𝟮.𝟱 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗣
I hate to say it but...book one (Only In Your Dreams) was WAYYYYY better!

We got to know Brooks fairly well in the first book, so I was super excited to see his love story play out. However, he just wasn't the same?? Is it just me or was this a different character entirely?! I know I cannot be the only one who was giggling over his antics in Only In Your Dreams and then in this one he was just like EVERY. OTHER. DUDE. in an "enemies to lovers" romance.

Also, I wasn't entirely sold on the reasoning for their fake relationship. On both sides...

I have and WILL continue to reread book one, but I may just try to forget that this one exists 😭😭😭😭

Thank you Atria and Netgalley for the ARC!

Oh man, I REALLY liked this book.

I read Ellie Wilde's first book in this series (Only In Your Dreams) first, and while I liked that, I would have changed some things. This, which is the next in the series, really delivered for me.

Siena and Brooks have a bit of a meet cute, which leads to fake dating, and eventually falling for each other, which is a trope I really enjoy. But even better was the character development, the modeling of consent, and the amount that I felt like they cared about each other. I increasingly am looking for that in my romance books, and I really liked how this book did that.

On top of that, there was a nice slow burn, some really lovable side characters, a jock who doesn't act like a Neanderthal, and holy smokes, some really legit spice.

I'm hoping that the next in the series follows suit - I'll be eagerly waiting for it.

This book delivers everything I love in a fake dating, slow-burn romance with scorching chemistry and heartfelt emotion. Brooks is the charming, dirty-talking football player who falls first and hard for independent, no-nonsense Siena. Their “enemies to lovers” dynamic had me giggling, swooning, and turning pages fast. The banter sparkles, the tension sizzles (that gala scene, omg 🔥), and the emotional beats hit just right.

“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.”

A touch long, but still an addictive, swoony read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Only Between Us is the second book in the Oakwood Bay series by author Ellie K Wilde.

I liked this one even more than the first book! Brooks Atwood is trying to return to the sport he loves after a serious injury. His body is in great shape but his reputation could use some rehab too. Enter Siena. The two find themselves fake dating and as you can guess, lines start to blur.

I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a steamy, banter filled, football romance!

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you Atria and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

“Only Between Us” is a delightful blend of spice, humor, and heartwarming moments that draws you in from the first page. We are introduced to Brooks, a wide receiver on the verge of making a comeback in the professional football world. After facing an injury and a scandal that tarnished his reputation, he's determined to reclaim his place with the Rebels. However, it’s not just his career that’s in jeopardy; he needs a strategy to navigate the fallout, which leads him to the idea of a fake girlfriend.
Enter Siena, already a familiar name in the football scene for her quirky charm as the “Bird Girl”—she became famous for having birds resting on her during games due to her soothing presence. The two agree to this arrangement, but as their faux relationship unfolds, they discover an unexpected connection that goes beyond the surface. Their bond runs deep, revealing that they are truly kindred spirits.
One of the standout aspects of this book is Brooks's inner monologue, which beautifully captures his genuine care for Siena. It’s refreshing to see a romance that emphasizes emotional intimacy over mere physical attraction. Both characters share a desire to support each other, seeing beyond their public personas.
However, I didn’t give this book a perfect score due to a few minor hiccups. At times, I found myself confused about the settings—there were moments when I thought they had traveled cross-country only to realize they were still in the same region. It just felt a tad disjointed.
As for the spicy scenes, while they were undeniably well-crafted and engaging, they occasionally seemed a bit out of sync with the overall tone of the story. It felt like a sharp shift that broke the rhythm of their developing relationship. Nonetheless, the emotional journey and character development make this read worth it, even with those quirks!

I LOVE when a book exceeds expectations. Top 10 romance of 2025-- even top 5!

This author genuinely surprises me every time. Not because I think the books will be bad, but because I don't expect to fall in love with the characters, nor do I expect sex scenes that are so well written and appropriate for the couple. I did NOT expect to see such a well developed FMC, based on the cover or blurb.

Siena's character arc alone made this book a winner. Next, the fake-dating trope is so common in the romance genre that it never feels fresh anymore, but this one did! And lots of guys are assholes when they are a) rich athletes, b) worried about their careers/at risk of failure, c) being made to do something they don't want to (e.g. fake date), or d) worried about gold-diggers, but Brooks was written to be really vulnerable, but ambitious, and still a nice guy but not a pushover.

I hate to be the person who compares, but I recently read The Love Haters by Katherine Center, and I was disappointed in how despite the FMC having self-esteem issues (and the author writing her eating disorder gently so as not to trigger people having the same), the way the character "healed" felt unrealistically abbreviated. This novel, Only Between Us, is a great example of a grown woman who is still "just a girl" going through real life changing circumstances and self-worth issues since girlhood, but who does more work in adulthood to overcome. Maybe the difference was that in the former book it felt like the man had to validate her, and in this case it feels like the woman and her mother/family do the important work.

DEFINITELY need to read Summer and Parker's story (If Only You Knew: A Novel).

I never read football but this fake dating was absolute perfection! Did I once again fall for a mmc and dub him my favorite?! Absolutely!!!

Alright these two are SO SWEET (well also very saucy)

I felt physical heart aches at points during this book and found myself nearly crying at the end. The emotional depth that this author was able to infuse into this book while also making it STEAMY. I think that the sex scenes were well placed and paced throughout the story.

I love a fake dating book and we obviously know it will turn real eventually, but it maybe turned into a real relationship a wee bit faster than I would have liked.

I'm really excited for Summer and Parkers book and also realized in this book that that one is going to be SO SPICY and a lil kinky. Can't wait.

This book was the best surprise! I’m on the Atria influencer team and I chose this book at random last month with the ARC offerings. It sounded cute enough and had an adorable cover. I wasn’t expecting much when I started it, but it was adorable from start to finish! I always say that I am a sucker for fake dating and apparently that is still true. I was hooked on these two from day one. I love fake dating antics, no matter the reason. Brooks is a top tier MMC. He is so cocky and confident, but also a little insecure and so sweet. He’s both reformed bad boy and golden retriever. He has a heart of gold and filthy mouth. He absolutely falls first and he isn’t afraid of who knows it. Siena grew on me. I don’t relate to the wild card FMCs (personal thing lol) but I ended up loving her and Brooks together. I love that despite how much Brooks wanted her, he never really pushed her to give up her life for him. I love how much he supported her and could quickly tell what her true passion was. I loved his relationship with his friends and his dog. I loved how unapologetically all in he was! The poor sap was literally looking at Siena’s best friend’s kid going “I want one of those.” I loved his relationship with his parents and how he ended up forming a relationship with Siena’s mom as well. I feel like the fake dating becomes less important as time goes on, but it does come full circle in the end. Either way, I don’t really care because the fake dating journey is what gets me the most. And the steam!? Don’t be fooled by this cover, this book is steamyyyy! The ballroom scene lives rent free in my head. I loved that they had real problems to deal with, but it wasn’t especially angsty and it didn’t have a third act breakup either. This is my first book by this author, but clearly won’t be my last. I read this book at the perfect time seeing as how preseason football is about to start up! Thanks so much to Atria for the ARC (physical and ebook). I love that I am discovering new to me authors through this program, and I can’t wait to read more by Ms. Wilde.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Ellie K. Wilde for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book!

WOW—while I really enjoyed the first book in this standalone series, this second one completely stole my heart. I’m obsessed with Siena and Brooks. They’re officially my new favorite book couple, and Brooks is the perfect golden retriever boyfriend—sweet, loyal, charming, and all heart.

One of the most refreshing parts of this story was the absence of the typical miscommunication trope. The fake dating setup was done so well—it felt natural, mature, and fun. Siena and Brooks acted like real adults, and I loved that there was no third-act breakup. That alone makes this book a standout in the romance genre.

Also, we must give a special shoutout to Pete—the very good boy. A romance novel with a dog always wins extra points in my book!

I was briefly confused by how little we saw of Melody and Zack, especially with Peter and Summer appearing more often, but then I remembered they’d moved away—so that made sense. The friend group in this book was so well integrated with Shy fitting right in; even as background characters, they felt fully developed and added depth to the story.

I literally cannot wait for the next book in this series. Ellie K. Wilde continues to deliver heart, humor, and the kind of steamy romance that stays with you long after the last page.

Fake dating, fierce banter, and swoony moments? Only Between Us gave me everything I wanted in a sports romance. As the second book in the Oakwood Bay series, it brings the heat and heart while delivering an entertaining and emotionally satisfying read.

Brooks Attwood is a pro football player trying to redeem his image after a career-threatening injury and a scandalous photo leak. Siena Pippen, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with the NFL or the drama that comes with it—especially not when it involves her infamous ex. But when a viral selfie thrusts them into the spotlight as an accidental “It couple,” they strike a deal to fake a romance for mutual benefit.

What follows is a hilarious, slow-burn rollercoaster packed with chemistry, sarcasm, and just the right amount of emotional depth. Brooks is charming with a side of vulnerability, and Siena is strong, sharp, and relatable in her desire to protect her peace. Their dynamic is electric, and watching their fake relationship slowly morph into something real was the kind of feel-good ride I didn’t want to end.

This book had me smiling, swooning, and totally hooked. A perfect pick for fans of fake dating tropes, athlete heroes, and heroines with a backbone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the free e-book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️

book two in the oakwood bay series was super cute! it was such a fun read and i really enjoyed this one, but i think i liked the first better and a big part of that is the length. this book is over 400 pages long and i'm just of the opinion that a smutty romance never needs to be that long.

outside of the length, this was another great sports romance. i love a football/nfl romance tbh. i might even like them more than hockey romance... eek! especially for brooks attwood. he's attentive, kind, respectful, and so sweet to siena. i love how he loves her. we love a man who worships the ground his woman walks on. hell yes.

also, siena was so funny. i love her banter & how good she was giving brooks a little piece of her mind. she's independent and so strong of a character. enjoyed getting to see her pov.

read this one if you like:
ᵒ fake dating
ᵒ sports romance
ᵒ witty banter
ᵒ he falls first
ᵒ forced proximity
ᵒ dual pov's
ᵒ he's close & kind to her mom

I really enjoyed this book! We’re back in Oakwood bay and I love that we are getting the interconnected characters stories. Sienna is so strong and fun, I really liked her as a FMC. Brooks was also great, I always enjoy a good grump to sunshine story! I really like this world and all these characters. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Brooks Atwood suffered a career ending injury 2 years ago but he has been working to make an NFL comeback. The only thing standing in his way is his playboy reputation and the tabloid photos of alley hook ups. His agent tells him he needs to present that he is in a stable relationship but Brooks doesn't want to fake date anyone.

He is training at the stadium of the local college when he runs into a woman, Sienna. They flirt and she takes a picture with him and posts it to her socials. The post goes viral, his agent tells him he needs to be fake dating the woman, but he messes it up but calling her a golddigger. She eventually caves to the scheme with reasons of her own. They are supposed to kept it casual and not include feelings, but will their chemistry get in the way.

Another thoroughly enjoyable novel from the author. The story did a good job of discussing heavier topics, while being fun, and very sexy. The characters had great chemistry and the development of the relationship felt very natural. Both characters had great communication and they felt like real people.

4.5 ⭐️ I’m thrilled to continue on the Oakwood Bay journey. As I said before, these friends were wonderful to get to know and there’s room for interconnecting books for the other friends! The overall friendship and banter in the group is so great.
About this book specifically - Siena and Brooks have chemistry off the chart. Their chance meeting that turns into fake dating has them going from tense strangers with their own perception of each other to falling for each other fast. - Also shout out to the bestest boy, Peter. Love dogs and just side animals in general!
Ellie’s writing is easy to follow and this series is just fantastic. I’m already ready for the next book.
Some of the tropes: Fake Dating; Black Cat x Golden Retriever; Healing; Banter; Hate to Love; He Falls First.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for the advance e-book of this story!

Brooks and Siena - they fall quick but they fall hard. I loved these two and it was clear from the first minute that their lightness and banter with one another was going to sweep this reader off her feet. Ellie balances the lust with the perfect amount of honesty and heart. This is certainly more escapist romance that reality which is exactly what summer calls for. Speaking of Summer, I can't WAIT for Book 3!

I really enjoyed this book! The set up was fun and I liked how first impressions changed and then changed again. Sienna was one of my favorite FMC I’ve read in a while, so strong and fun. Brooks was also great. He was a bit of a grump at first, but once he falls for Sienna he is all in and is very romantic! I really like this world and all these characters. I'm seriously hoping the next book is Summer and Parker...I was getting major vibes in this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I can honestly say I enjoyed Only Between Us more than the first book in the series, Only in Your Dreams. Brooks is an NFL player looking to make a comeback from retirement and Siena is a girl who became internet famous on accident. But the two of them together? MAGIC. Brooks is a dream - he is kind to others, but rough around the edges. He is tender when it counts, but tough as nails when it comes to defending people he loves. If you're looking for a SPIIIIIICY romance - look no further. The push and pull between Brooks and Siena is delightful! I love the way they show up for each other again and again. Only Between Us is a fake dating, he falls first, romance that is also full of EMOTION. There was so much packed into this book - but in the best way. And the little nuggets of Parker and Summer planted throughout the book made me so excited to read their story, If Only You Knew! A must-read for the summer and beyond. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A fake dating romance, the story of Brooks and Siena. They both are getting something out of this, but knowing it will end up in him moving across the country should they let something real happen between them? A great read.

A sports romance filled with hilarious & flirtatious banter all leading to very steamy & spicy moments! Wilde writes some of the best banter making this a fun read! I spent so much time laughing at the crazy situation Brookes & Sienna find themselves in, the rules they set (let's face it, they are going to break them) & the quick wit to almost every moment. Clearly, these two are in deep from the beginning but the intensity continues to grow only leading up to the inevitable feelings neither can deny. Brookes falls fast & hard for Sienna & she is pretty much in the same situation even though she fights it. Yet, their time together only leads to true feelings & spicy, spicy, spicy moments once they give in to it all. This book ends with a sweet happily ever after and best happy vibes for the reader.