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The Darlings #1
My Darling Bride
Une histoire d'amour qui pétille, deux âmes tourmentées réunies par le hasard...
Deux vies à jamais changées.
En temps normal, Emmaline Darling n'est pas une voleuse de voitures. C'est une fille sans histoires, qui tient une librairie et qui adore les chats. Mais lorsqu'elle se retrouve bloquée en plein milieu du désert de Sonora, au fin fond de l'Arizona, et qu'elle doit fuir son dangereux ex-petit ami, il ne lui reste qu'une seule option : voler les clés de la Lamborghini d'un célèbre joueur de football et s'enfuir à vive allure.
La vie de Graham Harlan, star du football, est en plein chaos. Pour commencer, il a été victime d'un violent coup sur le terrain qui lui a fait frôler la mort, et maintenant, il doit se marier dans les plus brefs délais pour assurer son héritage et celui de son frère.
Seulement... il ne fréquente personne.
C'est alors qu'il croise la route d'une mystérieuse femme... qui lui vole sa voiture. Tenace, il la poursuit à travers tous les États-Unis jusqu'à Manhattan, et lui pose un ultimatum : l’épouser ou il portera plainte.
Coincée, Emmaline n'a d'autre choix que d'accepter... Mais ni elle ni Graham n'aurait pu deviner l'alchimie qui allait naître entre eux.
Alors que la fin de leur arrangement se profile, Graham prendra-t-il le risque de l'amour... ou la laissera-t-il s'éloigner pour toujours ?
Deux vies à jamais changées.
En temps normal, Emmaline Darling n'est pas une voleuse de voitures. C'est une fille sans histoires, qui tient une librairie et qui adore les chats. Mais lorsqu'elle se retrouve bloquée en plein milieu du désert de Sonora, au fin fond de l'Arizona, et qu'elle doit fuir son dangereux ex-petit ami, il ne lui reste qu'une seule option : voler les clés de la Lamborghini d'un célèbre joueur de football et s'enfuir à vive allure.
La vie de Graham Harlan, star du football, est en plein chaos. Pour commencer, il a été victime d'un violent coup sur le terrain qui lui a fait frôler la mort, et maintenant, il doit se marier dans les plus brefs délais pour assurer son héritage et celui de son frère.
Seulement... il ne fréquente personne.
C'est alors qu'il croise la route d'une mystérieuse femme... qui lui vole sa voiture. Tenace, il la poursuit à travers tous les États-Unis jusqu'à Manhattan, et lui pose un ultimatum : l’épouser ou il portera plainte.
Coincée, Emmaline n'a d'autre choix que d'accepter... Mais ni elle ni Graham n'aurait pu deviner l'alchimie qui allait naître entre eux.
Alors que la fin de leur arrangement se profile, Graham prendra-t-il le risque de l'amour... ou la laissera-t-il s'éloigner pour toujours ?
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2023
5204 people are currently reading
12619 people want to read
About the author
Ilsa Madden-Mills
39 books16.4k followers#1 Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances.
A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.
She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online. ☺
★ Sign up for her newsletter and receive insider info about new releases and exclusive giveaways
★ You can stalk her/sign up on the contact page: ilsamaddenmills.com
★ Facebook: Author Ilsa Madden-Mills
★ Join her private reader group on FB: Unicorn Girls
★ Instagram @Ilsamaddenmills
New Book News:
Dear Ava is live!
Not My Romeo is live!
I Promise You drops October 12/20
Not My Match drops January 19/21 (pre-order on Amazon)
A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.
She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online. ☺
★ Sign up for her newsletter and receive insider info about new releases and exclusive giveaways
★ You can stalk her/sign up on the contact page: ilsamaddenmills.com
★ Facebook: Author Ilsa Madden-Mills
★ Join her private reader group on FB: Unicorn Girls
★ Instagram @Ilsamaddenmills
New Book News:
Dear Ava is live!
Not My Romeo is live!
I Promise You drops October 12/20
Not My Match drops January 19/21 (pre-order on Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,881 reviews
December 6, 2023
ugh the potential😭
I really liked the premise of it, the fate aspect, their first meeting, emmy stealing his car, their banter, her working in a cute book shop. The first part was really the best part about this book, then in the second half i feel like everything went down.
first i feel like the reason why graham the famous millionaire football player needed to marry was absurd and unbeliavble. his brother was too proud to accept a loan but not to proud to actually take his inheritance. yeah right.🙄
Emmy accepting the offer was also ridiculous since graham wasn't actually threating her. i wish he was more mean ngl, she did stole his lambo.
then emmy's family entirely relaying on her for money when both her sibilings were actual adults who can contribute was selfish. i get that she raised them but the poor girl was seven years older than them, they need to stand on their own two feet.
i feel like emmy and graham relationship was very undeveloped and everything happened so fast. they barely had any interactions alone. everytime they were together some other drama happened and even tho i liked most of the side characters they took huge part of the story with their subplots which tbh i couldn't care less.
after emmy and graham's wedding when they finally went to the beach house i expected something huge to happen right? well no, graham packed his bag and left and then he proceed to be gone for two weeks. and this happened a lot. They were more apart than together. Instead of their relationship going foreward i felt the opposite so the ending was incredibly rushed and also unbeliavable.
Graham honestly didn't deserve emmy, he had the emotional maturity of a toddler. he kept running away all the time which was exhausting.
maybe more focusing on the actual main characters and less side drama would have been perfect.
I really liked the premise of it, the fate aspect, their first meeting, emmy stealing his car, their banter, her working in a cute book shop. The first part was really the best part about this book, then in the second half i feel like everything went down.
first i feel like the reason why graham the famous millionaire football player needed to marry was absurd and unbeliavble. his brother was too proud to accept a loan but not to proud to actually take his inheritance. yeah right.🙄
Emmy accepting the offer was also ridiculous since graham wasn't actually threating her. i wish he was more mean ngl, she did stole his lambo.
then emmy's family entirely relaying on her for money when both her sibilings were actual adults who can contribute was selfish. i get that she raised them but the poor girl was seven years older than them, they need to stand on their own two feet.
i feel like emmy and graham relationship was very undeveloped and everything happened so fast. they barely had any interactions alone. everytime they were together some other drama happened and even tho i liked most of the side characters they took huge part of the story with their subplots which tbh i couldn't care less.
after emmy and graham's wedding when they finally went to the beach house i expected something huge to happen right? well no, graham packed his bag and left and then he proceed to be gone for two weeks. and this happened a lot. They were more apart than together. Instead of their relationship going foreward i felt the opposite so the ending was incredibly rushed and also unbeliavable.
Graham honestly didn't deserve emmy, he had the emotional maturity of a toddler. he kept running away all the time which was exhausting.
maybe more focusing on the actual main characters and less side drama would have been perfect.
December 17, 2023
Terrific fake marriage sports romance!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤💜❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌍
Character development: 😟🤭😤😘🥰
The heroine: Emmy Darling - she works at a fantastic bookstore in New York City. She grew up in a family where she saw her dad mistreat her mom and has basically raised her siblings. She has always known that marriage is not for her, though her boyfriend proposed to her yesterday, on the same day he nearly choked her to death in Las Vegas. She got out of there and is now holed up in a crappy motel near Tucson Arizona.
The Hero: Graham Harlan - he plays football for the NFL and does well at it. His last play in the championship game ended with him being knocked unconscious, his heart stopped, and he had a near death experience. He not only saw his life flash before his eyes, but also the life he could have and possibly the woman that would one day be his. The experience shook him, especially because he isn’t finished living yet and has so much left to do, including helping out his brother.
The Story: Graham’s brother Brody is gay, and he wants to buy a gym with his husband that caters to athletes. However, they didn’t qualify for a loan. He won’t accept money from Graham, but Graham thinks if he gets his inheritance from his mother’s family, he can give the money to his brother and Brody can get his dream. The only problem is that the terms to get the inheritance are that they have to be thirty and be married to a woman (apparently the grandmother was homophobic). Since Graham is nearly 30, he just needs a wife.
When Emmy’s abusive ex-boyfriend shows up at the motel, she freaks out a bit and splits in Graham’s Lamborghini. When he catches up with her, he gives her an ultimatum to marry him, or he will report her for auto theft. Though Emmy knows Graham wouldn’t really put her in jail, he is able to convince her it is best for both of them to get married, so they do.
I liked this book a lot for several reasons. First is that I love Ilsa Madden-Mills’ sense of humor. There were funny lines and character quirks. She is also great at writing supporting characters and there were a bunch in this book, including both main characters’ families and some of the people that worked at the bookstore. I really liked the importance of the health issues in this book and how much information was given on each. Graham nearly died from a bad concussion and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a big fear for all professional football players. Emmy also had Afib, and recently had a procedure to help fix her heart, so that was part of the story that was interesting as well.
I also loved the fact that Emmy didn’t fight her feelings like I thought she would, especially considering the fact that she never wanted to get married because of what happened with her parents' marriage and the fact that she was just out of a bad relationship experience. The characters were great, the sports part was terrific and I just loved the romance in this one. These two got along great and I loved the fact that they cuddled quite a bit. The bookstore where Emmy worked was also fantastic and sounded like a place where I would love to hang out. Lastly, I usually hate when a man uses Darling as a term of affection, because it just sounds old fashioned to me (though I do love a southern man saying Darlin’). Though in this book, it fits well since it is Emmy’s last name. I wonder if she is related to Wendy?
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤💜❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌍
Character development: 😟🤭😤😘🥰
The heroine: Emmy Darling - she works at a fantastic bookstore in New York City. She grew up in a family where she saw her dad mistreat her mom and has basically raised her siblings. She has always known that marriage is not for her, though her boyfriend proposed to her yesterday, on the same day he nearly choked her to death in Las Vegas. She got out of there and is now holed up in a crappy motel near Tucson Arizona.
The Hero: Graham Harlan - he plays football for the NFL and does well at it. His last play in the championship game ended with him being knocked unconscious, his heart stopped, and he had a near death experience. He not only saw his life flash before his eyes, but also the life he could have and possibly the woman that would one day be his. The experience shook him, especially because he isn’t finished living yet and has so much left to do, including helping out his brother.
The Story: Graham’s brother Brody is gay, and he wants to buy a gym with his husband that caters to athletes. However, they didn’t qualify for a loan. He won’t accept money from Graham, but Graham thinks if he gets his inheritance from his mother’s family, he can give the money to his brother and Brody can get his dream. The only problem is that the terms to get the inheritance are that they have to be thirty and be married to a woman (apparently the grandmother was homophobic). Since Graham is nearly 30, he just needs a wife.
When Emmy’s abusive ex-boyfriend shows up at the motel, she freaks out a bit and splits in Graham’s Lamborghini. When he catches up with her, he gives her an ultimatum to marry him, or he will report her for auto theft. Though Emmy knows Graham wouldn’t really put her in jail, he is able to convince her it is best for both of them to get married, so they do.
I liked this book a lot for several reasons. First is that I love Ilsa Madden-Mills’ sense of humor. There were funny lines and character quirks. She is also great at writing supporting characters and there were a bunch in this book, including both main characters’ families and some of the people that worked at the bookstore. I really liked the importance of the health issues in this book and how much information was given on each. Graham nearly died from a bad concussion and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a big fear for all professional football players. Emmy also had Afib, and recently had a procedure to help fix her heart, so that was part of the story that was interesting as well.
I also loved the fact that Emmy didn’t fight her feelings like I thought she would, especially considering the fact that she never wanted to get married because of what happened with her parents' marriage and the fact that she was just out of a bad relationship experience. The characters were great, the sports part was terrific and I just loved the romance in this one. These two got along great and I loved the fact that they cuddled quite a bit. The bookstore where Emmy worked was also fantastic and sounded like a place where I would love to hang out. Lastly, I usually hate when a man uses Darling as a term of affection, because it just sounds old fashioned to me (though I do love a southern man saying Darlin’). Though in this book, it fits well since it is Emmy’s last name. I wonder if she is related to Wendy?
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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January 2, 2024
4 stars
My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills was a fun way to start the new year out. Graham and Emmy have an interesting meet cute that turns into a marriage of convenience. And we all know, the best part of a marriage of convenience is watching them fall in love for real. It was sweet and I especially loved the family dynamic.
My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills was a fun way to start the new year out. Graham and Emmy have an interesting meet cute that turns into a marriage of convenience. And we all know, the best part of a marriage of convenience is watching them fall in love for real. It was sweet and I especially loved the family dynamic.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Sebastian York & Savannah Peachwood
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 9h 47m
February 17, 2024
2/5 ⭐️ This could have been so much better. I love the marriage of convenience trope but the reason for them having to get married wasn’t very believable to me. It felt too forced. And the relationship development was non existent.
I did like Emmy’s relationship with her siblings but that’s about it. I usually enjoy this author’s books but sadly this one was a disappointment for me.
I did like Emmy’s relationship with her siblings but that’s about it. I usually enjoy this author’s books but sadly this one was a disappointment for me.
January 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
''We are temporary''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Mention of cheating (side characters)
- Loss of loved ones
- Fake marriage/marriage of convenience
- Mention of homophobia
- Mention of spousal abuse
- Domestic abuse
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Graham gets injured right before his team wins the Superbowl. After that he struggles with it and it haunts him which leads him to drive off to a dingy motel in the middle of the desert and leading him to meet Emmy who is running away from her ex-bf who cheated and chocked her.
These two had a meet-cute moment but what Graham never saw coming was her stealing his Lambo when Emmy finds out her ex found her and needs a getaway car.
When Emmy gets back to NY and so does Graham we find out how connected they are without them even knowing. Graham's younger brother knows Emmy. Why does that matter? Well...you see Brody is gay and married. However, his homophobic grandmother made sure that he would never get the inheritance he is owed because he needs to be married to a woman (worded that way). Brody needs money to open up his dream gym and refuses to take money from his brother, so Graham decides to cheat the system and marry to get his inheritance and then give it to Brody.
Sounds like a good plan?
Yeah but now to find the girl.
Emmy.
She is desperate enough; she needs the money and her job at the bookstore she loves is at stake. Her world is crumbling, and Graham knows this and uses it to his advantage. He buys the bookstore; we are told it’s to keep it over her head but little by little we find out it’s because he wanted her to have it. He also gets her to sign a document saying she would get a million dollars and the bookstore in their divorce. Making sure she is set for life after him.
We do not actually get married until around 60%.
This book is also SLOW BURN. Nothing happens during like the first 40% and even then it's nothing.
He pushes away at every turn; he is not looking for commitment or love. His former fiancée/love left him for his half-brother and cheated for months. Leaving him devastated and hating love.
I did not like how much he pushed her away. He literally never spends ANY time with her because of his fears and instead of growing up he acts a bit childish in his decisions. He hurts her when he spends time away and leaves her.
He left her in the dead of the night during their honeymoon.
I felt bad for Emmy. I needed more for her during this whole thing.
You see Emmy has a heart condition to required her to have surgery once and she is scheduled for another, but she never tells him. He is more focused on his football to see what they could have. She confessed her love for him, and he never acknowledges it and walks away. Spending more time away.
While he is away for a game Emmy gets the divorce papers delivered to her because the inheritance went through, and marriage is no longer needed. She thinks this is how Graham basically ends it with her and signs them and she then walks away towards her surgery.
Thankfully we have Jane her younger sister leaves a nasty voicemail to Graham, and this prompts him to leave right before the game and fly back to NY to be there.
I'm glad Emmy did not fold so easily, I'm glad she made sure he felt as bad as he should. I truly took losing her and everything they had or could have for him to realize his mistakes.
I will say I was more interested in the potential of Jasper and Jane. I loved their banter and I hope we get a book?
OW drama:
Graham ex-fiancée who is now married to his half-brother comes onto him during their wedding dinner and Emmy sees them, she thinks he kisses her when he leans in and walks away right then, later Graham tells her he knew she was there (saw her in the mirror) and he never kissed the ex but pushed her away when he leaned in.
OM drama:
Emmy’s ex causes a bit of issues but nothing to get Emmy to want him back.
''We are temporary''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama
- Mention of cheating (side characters)
- Loss of loved ones
- Fake marriage/marriage of convenience
- Mention of homophobia
- Mention of spousal abuse
- Domestic abuse
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Graham gets injured right before his team wins the Superbowl. After that he struggles with it and it haunts him which leads him to drive off to a dingy motel in the middle of the desert and leading him to meet Emmy who is running away from her ex-bf who cheated and chocked her.
These two had a meet-cute moment but what Graham never saw coming was her stealing his Lambo when Emmy finds out her ex found her and needs a getaway car.
When Emmy gets back to NY and so does Graham we find out how connected they are without them even knowing. Graham's younger brother knows Emmy. Why does that matter? Well...you see Brody is gay and married. However, his homophobic grandmother made sure that he would never get the inheritance he is owed because he needs to be married to a woman (worded that way). Brody needs money to open up his dream gym and refuses to take money from his brother, so Graham decides to cheat the system and marry to get his inheritance and then give it to Brody.
Sounds like a good plan?
Yeah but now to find the girl.
Emmy.
She is desperate enough; she needs the money and her job at the bookstore she loves is at stake. Her world is crumbling, and Graham knows this and uses it to his advantage. He buys the bookstore; we are told it’s to keep it over her head but little by little we find out it’s because he wanted her to have it. He also gets her to sign a document saying she would get a million dollars and the bookstore in their divorce. Making sure she is set for life after him.
We do not actually get married until around 60%.
This book is also SLOW BURN. Nothing happens during like the first 40% and even then it's nothing.
He pushes away at every turn; he is not looking for commitment or love. His former fiancée/love left him for his half-brother and cheated for months. Leaving him devastated and hating love.
I did not like how much he pushed her away. He literally never spends ANY time with her because of his fears and instead of growing up he acts a bit childish in his decisions. He hurts her when he spends time away and leaves her.
He left her in the dead of the night during their honeymoon.
I felt bad for Emmy. I needed more for her during this whole thing.
You see Emmy has a heart condition to required her to have surgery once and she is scheduled for another, but she never tells him. He is more focused on his football to see what they could have. She confessed her love for him, and he never acknowledges it and walks away. Spending more time away.
While he is away for a game Emmy gets the divorce papers delivered to her because the inheritance went through, and marriage is no longer needed. She thinks this is how Graham basically ends it with her and signs them and she then walks away towards her surgery.
Thankfully we have Jane her younger sister leaves a nasty voicemail to Graham, and this prompts him to leave right before the game and fly back to NY to be there.
I'm glad Emmy did not fold so easily, I'm glad she made sure he felt as bad as he should. I truly took losing her and everything they had or could have for him to realize his mistakes.
I will say I was more interested in the potential of Jasper and Jane. I loved their banter and I hope we get a book?
OW drama:
Graham ex-fiancée who is now married to his half-brother comes onto him during their wedding dinner and Emmy sees them, she thinks he kisses her when he leans in and walks away right then, later Graham tells her he knew she was there (saw her in the mirror) and he never kissed the ex but pushed her away when he leaned in.
OM drama:
Emmy’s ex causes a bit of issues but nothing to get Emmy to want him back.
April 14, 2025
the setup…
Emmaline (Emmy) Darling runs a bookstore and helps take care of her younger sister, brother and niece. But she’s now in a desperate situation in a seedy motel called the Iguana somewhere in the Arizona desert. She’s running from her abusive ex-boyfriend Kian and now is being threatened by an over amorous motel guest. When another man called “G” rounds the corner, she uses him as her “fake” boyfriend for escape. Later when she realizes Kian has tracked her, she grabs “G’s” car keys and flees, leaving him a note. Turns out that “G” is Graham Harlan, the most famous tight-end in the country who plays for the New York Pythons and won them the Super Bowl. And that car? A Lamborghini.
the heart of the story…
While Emmy left Graham a note where he could find his car, things got really complicated about that Lamborghini. She returns to New York fearing she’d be arrested any day. But when he contacts her, Graham has a whole new proposition. He needs to marry in order to get his portion of the inheritance left by his grandmother. There’s a whole backstory there, too. I loved the banter between these two and both had good hearts, wanting to do the best for their siblings. While their attraction is real, Emmy’s not ready to give her heart away again given her history and Graham’s been burned too. They vow to keep the marriage platonic until they divorce. Yeah, right.
the narration…
I’m a longtime fan of Sebastian York and he again proves why here. Savannah Peachwood was equally wonderful as she was the perfect Emmy. I loved everything about their performances.
the bottom line…
I was looking for a nice romance and got a really great story. There’s a lot of substance here and the fake marriage romance was unconventional in a lot of ways. The secondary characters weren’t just background but vital aspects of the story. This was a lovely surprise and reading experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Emmaline (Emmy) Darling runs a bookstore and helps take care of her younger sister, brother and niece. But she’s now in a desperate situation in a seedy motel called the Iguana somewhere in the Arizona desert. She’s running from her abusive ex-boyfriend Kian and now is being threatened by an over amorous motel guest. When another man called “G” rounds the corner, she uses him as her “fake” boyfriend for escape. Later when she realizes Kian has tracked her, she grabs “G’s” car keys and flees, leaving him a note. Turns out that “G” is Graham Harlan, the most famous tight-end in the country who plays for the New York Pythons and won them the Super Bowl. And that car? A Lamborghini.
the heart of the story…
While Emmy left Graham a note where he could find his car, things got really complicated about that Lamborghini. She returns to New York fearing she’d be arrested any day. But when he contacts her, Graham has a whole new proposition. He needs to marry in order to get his portion of the inheritance left by his grandmother. There’s a whole backstory there, too. I loved the banter between these two and both had good hearts, wanting to do the best for their siblings. While their attraction is real, Emmy’s not ready to give her heart away again given her history and Graham’s been burned too. They vow to keep the marriage platonic until they divorce. Yeah, right.
the narration…
I’m a longtime fan of Sebastian York and he again proves why here. Savannah Peachwood was equally wonderful as she was the perfect Emmy. I loved everything about their performances.
the bottom line…
I was looking for a nice romance and got a really great story. There’s a lot of substance here and the fake marriage romance was unconventional in a lot of ways. The secondary characters weren’t just background but vital aspects of the story. This was a lovely surprise and reading experience.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
December 6, 2023
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Grey's Promotions)
-He's that little piece of magic, that irresistible feeling I never imagined I'd feel for someone.
Emmaline Darling loves books, cats and her family. She's just been through a bad break up and needs somewhere to think and be alone. With no plan she ends up at a motel in Arizona to recover from the roller coaster ride that's become her life. Suddenly she's in a bind and needs help. She makes a quick exit to get away from her ex, and she borrows a famous football stars Lamborghini in the parking lot to make her escape.
Graham Harlan is a tight end in the NFL. He plays for the Pythons and is one of the most celebrated players in New York. Football is his passion, and the game is everything to him, but lately his life is chaos, and his future is uncertain. He's been at a crossroads since a tackle on the field went wrong and he suffered a near-death experience. He needs a break from his life and decides to take a spontaneous road trip in the desert. Then things turn interesting when a mysterious woman steals his car. He tracks her down in Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum. He needs a bride to secure his family inheritance, and proposes an offer she can't refuse.
When Graham asks a stranger to marry him their has to be strict rules. Be professional and discreet, no romance, and pretend to be in love. They can fake being a couple without their hearts getting entangled. Soon their unexplainable connection can't be denied. Lines get blurred and things turn messy and complicated as real feelings get involved. Something that was only supposed to be temporary becomes more. At the end of their arrangement will they walk away or fight for love?
My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a marriage of convenience, fake relationship, sports romance full of heart, emotion, explosive chemistry and delicious tension. This couple's meet cute was absolutely hilarious. This story just reminded me why I adore this author's writing. I loved everything about this book. It's one of my top reads for the year. From start to finish I was laughing, smiling, and didn't want to put down my kindle. Emmy and Graham's love story was beautiful! I hope we get a book for Jasper and Jane next. I need more of this world! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB92VC6L?...
(ARC provided by Grey's Promotions)
-He's that little piece of magic, that irresistible feeling I never imagined I'd feel for someone.
Emmaline Darling loves books, cats and her family. She's just been through a bad break up and needs somewhere to think and be alone. With no plan she ends up at a motel in Arizona to recover from the roller coaster ride that's become her life. Suddenly she's in a bind and needs help. She makes a quick exit to get away from her ex, and she borrows a famous football stars Lamborghini in the parking lot to make her escape.
Graham Harlan is a tight end in the NFL. He plays for the Pythons and is one of the most celebrated players in New York. Football is his passion, and the game is everything to him, but lately his life is chaos, and his future is uncertain. He's been at a crossroads since a tackle on the field went wrong and he suffered a near-death experience. He needs a break from his life and decides to take a spontaneous road trip in the desert. Then things turn interesting when a mysterious woman steals his car. He tracks her down in Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum. He needs a bride to secure his family inheritance, and proposes an offer she can't refuse.
When Graham asks a stranger to marry him their has to be strict rules. Be professional and discreet, no romance, and pretend to be in love. They can fake being a couple without their hearts getting entangled. Soon their unexplainable connection can't be denied. Lines get blurred and things turn messy and complicated as real feelings get involved. Something that was only supposed to be temporary becomes more. At the end of their arrangement will they walk away or fight for love?
My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a marriage of convenience, fake relationship, sports romance full of heart, emotion, explosive chemistry and delicious tension. This couple's meet cute was absolutely hilarious. This story just reminded me why I adore this author's writing. I loved everything about this book. It's one of my top reads for the year. From start to finish I was laughing, smiling, and didn't want to put down my kindle. Emmy and Graham's love story was beautiful! I hope we get a book for Jasper and Jane next. I need more of this world! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB92VC6L?...
December 7, 2023
The last couple of books I’ve read from this author have been amazing so I’m sad that My Darling Bride didn’t give me the same feeling. The trope - marriage of convenience is a favorite of mine so I had high hopes.
Sadly Emmy and Graham didn’t deliver. They had a great and interesting first meeting but everything else from there left me disappointed. The premise for the marriage of convenience was thin and the overall story couldn’t keep my attention. I was bored. I felt I’ve read this story before. Everything from the characters to the third act break up was predictable.
There’s a lot of characters introduced some better than others especially Graham’s brother Brody and Emmy’s siblings Jane and Andrew.
Even though My Darling Bride wasn’t for me don’t let my thoughts deter you from reading it.
*The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Sadly Emmy and Graham didn’t deliver. They had a great and interesting first meeting but everything else from there left me disappointed. The premise for the marriage of convenience was thin and the overall story couldn’t keep my attention. I was bored. I felt I’ve read this story before. Everything from the characters to the third act break up was predictable.
There’s a lot of characters introduced some better than others especially Graham’s brother Brody and Emmy’s siblings Jane and Andrew.
Even though My Darling Bride wasn’t for me don’t let my thoughts deter you from reading it.
*The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 5, 2023
Emmy + Graham
Graham is afraid that his pro football career might be over. His last play won his team the Superbowl but it also messed up his head.
That's why he's in this horrible Arizona desert motel - chasing after a 'dream' he had while he was lying on the field as good as dead.
And who does he find? Emmaline Darling. Pretty much his dream girl. And their meet-cute was just like you'd want it to be as a romance book fan.
But then she goes and steals his Lambo?!
What the heck?
Good thing he needs the leverage... she either marries him, so that he can get his grandma's inheritance, for his little brother - or he'll press charges for grand theft auto!
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN ...
══════════════════
ADORABLE
Such a cute romance!
We have some real problems too - some health issues on both sides and some family drama - so it's not all sunshiney and rom-commy. But it's also just so adorable and funny and sweet and you just want to shake some sense into them to hurry to that happily ever after.
I love that Emmy works at this amazing book store. I love the cat - even though I'm a dog person. I love the siblings - his and hers! The niece, the football buddies, the friends and co-workers. Amazing cast and locations!
This was just a super adorable kind of fairy tale-ish romance.
Loved it!
MY DARLING BRIDE was such a funny + sweet + sexy + adorable love story! Just beautiful! I loved it! Run to your nearest book store for your own G - this one is MINE!
💜
💜
December 12, 2023
3.5♥
I almost gave it 4 stars, almost, but then MMC had to piss me off. Overall, it was a funny, great read.
I almost gave it 4 stars, almost, but then MMC had to piss me off. Overall, it was a funny, great read.
December 6, 2023
Let me start off by saying I love Ilsa Madden-Mills. It is my first time giving this author a low rating and it breaks my heart.
When I read a romance, I want to read about the development between the two main characters and this book forgot all about that, it only focuses on the drama surrounding the characters. I’m 50% in and so bored! There is just zero tension between these two. They are never really together on page enough to have the chance to build any emotional connection I crave in my romances. I will have to DNF. I’ve had enough.
✓ Sports Romance 🏈 football
✓ Marriage of Convenience
✓ Rich Hero
✓ Dual POV
When I read a romance, I want to read about the development between the two main characters and this book forgot all about that, it only focuses on the drama surrounding the characters. I’m 50% in and so bored! There is just zero tension between these two. They are never really together on page enough to have the chance to build any emotional connection I crave in my romances. I will have to DNF. I’ve had enough.
✓ Sports Romance 🏈 football
✓ Marriage of Convenience
✓ Rich Hero
✓ Dual POV
May 3, 2024
It started out really good but it was so insta lovey that I didn’t like it like I thought I would because this is a marriage for convenience trope 😭
January 2, 2024
Starting 2024 with a 5-star!! YAY!!
MY DARLING BRIDE
● Emmy (28) & Graham
● works at a bookstore / pro tight end football player
● Emmy has left an abusive relationship
● when she thinks her ex has tracked her down she steals the car of a guy (Graham) who she has just met
● Graham's gay brother isn't able to get his inheritance if he doesn't marry a woman
● Graham is worried about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
● Emmy has Afib
● sports romance
● marriage convenience
MY DARLING BRIDE
● Emmy (28) & Graham
● works at a bookstore / pro tight end football player
● Emmy has left an abusive relationship
● when she thinks her ex has tracked her down she steals the car of a guy (Graham) who she has just met
● Graham's gay brother isn't able to get his inheritance if he doesn't marry a woman
● Graham is worried about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
● Emmy has Afib
● sports romance
● marriage convenience
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Sebastian York & Savannah Peachwood
Length: 9H 47M
April 27, 2025
He's a football player and she's an employee at a bookstore. They meet randomly, and she steals his yellow Lamborghini 😅
Barb... old lady at bookstore is hilarious 😂 She's a booknerd and calls him "Darcy" initially.
Chapter 30 😭😭
“I’m sorry, darling. I’m yours, I’m here, and I’m not leaving. I came back from the dead—for you.” (Him)
**Fake Marriage
**Abusive partner (past)
**Football injury/trauma
**He's rich/She's struggling
**Oldest sibling -caring for younger ones
Audible plus listen 🎶
Barb... old lady at bookstore is hilarious 😂 She's a booknerd and calls him "Darcy" initially.
Chapter 30 😭😭
“I’m sorry, darling. I’m yours, I’m here, and I’m not leaving. I came back from the dead—for you.” (Him)
**Fake Marriage
**Abusive partner (past)
**Football injury/trauma
**He's rich/She's struggling
**Oldest sibling -caring for younger ones
Audible plus listen 🎶
January 5, 2024
no no no… just no
This book was so cringy. I shocked by all the 5 star reviews. I had to force myself to finish it.
This book was so cringy. I shocked by all the 5 star reviews. I had to force myself to finish it.
September 10, 2024
It was okay. Nothing ill remember for long though. Haha!
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
December 12, 2023
This was a fun dual POV, marriage of convenience romance between a pro football player and a cat-loving, bookstore owner. Graham needs a wife to inherit money and help his gay brother achieve his dreams, while Emmaline is cash-strapped trying to support her younger sister and pay rent on her dead grandmother's NYC apartment.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Meghan Quinn or Tessa Bailey. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I especially enjoyed the disability rep (post-concussion syndrome him and heart condition her).
Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Meghan Quinn or Tessa Bailey. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I especially enjoyed the disability rep (post-concussion syndrome him and heart condition her).
December 5, 2023
4.5 'Beautiful magic' Stars!
ARC provided via Grey's Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
In less than two weeks I have read two books by Ilsa Madden-Mills so you can imagine that I am a huge fan of this author and I read anything she releases. After the Christmas novella she released last month, now she comes back with a full-length standalone romcom / sports romance full of emotions, funny moments and a fake marriage that feels anything but fake.
So, My Darling Bride tells the story of Emmaline Darling (aka Emmy) and Graham Harlan. What do a simple girl who runs a bookstore and loves her family and a famous football star have in common? More than you think. Both are going through some things (including issues like abuse and near-death experiences) when their lives collide and Emmy happens to “steal” Graham’s Lambo. When they meet again, Graham comes with a proposal: Emmy will marry him or he will press charges. But what happens when sparks start flying between them? Will this fake marriage turn into a real one?
“She’s not my fiancée. That position is only for you.”
My breath catches.
A myriad of expressions flit over his face, ones I can’t decipher. “It must be you.”
I have to say, I was extremely into this book. I devoured the whole thing in less than a day. The storyline, these characters and their beautiful chemistry grabbed me from the very first page until the very last one. I love how Ilsa develops her novels, how she grows the relationship between the main characters and how emotional it gets in this one. Not everything is sparks and flowers for this couple, they have to deal with many obstacles but their feelings are too strong to ignore. And man… the chemistry? Of course, off-the-charts! I loved Emmy and Graham together, even though they take a while to accept their feelings for one another. The ending was so freaking sweet!
He’s that little piece of magic, that irresistible feeling I never imagined I’d feel for someone. I’ve fought it, but I can’t stop. That’s how love is, impossible to pack away and forget.
Therefore, I am rating My Darling Bride with 4.5 STARS because it’s another amazing example of why I love Ilsa Madden-Mills’ writing. She has given us another beautiful love story, with such great characters, a whole lot of feelings, some very funny moments and a ton of passionate chemistry. Trust me, you don’t want to miss meeting Graham and Emmy and all the amazing characters surrounding their story. If you love Ilsa’s work, make sure to check this one out!
ARC provided via Grey's Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
In less than two weeks I have read two books by Ilsa Madden-Mills so you can imagine that I am a huge fan of this author and I read anything she releases. After the Christmas novella she released last month, now she comes back with a full-length standalone romcom / sports romance full of emotions, funny moments and a fake marriage that feels anything but fake.
So, My Darling Bride tells the story of Emmaline Darling (aka Emmy) and Graham Harlan. What do a simple girl who runs a bookstore and loves her family and a famous football star have in common? More than you think. Both are going through some things (including issues like abuse and near-death experiences) when their lives collide and Emmy happens to “steal” Graham’s Lambo. When they meet again, Graham comes with a proposal: Emmy will marry him or he will press charges. But what happens when sparks start flying between them? Will this fake marriage turn into a real one?
“She’s not my fiancée. That position is only for you.”
My breath catches.
A myriad of expressions flit over his face, ones I can’t decipher. “It must be you.”
I have to say, I was extremely into this book. I devoured the whole thing in less than a day. The storyline, these characters and their beautiful chemistry grabbed me from the very first page until the very last one. I love how Ilsa develops her novels, how she grows the relationship between the main characters and how emotional it gets in this one. Not everything is sparks and flowers for this couple, they have to deal with many obstacles but their feelings are too strong to ignore. And man… the chemistry? Of course, off-the-charts! I loved Emmy and Graham together, even though they take a while to accept their feelings for one another. The ending was so freaking sweet!
He’s that little piece of magic, that irresistible feeling I never imagined I’d feel for someone. I’ve fought it, but I can’t stop. That’s how love is, impossible to pack away and forget.
Therefore, I am rating My Darling Bride with 4.5 STARS because it’s another amazing example of why I love Ilsa Madden-Mills’ writing. She has given us another beautiful love story, with such great characters, a whole lot of feelings, some very funny moments and a ton of passionate chemistry. Trust me, you don’t want to miss meeting Graham and Emmy and all the amazing characters surrounding their story. If you love Ilsa’s work, make sure to check this one out!
January 4, 2024
2.5 stars
I typically like Ilsa Madden-Mills’s writing, but My Darling Bride is not her best work. It feels like the author rushed to put out this book, and it’s missing her usual charm and humor.
Graham is a professional football player who needs a bride so that his brother can inherit the money that he would otherwise be denied (a long story that is still fuzzy to me). Emmy is on the run from her abusive boyfriend, and she steals Graham’s car to get away. When he tracks her down, he forces her to become his fake bride or press charges. Of all the reasons for a fake marriage trope, this book has one of the flimsiest.
The beginning of the book drags and the rest feels hurried. Days and weeks are glossed over so you don’t get a sense of a bond forming between the couple. When Emmy throws out an, “I love you,” I couldn’t help but wonder why. What does she see in him exactly? Honestly, I was more interested in Graham's bromance with his quarterback teammate than I was with his relationship with Emmy.
The sources of conflict—Emmy’s ex, Graham’s dad, and his evil step-brother—are brushed aside with little difficulty. There’s also very little tension or chemistry between Graham and Emmy, so I was not invested in whether or not they stayed together. I even skipped the bedroom scenes.
All in all, this was a decidedly mediocre read.
I typically like Ilsa Madden-Mills’s writing, but My Darling Bride is not her best work. It feels like the author rushed to put out this book, and it’s missing her usual charm and humor.
Graham is a professional football player who needs a bride so that his brother can inherit the money that he would otherwise be denied (a long story that is still fuzzy to me). Emmy is on the run from her abusive boyfriend, and she steals Graham’s car to get away. When he tracks her down, he forces her to become his fake bride or press charges. Of all the reasons for a fake marriage trope, this book has one of the flimsiest.
The beginning of the book drags and the rest feels hurried. Days and weeks are glossed over so you don’t get a sense of a bond forming between the couple. When Emmy throws out an, “I love you,” I couldn’t help but wonder why. What does she see in him exactly? Honestly, I was more interested in Graham's bromance with his quarterback teammate than I was with his relationship with Emmy.
The sources of conflict—Emmy’s ex, Graham’s dad, and his evil step-brother—are brushed aside with little difficulty. There’s also very little tension or chemistry between Graham and Emmy, so I was not invested in whether or not they stayed together. I even skipped the bedroom scenes.
All in all, this was a decidedly mediocre read.
January 11, 2024
This was offensively bad…
Wow, what to say about a book that writes a super detailed backstory about everyone characters and then delves into/deals with/addresses absolutely none of it.
Every subplot was abandoned.
All the major milestones in a romantic arc were not met, or truncated, or glossed over.
The premise of getting married? Yeah it happens after the 60% mark.
He abandons her and then comes back and then… they’re in love? And this happens in like two chapters. I am calling this a DNF because I skimmed the final 30% but wow. Talk about some tasty clickbait that delivered nothing it promised.
I am honestly offended because there is some heavy material in here: CTE in football players, domestic violence, battered woman syndrome, manslaughter, child abandonment, emotional & physical abuse, infidelity, homophobia, chronic ailment, NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE.
None of this is given its due, there is no narrative thread and all these issues conveniently pop back up and dropped as useless plot devices. Why? Because there was no plot. No arc. Nothing. Characterization was non existent, the character and romantic arcs were a complete mess. Emotional Ping Pong MCs that made no sense.
This was an offensive, highly disappointing disaster of a sports romance.
I want to say I expected more from Ilsa Madden-Mills, but I don’t expect much. Just something mindless. Here I was hopeful she’d tapped into her immense potential.
She did not.
Wow, what to say about a book that writes a super detailed backstory about everyone characters and then delves into/deals with/addresses absolutely none of it.
Every subplot was abandoned.
All the major milestones in a romantic arc were not met, or truncated, or glossed over.
The premise of getting married? Yeah it happens after the 60% mark.
He abandons her and then comes back and then… they’re in love? And this happens in like two chapters. I am calling this a DNF because I skimmed the final 30% but wow. Talk about some tasty clickbait that delivered nothing it promised.
I am honestly offended because there is some heavy material in here: CTE in football players, domestic violence, battered woman syndrome, manslaughter, child abandonment, emotional & physical abuse, infidelity, homophobia, chronic ailment, NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE.
None of this is given its due, there is no narrative thread and all these issues conveniently pop back up and dropped as useless plot devices. Why? Because there was no plot. No arc. Nothing. Characterization was non existent, the character and romantic arcs were a complete mess. Emotional Ping Pong MCs that made no sense.
This was an offensive, highly disappointing disaster of a sports romance.
I want to say I expected more from Ilsa Madden-Mills, but I don’t expect much. Just something mindless. Here I was hopeful she’d tapped into her immense potential.
She did not.
July 26, 2024
Spoilers ahead
A near death experience on the football field leaves star tight end Graham Harlan a changed man. The vision he saw when he "died" has been plaguing him, a trip with his lambo is just what he needs. What he doesn't expect is to be roped into playing a fake boyfriend, have his car stolen twice then trashed and end up in a fake marriage....all with the same person.
Emmy Darling is the manager of a bookstore that she and her family have been around for years. A violent encounter with her boyfriend brings up trauma from her past and sends her fleeing from him. The last thing she expects is to pull a stranger into pretending to be her loving boyfriend, steal his lambo then end up married to him!
******
While I mostly enjoyed this I confess to a feeling of dissatisfaction, Graham pulled back too much for me. His ex loomed large in the background with the reader thinking he loves her still until he finally clears the air
I understood his fear of getting deeply involved with Emmy because of his ex but he took way too long to pull his head out of his ass.
I wanted Emmy to be harder on him, she wasn't a doormat but she was too sweet when I wanted her to be firmer with him
The romantic development didn't flow smoothly, like most of the book it was bland and just when I expected it to turn Graham bolts
H/h don't spend as much time together as I'd have liked but still the author felt it necessary for a separation ffs
The secondary characters were all great and I'd love to read Jane's book
With Graham's recent injury fears of CTE and all it's complications rears it's head. I found his resignation clumsily handled, had his fear of further injury continued I'd understand his sudden decision but because he just wanted to play it felt abrupt and only because of the h. I don't like that because I feel resentment may build in years to come. I like leaving my mcs perfectly contented at the end of the book
Epilogue was cute
All in all this was......fine
No cheating
h recently out of a relationship, she was attacked by her ex and left him
OM drama from Emmy's stupid ex who just wouldn't go away
Slight OW drama from Graham's ex who cheated on him with his stepbrother then married him. He wasn't interested but the way the scene is written it seemed like more than it was
h had a heart condition and required additional surgery
A near death experience on the football field leaves star tight end Graham Harlan a changed man. The vision he saw when he "died" has been plaguing him, a trip with his lambo is just what he needs. What he doesn't expect is to be roped into playing a fake boyfriend, have his car stolen twice then trashed and end up in a fake marriage....all with the same person.
Emmy Darling is the manager of a bookstore that she and her family have been around for years. A violent encounter with her boyfriend brings up trauma from her past and sends her fleeing from him. The last thing she expects is to pull a stranger into pretending to be her loving boyfriend, steal his lambo then end up married to him!
******
While I mostly enjoyed this I confess to a feeling of dissatisfaction, Graham pulled back too much for me. His ex loomed large in the background with the reader thinking he loves her still until he finally clears the air
I understood his fear of getting deeply involved with Emmy because of his ex but he took way too long to pull his head out of his ass.
I wanted Emmy to be harder on him, she wasn't a doormat but she was too sweet when I wanted her to be firmer with him
The romantic development didn't flow smoothly, like most of the book it was bland and just when I expected it to turn Graham bolts
H/h don't spend as much time together as I'd have liked but still the author felt it necessary for a separation ffs
The secondary characters were all great and I'd love to read Jane's book
With Graham's recent injury fears of CTE and all it's complications rears it's head. I found his resignation clumsily handled, had his fear of further injury continued I'd understand his sudden decision but because he just wanted to play it felt abrupt and only because of the h. I don't like that because I feel resentment may build in years to come. I like leaving my mcs perfectly contented at the end of the book
Epilogue was cute
All in all this was......fine
No cheating
h recently out of a relationship, she was attacked by her ex and left him
OM drama from Emmy's stupid ex who just wouldn't go away
Slight OW drama from Graham's ex who cheated on him with his stepbrother then married him. He wasn't interested but the way the scene is written it seemed like more than it was
h had a heart condition and required additional surgery
December 25, 2023
“I’m yours, I’m here, and I’m not leaving. I came back from the dead—for you.”
🥺
This was definitely the most emotional, angsty filled book I’ve read of this author. She loves to have tragic back stories for her characters and she filled it to the brim with these two. I do feel like there should have been some trigger warnings included. The physical abuse Emmy suffered by the hands of her ex had me pausing and trying to get myself together. It hit close to home and I wasn’t prepared for it.
Emmy is so precious and I want to wrap her in my arms and protect her. She was dealt a crappy hand since childhood living in an abusive home, then having her mother ditch her and her siblings who she had to take care of, trying to make enough money to pay rent, and all while having a heart condition.
Graham is a football player that had a horrible accident on the field last season where he suffered a concussion and his heart stopped. He was clinically dead for two minutes. Starting this new season is taking a chance on his life. He’s worried about postconcussive syndrome and CTE, which if he suffers any trauma on the field could mean death.
Emmy and Graham enter into a fake marriage of convenience to gain his inheritance, which he wants to give to his brother who was left out of the will on purpose. Once the inheritance hits his account, divorce papers will be drawn up. But with these two being soul mates (and yes I do believe they are) it turns complicated real fast when neither want to open their hearts up and be vulnerable.
4.5 ⭐️
Also JANE AND JASPER!!! She better not have teased us with their scenes to not write a book about these two. I NEED IT!
This was definitely the most emotional, angsty filled book I’ve read of this author. She loves to have tragic back stories for her characters and she filled it to the brim with these two. I do feel like there should have been some trigger warnings included. The physical abuse Emmy suffered by the hands of her ex had me pausing and trying to get myself together. It hit close to home and I wasn’t prepared for it.
Emmy is so precious and I want to wrap her in my arms and protect her. She was dealt a crappy hand since childhood living in an abusive home, then having her mother ditch her and her siblings who she had to take care of, trying to make enough money to pay rent, and all while having a heart condition.
Graham is a football player that had a horrible accident on the field last season where he suffered a concussion and his heart stopped. He was clinically dead for two minutes. Starting this new season is taking a chance on his life. He’s worried about postconcussive syndrome and CTE, which if he suffers any trauma on the field could mean death.
Emmy and Graham enter into a fake marriage of convenience to gain his inheritance, which he wants to give to his brother who was left out of the will on purpose. Once the inheritance hits his account, divorce papers will be drawn up. But with these two being soul mates (and yes I do believe they are) it turns complicated real fast when neither want to open their hearts up and be vulnerable.
4.5 ⭐️
Also JANE AND JASPER!!! She better not have teased us with their scenes to not write a book about these two. I NEED IT!
December 7, 2023
I really wish I could give this book a higher rating because I wanted to love it, and there were some really good moments. However, the issues I had unfortunately made it fall flat. Graham is looking for a wife to gain his inheritance and after Emmy steals his car to get out of a precarious situation he leverages that and her bookstore she works at to get her to comply.
The biggest issue? Graham. I was seriously annoyed with him for this whole entire book. He’s awful to Emmy, and I’m sorry but buying her random things does not make up for the attitude and amount of time he ignores her. There’s broody, and then there’s having the personality of a piece of wet cardboard.
So this is supposed to be a marriage of convenience trope, but they don’t get married until like 60% into the book! He takes her on ONE date, with an ulterior motive that he hides from her mind you, and then they barely see each other until they start having sex (again, WELL past 60%). He leaves her on their honeymoon, for WEEKS, with a note on the first night and as soon as he comes back she just jumps into it with him. WHAT!? I would’ve been fuming!
This almost upset me as much as the fact that he was in a room alone with his ex fiancé letting her put her hands on him and letting Emmy think they kissed. He leaves Emmy alone for hours at their WEDDING PARTY to mingle with his family then walks back into the room with his ex! Sure, nothing ended up happening with them, but she just forgives him all willy nilly. It was ironic because HE got extremely angry at Emmy for being spotted with her ex in public.
She says she loves him and he turns around and leaves AGAIN. I swear they spent more time apart than together. All because he has a stick up his bum because of his ex from 3 years ago. Um HELLO, Emmy was JUST cheated on, AND physically assaulted!!!! You don’t see her acting the same way and taking it out on Graham (the person who requested to be married in the first place!).
He doesn’t admit his feelings until after 90% in when she has another heart surgery…….??? It just didn’t feel sincere and it didn’t help that he uses his ex’s name in his damn speech. He says I love you to her for the first time in front of the media, then proceeds to give her space to sort out her feelings. While I’m glad she didn’t take him back right away, she waited a few days, I much would’ve preferred if he had spoken up in the hospital and then GROVELED. For a LONG time. I didn’t feel like he deserved Emmy at all, even up until the very end.
Also, what was the point of his “premonition” of Emmy when he literally ignores/denies it’s her for 99% of the book? 🤣 It just seemed pointless for him to be concentrated on it so much to just deny the fact that he meets someone who looks JUST LIKE the woman he sees.
The best part of this book is the side characters and Emmy (aside from her weakness with Graham). She was an incredibly well written character and you just admired her for everything she has done for her family. I loved her siblings, I loved the bookstore and I loved her friends who were more like family. Jane is incredible and I so hope she gets her own book. I’d say Grahams grovel was decent but honestly I was so over him by the end of the book that I really didn’t care much for anything he did 😅. The smut was also quite lacking in anything special but there were some spicy moments, some angst, and definitely some laughs.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book by any means and the writing was good as it always is with Ilsa’s books. This one just was not my favorite from her although it really did have potential!
The biggest issue? Graham. I was seriously annoyed with him for this whole entire book. He’s awful to Emmy, and I’m sorry but buying her random things does not make up for the attitude and amount of time he ignores her. There’s broody, and then there’s having the personality of a piece of wet cardboard.
So this is supposed to be a marriage of convenience trope, but they don’t get married until like 60% into the book! He takes her on ONE date, with an ulterior motive that he hides from her mind you, and then they barely see each other until they start having sex (again, WELL past 60%). He leaves her on their honeymoon, for WEEKS, with a note on the first night and as soon as he comes back she just jumps into it with him. WHAT!? I would’ve been fuming!
This almost upset me as much as the fact that he was in a room alone with his ex fiancé letting her put her hands on him and letting Emmy think they kissed. He leaves Emmy alone for hours at their WEDDING PARTY to mingle with his family then walks back into the room with his ex! Sure, nothing ended up happening with them, but she just forgives him all willy nilly. It was ironic because HE got extremely angry at Emmy for being spotted with her ex in public.
She says she loves him and he turns around and leaves AGAIN. I swear they spent more time apart than together. All because he has a stick up his bum because of his ex from 3 years ago. Um HELLO, Emmy was JUST cheated on, AND physically assaulted!!!! You don’t see her acting the same way and taking it out on Graham (the person who requested to be married in the first place!).
He doesn’t admit his feelings until after 90% in when she has another heart surgery…….??? It just didn’t feel sincere and it didn’t help that he uses his ex’s name in his damn speech. He says I love you to her for the first time in front of the media, then proceeds to give her space to sort out her feelings. While I’m glad she didn’t take him back right away, she waited a few days, I much would’ve preferred if he had spoken up in the hospital and then GROVELED. For a LONG time. I didn’t feel like he deserved Emmy at all, even up until the very end.
Also, what was the point of his “premonition” of Emmy when he literally ignores/denies it’s her for 99% of the book? 🤣 It just seemed pointless for him to be concentrated on it so much to just deny the fact that he meets someone who looks JUST LIKE the woman he sees.
The best part of this book is the side characters and Emmy (aside from her weakness with Graham). She was an incredibly well written character and you just admired her for everything she has done for her family. I loved her siblings, I loved the bookstore and I loved her friends who were more like family. Jane is incredible and I so hope she gets her own book. I’d say Grahams grovel was decent but honestly I was so over him by the end of the book that I really didn’t care much for anything he did 😅. The smut was also quite lacking in anything special but there were some spicy moments, some angst, and definitely some laughs.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book by any means and the writing was good as it always is with Ilsa’s books. This one just was not my favorite from her although it really did have potential!
September 17, 2023
Thanks NetGalley
This was so cute. The way they met was too funny 😂 I was dying laughing with the unicorn love. The side characters even entertained me as well. Like I’m even willing to read Jane and Jasper book (this never happens to me).
I will rate this more a 3.5 stars. I don’t like (hate) the dreaded ex drama. in this one both have it but I felt like hers was resolved better and faster. He was still hung up on his.
Another thing. They hardly spend time together. He’s always leaving. Ugh 😑 took forever for them to get on the same page.
This was so cute. The way they met was too funny 😂 I was dying laughing with the unicorn love. The side characters even entertained me as well. Like I’m even willing to read Jane and Jasper book (this never happens to me).
I will rate this more a 3.5 stars. I don’t like (hate) the dreaded ex drama. in this one both have it but I felt like hers was resolved better and faster. He was still hung up on his.
Another thing. They hardly spend time together. He’s always leaving. Ugh 😑 took forever for them to get on the same page.
July 16, 2024
Didn’t have much depth but was somewhat fun, though the hero’s grovel game could have used an upgrade.
December 5, 2023
“Some of the best people I know have broken bits,…
…and I’m usually drawn to them in some fashion, as a friend, as a lover.”
My Darling Bride was a fun, sweet, and emotional marriage of convenience romance. The circumstances are a little over the top, but I enjoyed it. Emmy and Graham have an interesting meet cute and also some interesting fate fueled moments. They also both have backgrounds that are heavy, both emotionally and medically. I think that this book was entertaining and sweet, but I do think that the romance plays background sometimes to the happenings in the main characters lives, which is fine, but did take away from the romance aspect of it all. If you’re a big fan of trope-y sports romance with a heavy dash of angst, then you will LOVE My Darling Bride.
…and I’m usually drawn to them in some fashion, as a friend, as a lover.”
My Darling Bride was a fun, sweet, and emotional marriage of convenience romance. The circumstances are a little over the top, but I enjoyed it. Emmy and Graham have an interesting meet cute and also some interesting fate fueled moments. They also both have backgrounds that are heavy, both emotionally and medically. I think that this book was entertaining and sweet, but I do think that the romance plays background sometimes to the happenings in the main characters lives, which is fine, but did take away from the romance aspect of it all. If you’re a big fan of trope-y sports romance with a heavy dash of angst, then you will LOVE My Darling Bride.
December 4, 2023
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.I had been looking forward to this book. I've enjoyed the other New York Pythons player books (the Strangers in Love series), so I was excited about this marriage of convenience trope.
Emmy runs away from her boyfriend (whom she left in Vegas) and hides in a small desert town in Arizona. As coincidence would have it, Graham is running from his fears behind the wheel of his Lamborghini. Coincidence has them both staying at the small hotel, but fate plays it hand with a stolen car, a bookstore, and the need to wed to get an inheritance.
I normally like a marriage-of-convenience trope but there was something with Graham and Emmy that didn't work with me. Emmy was sweet (and also took on way too much responsibility for everyone around her).and seemed to give herself over to what she and Graham were doing. But, in my opinion, Graham didn't. He took what he needed from Emmy, worried just about himself. Made it hard to feel bad for him when Emmy decided to give him what he claimed he wanted.
My other issue with the book was some of the other sub-plots and characters that either felt like they had no purpose or were just left as-is: Brody and Graham's brother Holden, Graham's relationship with his dad, the people from the bar Emmy worked at (I can't remember their names), and Kian (that tied up all a little too neatly for me).
This was an enjoyable read, but it's not my favorite from Ms. Madden-Mills.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.I had been looking forward to this book. I've enjoyed the other New York Pythons player books (the Strangers in Love series), so I was excited about this marriage of convenience trope.
Emmy runs away from her boyfriend (whom she left in Vegas) and hides in a small desert town in Arizona. As coincidence would have it, Graham is running from his fears behind the wheel of his Lamborghini. Coincidence has them both staying at the small hotel, but fate plays it hand with a stolen car, a bookstore, and the need to wed to get an inheritance.
I normally like a marriage-of-convenience trope but there was something with Graham and Emmy that didn't work with me. Emmy was sweet (and also took on way too much responsibility for everyone around her).and seemed to give herself over to what she and Graham were doing. But, in my opinion, Graham didn't. He took what he needed from Emmy, worried just about himself. Made it hard to feel bad for him when Emmy decided to give him what he claimed he wanted.
My other issue with the book was some of the other sub-plots and characters that either felt like they had no purpose or were just left as-is: Brody and Graham's brother Holden, Graham's relationship with his dad, the people from the bar Emmy worked at (I can't remember their names), and Kian (that tied up all a little too neatly for me).
This was an enjoyable read, but it's not my favorite from Ms. Madden-Mills.
March 15, 2024
The only reason this received two stars: Jane and Jasper.
As for the books main characters? Bleh.
This novel was page after page of missed opportunities.
Missed opportunity one: The conflict between Graham and his brother.
Missed opportunity two: The conflict between Graham and his ex.
Missed opportunity three: The conflict between Graham and his father.
Missed opportunity four: The will being contested.
Missed opportunity five: Emmy and her ex
Missed opportunity six: Emmy and Graham's ex.
Missed opportunity seven: Graham and Emmy's ex.
Missed opportunity eight: The entire forced proximity situation.
Missed opportunity nine: The near death dream sequences were NEVER fleshed out.
Missed opportunity ten: Mutual childhood traumas were never truly explored.
AND missed opportunity eleven: There was zero romance in this romance. Z-E-R-O.
At about the 75% mark I was waiting for the mega swooning to begin, believing surely the author must have something major up her sleeve. But it never came.
The entirety of this book these characters actively find ways to avoid each other which you'd think would breed conflict, only it doesn't. They literally avoid each other. Not even the forced proximity managed to force them together. How the hell am I supposed to feel anything for them when they…
NEVER get together except to have bland sex once?
Then, by the time they do get together, it no longer fits the previous narrative.
If the author does a book for Jane and Jasper, I'll read it because they were the only reason I kept going. Otherwise, I can't see myself picking up anything else by this author.
As for the books main characters? Bleh.
This novel was page after page of missed opportunities.
Missed opportunity one: The conflict between Graham and his brother.
Missed opportunity two: The conflict between Graham and his ex.
Missed opportunity three: The conflict between Graham and his father.
Missed opportunity four: The will being contested.
Missed opportunity five: Emmy and her ex
Missed opportunity six: Emmy and Graham's ex.
Missed opportunity seven: Graham and Emmy's ex.
Missed opportunity eight: The entire forced proximity situation.
Missed opportunity nine: The near death dream sequences were NEVER fleshed out.
Missed opportunity ten: Mutual childhood traumas were never truly explored.
AND missed opportunity eleven: There was zero romance in this romance. Z-E-R-O.
At about the 75% mark I was waiting for the mega swooning to begin, believing surely the author must have something major up her sleeve. But it never came.
The entirety of this book these characters actively find ways to avoid each other which you'd think would breed conflict, only it doesn't. They literally avoid each other. Not even the forced proximity managed to force them together. How the hell am I supposed to feel anything for them when they…
NEVER get together except to have bland sex once?
Then, by the time they do get together, it no longer fits the previous narrative.
If the author does a book for Jane and Jasper, I'll read it because they were the only reason I kept going. Otherwise, I can't see myself picking up anything else by this author.
August 31, 2023
Wow, this book was amazing! Definitely my favourite book by Ilsa Madden Mills (OK, it might share the first place with Dear Ava 😉) I couldn't stop reading and laughing, I fell in love with both main characters (which rarely happens to me) and with all the side characters.
Can we PLEASE get a Jane and Jasper book??
Can we PLEASE get a Jane and Jasper book??
December 6, 2023
Çok güzeldi 😍😍
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