Short synopsis: Ella (a rising popstar) is recently separated from her music producer husband, and fighting a messy divorce. She meets Miles Westbrook (an MLB superstar) and they make a PR arrangement, that leads to real feelings quickly.

My thoughts: I heard this was a celebrity romance, and was immediately all in! I loved that Ella and Miles they were both celebrity, and had both been in messy relationships. It made their chemistry feel more real, because they they could really understand each other on a different level.

I adored the banter, and flirty messages sent back and forth. And each character went through some great growth!

Read if you love:
* Celebrity Romance (Pop singer and MLB Pitcher)
* He falls first
* Recently divorced looking for healing
* R&B music

3.5*

This book took me to when I would be reading celebrity romance books in middle school and I mean that in the best way.

This was a cute romance book, fun one time read. It has a pretty good pacing and is well written. I would read more from this author. I also liked that the supporting characters actually were quite influential in the book too, and not just there to be there.

Tropes / things you’ll like:
-Baseball player x rnb singer
-forced proximity
-wholesome mmc
-giving love another shot

No Ordinary Love was a stunning sophomore novel from Myah Ariel.

Out in public, everyone thinks Ella Simone has the popstar's dream. She's married to award winning producer Elliot Majors, and has the records to prove her voice is no joke. But, behind the scenes everything is different as he's cheated on her multiple times and threatened to leave her with nothing left. Helping her out is Miles Westbrook, MLB Bachelor, who she is spotted with at the Grammy's which makes the world go WILD. She's got to ride the high of the public's attention. But what happens when both her and Miles start to realize they may have more than just an ordinary love?

Myah Ariel has a way with writing that characters that make you immediately root for or hate them. I was cheering on both Ella and MIles throughout the book, wanting the best for both of them. I ADORED the MLB date and her want to learn more about his career. Ugh, Elliot- but again, she writes him in way that makes readers hate him. No Ordinary Love also brings up important issues about the music industry. Read this for second chances, love that was was unexpected and swoony gestures.

When I heard that this book was inspired by the love story of Derek Jeter and Mariah Carey I was immediately sold. I love me some Mimi! This book follows Elladee who is leaving her toxic marriage with her big-shot-mega-producer husband. In this midst of this she meets Miles-- a MLB player-- during a wardrobe malfunction at the Grammys. They immediately have a physical attraction towards one another, but its all during the wrong timing.

This book read more like a women's fiction than a romance. The book focus more on Elladee and her discovery of self. I absolutely love this. I love a story of overcoming a toxic situation with a little bit of romance in the background. Except for when the book is marketed at a romance. I also felt like the romance was superficial at best. I don't really see the relationship lasting long term, because everything was based on physical attraction. The crazy thing about that is that most of the sex scenes were closed door.

I did however like that this was somewhat of a coming of age story. Since Elladee was very young when she started dating her estranged husband, he immensely molded her. She was able to find who she was and learn to not only set boundaries, but to take control of her life. It was nice to see. This book was less than 300 pages, with a little more length, the author could have illustrated compatibility that goes beyond lust.

Nonetheless, I would certainly read another book by this author and felt that this was a decent quick read. Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for the early e-copy as a part of the black voices campaign.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Rounded up to 4 stars.

“For the broken hearts in search of healing. You have the right to require only love.” This is the dedication Myah Ariel wrote for No Ordinary Love, and it is simply the best way to describe this novel.

Ella Simone seems to have it all—an amazing music career and all the awards and accolades she once dreamed of, a music producer husband, but she is tired of being cheated on by him and the power he still holds over her career. With their divorce finally underway, Ella needs to avoid negative press and ensure this is a smooth ride for her lawyer. But when a wardrobe malfunction occurs at an award show with her co-presenter and MLB superstar Miles Westbrook, she and their teams work together to carry out a mutually beneficial PR partnership.

Ella and Miles are both wary of the press and of love, but they find themselves being drawn to one another from the start. And when they stop fighting it, they find a sweet, tender, and honest love story. I really enjoyed that their love blossomed the way that it did; it was pure and safe, which they both needed. In her dedication for this novel Myah Ariel writes, “You have the right to require only love,” and that is exactly what Miles gives Ella. He is constantly reminding her of her strength, her courage, her beauty, and their love is the quiet kind that is ever present. I’m also that their third-act conflict did not require a breakup because that would not have made sense to their story. I do wish we had a bit more time with them together as a couple.

And I really hope we get a book for Jaime and Gabe in the future!!

Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC of this book. It was my first ready by Myah Ariel and I will definitely read more of her novels. This story sweeps you in as you watch Ella and Miles figure out if either of them can love again.

Ella Simone is a pop sensation, but her personal life is falling apart. She is trying to hold everything together while fighting to hold onto everything she has worked so hard to achieve Just when things can't get more complicated, she meets Miles Westbrook, the star pitcher for thr LA Dogers. Their first encounter leaves Ella wondering about the curveball that has come her way.

I love how Ariel weaves music into the story and introduces classic songs to compliment her beautiful storytelling. I enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend it for any romance fan.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Berkley, for the gifted copy of this book. I was a fan of the author from her first book, When I
Think of You.

This story follows our FMC, Ella, who is going through a messy divorce. She is a singer, and her soon-to-be ex is in the same industry.
The ex is controlling, and her life improves when she meets Miles, a baseball player, and the attraction is instant. But her messy divorce from the controlling Elliott places restrictions and bars on her ability to pursue a relationship with Miles.
The story started strong. Because the premise of the story is that they must keep the relationship under cover, I didn't connect to the romance. There didn't seem to be much substance to the relationship. Unfortunately, I found some of the dialogue cringey or relied too heavily on song lyrics. So it felt unoriginal. I felt bored after the first 1/4 of the book. But it does have some pleasant spice in the romantic scenes.
It's a good story that many will like, but this one didn't work for me.

Such a cozy romance novel that’s perfect if you’re wanting something fluffy to read! Sometimes we need a break from all of the craziness in the world , and this book provides just that!

I adore Maya Ariel’s writing. When I Think of You is one of my favorite reads of the year, and I was so excited to read her newest book. Her voice is so readable and engaging—I flew through No Ordinary Love in just a couple sittings!

I really enjoyed the premise and loved the celebrity backdrop. Ella is a pop star and Miles is a baseball player, and the story taps into that glamorous but lonely world in a way that feels fresh. I did find myself wishing for more on-page time between the two leads. Most of their connection happens through voice memos and texts, and while I appreciate the modern take on long-distance love, I personally wanted more of that face-to-face tension and chemistry. I think they only have a handful of in-person interactions throughout the entire book.

Still, Maya Ariel’s storytelling is so good that I kept turning the pages. I’ll absolutely keep reading whatever she writes next!

I tried to like this book but there was a huge disconnect with the characters for me. I’ll try something else from this author, but this wasn’t for me at all.

If you’re in the mood for a sizzling romance that offers a peek behind the curtain of celebrity life, both in music and sports, No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel is your next must read. This book is absolutely incredible, and I’m already calling it one of my top reads of the year!

Ella Simone, a pop sensation, is picking up the pieces after her marriage to a powerful producer falls apart. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, a wardrobe malfunction at an awards show thrusts her into an unexpected partnership with MLB pitcher Miles Westbrook. What begins as a fake relationship to solve a PR crisis quickly evolves into something far more complicated and undeniably real.

Myah Ariel’s engaging writing beautifully captures the evolution of Miles and Ella’s relationship. I also found myself rooting for Ella as she stood her ground against her despicable, cheating soon-to-be ex-husband. The support system around her, including her glam squad and fierce divorce lawyer, adds depth and strength to her journey.

The swoon-worthy moments between Ella and Miles had me sighing and smiling (you know that feeling!). Their banter and heartfelt, vulnerable voice memo exchanges were standout highlights.

As a fan of 90s and 00s R&B, I absolutely loved the musical references woven throughout the story. Definitely take a listen to Myah Ariel’s Spotify playlist for the book!

No Ordinary Love is a delightful mix of romance, laughter, and a bit of drama. It beautifully illustrates that life can be messy and complicated, yet still filled with moments of extraordinary love and joy. With well-crafted characters and a storyline that keeps you hooked, you won’t want to miss this one!

Ella & Miles are my new book couple goals! ❤️Their meet / cute was so sweet and the energy was there ok! 🤩 I loved how this novel dived into standing up for yourself, taking back your independence, and thriving post-divorce. I would have loved a little more world building on how Mia was raised. We got alot about Miles but only a brief overview of Mia. It felt like something was missing.
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“No Ordinary Love” by Myah Ariel is the perfect summer read 📚 and one that you don’t want to miss! Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to provide a review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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#2025 #melanatedreader #Bookstagram
#2025GoodreadsChallenge #Books #BookBae #NetGalley #NoOrdinaryLove

After finishing A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, I wanted to read another black romance and this one was perfect because I just got the ARC and I loved Myah Ariel’s debut “When I Think of You”. Just like WIToY, this was a lovely ode to black music and movies. I loved all of the references and I just think Myah writes so well. Her writing is so strong, it feels fresh and it just flows. It’s like a mix of Tia Williams and Kristina Forest. I loved how genuine and healing Miles’s and Ella’s relationship was but I wish we got more romance and more depth to their interactions. The middle to end the book felt rushed but overall an engaging and heartfelt read.

This was such a touching and passionate love story! I loved getting to know Miles and Ella and their chosen families. Often times a love/lust at first sight isn't believable to me but Ariel's writing portrays their feelings and emotions so powerfully that I felt, right from their first meeting at the Grammy's, how deep the connection was between these two.

I appreciated the use of the voice notes while Ella and Miles weren't able to be physically together as the way they got to know each other better and the scenes when they were able to be together were sensual and sexy and beautifully written. My only issue (if you can call it that) was that the timeline of how long they were in the phase of sending voice notes back and forth was lost on me and so I was a little confused on how quickly their relationship progressed.

Despite the book having heavy themes, Ella and Miles's love and the beauty and purity of their connection completely overpowered that negativity. This was truly a feel-good story about how a loving, healthy relationship can strengthen people beyond what they thought was possible. I loved the message and the storytelling.

4.5 stars!

I loved "No Ordinary Love" by Myah Ariel! If you have a penchant for reading celebrity romances/romances involving musicians and/or sports, you will adore this book like I did. It is sexy, cute, intriguing, and exploratory. I loved Ella and Miles so, so much. Their fake dating scheme was sooo delicious because their feelings were real and DEEP. Their acceptance of each other and their foibles felt authentic and realistic. Miles made me swoon! Not only is the romance fantastic, but Ella's journey of self-discovery was next-level good. I loved watching her learning to ditch the things that did not serve her, that were not for her, and did not benefit her. The pacing is a little fast and then a little slow, though, which is my only complaint. Other than that. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel! I will definitely purchase it, and I highly recommend you do the same!

Thank you to NetGalley, Myah Ariel, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Immediate 5 stars.

Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook, Berkley Romance for the eARC, and to BookSparks for the finished copy!

I could not have loved this story more. Miles Westbrook had me in a chokehold from his first little stutter, and the way that he admired Ella as an artist before they met... perfection.

Ella's going through a divorce with her producer husband who has been cheating on her since their marriage began, and yet she has to keep a low profile because her ex, Elliott, is bigger and badder than she is, with more influence. Ella hires a high powered divorce attorney, who ends up being worth her weight in gold. When Ella is charged with walking the red carpet with Elliott at the Grammy's and then presenting an award, she agrees to keep the peace one last time. Elliott flakes, Ella walks alone, and then she meets Miles, who is in his own PR nightmare. When the two meet for real backstage before they present an award together, Miles is smitten from the moment they meet. Ella is distracted by her need to be glamorous, and after a wardrobe malfunction, they go on stage together and let their chemistry be seen around the world. What happens after that is a PR stunt to benefit both Ella and Miles.

Things I loved about this story:
- He fell first
- Both characters had messy histories/divorces/complications, yet they were open and honest with each other about them
- The price of fame was high for both of them
- Group chats with the glam squad
- Voice notes
- Baseball player x R&B artist
- Long distance relationship with connection
- The trust it took for both characters to be open to love again
- THEIR CHEMISTRY
- Diversity rep and how that was shown when getting ready for fancy parties, wearing cover-up clothing to be unrecognizable, showing up on set of a music video, even when in a situation where the glam squad wasn't invited to participate in a brand partnership and how things went wrong
- Letting fear show up but also making a conscious effort to be different this time
- Parental challenges
- Found family

I truly loved the journey these two went on. There were so many ups and downs, and the drama felt so real and life-like. I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this one ASAP!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Berkley Romance for the gifted e-ARC of No Ordinary Love by Maya Ariel.

In this romance, we meet Ella Simone, a pop star navigating a very public divorce from her music producer husband of eight years, Elliot Majors. Enter Miles Westbrook, a Major League Baseball player, who crosses paths with Ella at a music awards show—and sparks fly almost instantly.

While the premise had promise, the pacing felt extremely rushed. Ella’s transition from a failing marriage to a whirlwind romance with Miles happened so quickly, it was hard to fully invest in their connection. I would’ve loved more development—some real, emotional depth that allowed their relationship to grow organically on the page.

That said, there were bright spots. Ella’s friend group was a fun, supportive cast whose banter added life to the story. I especially enjoyed the voice notes between Miles and Ella; those snippets of late-night vulnerability and flirtation were my favorite part of the book. I only wish we’d gotten more of that—more quiet, intimate moments to help the romance feel earned.

If you're looking for a light “meet-cute to happily-ever-after” read, this might be your vibe. But for me, it missed the mark and left me wanting more emotional depth and slower, more believable romantic development.

She’s done it again!!! Loved this romance between a pop singer and a baseball player. It was cute, steamy in the right places but not toooo spicy, and all around a heartwarming romance that made me feel for the characters. Would read her next for sure!!!

If you enjoy celebrity romance & pop culture then you’ll probably like No Ordinary Love. It’s a fun read and you’ll be giggling and kicking your feet. Ella was on a journey to self-discovery and her narrative felt empowering. The love story between Ella and Miles was organic and swoon worthy. Looking forward to reading more from Myah Ariel.

Thanks so much to @berkleyromancehttps://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/0260e3fa-cfbe-4bc7-ab71-dd5d76486f13 for the free book!

A heartfelt story of music, friendship, and finding yourself after breaking free from someone else’s version of who you should be. I loved how the novel spotlighted real contemporary artists and showed the deep love the characters have for music. The friendships were a standout—supportive, warm, and grounding.

The FMC’s journey through divorce and reclaiming her identity was powerful, especially as she peeled back the layers of the polished persona her soon-to-be ex-husband built for her. The MMC’s stutter—and her mom’s too—was handled with care and realism: it’s just a part of who they are, not a plot device.

That said, the romance felt a bit too sweet for my personal taste. The physical attraction was clear, but I would have loved to see more moments that showed why they were truly good for each other beyond the chemistry.

Still, a solid, feel-good read with great music vibes and themes of self-worth and resilience.