One sitting read because I could not put this down!!!

I loved this book and the chemistry between Brooks and Siena was off the charts! Ellie Wilde's writing is incredible and completely draws you into the story and the relationship between the couple. While sports is a heavy focus in the book, it isn't really the focus so much. The book involves self-reflection, healing, and coming to understand another person can be there for you.

If you're a fan of Emily Henry and Elsie Silver, these books are definitely for you. New favourite author alert--Ellie Wilde!

Ellie K Wilde is becoming an instant buy author for me! She knows her sports romance and the two books I’ve read are fun and spicy. Fake dating is also one of my favorite tropes so this was fantastic! . Thank you for letting me read this early!

This book is definitely hot and way spicy. I loved the characters and the plot to the book. It was just way too hot for my taste.

I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for this advanced reader copy and this is my honest review.

I just finished Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde and wow—my heart is full. This book pulled me in from the very beginning and had me completely invested in the characters. The chemistry was off the charts, but what really got me was the emotional depth. There were moments that made me smile and others that hit me right in the chest. I loved how real and raw the connection between the characters felt. It was steamy in all the right ways, but also had such a strong emotional core. Definitely one of those reads that sticks with you. Highly recommend if you love romance that’s both swoony and heartfelt.

A very easy 4 star read. Siena and Brooks are absolutely adorable. I love them as both individual characters and as a couple. This is overall just a really giant warm hug of a love story. Brooks is a golden retriever cinnamon roll; Siena is fiercely loyal and a fabulous FMC. She is someone I would want to be friends with in real life. My only thoughts keeping this from 5 stars is because it didn't give me that 5 star feeling and felt the slightest bit too long (I did start skimming spicy scenes after so many, but if you are wanting more than a handful in a story oh boy are you going to love this).

Side note: I can't wait for the third book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for an eARC of this story!

Ellie K Wilde is my newest author obsession!

I gave 5 stars to the first Oakwood Bay book Only In Your Dreams and have been anxiously awaiting the next story of the series!

Siena and Brooks’ story was sweet, spicy, and the perfect one sitting read! I started it and couldn’t put it back down until I knew how it ended!

I cannot wait for Summer & Parker’s story next! This is just the BEST interconnected sports series!

Thank you to Atria Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

"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."

This was a really enjoyable sequel.

Brooks and Siena had a really dynamic, fun relationship. It took awhile for both of them to warm up to each other, but when they finally did they were such a fun couple, fake and otherwise ☺️

Most of my issues came from Siena. There were so many times where she was such a force and so admirable in so many ways. But she had a hang up throughout the whole book that is one of my least favorite plotlines in books. I really don't enjoy characters who think they only have one route in life because of situations that also directly affect other people but never discussing those situations WITH those people. Just assuming the worst without even trying.

There was a lot of deeper back story and a lot of her feelings were totally justified. But she had SEVERAL come to Jesus talks with her friends and it got a little old.

But the story was still pretty good and all the characters were so fun, and this also sets up for another sequel that I'll be excited to read too 😎

This was a great fake dating book! I loved the aspect of the NFL and both Brooks and Siena trying to find their way in life. They were both very likable characters and we love the MMC swooning over the FMC. I would highly recommend this to anyone but especially to those who love the fake dating trope, it is done very well.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for a copy of this ARC.

I really liked the first book in the series but I absolutely ADORED this one. It's so sweet and heartfelt while also having some really funny moments. It was longer than most romance books but I absolutely felt invested and engaged the whole time. I'm so excited for the next book in the series!

I already loved the first book in this series so this one had a lot to live up to but it knocked it out of the park. I am always on the fence about fake dating but I think it was handle so perfectly in this story it was a part of it but not the main focus of their developing relationship. Siena and Brooks were both going into a situation due to circumstances beyond their control, both suspicious and untrusting of each other but despite their best efforts the more they opened about about their past and pain the more they realized they may be exactly what the other needs. It was achingly sweet how they both needed validation and approval from one another, the comfort they gave each other so willingly and openly when it was needed was so beautiful. While sports played a roll in what was to happen their emotional development as friends and into a relationship was such a joy to read! Can't wait for more, and with the hint at the next couple I know it is going to SO GOOD!

First, thw cover of this really got my attention. This book was such a great read! From the very first page, the story pulled me in and kept me hooked all the way through. The writing was smooth, the pacing was spot-on, and the characters felt incredibly real and relatable. I found myself rooting for them and eagerly flipping pages to see what would happen next. There was a perfect balance of emotion, drama, and just the right touch of humor. It was one of those books that’s hard to put down. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging story.

This was great, almost as good as the first in the series! It set a good pace from the beginning and though, there seemed to be a lack of depth when the characters were first falling for each other, the back half made up for it. Highly recommend.

Ellie K. Wilde hit is out of the park with the second book in the Oakwood Bay series! I didn’t think I would love Brooks and Siena as much as I did, but I found myself staying up way too late to read their story. It was perfection!

Siena is drowning in guilt AND drowning in debt. After getting out of her long term relationship to a very high profile NFL player, the last thing she needs is to jump right back into that scene.

Enter Brooks. After an early retirement from an injury, Brooks has decided to make another go of the NFL. He’s got the speed, size, and determination. But the problem? His image is a little…. Slutty. And the team he wants to sign with? Big family values. So Brooks and Siena decide to fool everyone with a fake relationship. What could go wrong, right?

Brooks was the perfect golden retriever boyfriend, and Siena was hilarious. Her insecurities and third act break up were very real problems they needed to overcome.

Thank you Ellie Wilde, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this novel -out July 8th!

This books was soooooo good. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book since I did not like the first one but wow am I glad I gave this author another chance.

The story was perfect, the characters were perfect, the banter was amazing and the spice was HOT!

I loved Siena and Brooks so much I know I will be thinking about them a lot. I loved every interaction they had, the flirty banter was everything and 👏 they 👏 communicated 👏 like 👏 grown 👏 adults! The fake dating trope was done so well and I fell more in love with our main characters with every page.

If you're looking for a funny and spicy sports romance that's also very sweet and has depth to it, THIS IS THE BOOK!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for this E-ARC!

I am in love. In love with this book, these characters, and Ellie K Wilde. I started reading this book and was thinking wow, I enjoy this writing, it reminds me of another book. Said other book was the first book in this serious. Equally as good. I gobbled this 400+ page book in less than 24 hours. I absolutely adore this friend group. I adore these books! They are so good. Funny, cute, adorable, slightly spicy. There was a scene in this book that I had to clutch my pearls for a second. Then I reread that scene a few times! Go read this book right now.

Brooks got an injury while playing football for the NFL and had his whole life turned upside down. He’s been working hard to get back into the game but made some questionable choices during his downward spiral. He needs to redo his image to be able to get drafted by his one and only team.
When a picture is posted of him and fan favorite good girl Siena Pippen, it starts to look good for Brooks. Now if he could only convince her to fake date him until he gets drafted.

Fake dating is one of my absolute favorite tropes! It’s delicious. I loved this book and the first one and will absolutely be continuing this series and I will be reading all of Ellie’s books.

This was a very good sequel to “Only in Your Dreams.” Put a sports romance with the fake dating trope and you have my attention. Both of the main characters have recently come out of problematic relationships. This causes quite a bit of trust issues and the need for good communication. This got quite spicy through the middle and end, but I think it was done well. If you pair a golden retriever MMC with an actual pet dog I’m going to swoon every time. Pick this one up!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC!

✨️ Sports Romance - Football
✨️ Dual POV
✨️ Fake Dating
✨️ Only One Bed
✨️ Enimies to lovers
✨️ Protective MMC
✨️ He Falls First
✨️ High Spice

I've never read this author before, but the synopsis of a fake dating, sports romance with a little enemies to lovers drew me in. I loved the main characters, Siena and Brooks. The challenges they faced personally and in their relationship were realistic and understandable. Communication played a key role in their relationship. I love when it is used to strengthen and propel a relationship forward rather than poor communication being used as a plot device. I also enjoyed the surrounding cast of characters and how open and honest they were with each other. I loved the setup for a Summer and Parker book and will be eagerly waiting for it!

I took off a star for two reasons. First, I felt the first two spicy scenes were too much, too fast. I would've rather seen them toned down to drag out the tension longer. The second reason was the writing style. I felt the short thought-like sentence style was overused to the point that it just started feeling choppy.

I would still absolutely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author!

I love sports romance and this was fully in line with my all of my faves! Fake relationships are always fun tropes for the characters to navigate. Brooks is an adorable love interest for Siena, their developing relationship is fun to watch. Super fun tension and spice and you root for these two from the very beginning. Siena's foster child background is unique and it's lovely to see Brooks fall for her.

Special thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the ARC.

I received an advance reader copy of Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Step aside everybody, because I've got a new favorite Golden Retriever boyfriend. Only Between Us is a cute football romance where Brookes, an NFL wide receiver who's recovering from a bad concussion and training for his comeback, finds himself fake dating Siena, a wild spirit who agrees to the scheme to make ends meet.

I loved this book. The banter between the main characters hit every single romcom note I itch to scratch, and it introduced me to my favorite Golden Retriever boyfriend of the year. Only Between Us has made it to one of my few 5-star reads this year.

--

Overall Impressions 😊

This was my first football romance and to be frank I expected a different version of hockey romances, which I adore. And that's what I got. No complaints here. However, I did not expect this to exceed my expectations so thoroughly. I was thinking after seeing so many meet-cute ➝ attraction ➝ third act break up ➝ HEA cycles, I didn't think I could get surprised. Apparently, the magic is in the details, and that's what's special about this book.

I was giggling the entire time. The attraction between these two was so palpable that I couldn't stop reading or creating time to read it. It was addictive to watch them fall in love, and the spice was just so 🥵.

The chemistry between the characters is uncharted, the banter is adorable, the side characters offer comedic relief, and it's just a good romcom.

Perfect For Fans Of… 🌟

If you're into sports romances with a very confident and talented boyfriend, this one will be your cup of tea. Think Off Campus or Briar U by Elle Kennedy, or Maple Hills by Hannah Grace. If you're into those, you'll feel right at home with this one.

With its lighthearted humor and extra spice, it hits all the marks. I would also say the fake dating was done really well in this book, so if you're into that trope, this one should definitely be on your TBR.

Characters 👥

I hate to say it, but when reading romcoms, it's all about the MMC. And Brooks delivers. He's cute. He's talented. He's loyal. Devoted. Extremely jealous. His love language is unmatched. He is good with kids, very vocal about his feelings, confident in what he wants, and aware of his insecurities. It's very attractive in an MMC.

Siena isn't so bad either. She's a free spirit, although her background does give a bit of It Ends With Us, and her actions are a bit "pick me." I had to roll my eyes a bit every time she had an "I'm not like the other girls" trait. She wears overalls, rides a bike, and sneaks into football fields in secret. But I loved her passion for her family, her devotion to her friends, and her inability to stay away from Brooks.

I liked both of their support systems. Parker and Summer were top-notch friends to Brooks. And although I haven't read the first book in the series (this one practically reads as a standalone), I would pick up a book about Parker and Summer so fast you don't even know it.

Plot 🗺️

As always, the plot is the secondary concern in a romcom, but we also don't want straight romance either. I love watching a couple meeting and folding into each other's life, and that part shines, so I love love loved this book. It honestly felt like what fake dating with an NFL athlete while slowly turning into an influencer would look like.

I liked how it handled a serious theme like an injured athlete, especially within a contact sport.

However, I have a strong preference for contemporary romance to be a bit shorter — around 350 pages or so (this one’s just shy of 400), and occasionally the B plot with friends and family felt too verbose or unnecessary. I appreciate the depth it offered to the characters, but sometimes I could've done without it. Although that might just be because I basically didn't want to read a single page without Brooks in it. And that might just be that.

Writing Style and Narration ✍️

This book was like candy to read. It was written light, effortless, and just an easy read to absolutely devour.

I am an absolute sucker for dual POVs, especially the MMC’s chapters where he pines and yearns for the FMC, and this book did such a good job with that. Brooks’s inner monologue is chef's kiss, and I loved his chapters so much.

Then there's the witty banter and giggly romance. It fit the romcom vibes so well that I enjoyed every second of it.

Closing Thoughts 🧃

I cannot sing the praises of this book enough. It gave me my new favorite Golden Retriever boyfriend. I love a confident, happy, and funny lead so very much, and Brooks tops the list in that category this year.

I also really enjoyed Ellie K. Wilde's writing. This was my first book of hers, and I’d love to read more. I'm already making my way to the first book in the series, and I'm curious to see what the experience will feel like in backwards order!

Please note that publisher's email requests the review to be posted on or as close to the publish date as possible. I have not posted on Goodreads and blog post yet, but it will be posted on the day of the release on July 8th but the publisher can reach out to us and have us publish it sooner shouldl they prefer!

🤍🔐 Book Review: Only Between Us by Ellie K Wilde 🔐🤍

A quietly beautiful romance about trust, healing, and the fragile power of vulnerability. Ellie K Wilde crafts a slow-burning story where every secret shared draws two souls closer, making Only Between Us an intimate journey of love and self-discovery.

What it’s about:
Two wounded hearts find solace in each other, building a connection that thrives in the spaces of honesty and guarded secrets. As they navigate their pasts and fears, they learn that some things are meant to stay just between them.

Tropes You’ll Love:
💞 Slow burn romance
🔒 Secrets & trust
🌿 Emotional healing
🤫 Intimate connection

If you crave romance that’s tender, honest, and deeply emotional, this one will stay with you long after the last page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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