In the words of Sade, this! is! no! ordinary (book)!~~~ hahaha no but seriously, this book was a gem and SO worth the wait. After Myah’s debut novel When I Think Of You (which I am still obsessed with!!), I eagerly counted down the days until I could read No Ordinary Love and wow wow wow did she knock it out of the ballpark again!! The lyrical way she arranges sentences needs to be studied 🥹

Now I may be a bit biased because I love the celebrity romance trope but this story just had everything. A perfect balance of different subplots to show the complexity of the characters, hilarious and heartwarming friendship scenes, and so many scenes where you get to watch Elladee and Miles fall in love in “realtime”. I had so many favorite scenes that I could easily envision in my mind and thanks to the great audiobook narration, it was even easier to get lost in the book.

I swear if any bonus chapters featuring Elladee and Miles are posted, I will be first in line to read! The way they truly see each other for who they are and what they stand for, I know their love is one for the record books.

Also, major shout out to the accompanying Spotify playlist! Pausing to play certain songs as they occurred in the book made the experience so much fun.

Thank you Myah for everything you did to deliver this beautiful work of art to the world!!

Pop Princess, Ella Simone’s marriage to is coming to an end. She’s fighting against her prenup and her music contract when she meets Miles Westbrook, a baseball superstar. The two enter into a PR arrangement but soon feels catch.

My Thoughts:
NO ORDINARY LOVE was soooo cute. It’s my first novel by Myah Ariel, but I absolutely want to go back and read her debut.

I adored Ella and Miles. Their romance was real and honest. The banter was swoony. The chemistry was sizzling. Just the whole story was a delight. Highly recommend for your next romance read!

What You’ll Find:
Celebrity romance (musician + baseball player)
He falls first
Broken hearts healing
Flirty messages

With just her second novel Myah Ariel has solidified her spot on my auto-buy author list. I'm usually not a fan of celebrity (by way of acting/singing, sports I can do) romance but these two totally captured me. Not only was I invested in Miles and Ella's love story but Ella's journey in finding herself and her voice in an industry that took advantage of her. In this story we get an idea of how Hollywood (and the world) treats black women. We get beautiful friendships. You may laugh, you may cry, you'll definitely be angry. But at the end of the book, you'll learn it's okay to feel emotion and it's okay to be vulnerable.

Thank you Berkeley and Net Galley for the eARC

While this is a romance book it’s truly more than just a love story. It’s a journey of finding yourself, hitting reset, and also taking a chance at love again. Oh and seeing some get their just desserts ⚖️ 😈.

The swoon 😍 Miles and Ella had some cute moments together from picnics to hot tubs and a few steamy scenes 🧺👙, but I loved the voice notes the most. Their openness and vulnerability is what had me rooting for them the hardest.

The friend group though 💜 different personalities colliding but lots of love and loyalty.

Let’s hear it for female empowerment 💪🏾 💥. The lawyer shutting down toxic masculinity and Ella standing her ground. I loved every minute of it. The author did a good job of showing how fast rumors spread and how damaging one-sided views can be.

I do feel as though Elliot’s downfall was anticlimactic and I wish we could have seen more of Ella’s transition in the music world.

If you’re looking for a multifaceted love story then pick this book up.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for the opportunity to review the ARC for No Ordinary Love!

I absolutely loved this book! Myah has a way of making me feel like I am watching a movie unfold as I am watching it! I felt that way with When I Think of You as well. The descriptions and the feelings they evoke make me feel like I am right there with the characters.

Ella was such a great FMC. She felt incredibly relatable. I loved that despite such a messy and toxic relationship that essentially stole her 20s, love was still an option, trust was still an option. She never seemed like she was giving up hope. I think that had a lot to do with the people in her circle that truly wanted that best for her.

Miles had me swooning from the moment he entered the story! We need more book boyfriends like him, please! He was so protective and endearing. He didn't let his past hinder what was clearly a love worth risking public scrutiny for. He just was written so well.

Loved the friendships throughout and the family dynamic issues with both MCs were done well.

Loved it! I can't wait to see what else Myah writes in the future.

I wanted more from No Ordinary Love. I had a hard time connecting with this book. I think the pacing played a big factor in why I wasn't fully invested in the story. The pacing was very inconsistent. The story had a lot of slow moments and when things started to heat up, the pacing was too fast. A lot happens at the end and it was wrapped up too quickly. I was not satisfied with how quickly the story ended. The drama was vacuum sealed up and not treated with the depth it should have been. As a result, the story felt incomplete. I also struggled connecting with the main characters. I thought Miles and Ella's characters were a little flat. I wanted more depth from them! I just didn't feel much for them or their relationship. I wish there were more scenes between Ella and Miles. I did like how they used voice memos to get to know each other. I think I would have believed their love for one another if they had more scenes together. A big plot point was Ella's divorce. I liked that part of the story. I wanted that storyline to be expanded on a little bit more. The side characters were okay. I felt like they too could have been developed better. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

I loved Myah Ariel’s last book, so was super excited for a chance to get an early copy of this book - and it did not disappoint!

The author does a great job building up the world - the pain of the main characters, both fairly fresh off their marriages ending, feels so real, and you can’t help but to be sucked right in. From the very beginning I was immediately in love with the characters, and rooting for them to find success in all of their aspirations.

I love how in depth all the characters are - although this is a romance, there’s so much more going on in everyone’s lives. Their romantic partners are important, but it’s not the main focus for either of them.

This story felt so raw and so real, and I devoured it!

I do wish we got a little more background on the MMC, and we saw the couple together a bit longer. I also wish we saw more of what happened to all of the side characters - but hopefully the open threads means a sequel is in the works!

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes romances with celebrities, baseball, or wants to read about finding love post-divorce.

I was provided a complimentary ARC from Berkley.

No Ordinary Love is a whirlwind romance between a famous singer and professional baseball player. They both have endured messy, public divorces before fate brings them together on the night of the Grammys.

The chemistry between Ella and Miles is on point and you can’t help but root for them. The author does a good job of making you invested in the other characters as well. I needed to know more about certain characters and situations so there were a few unfinished threads that made me want more.

Overall, this was an engaging romantic read. Romance books have been warming my soul lately, and No Ordinary Love delivered.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date: April 01, 2025

Another stry where Myah Ariel has swept my heart away.

I love how real and raw No Ordinary Love is. From chapter 1 starting with a messy divorce, to this slow unraveling of fierce love. What a most beautiful ride!

I found that an underlying theme here is vulnerability and its many forms. This book will make readers deeply crave romance.

I was provided a digital ARC for this book from Berkley and these are my honest thoughts. I caught myself at so many points just smiling as I read this book. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoying myself thoroughly. The whole story is told from Ella’s POV as she navigates her contentious divorce and her feelings for Miles, the pitcher for the Dodgers. This book had everything that this millennial loved. References to classic R&B singers from my prime and a cast of diverse characters that would do fabulous in a sitcom. Hilarious “real talk” moments and the support of amazing friends makes the found family trope so amazing in this book. I’m reminded of the movie “Waiting to Exhale” while reading this and the spirit of women supporting women when the odds are against us. Miles is also fabulous as a supportive green flag man. I wanted more in this book. I just didn’t want to leave. The main couple just quietly grew together from a distance and I loved how adorable it was. The story was real and sweet and romantic. I loved it and want a hundred more from this author.

Gosh, this one was lovely. I really liked seeing the progression of Ella and Miles’ relationship. I also loved that they each helped to heal something for the other.

I wish there had been a bit more of the story. Just a bit longer. There were some flashback scenes that weren’t quite necessary.

I just enjoyed this book and def recommend.

Thanks so much to @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for the free book! #BerkleyPartner

I absolutely love when you can tell an author has found their stride with their sophomore novel, and No Ordinary Love is exactly that. I very recently read When I Think of You for the first time, and Myah Ariel's voice is stronger, more confident, and more ~grown up~.

Elladee is a brilliant FMC who learns as she grows and has a masterful character arc within this story. Miles was such a loving, gentle, kind, self-assured MMC who allowed Ella to meet him here he was when she was ready and not a second sooner. This alone made their love story feel perfectly balanced even though they endured a lot during their short time together. I mention a "short time" because I feel like while I wouldn't say this is more women's fiction (kinda hate that term nowadays tbh) than contemporary romance, this story is very much focused on Ella coming into herself for the first time in her life and discovering what home means to her. I would say that this book felt like the setup for an epic love story that lasts for the rest of their lives and not necessarily that I felt like they were deeply in love by the end. It was new, felt new, and gave me hope for their love to continue on, which is sometimes all I need from a romance book.

I loved all the pop culture references and how ~behind the scenes~ this novel felt. In fact, I think Ariel thrives in writing about fame and celebrity, and these aspects stand out in both of her novels. The supporting cast of characters were dynamic, fleshed out, and interesting, and they made the overall vibe of the story feel great. However, the pacing is way off in the end—specifically the last 3-4 chapters—and this felt like a shame because I easily could've read another three chapters to feel like everything got tended to properly. Elliot is a believable villain who is very Tommy Mottola/Irv Gotti coded, and my only complaint was that he was not hit by a bus.

Ariel does an incredible job capturing the insidiousness of an abusive marriage here. While abusive relationships often are depicted with a focus on the physical abuse, Ariel responsibly and carefully showcases what it looks like to be abused by someone who's never laid a finger on you and the imbalance of power in relationships where one person feels like they "made" the other.

4.5 ⭐️
1 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 04/01/25

This was an highly anticipated read for me this year so thank you so much to @berkleypub @berkleyromance or @acebookspub for the ARC copy of this book.

This romance was cute and had a lot of potential but lacked where it mattered most for me🫣

I’ll start with the things I enjoyed about the book the most. Ella’s friendships and their support for her was so set. Some of the moments including them literally made me laugh. The music history and artist referenced throughout the story were my favorite parts. Seeing Ella become more confident and learn herself throughout her divorce from Elliot was inspiring and I couldn’t help but cheer her on.

However…. the ball was dropped in a couple of places for me. The story seemed too quick. Not saying it should’ve been longer but there were literally times I felt I missed something because the story line would jump. It seemed to have left so much out to the point where it affected the connection between Ella & Miles for me. Miles had so much to offer as a MMC, near the end I yearned for more of him and his love for Ella. The few times Ella and Miles were in the same space were swoon worthy. He said the sweetest things and was so vulnerable . Instead 75% in we’re still dealing with Elliot?!?!


Overall the story was cute but left some to be desired! I really enjoyed the authors first book, “When I Think of You” and still would read any book written by this author.

4.5 stars!!

A beautifully written romance that tugs on the heart-strings. No Ordinary Love is the kind of book you can’t help but binge read in a single day. The romance is not only good, but the found family aspect and deep-rooted friendships bring another element to the story.

Ella Simone was thrown into the limelight at a young age by becoming a pop superstar. She’s in the midst of a nasty divorce with her music producer, cheating, power-hungry ex-husband and fighting for control over her career. She’s advised to stay out of the press when a wardrobe malfunction at an awards show causes MLB Pitcher, Miles Westbrook, to come to the rescue. Two people cut from the same cloth, their chemistry is undeniable and sparks begin to fly as they try to navigate their own scandals and come out on the other side.

I was so drawn to Ella and her resilient nature. I have so much empathy for characters who’s kindness and vulnerability are taken advantage of at a young age. I loved how fiercely loyal and protective she was over her friends. I’m also so glad she found her voice and grew a backbone after everything that went on with Elliot. Miles had me hooked from the jump!! I loved the way he carried himself and respected the women around him. He had a quiet, sweet, charm about him that I adored. The banter between him and Ella was so good. All the voice texts and small conversations they would have were so vulnerable and open. They both found comfort in each other during a hard time.

I absolutely LOVED this writing and just wish there was a littttttle more development in Ella and Miles’ relationship. I know the book is on the shorter side so it made complete sense but I would’ve loved another 100 pages of yearning and gradual development of their relationship to really drive it home. Regardless, I loved the writing and all the characters. I’m excited to find a new favourite author & to continue reading her work!!

I loved Myah Ariel's first book and new this one would be just as good! I love stories where the characters can't do anything but be together. Ella and Miles were both going through a lot but that couldn't stop them. This was a good one!!

“It’s the kind of love that’s so vast and so willing that it can molded and shaped.”

“Every problem is an opportunity.”

“And, baby, that's okay. I'm good with that. After what you've been through, I understand it," he says. "But what if I want to belong to you?"

A story of a second chance.

I don’t have a lot to say in this one! This story was really good! I had an amazing time with all the characters, the friendship, and the relationship. I loved that this was a second chance for Ella to find herself and find love again. The book has speech impediment representation and the author does a really good job at this.

I LOVED Miles Westbrook, he is one to make you swoon and I found myself blushing. I also really enjoyed the spice in this book, I felt it was refreshing because it wasn’t too over explicit and more about the connection these two were giving each other. Don’t get me wrong, gimme all the explicit, but it was just refreshing and I enjoyed that a lot!

Overall definitely a great read and I would so recommend!

*Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review and to PRH Audio for the gifted ALC*

I think I love Myah Ariel's writing and can't wait to read more from her. Between Ella's contentious divorce proceedings and her burgeoning romance with bad boy pitcher Miles Westbrook, this book is full of messy drama and I loved every minute of it. It was so fun getting to see behind the scenes of star-studded events and recording studios. While definitely not a sports romance, it's still a fun celebrity romance full of longing and high stakes. The narration was utterly delectable and perfect for this sizzling dramatic romance. I'd recommend this to fans of The Art of Scandal!

No Ordinary Love is an endearing romance that can easily be devoured in a single day. Ella is a popular singer going through a nasty divorce from her ex-husband who is also a world-famous producer and responsible for Ella’s rise to fame. Ella’s lawyer advises her to stay out of the limelight and romantic relationships during crucial divorce proceedings, which could determine the course of Ella’s career. Love is the last thing on Ella’s mind when a wardrobe malfunction at an award show causes Ella and MLB Pitcher and playboy, Miles, to collide. Ella and Miles are cut from the same cloth, successful in their respective industries, and navigating their own scandals when sparks start to fly.

From the jump I was team Ella, especially after realizing how her ex-husband took advantage of her early in her career as a young artist. taken advantage of she was as a young artist by her now ex-husband. I found myself equally drawn to the story of Ella finding herself and the strength to fight back as I was with her budding romance with Miles. I also enjoyed the peek we get into both the music and sports industries and the decisions that are made behind closed doors. At times, it felt like the characters' lives weren’t their own, but in the midst of headlines and PR stunts, Ella and Miles found an anchor in each other, as both have experience in navigating drama and scandalous divorces.

I loved how we were immediately pulled into Ella’s world. Her glam squad added comedic relief, and I felt we got the best picture of who Ella was in these scenes. In the middle, the pacing seemed to move too quickly. I would have liked to see more instances of the characters longing for each other after their first kiss. Much of the beginning of their romance was summed up via sporadic voice notes and texts between the pair, making their need to communicate feel less urgent. There was tension, but it was held on a pretty loose thread, and I may have wanted it to break at times. All in all, I enjoyed this read and felt it was a beautiful follow-up to Myah Ariel’s first novel, When I Think Of You.

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the e-ARC! Hollywood romances are one of my favorite tropes, so when I heard this was loosely based on Mariah Carey and Derek Jeter's relationship back in the 90s, I was all in! The first half of the book had me kicking my feet and giggling! The banter between Ella Simone and Miles was so sweet. I also appreciated the attention to detail when describing their careers and their individual back stories. I think the pacing towards the end was a little fast, and I would have liked more on-page interactions between Miles and Ella Simone as a couple. But overall, it was still an enjoyable book. Read if you enjoy:

-Celebrity romances (R&B/pop singer FMC/Baseball player MMC)
-Finding love after divorce
-Books with song lyrics!

This book had me hooked from the very beginning—and not just because of the romance. The friendships in No Ordinary Love are everything. Ella’s chosen family is the kind of warm, supportive circle we all hope to have, and it made my heart so full watching them show up for her in the ways she needed most.

The chemistry between Ella and Miles? Chef’s kiss. It’s quick, natural, and magnetic, but still grounded in something deeper. This is what a slow burn should feel like—two people learning, healing, and truly seeing each other, beyond surface-level attraction or past wounds. Their connection grows in such an intentional, intimate way that it felt completely authentic.

Now, let’s talk about Elliot—because wow, I hated him. The way he treated Ella, the manipulation, the audacity of claiming he "made her who she is" after wasting years of her life from age 19 onward? Gag. Seriously. Watching her finally move forward from that toxic chapter was both satisfying and empowering.

Also, the fact that Ella only communicates with her mother through email says everything. That detail alone carried so much quiet weight, and it made me even more grateful that she had her friends to lean on.

This story is about more than love—focusing on healing, self-worth, and being truly seen by someone who looks past the fame and beauty and sees you. I’ll be thinking about Ella and Miles for a long time, and you better believe I’m recommending this one.