I can't get enough of Ellie K. Wilde! After reading Only In Your Dreams, I couldn't wait for Only Between Us. I'm a sucker for cinnamon roll, dog loving, athlete romcoms and this didn't disappoint. Two people who have every right to be vulnerable but find they are wide open to each other. I couldn't get enough nor could I put it down. Highly recommend!

Only Between Us

Do you want a book with cute banter?
With lovable main characters?
Where he falls first?
How about fake dating?

Swoon worth romance. Absolutely devourable. Stayed up until 2am reading because I could not get enough of Brooks and Siena. Ellie K Wilde knows how to write romance.

I love their friends and family and of course Pete the dog!

There better be a part 3 of these books, because I’m hooked!

ARC review! Football + Sports Romance + Spice = This 5 ⭐️ book! The plot, the banter, the sassy FMC and the golden retriever disguised as a morally gray MMC so so so wonderful.

🏈 Fake Dating
🏈 Who Hurt You
🏈 Burn the World for her
🏈 Touch her and ☠️

Siena is trying to put her dating past behind while she processes her childhood trauma. Brooks is trying to live out his dream and fixing his reputation. One chance meet turns both their worlds upside down. As a sports romance lover, this checked all the boxes and will live rent free in my head for a long time.

This book exceeded all of my expectations. From the very first page, I knew I was going to fall in love with Books and Siena. Brooks, a retired NFL player eager to make a comeback with his former team, realizes he needs to improve his public image. Enter Siena, a woman struggling to keep her shop afloat after the loss of her father. After a break-in at a football stadium, Siena unexpectedly runs into Brooks, who’s training there. When a photo of them together goes viral, they agree to start a fake relationship that benefits them both—Siena in addressing her financial issues, and Brooks in repairing his image.

Their immediate bond inspires them to challenge each other to recognize their value and let go of their past struggles. It was as if they could read each other's thoughts and knew exactly how to support one another, with the perfect mix of banter and tension. It was everything this book needed and more.

I really appreciate how Wilde incorporated real-life challenges into the storyline, making it feel more grounded and authentic. We get to know each character on a deep level, understanding their struggles, which makes it easy to immerse yourself in their world. Only Between Us is a strong four-star read that will leave you wanting more. I’m excited to see what Ellie has in store for Summer and Parker next!

Faking dating where the lines blur will never get old regardless of how many times I read it, I will be kicking my feet and giggling every time bc it just works.

Brooks Attwood:
╰┈➤ Hot. Filthy mouth. Ambitious. Football player. What more could a woman dream of? Absolutely nothing, bc this man could also be vulnerable when he needed to be. He had his sweet moments and I was so happy to see him finally get where he wants in life.

Siena Pippen:
╰┈➤ Sweet. Kind. She was the perfect representation of those women/girls who wouldn't want to disappoint their parents, knowing fully well that their parents would love them regardless of what they chose to do in life. She deserves so much happiness.

Chemistry + Plot:
╰┈➤ The chemistry was off the charts and the plot was really good. You had me fake dating and it doesn't get better than that. They had this push and pull type slow-(ish?) burn to them that had me frustrated, but giggling at the same time. I will admit that it took me a while to get into it bc I was on the first chapter for almost 2 weeks - I would get distracted with other books, but I finally finished. Loved it! So glad I read it!

Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books and NetGalley for this arc! 💕

Oh man, everything about this story was PERFECT!!! I adored Brooks AND Siena (and I absolutely hate when I love only one of the main characters and dislike the other) and their relationship. I totally understood each character's motivations and misgivings, rather than being annoyed by them. And the steam!!! Oh the steam! Full coitus doesn't happen until approximately more than 50% of the way through the book, but there were such tantalizing steamy bits beforehand that I was fully entertained and satisfied. And when the p in v coitus does happen, WOWzer! Ellie K Wilde has a gift 🔥😂

I adore all romance but at times it can be quite formulaic. I don't mind that per se, but "Only Between Us" avoided a lot of the overused stereotyped romance plot points. It made for a delightfully refreshing read. I can't wait to follow this author and read all the things she puts to paper!

Thanks to Net Galley and Atria for an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

LOVED this book! Read it in one day. The characters are adorable, and the storyline kept me entertained as a reader. I also loved the side characters as well. Well done!

I received a copy of this for my honest review

In this story our MMC wants to come out of retirement, but only.ifnhe can play for the Rebels. But since they have a wholesome brand, and his last few years have been anything but, he needs a way to convince them he has changed. Our FMC has a wild childhood, that didn't calm down until she was taken in by her now parents when she was 13. When she breaks into the stadium on the anniversary of her father's passing and runs directly into our MMC ideas spark. That and she had to cover her lie.of why she was there by posting a picture, which included both of them, taking the Internet by storm. Now to save his image, and allow her to cash in on some brand deals, they will fake date. Because both of them are still finding it difficult to trust after their ex's treated them.

Only Between Us is a sports romance that is sweet, spicy and funny. Siena described their connection in the story as “twin souls” and I agree 100% given their instant connection and chemistry. It was a quick and easy read that o found myself excited to pick up and continue. Ellie K Wilde is a new author for me, but I will definitely now be looking for her name and reading others by her.

*arc review*

FINALLY A GOOD SPORTS ROMANCE! seriously Ive been hooked from chapter two and adore brooks and siena. Not only want the writing phenomenal but just the story itself was such a breath of fresh air. There was no third breakup no miscommunication no nothing, both characters were just very honest and opening and it was such a change of pace from the usual. The spice was top tier and wasn’t overbearing it was just the right amount of it. Seriously one of my top reads this year so far. Thanks for the ARC! cant wait to read more of your work

Thank you for the ARC. I loved the second story in this series. Brooks was like a spicy golden retriever but loved him and this story. I still can’t fully picture how Siena looked other than shiny hair but liked her story like separate from Brooks. Wholesome content outside of the bedroom and spicy in. Wish had a bit of flashbacks from pre-Siena days to give more perspective. But on the plus side got so many tidbits about Parker and Summer, can’t wait for them. 5 stars still though, couldn’t put down.

Perfect summer read.
Fake dating. He falls first. Sports romance. HEA. Dual POV.

Follow the story of Brooks and Sienna in this fake dating romance. And yes, while this trope has been done before, Wilde's take on it had me stuck to my kindle.
Brooks is the perfect book bf, like Siena says, he is a giant teddy bear!!!! In contrast, Siena stressed me out, her unique childhood affects who she is as a person and the way she handles decision making, truly I never knew what her next move would be. Is she going to stay with him? Break up with him? Run away from everyone? Have his kids? Find out!

The book is about 5o chapters long + epilogue.
Spice level 3/5

This is part of a series, but I read the book as a stand alone. This is my first book by Ellie K. Wilde, and I will definitely be checking out more of her work.

Read this book as a series or a stand alone, but read it, you won't regret it!!!!!

Publishing date: July 8 2025

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

When I tell you that this book has it all, believe me!!

I couldn’t and would NOT put this book down. I was sneaking in pages every chance I got, fully obsessed with Brooks and Siena’s deliciously messy, slow-burn love story.

This book has alllllll the best tropes (well my favorites):
*ONE BEDDDDDD
*Fake Dating
*Enemies to Lovers, but more like misunderstanding to friends to lovers

Tension, oh sweet tension. Outta this world. The banter was perfection. All of this while having me in my feelings. Watching these two battle their misconceptions about each other while desperately (and hilariously) trying not to fall was so well done. Also, when you get to the line that is the title of the book, it was magical.

Bonus points for the perfect balance of sports and spice and a great cast of side characters that carry over from the first book.

If you love a SPICY he falls first romance you HAVE to read Only Between Us!

This was the perfect faking dating football romance omg!! The characters are perfect to me and I will take no critism (especially on Pete and Mama Rachel)

Brooks and Siera literally run into each other on the football field and don't necessarily hit it off.... well one thing leads to another and Brooks's agent is proposing that he fake dates the woman he accused of being a crazy fangirl. Siera would really rather tell Brooks to "F-off" but she is in need of a little extra money, that pretending to be NFL star Brooks Attwood's girlfriend would give her.

Along the way secrets began to be told between the two of them and they find comfort in each other and the act seems like it's becoming far too real on a relationship that has an expiration date.

I seriously loved these two so much. If you love a cinnamon roll man, who spoils his woman, AND plays card games and spoils HER MOM, you will love Brooks.

Be on the lookout for the one when it releases on 7.8.25. You will absolutely want this one on your shelf!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

10/10 witty banter between Brooks and Siena

Tropes:

He falls first
Fake dating

Plot and spice level were perfect!

Thank you Ellie K Wilde and NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved this one more than the first and I didn’t think it was possible. You can just FEEL the love Ellie has for Brooks and Siena!

Ellie did an amazing job connecting the characters (both new and from her previous book, Only in Your Dreams) and navigating both Brooks and Siena’s issues such as cheating and abandonment. It made me love both Siena and Brooks and make them very human.

Thank you Ellie for Brooks “Football Daddy and ‘Sign It’” Atwood 😍 and Siena was the perfect FMC, being independent and strong but also being able to let go without losing herself.

The spice was spicy and perfectly written to show their love for each other. And can I say, thank you Ellie for not having a third act break up!! My heart wouldn’t have been able to take it. I absolutely loved this football romance and highly recommend it! I can’t wait for Ellie’s next book!

I seriously love this series—it’s such an underrated gem in the sports romance world, and I don’t get why more people aren’t talking about it. Only Between Us is so good. Brooks gives total golden retriever energy—think Travis Kelce vibes but with a deep love for acts of service. He’s charming, thoughtful, and the kind of football player that makes you melt. If you’re into soft jocks and romances that make you feel all warm and fuzzy, don’t sleep on this one.

Loved the first Oakwood Bay book, now back for the second!

Tropes:
fake dating
one bed
very Spicy

Brooks is the perfect book boyfriend: sweet, passionate, funny, kind. He as the perfect match for Siena in every way while she sees him for who he truly is and not just a famous football player. The transition from fake dating to real feelings was seamless and it was frustrating and sad to see the characters go through the possibility of their relationship breaking up due to distance. They both wanted and supported each other in pursuing their dreams, but Siena is dealing with a lot of guilt from her childhood and is not ready to let go of her past. Throughout the book, she grows as a character as she learns to live for herself.
This was an easy romance to read and I'm excited for the third book!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

If y'all are looking for a romance story where he falls hard first...this is for you. I loved getting to know both Brooks and Sienna. They are such great characters with depth to them and despite starting their relationship as a fake one, it was so heartwarming seeing them help each other through difficult situations in their lives. There's also quite a bit of spice in the story, but I surprisingly didn't mind because they didn't seem super out of place. My only complaint is the third act breakup - it's totally unnecessary. Otherwise, the pacing and the writing were good.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Brooks Attwood is working towards an NFL comeback. After an injury that resulted in early retirement and his ex-girlfriend cheating on him, Brooks has had a rough few years. He needs this win. Needs to feel like he’s worthy and capable. His only problem? The Rebels (his dream team) is turned off by the reputation he created after his retirement. Brooks made bad choices fueled by depression and grief and the Rebels want to ensure that behavior is firmly behind him. The solution: A fake girlfriend.

Siena Pippen has dated an NFL player and it ended disastrously. She’s written off dating athletes and is determined to pay her family back by working in their bait & tackle shop for the rest of her days. Even if it’s slowly killing her. Until she meets Brooks and becomes his fake girlfriend. Soon, fake becomes real and Brooks makes Siena long for a different life. But is she brave enough to go for it?

I think Brooks Attwood is my new book boyfriend. 😍 I really enjoyed the first book in this series (Only In Your Dreams) but this one was even better! I loved the growth of both Brooks and Siena and appreciated seeing their emotional maturity of tackling problems head on and figuring out a solution. This one was spicy but also filled with emotional depth, witty banter, and so many swoon-worthy moments! I am dying for a Parker/Summer book next!