I love a good fake dating troupe! Only Between Us did not disappoint! I loved getting to know Brooks and Siena and reading their story.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This series is so fun and I was excited to be back in this world. If you enjoy sports romances, fake dating, and a little enemies to lovers this would be a great pick for you! I loved our two characters and how they grew and supported each other throughout.

The spice? The characters? The storyline? Everything about this book I loved. Will definitely recommend this book.

✨Book Rec✨
Only Between Us by Ellie K Wilde
Can be standalone

1st person dual POV
Spice: 2/3🔥

O. B. S. E. S. S. E. D. WITH THIS!! I honestly didn’t think it could get any better than book 1 but then this goes and blows me away. It’s so effing good. The yearning!!! He’s so down bad for her and I’m in love with their love!! GREAT read!!

What you’ll find:
- retired football star making a comeback
- fake dating
- hate kissing
- so much yearning
- fantastic spice

Book Review – Only Between Us by Ellie K Wilde
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for this ARC.

Only Between Us is a heartfelt and emotional fake-dating romance that really delivers. Brooks and Siena both come with layered, compelling backstories that make them feel real and deeply relatable.

The story kicks off with a fake relationship to help Brooks secure a contract with his dream football team, but it quickly evolves into something much more meaningful. Through their growing connection, both characters discover love, healing, found family, and what truly brings them joy.

Ellie K Wilde has done a fantastic job continuing this series, and I might even say I liked this one more than the first. It’s a warm, romantic read with genuine heart.

Fake dating is my favorite romance trope. I love the reason why they have to pretend to be together; this time, it's because Brooks Attwood, a football pro, needs to clean up his reputation, and having a girlfriend will make it look like he's serious and responsible. Then a photo goes viral, and it seems like Sienna has a new boyfriend.

Siena appears carefree and wild, but she has trust issues (thanks to her toxic family and boyfriends). Brooks is smitten from the first time he meets her, and the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that Siena is the one.

At first, there is a bit of miscommunication, a lot of banter, and the more time they spend together, the more they (especially he) realize that they want a real relationship. Since the beginning, there is attraction, Brooks has a filthy mouth, and Siena is sassy and fierce, both like flirting, and they are playful and chaotic. There is a lot of tension. Brooks knows what he wants and he's going for it, and also he is patient with Siena, because she may be wonderful, but she has some problems to solve first.

It’s very funny, but both have real problems, especially Siena's. She did not have an easy childhood and now wants to please her adoptive parents and satisfy the obligations she believes she must fulfill. Brooks had an injury years ago and is trying to return to the NFL, which requires a lot of training and demands on his body. Both have to resolve personal goals before moving forward in their relationship. And I liked the ending, obvious HEA, but they both have to change something to stay together, they talk about the changes they have to make and why or why not they want to make them, it’s realistic and shows that they are stronger together. I'm glad Sienna has dreams too, and now she is the one who is going to fulfill them. It's slightly longer than other romances I usually read, but it reads fast, it's hilarious, and the banter was fire.

Overall, it’s a great romance, with lots of spicy scenes, but also is a slow burn and funny, and there is no third-act breakout. 

Thanks, Atria, for the free copy. I will definitely have to read the next book. 

Read it if you like:
Fake Dating
Football Romance
A bit of summer vibes

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

Football romance meets fake dating, that is an always an instant yes for me. I loved that the FMC was a foster child and has a beautifully crafted found family story. Both MCs have that super confident exterior but a super vulnerable interior I like to call it the tootsie pop, so good! The banter is next level and there is definitely a lot of bold and spicy moments.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Brooks is giving it his all to get back to the NFL, it’s been 2 years since he retired due to injury. He has one mission to make it on the Rebels. The only issue is the Rebels don’t like his play boy image even if it’s not who he is anymore.

Siena took over her dad’s bait and tackle store when he passed. Her parents gave up everything when they took her in at 13 and she can never repay them. Today she is sneaking onto a football field to feel that connection to her dad. The last thing she expected was to be locked in a room above the field with Brooks, a retired player from the team her dad loved. But there is definitely not love between them.

Siena and Brooks hit it off in the worst way, it is instant hate. She never guessed the selfie that just went viral may be Brooks only ticket onto the Rebels. He now just has to convince her to fake date him till he’s signed. It’s going to be a long pre season, with more than footballs flying. As Siena does not do football players after her ex crushed her.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“Sweetheart, I started falling for you the moment I quite literally fell for you on that field. Stupid me, trying to break your fall like a hero. Only to realize that I wanted you to fall for me more than anything.”

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Hate to Love
* Fake Dating
* She Runs Family Bait & Tackle Shop
* Retired Wide Receiver Comeback to the NFL
* Great Banter
* He Falls First
* German Shepherd - Pete
* Dual POV w/ Spice

💕🎣🏈⛵️💕🎣🏈⛵️💕🎣🏈⛵️💕

Fake dating? Fiery banter? A secretly soft football player? Only Between Us had me hooked from the start. Brooks and Siena’s chemistry absolutely sizzled, and I loved the love-hate dynamic that slowly melted into something real. Siena was fierce and grounded, while Brooks brought the charm and unexpected sweetness. Their “fauxmance” was full of laugh-out-loud moments, swoony tension, and just the right amount of heart. If you’re into sports romances, fake dating tropes, or just want a fun, feel-good read, this one’s for you. Solid 3.5 stars from me—cute, flirty, and full of sparks!

Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC in return my free and honest opinion.

This story surprised me! I was unsure at first if I would like it. However, as soon as you meet Sienna (NOT CEE CEE) and Brooks you immediately love them as individuals. They both deserved each other from the start, it took fake dating for them to actually see it.

This was a wonderful story. There is childhood trauma but it’s in the past. This honestly made the story that much more beautiful.

Last thing, the Spice was Amazing!!! It was different and glorious! I highly recommend this book to any person that loves Romance and spice! Also, you do not need to read the first one to enjoy this one! It felt completely separate from the other book yet it was completely connected because of the town and everything around them.

Also, Family is who loves you and shows up!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for this e-arc.

This book follows a former football player who agrees to fake date the ex of another NFL player after they are mistaken as a couple. This book sizzled with chemistry, I loved the love hate emotions we have between these two characters because you know when that happens they are gonna be so fiery toegther. Give me a fake dating trope any day of the week and I will eat that up. I also loved our FMC Sienna and our MMC Brooks. I loved how sweet, but fierce Sienna was and Brooks was funny and a secret softy I just loved that. Very cute read and would recommend for fans of sports romances, fake dating and just all around a good time

I don’t even know what I should say about this book. Ellie K. Wilde is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. Both books in this series have been perfection to say the least. But this one? It’s like she put crack through the pages😅 She delivered a sassy fmc, a cinnamon roll mmc, all the swoon-worthy moments, a few spicy moments, and tears all wrapped into one adorably pink book🩷

Only Between Us follows Brooks and Sienna who end up fake dating to help Brooks land a spot on the Rebels team and Sienna with her families business. I’ve been so interested in Brooks character since reading about him in ‘Only in Your Dreams’ and he didn’t disappoint. Brooks is the definition of a vulnerable yet confident (and hot) man. He was so in tune with his emotions, was ever the optimist, and always had a bubbly personality. However, he did have some insecurities that made me want to give him the biggest hug.

Sienna was the same for me, I instantly loved her fire. She kept her emotions under lock and key but she was such a kind, free spirit. I really enjoyed all the different sides we got from her and could definitely relate to her.

Sienna and Brooks together was like finding a missing puzzle piece and finally being able to connect it to the other. These two saw each other in themselves and it was beautiful seeing both of them get what they deserved. On top of their emotional connection, the chemistry between them was so good!! They were so flirty it had me giggling to myself🤭 They served the angst, tension, and slow burn. 10s across the board🙌

These characters were so good to read about. I loved following Sienna and Brooks on their individual journeys as well as seeing them fall in love with one another. And the meaning behind ‘only between us’ ugh my heart🥹. Brooks and Sienna really stole the show and, of course, my heart❤️‍🩹

Thank you to Atria Books for inviting me to read Only Between Us early via NetGalley!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in their case it's worth a lot more than that. Brooks Atwood's life is kind of hanging in the balance and she is literally the only one who can save him. It was supposed to be an innocent picture of her fan and her father's favorite player, but once the media got a hold of it it became something else entirely. It's then that his manager offers them up an idea, one that will save them both... in more ways then one!

The pages of Only Between Us hold a steamy, funny, and heartfelt sports romance that is destined to leave your heart all kinds of happy. The moment I started reading this one I knew it was going to be one of those books that I wouldn't want to put down, it pulled me in and refused to let go. I loved watching these two try to stay on their sides of the line, and keep things strictly faux for media sake. It was a struggle every time they were near one another, which had the tension between them constantly building. It was a steamy journey I just knew would pay off in the end... and boy did it ever! I loved every minute of this one and I know if you give it a chance you will too. Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde

🏈 Spicy
🏈Fake Dating
🏈Dual POV

Sienna and Brooks have a meet cute that turns into a meet hate. But they need each other, him to get an NFL deal and her to pay her mounting bills.

I loved how they both help each other with their respective baggage and find a way to love each other the way they both deserve. As I’ve said before I’m a sucker for a strong badass FMC and Sienna is definitely that. Brooks is a golden retriever to her black cat. S & B Forever! ♥️

I can’t wait to read more in this series! Thank you to Ellie Wilde, Net Galley and Atria Books for this ARC! Only Between Us is out everywhere now! 📘

ARC Review: I loved this cute sports romance!! It was VERY spicy 🌶️ and has found family, forced roommates, fake dating, upgraded from the ex, and a huge puppy. It’s hilarious, and they constantly argue who kissed who first. She owns a bait tackle shop but would rather be sailing, and he is a former retired football player trying to join the league again and sign for his hometown. There are deeper character traits that is divulged in the book with especially her background. The only thing I wish was different was the timeline to be expanded, since it seemed like they were instant lust and getting together rather quickly, saying “I love you” fast. Bonus: There is a hot tub scene 🥵 I will definitely be reading the third book that comes out, because I can’t WAIT for Parker and Summer to get together 🙏 if you liked the Mile High series, you will enjoy this series, as well!!

4.5 stars!!

this book was so fun & hot and such a great fake dating romance !!! i love brooks so much !!!!!!! the way he cared for siena & fought for her??? iconic. and i just wanted to give him a hug. like he's been through SO MUCH and now he's fighting to get back to his dreams. pls he deserves everything!!! him & siena are perfect for each other.

this books was a great time & a perfect palette cleanser. i was laughing & swooning & definitely sweating !!

and now i'm ready for book three 👀

thank you Atria Books for the arc! this is my honest review.

4.5 stars! Thank you to Atria Books for an ARC of this book. I am obsessed with the fake dating, sports romance, golden retriever athlete gorgeousness of this book. Brooks Attwood is EVERYTHING and Siena is such a badass, yet a complex and completely rootable FMC. I was 1000% sold on them from page 1, and I love how it seemed that two twin souls were created in Brooks and Siena. The supporting cast was of course an A+ as well, with extra special points going to Shy/Rosie, the cribbage group, and, of course, Pete. And I would be crazy not to mentioned Summer and Parker, whose book I am anxiously waiting for.

An absolutely slam dunk (sorry wrong sport I know) from Ellie K. Wilde!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖Siena Pippen is commemorating the two year anniversary of her dad’s passing in the way she knows best - sneaking onto the field of their favorite college football team, which she watched from the stadium seats with her dad so many times over the years. Brooks Attwood is working on his comeback to the NFL after a nearly career ending injury two years prior. When their paths collide after a stray pass leads to Brooks literally falling for (to catch) her, Siena takes a selfie and posts it to her social media along with some other pictures. The post quickly blows up, with everyone assuming they’re together, and Brooks’ agent decides Siena is their answer to improving Brooks’ image and appealing to his old pro-team. Siena resists until she realizes the brand deal money from her relationship with Brooks could help her afford to keep her dad’s pride and joy, their family business Ship Happens, afloat. Will they be able to maintain the specifically established boundaries they set for themselves to keep the fake dating.. fake?

📝Brooks and Siena are everything I could want in a sports romance couple. From her turbulent childhood that led to her joining her current family at age 13 after she broke into their house looking for food, and they decided to take her in instead of pressing charges… to her becoming a massive fan of a college and pro football team because they were her dad’s favorite and that was something they bonded over during his life. Nothing about their story felt like it was Insta love or inorganic at all.
Brooks is charming, hilarious, and down bad for sienna… Will do everything for her and is secretly so soft but outwardly absolutely killing it on his training toward a career comeback. Brooks gives golden retriever energy, and I’m so here for it!

Siena is strong, independent, feels lost in life and is so done with NFL drama after her previous relationship with an NFL player… But of course, she gets herself caught in a fake dating scheme. And of course, sparks fly. This book had me kicking my feet and holding my breath because the tension was just so good.

Read if you love:
💗 Fake dating
🏈 Sports romance
🗣️ Great banter
😍He falls first
🦮 golden retriever MMC who is down BAD and goes out of his way to spoil his very independent woman

Thank you to Atria Books for the gifted ARC of this title!

I could not read Only in Your Dreams fast enough so I was beyond excited when I was offered an ARC for book two in the series!

It was just as much fun, but with a totally different sort of story which I loved.

The characters are so likable but nuanced, you get to see how their past and pain affects who they are as people today, which gives them a lot of depth.

I always appreciate when a male character bends over backward for a woman BUT in a respectful way that acknowledges their need for independence and autonomy. Ellie K Wilde is awesome at writing these kind of characters.

I cannot wait for more books in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for providing me with a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

READ IT. RN. I love this book so much. Jfc. This is a 6 star read for me.

Idk what Ellie puts in her writing but I ADORE it!!!! The characters interactions & internal monologues are just the best. Her writing style scratches an itch in my brain.

This was SO good. I love Brooks. Gimme a Brooks irl right now please & thanks :) I love Siena & how unapologetically herself she is, gimme her as a best friend right now.

Usually I’m not a fan of miscommunication but it works in such a way that these two are just cute little idiots trying to fight their attraction & feelings in the funniest way. I love idiots to lovers. And truly they are silly geese.

I cried at work reading this btw. Like chest hurting bc I felt for them so much. And then cried all over again at their hea.

I loved loved loved seeing Zac, Mel, Parker & Summer again, and being introduced to Shy & Rosie and Sienas group of people

(Parker & Summer I am HEAVILY side eyeing yall)

Ellie is an auto buy author for me for very good reason. You get heartfelt emotions, dirty dirty times & hysterical moments that’ll have you screeching with laughter. I just love it all so much.

Can’t wait to see what comes next!!!!

Thank you to Ellie, Atria & NetGalley for an eARC! Review & opinions are honest and my own!!

Ellie K. Wilde is giving a masterclass on sexual tension versus spice. She holds back just long enough for Brooks and Siena’s relationship to truly blossom, all while keeping the tension deliciously high. I wasn’t sure how she’d follow up Book 1, but she absolutely outdid herself!

Brooks and Siena fatally misunderstand each other. It was fun to read because you get to laugh at their expense. He thinks she’s a clout-chasing gold digger, and she thinks he’s a superficial jerk. Their dynamic reminded me of the tension in "Gloves Off" by Stephanie Archer. But in reality, their personalities are completely different.

Siena is a rare kind of FMC—what I’d call “salt of the earth.” She reminded me of Miller in her overalls from "Caught Up" by Liz Tomforde. After her father’s sudden passing, Siena gave up her career dreams and romantic pursuits to run her family’s fishing store and care for her ailing mom. She’s loyal, grounded, and completely self-reliant.

Brooks, on the other hand, is the most attentive man you've ever met. He’s fiercely protective and fighting for a career comeback after a devastating injury. Every time Siena defies one of his assumptions, his reaction is priceless. I love how Brooks changes once he realizes how wrong he is about her. He wants to swoop in and fix everything—but she’s so independent that he has to wait until she asks for help. I found the mutual boundaries and respect between them to be genuinely refreshing.

And the spice? Aspirational. I was blushing and giggling by the 25% mark. Ellie K. Wilde knows how to write heat with heart.