This is the best contemporary romance I've read all year. The Hero/Heroine are well-developed and sympathetic, with believable strengths and flaws. The small town Texas setting is charming, the secondary characters engaging, the humor and witty banter between the H/H always delightfully entertaining. I loved everything about this book.

Ilsa Madden-Mills, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, is ready to return with a beautiful, passionate romance that will keep the reader with dreamy, adoring eyes throughout the story.

After losing everything, girlfriend and career, Ronan Smith finds himself at a crossroads.
Grief is a constant in his life, accompanied by wrong choices. His career is now a train that has passed, in short, the life of the talented quaterback is not at all the happiest.
Ronan was convinced that he couldn't feel anything for anyone else, but one night, during a party, he is immediately attracted by a mysterious girl.
That mystery girl is none other than former beauty queen, Nova Morgan.
Crashing a party, she immediately attracts the attention of the quaterback and that electricity that passed between the two of them, results in an adventurous night.

Two apart, our protagonists meet again in Blue Belle, Texas.
Do you believe in destiny? In this case, the cosmos has aligned itself perfectly to make Ronan and Nova's lives brighter.
Only, neither of them knows who the other is. All that's left of that night is a beautiful memory, until one night, things heat up....

"We’re different flowers from the same garden, but we’re perfect together."

Beauty and the baller was a truly poignant story, through the words of the author, you can easily feel Ronan's pain on your skin.
When you lose someone important in your life, being able to find meaning is difficult.
Despite their initial differences, Nova is Ronan's guiding star on a dark night. The one to follow in case of loss, his fixed point.
Nova is a beautiful pepper, hers is a very strong character, she doesn't let anyone walk all over her, let alone the sexy quaterback.

Beauty and the baller is one of those stories that takes its time to be processed. The author was very good at developing the main characters, we get to watch the evolution and growth of both, especially Ronan.
The book may seem to flow slowly, but I assure you that nothing is left to chance.

This author never fails me! Beauty and the Baller was such a fantastic fake dating romance that hit me right in the heart. Both main characters were wonderful and I loved all the side characters as well. It was spicy and emotional with the best epilogue!

4.5 stars

Author Ilsa Madden-Mills brings readers a delightful spin on a small-town romance in her latest novel, Beauty and the Baller. It’s as refreshing as a mint julep on a warm summer’s day and as comfortable as a snuggling with a soft blanket near a fire in the middle of winter. Madden-Mills also weaves in sort of a second chance-meets-fated mates vibe that ticks all the boxes.

The first time former NFL quarterback Ronan Smith encounters Nova Morgan he’s instantly intrigued. Their chemistry is immediate and results in a steamy one-night stand, which turns out to be a game changer in more ways than one. Two years later, Nova returns to her hometown of Blue Belle, Texas, and dismayed to learn that her new next-door neighbor happens to be the man who called her by the wrong name when they hooked up. Even worse? He doesn’t remember her. Add in a scheme to fake date, and the sparking of Ronan’s memories, and things are about to get infinitely more complicated.

One of the things I love about Madden-Mills’s books is how there’s sort of an underlying theme of fate woven into her stories. And she delivers the promise of that theme by showing the reader the connection rather than telling them. It’s never overdone or in your face. It just kind of exists in the narrative, right underneath the surface. Ronan and Nova are such interesting characters on their own. Together? They’re fantastic. There are some angsty moments in the plot, but nothing ever feels too heavy, which is kind of lovely.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and will be returning to it whenever I need a comfort read. If you love a hero who feels feelings but maybe doesn’t know what to do with them all of the time, plus a heroine who has a backbone of steel and a tender heart, you will absolutely love this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What an adorable story! Ronan was a professional football player but lost his career and his fiance when he got into a car accident. One day, Nova and he get together (really cute meet-cute involving dressing up as Princess Leia) but it was an awkward one night stand.

They meet again when Nova returns to her home town and realizes that Ronan is now a coach and teacher at a school. Fake dating commences and they get closer. I loved how sweet Nova is- she's happy, amusing and bright and oh so perfect for Ronan. Their chemistry, banter and snarky moments were so well characterized and the supporting cast was another bright point to this romantic comedy. I loved Sabine, Nova's sister, and I hope that we get more from this world. I really want to relive this book through the audiobook so I'll be buying that once it's available. Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an early copy.

I'm the twelfth man when it comes to Beauty and the Baller. I was a huge fan of this book for so many reasons. It was everything my contemporary romance/romantic comedy reader heart loves. What was so great about it? Well...

*It started with an awkward, but entertaining meeting that turns into a one-night stand.
*It followed that up with an even more awkward second meet cute.
*There were two MCs (Nova & Ronan) I couldn't help but love for different reasons, but who were both looking for their places in life.
*The siblings, friends, co-workers, coaches, football players and even exes that made built up both our MCs and their story.
*The small-town life with all its gossip and connections was alive making everything that much more awkward.
*There was just the right about of small-town Texas high school football culture.
*There were so many funny moments.
*The Star Wars and the Heisman trophy had some special moments. (IYKYK)
*The love story between Nova and Ronan made me swoon.
*I loved this setting and all of the characters so much I would happily take more books with them in them to make a series.

Beauty and the Baller was a touchdown with a 2-point conversion for me.

Sigh! I love the heart, sizzle and laughs that Ilsa Madden-Mills's Beauty and The Baller delivered. This small town love story had the perfect combination of a delicious and sexy one-night stand with a pining-filled fake-dating arrangement!! Ronan and Nova were a breath of fresh air that I loved! I enjoyed their chemistry, banter, snark and swoony moments!!!

I think what I loved more than anything was the author's honest portrayal of Ronan and his complicated emotions as he navigated his own feelings for Nova after coming to terms with his loss. This story was sexy, poignant and filled with sigh-inducing moments! In addition, Nova was adorable. She had trainwreck moments that had me covering my face in embarrassment but her honest, hilarious and forthright nature won me over! She knew what she wanted and Ronan never saw her coming!! Overall this was a quick and fun read! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula

This book left me with such a huge smile on my face. It is laugh-out-loud funny and wonderfully sweet. It also packs just the right amount of emotional punch to keep you fully engaged. Nova is a former homecoming queen who left town imaging she'd marry the star quarterback and live happily ever after. That future didn't happen and now she is back in Blue Belle trying to find a new way forward. Ronan's plans for his future also didn't happen after the accident that killed both his career and his fiancé. He's been building back since that time and being a Texas high school football coach is all part of that plan.

I adored Nova and her sassy, positive outlook. She took a lot of punches - but just kept on going. Her relationship with her younger sister was also wonderful. I loved that she took on the parental role after her mom's death - but clearly never tried to replace their mom. She was more of a big-sister+ more than anything else. Her one night with Ronan in New York was epic - in many ways - not all of them positive. So when she finds out he is her neighbor - and that he doesn't really remember her - it isn't a great restart for them.

But encountering Nova again really does push Ronan in a new direction in his life. Watching that happen felt right for all of the characters involved. It is clear that everyone in town wants Ronan to stay - and I think clear to everyone - that Ronan (maybe in spite of himself) has been building a life there himself. All he needed was a reason to stay.

Overall - I can't recommend this book highly enough. If nothing else - you need to read it for the lice scene.

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This was my first read from Ilsa Madden-Mills, and WOW I wasn’t disappointed. An NFL quarterback and a Texas beauty queen… what’s not to love!

On receiving this book, I was unsure whether or not I would enjoy it as a theme I seem to dislike in books is small town, everyone knows everyone, romance novels but this book flipped by thoughts on it completely. This was small town romance done PERFECTLY!

The book follows Nova and Ronan over the course of 2 events, firstly their awkward one night stand and then fast forward to a few years later where they become neighbours after Nova moves back to Texas to look after her teenage sister after the death of their mother.

Both Nova and Ronan’s characteristics were so believable (probably one of the best relationships I’ve read). The fun, flirty banter between them was so authentic including some genuinely awkward moments that everyone goes through in the dating stages of relationships. Ilsa captured both her main and supporting characters personalities perfectly, including some sensitive topics such as the autism spectrum.

This was my first read from this author and I will 100% be automatically picking up her next releases, and would recommend this to any romance readers.

I didn’t think I would like this as much as I did after the first chapter. The first chapter had me a little iffy, because I’m not a fan of one stands but it took such a good turn.

I love small town romances and this had everything you can want and more. I especially loved Sabine and I wish we saw if her and Tuck were still together during the epilogue!! I really really hope we get a story for them!! They’re one of the reasons I gave it 4 stars.

Ronan and Nova were the definition of destiny. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy❤️

*4.5 Stars*
What a wonderful and humorous romance. A one night stand and fake dating. Nova and Ronan gave me what I could expect from these two tropes and it was amazing.
I was a little unsure about Nova in the beginning but she evolved so much throughout Beauty and the Baller. The responsibility of her younger sister Sabine and sacrifices she made. Nova was a fabulous heroine. Ronan, the beast who’s lost his wife, feels guilt and fear to connect to another person romantically.
He never saw Nova coming. She tore down his wall despite how hard he tried to keep them up.

Their fake dating arrangement was done so well. Sizzling chemistry and awesome pining. Nova was so comfortable in herself and her sexuality that their scenes together was fantastic and fun. She definitely switched it up and took control.
The side characters were a highlight as well. Nova’s sister Sabine, Ronan’s best friend Tuck and colleagues Skeeter and Sonia. It was truly a perfect ensemble. The epilogue was just icing on the cake.

Beauty and the Baller turned out to be a wonderful surprise and it exceeded my expectations. It delivered on all accounts.

4.5 Glowing Rosebush Stars

Nova and Ronan have a history…one that neither can forget. When they meet again, things go a little sideways and it only gets better from there! A great story about family, love, friendship, and being true to yourself! Loved it!

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! The initial one night stand was not my favorite, but later interactions between the characters were funny and steamy.

A great read with lots of heart. Enemies to lovers and small and big city charm mixed in. Loved the characters and the feeling of coming home. Highly recommend!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the chemistry between the main characters. I also liked the side characters and how Nova ended up feeling being back in her home town.
I guess I found the story just a bit too busy? Is that the right word? Was it an awkward one night stand trope? Was it an enemies to lovers? Was it a fake relationship trope? Or was it a make your ex jealous trope? Maybe it was a mixture of all of those things.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the advance copy of this book!
This is a small town sports romance. It’s definitely a spicy romance book for sure. Nova and Ronan hookup multiple times in the book. I don’t really have any specific critiques of the book. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it. If you’re out there living your best life reading steamy romances then you will get what you are looking for here.

Cute story that was easy to read. I jumped right in and didn’t let up till the end. Super enjoyable and not one you have to think to hard about.

I think this may be my favorite book by Ilsa Madden Mills, and I don’t say that lightly. This book had absolutely everything I look for in a romance. I devoured it in one sitting and now I can’t wait to see what’s next! Fantastic RomCom with all the feels!

Beauty and the Baller encompasses all the best things about a small town sports romance. Ronan and Nova have a chance encounter that leads to an awkward one night stand. Flash forward a few years, Nova is moving back home to Blue Belle to take care of her teenage sister after her mother's unexpected death. Her new next door neighbor is famous ex football player turned high school coach, Ronan. In order to keep all the townspeople from throwing their single daughters at him, he proposes that Nova fake date him. Of course, they catch feelings pretty quickly.
I absolutely love a small town high school football romance and this is one of the best that I've read. This book had such a fun characters. The author made the secondary characters just as entertaining and interesting. I loved the autism representation in Nova's sister. The witty banter and heckling between Nova and Ronan felt like such a real relationship. Plenty of steamy scenes and lots of chemistry. I can't wait to try some of Ilsa Madden-Mills other books.

Tropes include: small town, sports, second chance, fake dating, forced proximity
Thank you to NetGalley, MontLake, and Ilsa Madden-Mills for giving me and ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What I liked about “Beauty and the Baller”, by Ilsa Madden-Mills (Montlake):
The main characters, including a brooding, wounded hero. The side characters, too.
The love story.
The autism representation.
The sports and the Texas small town universes.
The family and friendship bonds.

What I disliked:
The sometimes boring dialogue.
The glorification of the perfect body.
The clichés and excessive drama.

I felt a bit frustrated because the ”I’ve loved you for years” trope felt a bit thin.