3.75⭐️
This was such a sweet read! Once I saw this on Netgalley, I had to request because I loved Myah Ariel’s writing in When I Think of You. This book follows Miles, the starting pitcher for the LA Dodgers, and Ella, a famous pop star. What I loved about this book is that even though it has the popstar/sports romance aspects, it felt so much more. I could feel the tensions between Miles and Ella from their very first meeting and was sucked into their story immediately. I loved how each interaction between them got deeper as they opened up to each other more. I really enjoyed Ella’s relationships with her team members and Miles’ relationship with his best friend and mom because it showed the benefit of having a great community around you in a high profile life. Over the course of the book, Ella learns to find her confidence again after her messy divorce and I really enjoyed reading her find her spark again. Ariel explores a lot of different themes in this book and her writing was so so good. I did have some issues with the pacing of the first half and second half of the book but despite that this was still a lovely read.

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the e-ARC! 💖

Read This Book If…you love a juicy Hollywood relationship!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel

Genre: romance
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, a few open door scenes
Setting: NYC & LA
POV: single, 1st person, present tense
Tropes: sports (baseball), celebrity, secret

My Thoughts:
These two had such insane chemistry from the start! There were so many swoon-worthy moments, which makes sense if this was inspired by Mariah Carey+Derek Jeter.

I really enjoyed Ella’s support system with her friends and her team and how that affected her resiliency and strength.

For me, the first half of the book drew me in and I thought I would binge the whole thing, but the pacing felt a little off in the second half. Overall, this was a sweet story with beautiful writing!

Memorable Quote: “Despite what the tabloids have said, Miles Westbrook has self-control, and everything in me wants to test it.”

Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy!

Listen to me when I tell you this – I am completely and utterly hypnotized by this book.
The way the story is laid out and how we are introduced to miles and Ella.. It is done in such an electrifying and flowing way that you can feel it coming off of the book

One of the biggest highlights of this book is how there is so many associated songs with specific scenes in this book and I love that because it’s like a playlist within the book that’s going off in your head - these are also hyper specific to the actual plot
(all the things by Joe being one)

Listen this book essentially is just how Ella is trying to get out of a messy relationship and trying to make divorce proceedings go as smoothly as possible, but she’s dealing with an absolute douche bag of a man and she’s introduced to Miles (THIS MAN) - and he makes her feel things that she has NEVER felt before. This story and their connected relationship, making time between being a famous artist and a MLB pitcher... Top tier story okay!!!

Thoughts:
Him showing up to her hotel room because she left an event early and he’s wet from the rain and then he thinks about her all the time and tells her this while he’s unbuttoning his bowtie (this scene was too specific in my head)
" Miles Westbrook is not just eye candy, he has a whole problem. An emotional wrecking ball with the potential to make me crumble to pieces in the palm of his hand, to be exact.”
" Tonight, it’s just us. Anything you want. Everything I’ve got, It’s yours. " -- The things that he says to her while he’s pushing her up against the wall with her hands above her head, please stop!!!
This story is somewhat messy, but their pole is so strong and I just love it
The romance/spice descriptions are actually pretty low-key compared to what I thought it was gonna be
I didn’t actually want to stop reading this. I just wanted to keep on reading it throughout the night.
I would just like to make it known that I am obsessed with Miles Westbrook - make it clear for the record
“ I don’t want to belong to anybody”
“ and baby, that’s OK. I’m good with that. After what you’ve been through, I understand it, but what if I want to belong to you?”
LIKE SIR PLEASE MY HEART

The only issue I had with the book is the way it wrapped up. I felt like it wrapped up pretty quickly and all of a sudden the clock started, and I still felt like there was things that I wanted to get disclosed instead of being wrapped up within one single chapter. I just felt like it could’ve been longer or maybe it’s because I like this book so much that I felt like it left me wanting more.

MYAH ARIEL im obsessed with these two - bless you and this book

Thank you Berklepub & Berkley romance for the ARC!

Rating 4.5

Not all fairy tales come with a perfect script ✨

This story pulled me in with its mix of high-profile drama and heartfelt romance. Ella and Miles together felt like warm love ❤️🥹 and I really enjoyed their dynamic. The on-page back-and-forth voice notes added such an intimate touch to their relationship. I also appreciated the representation of Miles having a stutter, it was refreshing to see that incorporated into his character. Ella’s friendship with Rodney was another highlight! We all need a friend like Rodney! 😅

That said, I typically prefer books that let me escape, so I didn’t really love all the pop culture references and celebrity name drops… but knowing the story was inspired by Mariah Carey and Derek Jeter’s relationship, it made sense in context.

This was a 4.5 star read.

This story was more than a romance it was also a story of self empowerment and breaking free from the idea of what others want you to be. Ella Simone is at a point in her life and her career where she wants to start fresh. She is in a loveless marriage that isn't serving her and her husband who happens to also be the person who took her under his wing and brought her into the music industry, is flaunting his escapades like its okay for him to do what he is doing. In her music career she wants to venture off into other styles of music and escape from the "character" that she was made to portray all these years. While she is dealing with this, she meets Miles at an awards show and there is an interest there but she knows she shouldn't act on anything until her situation with her husband is resolved and the story unfolds from there.

I liked the fact the Ella went for what she wanted and she had her support system with her friends and their group chats were funny to see. Her lawyer was the best in town and I was happy that she fought to get her the best results in her divorce from Elliot. When it came to Miles and Ella, the chemistry was kind of instant from the moment they met but they both knew it wasn't the right time; however, as the story progressed so did their involvement with each other and it seemed to kind of happen naturally. She got in her head at times but it was nice to see her let go and I liked Miles' patience with her as well. I also thought it was nice how they were both supportive of each other in their careers. I thought Elliot got what he deserved in the end too.

Overall I enjoyed the book and I thought it was well written too but I would have liked to see a little more of Ella and Miles together once everything was finalized with her divorce and a little more of her career changes as well. Thank you to Berkely Romance and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Myah’s deep love for music and love stories really shows through in Ella and Miles’ story in the BEST way!! This was such a beautiful homage to the Butterfly era 🧡

Myah Ariel does it again!
It felt realistic, the characters were memorable, and although the ending felt a little rushed-it satisfied me!
A MLB star and R&B sensation began a PR relationship post her separation from her manager and husband. Spicy and laugh out loud funny!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Romance!

I sadly didn’t love this one. The first half of the book had so much potential, I quite literally couldn’t stop myself from listening. However, the second half and conclusion were very rushed and I wasn’t fully buying the “love” story. I feel like it could have been longer or the plot could have focused a little more on building that relationship than just somewhat forcefully trying to make it happen.

4.5 ⭐️
Wow, No Ordinary Love took me on a full emotional journey, and I loved every minute of it. Set against the rich backdrop of the music industry, this story follows Ella Simone, a powerhouse R&B and pop star who’s been dominating the scene for nearly a decade. While she’s wildly talented and deeply passionate about her craft, her personal life is unraveling. Ella is married to Elliot, a successful producer who helped launch her career, but he’s also a narcissist who pursued her in a predatory, manipulative way. When she discovers his infidelity, she initiates a divorce, and what follows is one of the nastiest, most emotionally taxing battles of her life.

In the midst of her pain, insecurity, and fight to reclaim her worth, Ella meets Miles, a man who is steady, kind, emotionally available, and everything love should be. He’s beautiful in every sense of the word, and his presence in her life offers the possibility of real healing. But the question remains: can Ella open herself up to being loved the way she deserves?

This story made me feel, truly feel. I was angry, I was heartbroken, I was laughing, and I was giddy (yes, I even rubbed my feet together in excitement). The way Myah Ariel wrote this story was nothing short of magical. It’s a beautiful portrayal of steady, intentional love and the journey it takes to believe you’re worthy of it.

While the romance includes intimacy, the scenes are more closed-door. Still, that doesn’t take anything away from this love story. It’s a beautiful, steady love that every woman deserves.

Very cute and heartwarming story. It was more than just a typical romance story, it was more of redemption for Ella. Ella getting her second chance after her reputation being ruined by her soon to be ex husband. I love Ella personal growth though out the story. Finding her self again was a beautiful thing. It was like she got her groove back.

I was a huge fan of Miles. I wish I got more of his point of view. I love how strong hearted he was, he showed his emotions and wasn’t afraid.

I enjoyed the instant connection that Ella and Miles had. They both experienced relationships issues, so they had that in common. However Miles already been in love with Ella so it was only easier for him to fall first. Ella was hesitant because of her past relationship but she couldn’t hide or deny the feelings.

I do feel like the ending was rushed, I wish for more.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley for the arc copy!
Definitely want a physical copy! 💕

I’m so thankful to Berkley romance for the eARC and the physical arc of this book!!!

I absolutely love celebrity romances/sports romances and was so excited to read this!! I unfortunately didn’t love it as much as I hoped. I didn’t feel connected to the characters and didn’t feel the connection between them like I want to when I read a romance.

I did enjoy the relationship between Ella and her team and the found family within that!

I’d definitely still recommend trying this out if the summary interests you!

The way this book just made me swoon!!!!! I loved Ella and Miles individually but them together had me rubbing my feet together and giggling. Now I will say I wish I could’ve spent more time with them because what we go was so perfect. The ending did feel a bit rushed but overall I loved it. Now I need to know if we’re getting a Jamie/Gabe story because I need to know. Also who won the game?!?!

Thank you Berkley Pub for the e-ARC. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and cannot wait to read more. I enjoy her writing style and the way she depicts feelings and environments in the story. I enjoyed seeing the lil tidbits about the music industry/hollywood that were written into the story. Just enough drama to make it interesting! I just wish we had a little more interaction between the FMC & her ex-husband that wasn’t just flashbacks. Overall I would recommend to other who like romance.

3.5 rounded up💫 I really enjoyed this!

✨pop star / MLB athlete
✨public
✨PR relationship >> real feelings
✨found family
✨strong FMC rediscovering herself after a divorce
✨”dream girl”🥹 and great immediate chemistry!

It was a quick read (less than 300 pages) so I do think it lacked some depth for me! I wanted more on page relationship growth between Ella and Miles!! I wanted more tension and background!

My favorite part was Ella and her journey back to herself!🫶

“Something happens when faced with a bully who no longer has a hold on you. Eventually, you get the spark to fight back.”

Finding love again despite going through heartbreak is what No Ordinary Love embodies. Ella and Miles crossing paths the way they did was meant to happen. My first thought was that something fishy was going on and Elliot was plotting and scheming with the whole Grammy's situation. I'm glad things worked out the way it did and everybody got exactly what they deserved! No spoilers 🤪! I thoroughly enjoyed my first title by this author 🥰

Read this if you like:
•popstars
•whirlwind romances
•second chances

Pop star + pro athlete romance = chefs kiss. Ella is divorcing her controlling husband who helped make her career what it is today. Loved that she got a second chance at romance. The relationship with her parents was so real. The baggage they both brought to the relationship was so real. Thank you Berkley for eARC!

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the e-Arc! This was a sweet and heartwarming story. I'm happy things worked out for Ella and Miles, both professionally and romantically (of course)! I would've loved to see a little more of Ella's life, post-divorce. Does she go by Elladee? How are her fans reacting to her new appearance? Did her fanbase grow larger now that she is stepping into the type of artist she truly wants to be? QTNA! I think Myah Ariel did an amazing job touching on some important topics: disabilities, facing your childhood trauma, and grooming. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

This book had me giddy from start to finish! I absolutely loved following Pop/R&B singer Ella Simone’s journey—from her divorce with the man who shaped her career to finding new love with professional baseball pitcher, Miles Westbrook.

Some scenes played out just like my favorite romance movies, complete with a soundtrack in my head! And when Miles texted a quote from one of my favorite rom-coms? I was done—grinning from ear to ear!

I’m giving this one 4.5 stars! It took me a moment to adjust to the single POV, but Myah Ariel handled it so well that I quickly found my rhythm. She’s now on my list of must-read authors, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

GOOD GOD i had so much fun reading this book to the point i felt like i was fully in the story and all the things happening - good and bad were happening to me. what a fun love story and reminder that love comes in so many different shapes and sizes. romantic or platonic. such a celebration of love throughout this book.

This story gave such an intriguing glimpse into the music business—how new artists are shaped, sometimes even owned, by their labels. The nods to iconic Black music artists and their lyrics added a personal touch I absolutely loved.

Both main characters, Miles and Ella, were so well-written that I couldn’t help but root for them. As a Dodgers fan, I got a kick out of Miles being a Major League Baseball star. The chemistry between them was scorching along with tenderness and respect, which made their connection even sexier..

The story captured the raw emotions of past betrayals and the cautious, undeniable pull between them. It started as a slow burn, but trust me, it was worth every moment."