Not My Match (The Game Changers Book 2)

I just cannot get enough of the charming town of Daisy and all of the quirky characters that inhabit it. Not My Romeo was one of my favorite reads of 2021, and Not My Match certain matches its delightful witty charisma while painting an original story that is fresh and addictive. Eccentric characters with a connection that sizzles, sexy banter, the perfect nexus of comedy and romantic angst, and a tender love story at its heart. I laughed, I swooned, and I was enchanted yet again. Not My Match is yet another reminder why Ilsa Madden-Mills will always be one of my unicorn authors- every story captures my heart. And Devon and Giselle did just that. After not my Romeo, I was DYING for Devon’s story. He was the comedic support that stole every scene. And I loved him even more in Not My Match- he’s more than the easy going, jovial wingman we meet before. Devon is a BEAUTIFUL soul that had me swooning and awwing left and right. He’s the perfect hero- the right balance of possessive protectiveness and charismatic swagger with a tender, caring, and deeply loving heart behind it all. He easily stole my heart- and Giselle’s- with his unending GOODNESS. His past pains just tore at my heart. This man is so complex and compelling. Truly so dreamy- I am captivated by him and completely in love. Ilsa’s characters are always so delightfully specific and quirky- and Giselle may be her most adorably eccentric heroine yet. She surprised me in every way- and to be honest, I was worried I couldn’t get behind her after the hurt she caused her sister in book one- but I LOVED HER. Like everyone else, I had put her in a box. I had decided who and what she as without even knowing her. She is so much more than anyone can know- until Devon sees her. She’s brilliant and incredibly smart and driven, but she’s also so funny, gentle, and full of spunk and heart. And she’s so delightfully interesting and contrasting- a brilliant scientist who is writing alien erotic romance, an academic with a penchant for endless random knowledge that she adorkably spews out at any moment, a nerdy introvert who is also sexy and alluring. How could you not love her? She has such a loving soul- and she just is desperate to find herself, to be free and open with all her thoughts and love. And she has SO much love. And Ilsa so smartly gives us some closure with her sister- addressing the elephant in a room that makes us love and understand Giselle even more. These two are so different on paper- but they both just want to be seen and valued for who they are. And their connection is SO sexy, so sweet, and so well done. This is some of the best Ilsa chemistry to date (which is saying a lot because her chemistry is always impeccable). We get to watch these two grow as friends, evolve as they love and support each other, and we see them connect as people. The result is that their relationship is grounded in care and emotion- in a tender respect and admiration for each other- that makes it just sizzle off the page. And the slow burn made me even more ravenous- Ilsa works the anticipation on this one, and it is worth the wait. SWOON! They are so adorable- explosive but sweet, raw but comforting. I could not love them more. THEY ZING! Giselle and Devon’s story is so heartfelt and sweet- and full of the witty humor and sexiness that I love about Ilsa’s writing and this series. Daisy and these characters capture me every team- I love being swept away into the world that Ilsa has created. It feels like coming home- warm, inviting, full of love and laughter, and never fails to put a smile on my face.

This took a little while to grow on me, but once it did, I was LOVING it. I love an adorably unsure alpha who is in over his head, and that’s exactly what happens with Devon. It’s sweet and swoony with a slow burn that turns scorching later on, making this a read that will put you through a range of emotions. Personally, I think this reads better if you pretend the first book in the series never happened, because the author wrote herself into a bit of a corner with that one. This only stumbles when it’s referencing things that happened prior to the start of this book, and they’re largely irrelevant to this love story. Devon stole my heart from the beginning, and Giselle won me over by the end. The story follows Devon, a pro football player who is used to people leaving him. He avoids emotional entanglements and prefers to keep things casual, but there’s one (very off-limits) woman who has intrigued him recently. Giselle is one of a kind - she’s a science nerd, a highly intelligent yet slightly naive woman, and... is a little desperate to turn in her v-card. Giselle is convinced that the sexy athlete has placed her in the friend zone (or at least the off-limits zone), so she’s looking elsewhere. But when they become unexpected roommates, everything changes. I love this author’s work, but the first book in this series was not really a winner for me - and it also doesn’t paint the best picture of Giselle. So I know that a lot of fans are hesitant going into this love story, but (thankfully) it’s easy to ignore the events of the first book once the setup is out of the way. That’s probably why this took a little longer to hook me in, but once I got into it, there was no turning back. I loved the vulnerable moments between these two and the slow, delicious burn. The emotional connection is the centerpiece here, and it really shines towards the end. There’s fantastic chemistry and banter throughout, but the back half is what earns this 5 stars. The characters are complex, with real, relatable issues, and anyone who loves a marshmallow-hearted alpha will fall for Devon. I received an early copy via NetGalley (then purchased it for my collection), and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sexy, slow burn romance.

Five of the Swooniest stars! Completely. Totally. Utterly Smitten with Devon!!! The author gives us the perfect alpha male. The sweet and the swoon left me with a perma-smile on my face. I LOVED IT!!! Giselle is a nerdy girl who is newly single. She loves everything science and is chock full of fun facts. If you met her sister Elena before in Not My Romeo you might be leary, but I loved her. She’s intelligent and quirky. She definitely marches to her own beat. She knows what she wants and she’s ready to take it. Now she’s fresh off a broken engagement and ready to date. Devon is the guy she asks for help. He is a football god and a friend. He also happens be be drop dead gorgeous and the definition of alpha male possessive. However, he is not without his own issues. His fear of being left behind, keeps him guarded. Getting behind his walls is going to be tough. He’s willing to help out Giselle, the only problem is he may want to keep her all to himself. The push and pull between Giselle and Devon is fantastic. I adored Devon’s football friends and Giselle’s crazy family. All the secondary characters were so much fun and brought the laughter. The chemistry between the main characters built steadily and the culmination was everything you could hope for. An incredible read with so much emotion and a romantic connection I could not get enough of. I loved everything about this story...especially Devon. The man did not disappoint! A book I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Overall Grade: 5 ⭐️ Going into Not My Match by the incomparable Ilsa Madden-Mills, there were two preconceived notions about her hero and heroine. After Not My Romeo, this reader may or may not have had unkind thoughts about Elena’s sister, Giselle. As the boyfriend-stealing sister of Elena, for much of that book, it was difficult to like her. Add to that Jack’s best friend, Devon Walsh, wide receiver extraordinaire, female-loving playboy. What Ilsa Madden-Mills has done so well with Not My Match is take two seemingly complicated characters, a hero and heroine who make you feel equal parts curiousity and concern, and she crafts a love affair between the two that leaves you wishing for more of their story. I was anticipatory for Madden-Mills’s Not My Match because, by my estimation, she has never written a book I didn’t love and adore. And once again, she’s shown why you should never miss a Madden-Mills book. In Not My Match, Giselle and Devon run into each other at Devon’s club. Devon rescues Giselle from an online date gone wrong, but their evening ends with Giselle storming away from Devon. Later that night, Devon goes to Giselle’s apartment to find it on fire. Without a place to go, Devon invites Giselle to live in his penthouse. With him. From the beginning of this book, it’s clear that Giselle and Devon have chemistry but Giselle, being the sister of his best friend’s new wife, along with a precarious past that taints his present, Devon refuses to act on his attraction to Giselle. Until he doesn’t. Is Giselle just one of Devon’s hook-ups, or is he relationship material? If you’ve read Ilsa Madden-Mills previously, you know that one of her superpowers is writing heroes who have these larger than life outward personalities while hiding a soft underbelly. Devon is more of the same here. What Madden-Mills does well is keeping that fresh. Writers have signatures with their storytelling, and that is clearly one of hers. It’s what draws me to every one of her romances, but she constantly reinvents her heroic characterizations in ways that invest you in her hero. I adore Devon Walsh because Madden-Mills crafts him as complicated. He simply cannot give his heart to Giselle when it’s really the only thing he wants to do. As such, the tension of this story lies in his constant want of her while spurning her as well. In Giselle, Madden-Mills takes a character who seemed spurious in Not My Romeo. For much of that book, you struggle with liking her because her actions seem unkind. However, much like we see in this book, nothing is really as it seems. Through Giselle, Madden-Mills treats us to so many layers: a science girl existing in a male-dominated world and all of those complications, a woman still struggling to forgive herself, a woman waiting to break out of the binds of virginity and other people’s ideas about her, and a woman whom her advisor says has a multi-faceted life, given her love of writing sci-fi romance. Giselle’s characterization is meant to challenge the idea of womanhood. Is it possible to have it all? Even more, are goals set in your youth still pertinent in your future? With both Devon and Giselle, Madden-Mills treats her readers to splendidly complicated offerings in her characters. There is witty banter in Not My Match. There is a chemistry that foreshadows a deeper well of love. There are other characters such as Giselle’s best friend, Myrtle, or Jack’s nemesis, Aidan, who add color and humor to Giselle and Devon’s journey. Mama and Aunt Clara are here too, as well as Elena and Jack (in small bits). There are truths about how our past informs our future, and the need to live more deliberately in the present, living in your current dreams. There is the symbol of a butterfly, a symbol strewn all over Madden-Mills’s social media right now, because the butterfly reminds us of a new life, of a new sense of self. And that truth is what makes Not My Match an emotional juggernaut, a romance that captivates and steals your heart. If you don’t do anything else this week/weekend, read Not My Romeo and Not My Match. These two books remind you that Ilsa Madden-Mills is a force in romancelandia. These two books are a perfect combination of quirky, sentimental, steamy and romantic. You will end these books feeling down deep in your soul that a life lived in abundance is the only life you need.

No cliffhanger Standalone though part of a larger series Told from both POVs Opposites attract romance I absolutely love this author. I have yet to read a book that I haven’t been consumed by but this one might be my favorite so far. I laughed, I teared up, I laughed some more. It is the perfect mix of banter, chemistry, angst and love. Devon is a famous football player. He’s been hurt in his past and isn’t looking to ever have that happen again. Giselle is a physicist. Book smart in every way, and also still has her v card though man is she trying to get rid of it. They meet when her sister and his best friend start dating. The chemistry is instant but he ignores it and she just assumes he would never be interested in her. He even goes out of his way to set her up with other guys to prove he isn’t interested, though he wants to kill them each time the dates actually take place. Their chemistry is off the charts and the more they fight their feelings the hotter it burns. When they finally give in they explode together. I don’t want to give away anything else but the questions really is, will their different lifestyles forge their bond or break them apart and when Giselle gets the opportunity of a lifetime will they survive it? Absolutely devoured this book! It is a must read if you like steamy romance novels and alpha males with a heart of gold!

So I’m going to be real. When I saw this book was about Giselle I was a little less excited, because I didn’t know if I could get over Giselle from Jack and Elena’s book. But I am so glad that I took a deep breath and dove into this one, because I’d like to shout from the mountains that I love Giselle. As someone who would never remotely try and explain how the inside of my mind works to anyone else for fear that they would think I was absolutely insane. I relate to Giselle on SO many levels. As far as multiple alternate universes in her head, yep. I too have one featuring Chris Hemsworth, but that’s not the point here. Needless to say that I went from feeling unsure about Giselle to being willing to call her one of my favorite heroines. Did she create some of her own problems? Sure, but we’re all guilty of that sometimes and she felt real. I love how she cares about her students and she’s not afraid to stand up for herself even when she’s nervous. Giselle advocating for herself makes me want to stand up and applaud. She's got such a big heart and she cares about everyone around her, the way she treated her neighbor made me love her more. Not to mention that getting to see Giselle and Elena interact with each other and seeing the growth of their relationship. I could go on about her all day, but that is not to discount how great Devon is, but I went in from Jack and Elena’s book knowing I loved him, so it was less of a surprise how much I loved him. He was every bit the fun-loving, great guy he was in the first book, but more. I loved seeing what made Devon the guy he is and getting to see him grow. Seeing his relationship with his father and how he grew up, not to mention his relationship with Jack, Lawrence, and Aiden. He's a good guy from the outside in and the way he welcomes Giselle into his home without question even when she has Pookie with her. As a pairing though they really jumped off the page as me. They balance each other out and their quirks work together. He has no problem peeling back his layers to let Giselle in and seeing the two of them as roommates was great. I loved the easy dynamic between the two of them. A couple that can laugh and has a good time together is always a favorite of mine. I mean the tension and sexy times are great, but give me a couple who can laugh together and I’m gonna ship them! I loved this book. It is quirky and fun and you can’t help but want to see these two score their very own happily ever after. I was excited for the follow up to Not My Romeo and this blew me out of the water with how much I enjoyed it. These two are an amazing match and it is one of those books that I can’t wait to read again!

I am obsessed with Ilsa Madden-Mills stories. I absolutely love the heart, the swoons and all the feels her words bring. She has this wonderful gift of managing to write characters with so much depth, that you can't help but be emotionally vested in them and their relationships. And Not My Match gave me all the epic feels, and completely melted my heart. Giselle and Devon were everything! This story was filled to the brim with the chemistry that I love and the back and forth banter that we can always expect from Ilsa. They had an undeniable connection that was obvious and we got to see it build. It was sweet and swoony, sexy and funny and just a joy to watch. What I loved more than anything was the depth of emotion in the story and how there was more that met the eye in these characters. Ilsa Madden-Mills is such a talented author and has a way of making you feel everything the characters are experiencing. She brings charm, romance, comedy, and the ups and downs each and every time. Not My Match is no exception. In the end you are on cloud nine for all of the characters involved. This series is shaping up to be absolutely amazing and sure to be one of my forever favourites. I love her words and cannot wait for more!

Not Giselle! This cannot be a book about the sister who stole the heroine’s fiancé in Book One of the Game Changers series? But the author knew better and yes, it is. Giselle is Elena’s sister, and she did, indeed, become Preston’s next fiancé. But this book shows a whole new side to Giselle. She is a physics scholar, so intelligent that she is a candidate for an internship at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. She is 24 years old, dedicated to her family and the Daisy Lady Gang, and writes sci-fi novels with a mixture of science included. She attracts the wrong kind of guys online. Oh, and she is a virgin who believes dreadful things happen on her birthday. Then there is Devon Walsh, the best friend of her sister’s husband, Jack. Devon is the wide receiver on the same football team as Jack and has been told to keep his hands-off Giselle. Devon even knows she is a virgin, and she is to stay that way! Too bad Devon is beginning to see Giselle in a whole new light! When her apartment building burns, Devon is right on the scene to offer his penthouse as her temporary residence, Let the hijinks begin! What I enjoy about a Ilsa Madden-Mills book is her character development. She builds her characters both male and female into real-life human beings with back stories, feelings, and flaws. The reader gets to know them and see them grow and mature as they root for them to succeed and to fall in love. Particularly the male protagonist. Devon has faced failure, loss, and disappointment his whole life. People have left him. He does not trust easily and does not recognize that he loves Giselle. Giselle does not trust herself to make wise decisions. She has made so many bad decisions in the past. When faced with the offer of a lifetime, what will she choose? Which is the right path for her? This is such an engaging story! I did not want to like Giselle. In fact, my attitude about her put me off reading the advanced reader’s copy for a long time but I only hurt myself. Ilsa knows what she is doing! I should trust her. This book is a keeper. I bought it as soon as it is available! Please, Ilsa, tell me Aiden is going to have his book! He is such a wonderful character and Mike too! His scenes were amazing!

Ilsa doesn’t disappoint with her latest read and this reader is suffering one heck of a book hangover! But it was worth it. I think for me it’s her characters and the way she she manages to bring that hint of vulnerability into her leads. It enhances the story but it also makes it believable. Devons our lead male, to the outside world he seems to have it all. A fantastic career as a wide receiver for the NFL, wealthy and gorgeous. But underneath is that doubt he’ll never be good enough. People leave, opening up your heart has shown him this. But when he spots Giselle it’s all bets off. He may try to fight it but it’ll be of no use. This sweet, quirky beautiful woman has managed to get past his walls and he’s terrified of what will happen. Giselle has crushed on Devon long before he came into her life. Fate now has brought him into her life. She’s smart, sweet and afraid of getting hurt. But she’s willing to take the chance with him. A fantastic read with a cast of secondary characters that’ll crack you up. Meddling family members who can’t stay out of your business and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s a yes from me.

Not My Romeo seriously rocked my world and then Not My Match came in like a steamroller. I love that Giselle is just as quirky as her sister. I died laughing so many times while reading this story. I am even laughing now as I typing this review and remember some of her antics. The spider scenario was seriously over the top and, of course she scared the crap out of Devon in the closet with a shark mask on. And Giselle's trifling mother and all the single men at her bday party. Seriously... can't stop laughing. Their sexual chemistry can steam the wallpaper off of walls. They are seriously perfect for each other. Even though Devon didn't "seal the deal" until over half way through the book, there was no lack of steam rolling off those pages. Of course there is a conflict. Devon has been the "leftovers" his entire life. From his father to the "love of his life". So when Giselle has to chance to follow her dream to intern in Switzerland, it is a recipe set for disaster. It comes down to truly realizing what is important to her. Not My Romeo and Not My Match are definitely worth re-reading..several times!

I just cannot get enough of the charming town of Daisy and all of the quirky characters that inhabit it. Not My Romeo was one of my favorite reads of 2021, and Not My Match certain matches its delightful witty charisma while painting an original story that is fresh and addictive. Eccentric characters with a connection that sizzles, sexy banter, the perfect nexus of comedy and romantic angst, and a tender love story at its heart. I laughed, I swooned, and I was enchanted yet again. Not My Match is yet another reminder why Ilsa Madden-Mills will always be one of my unicorn authors- every story captures my heart. And Devon and Giselle did just that. After not my Romeo, I was DYING for Devon’s story. He was the comedic support that stole every scene. And I loved him even more in Not My Match- he’s more than the easy going, jovial wingman we meet before. Devon is a BEAUTIFUL soul that had me swooning and awwing left and right. He’s the perfect hero- the right balance of possessive protectiveness and charismatic swagger with a tender, caring, and deeply loving heart behind it all. He easily stole my heart- and Giselle’s- with his unending GOODNESS. His past pains just tore at my heart. This man is so complex and compelling. Truly so dreamy- I am captivated by him and completely in love. Ilsa’s characters are always so delightfully specific and quirky- and Giselle may be her most adorably eccentric heroine yet. She surprised me in every way- and to be honest, I was worried I couldn’t get behind her after the hurt she caused her sister in book one- but I LOVED HER. Like everyone else, I had put her in a box. I had decided who and what she as without even knowing her. She is so much more than anyone can know- until Devon sees her. She’s brilliant and incredibly smart and driven, but she’s also so funny, gentle, and full of spunk and heart. And she’s so delightfully interesting and contrasting- a brilliant scientist who is writing alien erotic romance, an academic with a penchant for endless random knowledge that she adorkably spews out at any moment, a nerdy introvert who is also sexy and alluring. How could you not love her? She has such a loving soul- and she just is desperate to find herself, to be free and open with all her thoughts and love. And she has SO much love. And Ilsa so smartly gives us some closure with her sister- addressing the elephant in a room that makes us love and understand Giselle even more. These two are so different on paper- but they both just want to be seen and valued for who they are. And their connection is SO sexy, so sweet, and so well done. This is some of the best Ilsa chemistry to date (which is saying a lot because her chemistry is always impeccable). We get to watch these two grow as friends, evolve as they love and support each other, and we see them connect as people. The result is that their relationship is grounded in care and emotion- in a tender respect and admiration for each other- that makes it just sizzle off the page. And the slow burn made me even more ravenous- Ilsa works the anticipation on this one, and it is worth the wait. SWOON! They are so adorable- explosive but sweet, raw but comforting. I could not love them more. THEY ZING! Giselle and Devon’s story is so heartfelt and sweet- and full of the witty humor and sexiness that I love about Ilsa’s writing and this series. Daisy and these characters capture me every team- I love being swept away into the world that Ilsa has created. It feels like coming home- warm, inviting, full of love and laughter, and never fails to put a smile on my face.

This took a little while to grow on me, but once it did, I was LOVING it. I love an adorably unsure alpha who is in over his head, and that’s exactly what happens with Devon. It’s sweet and swoony with a slow burn that turns scorching later on, making this a read that will put you through a range of emotions. Personally, I think this reads better if you pretend the first book in the series never happened, because the author wrote herself into a bit of a corner with that one. This only stumbles when it’s referencing things that happened prior to the start of this book, and they’re largely irrelevant to this love story. Devon stole my heart from the beginning, and Giselle won me over by the end. The story follows Devon, a pro football player who is used to people leaving him. He avoids emotional entanglements and prefers to keep things casual, but there’s one (very off-limits) woman who has intrigued him recently. Giselle is one of a kind - she’s a science nerd, a highly intelligent yet slightly naive woman, and... is a little desperate to turn in her v-card. Giselle is convinced that the sexy athlete has placed her in the friend zone (or at least the off-limits zone), so she’s looking elsewhere. But when they become unexpected roommates, everything changes. I love this author’s work, but the first book in this series was not really a winner for me - and it also doesn’t paint the best picture of Giselle. So I know that a lot of fans are hesitant going into this love story, but (thankfully) it’s easy to ignore the events of the first book once the setup is out of the way. That’s probably why this took a little longer to hook me in, but once I got into it, there was no turning back. I loved the vulnerable moments between these two and the slow, delicious burn. The emotional connection is the centerpiece here, and it really shines towards the end. There’s fantastic chemistry and banter throughout, but the back half is what earns this 5 stars. The characters are complex, with real, relatable issues, and anyone who loves a marshmallow-hearted alpha will fall for Devon. I received an early copy via NetGalley (then purchased it for my collection), and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sexy, slow burn romance.

Five of the Swooniest stars! Completely. Totally. Utterly Smitten with Devon!!! The author gives us the perfect alpha male. The sweet and the swoon left me with a perma-smile on my face. I LOVED IT!!! Giselle is a nerdy girl who is newly single. She loves everything science and is chock full of fun facts. If you met her sister Elena before in Not My Romeo you might be leary, but I loved her. She’s intelligent and quirky. She definitely marches to her own beat. She knows what she wants and she’s ready to take it. Now she’s fresh off a broken engagement and ready to date. Devon is the guy she asks for help. He is a football god and a friend. He also happens be be drop dead gorgeous and the definition of alpha male possessive. However, he is not without his own issues. His fear of being left behind, keeps him guarded. Getting behind his walls is going to be tough. He’s willing to help out Giselle, the only problem is he may want to keep her all to himself. The push and pull between Giselle and Devon is fantastic. I adored Devon’s football friends and Giselle’s crazy family. All the secondary characters were so much fun and brought the laughter. The chemistry between the main characters built steadily and the culmination was everything you could hope for. An incredible read with so much emotion and a romantic connection I could not get enough of. I loved everything about this story...especially Devon. The man did not disappoint! A book I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Overall Grade: 5 ⭐️ Going into Not My Match by the incomparable Ilsa Madden-Mills, there were two preconceived notions about her hero and heroine. After Not My Romeo, this reader may or may not have had unkind thoughts about Elena’s sister, Giselle. As the boyfriend-stealing sister of Elena, for much of that book, it was difficult to like her. Add to that Jack’s best friend, Devon Walsh, wide receiver extraordinaire, female-loving playboy. What Ilsa Madden-Mills has done so well with Not My Match is take two seemingly complicated characters, a hero and heroine who make you feel equal parts curiousity and concern, and she crafts a love affair between the two that leaves you wishing for more of their story. I was anticipatory for Madden-Mills’s Not My Match because, by my estimation, she has never written a book I didn’t love and adore. And once again, she’s shown why you should never miss a Madden-Mills book. In Not My Match, Giselle and Devon run into each other at Devon’s club. Devon rescues Giselle from an online date gone wrong, but their evening ends with Giselle storming away from Devon. Later that night, Devon goes to Giselle’s apartment to find it on fire. Without a place to go, Devon invites Giselle to live in his penthouse. With him. From the beginning of this book, it’s clear that Giselle and Devon have chemistry but Giselle, being the sister of his best friend’s new wife, along with a precarious past that taints his present, Devon refuses to act on his attraction to Giselle. Until he doesn’t. Is Giselle just one of Devon’s hook-ups, or is he relationship material? If you’ve read Ilsa Madden-Mills previously, you know that one of her superpowers is writing heroes who have these larger than life outward personalities while hiding a soft underbelly. Devon is more of the same here. What Madden-Mills does well is keeping that fresh. Writers have signatures with their storytelling, and that is clearly one of hers. It’s what draws me to every one of her romances, but she constantly reinvents her heroic characterizations in ways that invest you in her hero. I adore Devon Walsh because Madden-Mills crafts him as complicated. He simply cannot give his heart to Giselle when it’s really the only thing he wants to do. As such, the tension of this story lies in his constant want of her while spurning her as well. In Giselle, Madden-Mills takes a character who seemed spurious in Not My Romeo. For much of that book, you struggle with liking her because her actions seem unkind. However, much like we see in this book, nothing is really as it seems. Through Giselle, Madden-Mills treats us to so many layers: a science girl existing in a male-dominated world and all of those complications, a woman still struggling to forgive herself, a woman waiting to break out of the binds of virginity and other people’s ideas about her, and a woman whom her advisor says has a multi-faceted life, given her love of writing sci-fi romance. Giselle’s characterization is meant to challenge the idea of womanhood. Is it possible to have it all? Even more, are goals set in your youth still pertinent in your future? With both Devon and Giselle, Madden-Mills treats her readers to splendidly complicated offerings in her characters. There is witty banter in Not My Match. There is a chemistry that foreshadows a deeper well of love. There are other characters such as Giselle’s best friend, Myrtle, or Jack’s nemesis, Aidan, who add color and humor to Giselle and Devon’s journey. Mama and Aunt Clara are here too, as well as Elena and Jack (in small bits). There are truths about how our past informs our future, and the need to live more deliberately in the present, living in your current dreams. There is the symbol of a butterfly, a symbol strewn all over Madden-Mills’s social media right now, because the butterfly reminds us of a new life, of a new sense of self. And that truth is what makes Not My Match an emotional juggernaut, a romance that captivates and steals your heart. If you don’t do anything else this week/weekend, read Not My Romeo and Not My Match. These two books remind you that Ilsa Madden-Mills is a force in romancelandia. These two books are a perfect combination of quirky, sentimental, steamy and romantic. You will end these books feeling down deep in your soul that a life lived in abundance is the only life you need.

No cliffhanger Standalone though part of a larger series Told from both POVs Opposites attract romance I absolutely love this author. I have yet to read a book that I haven’t been consumed by but this one might be my favorite so far. I laughed, I teared up, I laughed some more. It is the perfect mix of banter, chemistry, angst and love. Devon is a famous football player. He’s been hurt in his past and isn’t looking to ever have that happen again. Giselle is a physicist. Book smart in every way, and also still has her v card though man is she trying to get rid of it. They meet when her sister and his best friend start dating. The chemistry is instant but he ignores it and she just assumes he would never be interested in her. He even goes out of his way to set her up with other guys to prove he isn’t interested, though he wants to kill them each time the dates actually take place. Their chemistry is off the charts and the more they fight their feelings the hotter it burns. When they finally give in they explode together. I don’t want to give away anything else but the questions really is, will their different lifestyles forge their bond or break them apart and when Giselle gets the opportunity of a lifetime will they survive it? Absolutely devoured this book! It is a must read if you like steamy romance novels and alpha males with a heart of gold!

So I’m going to be real. When I saw this book was about Giselle I was a little less excited, because I didn’t know if I could get over Giselle from Jack and Elena’s book. But I am so glad that I took a deep breath and dove into this one, because I’d like to shout from the mountains that I love Giselle. As someone who would never remotely try and explain how the inside of my mind works to anyone else for fear that they would think I was absolutely insane. I relate to Giselle on SO many levels. As far as multiple alternate universes in her head, yep. I too have one featuring Chris Hemsworth, but that’s not the point here. Needless to say that I went from feeling unsure about Giselle to being willing to call her one of my favorite heroines. Did she create some of her own problems? Sure, but we’re all guilty of that sometimes and she felt real. I love how she cares about her students and she’s not afraid to stand up for herself even when she’s nervous. Giselle advocating for herself makes me want to stand up and applaud. She's got such a big heart and she cares about everyone around her, the way she treated her neighbor made me love her more. Not to mention that getting to see Giselle and Elena interact with each other and seeing the growth of their relationship. I could go on about her all day, but that is not to discount how great Devon is, but I went in from Jack and Elena’s book knowing I loved him, so it was less of a surprise how much I loved him. He was every bit the fun-loving, great guy he was in the first book, but more. I loved seeing what made Devon the guy he is and getting to see him grow. Seeing his relationship with his father and how he grew up, not to mention his relationship with Jack, Lawrence, and Aiden. He's a good guy from the outside in and the way he welcomes Giselle into his home without question even when she has Pookie with her. As a pairing though they really jumped off the page as me. They balance each other out and their quirks work together. He has no problem peeling back his layers to let Giselle in and seeing the two of them as roommates was great. I loved the easy dynamic between the two of them. A couple that can laugh and has a good time together is always a favorite of mine. I mean the tension and sexy times are great, but give me a couple who can laugh together and I’m gonna ship them! I loved this book. It is quirky and fun and you can’t help but want to see these two score their very own happily ever after. I was excited for the follow up to Not My Romeo and this blew me out of the water with how much I enjoyed it. These two are an amazing match and it is one of those books that I can’t wait to read again!

I am obsessed with Ilsa Madden-Mills stories. I absolutely love the heart, the swoons and all the feels her words bring. She has this wonderful gift of managing to write characters with so much depth, that you can't help but be emotionally vested in them and their relationships. And Not My Match gave me all the epic feels, and completely melted my heart. Giselle and Devon were everything! This story was filled to the brim with the chemistry that I love and the back and forth banter that we can always expect from Ilsa. They had an undeniable connection that was obvious and we got to see it build. It was sweet and swoony, sexy and funny and just a joy to watch. What I loved more than anything was the depth of emotion in the story and how there was more that met the eye in these characters. Ilsa Madden-Mills is such a talented author and has a way of making you feel everything the characters are experiencing. She brings charm, romance, comedy, and the ups and downs each and every time. Not My Match is no exception. In the end you are on cloud nine for all of the characters involved. This series is shaping up to be absolutely amazing and sure to be one of my forever favourites. I love her words and cannot wait for more!

Not Giselle! This cannot be a book about the sister who stole the heroine’s fiancé in Book One of the Game Changers series? But the author knew better and yes, it is. Giselle is Elena’s sister, and she did, indeed, become Preston’s next fiancé. But this book shows a whole new side to Giselle. She is a physics scholar, so intelligent that she is a candidate for an internship at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. She is 24 years old, dedicated to her family and the Daisy Lady Gang, and writes sci-fi novels with a mixture of science included. She attracts the wrong kind of guys online. Oh, and she is a virgin who believes dreadful things happen on her birthday. Then there is Devon Walsh, the best friend of her sister’s husband, Jack. Devon is the wide receiver on the same football team as Jack and has been told to keep his hands-off Giselle. Devon even knows she is a virgin, and she is to stay that way! Too bad Devon is beginning to see Giselle in a whole new light! When her apartment building burns, Devon is right on the scene to offer his penthouse as her temporary residence, Let the hijinks begin! What I enjoy about a Ilsa Madden-Mills book is her character development. She builds her characters both male and female into real-life human beings with back stories, feelings, and flaws. The reader gets to know them and see them grow and mature as they root for them to succeed and to fall in love. Particularly the male protagonist. Devon has faced failure, loss, and disappointment his whole life. People have left him. He does not trust easily and does not recognize that he loves Giselle. Giselle does not trust herself to make wise decisions. She has made so many bad decisions in the past. When faced with the offer of a lifetime, what will she choose? Which is the right path for her? This is such an engaging story! I did not want to like Giselle. In fact, my attitude about her put me off reading the advanced reader’s copy for a long time but I only hurt myself. Ilsa knows what she is doing! I should trust her. This book is a keeper. I bought it as soon as it is available! Please, Ilsa, tell me Aiden is going to have his book! He is such a wonderful character and Mike too! His scenes were amazing!

Ilsa doesn’t disappoint with her latest read and this reader is suffering one heck of a book hangover! But it was worth it. I think for me it’s her characters and the way she she manages to bring that hint of vulnerability into her leads. It enhances the story but it also makes it believable. Devons our lead male, to the outside world he seems to have it all. A fantastic career as a wide receiver for the NFL, wealthy and gorgeous. But underneath is that doubt he’ll never be good enough. People leave, opening up your heart has shown him this. But when he spots Giselle it’s all bets off. He may try to fight it but it’ll be of no use. This sweet, quirky beautiful woman has managed to get past his walls and he’s terrified of what will happen. Giselle has crushed on Devon long before he came into her life. Fate now has brought him into her life. She’s smart, sweet and afraid of getting hurt. But she’s willing to take the chance with him. A fantastic read with a cast of secondary characters that’ll crack you up. Meddling family members who can’t stay out of your business and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s a yes from me.

Not My Romeo seriously rocked my world and then Not My Match came in like a steamroller. I love that Giselle is just as quirky as her sister. I died laughing so many times while reading this story. I am even laughing now as I typing this review and remember some of her antics. The spider scenario was seriously over the top and, of course she scared the crap out of Devon in the closet with a shark mask on. And Giselle's trifling mother and all the single men at her bday party. Seriously... can't stop laughing. Their sexual chemistry can steam the wallpaper off of walls. They are seriously perfect for each other. Even though Devon didn't "seal the deal" until over half way through the book, there was no lack of steam rolling off those pages. Of course there is a conflict. Devon has been the "leftovers" his entire life. From his father to the "love of his life". So when Giselle has to chance to follow her dream to intern in Switzerland, it is a recipe set for disaster. It comes down to truly realizing what is important to her. Not My Romeo and Not My Match are definitely worth re-reading..several times!

Well my. This book completely took me by surprise with the angsty feelings it caused and I am all about it. Not My Match is now the best Ilsa Madden-Mills book I've read...and I feel like that means a lot because she has written some incredible, incredible books! Giselle and Devon are two individuals struggling with past mistakes and heartaches. Giselle is carrying around so much guilt and though she is trying so hard to move on, it's in greatly misguided ways. This intelligent, quirky, genuinely loving woman won my heart though. She's doing her very best to make amends and she has a deep love for her family and friends. Devon...my poor, sweet, Devon! He's been hurt so much in the past and he's convinced himself he doesn't deserve what's right in front of him, and moreover, he's scared it won't last. HE DESERVES THE BEST IN LIFE! He is sexy and smart and his heart is pure gold. He is grade A book boyfriend material. This wonderfully heartfelt friends to lovers story is beautifully written with humor, sass, chemistry, and emotion. It seriously hit me in the best way. 5++ butterfly stars for Not My Match!

Absolutely loved this story, and Devon and Giselle were just what I needed to get out of my book slump! Giselle has had a rough go of it lately. She’s trying to figure her life out when she becomes homeless and in need of a place to stay. With her sister Elena out of town, her brother-in-law Jacks, teammate, and best friend Devon gives her a place to stay. Jack has laid down the law that Giselle is off limits, no touching by any of the guys on the team, but she’s beautiful and innocent and it’s becoming harder for Devon to ignore. But a girl like Giselle could never want a guy like him…right? I loved the dynamic between Devon and Giselle. They’re complete opposites, but it works for them. I wasn’t sure that Giselle could be redeemed after the things we read about her in ‘Not My Romeo’ but I should have known Ilsa would find a way to make it happen! She and Devon are the perfect combination, and their chemistry is white hot! I do hope we get a story for Aiden; he intrigues me, and the intrigue was heightened even more through this story! ‘Not My Match’ was a great addition to The Game Changers series and I’m excited to see what Ilsa gives us next!

Giselle & Devon! OMG another great story by Madden-Mills. I have read multiple books by this author and she never cease to amaze me with her story telling! Giselle is this a super cute nerdy genius that doesn’t even realize how freaking amazing she actually is and Devon is the gorgeous hot as sin football player both of which we meet in Not My Romeo. Giselle is trying to make her dreams come true by getting her doctorate in physics and writing an Alien romance. Devon is the playboy who is fighting his past and from a girl who broke his heart. Put these two in a penthouse together as roommates and instant sparks! The chemistry between these to is palpable and their banter back is forth is so great. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times throughout my reading! I got the feeling that Giselle wasn’t so prim and proper but I think Devon just brought out her inner vixen and I was here for it. Their match was completely perfect. This was a great friends to lovers/roommates to lovers. Madden-Mills just has this way with all of her stories. They are just fantastic and you get so engrossed with every character. Job well done I can’t wait for the next!!!

This book was an absolute joy! Devon is one of my new favorite book boyfriends. He balances that fine line between being both possessive and growly over his girl, yet still sweet and caring and nurturing with her too. He’s an alpha but not an alpha hole. Giselle is an endearing mix of science facts and romance obsessed. She is smart and has a plan for her future, but lately everything has been off. Having read Not My Romeo, I was excited to revisit the Daisy Lady Gang and these characters, but I couldn’t have expected this. These two together are EVERYTHING! They’re a little nerdy and LOT adorable! This is a must read, and I can’t wait to revisit the group and all of the quirky side characters again soon!

•Devon + Giselle💓 •Friends to Lovers🔥 •Sports Romance🏈 •Slow Burn😮💨 •Opposites Attract🥼 •This is book number two in the Game Changers series (following Not My Romeo) and I fell SO hard for this delicious FTL sports romance! Definitely a five-star read for me!🤎 •After her sister falls in love with NFL quarterback Jack Hawke, aspiring physicist Giselle Riley can’t avoid from spending time with some of his his teammates, specifically Jack’s best friend—the always gorgeous, talented, endlessly charming Devon Walsh.🤍 •And even though Devon’s kindness and friendship have no bounds, years of abandonment and heartbreak keep his heart guarded—but can one stunningly beautiful, hilarious scientist break down those carefully crafted walls around his heart?💗 •This story was just insanely perfect. Devon was so very thoughtful, loving, and such an incredible hero—and Giselle! I’m so glad she got her own story and finally found the love she’d been searching for. The witty banter between Devon and Giselle kept me laughing and their tension was just delicious. You need this book!😮💨😮💨 •This book is free to read AND listen with Kindle Unlimited!📚🎧

Oh, I'm such a big fan! IMM! Hearts and doodles. Who does Sports Romance Better? And let me preface this with the disclaimer there are barely any sports in this--Not My Match is an Ode to Nerd-dom and Physics. I'm talking the Multiverse, anti-matter, CERN, String Theory, purple aliens with sexy tails--wait, she took the tail out--we are saying yes to STEM! And hello, to women in STEM. My kinda book. And Giselle Riley is my book girlfriend! Devon Walsh, #89, has a crush. Man, is he bad hiding it. Just about anyone looking at him grinding his teeth while other men talk to Giselle can see it written in blood. But nope, Giselle isn't his type. Too innocent. Too good. Too smart. Too in need of him to help her find the perfect match for her because she can do better than anyone she's picking out for herself. Twenty-three years-old, with a cursed birthday only days away, it's time to ditch the V-card. Only humiliation is on the horizon when Giselle finds out her brother-in-law told his football teammates about her being experienced-challenged and off the table when it comes to having any possible fun. Worse yet, her crush Devon seems to be the one set to be her keeper and help her find the right guy, not realizing the guy she wants is him! Not My Match is a lot of mixed signals and whacky fun. The heroine reminded me so much of someone I knew that I could hear my friend's voice saying her lines. I loved this character. And Myrtle and Pookie.

Not My Match is the second book in The Game Changers series. The reader can enjoy the book as a stand-alone. Devon Walsh is a successful wide receiver in the NFL. He was only supposed to look out for Gisselle, his best friend’s new sister-in-law. A Theoretical Physicist, she is book smart with a quirky perspective of life and the universes we live in. Giselle is a sweet and spicy southern girl who was in the middle of a bad run at life. You name it; it happened to her, bad date, her car was broken into, career on the downslide, and apartment burning down. She had it all. She called it the Birthday Curse. Devon saw it as his duty to take care of her. Little did he know how much he would fall for this quirky writer/scientist. Can he get through all the darkness in his past to live in the light with her? This book was a non-stop read for me. I could not put it down. I had to know what happened next with this unusual match. Giselle’s quirky yet beautiful personality and Devon’s strong, cocky and sexy soft side had me wanting more. I loved that they grew their relationship slowly. That she was always willing to answer his questions and the answers made him fall in love with her more and more. She had the quirkiness and openness he needed in someone to help him open up and be himself. I I loved everything about their story from beginning to end.

If you are looking for a funny and romantic love story with a bit of smut and sexiness look no further. Devon falling in love with Giselle and her falling for him is beyond adorable. On the surface they seem like opposites but the way they compliment and complete each other is beautiful & very adorable. Giselle being a virgin plays some factor in Devon’s hesitation but her wittiness, sweetness, intelligence, & overall persona that he can’t get enough of makes him fall even harder for her! These two will leave you smiling, laughing, and crying. They are beyond adorable and the secondary characters are hilarious and make the book a perfectly well rounded novel. You will love everyone you encounter! Happy Reading!!

No exaggeration: I loved everything about this book. The witty banter between the characters, the emotional pull of the story, and of course, the writing. Ilsa Madden-Mills has always been a favorite author, but her last 3 books (including Not My Match) have put her at the top of my "one-click without reading the blurb" list. Giselle and Devon were wonderful secondary characters from Not My Romeo, and I love that they have their own tale to tell. There's no need to read the previous book, but it too is a terrific read. Devon, a star NFL Player, is all flash compared to Giselle's scientific and studious persona. But they both have an inner depth that Ms Madden-Mills brings to the surface with exceptional character development. They're opposite in so many ways, but they click. Friends first, but with a simmering attraction that's always present. The slow burn and quiet yearning made this a one-sitting read for me. I wanted more, more, more! This very well may stay as one of my top reads of the year. I know it's early, but there was something so compelling about this book that will stay with me for a long time to come. 5+ stars!

Right away this author had me laughing then feeling for Giselle. There were sparks between Giselle and Devon, but he thinks he should stay away. I loved Devon so much; he was the perfect combination of bad boy on the outside but sweet and swoony on the inside. My heart broke for Devon once his past was revealed. He did frustrate me but after everything he’d been through, can he trust love? As I got to know Giselle, I loved her too; she’s quirky, intelligent and funny. I felt for her so much during this book. She was also finding herself, and there was one point where I applauded her. As she’s finding herself, can she find love too? The slow burn between them was exquisite, and when it ignited it was fire. I was rooting for them, because this author took her time and let me invest in them. This book matched everything I love in a romance: fun yet angsty and emotional, a couple I root for with smoking chemistry that left a smile on my face and won a place in my heart. I definitely recommend this book!

Whoa! Great story. I think Giselle is one of my favorite female characters. So funny, smart, unconventional, kind - a beautiful person. Devon - so hot, tough, so guarded, possessive and so helpless when it came to Giselle. I’m a science person, so I loved it even more because of not shying away from topics that many people are afraid will be too hard to think about. But within this really wonderful romance with Devon and Giselle are characters I need to know end up okay, too. Aiden, Mike, Robert, Mama, Myrtle, Garrett and Topher, to name a few. One of my indicators of a really good book is you don’t even notice how many extra people are because they are so integral to the story. And you remember them as well as the so-called main characters. I hope there are other books in the series and each treats us to dinner and grace at Mama’s.

Ilsa did it again with another fantastic book!!! This book is everything!! I couldn't stop reading it. Devon and Giselle have the greatest chemisty that you could want in a book!! I love the way they had the push and pull to eachother. I loved how he was so protective of her and she was so sweet and pure. This book was so amazing and I love everything about it!! You will not be able to put this book down. One of the best things about this book too is the fact that you fall in love with the secondary characters as much as you do the main ones!! I highly recommend this book!!!

5 PERFECTION STARS!! So much perfection in this story....it will be one of my favorites this year...I JUST KNOW IT. Devon and Giselle are perfect in every way possible. This author has quickly become one of my favorite ever and a 1-Click for every book.

Ilsa Madden-Mills must have her finger on the universe's romantic pulse. Her stories are filled with astute observations of human behavior, comedy, sorrowful events treated with sensitivity, joyful love, and scorching love scenes. Not only is this novel a beautiful love story, it explains string theory, multiple universes, and hidden dimensions! It's fun reading, explained in a way that is easy to understand and all in the context of the story. I got a big kick out of her non lectures to her students. Smart women always make an interesting read. And this gorgeous love story pulls on your heart strings and leaves you wanting more. Please read this wonderful book, you'll be glad you did!

This book, this story really captured me. I was hooked right from the start and couldn't get enough of Devon and Giselle. Throughout the entire story you can FEEL the pull, the connection and the heat. I'm always drawn to the damaged alpha and Devon certainly doesn't disappoint but my heart breaks for all he's been through. I did worry that I wouldn't find common ground with Giselle and am happy to report that wasn't the case. I found her to be quirky and authentic, a little crazy but her entire family is a bit nutty and honestly they provide a bit of comic relief. I loved her connection with Devon, how she listened and was just present This was a beautiful journey.

I don't often write reviews for the books I read on Kindle (more often than not erotica, but that can be our secret) but as my subject line says, I really didn't want this book to end. Might be because I adore the H and how he cherishes his lovely, quirky destined to be HEA love. I honestly don't want to tell you what the books about. You can read a synopsis or someone else's review but there's no way it will give you the true joy that is contained in these "pages."

4.5 stars I am a sucker for a good sports romance. Not My Match was exactLy what I needed and so good. I loved the characters so much. Giselle was so different from when we met her in the first book. She was a great heroine and so easy to love. The more we learned about Devon you couldn’t help but love him. He was a great hero. Giselle and Devon were perfect for each other. Not My Match was a fast paced read that pulls you in. I am a huge fan of Ilsa Madden-Mills, she is a must read author for me. If you love sports romances you will love this book.

I'm a sucker for sports romance and this definitely delivered more romance tho... this story was beautiful for the get go. The plot was really good and developed nicely Devon was the perfect boyfriend he was so intense and and charming and sexy and Giselle was smart, beautiful and spunky perfect combination. The ending was killer tho I had to take a break the emotions were running high. I loved it and definitely recommend, you'll love it.

I am new to this author, but have read every one of her books in the past month. She is now my favorite author. What is so different about her characters, especially the men, is how vulnerable they are instead of the usual hard-hearted and cruel (not that I don't love that too), but Ilsa writes so you can really feel what the characters feel. Can't wait for her next book.

We met Giselle and Devon in the previous book, Not my Romeo, and I was not so sure about Giselle's character; however, I kinda loved Devon from the start. Their story was a delightful read and their love strong and intense. There was no head games but a showing of genuine emotion and selfless devotion. I truly loved their story.

OMG I love this story line between Gazelle and Devon and how they got together him a football player and she a professor at Vandy and they meet at her sister wedding and her apartment burned down and she had to room with Devon and she was a virgin and Devon took her virginity and she would up marrying him a she went to CERN after her books came out and he stilled played in the NFL and they had a son Thanks for an amazing book and Ilsa is amazing author

Where do I start? FANTASTIC!! I absolutely loved this book!!! It had me laughing, crying, falling in love, and downright just riding that emotional train. It's a lively book that keeps you in it in such a perfect way. This is a 10 star book but since the scale only goes to 5, that's what it gets. Skyrocketed to top five favorite books. Well written, comedic, emotional, absolute perfection on paper. Perfect ending. Spectacular.

Love this story. Great follow up to Not My Romeo. We met Giselle Riley and Devon Walsh in Not My Romeo. Both Giselle and Devon are drawn to each other, but neither thinks that they are right for the other person because of their past or childhoods. Circumstances find them sharing a living space. Things turn physical, but they are still reluctant to share emotions. I loved the journey to their HEA. It was also fun hanging out with her family and his football friends. I hope we get a book for some of the other players on the team. Great narration.

I really enjoyed seeing these characters more in depth after meeting them in Not My Romeo. I didn't think I'd like Giselle after what she did to her sister but getting to know her made me like her a lot! Possibly more than Elena! Dev is funny and an a great guy. Loved seeing them grow together.

I thought Jack and Elena were great, but Devon and Giselle??? Awesome! It’s been many books since the last time I literally grinned like a loon, laughed out loud and sniffed up tears while reading a book. Us southern girls got grit but we also have a capacity for so much more and Giselle exemplified a great deal of what we have to offer. I truly enjoyed this book!

I just need to say Gisele and Devon’s story is one of my favorites. The Shy, beautiful ,smart, nerd with the handsome ,sweet, kind ,pro athlete. Couldn’t be better. I laughed, I cried, and every emotion in between. That’s what makes an amazing book, and this is it! We need more in this series. I would love a story about Aiden, and one about Topher and Quinn. Please!

Absolutely loved this book and Giselle and Devon's story. Full of love and laughter. I felt the end was a little rushed and would loved to have had more of the story line. But the book still receives all 5 stars from me. The first book and this book are worth the read.

Just finished this and I'm an emotional wreck! So many feels (love, pain, loss, laughs, and heat) its all here and makes me want to jump up and down, find this little Daisy town, pack a bag and move to get my hea. Seriously though one of the best romances I've read this year! Loved, loved, loved it! 5 stars doesn't seem just it needs so many more.

I really enjoyed this book! I just love Devon and Giselle’s story.. I hope to see books from the other players like Aiden!

Giselle has not had a good couple of months but things are starting to get better. She keeps running into Devon who plays football with her brother in law. They become friends but have an amazing chemistry. Can they just be friends? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Amazing Book it has all the feels.

It does not matter because they make their own rules and their chemistry is off the charts! I loved this story. It was such a fun and sexy read at the same time. Love Giselle and her quirky ways. Her and Devon figured out the equation to happiness.

I knew I would love Devon from the moment he was introduced in Not My Romeo, Giselle on the other hand took some getting used to but she also won me over from the very beginning. Giselle is insanely smart; she is kind of quirky and I honestly loved her. She hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to her life lately. Devon is an insanely talented football player and all his cockiness goes to show he knows how good he is. Devon is also extremely protective, especially of Giselle. Giselle and Devon have loads of chemistry. I loved their friendship and I loved seeing the tension build between them. They are complete opposites and both of them have their own struggles to get through. I loved seeing a different side to Devon, too. He may seem like he has everything in life to most of the public, but really he doesn’t and he struggles with the pain of his past. Devon and Giselle both need each other and it wasn’t always an easy road. Not My Match had me laughing, swoony, falling in love and crying from the very beginning. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, sports romance, quirky/nerdy heroine romance this one is a MUST READ! It can also be read as a standalone.

I enjoyed this book a ton. Both characters were likeable and I wasn't sure about Giselle after the first book but I didn't feel any negative feelings towards her here. It was great to get her perspective and Devon was a great H!

This is the single most perfect book I've read this year--and I've read a LOT of books this year. I laughed so much and enjoyed Devon and Gisele completely. Their growth as friends before lovers was so real and beautiful. I loved how he was with her, even when the big conflict occurred near the end. He treated her like absolute gold! Definitely one of my new favorite books!

Not My Match is the second book in The Game Changers series and Ilsa Madden-Mills does not disappoint with this installment. Giselle Riley is a student and writer who finds herself homeless after a fire breaks out in the house where she lives. With her sister and brother-in-law on their honeymoon, her brother-in-law's best friend and teammate, Devon Walsh, comes to her rescue by offering her a place to stay - at his penthouse! Giselle and Devon couldn't be more different. She's a physicist and he's a professional football player. She's a virgin and he's anything but. As these two begin to spend more and more time together, the sparks and the tension between them jumps off the page at you. Will they be able to admit to one another what they are feeling or will past hurts and outside forces end up breaking them up before they truly get going? Giselle was not only brilliant, but she had a very good sense of humor, which I don't think we saw in Not My Romeo. By the time we really got to know her in this book, I was pulling for her to get her HEA. Devon was awesome. He was so caring, not only for Giselle, but for others in his life, including his Dad. I enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to whatever is planned next for this series!

No surprise that this book is incredible! I’ve read almost all of Isla Madden Mills books and each had its own incredible storyline that’s steamy, romantic, comedic, and heartwarming. This book did not disappoint! Check it out! You will love it! ❤️

Two people who've been burned in love find their way to each other, but they've got residual trust and desertion issues. A series of difficult desicions can lead to their HEA. There's inspiration, love and heat that makes this a satisfying read.

I was hoping these two would get their own stories and this was even better I listened to the book as well and the narrators are amazing

Not My Match was such an intense read, very hard to put down. It was suspenseful, funny, and some sadness, but the romance was out of this world. A must read.

I have to say, as much as I loved Not My Romeo, this book is even better. The story, the emotions, the of the charts chemistry, is amazing. I can't wait to see what comes next.

This was a fun loving story. Giselle and Devon were an adorable couple. Their chemistry was palpable. I loved their interaction and how their relationship developed. 💖📖💖

Great story, great characters, when is the next one coming out. Scarfed this one down in 3 hours. You don't really have to read in order, but Not My Romeo got me hooked and Not My Match is just as good. Is Adrian's story next?

Fantastic addition to this series of books. I literally could not breathe through the last couple of chapters! Tremendous writing with all the feels of an outstanding book!

I really enjoyed the book enough to loose sleep over I would gladly read it again the audio was great

I'm really loving this series so much and I hope that there is still more to come. Great summer read.

Always one of my go to authors, another book that moved my heart! Loved this beautiful story about two incredible people who deserved their HEA!

Mama's dinner prayer had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I loved both books in this series!

A book about a girl who loved a football star from afar. Her home burns down and she has to shack up with him. And the guy realized that he could not let her go.

These are great characters. Very funny and sweet with their back and forth. I can’t wait for the next one!

LOVED it!!! Great Read, loved the storyline, the characters, everything about it!! I loved how Quirky Giselle was and the sadness and vulnerability of Drew!! Such a Tearjerker!! 10+ stars

I love the banter between all of the characters. They make you laugh and I can picture having a conversation with them.

This book was totally enjoyable to read. Just enough of everything you love in romance plus a fun story with loveable quirky characters. 5 stars from me!!

I never thought I would love book 2 even more but oh my! Devon and Giselle were perfect for each other. They fell into a wonderful friendship then fell in love. This book was sweet, sexy,funny with some heartache. A must read.

This was an excellent second book in The Game Changers series. It was just as good as the first book. I loved getting to read about the adventures of other characters!

This was a great follow up. I love the characters and the chemistry. Elena was my favorite until reading Giselle's story. Now I can't choose!

This is the second book in the game changers series and it did not disappoint! This story was full of funny scenes and hotness! A great read.

I loved this book. It flowed easily with the two main characters. They were both endearing and created a story I didn't want to put down.

Swoon worthy hero and a smart and fun heroine! The laughs, chemistry and writing were on fire! Isla doesn’t miss!

Couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed their romance and all Giselle’s crazy theories. I like how cute they are together.

Loved the story - the characters - the slow burn of their relationship! Laughed out-loud and cried too! I loved Devon and Giselle!

This story is about redemption and falling in love. Sure, that isn't something new in a romance book, but I really dig a book with unlikely pairs thrown together to create a whole new layer to the recipe. When we think of a romance book with a football star, we don't usually think of the perfect match for him to be the nerdy girl who always fades into the background... Okay, maybe we do. Maybe that's what makes this book so much fun to read. I already liked the characters after reading the first book in this duet. I know many didn't like Giselle in the first book, but I kept an open mind. Nothing in books tends to be what you think it is. And I was right to do so. Giselle was the perfect match for Devon. They compliment each other in ways that left me smiling. I breezed through this book in no time. It was fun. It was romantic. It broke my heart. This book is the perfect balance of light fun and heavy personal issues. I would definitely recommend it for romance readers.

I fell in love with the characters. I was hooked from the beginning. I will definitely be reading more from this amazing author.

This is a beautifully written story of a football star & a scientist who navigate through their feelings for each other. I devoured it!

Great characters, sweet story, easy read. I enjoy Ilsa Madden-Mills books and this one did not disappoint. A recommend from me.

I discovered this author on another book and was hooked! When I saw the first book in the series I couldn’t wait to read it and this one! Recommend for anyone that loves a romance with spice!

Ilsa did it again!! If you thought Jack and Elena were everything just WAIT til you get your hands on Devon and Giselle. 5 stars just wasn't enough for this little diamond. If I could have given it 10 I would have. Please keep these beautiful stories coming Ilsa 🙏

There is not a bad thing I can say other than it wasn’t long enough for me. I loved it.

I'm new to this author but ill be reading more of her work. I like humor and a little quirky with my romance and she delivers! Anyone who wants a feel good read ...she's it. Enjoy

Loving the series and this book was a great read beginning to end! I can't wait to read more books by IIsa Madden-Mills

This book is a great read I absolutely loved it!! You will love Giselle and Devon !! I can’t wait for aidens story

can't find books that make me laugh as much while at the same time falling for the main characters in this book. look forward to listening and reading more from her. love profile picture btw ❣

Oh how I needed this story! It’s the kind of love story that reminds me why this author will ALWAYS be a one click. Devon and Giselle’s story was slow burn perfection. Their chemistry and banter had me smirking the whole way through. Giselle is such a beautiful character who is still working out exactly who she wants to be and you know what - that’s okay! Devon, well he’s the kind of romance hero I love. The kind who makes your heart pound and your legs squirm. He is F.I.N.E!! Together they are EVERYTHING! All the stars in all the universes for this one!

Such a great read! You feel the emotions from each character & chapter 15 made me laugh until I cried!

Most epic prayer of all time! And one of the most fun reads I've had so far this year! This book had me feeling SO MUCH! One minute I'd be frustrated, then I'd be swooning, then I'd be laughing, then I'd be fanning my face, then I'd be heartbroken...and round and round the emotion wheel turned. And I couldn't get enough of it! I bought the audiobook along with the ebook, thinking I'd listen during the times I couldn't read. It didn't matter because I couldn't put my phone down. I read it in one sitting. Devoured it, really. I was completely useless today, no adulting got done, and I don't feel even a little bad about it because this book gave me the feels fix I've been searching for lately. Devon and Giselle were perfect. Truly perfect. I loved how quirky and weird Giselle was and how she brought that out in Devon. And Devon... His words, his actions, his everything had me wanting all the things for them. I'd want him in all my universes, too. If you're looking for a sexy, angsty read that'll have you laughing and loving, Not My Match is a must-read!

Any book that can make me shed a tear deserves 5 stars. It took a little longer to get to the part of them being together but it was worth it.❤

I looove both books (The Game Changers -> Not My Romeo & now this) ☆☆☆☆☆ Please, please make sure you read the first book...

The following ratings are out of 5: Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙 Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋 Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📘📙 World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏 Character development: 👨🏻👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏻👩🏼🦰 The heroine: Giselle - she is going for her PhD in theoretical physics. She is a smart girl who has focused on her studies. She had one failed relationship with a guy she stole from her sister. Though she is a nice girl who thinks of others all the time. The Hero(es): Devon - Pro football player and I do mean player. He is not interested in being in a permanent relationship. Devon is the best friend and teammate of her sister’s new husband Jack and Jack warned all his team to stay away from Giselle. The Story: Giselle has a history of bad birthday’s and seems to have a curse on the month of her birthday every year. On the month of her birthday this year, she is woken in the night when her apartment building is on fire. Devon happens to be in the right place at the right time and offers his place to Giselle while hers is being fixed. There are some things that really stand out as things I really liked in this book. First was the fact that though Giselle was the evil sister who stole her sister’s man in “Not my Romeo”, it is explained in a way that we see Giselle as a good girl who is riddled with guilt over what happened and how it truly wasn’t as bad as it looked. Another thing I liked was the fact that Giselle is a very smart girl who is studying for her PhD in Physics and that is backed up by enough talk of theoretical physics that we can tell the author did her research on the subject and backed it up in the story. I sometimes hate it when books have an intelligent woman but there really isn’t any evidence of her intelligence in the story. Ilsa Madden-Mills is great at integrating background information into the storyline in a seamless way. As for the narration, I really liked both the female and the male narrator, my only criticism is that I didn’t like when the male narrator did the female voice. I know this is the standard way audiobooks are done, especially when the different chapters are in dual POV. The chapters told in the female POV, have the female narrator doing both male and female voices and same for the chapters in the male POV. However, I still wish that they would have the female narrator do all the female parts (even when in the male POV chapter) and vice versa.

You're silly if u don't read this novel. Smart women can have it all. My heart broke but I was saved.

From start to finish, everything was perfect. The characters, plot, character interactions, etc were nothing short of amazing. I’m a huge Ilsa Madden-Mills fan and was excited about reading this one. I enjoyed the first book in this series ‘Not My Romeo’, but I have to say ‘Not My Match’ blew that one out of the water!! Giselle was such a fabulous heroine. She is a virginal brainiac that believes she is carrying a birthday curse around with her. Bad things happen to her on her birthday and have been that way for years. She’s looking to rectify her virginal situation, and SOON! But, she has high expectations and wants that special connection and the sparks. Devon!! He is a football god in the NFL. He doesn’t believe in love (or does he?), he’s had some really hard experiences with women in his life beginning at a young age and it never really stopped. With that said, he steers clear of those feelings, understandably. Giselle and Devon together were fire!! Devon tries to help Giselle find a suitable guy to fix her virgin situation, but at the same time he is a total jealous alpha and not having it. Giselle, ultimately only feels that ZING around Devon. Their chemistry was off the charters and the best slow burn I have every read. Usually I’m not about the slow burn, but this book was an exception. I could feel all the feelings they had. It was so well written and I’m still not over it. I NEED MORE DEVON & GISELLE!! I highly recommend this book and series. This book can also be read as a stand-alone. There’s a lot more depth to this book, but I don’t want to spoil. Go read it, you will get all the feels from this one!

I really enjoyed this book with the NFL star and the nerd but i really loved both Devon and Giselle. Devon i felt sorry for he was always abandoned by the people he cared about and it was like no one would choose him first and loved how he tried to keep away from Giselle it was angsty in that way but also funny. Giselle was just so nerdy and i loved it when she talked sciency but i didn’t expect the book and her character was very surprising but again she had been through a crappy relationship and she just seemed to have some bad luck. I must admit I’m this book i really did live the side characters like Myrtle and mama and aunt Clara as well, even Aiden i quiet liked as well. This has such a great storyline and a bit of keeping away from each other but date pulls them together plus a broody football gets his head sorted out. This was a great book and if your a fan of Isla madden mills you won’t be disappointed and if you haven’t read her yet it’s a must

Giselle, a beautiful scientist that is studying for her PHD is filled with remorse after stealing than being dumped by her sister's boyfriend , Devon, the handsome, sexy football player that is best friends with Giselle's sister now husband know each other but don't run in the same circles. Giselle's best friend is a 60 year old woman that is her landlord and Devon is the rich, famous football player. After a series of disasters leaves Giselle homeless. Devon steps in and after telling himself that even though he is attracted to her they can live together in his penthouse as roommates and friends only.....Not! The adventures began as Devon starts to see Giselle in a new light and Giselle realizes she is having feelings for him. This book is very swoon worthy but also very funny. The scene were Giselle introduces Devon her farm and they are in her barn and she confessions to a previous tysist with a boy from high school had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt. This book has everything you want in a romance book, good looking hero, sexy, beautiful smart heroine great supporting characters (Adrian, when your book coming out!?!) and a delicious, wonderful, funny book.

5 stars. 𝑫𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒍𝒚. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒇𝒖𝒍." Did I liked this book? Oh no... I LOVED IT. I'm obsessed with this! This was so good! I laughed out loud. I cried. I cried while laughing. This book was absolutely everything I wanted for my favorite character (so far) in this series. I loved Devon. Devon Kennedy Walsh? Yes, I want one. He was amazing and sweet and caring, not only with Giselle but with everyone around him. Reading his story was so hard sometimes but it makes you understand why he is the way he is and I adored Giselle because SHE understood that from the beginning. I loved Giselle too. She was fierce and driven and amazing and omg such a boss lady!! Every time she stood up for herself was wonderful and the thing with the "hitman"? Omg that was hilarious! The side characters here were also amazing. I can't wait for Aiden's book! Selena was great. And Mike? I need more of him!! The lady gang and Topher... hilarious as usual. I could gush about this all day, it was that good. Now I can't wait for whats to come

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Not My Match because honestly I wasn't really a fan of Giselle in Not My Romeo (doesn't need to be read to read this book) but I've got to say I LOVED IT!!! Giselle is a science nerd, and yes a gorgeous virgin. She is rather hilarious with her quirkiness and social awkwardness. Fresh off a broken engagement, she's ready to find someone. Who better to help her than man whore Devon, an NFL football star. He's got his own baggage...abandonment issues, but he is super swoony and gets Giselle. Heck, when she needed a place to stay, he was right there for her. There's just so much to love about this book. From the main characters, to the side characters, to the incredible slow burn, to all the emotions. These two got the HEA they deserved!

I absolutely love Devon! He has always has been. So much personality and I seriously needed to know more about him. However, I was never expecting to read what I read! My lanta, the guy is so much more than you think. And Giselle, seriously thought she was stuck up in the first book. She is not at all, she is the sweetest thing and so amazing. Such an odd pair but loved them together, was not expecting them to be written as a could be couple.

Not My Match is a fabulous read. I loved Giselle and Devon so much. They have this amazing banter and a slow burn chemistry. Giselle is super smart and has a bit of bad luck when it comes to certain things. Devon is an amazing football player and all around good guy. I love how he steps in and helps Giselle in so many ways. This book just gets hotter and hotter as they grow closer. I giggled and fanned myself several times over throughout this one. I couldn't get enough of Giselle and Devon. I couldn't put this down.

I absolutely LOVED this book! I was so excited when i learned Devon was getting his own book and it did not disappoint. Devon was one of my favorite parts of Not My Romeo and this book made me fall for him even more! Giselle really surprised me and I love how much you get to know her personality. The two of them together are just perfect! Definite must read!

I thought this book was better than the first one in the series. The chemistry of Giselle and Devon was off the charts. Their love for each other was something to be desired. It’s interesting how the story unfolds in a matter of days or few weeks. As a reader, I also felt as if the Giselle and Devon have known each other for quite some time now. I couldn’t stop reading the book. Giselle and Elena’s mom Cynthia and their Aunt Clara were hilarious characters. I especially love the Sunday lunch scene when Cynthia led the prayer! Hilarious. This is a feel good book that will make you swoon and makes you wonder about that invisible red thread that ties destined couples.

I loved this story. It’s not only a romance story but about finding yourself, forgiveness and failing in love. Has just the right amount of spice with some humorous parts.

Devon Walsh, baller, and Giselle, scientist to be. He’s her sister’s husband bff and she’s the virgin his friend made off limits. They can’t keep their eyes off each other. He’s not a commitment kind of guy. She has aspirations. What do they have in common?

I cannot say enough amazing things about this book! Sexy, quiet, genius Giselle and Devon, a true bad boy in the best possible way, are freaking magic together. My heart broke from the pain and heartbreak then put itself back together just in time for it to explode with happiness several times while reading. It was completely worth it, and I will be telling everyone to read this one!

This story was a nice compliment to the first Game Changers book. It was a little predictable, but Ilsa’s characters are so likable, they’re just fun to read.

After reading the first book in this series, I decided to give this one a try. I went into it not reading the synopsis so I did the realize the herione was the sister of the herione in the previous book. I won't lie, if I had realized that I probably wouldn't have been so quick to pick it up. I didn't care for Giselle in the first book, but I will say that I did I like her way better in this book (but also best of the sisters), and I also liked this book better. It won't go down as my favorite, but it was enjoyable. The best was that I could listen on KU with narration. I liked Devon as the hero of this book. As far as plot (once I gave in and read the synopsis) I realized it was Giselle was a virgin and wanted desperately to have sex and so much of the plot surrounded that. I didn't absolutely love that, but it was way better than the blind date situation in the first book IMO. I did like that this one was a slow burn, there was great tension and I feel like the MC were able to build a decent friendship which made their intalive a little better for me. I will the epilogue are all a little over the top, but tied up the series. This is the third book that I've read by this author and they all seem to be pretty formulaic. Football player meets sassy small town woman, they have all been pretty low angst, with some laughs and steam.

Loved every single page of this book! Laughed out loud, got choked up - lots of emotions! So good! Can’t wait for her next book!

Slow start but glad I stuck with it. Again was listening to it to and from work and loved it so much had to read done too. Great series hope there will be more!!!

First I love the narrator and the story was great. I did not read the hard copy. Super cute book with lots of love and forgiveness and kindness. Really nice funny and heartwarming and spicy story.

Love the Einstein quote, love the research, love the cast of characters. There's really no villain well only if you want to throw in CERN, but that's just an option. Enjoy!!💓💓💓

Giselle and Devon are everything-she’s sweet and super smart and he’s sweet and super hot! Funny characters, especially Cindy ;) Love this series!

What can I say? Ilsa has done it again. She knows how to make a great book. Devon is this hot football player while Giselle is a pretty science girl. Total opposites. You will love how their relationship starts and what happens throughout. I laughed, was sad, was happy. A definite 5 star read to be at top of best best sellers.

Definitely an adorable book. Really enjoyed this one, funny and kept me interested for more! Such a fun love story

Love hits you out of now where sometimes! These two really were opposites attract!! I loved them together. Plenty of laugh out laugh moments too!

I love that the characters are flawed, they have quirks, like we all do. IMM writes a story with feelings and angst and steam. Always time well spent with my head in her books.

This story follows Elena’s sister Giselle and Jacks’s teammate Devon. Glad to Giselle redeem herself in this story. Great friends to lover story.

This is my fave in the series!

It was actually really interesting I absolutely loved it but I dislikes some parts like the ending of chapters ended abruptly in my opinion but that can just be me but other than that the chapters where confusing at first since the last chapter ended abruptly the next one was like what this is a whole different situation than I read last chapter but other than that I just loved the book it was really good and I would recommend it to who ever like books like these.

Giselle and Devon’s story was a nice follow up to Jake and Elena’s story. Giselle is struggling through life, not sure if the direction she needs to go. Devon is used to being left and shies away from commitment. Circumstances lead to her moving in with him while he tries to help her find a good guy. As expected, they develop feelings for each other and then the fun begins. Looking forward to possibly having Aiden’s story in the future.

Quirky characters and someone my brain could follow........ owl scene I laughed so hard my husband thought I was reading a comedy. Truly enjoyed this!!!!

I absolutely loved this book! Loved the characters, the story! Can’t wait for more books by this great author!! Loved Devon and Giselle’s story!

I really enjoyed this one, too! Hot professional football players and nerdy, quirky girls! Just adored it! Sometimes I just like some of these sports romances, even though I don't usually watch sports. But it's a great way to escape reality for a while. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy Gisselle's story after the first book, but it really did turn out good and I ended up really liking our heroine.

not only is the outside of my book damaged which could be due to shipping but the inside is as well. pages are discolored, stained, and torn. awful and takes away from enjoying the book when it’s come to me already falling apart.

The story held.!e captive from the start. I think throwing the science in was a perfect touch! I would definitely recommend Ilsa to readers!

Not My Match was such a fun roller coaster ride. All the feels. All the highs and laughter due to Giselle’s crazy family. All the deep-felt pain due to Devon’s heartbreaking past. An emotion-filled book that kept my mind absorbed, my heart engaged. Wonderful storytelling.

I laughed out loud and cried. I was eagerly anticipating this book and was thankful it lived up to my expectations. Very thankful I discovered Ilsa Madden-Millls. She has become one of my favorite authors.

"Do what makes your heart fly. Every breath you inhale must be meaningful." You always know you're in for a great time when you pick up a book by this author. This was a slow burn, friends to room mates to lovers. Light on the angst and quite a bit of fun. Giselle's character got redeemed in this one and Devon was oh so sexy and got the girl.

I really enjoyed this story. I think Ms. Madden-Mills is a very strong writer. These characters were complicated and yet meaningful and relatedly flawed. Both characters were very likable and easy to root for. I’m wondering if there will be anymore books from this Nashville-Daisy gang.

Love the story. Love Devon and Giselle how they come together and their HPA. Totally enjoyed reading. Will probably read the book again.

This isn't my favorite FMC of Ms. Madden-Mills. It was cute, but the ending wasn't to my preference. I prefer women who find their balance, rather then delay their dreams for motherhood. She also has always loved the lead, which isn't my favorite trope, either. The MMC was great with a depth of character that was well done and their was humor, which is something I adore about this author.

This is a sweet romance about the sister I really didn’t like in the first book. Funny how I judged her too quickly and so did Devin. Getting to know them both proves that opposites do attract.

This was an easy read that kept my attention throughout the book! I would recommend if you are looking for something fun and quick!

I enjoyed this book as well as the first in this series. The male narrator actually sounds like my big brother back when we were younger and he would imitate a girl. I am hoping there are more books in this series.

Ilsa Madden-Mills is becoming a auto buy for me. This book was amazing just like the first one! Just Amazing She knows just what to write to make your heart either swollen with love or sadness. Writing style was amazing and completely loved the plot and romance.

Overall good, such a slow burn and there were some parts that were just to fill the book out, had me skipping to get to the saucy relevant part lol

I like Giselle’s corkiness. I love Devons attempt to find Giselle a new man knowing he is fighting his own feelings

So good

This book fell flat for me. The chemistry never clicked, it was just a huge lump of cliche’s and basically a 3-star not terrible but not recommendable either.

This novel was long and drawn out. It could have been 20% shorter. It was a challenge to finish it.

Funny, sweet and a little hot. Smart PhD candidate and a sexy football player. Total opposites but they work. Cute fun read.

“You are the best person in all of my universes.” -Giselle Wonderfully endearing. Emotional roller coaster like no other. Staying in my library permanently.

May be someone else’s cup of tea, but not for me. I tried finishing since I dont like DNFing books that I get so far through.. I ended up skimming the last few chapters to be done with it.

Beautiful story! How incredibly intense and full of feeling! I loved Giselle and Devon together, with their banter, Giselle’s practical jokes, Aiden’s funny times. It was so enjoyable with its funny and heartbreaking moments. Jack and Elena’s story was sooo good but this one had more heart and also heartbreak. Giselle was still feeling guilty over stealing Elena’s boyfriend, still feeling hurt over Preston’s cheating, and bothered by not having gotten rid of her V-card. When she and Devon meet up after a failed date, there’s heat and chemistry between them. She mistook Devon’s stares for a guy watching a nerdy freak, when it was really a guy watching a woman he wants. I loved that Devon really saw her. “I saw a girl who took a chance on a guy, sacrificed her relationship with her sister, gave up pieces of herself, and was vibrating with the repercussions, wondering how the hell she’d gotten there.” There were so many priceless moments, like the stories she writes and tells to Devon, his fascination with her creative mind and the stories she concocts that mix romance and physics, her glorious mind that is full of trivial facts, her big heart who befriends an older woman and embraces her well-being. I loved her practical jokes like when she jumps at him with a shark mask from the deep corners of his dark closet. She’s unique, quirky, intelligent and sensitive. For a man who rejects relations, he’s very close to the edge of a risk and in danger of falling over... Giselle never thought that a gorgeous hunk of man like Devon would ever look at her with lust, and yet he does. When she goes to stay at his penthouse after a fire in her apartment, the fun begins and their love story truly takes flight. We enjoy so many laughable moments! Their attraction grows and yet, there’s a hesitation on Devon’s part. He’s scared of his feelings for Giselle because he’s got abandonment issues. He feels everyone he loves leaves him and he doesn’t want that to happen with Giselle. But she’s so irresistible he can’t resist! “Even the part of him that’s been holding back from me, I want to cherish. He’s a little broken from the past, but if he wasn’t, then we might never have happened. Fate. I swallow down those words. Too soon, too fast.” I loved, loved all the characters. The Daisy Lady Gang, composed of Elena, Giselle, their mama Cynthia, and their aunt Clara. The aunt has a younger boyfriend who visits her clandestinely but everyone in town knows, mama Cynthia is a typical Southern mama, passive aggressive, and her Sunday lunch grace before eating is hysterical. There’s Topher, Elena’s bestie who is also now Giselle’s bestie and very attached to mama Cynthia. Myrtle, Giselle’s landlady and close friend, wise and supportive to Giselle’s nerdiness. I truly enjoyed every moment, every feeling, every joke in this story. Such a well-rounded story of joy, guilt, intelligence, creativity, determination, and the generosity that comes from true love. Giselle and Devon are soul mates that needed to have a bit of turbulence before recognizing who they are to each other. “I’d be nothing but a shadow of who I am if I left you,” Beautiful!

5 Level-Five-superstars! My first Top Read of the year! Devon and Giselle were hilarious, so much fun, hot AF and hella swoony and romantic! I loved their banter, the scorching zing and emotional connection between them. I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THEM! ”Part of me knows that I’m teetering close to a heady infatuation with Giselle, throwing my inhibitions aside and devouring her piece by piece.” Devon Walsh is charming and cocky. He’s not in the market for a committed relationship. He usually lasts about a month with one woman and then he sends them happily on their way. However, when it comes to Giselle Riley, he’s not completely sure if he’s coming or going. For the first time in a long time, she makes him feel and want things that he’s closed himself off from. His fears hold him back from going after what he craves with her. ”We stare at each other, and heat builds and rises inside me, a yearning to touch him that makes me feel light headed.” Giselle finds herself in a mess – things are not going well with her studies, her dream job looks out of reach, she’s still repairing her relationship with her sister, and her apartment just burnt down. The only good thing seems to be her budding friendship with Devon, in spite of the obvious attraction between them. However, when she finds herself living at his apartment, it’s pretty hard to keep ignore the zing between them, especially when they seem to gel so well, too. She’s tired of making mistakes in her life but the more time she spends with Devon, the more she might be willing to take a leap of faith with him. ”He wants me – maybe more than just want, and the fierce girl inside me pounces. She’s had enough. She demands.” Gaahhhh!!! This book gripped me every which way! On the surface, Devon and Giselle were an unlikely pairing. He’s the commitment-shy, bad boy player and she’s the genius, nerdy scientist who’s looking for monogamy. Devon was just downright gorgeous – not just on the outside, either. Underneath, he was as soft and squidgy as a toasted marshmallow. I adored his innate goodness and vulnerable heart. Giselle was surprisingly funny and goofy. She’s supersmart but was unapologetically her quirky self. I found her sweet, caring side and fierce protectiveness of others somewhat bittersweet, as she often struggled to stand up for herself. The two of them together were so fun and amusing. I adored their banter and connection. I really laughed out loud at some of their antics. LOL. Their chemistry was sizzling and the tension between them deliciously taut. Devon made me swoon hard!! He tried so hard to do the right thing by her but, in the end, his desire and jealousy pushed him to claim her. And, HOW he claimed her! *heart eyes* This novel (as well as the first novel, Not My Romeo) was full of colourful characters that made for a hilarious read! LOL. This author goes from strength to strength and I can’t wait for her next novel.

"Do what makes your heart fly. Every breath you inhale must be meaningful." I don’t know how Ilsa does it. I really don’t. I finished this book last night and I am STILL reeling over how just, like, incredible it was. I wasn’t kidding when I said before that she gets better with each release. I thought we had a favorite hero/story combination with Not My Romeo but my GOD I, and I cannot stress this enough, loved this story. Absolutely head over heels loved. You meet Devon and Giselle in Not My Romeo, but it’s not crucial to read that book first (although I definitely encourage it, Jack is the best.) and that’s how they, too, meet. Devon is Jack’s teammate, and Jack marries Giselle’s sister, Elena. They’re friends, but in that “we know each other through close people of ours so we’re not really friends but friendly” kind of way, and that’s apparent when the book starts (or, at least that’s what Giselle tells us.) What ensues from there is a heartwarming and hilarious story of two people being thrown together through random acts of kindness, essentially, and the relationship that builds from there. Devon, a star Wide Receiver for NFL and Giselle, a physicist working on her PhD, seemingly have nothing in common and are an unlikely pair, but as they get closer and learn more about one another, they learn that maybe that’s not required to have a solid foundation and beautiful relationship. This book had it all; sexual tension, chemistry out the wazoo, hilarious dialogue, snappy internal monologues and thoughts we’ve all had, and just so much freaking emotion. I laughed hysterically (like side-clutching had to stop reading laughing), sobbed my eyes out (so loud I woke my boyfriend up at 1am) and just never wanted it to end. It was honestly Such. A. Good. Book. I’m sure there are some things people will find fault with, and if I tried hard enough I bet I could too, but I don’t want to. This book made me endlessly happy and I miss the characters so much already I’ve gone back and reread some of my favorite scenes about 10x. Did I mention I finished last night? I honestly can’t let this book go. "You are the best person in all my universes" I MEAN COME ON. The feelings this book pulled out of me, I just can’t even quite put it into words. I think this might be Ilsa’s best book yet. From our main duo, and their friends, Aiden and Jack and Elena, to Myrtle and the Daisy Lady Gang, this cast will have you weeping and laughing, sometimes both at once. Did I already tell you I love this book? Because I love this book. Thank you, Ilsa, for these characters. I cannot wait to see what you have in store of us next. ***Many thanks to the Netgalley and Montlake providing my review copy***

This is an honest review for an arc received. “It pays to keep an open mind, but not so open your brains fall out.” Gieselle Riley is the super smart nerdy girl, who’s convinced everything going wrong in her life currently, is due to her birthday curse. She’s got big plans for her life and has a list to prove it. After a failed engagement and not so great dates via an online dating app, she’s looking to turn her luck around. But after a fire at her apartment building, she’s considering her options. Never in a million years does she see herself living with Devon Walsh. Once she finds out her brother-in-law Jack (from Not My Romeo) told Devon her biggest secret, she’s now on a mission. “You’re like every guy’s wet dream for a farm girl – you know that, right?” Devon Walsh is a hot, sexy, tattooed star football player and also best friends with Gieselle’s brother-in-law Jack. Although a chance run in with Gieselle ended poorly, he’s determined to apologize. When he comes to her rescue after her apartment fire, he offers her a place to stay. Devon has secrets that he keeps closely guarded. Will he open up to his quirky roommate who he promised to watch out for? What happens when the nerdy girl breaks down the defenses of the hot, alpha male football star? “Out of the hurricane of my life, out of everyone I know, she’s become a true constant, a calm breeze that eases me.” This is a 5 star touchdown! If you’re looking for a book with witty banter, fun loving characters that you can’t help but root for, brains and braun, and hot sexy times, then this is the book for you! These two are perfect for each other. I love a good sports romance and this one is right at the top of my list. Get ready for an opposites attract, steamy, sweet love story. Can’t wait for Aiden’s book!

From the moment I found out Devon was going to have his own story, I was excited and looking forward to it. However, to be completely honest I was a bit skeptical about it also. While I absolutely loved Devon in Not my Romeo, I was not a fan of Giselle. In fact, I didn’t like her at all and I didn’t feel there was any way for her to redeem herself - but boy was I wrong. Not only did Giselle redeem herself, I liked her more than I did Elena. Trust me, that’s saying a lot because Elena was one of my favorite female characters of 2020. Giselle sure wasn’t who I was expecting her to be. She was so different.; a physics scholar working towards her Ph.D. Who had a secret passion or writing sci-if romance novels. She believed in facts, in science, and in curses. Having had a history of bad things happening on her birthday, Giselle believed her birthday was cursed. The poor girl had made bad decision after bad decision and only seemed to attract jerks (including her sister’s ex). She found herself at a time in her life where she just couldn’t catch a break - that is until fate but her in the hands (well penthouse) sexy, football star Devon Walsh. Giselle was different than any of the girls Devon attracted or was attracted to. She was quirky and had so many different characteristics that made her so unique - but it was her uniqueness that had Devon feelings things he had never felt before. I loved Devon just as much as I did Giselle. Everyone saw Devon as this pro athlete with a great sense of humor and attitude. While that was the case, there was so much more to him. Devon’s past was always a shadow hanging over him. He had a touch childhood, but no matter what he looked out for those he loved. The relationship between Devon and Giselle was so fantastic to witness. There was so much character growth, especially with Giselle. I haven’t read many books by Ilsa Madden-Mills, but the few I have read have all been absolutely fantastic. She is quickly becoming one of my go-to-1-click authors. I loved this book so much and can already tell it will be one of my best books of the year and one I will re-read over and over.

Ilsa Madden-Mills pens an irresistibly sweet, fun, sexy, pull at your heartstrings romance worthy of 5++ swoony ⭐️s! ➵ Facts: Not My Match is book #2 of The Game Changers by Wall Street Journal, NY Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills. It is a standalone romance, told from both points of view with a smile inducing happily ever after ending. Genres: Contemporary Romance | Sports romance. Tropes: Alpha hero | Virgin Heroine | friends to lovers | roommates to lovers | opposites attract ➵ Plot: T When player and NHL star Devon Walsh met virginal, genius physicist Giselle Riley, the two could not seem more different. After a fire forced her to find a temporary place to stay, Devon and Giselle become friends of sorts. He’s playing matchmaker while she’s using him as inspiration for her sexy alien warrior hero in romance novel while both try to quash their mutual attraction because she dreams of finishing her PhD on the other side of the world while he dreads being left behind. One thing is blatantly undeniable, being around each other makes them both deliriously happy. Can they overcome their opposite views on relationships? ➵ Hero: OMG I L.O.V.E.D. Devon with his sexy and gruff alpha male exterior protecting his very vulnerable and squishy heart. Coming from humble beginnings, a broken home, and a relationship that left him feeling less than, it was difficult for him to open up to the possibility of him and Giselle. ➵ Heroine: Giselle was a wonderful surprise. I loved her just as much as I did Devon. She totally appealed to my geeky side (engineer with a couple of master’s degrees here), my love for teaching science in non-traditional ways, and my love for romance (romance book lover here). She’s quirky and fun and exactly what Devon needed. ➵ Sexiness: Not My Match was a delicious slow burn that built on the banter, friendship and attraction between Devon and Giselle. Their chemistry was palpable and was deepened as they got to know each other. There were so many moments they shared that made my heart melt. ➵ Quotes: There were so many quotes I LOVED "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts." ~ Giselle quoting A. Einstein

After reading not my Romeo, I fell in love with Devon... he was funny and charismatic, and I knew I had to read his book! Ilsa madden mills never disappoints! I really enjoyed this book! There was so much chemistry between Devon and Giselle! The will they won’t they the whole time kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved how we see Devon in a different light. He’s still funny, but oh so caring and possessive. He has his own struggles through out the book that make you feel for him....He’s a true book boyfriend. Giselle I was probably like everyone else who read not my Romeo and disliked her at first. This book really does make me see her in a different light. She was quirky, smart and loving. Plus She writes alien romance novels, haha I did come around to her and ended up liking her! In the end You will seriously root for her and Devon the whole time! This book is a friends to lovers, insta lust with a little bit of slow burn. Giselle’s apartment catches fire and she has no where to stay, so Devon has her stay at his place, and I bet you know what ends up happening. As I said I truly loved Devon and Giselle together... and Devons way of being sensitive and caring around her had me swooning so hard! Ilsa madden mills write the most passionate character, and let’s me feel every emotion the character feel for each other! I cannot wait to read more from her in the future! 💖💖

"Not My Match" was a delightful slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance between physics grad student Giselle Riley and NFL wide receiver Devon Walsh. Despite being surrounded by people, Giselle and Devon both seemed lonely when the story began, and I think that was a big part of why they were so drawn to each other. Giselle was in a particularly tough spot, wracked with guilt over betraying her sister Elena (the female lead of book #1) with her ex, Preston, and essentially homeless after a fire drove her out of her apartment. All she wanted was to get her life back on track, but it seemed like she couldn't catch a break. There was an obvious spark between Devon and Giselle from the start, but Devon kept pushing Giselle away and trying to keep her in the friend zone. Not only was he struggling with past abandonment issues, his best friend Jack (the male lead of book #1) had made Giselle off-limits in an effort to protect her from the guys on his team. Giselle had a lot of bad experiences with men, so I understood where Jack was coming from, but Devon was a good guy and didn't seem to be nearly as much of a player as his reputation suggested. He took care of his family and went out of his way to look after Giselle while Jack and Elena were away on their honeymoon, even though that made it more difficult for him to fight his feelings for her. Giselle was kind of the "bad guy" in the previous book of the series, but surprisingly, I really liked her after I got to know her better. Given more context and an understanding of her side of the story, Giselle seemed to have been a victim of Preston's manipulations just as much as her sister Elena was. That's not to say that everything Giselle did was right, but she was truly remorseful and genuine in her desire to repair her relationship with Elena. There were a number of emotional moments in this story, but plenty of funny scenes as well. Much of the humor was thanks to the book's charming secondary characters, including Giselle's pot-smoking landlady Myrtle, the students from her Intro to Physics class, Corey and Addison, and Elena's best friend Topher (who also appeared in book #1). My favorite, however, was Elena and Giselle's mama Cynthia, whose passive aggressive prayers at Sunday lunch made me laugh out loud. Finally, I enjoyed Devon and Jack's teammate Aiden and hope that he will get a story of his own in the future. Overall, I loved this heartwarming, funny, sweet yet steamy story and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance readers. I look forward to whatever Madden-Mills writes next. *Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5/5 Stars I am so glad that I picked up this book! I am so hooked on books by Ilsa Madden-Mills! She has got this writing gig down and I am making my way through her backlist with a frenzied fervor. I love the way that Ilsa plots her stories. I always find myself intrigued and wanting more. This book was full of so much humor and it made me laugh so many times. I admit that this story started off a little slow for me and I started to wonder if I would enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, Not My Romeo. I worried for nothing though because the story picked up and held me prisoner until the end. I have never been disappointed with a novel from Ilsa Madden-Mills and I am overjoyed to say that this book is another one that I can add to my favorites. Once things picked up I really couldn't get enough of Giselle and Devon. I really loved seeing all of my favorite characters from the first book in this series. Ilsa has a brilliant way of writing side characters that breathe so much life into the story and give it so much depth. Giselle and Devon's character development was excellent. I love the way that Ilsa writes such relatable characters. The way that Giselle and Devon connected in the book was magical. Their personalities just clicked right from the beginning. Their relationship had a natural progression. They had definite chemistry and I loved that it was on an emotional level and not superficial. These two shared pieces of their souls with the other and it was really beautiful. I loved seeing Devon break down the walls that were holding him back by sorting through his past traumas. And I loved that Giselle found who she really was after her big break up before the start of the book. The world-building was wonderful. I felt so connected to the world and could picture everything so easily in my mind. Overall, this is a book that ticks all the boxes. There is plenty of humor, well-developed characters with chemistry for days, and a well-thought-out plot that will keep your interest. I highly recommend this book and any book by this author. She always writes books that make me feel a gamut of emotions and leave me completely satisfied. I really hope that there will be more books in this series!

What happens when Ilsa Madden-Mills takes on friends to lovers?? You get a book that is EVERYTHING sweet, sexy, and oh so PERFECT in so many ways!! A story so beautiful that it will bring tears to your eyes and butterflies fluttering in your tummy... From the very first page you'll be drawn into a story of forbidden love between two unlikely friends brought together by unusual circumstances. Devon and Giselle may be polar opposites but, as you'll soon find out, are the perfect match in every way... Honestly, I was wary of Giselle being the heroine in this book. If you've read Not My Romeo, you'll understand what I mean. To say that I was surprised and blown away by the character she developed into is an understatement! This girl is AMAZING! she's unique, different, strong, and has the most beautiful spirit! A girl genius and Si-Fy author?? I have a serious girl crush on how AWESOME she is.... Devon is EVERYTHING!! Sweet, caring, protective this Alpha male caveman with a heart of gold will have you swooning with a capital S! What I loved most though was his vulnerability. As his past is revealed you'll fall a little more in love for a man who doesn't let anyone get close enough to hurt him. He's never had anyone he's loved be a true constant in his life. His pain and insecurities over that are so visceral you can't help but feel it right along with him... This book was the perfect example of what happens when you meet that one unique person who changes your world. Giselle and Devon may be opposites in every way but, their zing has a certain magic to it that makes them the perfect for each other in the best possible way. They have so many touching moments that seriously brought tears to my eyes. Their beautiful connection reminds me of how love should be.... I cannot gush enough about how wonderfully beautiful and unique this story is!! It will make you laugh, cry, and bring happiness to your heart! I loved it so much!! I am completely smitten as a kitten over these two! ❤❤ If you can't already tell, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND putting this book on your TBR and doing it NOW! You'll so thank me later! 😘❤

ARC Review: tl;dr: DEVON AND GISELLE ARE AMAZING. What is there ship name? Develle? Gisvon? Forget that second one. This is the story of two people who spent a lot of time letting the world tell them who they are and what they want, and the journey of how they figure out the truth. And the best part is, it brings them to each other. Devon is a wide receiver with a player reputation, Giselle is the innocent sister of his best friend's wife. People get up in their business and try to put walls between them, but instead a true and deep friendship grows in the midst of them fighting attraction to one another. They are both so aware of each other and trying to find any reason to fight or ignore it - it is absolutely DELICIOUS reading their tension and SOOOO satisfying when they give in. Devon has past hurts and family trauma to heal from, and he finds someone who sees his value in a way that has nothing to do with football. He is so freaking precious, you're going to love him. Also, if you loved Jack in Not My Romeo, I want to prepare you right now to be kind of pissed at how he treats his bestie. They've got some growing to do. Giselle. Pursuing her Ph.D. in Physics, and spends a lot of this book finding her spine and sorting through her dreams. Giselle faces sexism in academia, critiques the fact that many academics suck at teaching, and defends her desire to write alien romance and the validity and empowerment of the genre. She is awesome. The kind of person I'd want to be friends with. I felt extremely protective of her, and wanted to yell at everyone in her life except Devon about 90% of the time for interfering or trying to put her in a box. We get a little bit less of Daisy in this book, although the presence of the little town and it's inhabitants make itself very known. They aren't quite as secondhand embarrassment laden as Elena's experiences, but still pretty spectacularly cringe. Ilsa is one of the best in the game, continuing to provide characters who are complex and nuanced, and makes you fall in love with them. This book was more than I was expecting and I loved every page. There's a reason she's an auto-buy author for me!

“There’s an ancient Chinese myth that’s says if two people are destined to be together, then no matter how long it takes, their paths will continue to cross and intertwine. They believe there an invisible red thread that ties destined couples. The thread may knot or tangle but will never break.” Ilsa just can’t seem to stop pumping out all the feels. She does it again in this newest sports romance. He’s the yummiest of alpha males and she’s the classic nerd. Opposites truly attract and we are pulled into their universe. Devon , while being everything on the outside that a woman could want, is damaged. He comes across as crazy, flirty and fun but he has more layers. He’s never been first, never been truly loved and has been left behind so many times. He doesn’t believe he has it in him to ever try again for that one person who could complete him. He holds himself back and he’s guarded. Giselle is all about science and geeks out over physics. Shes quirky, nerdy and a whole lot of fun. She’s Elena’s sister and we all had a few issues with her from the first book in this series. We didn’t actually know the full story...and there is a story there. An inexperienced girl, sucked in, caught up, makes the wrong choice....She’s recently single, determined to change her life and now homeless when Devon steps in to help. These two built a beautiful relationship. First a friendship that became solid and fun. They were supportive and stood behind the other. They “see” one another. Then there was more. The chemistry between the two is amazing! It’s a slow burn that builds and builds until it explodes and moves quickly. You could feel the intensity from the pages. “You are the best person in all my universes.” -seriously one of the best lines ever! This was a fantastic romance. It was a slow burn all the way through but it just kept building and leaving us on the edge waiting for more crumbs to fall. You will snicker and swoon and leave with a smile on your face all while being happily sucked into this black hole.

I 100% loved this book. One thing that will always get me is a smart girl romance, mix that with a sports romance and I’m all in. The opening of this book got me from the first page. That rarely happens these day and is a true testament to a good book. Giselle is the nerdy hot girl, who is a virgin. But unlike most virgin stories it’s not because she’s awkward and a hidden hot girl. It’s because life keeps creating moments of absolute gold to mess with her getting her Mack on. Also underneath it all she is still like every girl and wants that first time to be special. Sometimes I wish I had been older smarter and knew my body better when I did that. So she is now on a mission to find a good guy to lose it with. But of course in walks the hottie football player who is besties with her brother in law. They have had an unknown attraction for each other. He as well as the entire football team have been sworn away from her. There are so many moments I laughed out loud. So many moments I truly just swooned. The banter and relationship between them is perfection. The side characters are so much fun I want all of them in every book. Note to self need to see if Daisy, Tennessee is a real place and then go there. Giselle is one of my favorite heroines. She is also on the sly writing an alien romance novel based on fact/science. Same way I imagine any physicist would. This is just a side component of the amazingness of Giselle. The sexual tension was off the charts. So many moments I did my squirm in my seat dance. Holy balls all the steam. All I’m going to add is red Maserati scene and when you know you know. Fire, fire! I lost an entire week worth of panties. This book was everything I needed in life right now, I’m so thrilled I got to read it.

She did it again! Ilsa Madden-Mills really knows how to catch and hold my attention the whole book! I'm a sucker for sports romance and she's one of my favorite on that trope. And she freaking make me root for the virgin girl who wronged her own sister! How she could do that, is beyond me! I loved Not My Romeo, so I'm protective of Elena and Jack. Giselle was the pivot of Elena's heartbreak at the beginning of Not My Romeo. So my expectations for her redemption, were pretty low. Even if at the end of the book, things wasn't as they looked like at the beginning, I still had my doubts with her. BUT I looooved Devon with a hard passion since the first book. He was super funny and an amazing friend! So I needed him to be happy! Their journey isn't an easy one, but how funny was to see them together! Devon was insecure and keep his heart firmly locked from any kinda of love actually. He was burned before, so it wasn't easy for him to admit that what he really wanted, was Gisele. Gisele is a hot mess almost the entire book, but she's smart, friendly, compassionate and she's really trying to be better. All the Preston drama left a mark on her, but she really knew what she wanted, and that was Devon. Their chemistry is amazing. Their banter and their friendship is incredible, and OMG when they finally get together, I could feel the zing from across my Kindle! Gisele won me over with her care and her heart at the right place! Devon is still my dear sweetheart, that I want to hug and cuddle, watching shark week on the couch! I have to mention Mama Cynthia's passive-aggressive prayer during their Sunday lunch! Dear Lord, I was cracking up during that whole scene! I love that family! Bless your heart! 😂😂😂 This book was amazing and I highly recommend it!

Where do I even begin with the incredible greatness that is Giselle in Not My Match? I thought her sister Elena was all that in Not My Romeo. But wait--we have a surprise. Remember the ice queen-like Giselle, perfectly coiffed, pearls, skirts, and kinda, sorta betrayed her sister? Well, are you in for a surprise--prepare to meet super duper geek girl who is so darn playful and effervescent that she's going to stick with you for a long, long time. Ilsa writes very memorable characters; it's one of her hallmarks. When I say memorable, I mean characters that you recall a year or more after reading the book—names like River, Knox, Declan, Ava, Charisma, and now Giselle. Ok, I may have a slight leaning toward Physics girls. My daughter built a particle detector in my closet when she was sixteen. She's about to complete her bachelor's in Physics and wants to teach high school Physics. Giselle was all that. Her ability to bring the cookies down to a shelf her students could understand. Her desire to lick the super-collider in CERN Switzerland. Her character just ended up being so very much more than I ever imagined. Devon was a pleasure to get to know. I admired his wanting to protect Jack's new sister-in-law from the boys on the team, especially Aidan, but it was hilarious how it came about. Everything about Devon and Giselle's relationship was a divine dance to watch. Reading about Devon watching Giselle (Miss Prim and Proper, remember?) in cutoff jean shorts, one of his shirts, and braiding her hair into pigtails--yeah, another one of Ilsa's unforgettable stories. Not to mention the antics that come about from watching Shark Week--honestly, one of the best scenes EVER! Yeah, there's steam, there's passion, an interesting manager of a Piggly Wiggly, Topher, Sundrops, and a former crush who's moved back to town to add color and character to this heckuva fun tale. But then let's not forget one of the truest southernisms there is: using Sunday grace to tell God all the ways the family members are sinning. I rolled on the floor, laughing. Not My Match has already secured a place as one of my top reads for this year; without a doubt, Ilsa Madden-Mills is in the zone, people, and she keeps crafting dynamite books.

Despite the fact that Giselle Riley is incredibly intelligent, her book smarts don’t seem to help with her street smarts, at least when it comes to choosing guys to give her heart to, but in most ways, I would say it’s more about her inexperience and innocence than it is about not understanding the ways of the world and now with her current living situation with Devon and just how different their lives and personalities seem to be, she’s in for some life-changing moments, especially with this whole matchmaking business and who her matchmaker is. Ilsa Madden-Mills creates such deliciously complicated and layered alpha males and her newest hero, Devon Walsh, fits those characteristics to a T. There is so much going on in that sexy head of his and with the new dynamics he experiences and the way he feels about his new roommate as well, the parts of Devon that he doesn’t usually show come out in full-force, even when he wished they didn’t. Devon Walsh may think he’s only good with his hands when it comes to football and no-string fun, but there’s so much about him that makes him more than worthy of the girl who seems to own him regardless of how off-limits she may be and I loved watching how everything unfolded between them and just how perfectly imperfect they are as a couple. Because the author reveals the main characters’ backstories with such clarity, readers are able to understand why Giselle and Devon are the way they are, offering key insight into their current situations and these ideas also play into the slow burn feel of this story. There’s a lot to lose on both sides so the fear of hurting each other, of crossing a line that they’ll never come back from makes them both cautious, which results in quite a bit of second-guessing while still moving the plot line forward in a direction that just might prove them wrong. As much as the old adage of opposites attract rings true in a large amount of relationships, I truly thought Devon and Giselle were too different, despite their intense attraction to each other. But the way Ilsa brought these two characters together and the care she took to make sure that it was clear just how perfect Devon and Giselle were together regardless of how different they were speaks to the kind of writer Ilsa is, which is why I always hang on, waiting to pass judgment until I’ve gotten to the very end, and time and time again, her stories and her characters come together in ways that I hadn’t thought possible. 4.5 Poison Apples

Isla Madden-Mills did something I never thought possible--she made me love a heroine I previously didn't like. Giselle and Jack are now my favorites from this series and no one can convince to revert back to my previous line of thinking. They are just THAT good together. Not My Match, is a emotionally charged and sexually sizzling novel that hits you with moments of raw authenticity and comedic gold. Like I said before--I went into this book not like Giselle. From Not My Romeo (NMR), she was the sister that had me rolling my eyes and scowling at. But cracking open this story and learning more about Giselle and her side of the story from the events that happened in NMR, my cold heart thawed, and as I dove deeper I began to root for her in more ways than I can count. Giselle is this super genius who happens to know everything outside of the bedroom. After having a bad storm of a relationship come crashing down, Giselle is out to prove to herself that she has what it takes to be in a relationship and the sexual prowess that comes with it too. Enter Devon. I absolutely LOVED Devon in NMR. And I think I actually squealed in a work meeting when I found out that Devon was getting his own story. A famous professional football player, Devon is known for his player ways both on and off the field. Attracted to Giselle beyond belief, he decides that he isn't the right match for Giselle and begins the adventure of being her matchmaker. Y'all this man has LAYERS. Every time I got to a new chapter, it was like I was introducing myself to a different and updated Devon. I got so invested in his life and who he was that everything else ceased to exist when I was in his point of view. From the very beginning these characters clicked, and watching them fight their feelings and then come together was the most satisfying thing I've witnessed all year. The push and pull and the leaning on each other during difficult moments was like chef kisses. If you can't tell I am smitten and loved every single moment of this story. The Chemistry, the emotions, and the well developed characters--Ilsa Madden-Mills threw it out of the park with this story. I was completely entranced from start to finish, and if the others didn't solidify my belief that Isla is a bonified QUEEN--then I don't know what else will. I highly, highly, recommend you grabbing this series up and devouring it. Trust me you won't regret it!

Not My Match was a fun, hot, emotional and unique romance novel. I loved everything about this book. I found it very difficult to put it down, but life is so crazy right now and reading time is sparse. This book was what I needed, because it took my mind of everything. Not My Match was an amazing book to start the year 2021 with! Giselle and Devon completely stole my heart. Devon is rich, talented, sporty, loyal, kind and determined. Football is his life. He trains hard and plays to win. His teammates can count on him. His personal life isn’t all that pretty and that has an impact on his life, but Devon is one strong man. Devon has wanted Giselle for a while. The better he gets to know her, the more he realizes that she’s the one for him. I loved reading how he is with Giselle, because he’s different with her. Giselle is smart, caring, determined, passionate and loving. Giselle loves science and romance novels, and she hopes to have both in her life. She would deserve it, because she works hard and she deserves some happiness. She hasn’t always made the best decisions, but she still feels guilty about them. Giselle will find herself and that was beautiful to read. She also some very beautiful things to Devon. Giselle has a crush on Devon for a long time, but she never expected that he could feel the same. Not My Match is a slow burn romance. Devon and Giselle have their reasons for not taking the first step. The author wrote their feelings so well that I understood it. I was rooting for them as a couple from the start. Once Devin and Giselle finally give in to their feelings, sparks flew and things got very hot. They were a strong couple and wanted to fight to be together. The secondary characters made the story complete. Giselle has a great family and Devon has great team mates. Both of them get support and love from them. Everybody is so funny and bring so much joy to the story. I definitely hope Not My Match won’t be the last book in The Game Changers series.

“Just… Please. Stay.” ‘Not My Match’ is a delicious opposites-attract story about an aspiring scientist and a professional football player with equal parts humor and depth. Wide receiver Devon Walsh can’t explain why, but he’s fascinated by buttoned up grad student Giselle Riley. It’s too bad she’s off limits. However, when Giselle finds herself in need of temporary housing, he can’t help but offer her one of his extra rooms. And when sparks inevitably start to fly? Devon discovers that sometimes you can’t fight fate. The second interconnected standalone in Ilsa Madden-Mills’s Game Changers series, ‘Not My Match’ delivers a healthy amount of chemistry and humor. At first glance, it appears that Devon and Giselle have nothing in common, but as their true selves are revealed, you see how perfect they are for each other. Devon is surprisingly sensitive and kind. I wouldn’t go so far to say that he is a cinnamon roll hero, but he definitely skates the line between CR and alpha in the most delightful way. And seeing Giselle come into her own power and to use her agency to pursue her dreams is inspiring to read. “You are the best person in all my universes.” One theme that is consistent throughout Madden-Mills’s work is the idea of fate. She cleverly weaves a feeling of connection between her protagonists, leaving the reader enraptured and wholly invested in the outcome of their story. The fact that there are some beautifully crafted love scenes? An added bonus to an already rich narrative. Though fate is definitely a factor, it is the characters’ works that make the novel complete. This novel cleverly explores the idea of what it means to love someone, and whether or not that love is enough. This is an excellent novel to start the new year off on a high note. I already anticipate it making my top reads list of 2021. A sincere thanks to NetGalley, Montlake, and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

LOVED LOVED LOVED!!!! Every single time this woman puts a book out I fall again! For another hero, another heroine, more friends and family! The fact that this one is book 2 of The Game Changers just means I already knew most of the friends & family, and they are amazing! The banter and chatter back and forth between them is hilarious and I LOVE IT! Some of my favorite moments are the family dinners! Giselle Riley has had her sights set on certain goals for years and will stop at nothing to accomplish them. After being cheated on and going on way too many bad dates she accepts the help of her brother-in-laws teammate to help her find that someone special. Little does she know he has his reasons for taking on this task, to guarantee she gets a good guy yes but also to keep her out of the paws of all the players; most of all...himself! These two skirt around each other while trying to keep from falling for the other. So many spine tingling moments, I have no doubt you'll feel the butterflies like I did! When long awaited dreams are finally within your grasp but you have to choose between them and love...which do you choose? My eyes might have gotten a tad watery, maybe.... Ilsa really knows how to pull at your heartstrings. These two connected in a way that so many people around us try to grasp; some are able to find it, some it slips through their fingers and some never see it. Finding that one person who gets you like no one else...it's such a beautiful moment and feeling. My heart was invested entirely, at one point I was wrapped up so deep in this book that I didn't realize my own kid was standing beside me calling my name. I can't wait to see who is next from this world, I have my suspicions and hope I'm right but I do know one thing...no matter who it is I AM HERE FOR IT!

THE GUIDE TO ROMANCE NOVELS - ARC REVIEW Not my first read by the author, I read her books before I started my bookstagram and fell in love with this Series from Book 1, am looking forward to diving into this one! This one was going to be fun I just knew it, because the heroine is very different. Let’s recap, the heroine is the book 1 H’s sister and the hero is the beat friend of Book 1 Hero. That said going in I knew that Giselle was going to be off limits to Devon. Even though they originally met when Giselle was engaged to the ex…she actually has had a crush on Devon for a very long time. And Devon who was warned by his beat friend to stay away, she’s innocent…wasn’t sure how to keep his own feelings at bay. Both having been burned by an ex, it was fun to watch them skirt around one another. You can’t deny ZING in the words of Giselle. Their road to each other may nor be original or easy, but boy was is sweet and just swoon-y. The heroine is unique, quirky, blunt, funny, nerdy and so beautiful. The hero is also unique, best at what he does, troubled family and a murky past. Them together as friends was so much fun to watch and learn, something about them both being nerd-y in their own way, when they come together it’s just too cute. Really enjoyed the ending because the peek was more of a rush. Highly Recommend this book & series! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5. Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 2 in Series Type: All Tags on top of this page! Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

I knew when Devon was introduced in Not my Romeo that he would be someone special. Devon is beautiful inside and out. He has baggage he carries from when he was a child. But he’s so good to Giselle and he wants her to have a guy that deserves her. Giselle is smart and beautiful and she really sees Devon. She doesn’t see the football superstar but the man and she loves him the way he is. I loved how the were friends after they met even though the attraction was there from the moment they met. I love the way they are with each other. They become roommates but Giselle still take care of her friend an older lady who is hilarious. Giselle can’t help herself and she has to answer whatever question is asked. She’s still trying to forgive herself for what happened with her sister even though Elena has forgiven her. She also believes her birthday is cursed because of things that happened when she was a teen which is quite sad. Her mom is something else and her prayers during dinner had me laughing so hard. The way Elena and Giselle are during the prayers made me laugh. I love Giselle’s sense of humor and the things she does to Devon. I must say I would’ve screamed like Giselle when Cindy ended up on her bed but what she does to Devon when it lands on him is priceless. I love the sense of humor and the serious moments this book had. I love Devon, he’s just swoon worthy. He and Giselle are perfect for each other. And that ending was perfect. I highly recommend this book.