From the very beginning I felt like this book was very different than other contemporary romance books that I have read. The post-divorce element of this book is something as a reader you do not get a lot of and I enjoyed that perspective. Ella is a perfect FMC and Miles…wooo. I loved Miles and Ella’s banter and vulnerability with each other and the spice was enjoyable. I also normally do not like pop culture references but Myah did a great job in this book of adding these references in a tasteful way. Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

With a stunning cover and an intriguing blurb, I was excited to dig into this one. I love a good fake relationship romance with some complexity behind it, and I’ve heard a lot of good things about Ariel’s debut. However, the romance reader in me was disappointed to discover that the love story is almost an afterthought and wildly underdeveloped. That’s not to say that the story isn’t good, I simply think it’s more likely to resonate with women’s fiction readers. It’s very much the heroine’s journey, told exclusively from her perspective and focused on finding her strength after ending a toxic marriage. I liked the rich and layered backstory, which felt original and nuanced. There were also some really sweet moments with the hero, though I wish the reader (and the heroine!) got to know him better. The book is pretty short, and I think it could’ve benefited from a longer length. All in all, it wasn’t a bad experience, but it certainly didn’t live up to the promise of the gorgeous cover.

The story follows Ella, a pop star who signed contracts that were predatory when she was young and in love, something that she’s only discovering now that she’s divorcing her husband. He was integral in the creation of her public persona, and now Ella isn’t sure what to think. When a brief interaction with a playboy baseball player gets public attention, Ella finds herself entering into a tentative fake relationship with the man. Miles is recently divorced and in a state of flux as well, so the two form an unexpected connection. As lines are crossed, feelings change, and Ella begins to fall for Miles at the worst possible time.

I went into this with a lot of excitement and quickly realized that it wasn’t going in the direction I expected. I was looking forward to the fake relationship and the connection between Miles and Ella, which wasn’t really the focus of the story. Sure, their relationship is a major component, but many of their interactions were brief. There’s just as much (if not more) time spent on Ella’s marriage, including some flashbacks and many solo moments as she figures out where she’s heading next. She doesn’t spend a ton of time on the page with Miles, and several of their interactions just left me with more questions. I do think her solo journey was important and interesting in many ways, it simply didn’t keep me hooked. Ultimately, I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to the characters as I would like.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the free copy! 4.75 Stars. Myah Ariel truly has a special literary gift.
“No Ordinary Love” showcases this talent fully. It’s a love story that feels reminiscent of 90s black love movies and fills you with this syrupy sweet warmth. I loved the descriptive writing and the clear tone of each character.

Ella and Miles’ love story seemed organic and straightforward in a way that was a breath of fresh air! Two people who were burned by past relationships not letting trauma block their forever was so satisfying to see. I loved the attention to detail concerning Miles’ stutter and it really gave depth to him as a character. I do wish we could have gotten Miles’ POV. I also hope that Jamie and Gabriel have a follow up. I loved the relationship Ella had with her team and appreciated the gentle communication of the issues they ran into and the way she handled being there for them like they were for her!

“When I Think of You” was one of my top reads of 2024 and “No Ordinary Love” did not disappoint as a follow up. I was a fan before but now Myah Ariel has solidified her position as one of my favorite authors and I’m excited to read whatever she writes next!

Thank you to PRHAudio for the free audiobook- this author seems made for audio I swear. I enjoyed this even more than her debut and the dual narrators really brought it to life. We have a popstar x pro baseball player but this doesn't lean into either subgenre of rockstar nor sports romance really, I enjoy both types of books but just being clear if I had to pick the top tropes of this it would be more like secret relationship, "older" MCs, romance after heartbreak/divorce. I actually love that both characters are divorced, the FMC is actively going through hers in the story but he could add that understanding and support for what he had been through.

I also loved that the FMC's ex isn't on page as much as I thought he was going to be and that the FMC does not hit rock bottom in this story because of him. When we first start off her ex (who manipulated her into a controlling relationship when she was like 20 and he was older) is trying to get control of her money and essentially fame as he is tied into her music career as well as personal life. I was bracing myself for him taking it all and just feeling dis-empowered as a woman, which is very much a valid story, but I just liked having this different kind of story in which the FMC has a support system, a bad@ss divorce lawyer, etc. It's not smooth sailing so what I mean isn't a spoiler, just know it's not as dire as it may feel.

Thank you to Berkley for the eARC as well, I went back and highlighted some favorite quotes after listening to the audio. The one where she tells him to stop telling her nice things ("just to be nice") and he's like I'm just telling you the truth.. SWOON

i realize i am not a fan of celebrity romance books or books heavy with pop culture.
thus, I did not enjoy this one because of those reasons. which is why it wasn't a bad book, just not my cup of tea.

I did appreciate the way this book highlighted the form of abuse that Ella had to endure in her previous marriage, and I think that was so important to discuss. I just wish we didn't have to flashback so much. So much page time was given to Elliot and not enough to develop Ella's budding relationship with Miles, an actual good guy. That's my biggest gripe with this book: for a romance novel it definitely needed more romance.

I loved the ending, and how Miles and his mother finally understood each other. I would have loved more of their dynamic.
I think if this book was dual POV it would have been helpful so we could get more into Miles' head and life, but I guess this book was supposed to be more about Ella than him.

All in all, more tension would have helped. Looking forward to more from this author.

Thank you so much Berkley and NetGalley for the digital ARC copy of this book!

This was such a cute love story. This author did her research with the music industry because she really had all the details down! I loved the music references as well! Ella and Miles were a beautiful slow burn that lit up at just the right time. I was cheesing and giggling at all their interactions. Spoiler but her mom and Elliot are terrible but I loved her best friend Rodney and her team .. they had my girl's back! If you're looking for a slow burn with all the detailed feels, definitely check this one out.

This was the second book I’ve read by this author and like her first one – I was more invested in the contemporary aspect than the romance. I would have rated this more if it was more centered around Ella’s retribution arc and the plotline with overcoming her childhood trauma/addressing her relationship with her mother than her romance with Miles. Still, there were some witty moments I enjoyed, especially with the side characters – my faves being Rodney and Jamie.

Overall, I would still partially recommend because it was a decent enough read; however, I think would really prefer if this was just a contemporary novel.

4.75 stars - I absolutely loved this. The whole story was so beautiful and I adored Miles and Ella - their support and care for one another shown through in every interaction, their chemistry was off the charts, and I mostly liked how their relationship progressed. My heart ached for what Ella went through with her ex and I thought that it portrayed how abusive relationships can be subtle and sneak up on people without them even realizing.

Overall, this was just a stunning book and Myah Ariel has absolutely become an auto-buy author for me. Thank you SO much to Berkley Romance for the eARC - all opinions are my own!

Myah Ariel has done it again!!! This love story felt so authentic and real, like I was being told this from a friend. I even bought a signed copy because I loved it so much.

I thought I enjoyed this author’s debut (and I did). But this one? THIS ONE??! Ohmygosh it was so delightful and blew my love for When I Think Of You out of the water!!

This story sucked me in right from the start, especially with Miles and Ella’s meet cute (or meet disaster). Their connection is instant, no matter how Ella wants to resist it, and the comedy of errors that comes from the backstage wardrobe disaster (and it is a disaster) was so entertaining.

Ella and Miles relationship was *chef’s kiss*. Their PR partnership has a rocky start, but it develops so quickly into a real bond, and I was so invested in their romance from the beginning. Miles is top-tier book boyfriend material (I’m serious, he is EVERYTHING), and he is so down bad for Ella I’m obsessed. I also appreciated how, while there was conflict in the third act, there wasn’t a contrived breakup.

I also loved Ella as a main character. She takes back her power over the course of this book and goes on a great journey of development (and I really wanted to smack Elliot on her behalf). In short: she’s a badass and I love her.

Moral of the story: read this book pleaseeee!!

Thank you to Netgalley for delivering this arc and Berkeley for approving me!
I enjoyed reading “No Ordinary Love” by Myah. I liked the storyline and the character development, but I felt like something was missing to give this novel a bit more uumph. Not sure if it’s, because this story was only given through Ella’s P.O.V and maybe if we got some of Miles P.O.V. that would have helped. I’m not really sure. You can definitely tell that Miles and Ella have that chemistry for sure and I enjoyed the way that they communicated and tackled the nervousness between getting to know each other.

I just needed a little bit more spice or a twist or something (I know I’m not being a big help trying to describe what was missing😩). Overall, if you are looking for a cutesy second chance romance with closed door romance, this is for you.

I really enjoyed reading No Ordinary Love. Thank You Berkley and Myah for letting me read this amazing book. I felt so seen in Ella, not only in her relationship with her mom, but in her relationships as well. I loved the growth she had as well. Ella and Miles relationship was so cute. Their relationship dynamic was everything and more. This book made me feel all types of emotions, I laughed, cried, and smiled.

Absolutely wonderful. Beautiful writing, beautiful story. It was emotional, funny, romantic. Elladee is such a strong female character and following her growth over the course of the book to find not just new love, but confidence in herself, her talent, her career was wonderful.
Miles is a fantastic MMC: kind, patient, tender, not afraid of his feelings.

The friends and colleagues that surround Elladee and Miles really showcase what a strong support system looks like; standing alongside a friend through challenging times, cheering for successes, calling their friend out for when they messed up, loving them through it all.

This was my first book by Myah Ariel and it absolutely will not be my last.

Thanks to Berkley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.

This was a very well written love story but i just felt like something was missing. I don’t know if it felt too insta lovey for me but it just was not memorable. I did love how the author incorporated pop culture with the singer and the baseball player but otherwise it just ok.

Myah Ariel writes romances that feel like R&B music!!

Famous popstar Ella Simone has filed for divorce against her cheating husband, who also happens to be her producer. They have been together for the past 8 years, since she was 20 years old, and he is the one that introduced her to the music industry. Now she has to fight against his ironclad prenup and be on her best behavior in the public, until a PR nightmare incident happens at an awards show, involving MLBs most eligible bachelor Miles Westbrook. In order to recover from the incident, Miles stars in Ella's newest music video, where they act like they are in love. The video blows up and Miles and Ella start to have real feelings for one another.

I loved this book! It was an absolute delight. Ella and Miles had the best chemistry and scenes together. The musician and professional baseball player dynamic was so fun. I loved watching Ella find herself after heartbreak and start over again with Miles.

Thank you Berkley, NetGalley, and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Myah Ariel's "No Ordinary Love" is a delightful read that truly shines in its portrayal of relationships. I was completely invested in the tender and believable growth between Ella and Miles. The novel dives into the lives of its characters with depth and sensitivity, making their journeys feel both relatable and compelling.

The author is able to craft a narrative that balances sweet romance with authentic portrayals of friendship and personal growth. The dialogue is sharp, and the characters are well-developed, pulling you into their world and making you root for their happiness.

"No Ordinary Love" is a charming read that provides a breath of fresh air and leaves you with a warm and satisfied feeling. It's a testament to the idea that even the most unexpected connections can grow into something truly special.

Ella Simone is a pop superstar who is married to renowned music producer Elliot Majors. Elliot may have helped launch Ella’s career, but that’s not enough to keep Ella with him when he is constantly unfaithful to her. Ella wants out and her attorney advises her that the best way to fight the prenup that threatens her career is to lay low. A wardrobe malfunction at an awards show that has sexy MLB pitcher Miles Westbrook coming to her rescue is definitely not what Ella’s attorney had in mind, but is there any way to turn this potential scandal into a PR boon for both Ella and Miles?

I love a good fake dating story, so the romance between Ella and Miles really delivered for me. Miles was just such a sweetheart and I loved that he was such a fan of Ella’s music and that he was so supportive of her overall. They also had the most sizzling chemistry, and I just loved their fun banter. After seeing how horrible Elliot was, it was so nice to see Ella with someone who actually deserved her.

While the romance was fantastic, what I actually enjoyed the most was Ella’s journey to reclaim her career and her independence from her cheating ex. It was a hard road at times and thankfully she has an incredible support system (shout out to her found family, the Glam Squad!) but it was such an empowering one. She redefines herself in every way and I was just so here for it!

With strong character development and fantastic writing, including some 90s R&B references that have had me singing for days since I finished reading this book, No Ordinary Love is another winner for Myah Ariel!

Myah Ariel does it again No Ordinary. This Hollywood Romance between and R&B princess and baseball bad boy is equal parts swoony and heartfelt. Myah's strength lies in drawing from her real-life experience working in entertainment. You're going to love Ella and Miles, the 90s R&B and journey to self-discovery the FMC undergoes.

First thing's first, LOOK AT THAT COVER. Absolute gorgeousness.

On to the book: this was what I'd call Romance Lite™. While I wouldn't say it was Women's Fic, it definitely focused on the heroine journey more than the romantic arc. It's also a single POV novel, which is a shame because I loved the hero and wanted more of him!

No Ordinary Love starts right as Ella Simone, a pop star, decides she wants a divorce from her controlling, philandering husband—a music producer who helped build her career but stripped her of her sense of self in the process. (There are a few flashbacks to their relationship that I didn't enjoy, nor need because whyyy weren’t those pages used to build the actual relationship the book is supposed to be about?)

Enter Miles Westbrook: MLB's most eligible player going through *a time* himself, after an altercation with a teammate who was having an affair with his (now ex) wife. Ella and Miles record a music video together and form an instantaneous connection—to the point where I felt like there was no real tension between them beyond their initial meeting. Miles is pretty much the only thing going right in Ella's life for a chunk of the book.

Despite what my whining may lead you to believe, this is a good book (simply a little light on the romance!). Ella and Miles felt like fully realized characters, and I loved Ella's dreams and ambitions for her future. She's a woman learning her worth, and no longer a 19 year old who let an older man control and manipulate her and I love that for her. I also adored Ella's squad!

Ella's wins and watching her come into her own self was truly great. There is a chapter I LOVED that consisted almost entirely of voice messages exchanged between the MCs.

Go get this book if you want to read about two world wary sweeties finally getting what they deserve!!

Thank you @berkleypub for the E-Arc!

This was a cute, well-written romance novel. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. Ella is a pop star who appears to have the perfect life, but that’s far from the truth. She soon meets Miles, a Major League Baseball player, and there’s an instant connection between them. While I appreciated their chemistry, I would have loved to hear the story from Miles’ perspective as well. I went into this read with high expectations, but the romance lacked the depth and swoony elements I was hoping for. Still, it was an enjoyable read overall.