Not My Romeo (The Game Changers #1)

OH MY GOODNESS ILSA MADDEN-MILLS, what a DELIGHTFUL story! Chock full of quirky characters, sexy banter, the right balance of comedy and romantic angst, Not My Romeo quickly rose to one of my top reads of the year and a story that I will likely return to for years to come. The story is so original, and the laughs and swoons were aplenty. I was totally enchanted by this witty and fantastically written opposites attract charmer.

In a blind date mix-up, our delightfully quirky heroine Elena finds herself on a date with the Jack, notorious star NFL quarterback who is constantly at the center of constant bad press off the field. Hes hoping for a quiet dinner alone on Valentines Day away from the constant badgering of the press and jersey chasers when a buttoned-up, sexy secretary type plops down across from him and somehow strong-arms her way into a date. Turns out, shes quite funny, if a bit odd, so he goes with it. Elena, however, just thinks shes on a blind date with a boring local weatherman who turns out to be quite a hunk of a man and endearingly sardonic. When he discovers Elena thinks hes someone else, Jack decides to revel in a rare moment of anonymity, leading to a passionate night that both assume is a one night stand. Fate..well and a pair of unicorn panties…draw these two back together. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable, but both have some lingering baggage from past relational betrayals, and given their rocky and dishonest start, theirpath to romance is rocky…and also pretty damn humorous and endearing.

I loved both of these characters SO hard. Librarian Elena is the definition of adorkable. From her pet swine Romeo down to her homemade clothing choice and unique take on lingerie, shes just the perfect balance of odd and endearing. She even spells out words when she gets nervous. Her authenticity and self-awareness made her so easy to connect with as a character, and her sass and wit kept me (and Jack) laughing. Shes spunky, but shes also a tad shy and genuinely kind and compassionate. Ilsa gives her some real emotional range- a fully dimensional character that just really captured my heart. I fell in love with her probably as much as Jack did.

And Jack, oh sweet Jack. I loved how real Ilsa makes him- hes jaded, distrustful, so this is not an insta-love story. In fact, his motivations are a bit crappy at first. But despite all that, we deeply empathize with him. Hes a victim of his own success- struggling because he trusted the wrong people, now self-isolated because of that breach, and punished in the public eye for crimes he did not commit. I felt his loneliness so much. His walls are high, but at the end of the day hes a sweet and sensitive man just looking to feel seen and free. Hes quite charming, and also very funny. And, it doesnt hurt that hes also an alpha dirty talker, too.

The chemistry here is AMAZING- this isnt just heat. Oh, the heat is HOT, and the physical chemistry is captivating, but Ilsa builds something deeper here, more soulful. I felt the slow and steady interconnection of their hearts- as they get to know each other, timidly trust one another, and as they mess up in this new relationship. Ilsa keeps the story beautifully focused on the emotional bond- the getting to know you moments that books often skip over. And she cleverly (and humorously) finds ways to keep these two in each others orbit and interact, even when they are resistant to give in. Their journey is truly magical- I was swept away by the tenderness of this relationship.

While the focus is mostly on this relationship, Ilsa also delivers some fantastic secondary characters and a heavy dose of small town charm that had this native Tennessean craving some sweet tea and chicken casserole. Ilsa is such a compelling character creator- each of the secondary characters are purposeful, impactful to our narrative, and incredibly well articulated. Shes clearly investing in this bench of players for future stories, which is FANTASTIC because I could not get enough of Jacks friends or Elenas family and the Daisy Lady Gang. And the town of Daisy- I feel like Ive lived there my whole life. The church rituals, gossiping neighbors, the hair salon hangouts, the local play and the meddling family-Ilsa truly creates a magical and welcoming place for our story to unfold.

While the romance is charming, this is also a really well done story of individual acceptance and self-actualization. Both characters feel trapped in some way- Jack in his own slandered reputation, Elena in the tension between her aspirations and her own circumstances, including what she sees as her small-town/family values. Both are heavily distrustful of one another, yet somehow, they find true vulnerability and openness with each other. They realize that love is messy, that love requires a leap of faith- that its never really safe, youre never really free of baggage…you just have to jump. And when you jump with the right person- youll never fall alone. And oh my- jump they do. Both are able to expose the parts of themselves theyve been hiding, to let someone else in completely- and the result? Well the result is that both find the supportive freedom they need to finally be their full selves. Pure romantic magic. I could not love this story anymore! Please pick it up! I’m so excited we get more from this world with a series!

Hooked on Hawke!!! I could have pulled an all nighter with this sizzling romance, but I dragged it out because I didnt want it to end. Touchdown with this swoony romance!

Elena is spunky. She may look like a demure librarian but shes really a fire cracker! After being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend when he up and left her for someone else, she finds herself on a blind date on Valentines day.

A case of mistaken identity leads to a fun dinner and a night neither one of them will ever forget. The sexy librarian is a wild cat and the football quarterback has met his match. One night will never be enough. Good thing fate agreed.

Jack Hawke is shy, incredibly hot athlete. He just wants to play ball and live a quiet life out of the spotlight. However, the media and his ex wont leave him alone. After getting burned one too many times, trust is not something he gives. No one gets beyond the walls hes built to protect himself…except maybe the buttoned up girl who loves her pet pig and can throw out the sass like no ones business.

Jack is your tortured hero. Truly a good guy, but struggles with troubled past. When he catches feels, he runs. He does his best to keep people at arms length and shields his privacy desperately. He also has a heart of gold and has a silly side that will endear him to you. Hes so easy to love.

Elena is so much fun. Shes a little quirky and whole lot spunky. She is salt of the earth good people, who was raised in a small town, by strong women. She knows what she wants and she chases her dreams even when its not whats expected of her. Shes the rule breaker. My favorite type of heroine.

The attraction and chemistry between Jack and Elena is scorching. These two share such a passion and desire for each other that it just bleeds off the pages. Their connection is enviable.

The story was told in alternating, first person POV. Youll get both perspectives, which I love. The secondary characters only made me want more (Devon). A wonderfully beautiful romance that started out as an unplanned dinner date and ended up as a forever neither saw coming.

Not My Romeo drew me in from the very beginning and I have to say, it’s one of Ilsa Madden-Mills best books, in my opinion! This book has a bit of everything, but along with it being a great rom-com, it also has a whole lot of heart.

Elena Riley, the local librarian in her hometown of Daisy, has a blind date set up for Valentine’s Day and it doesn’t go quite as planned. When she sees the man she thinks is Greg, the weatherman she’s to meet, she sits down with him and proceeds to have dinner. Not only that, she heads home with the man she had dinner with, however she has no idea that she has ended up with Jack Hawke, the starting quarterback for the local professional football team!

While Jack has trust issues and Elena was hurt in her last relationship, what starts to unfold between the two is not at all what either one of them expected! Add to that Elena’s family, who has it’s own zany moments, along with a staging of Romeo and Juliet, some other colorful members of the Daisy community and you’ve got yourself the makings of one delightful and entertaining story!

I enjoyed this book not only because it was a great rom-com, but also because the characters were fantastic. I felt like we really got to know both Jack and Elena, which made it easier to understand what they were both dealing with. There were some swoonworthy moments towards the end too that just made me smile. This is one I would suggest you run, not walk to pick up!

Gah! Adored this story. A funny, gorgeous read.

“Goddess. She’s the sexiest woman I’ve ever met, and she doesn’t even know it.”

When Elena Riley’s best friend sets her up on a blind date, she never expects him to be so freakin’ gorgeous. She also never expects to end up back at his place, or to wake up to an empty bed, and a note that proves him to be a liar. However, that’s not the last she’ll see of him.

“I close my eyes briefly, feeling the force of his focus and presence like a huge hurricane that’s blowing straight in my face.He’s primal.”

Jack Hawke has trust issues and an NDA to protect his privacy. However, Elena is seeping beneath under his skin and making him throw caution to the wind. He definitely knows that one night is not enough for him but his fears may just damage something that could be amazing.

“No matter my declarations that he’s dangerous to my heart, my gut knew I wanted to be in his arms again.”

I adored this story. Elena was a fab female lead. I loved that she walked her own path, yet didn’t realise how magnetic and charismatic she was – the effect she had on other people. She was direct, sassy, and had some great verbal comebacks. Jack was misused and misunderstood. Under his gorgeous, hunky facade was a surprisingly sweet guy. I giggled and melted at his favourite things but thrilled at his dirty-talking mouth! These two had intense chemistry and were made for each! The kissing alone was so sexy! Another fabulous read from one of my faves!

I loved how this book began.

Its Valentines Day and Elena (sweet Librarian with a few naughty little secrets) turns up for her blind date with a man in a blue shirt and dark hair… she finds hes rudely started the meal without her.
Jack Hawke ( a Star Quarter Back, Mistrusts women and is a little shy and awkward off the field) is stunned when this stranger joins him at his table!
And so it begins, one of the most witty Rom Coms of this year. I loved Elenas dry humour and her ability to always have an answer, i loved Jacks attempts to deny that underneath all the exterior he really is a great guy!! Jack Hawke is definitely a keeper, he sure does set ALL the right buttons on FIRE!!! From Crazy friends and family to their struggles with their overwhelming feelings i devoured every single page with full on laughter, smiles and at times some tears.
I recognised early that this was one of those books that give you that feel-good high, With characters you believe in and you want to hold in your heart forever. From beginning to end you are right there with them for every mis step, blunder and fun times !! I cant recommend this book highly enough, but you dont need to take my word for it, just grab it and get to know Jack, Elena and their friends and family, you wont regret it !!!!!

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