A huge thank-you to Atria Books, Ellie K. Wilde, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Only Between Us, the second installment in the Oakwood Bay series!

Two years before the main events, Brooks Attwood suffered a career-ending concussion. Now off the field, he's determined to make a comeback with the Rebels—and absolutely loathes his current coaching job at UOB. Meanwhile, Siena Pippen is fiercely independent and fresh out of a relationship with the NFL's golden boy, and swears to never date a pro-athlete again.

Their worlds collide when Siena sneaks onto the UOB field and gets accidentally tackled by Brooks—who was merely chasing a stray football. Their witty back-and-forth sparks chemistry, and an impulsive deal follows: they’ll fake-date so he can revive his career and she can raise money for her dad’s struggling bait shop.

As they attend events and carry out their faux-romance, their banter deepens into genuine affection. Soon, roles reverse: fake turns real, and feelings intensify. Fans of classic romance tropes will rejoice—this book delivers them all:

🌟 Fake dating

🔥 Snarky, steamy banter

😈 Enemies to lovers

❤️ He falls first and hard

💪 A sassy heroine who doesn’t need saving

😈 A filthy-mouthed, alpha male lead

I was completely on board—until the third-act breakup. While I didn’t enjoy it, the conflict felt true to the story’s build-up and themes, so I understood its place—even if my heart didn’t agree!

Final thoughts:
Only Between Us is a steamy, effortless sports romance with a perfect blend of humor, spice, and emotional stakes. Despite the breakup—which felt messy and real—it’s a compelling, page-turning romance that hits all the perfect tropes in satisfying ways.

ARC Review
Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde was such an entertaining love story to say the least. The MMC is dreamy and every way a book boyfriend can be, he’s a football player, with tattoo sleeves, what more could a romance reader want? Our FMC is just as fiery and cool though. She’s sure of herself and knows what she wants, even when she doesn’t always act on it right away. When these two characters worlds collide, and they’re forced to fake date, what could possibly happen? You’d have to read this to find out. I really enjoyed this ARC and Ellie K. Wilde’s writing style, the words were flowing and it made for such a nice light read. If you love a sports romance, specifically football, with a fake dating trope, this book should definitely be added to your TBR. Thank you Ellie K. Wilde, Atria books, and NetGalley for the chance to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Only Between Us delivers a winning combination of fake dating, football, and a slow-burn romance that had me utterly hooked. It was clear from the moment these two met that the dynamic between the charming, broody Brooks and the fiery, take-no-bull Siena was going to be electric! Their opposing personalities created the best kind of tension, fueling truly hilarious and witty banter that I couldn't get enough of. It’s a classic slow-burn rom-com done right, and I loved every single page!

This book checks all the boxes my rom-com loving heart could desire: sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and a deeply satisfying journey as two headstrong characters fall hard for each other. What truly resonated with me though was the heart of the story. I adored watching Brooks and Siena open up, grow, and fight for their connection, making their earned romance all the more powerful. If you love sports romances with strong leads and flirty tension, you're going to swoon over this touchdown of a read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Ellie K. Wilde for the #gifted digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

The banter- that’s how you know there’s something there! There’s definite undeniable connection and will put you in a chokehold.

Only Between Us had so many things going for it. I read the first book in the series and was definitely inclined to read the second book when it came out. I thought the second book was much better. I really like fake dating as a trope. I thought the chemistry between the protagonists was very good, especially their banter. I think the focus on sports romance made this in much more accessible book than the first one. Be warned there is a third act break up which I find very common in fake dating romances. But overall, I really enjoyed this and recommend this book, especially for summer romance readers!

Ellie crushed it once again with book two in the Oakwood Bay series! I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, if you you like sports romance then you need to read this series. Plus, the fake dating trope never gets old 🫡

Brooks is a retired NFL player trying to get back on the team after recovering from a career ending injury and scandal. Siena is working to keep her parent’s seaside bait shop up and running after her dad’s passing while trying to find time to live out her own dreams. She needs help saving her family business and Brooks needs the public to believe he’s turned a new leaf. Put them together and BOOM, fake dating with tension, chemistry and lots of emotion.

Brooks and Siena had me in a CHOKEHOLD. Brooks is funny, charming, sensitive and a hot football player with tattoos. Siena is loyal, independent and adventurous. And their romance !!! Ugh, they’re so good together. The burn was slow but they were both working through some trauma and getting to know each other outside of what the media portrays which, in my opinion, makes it better because it makes the love more real and honest.

There’s also a dog and funny text threads which, idk about you, but pets and texts are elite to me 😂

Thank you for the opportunity of ARC through netgalley!

Okayyyy I am officially obsessed.

Only Between Us gave me butterflies, smirks, and full-on blushing moments. The grumpy football player?? The sunshiney queen?? The TENSION??? I was hooked from chapter one. Ellie K. Wilde really said “let me ruin your life (in the best way)” with this slow-burn goodness.

I laughed, I swooned, I screamed into my pillow. And don’t even get me started on the tattoos + soft heart combo 😮‍💨🔥 If you love flirty banter, swoony athletes, and stories that feel like a romcom and a warm hug had a baby—this book is IT.

Highly recommend if you need a book boyfriend and a new obsession 💅🏽💖

Yet another amazing book from this author!

This book did an excellent job with a trope (fake dating) that sometimes annoys me, and I really enjoyed how it played out here. The characters were so genuine (despite being a little out there) that their relationship developed naturally (on her part) and compellingly (on his, because I also loved how ready he was to take care of her from almost the start).

This was a great, emotional read.

This book was fantastic! Ellie K. Wilde hits all the right things with another romantic comedy that is sincere, flirtatious, and spicy. There is a ton of swoon worthy tension, hilarious banter, and amazing character development. Siena is fiercely independent, witty, and sympathetic, making her an absolute badass. And Brooks? Football dad energy is on. Protective, charming, and gentle in all the right ways. This is a really good example of the phony dating cliche, with realistic implications for both characters. Brooks is attempting to show that he is serious enough to be signed again, while Siena needs a PR boost to rescue her family business. From the first scene, their connection is electrifying, and it was so fulfilling to see them gradually become more trusting and open. Grief, identity, limits, and finding family are just a few of the unexpectedly deep emotional themes that are woven in without ever taking away from the fun. I kicked my feet, blushed, and laughed. The Oakwood Bay world continues to improve, and I can't wait to see what comes next! Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book!

Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde | ARC Review

Thank you Ellie K. Wilde and Netgalley for this ARC! I am absolutely in love with this series, and honestly, could not pick which couple is my favourite. They are all so uniquely beautiful, full of banter, and an absolute joy to discover. Siena and Brooks, however, are simply a dream.

I have read both Only in Your Dreams and Only Between Us as ARCs, and I had some time to sit with how flawlessly witty and banter-y Ellie's dialogue is; it just scratches a part of my brain that wishes I my quips are this seamless irl 😩

5⭐️//2.5🌶️

Brooks and Siena climbed the list of my favorite fictional couples sooo fast. I love their dynamic, how they know just the right buttons to push to get the other one completely riled up, and how gone they are for one another without even realizing it. They are so perfect for each other, they feed of each other's energy, and are very hot for each other (in an almost feral kind of way lol)

I loved seeing how slowly, but surely they begin to trust each other, and learn to heal from their pasts. Siena showing Brooks over and over that his kindness, loyalty and perseverance are worth more than his status as a football player; and Brooks showing Siena that she is worth it and deserves to be chosen over everything else. I loved seeing how much they each wanted the other to achieve their dreams and goals, and being each others' biggest cheerleaders.

Brooks and Siena's story is about healing, showing your vulnerabilities and finding the love of your life in the middle of a football stadium while chasing an errant football. It about facing your fears, challenging any insecurities, and learning that the right people will love you just they way you are. A lesson we should all get from this book is that perhaps we should all embrace our inner Sienas and swim with the sharks every once in a while 🦈 😉

Favourite scene: Boat date 🤭
Favourite 🌶️ scene: hot tub shenanigans 🫠

Only Between Us is so much fun! It's such a perfect blend of banter, tension and sweetness. Brooks and Siena are so flirtatious and their chemistry is through the roof!

What to know:
Football romance
Fake dating
He’s a flirt!
He falls first
Small town

On the scale from “couldn’t finish it” to “read it in one sitting,” this one landed somewhere in the middle—it took me about a month to get through. The story had its intriguing moments, but it was also pretty slow in places. The main character’s quirks bordered on frustrating, especially since she didn’t seem to learn from her mistakes the first (or even second) time around.

It wasn’t a terrible read, but it definitely doesn’t stand alongside the likes of Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Ali Hazelwood, Julie James, or Lauren Layne. Just okay overall.

Pub date: July 8
Thank you to @atriabooks @netgalley and @elliekwildeauthor for my arc of this book.

I was excited to read this one and it completely exceeded my expectations. It was flirty and fun and spicy but also such a beautiful romance with some great character growth.

This book follows Brooks and Siena. A really fun meet cute takes a turn quickly, but now Brooks needs Siena to be his fake girlfriend. Brooks needs to look like he settling down to get signed to his former team. Siena needs to leverage the celebrity of her new fake boyfriend to make some money to save her family business.

I loved the chemistry between Brooks and Siena, it was sparking off the page and made for such a fun read. I loved Siena, she was such a strong FMC, she could take care of herself and had for such a long time. Brooks was so swoony, even when he was trying to convince himself he didn’t want her. The only thing Brooks wanted to do was take care of Siena.

There was so much growth between these two characters, they both had baggage they had to work through and they slowly started to trust each other and talk through their issues. I really loved their communication.

You should definitely add this one to your TBR

I absolutely loved this story! After reading Only In Your Dreams the first book in the series, I knew I was hooked on Ellie Wilde’s writing. Her style is effortlessly engaging full of witty, natural banter that never feels forced. She also delivers on the spice, crafting creative and steamy scenes that keep the pages turning. One of my favorite tropes in romance is Fake Dating, and it was done so well here. The characters’ motivations felt believable and tied seamlessly into the overall plot. Nothing felt contrived, which made the story even more satisfying. If you’re a fan of rom-coms with a perfect balance of heat, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, I highly recommend this book and the entire series!

What a wonderful sequel to Only in Your Dreams!
Ellie writes some of the best character banter in books!
The characters felt real and I just loved them.

Big thumbs up for no third act break up!!

Thank you so much to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC!

Huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy! I am SWOONING! Brooks was sexy as hell! As was the whole book!

4.5 ★

“And just so you're aware? You aren't an afterthought to me. You are the thought. From the moment I wake up to the second I fall asleep. It’s you."

I don’t even know where to begin with this one... from the meet-cute gone wrong, to the banter, to the tension, to the chemistry, to the spice, to just absolutely everythinggggggg, this book was it!!!

Brooks MF Attwood . Need I say more?? Umm... this wonderful, sexy, swoon worthy man. Ellie, you really out did yourself with him cause lord have mercy. Yes football daddy yes!!!

I’m also so here for a strong af fmc. Siena was so cool, confident and such a bad ass woman. I loved how rebellious she was. Her story was so heartwarming and the growth that her and Brooks go through individually + together throughout this book had my heart melting.

These two characters were so evenly matched and perfect for each other. They truly had me giggling and kicking my feet. The way they flirt with each other is honestly chef's kiss. It’s everything I want in a spicy romcom read. And I truly do not know how I’m not suppose to mention what happens at the gala.... iykyk!!!!?! Dare I say #goals lol :)

Now this is technically the second book of the Oakwood Bay series and I am so ashamed to admit that I never actually read the first book. I know, how dare I?! But because I am so thoroughly obsessed with this book I am without a doubt going to buy and read the first one asap!!!

Also also... I cannot wait - like dyinggggg to get my hands on - Summer and Parker’s book!!?! umm Mr. twelve orgasms in one night/bondage kink Parker who??? I am so so excited eeeeek!!!

Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books and NetGalley for the arc. This book officially releases tomorrow - so if you have a spare second in your day I would highly recommend going to purchase!

• Fake Dating
• Meet-Cute
• Hate to Love
• He Falls First
• Witty Banter
• Sports Romance
• Dual POV

Spice level: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, & Ellie K. Wilde for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Oh hell yes- Ellie K. Wilde has done it again. I LOVED Only In Your Dreams and I love this book too. No sophomore slump in this series! We get more of EVERY beloved person from book 1 and even more found family with the addition of Siena and her circle.

Sports Romance- Fake Dating - Family Obligations - Grief - Internet clout chasing culture - CHEMISTRY - only one bed - creeeeepy landlords and a hero -- FOUND FAMILY beyond anyone's dreams -- sports comeback story - Tattoos -- boundaries-- broken boundaries.

In my review for Only In Your Dreams- I was thrilled about this upcoming book- but then begged for a Summer book AND a Parker book. Guys- we are getting one- that is BOTH! This book lead to that pairing so deliciously and I cannot wait!

I absolutely loved this story. When I read Only In Your Dreams (book 1), I knew I loved Ellie Wilde's writing style. She writes amazing banter with humor that always feels organic. Likewise, her "spice" is great. Wilde writes creative and steamy scenes that keep me locked into the story. I also love reading the "Fake Dating" trope in romance books, and I felt like it was done well in this story. The main character's motivations made sense and fit into the plot.
I would highly recommend this book (and series) to readers who enjoy rom-coms with great spice and a meaningful plot that drives the story forward.

Romantic, charming, and hopeful!

Only Between Us is a heartwarming, sassy tale that takes you on a journey into the life of Siena Pippen, a young woman who, after an embarrassing first meeting and a former disastrous relationship with a pro-football player, finds herself agreeing to fake date the one man, football player Brooks Attwood who although struggling to get himself back on an NFL team after a career-ending injury might actually be the one who finally steals her heart.

The prose is smooth and light. The characters are amusing, supportive, and endearing. And the plot is a heartfelt, flirty blend of tricky situations, tender moments, humorous hijinks, introspection, new beginnings, friendship, family, health, happiness, romance, and love.

Overall, Only Between Us is another charming, witty, delightful tale by Wilde that has all the elements I’ve come to know and love in her novels, including a fierce heroine, an attentive alpha male, and a fast-paced, swoony storyline.