stars

“You’re crazy”

“Nah, just in love with the smartest, most beautiful girl in the world”

I’m not gonna spoiler anything but I’ll tell you this :

Devon and Giselle are in their own completely different ‘universe’

So get ready to be dragged into this black hole !

*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*

Five of the Swooniest stars! Completely. Totally. Utterly Smitten with Devon!!! The author gives us the perfect alpha male. The sweet and the swoon left me with a perma-smile on my face. I LOVED IT!!!

Giselle is a nerdy girl who is newly single. She loves everything science and is chock full of fun facts. If you met her sister Elena before in Not My Romeo you might be leary, but I loved her. She’s intelligent and quirky. She definitely marches to her own beat. She knows what she wants and she’s ready to take it. Now she’s fresh off a broken engagement and ready to date.

Devon is the guy she asks for help. He is a football god and a friend. He also happens be be drop dead gorgeous and the definition of alpha male possessive. However, he is not without his own issues. His fear of being left behind, keeps him guarded. Getting behind his walls is going to be tough. He’s willing to help out Giselle, the only problem is he may want to keep her all to himself.

The push and pull between Giselle and Devon is fantastic. I adored Devon’s football friends and Giselle’s crazy family. All the secondary characters were so much fun and brought the laughter. The chemistry between the main characters built steadily and the culmination was everything you could hope for. An incredible read with so much emotion and a romantic connection I could not get enough of. I loved everything about this story...especially Devon. The man did not disappoint! A book I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Arc, for an honest review.

And Ilsa does it again!
I am so happy she paired Devon and Giselle together. So many details that makes the book so much more. Reading this made me so happy. When you think its going to go one way it doesn't. LOL
I LAUGHED a lot. I loved the banter between them, the conversations and the little moments.
And how can you not love Myrtle! She was a pisser!
I wonder which one is next... Aiden or Hollis. I guess we must wait and see!

Nobody can grab your heart and take it on a crazy roller-coaster ride like Ilsa Madden-Mills! Not My Match, her newest friends-to-lovers novel does just that. Devon and Giselle will steal your heart from the get-go. Devon is tall, dark, handsome, dashing and a superstar football player with a "love-em-and-leave-em" reputation. Giselle is an intelligent, funny, beautiful and innocent young woman looking for love, with a list of failed relationships in her wake. Their paths have crossed enough that they know of each other, but they really do not KNOW each other. Giselle would like to remedy that situation. Devon would like to keep everyone, including Giselle, at arms length. And, the fun begins! Devon and Giselle's lives are filled with all the feels, the angst, the romance, the sexy times, the sad times and the just downright hilarious conversations that will have you laughing-out-loud wishing you could be a part of their world. I LOVED this book! It was the perfect weekend read...leaving my heart joyful and satisfied. Another MUST-READ from this fabulous author. DO NOT MISS IT!

I loved Devon and Giselle! They were perfect together. 

After a fire breaks out a Giselle's apartment, she is left homeless for all ofn2 seconds when her Knight in shinning armour (Devon) comes to the rescue, she will stay with him but Devon doesn't just want to be roommates and there is also the added problem that Giselle's new brother in law, who also happens to be Devon's teammate and BFF has pretty much warned everyone to not touch her!

Both have hang ups, both have pasts that they would rather forget, both have feelings for each other but for different reasons don't go there. Devon was so protective towards Giselle but she totally new her own mind and put him in his place!
There chemistry was of the charts!

Really hoping Alabama's story is next!

Another wonderful, read in this series and once again it is writing that draws you into their world We have met both Giselle and Devon before He has the reputation as a womanising guy about town but we soon learn that he is far more than that. She is the science nerd but she has inner woman who wants to break free When she goes to stay with Devon as she needs a place to live the close proximity brings out the best in them both and soon they can see a life with one another This is one story that will have you turning the pages as fast as you can

This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read. I couldn’t put it down from the moment I started it and was smiling the entire time. I love a man who knows what he wants from the very beginning, and that is definitely Devon. While his fear of abandonment initially stopped him from pursuing Giselle, he was committed to her the entire time. There was not a moment when you doubted his devotion to her and his jealous, protective nature—absolute swoon.

Giselle was also one of the most likable heroines I’ve read in a long time. She was vulnerable but still independent, hilarious, and incredibly intelligent. Her quirks were adorable and read as genuine and realistic. She reminds me of one of Penny Reid’s amazingly smart and unique characters. And Giselle and Devon’s chemistry was positively scorching.

There was some slight action/suspense that made the story even more interesting, and the resolution to the primary conflict was neither unrealistically short nor annoyingly drawn out. Madden-Mills has such a gift for keeping your attention throughout the entire story, and her foreshadowing makes you anxious to see what happens next.

I loved the epilogue, the side characters—all of it, really. There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about this novel. I give it an emphatic five stars and the highest of recommendations.

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

"You are the best person in all my universes."

I LOVE this series! Not My Romeo (The Game Changers, #1) is at the top of my favorites list, so I was eagerly excited to go back to Daisy for Giselle and Devon's story. In real-world uncertain times Not My Match (The Game Changers, #2) delivers everything you need for top-notch literary escapism.

I adore the dynamic between Giselle (a fierce, intelligent physicist) and Devon (swoon-worthy, heart-of-gold pro-footballer) ─ the witty banter, push-and-pull tension, laugh-out-loud humor, and emotional connection that all lead to a love rooted in deep devotion, respect, commitment and admiration that you feel with every heartbeat and turn of the page. And that epilogue *dreamy sigh*

I will be hoping and eagerly awaiting more from this series!

4.5 stars

Note: You do not need to read Not My Romeo to enjoy Not My Match but I highly recommend starting with book one.

3.5 stars

I wasn’t thrilled when I started this read, knowing that Giselle was the heroine. In the previous book, I couldn’t stand her. But, I tried to go into this read with an open mind. In the end, I came around to Giselle. The author did a great job of showing the true personality of her character and explaining exactly why G was the way she was.

I adored Devon. Absolutely adored him. He had a painful past and was still dealing with the effects of growing up in a broken home and feeling as though everyone leaves him. He was convinced that he couldn’t let anyone too close to him because they’d eventually leave. Always the fun loving, good time guy to mask his pain.

This opposites attract romance was entertaining in the beginning but after a while, the wishy-washy dynamic between the characters became frustrating. Neither of them knew what they wanted and when they did, they wouldn’t say anything. It was a roller coaster. I also didn’t believe anything that happened in the bedroom after the h lost her v card. She’d instantly turn into this sexual explorer and basically banged Devon everyday in all kinds of positions. Her virginity was such a major part of the story that everything felt completely unrealistic. Hot, yes. Believable, hardly.

There was a lot going on in this novel. A ton of nerdy science jargon, sci-fi romance writing, football, small town dynamic... it was kind of all over the place!

The HEA was lovely and I was happy with the way the author made both characters deal with their heartbreak and loneliness before throwing them back together. I was pleased that neither character had to give up their dreams so they could be tougher. They compromised and leaned on each other.

Not My Match is everything I love about Ilsa's writing.

After Not My Romeo, Giselle started at a disadvantage with me. I tend to hold grudges. But throughout the book I managed to forgive, forget and empathize with her whole heartedly. I loved her character, the sweet and nerdy girl, who can wield her beautiful mind and break down black holes and string theory, supporting women in STEM, on one hand and a pen to write scientifically accurate romance to feed her soul with the other.
I loved Jack in the first book, but I'm sorry, Devon just dethroned him.

Ilsa weaves a magical tale of love and fate, beautifully crafted and heart warming. A slow burn that leads to an epic blaze and an eternal flame and I fully anticipate this book to stay with me and lead the top of my 2021 reads.

10 stars and a particle accelerator

I received a free ARC from the author for the promise of an honest review.

Ms. Madden-Mills is one of my favorite authors. Her stories always draw me in from start to finish and Not My Match was no different. She is a master at storytelling.

Devon and Giselle are complete opposites. Devon is the number one wide receiver in the nation. Giselle is physics doctorate student at Vanderbilt University with a few loveable quirks. Devon and Giselle meet because Giselle's sister is married to Devon's best friend. Giselle and Devon forged a friendship but when Giselle's apartment building catches on fire, Devon offers her a place to stay. Their mutual attraction grows.

This story fits the elements of a sports romance but it is refreshing and compelling. You feel the emotions of each character. You feel like you are a part of their story.

"She's, well, a lady. Nice.
And I'm bad. Very, very bad."

After reading Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills, I knew I had to know more about the blue haired (or was it purple haired) devilishly handsome wide receiver, Devon. I always like a bad boy because generally speaking, there is something that made them that way and I couldn't wait to see what would be in store for him. While you absolutely do not need to read that book to enjoy Not My Match, it's always nice to see other characters mentioned in the books.

Not My Match is about our handsome, lady-loving player, Devon and the virgin, smart as a whip, a little weird and oddly attractive, college student and teacher and woman of Daisy, Giselle. They recently met through Giselle's sister and Devon's teammate since they were the couple in the first book. Giselle has just gotten out of a bad relationship (don't get me started on that one) and Devon is the one there to help her get out of her shell and maybe set her up with someone more fitting for her. Only problem is, Devon may be a player, but he's attracted to the one person he shouldn't be.

Ilsa Madden-Mills has a special talent for creating characters that have this chemistry that can't be denied. One of them, and usually it's the female lead, is this quirky character that we can't help but love. They have this odd sense of humor and just something that you can never put your finger on. But those men that capture their attention sure feel that pull and it's always something special to watch on the page between the characters. In this case, it's Devon and Giselle and they have it in spades. They are so different, but they just get each other. Their friendship and the way they could talk, banter, laugh and be honest with one another was what grabbed me. I liked that the most. And man, the sexual tension was all throughout. Especially since it's such a slow burn. Devon may be a "bad boy", but I really didn't see it much. He was a good man in all the best ways.

"Oh, Devon. You are the best person in all my universes."


If you want some opposites attract, sexual tension, and a slow burn, Not My Match is for you. The characters are likable and the chemistry between them is obvious. I loved each character separately and I enjoyed them together as friends and later as lovers. How they start to connect with a living situation was a little off for me, but it didn't hinder the story. I liked their friendship the most and I liked the way Devon was so protective and brought Giselle out of her shell. I liked what they did for each other. They balanced each other out and I loved watching them get to that point. They had that zing! And the supporting characters are just perfection, even if some of them are in your business too much. I could have a book for each of them and never get bored with the Daisy citizens.

"It's part of the universe. Essential. Everything is a push and pull-gravity, if you will-how we are drawn to certain people and not others. And when you get that zing with it....it must be amazing, They have zing."

Overall, this story was just what I needed to start my 2021. There was some heartbreak, but it made me feel good and made me laugh. I just adored all the characters and the way Devon and Giselle's relationship blossomed. They were fun and balanced one another perfectly. This story is one to make you smile and feel good.

„I want to be in all your universes.”

I am aware that it’s only January, but I can definitely say that Not My Match will be high on my list of Top Reads of 2021. I just finished reading this fabulous story and I already want to re-read it. This book is so heartwarming, so sweet and funny and emotional! I devoured Devon and Giselle’s story in the blink of an eye and I didn't want it to end. Ilsa Madden-Mills has outdone herself, I even dare to say that this book has topped Not My Romeo in the swoon-factor!

Giselle is such a kick-ass heroine! Extremely smart, a bit quirky and all sorts of adorable! This girl is sweetness mixed with spice. She’s a source of entertainment, completely different from the character we could’ve imagined after reading the book about her sister. Giselle is a dreamer with a heart of gold, she's considerate, caring and friendly.

Where to start about Devon? He is the man for whom women lose their minds and panties. Completely irresistible, he's all alpha with a tender side. I loved how protective and attentive he was. I adored to see him as more than a famous jock. This guy is helpful and solicitous, and although he was wronged in the past, he has a big heart that has so much love to give.

This couple is a perfect example of how opposites attract. And although their romance can be classified as a slow-burn, its intensity can't be denied. Their chemistry was sizzling, their passion fierce and fiery. I loved everything about Giselle and Devon- from their hilarious banter and tender moments, to their fervent intimacy and struggles they needed to face.

Not My Match is a book that will entertain you, touch you and make you swoon. After reading it I want to crash Sunday dinner at Giselle mom's, have a girls' night with Myrtle the neighbor and participate in a rodeo lesson with Devon (yeehaw! Haha). This story was simply amazing- romantic, sexy, charming, with all the feels! I’m totally smitten with this book!

Oh, and I need Aiden’s story. I CRAVE IT!

This book started like a fairly standard Innocent Buttoned-Up Virgin meets Sportsy Sexpert Bad-Boy. I was enjoying reading the beginning it just wasn't knocking my socks off. But-OH MAN-did this book just get better and better!

Giselle is the kind on heroine I ADORE. Super smart, quirky, hilarious, and real! She is so sweet and I really loved her back story.

Devon was just SWOONY! Yes, he is emotionally closed off to romantic relationships, but the more I read the more complex he became. The reader gets to see exactly why he is closed off, but there's more nuance than we usually get in these characters. It wasn't the standard "hurt once so he's a total jerk to everyone" story. He is still kind, still loves his friends and family deeply. He still helps others and cares. He just has particular hurts that make him hesitate when it comes to long-term romantic relationships.

I loved the very real and not easily dismissed conflict in this story.

And WOWZA—did this book ever bring the HEAT! I loved every second of the steam in this book.

It was also very funny in parts. There was a laugh-out-loud scene centered on a lengthy dinner prayer that will have you snort-laughing!

I took off 1/2 star because it is clear this is a second book in the series. I had not read the first book and there were times when I felt a little lost when storylines from the previous book were mentioned.

RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: alcoholism, cheating in past relationships, parent abandonment, past attempted sexual assault (not overly graphic).

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sorry for the long review, I'm just feeling everything.

This was just what I needed, and I'm so thankful for Ilsa Madden-Mills and her writing. Devon and Giselle are still in my head.

First things first, the characters. They were amazing, from the main characters to the side characters. Giselle is such a complex character, and I absolutely loved her. The experience of sexism inside the STEM community was my favorite, and how she was also a brilliant writer. We don't get enough scientist heroines, we love to see it! About Devon, I can say that he annoyed me a little bit with his "alpha male" type, but it really grew on me. I don't think they'll leave my head so soon.

I am so in love with the atmosphere Ilsa created here. The family and the small town in contrast with the big city, all of the country vibes just made me fall so hard for this book. It was so funny and light-hearted, but it was serious when it needed to be, touching on great topics; like the universe and fate talk. It got so into the story because I am so fascinated by both of these conversations.

Finally, let's just address the tension build up. Ilsa never fails to deliver such steamy and gripping tension between the characters. I felt too much reading this, I was on the tip of my toes everytime. Plus, friends to lovers is my favorite trope ever, so it is no surprise I fell head over heels with them. Their friendship and roommate times were just chef's kiss.

Just a final warning: Devon does struggle with an addictive father, so beware before going into it. I did admire the way the author recognized it as a disease and talked about both father and son's struggles regarding it.

P.S.: Giselle and the spider: couldn't relate more.

5 star Review of Not My Match (The Game Changers #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

I loved the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to read Not My Match. I enjoy Ms. Madden-Mills style of writing, her characters were easy to relate to, strong and engaging. This book was one that had my emotions going all over the place but I was hooked from the first to the last page in the story she wove. This is a friends to lovers romance that most certainly ticked the boxes for me.

I love a story where the hero is a bit of a bad boy and Devon a professional wide receiver is that. From their initial meeting until the end I was fully invested in the journey that Devon and Giselle Riley were on.

Devon and Giselle appear to be total opposites but they have more in common than one would expect. This was a great read, with some drama, humour and heat with a hero and heroine who you cannot help but fall for. I loved that Devon allowed himself to show his vulnerable side as he got to know Giselle and I loved how smart, sweet and brilliant she was.

The secondary characters were just as entertaining and I hope to see more of them in the future. Not My Match is one of my favourite stories from Ms.Madden-Mills. One click this little gem, you won’t be disappointed and if you haven’t already read Not My Romeo, then why not one click that one too? .

I received a copy through the publisher via NetGalley

I should’ve known that this book wasn’t for me based on the fact that it had the wonder virgin trope, but I let the blurb convince me into requesting an arc anyways.
Let’s just say that I didn’t enjoy the plot or humour and wasn’t a fan of the characters either.
Overall this book just wasn’t my cup of tea.

***5 ‘You Are the Best Person in All My Universes’ Stars***

Have you ever been all kinds of excited to get your hands on a book and yet are kinda scared to dive in because maybe you kinda sorta had a tinsy bit of a problem with one of the main characters in the previous book and while you totally trust in the author’s ability to at least make you like them, if not love them in the end??

Well, that was me (if you’ve read Not My Romeo you’ll know why) but I can honestly say that I should not have allowed myself to worry because I freakin’ ADORED this book. From start to finish ADORED it ~ even the frustrating I want to Gibbs smack you while I hug you moments and really just want to spend a lot more time with Devon and Giselle and the rest of the crew.

Devon and Giselle. I adored these two. Devon is a sweetheart and there is seriously so much more going beneath the surface that is all kinds of goodness than anyone knows. Giselle. This woman didn’t grow on me, she slammed into me and I basically gave me no choice but to love her. She’s quirky, sweet, sensitive and I loved how much she loved everything that mattered to her.

There is a lot I could say about their journey to their HEA. A LOT. But that would ruin the fun of it all. But what I can say is that for two people who are opposites, they flowed so well with each other in all ways that there was no way I couldn’t root for them to get the HEA they both deserved.

This was a great read. So great my cheeks hurt from all the grinning I was doing thanks to Devon and Giselle. But outside of those two, I loved catching up with crew from Daisy ~ Topher and Aunt Clara were awesome and Cynthia definitely up’d her game in this one. I would have loved a little more time with Quinn and even Lawrence, but Aiden definitely added some fun to the story...and I think that if I ever get a puppy I may just name it after him *smirk* but as for the newbies in this one. Myrtle was ALL kinds of awesome and I’m crossing my toes that Selena gets her own HEA one day...so, bring on the next book!

Another great read by this author, I really enjoyed the chemistry and the main characters. Really looking forward to more in this series