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Out of Her League
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Expected 12 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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20 copies available
U.S. only
To make her ex jealous, an ambitious young surgeon recruits a charming star soccer player to be her date to a lavish Parisian wedding—but love might have a game plan of its own, in this stand-alone romance from the USA Today bestselling author of the Biotech Billionaires series.
Dr. Isabelle Mercado is this close to having it all. Top of her class at the country’s most competitive orthopedic surgery residency, a dream career within reach, and a golden ticket to the Paris wedding of the year.
There’s just one her ex—the one who got away—is going to be there… with his perfect new fiancée.
Desperate to save face (and maybe spark a little jealousy), Isa enlists soccer legend and global heartthrob Austin Cade to be her fake date. It’s the perfect after an injury and some unfortunate encounters with the press, he needs good PR and the kind of elite connections this wedding will attract. Plus, her ex just so happens to be his #1 fan. Win-win.
But between champagne toasts and stolen glances under Parisian stars, pretending starts to feel a lot like the real thing. Isa’s always been all-in on her career—love was never the goal.
But maybe, just maybe… this time, the heart has its own agenda.
TROPES YOU'LL
Fake datingFancy Paris weddingSo. much. banter!Billionaires and rich people shenanigansOnly one bedReputation rehabAthlete with a chip on his shoulder
Dr. Isabelle Mercado is this close to having it all. Top of her class at the country’s most competitive orthopedic surgery residency, a dream career within reach, and a golden ticket to the Paris wedding of the year.
There’s just one her ex—the one who got away—is going to be there… with his perfect new fiancée.
Desperate to save face (and maybe spark a little jealousy), Isa enlists soccer legend and global heartthrob Austin Cade to be her fake date. It’s the perfect after an injury and some unfortunate encounters with the press, he needs good PR and the kind of elite connections this wedding will attract. Plus, her ex just so happens to be his #1 fan. Win-win.
But between champagne toasts and stolen glances under Parisian stars, pretending starts to feel a lot like the real thing. Isa’s always been all-in on her career—love was never the goal.
But maybe, just maybe… this time, the heart has its own agenda.
TROPES YOU'LL
Fake datingFancy Paris weddingSo. much. banter!Billionaires and rich people shenanigansOnly one bedReputation rehabAthlete with a chip on his shoulder
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 12, 2026
26 people are currently reading
7603 people want to read
About the author
Ava Rani
5 books357 followersAva is a USA Today Bestselling author and a desi-girl chasing HEAs
The daughter of two immigrants, her Indian-American roots peek out in different ways in her novels.
She writes diverse escapism. Flawed characters with real problems in an idealized world. Fall in love with the hero and the heroine. But also, fall in love with their friend group. Fall in love with their chosen families and the people who support them.
When she's not writing, she's living her best 'Charlotte Pickles' life and taking over the corporate world while being a wife and mom to an adorable kiddo and labradoodle. With hobbies from gardening to studying to being a sommelier, she's always looking for her next delicious treat.
The daughter of two immigrants, her Indian-American roots peek out in different ways in her novels.
She writes diverse escapism. Flawed characters with real problems in an idealized world. Fall in love with the hero and the heroine. But also, fall in love with their friend group. Fall in love with their chosen families and the people who support them.
When she's not writing, she's living her best 'Charlotte Pickles' life and taking over the corporate world while being a wife and mom to an adorable kiddo and labradoodle. With hobbies from gardening to studying to being a sommelier, she's always looking for her next delicious treat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
— Rating: 3 ★ .ᐟ
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ᢉ𐭩
౨ৎ fake dating
౨ৎ one bed
౨ৎ surgeon x footballer
‧˚꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ⋮ ୭
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. The overall story was decent, I loved the depth of the FMC, but the lack of chemistry between the main characters in a romance book was too hard to ignore. There was a scarce amount of tension, a distant narrative, and no compelling spark in the characters relationship.
The concept of the plot sounded great but I feel it wasn’t executed to its full potential. This book was extremely slow paced, especially in the beginning. It felt like nothing was happening, no progressive change in the characters or their dynamic, then all of a sudden a crucial moment was being thrown into the writing with no build up. I was constantly getting distracted as the plot often times bored me and I wasn’t capable of fully immersing myself into the writing. The story line was still interesting, I really liked the ‘make her ex jealous’ via fake dating scenario, but truthfully it wasn’t the most entertaining. It only really started to slightly entrance me near the end of the book where the pacing started to pick up.
I think Isabelle and Austin spent too much time apart during the start of the story which contributed to the lackluster dynamic between the two. It also felt very insta-lovey. Despite knowing each other before this book took place, they only really got to learn about the other for two-ish weeks before gaining feelings. I must say they had tons of banter albeit being repetitive and awkward at times. One of the better aspects in their dynamic was the tension. When it did make appearances, which was unfortunately not often, I found it to be decently engrossing. In all, the character’s chemistry felt fairly forced with few rememberable interactions where I could feel a true meaningful connection.
The descriptions though? Absolutely wondrous. Ava Rani illustrated the ethereal setting so well it astonished me, it frankly may have been some of the most descriptive writing I’ve read thus far. Her vocabulary was especially unique. While we’re on the topic of unique, it was fascinating to see characters with the occupations the ones in this book had. A surgeon and soccer play? Absolutely loved it. Unfortunately aside from the fabulous use of figurative language, the writing felt rather clunky and sort of lacked a smooth flow between sentences which made the overall story feel distant.
Sadly there was also a lack of true emotional complexity specifically in Austin’s character. Don’t get me wrong, Isabelle’s fears were delved into really well, however I feel that the author focused too much on Isabelle’s traumas that Austin’s were somewhat dismissed. The effects of his best-friend’s death on him weren’t really mentioned after the beginning chapters in addition to his foster home and education struggles not being particularly looked into. I do think he got some depth but I wish we had seen more intricacy in his character.
‧˚꒰ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⋮ ୭
౨ৎ Isabelle Mercado.
I absolutely loved her character! She was so ambitious and didn’t let anything get in the way of her goals. This ambition at times did become unhealthy to the point she often overlooked her personal life and non-work related relationships, but she had great character development throughout the book. It was fascinating to see Isabelle become a committed surgeon capable of balancing life and work in the epilogue despite the very different introduction of her outlook.
I do wish we had gotten to see more of the effects of being a colored woman in the medical field. It was mentioned a few times but never really got fully delved into. Isabelle undoubtedly had intriguing individuality but her inner monologue started to become repetitive as the book went on and I was disappointed that we hadn’t learned more about her interests aside from being a surgeon. Nonetheless I loved reading about her and the growth she had despite the sometimes boring scenes she contributed to.
౨ৎ Austin Cade.
Unfortunately did not giggle and kick my feet for this man but be had had some good qualities. Albeit fairly boring, he was so caring and kind to everyone he interacted with which I have to appreciate. The struggles he had with deciding what his future would look like were delved into really well but aside from that his other traumas/insecurities were rather overlooked.
Truthfully he didn’t really stick out to me and more often than not he was uninteresting. Alike to Isabelle, we didn’t learn much about Austin’s hobbies or interests aside from soccer. In the first few chapters his dialogue was sort of awkward and inauthentic yet he did make the banter somewhat amusing so props to that.
‧˚꒰ 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 ⋮ ୭
It wasn’t a bad book per say, but Out of her League just wasn’t for me personally. I couldn’t really connect with the storyline due to the distant writing and the chemistry between the main characters being almost completely absent. The descriptive illustrations and emotional complexity of the FMC at the least did intrigue me while reading but in all it was rather boring due to the slow-pace with a lack of any suspension. I considered DNF’ing half way but I pushed through and unfortunately the character’s dynamic, the plot, the dialogue, none of it became truly entertaining. Though, if you’re looking for a simple yet spicy read with a fake dating trope and a FMC in the medical field I’d definitely recommend trying this book.
⋆˚࿔ read: march 19 - march 31 ; 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for this arc in an exchange for an honest review
── ・ ── 𝜗𝜚 ── ・ ──
₊˚ ౿ ⚽️ pre-read !!
First ever ARC and I’m so excited 🥹. I’ve seen mixed-ish reviews on the pacing of the book but overall it seems interesting!! (Also love seeing a FMC with a medical career)
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ᢉ𐭩
౨ৎ fake dating
౨ৎ one bed
౨ৎ surgeon x footballer
‧˚꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ⋮ ୭
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. The overall story was decent, I loved the depth of the FMC, but the lack of chemistry between the main characters in a romance book was too hard to ignore. There was a scarce amount of tension, a distant narrative, and no compelling spark in the characters relationship.
The concept of the plot sounded great but I feel it wasn’t executed to its full potential. This book was extremely slow paced, especially in the beginning. It felt like nothing was happening, no progressive change in the characters or their dynamic, then all of a sudden a crucial moment was being thrown into the writing with no build up. I was constantly getting distracted as the plot often times bored me and I wasn’t capable of fully immersing myself into the writing. The story line was still interesting, I really liked the ‘make her ex jealous’ via fake dating scenario, but truthfully it wasn’t the most entertaining. It only really started to slightly entrance me near the end of the book where the pacing started to pick up.
I think Isabelle and Austin spent too much time apart during the start of the story which contributed to the lackluster dynamic between the two. It also felt very insta-lovey. Despite knowing each other before this book took place, they only really got to learn about the other for two-ish weeks before gaining feelings. I must say they had tons of banter albeit being repetitive and awkward at times. One of the better aspects in their dynamic was the tension. When it did make appearances, which was unfortunately not often, I found it to be decently engrossing. In all, the character’s chemistry felt fairly forced with few rememberable interactions where I could feel a true meaningful connection.
The descriptions though? Absolutely wondrous. Ava Rani illustrated the ethereal setting so well it astonished me, it frankly may have been some of the most descriptive writing I’ve read thus far. Her vocabulary was especially unique. While we’re on the topic of unique, it was fascinating to see characters with the occupations the ones in this book had. A surgeon and soccer play? Absolutely loved it. Unfortunately aside from the fabulous use of figurative language, the writing felt rather clunky and sort of lacked a smooth flow between sentences which made the overall story feel distant.
Sadly there was also a lack of true emotional complexity specifically in Austin’s character. Don’t get me wrong, Isabelle’s fears were delved into really well, however I feel that the author focused too much on Isabelle’s traumas that Austin’s were somewhat dismissed. The effects of his best-friend’s death on him weren’t really mentioned after the beginning chapters in addition to his foster home and education struggles not being particularly looked into. I do think he got some depth but I wish we had seen more intricacy in his character.
‧˚꒰ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⋮ ୭
౨ৎ Isabelle Mercado.
I absolutely loved her character! She was so ambitious and didn’t let anything get in the way of her goals. This ambition at times did become unhealthy to the point she often overlooked her personal life and non-work related relationships, but she had great character development throughout the book. It was fascinating to see Isabelle become a committed surgeon capable of balancing life and work in the epilogue despite the very different introduction of her outlook.
I do wish we had gotten to see more of the effects of being a colored woman in the medical field. It was mentioned a few times but never really got fully delved into. Isabelle undoubtedly had intriguing individuality but her inner monologue started to become repetitive as the book went on and I was disappointed that we hadn’t learned more about her interests aside from being a surgeon. Nonetheless I loved reading about her and the growth she had despite the sometimes boring scenes she contributed to.
౨ৎ Austin Cade.
Unfortunately did not giggle and kick my feet for this man but be had had some good qualities. Albeit fairly boring, he was so caring and kind to everyone he interacted with which I have to appreciate. The struggles he had with deciding what his future would look like were delved into really well but aside from that his other traumas/insecurities were rather overlooked.
Truthfully he didn’t really stick out to me and more often than not he was uninteresting. Alike to Isabelle, we didn’t learn much about Austin’s hobbies or interests aside from soccer. In the first few chapters his dialogue was sort of awkward and inauthentic yet he did make the banter somewhat amusing so props to that.
‧˚꒰ 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 ⋮ ୭
It wasn’t a bad book per say, but Out of her League just wasn’t for me personally. I couldn’t really connect with the storyline due to the distant writing and the chemistry between the main characters being almost completely absent. The descriptive illustrations and emotional complexity of the FMC at the least did intrigue me while reading but in all it was rather boring due to the slow-pace with a lack of any suspension. I considered DNF’ing half way but I pushed through and unfortunately the character’s dynamic, the plot, the dialogue, none of it became truly entertaining. Though, if you’re looking for a simple yet spicy read with a fake dating trope and a FMC in the medical field I’d definitely recommend trying this book.
⋆˚࿔ read: march 19 - march 31 ; 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for this arc in an exchange for an honest review
── ・ ── 𝜗𝜚 ── ・ ──
₊˚ ౿ ⚽️ pre-read !!
First ever ARC and I’m so excited 🥹. I’ve seen mixed-ish reviews on the pacing of the book but overall it seems interesting!! (Also love seeing a FMC with a medical career)
Read
January 1, 2026An immersive, addicting, and feel-good romance that isn't afraid to dig deep. Out of Her League is a must-read, and Ava Rani paints a world I want to live in forever.
Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR!
Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First book from Ava Rani and I had such a good time. It's so easy to read and the fake dating trope is always a favorite of mine. The chemistry between these two felt sooo real from the start and I loved how their relationship developed.
Read this if you love:
• fake dating
• orthopedic surgeon and soccer star
• he falls first
• yearning
First book from Ava Rani and I had such a good time. It's so easy to read and the fake dating trope is always a favorite of mine. The chemistry between these two felt sooo real from the start and I loved how their relationship developed.
Read this if you love:
• fake dating
• orthopedic surgeon and soccer star
• he falls first
• yearning
February 12, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This was a fun and quick read. I love a fake dating romance, especially when it is to make an ex jealous. There is just something so satisfying about watching a plan that is meant to be temporary and strategic slowly unravel into something real and authentic.
Isa and Austin are such an unlikely match on paper, but that contrast (almost opposites attract) is exactly what makes them work. Isa is career driven, focused, and determined surgeon. Austin, on the other hand, is nearing the end of his professional football career and quietly grappling with what comes next.
Despite them agreeing to fake date, their connection never felt forced or overly performative. The chemistry developed naturally, and the shift from pretend to real felt seamless. I appreciated that their relationship was built on genuine conversations and mutual respect rather than just their physical attraction.
If I am being honest, I would have loved a bit more depth when it came to their individual struggles, especially Austin’s transition out of sports and Isa’s internal conflict between love and ambition. There were hints at deeper emotional stakes that could have been explored further. Overall, it was an enjoyable, light romance with heart, charm, and a couple you can easily root for.
This was a fun and quick read. I love a fake dating romance, especially when it is to make an ex jealous. There is just something so satisfying about watching a plan that is meant to be temporary and strategic slowly unravel into something real and authentic.
Isa and Austin are such an unlikely match on paper, but that contrast (almost opposites attract) is exactly what makes them work. Isa is career driven, focused, and determined surgeon. Austin, on the other hand, is nearing the end of his professional football career and quietly grappling with what comes next.
Despite them agreeing to fake date, their connection never felt forced or overly performative. The chemistry developed naturally, and the shift from pretend to real felt seamless. I appreciated that their relationship was built on genuine conversations and mutual respect rather than just their physical attraction.
If I am being honest, I would have loved a bit more depth when it came to their individual struggles, especially Austin’s transition out of sports and Isa’s internal conflict between love and ambition. There were hints at deeper emotional stakes that could have been explored further. Overall, it was an enjoyable, light romance with heart, charm, and a couple you can easily root for.
2026
February 2, 2026ANHPI TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Avon
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Avon
February 26, 2026
Fake dating! It will always be my favorite trope! I loved how he fell first in this one! I will definitely go and read more by this author.
February 9, 2026
Out of her League was such a perfect romance to me. Isa and Austin are such a great match for each other and it was refreshing to see such a supportive, emotionally mature MMC complimenting a driven, successful FMC. There were so many times I could identify with Isa along the way and I was constantly rooting for her happiness. I loved how the complexities of strong family expectations, messy past relationships, and figuring out what you really want from life were discussed. Trope wise, I loved the surgeon x footballer main character dynamic, the fake dating, and the destination wedding with only one bed.
February 27, 2026
This was a really fun romance that was right up my alley. The setting of the Paris wedding was beautiful and I loved that our main character is an accomplished woman in medicine.
Isabelle is in her final year of residency at the best orthopedic surgery program in the country. Her goal is to match at one of the top fellowships and finally step out of the shadow of her father, a world-renowned surgeon himself. Isabelle has sacrificed so much of her personal life to make it to the top—but the one thing she won’t do is miss her best friend Selena’s wedding.
When Isabelle finds out her ex will be at the wedding with his new fiancé, the obvious solution is to show up with someone hotter. Enter Austin Cade—international soccer star who is currently in the US recovering from knee surgery. Already friendly from being part of his surgical team, Isabelle suggests he accompany her to the wedding as her fake date. If he can help make her ex jealous, she will help him get the funding he needs for his foundation. What begins as fake dating quickly turns into more as Isabelle starts to realize she may not need to sacrifice her happiness to be successful.
Isabelle’s blunt honesty and ambition is perfectly balanced out by Austin’s charm and kindness. I really liked the way their relationship developed as they supported one another’s dreams. The only thing I didn’t love was how repetitive Isabelle’s internal monologue was and how slow some parts of the book were.
Overall this I thought this was an entertaining read with strong characters a beautiful setting. I definitely want to read her previous series now, especially Selena’s book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Isabelle is in her final year of residency at the best orthopedic surgery program in the country. Her goal is to match at one of the top fellowships and finally step out of the shadow of her father, a world-renowned surgeon himself. Isabelle has sacrificed so much of her personal life to make it to the top—but the one thing she won’t do is miss her best friend Selena’s wedding.
When Isabelle finds out her ex will be at the wedding with his new fiancé, the obvious solution is to show up with someone hotter. Enter Austin Cade—international soccer star who is currently in the US recovering from knee surgery. Already friendly from being part of his surgical team, Isabelle suggests he accompany her to the wedding as her fake date. If he can help make her ex jealous, she will help him get the funding he needs for his foundation. What begins as fake dating quickly turns into more as Isabelle starts to realize she may not need to sacrifice her happiness to be successful.
Isabelle’s blunt honesty and ambition is perfectly balanced out by Austin’s charm and kindness. I really liked the way their relationship developed as they supported one another’s dreams. The only thing I didn’t love was how repetitive Isabelle’s internal monologue was and how slow some parts of the book were.
Overall this I thought this was an entertaining read with strong characters a beautiful setting. I definitely want to read her previous series now, especially Selena’s book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2026
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC. All of these thoughts are my own.
I was hooked from first page. Isabelle was strong, determined surgeon and knew what she wanted in life. Until she finds out the man she thought was the one was engaged just before her best friend’s wedding in Paris. Of course she comes up with a plan and ends up finding a fake date for the weddings (with her best friend’s help). Austin, good looking soccer player, who Isa had been help treat comes in the clutch.
Seeing Austin and Isa together was 😮💨 the yearning, the tension, the understanding they had was just so good! I loved that Austin really helped Isa see she can have love and also fulfill her dreams. Isa with her perseverance showed Austin he can do more than what he is told. Their relationship was so genuine and the care they had for each other was so mature. I was impressed. If you love fake dating, age gap, mature understanding of each other, growth together and apart then I highly recommend this one!
I was hooked from first page. Isabelle was strong, determined surgeon and knew what she wanted in life. Until she finds out the man she thought was the one was engaged just before her best friend’s wedding in Paris. Of course she comes up with a plan and ends up finding a fake date for the weddings (with her best friend’s help). Austin, good looking soccer player, who Isa had been help treat comes in the clutch.
Seeing Austin and Isa together was 😮💨 the yearning, the tension, the understanding they had was just so good! I loved that Austin really helped Isa see she can have love and also fulfill her dreams. Isa with her perseverance showed Austin he can do more than what he is told. Their relationship was so genuine and the care they had for each other was so mature. I was impressed. If you love fake dating, age gap, mature understanding of each other, growth together and apart then I highly recommend this one!
March 26, 2026
i finished this the other day and i am STILL not over how good it was!!!!! austin and isa were absolutely phenomenal together and i LOVED their chemistry!!!! give me all the independent women in STEM!!!!! give me all the hot recovering footballers!!!!!! i love them!!!!
isa’s desire to outdo her father’s legacy (slay girl power!!!) is her major motivation to get the best surgical fellowship, and i love a woman who’s set to defeat any man!! it was such an interesting (and unique!) journey for her to be motivated towards, and i adored austin’s decision to not stand in her way when he learned why she wanted to get the winthrop fellowship.
austin’s decision to step away from football (soccer) after a repeated injury was so meaningful, especially since he wants to work on the foundation he and his late friend started up. knowing he’s so dedicated to helping children in need and get them a place to hang out, to feel safe, had me absolutely melting!!
their plan to date for isa’s friend’s wedding and make her ex jealous was suuuuuch a good plan (i will eat up every fake dating book there is!!!!), and i was rooting for them through my kindle as the wedding ended and they went their separate ways.
this book so fun and so hot and i need everyone to add it to their tbr right now!!!! go preorder form your fave bookstores!!!! go go go!!!!
thank you to avon for the digital galley!
isa’s desire to outdo her father’s legacy (slay girl power!!!) is her major motivation to get the best surgical fellowship, and i love a woman who’s set to defeat any man!! it was such an interesting (and unique!) journey for her to be motivated towards, and i adored austin’s decision to not stand in her way when he learned why she wanted to get the winthrop fellowship.
austin’s decision to step away from football (soccer) after a repeated injury was so meaningful, especially since he wants to work on the foundation he and his late friend started up. knowing he’s so dedicated to helping children in need and get them a place to hang out, to feel safe, had me absolutely melting!!
their plan to date for isa’s friend’s wedding and make her ex jealous was suuuuuch a good plan (i will eat up every fake dating book there is!!!!), and i was rooting for them through my kindle as the wedding ended and they went their separate ways.
this book so fun and so hot and i need everyone to add it to their tbr right now!!!! go preorder form your fave bookstores!!!! go go go!!!!
thank you to avon for the digital galley!
March 2, 2026
Out of Her League was such an interesting take on fake dating to get back at an ex. Isa, our FMC and doctor in residence, proposes the plot to Austin, our MMC, to be her fake date to her best friend’s wedding when she finds out her ex is now engaged.
I very much enjoyed this story and had a hard time putting it down. I loved the development of Isa and Austin’s relationship both at the wedding and after. I enjoyed how Austin was such a perfect match for Isa and showed stability/warmth towards Isa.
Towards the end, I did get slightly annoyed with Isa, but appreciated how the author had some healthy conversations with side characters and then ultimately between the main characters to resolve the issue.
This was a 4⭐️ read for me and I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a STEM with sports medicine romance with a fake dating trope.
I very much enjoyed this story and had a hard time putting it down. I loved the development of Isa and Austin’s relationship both at the wedding and after. I enjoyed how Austin was such a perfect match for Isa and showed stability/warmth towards Isa.
Towards the end, I did get slightly annoyed with Isa, but appreciated how the author had some healthy conversations with side characters and then ultimately between the main characters to resolve the issue.
This was a 4⭐️ read for me and I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a STEM with sports medicine romance with a fake dating trope.
February 13, 2026
Thank you so very much for letting me have this book in advance.
It such a good quick read.
It’s a dual pov
He falls first
Surgeon and a soccer star
Fake dating
Finding yourself.
I loved this because it gave so much into a perspective of a woman who needs to prove in the world of men.
I have had the same fears.
I have given up my dreams because of my family and health. But knowing I’m okay with that it took a while.
But I admire her to able to continue her dream and a partner to help her and give her the safety and reassurance that she needs.
It such a good quick read.
It’s a dual pov
He falls first
Surgeon and a soccer star
Fake dating
Finding yourself.
I loved this because it gave so much into a perspective of a woman who needs to prove in the world of men.
I have had the same fears.
I have given up my dreams because of my family and health. But knowing I’m okay with that it took a while.
But I admire her to able to continue her dream and a partner to help her and give her the safety and reassurance that she needs.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The writing was well-done and the plot was fun, but ultimately I didn’t feel as connected to either MC as much as I would have wanted for a romance.
(This is a standalone that has character tie-ins to Ava Rani’s book The Heir, which is part of the “Biotech Billionaires” series.)
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★.5 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book comes out May 12, 2026.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Dr. Isabelle Mercado loves the operating room. So much so that it’s taken priority in her life over love. Which is how she finds herself without a date to her best friend’s Parisian wedding—the wedding her ex and his new fiancée will be at. In a bid to make him jealous, Isa talks footballer Austin Cade into being her fake date for the wedding. But when things start to feel too real, Isa has to take inventory of what is most important in her life. And Austin must decide if fighting for her is worth it.
– FMC: Dr. Isabelle “Isa” Mercado (aka “baby”). ~30-year-old doctor in her last year of residency who comes from two doctor parents that have high expectations. Has made her career her entire personality but might be realizing that what she thought she always wanted might not be her dream anymore…
– MMC: Austin Cade. A 37-year-old American soccer player (aka European football) who is healing from an ACL tear and thinking about what he’ll do after retirement. Loyal to his friends and will do anything for them.
– Location: NYC and France (Paris, Versailles, and the surrounding areas)
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: 3 open-door explicit spicy scenes
– Tropes: fake dating, “help make my ex jealous”, just for the wedding, acquaintances to lovers, only one bed, forced proximity, black cat FMC x golden retriever MMC, doctor/surgeon FMC, footballer/soccer MMC, age gap (7-ish years), billionaire-ish, sports romance-ish (no active play, but sports medicine and the MMC plays soccer), he takes care of her when she’s sick
– Content warning: ACL tear (mention), foster kid (MC; mentioned), parents with high expectations, sticky ex-situationship
– Representation: women in STEM, non-white FMC
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Levato
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Fake dating books where the couple gets together “just for the wedding” like in Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen and The Best I Never Had by Amy Buchanan
➼ FMCs who are unapologetically bad-ass like Aoife Malloy (Saving 6 by Chloe Walsh), Sejal Chaudhary (Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai), and Trishara Malik (Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli)
➼ Fake hooking up with a soccer star for your billionaire best friend’s wedding just to make your ex-situationship who recently got engaged jealous, only to form real feelings for your fake boyfriend because he takes care of you when you’re sick
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————✧—————Slow Burn
Sweet———————✧————Spicy
Light/Fluffy————✧———————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This was my first book by Ava Rani and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. It was descriptive and her storytelling was easy to follow. At times, I connected with the inner thoughts of both MCs: Isa’s struggle with work-life balance and Austin’s need to know what happens next for him in life.
This was super fun in the fake dating aspect because of the destination wedding removing them from their typical routines. I loved the “making my ex jealous” aspect, too, because it wasn’t too much of the focal point, but enough to provide a catalyst for the real feelings between Isa and Austin to develop.
Where I struggled a bit was the romance itself. While I liked both MCs, I didn’t really buy that they would work long-term. And while I like a slow burn, I felt like—since Isa was still so hesitant in the last third of the book—the emotional development in their relationship wasn’t as well executed for me. I wanted to end the book rooting for them, but ultimately thought they’re cute together…for now.
I also was thrown off a bit by the reporter sub-plot and how Isa and Austin needed to keep him occupied during the wedding. It felt a little forced.
Would I Recommend?: Maybe to Yes. Despite my personal disconnect to the romance, I think other readers will appreciate how bad-ass Isa is and will enjoy this book tremendously.
•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•
(This is a standalone that has character tie-ins to Ava Rani’s book The Heir, which is part of the “Biotech Billionaires” series.)
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★.5 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book comes out May 12, 2026.
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○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Dr. Isabelle Mercado loves the operating room. So much so that it’s taken priority in her life over love. Which is how she finds herself without a date to her best friend’s Parisian wedding—the wedding her ex and his new fiancée will be at. In a bid to make him jealous, Isa talks footballer Austin Cade into being her fake date for the wedding. But when things start to feel too real, Isa has to take inventory of what is most important in her life. And Austin must decide if fighting for her is worth it.
– FMC: Dr. Isabelle “Isa” Mercado (aka “baby”). ~30-year-old doctor in her last year of residency who comes from two doctor parents that have high expectations. Has made her career her entire personality but might be realizing that what she thought she always wanted might not be her dream anymore…
– MMC: Austin Cade. A 37-year-old American soccer player (aka European football) who is healing from an ACL tear and thinking about what he’ll do after retirement. Loyal to his friends and will do anything for them.
– Location: NYC and France (Paris, Versailles, and the surrounding areas)
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: 3 open-door explicit spicy scenes
– Tropes: fake dating, “help make my ex jealous”, just for the wedding, acquaintances to lovers, only one bed, forced proximity, black cat FMC x golden retriever MMC, doctor/surgeon FMC, footballer/soccer MMC, age gap (7-ish years), billionaire-ish, sports romance-ish (no active play, but sports medicine and the MMC plays soccer), he takes care of her when she’s sick
– Content warning: ACL tear (mention), foster kid (MC; mentioned), parents with high expectations, sticky ex-situationship
– Representation: women in STEM, non-white FMC
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Levato
╰┈➤ ❝Now payback is a bad bitch; and, baby, I’m the baddest, you fuckin’ with a savage; can’t have this, can’t have this.❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Fake dating books where the couple gets together “just for the wedding” like in Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen and The Best I Never Had by Amy Buchanan
➼ FMCs who are unapologetically bad-ass like Aoife Malloy (Saving 6 by Chloe Walsh), Sejal Chaudhary (Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai), and Trishara Malik (Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli)
➼ Fake hooking up with a soccer star for your billionaire best friend’s wedding just to make your ex-situationship who recently got engaged jealous, only to form real feelings for your fake boyfriend because he takes care of you when you’re sick
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————✧—————Slow Burn
Sweet———————✧————Spicy
Light/Fluffy————✧———————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This was my first book by Ava Rani and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. It was descriptive and her storytelling was easy to follow. At times, I connected with the inner thoughts of both MCs: Isa’s struggle with work-life balance and Austin’s need to know what happens next for him in life.
This was super fun in the fake dating aspect because of the destination wedding removing them from their typical routines. I loved the “making my ex jealous” aspect, too, because it wasn’t too much of the focal point, but enough to provide a catalyst for the real feelings between Isa and Austin to develop.
Where I struggled a bit was the romance itself. While I liked both MCs, I didn’t really buy that they would work long-term. And while I like a slow burn, I felt like—since Isa was still so hesitant in the last third of the book—the emotional development in their relationship wasn’t as well executed for me. I wanted to end the book rooting for them, but ultimately thought they’re cute together…for now.
I also was thrown off a bit by the reporter sub-plot and how Isa and Austin needed to keep him occupied during the wedding. It felt a little forced.
Would I Recommend?: Maybe to Yes. Despite my personal disconnect to the romance, I think other readers will appreciate how bad-ass Isa is and will enjoy this book tremendously.
•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•
Want to read
August 20, 2025We are finally getting Isa’s book and I am so ready 🙂↕️ after loving her moments in The heir (one of my favourite romances ever) I am so prepared to fall in love with her story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ava Rani has an extreme talent for writing very real issues and problems and integrating them into these gorgeous works of fiction and romance. I’ve never felt more seen by an author and sometimes it feels like she’s been inside my head. What a generational talent.
Dr. Isabelle Mercado is at the top of her game. She’s THE senior resident in the country’s most competitive orthopedic surgical residency program. Her determination is founded on the backs of two successful parents who are also surgeons, and the only person she’s in competition with is herself. Her first vacation in a long time is two weeks spent in France to watch her best friend get married to the love of her life. Her problem? Her ex is also attending, on the arm of his new fiancé no less. She enlists everyone’s favorite eligible bachelor, Austin Cade, also known as the American Footballer to be her fake date after they encounter each other several times. Austin Cade is looking for a career change. He’s in the late stages of his career rehabbing an injury and trying to find his way after the death of his best friend. He wants to do him proud and continue on the legacy they started together. He takes up Isa’s offer so he can take advantage of the bride’s exclusive guest list with deep pockets as he goes on his own PR campaign to secure funding for his foundation. Isa has a plan for her life, a strategy put into place, but the more time she spends in close proximity to Austin, she’s beginning to wonder if the path she’s set herself on is one she’s choosing for herself in mind or her parents.
Both main characters are incredibly sexy with chemistry that truly flies off the pages, but more importantly they are so incredibly human. They are so complex all the way to their core and they bring a very raw energy in this story. Isa’s character hit so hard for me, like Ava Rani’s FMCs usually do. She is strong and confident, she is loud and unwavering. Until she’s second guessing her decisions and playing the “what if” game with them. Her relationship with her parents cut me to the core as I’m sure many children in non-white families experience. When there’s one successful person in the family, it’s always pressure on the next person to do better and be better than them, to at the very least live up to the same standards. You feel that all-consuming desperation that Isa has to be successful, to always come out on top because of her father’s pressure, but also because her mother’s career never went as far after choosing to have a child. Her journey this entire book tore at my heartstrings and her character arc by far has been one of my favorites I’ve ever read from Ava Rani. It will live on inside my brain until the end of time. On the flip side, Austin experiences guilt and insecurity with the new chapter he’s trying to grow into. After spending all that time playing overseas and building a name for himself, he downplays his accomplishments because he’s mostly reminded of the negatives: that he wasn’t there to spend more time with his best friend before he died. He ultimately feels the need to atone for his absence but in a way, he’s also a people pleaser. What you see is a man with huge dreams for the next phase of his life, and what he finds in Isa is a support system and a partner. Someone who doesn’t just tell him but also shows him that he can absolutely achieve what he wants to build. I love the way that they make each other feel so incredibly seen because at the end of the day to be seen is to be loved. What an incredible honor to be able to go on this journey with them.
Thank you to Avon & NetGalley for this ARC! I am so incredibly grateful!
Dr. Isabelle Mercado is at the top of her game. She’s THE senior resident in the country’s most competitive orthopedic surgical residency program. Her determination is founded on the backs of two successful parents who are also surgeons, and the only person she’s in competition with is herself. Her first vacation in a long time is two weeks spent in France to watch her best friend get married to the love of her life. Her problem? Her ex is also attending, on the arm of his new fiancé no less. She enlists everyone’s favorite eligible bachelor, Austin Cade, also known as the American Footballer to be her fake date after they encounter each other several times. Austin Cade is looking for a career change. He’s in the late stages of his career rehabbing an injury and trying to find his way after the death of his best friend. He wants to do him proud and continue on the legacy they started together. He takes up Isa’s offer so he can take advantage of the bride’s exclusive guest list with deep pockets as he goes on his own PR campaign to secure funding for his foundation. Isa has a plan for her life, a strategy put into place, but the more time she spends in close proximity to Austin, she’s beginning to wonder if the path she’s set herself on is one she’s choosing for herself in mind or her parents.
Both main characters are incredibly sexy with chemistry that truly flies off the pages, but more importantly they are so incredibly human. They are so complex all the way to their core and they bring a very raw energy in this story. Isa’s character hit so hard for me, like Ava Rani’s FMCs usually do. She is strong and confident, she is loud and unwavering. Until she’s second guessing her decisions and playing the “what if” game with them. Her relationship with her parents cut me to the core as I’m sure many children in non-white families experience. When there’s one successful person in the family, it’s always pressure on the next person to do better and be better than them, to at the very least live up to the same standards. You feel that all-consuming desperation that Isa has to be successful, to always come out on top because of her father’s pressure, but also because her mother’s career never went as far after choosing to have a child. Her journey this entire book tore at my heartstrings and her character arc by far has been one of my favorites I’ve ever read from Ava Rani. It will live on inside my brain until the end of time. On the flip side, Austin experiences guilt and insecurity with the new chapter he’s trying to grow into. After spending all that time playing overseas and building a name for himself, he downplays his accomplishments because he’s mostly reminded of the negatives: that he wasn’t there to spend more time with his best friend before he died. He ultimately feels the need to atone for his absence but in a way, he’s also a people pleaser. What you see is a man with huge dreams for the next phase of his life, and what he finds in Isa is a support system and a partner. Someone who doesn’t just tell him but also shows him that he can absolutely achieve what he wants to build. I love the way that they make each other feel so incredibly seen because at the end of the day to be seen is to be loved. What an incredible honor to be able to go on this journey with them.
Thank you to Avon & NetGalley for this ARC! I am so incredibly grateful!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read this book for:
⚽ She Needs a Plus One
🩺 He Falls First
⚽ Surgeon x Footballer
🩺 One Bed
⚽ Fake Dating
🩺 Age Gap (8 years)
Synopsis
Dr. Isabelle Mercado is on the verge of everything she’s worked for. As one of the top residents in the country’s most competitive orthopedic surgery program, her future is bright and carefully planned. The only thing she didn’t plan for is seeing the ex who broke her heart, especially at the most extravagant wedding of the year in Paris where he’ll be attending with his perfect new fiancée.
Determined not to let the past rattle her, Isa comes up with the perfect solution: a fake date.
Austin Cade is a world-famous soccer star whose career has recently been overshadowed by injury and unwanted media attention. Agreeing to accompany Isa to the wedding offers exactly what he needs, a little positive press and access to influential connections.
What begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement soon turns complicated as the charm of Paris works its magic. Between glamorous parties, late-night conversations, and quiet moments beneath the city lights, their pretend relationship starts to feel surprisingly real.
For Isa, who has always prioritized her career above everything else, the growing connection is both thrilling and terrifying, because this time, walking away might not be as easy as she thought.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, because honestly, who doesn’t love a fun pity plan with a hot footballer? It immediately pulled me in and kept me smiling. Austin was such a great MMC. He is kind, caring, and full of ambition, but also incredibly patient. After his ACL injury, he has to step away from football until he fully recovers, which adds a more serious and emotional layer to his story. On top of that, he is dealing with the loss of his best friend and carries a lot of guilt. Even so, he truly tries his best to be there for his best friend’s widow and their daughter. Those moments were so sweet. I also loved how he wanted to honor his friend’s memory by continuing their work with a foundation for kids who grow up in difficult situations, just like he did. That made him even more special.
Isa is a strong and independent FMC, which I really appreciated. However, at times she felt a bit too strong-willed for me. I understand that her behavior is shaped by her past, and that added depth to her character. Still, in the second half of the book, her inner thoughts started to feel a bit repetitive. I also didn’t like how she sometimes made decisions or assumptions for Austin, like deciding how he felt about having kids without really asking him. That part gave me a bit of an ick, because why wouldn’t you just ask the guy what he thinks?
Overall, I really enjoyed the connection between Austin and Isa. Their banter was fun, natural, and full of chemistry. I especially loved how Austin seemed to understand exactly what Isa needed, even when she struggled to say it. It was also nice to see Isa slowly change her view on relationships. With a little help from Selena, she started to see compromises not as something negative, but as something positive, more like an investment in love and growth. That was a beautiful to watch.
I would definitely start with the Biotech Billionaires series, especially after getting to know Henry and Selena. They really made me curious for more!
Read this book for:
⚽ She Needs a Plus One
🩺 He Falls First
⚽ Surgeon x Footballer
🩺 One Bed
⚽ Fake Dating
🩺 Age Gap (8 years)
Synopsis
Dr. Isabelle Mercado is on the verge of everything she’s worked for. As one of the top residents in the country’s most competitive orthopedic surgery program, her future is bright and carefully planned. The only thing she didn’t plan for is seeing the ex who broke her heart, especially at the most extravagant wedding of the year in Paris where he’ll be attending with his perfect new fiancée.
Determined not to let the past rattle her, Isa comes up with the perfect solution: a fake date.
Austin Cade is a world-famous soccer star whose career has recently been overshadowed by injury and unwanted media attention. Agreeing to accompany Isa to the wedding offers exactly what he needs, a little positive press and access to influential connections.
What begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement soon turns complicated as the charm of Paris works its magic. Between glamorous parties, late-night conversations, and quiet moments beneath the city lights, their pretend relationship starts to feel surprisingly real.
For Isa, who has always prioritized her career above everything else, the growing connection is both thrilling and terrifying, because this time, walking away might not be as easy as she thought.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, because honestly, who doesn’t love a fun pity plan with a hot footballer? It immediately pulled me in and kept me smiling. Austin was such a great MMC. He is kind, caring, and full of ambition, but also incredibly patient. After his ACL injury, he has to step away from football until he fully recovers, which adds a more serious and emotional layer to his story. On top of that, he is dealing with the loss of his best friend and carries a lot of guilt. Even so, he truly tries his best to be there for his best friend’s widow and their daughter. Those moments were so sweet. I also loved how he wanted to honor his friend’s memory by continuing their work with a foundation for kids who grow up in difficult situations, just like he did. That made him even more special.
Isa is a strong and independent FMC, which I really appreciated. However, at times she felt a bit too strong-willed for me. I understand that her behavior is shaped by her past, and that added depth to her character. Still, in the second half of the book, her inner thoughts started to feel a bit repetitive. I also didn’t like how she sometimes made decisions or assumptions for Austin, like deciding how he felt about having kids without really asking him. That part gave me a bit of an ick, because why wouldn’t you just ask the guy what he thinks?
Overall, I really enjoyed the connection between Austin and Isa. Their banter was fun, natural, and full of chemistry. I especially loved how Austin seemed to understand exactly what Isa needed, even when she struggled to say it. It was also nice to see Isa slowly change her view on relationships. With a little help from Selena, she started to see compromises not as something negative, but as something positive, more like an investment in love and growth. That was a beautiful to watch.
I would definitely start with the Biotech Billionaires series, especially after getting to know Henry and Selena. They really made me curious for more!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Isa is a doctor that's who she is- whats shes always wanted to be - That's what she cares about.She's going to be the best doctor she's going to be the doctor that procedures are named after - she's a very determined person.She comes from parents that are both doctors, one who is very famous and actually has a procedure named after him. She is on track to wanting to get a very prestigious fellowship, but first her best friend selena is getting married - and it's not just a regular run of the mill wedding weekend- her bestie i found a literal billionaire and they're having a wedding week in Paris, then Isa finds out from selena that one of guests at the wedding of her fiance (henry) through a plus ones Isa's on and off again boyfriend Blake since college - who have never really broken up or had a closure conversation- what's a girl to do? Then we meet Austin a famous soccer player who is recovering from her second ACL tear, (Isa and him have met in her sports medicine rotation) - he was at a crossroads in his life. He doesn't know if he wants to quit the game start coaching or spend all his time on the foundation that he started with. His best friend who has since passed away. He truly doesn't know what to do with his life- their worlds collide at a fundraising auction, where one of the packages forbid is four weeks of private lessons with Austin- at the fundraiser with Selena she's talking with Selena about what to do andout Blake and Paris when Austin goes up for bid , the bidding is getting crazy, Selena is bidding against Blake's new girlfriend - and Selena doesnt like to lose (probably my favorite scene) and she wins Austin, who then becomes her date for the wedding in Paris - while they are in paris, you can pretty much guess what happens.They go from fake dating to catching feelings.But it's after they come home.Where the stories important esa really wonders if she's chasing her goal or chasing her parents goal for her- and Austin, I still can't know what he wants. And in trying to figure it out, they end up fighting each other and Isa's too scared to do come to a realization that she needs to come to- it has such important storyline.For people who are doing things because they feel like they should be not because they want to in getting scared to disappoint somebody- i also love Selena's character because she was a tried and true bestie. But never let her friend down and always stood up for her and always had her back. And her and henry were a cute couple.They have a happily ever after already so I don't know how we would get a book for them.But they were so cute i could definitely see this being either a hallmark movie netflix movie.Some kind of made for something movie.Because it's super good, loved it highly recommend i don't think to give spoilers, but I wish I could say more but I don't want to live on the story.But definitely pick this one up
Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
my rating: ✦✦✦ — 2.5 stars, rounded up
–✧–
dnf’d at 33%
–✧–
–✧–
i really had high hopes when i requested (and received) out of her league from netgalley. it seemed great in theory: a brains-brawn, wedding guest, fake-dating romcom with ethnic minority representation??? i was so excited to read this, but unfortunately, i was let down.
from what i could tell, out of her league follows the alternating perspectives of isabelle and austin, a surgeon and a soccer player (respectfully), as they make a fake-dating deal over the course of a wedding week—isabelle for revenge, and austin for good press. from there, they probably fall in love—i wouldn’t know, because i didn’t even get to that part.
just to be clear, i didn’t dnf out of her league because it was bad, but cause it was boring and uninteresting to me. i gave this book a two-point-five-star rating (and not anything lower like i was tempted to) because i can definitely see the appeal from this book for a certain demographic, just certainly not for me. i probably could’ve continued reading (i guess…) but i wouldn’t have been very invested in it at all. there were a few reasons for this.
first of all this novel had a very slow beginning—we really don’t need that much backup info, so i was just waiting for the characters to get on with it. because this is a romance, isn’t it weird that we’re only seeing them live their separate lives for over the first quarter of the book?
next, i literally wasn’t invested in it, probably less because of the plot and more because of the prose—also (as far as i could tell), i wasn’t convinced of isabelle and austin’s love. where is the tension? where are the sparks? where is the heat? where is the compatibility? to me, this book just unfounded thirsting based completely off of looks. sure, they feel attraction, but they both know nothing about each other when they start getting lusty for each other!
finally, there were just wayyyy too many grammar issues—a huge reading ick! this might just be me, though, so ignore this if you’d like.
the one part i did like was the number of glitzy descriptions, since i love luxurious settings. unfortunately, i think this is the only thing i enjoyed within this book.
also, is it just me or is doctor x patient kind of a weird dynamic…
–✧–
note: this arc was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. thank you to netgalley and avon & harper voyager!
–✧–
stats:
spice 🌶️: ?/5
emotion 💧: ?/5
memorability 💭: ?/5
thought-provoking-ness 🧠: ?/5
–✧–
dnf’d at 33%
–✧–
“I was choosing myself, and the world had a way of punishing women for that.”
–✧–
i really had high hopes when i requested (and received) out of her league from netgalley. it seemed great in theory: a brains-brawn, wedding guest, fake-dating romcom with ethnic minority representation??? i was so excited to read this, but unfortunately, i was let down.
from what i could tell, out of her league follows the alternating perspectives of isabelle and austin, a surgeon and a soccer player (respectfully), as they make a fake-dating deal over the course of a wedding week—isabelle for revenge, and austin for good press. from there, they probably fall in love—i wouldn’t know, because i didn’t even get to that part.
just to be clear, i didn’t dnf out of her league because it was bad, but cause it was boring and uninteresting to me. i gave this book a two-point-five-star rating (and not anything lower like i was tempted to) because i can definitely see the appeal from this book for a certain demographic, just certainly not for me. i probably could’ve continued reading (i guess…) but i wouldn’t have been very invested in it at all. there were a few reasons for this.
first of all this novel had a very slow beginning—we really don’t need that much backup info, so i was just waiting for the characters to get on with it. because this is a romance, isn’t it weird that we’re only seeing them live their separate lives for over the first quarter of the book?
next, i literally wasn’t invested in it, probably less because of the plot and more because of the prose—also (as far as i could tell), i wasn’t convinced of isabelle and austin’s love. where is the tension? where are the sparks? where is the heat? where is the compatibility? to me, this book just unfounded thirsting based completely off of looks. sure, they feel attraction, but they both know nothing about each other when they start getting lusty for each other!
finally, there were just wayyyy too many grammar issues—a huge reading ick! this might just be me, though, so ignore this if you’d like.
the one part i did like was the number of glitzy descriptions, since i love luxurious settings. unfortunately, i think this is the only thing i enjoyed within this book.
also, is it just me or is doctor x patient kind of a weird dynamic…
–✧–
note: this arc was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. thank you to netgalley and avon & harper voyager!
–✧–
stats:
spice 🌶️: ?/5
emotion 💧: ?/5
memorability 💭: ?/5
thought-provoking-ness 🧠: ?/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One thing about me is, if it has fake dating, I will BE THERE. And I was here for this.
Isa is the kind of woman who has always had to overperform in order to prove her worth, prove her place in her work environment, and even prove herself to her parents. Austin is the kind of guy who pours his whole heart into everything, and that includes the plan to make Isa's ex see her thriving by faking a relationship at her best friend's wedding. But we know, fake relationships always end up bringing out the very real feelings, which sets Isa and Austin off on an emotional rollercoaster. Austin is one giant green flag, and for that, I thank him for existing. He is the quintessential supportive partner, doting lover, and certified hot soccer guy who has to figure out his life post-injury.
I LOVE ISA AND AUSTIN TOGETHER. From the beginning, their banter, their instant chemistry, it was off the charts. The setting of the extravagant wedding was brilliant, and seeing these two characters work through their more-complicated-than-necessary feelings was so fun.
We also had a great "villain" in here with Blake, the ex. He is the reason for a lot of conflict, and yet he also... is not? And I kind of loved seeing his development through the story, despite his relatively low importance.
Overall I had so much fun with this! We love a strong, ambitious woman who doesn't let anything stop her from achieving HER dreams. And we love a man who shows up and supports that dream.
A few minor things: I feel like the longer this book went on, the more I was reading the same sentiments over and over - Isa spiraled a lot about her personal successes, her drive for perfection, and the fear of failure. This was part of her character/personality and I get it and can relate. BUT I also feel like we were reading the same thoughts and internal arguments chapter after chapter toward the end, and I felt like it was getting tedious to keep repeating. Some repetition is fine, to really drill in the fact that she is having to tell herself these things a lot, but as a reader it made it a little more tiring.
There also seemed to be a lot of very small editing errors, like words missed in sentences (like articles or conjunctions, so not content-specific words), and it was more often than I would expect. Now, as I am reading this as a digital arc, these kinds of things could still be fixed before final form, but it definitely felt like more editing was needed.
Thank you to Avon for the advance access to this title.
Isa is the kind of woman who has always had to overperform in order to prove her worth, prove her place in her work environment, and even prove herself to her parents. Austin is the kind of guy who pours his whole heart into everything, and that includes the plan to make Isa's ex see her thriving by faking a relationship at her best friend's wedding. But we know, fake relationships always end up bringing out the very real feelings, which sets Isa and Austin off on an emotional rollercoaster. Austin is one giant green flag, and for that, I thank him for existing. He is the quintessential supportive partner, doting lover, and certified hot soccer guy who has to figure out his life post-injury.
I LOVE ISA AND AUSTIN TOGETHER. From the beginning, their banter, their instant chemistry, it was off the charts. The setting of the extravagant wedding was brilliant, and seeing these two characters work through their more-complicated-than-necessary feelings was so fun.
We also had a great "villain" in here with Blake, the ex. He is the reason for a lot of conflict, and yet he also... is not? And I kind of loved seeing his development through the story, despite his relatively low importance.
Overall I had so much fun with this! We love a strong, ambitious woman who doesn't let anything stop her from achieving HER dreams. And we love a man who shows up and supports that dream.
A few minor things: I feel like the longer this book went on, the more I was reading the same sentiments over and over - Isa spiraled a lot about her personal successes, her drive for perfection, and the fear of failure. This was part of her character/personality and I get it and can relate. BUT I also feel like we were reading the same thoughts and internal arguments chapter after chapter toward the end, and I felt like it was getting tedious to keep repeating. Some repetition is fine, to really drill in the fact that she is having to tell herself these things a lot, but as a reader it made it a little more tiring.
There also seemed to be a lot of very small editing errors, like words missed in sentences (like articles or conjunctions, so not content-specific words), and it was more often than I would expect. Now, as I am reading this as a digital arc, these kinds of things could still be fixed before final form, but it definitely felt like more editing was needed.
Thank you to Avon for the advance access to this title.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Y’all, I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately, I had the hardest time getting through it. While I think this book had some very redeeming qualities, it just wasn’t for me.
First, I will say that there were many things that did work for me. I loved that the FMC was not only a woman of color, but a smart as hell and successful badass. She knew what she wanted in life, and would stop at nothing to get it. She was driven and focused, which can often be depicted as bitchy or off putting, but I think the author did a great job at creating a character who could essentially have it all if she wanted. In addition to this, she paired her with an MMC who, although was a little more confused about his future, supported her and championed anything she did. Austin was as patient as any MMC I’ve read about and I really loved how despite many stereotypical cocky athlete characters there are in the book world, he was much humbler and easier to like.
However, the chemistry between them was not very believable to me. I felt like the pacing of their relationship was a bit off and that became a common theme throughout the entire book. I didn’t believe their relationship once it moved past fake and it felt almost rushed and disjointed. As separate characters, I really enjoyed them, but I just wasn't invested in anything about them past that. The book also mentions Selena being a key person in Isa’s life and how strong their friendship is, but I feel like we missed a lot of that as well. We do get a few good conversations between them, but then I completely forgot about her until she was brought up again.
However, I think my main issue with this story is it is almost painfully repetitive. I felt like we were being fed the same lines over and over for the majority of the story and it made it really hard to focus or feel engaged. I understand that restating some facts throughout the story is necessary to move the plot along and keep the readers on track, but this bordered on excessive. It almost gave the illusion that there was almost too much filler or unnecessary details to bulk up the book until the next conflict or big moment came along. Unfortunately, this only hurt it. The book did come together in the end and the last 10% of the writing and story did get stronger, but sadly, it was not enough to save it.
I am so sad that this missed the mark for me, but I do look forward to what the author puts out in the future because this had great potential to be amazing!
Thank you Avon for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First, I will say that there were many things that did work for me. I loved that the FMC was not only a woman of color, but a smart as hell and successful badass. She knew what she wanted in life, and would stop at nothing to get it. She was driven and focused, which can often be depicted as bitchy or off putting, but I think the author did a great job at creating a character who could essentially have it all if she wanted. In addition to this, she paired her with an MMC who, although was a little more confused about his future, supported her and championed anything she did. Austin was as patient as any MMC I’ve read about and I really loved how despite many stereotypical cocky athlete characters there are in the book world, he was much humbler and easier to like.
However, the chemistry between them was not very believable to me. I felt like the pacing of their relationship was a bit off and that became a common theme throughout the entire book. I didn’t believe their relationship once it moved past fake and it felt almost rushed and disjointed. As separate characters, I really enjoyed them, but I just wasn't invested in anything about them past that. The book also mentions Selena being a key person in Isa’s life and how strong their friendship is, but I feel like we missed a lot of that as well. We do get a few good conversations between them, but then I completely forgot about her until she was brought up again.
However, I think my main issue with this story is it is almost painfully repetitive. I felt like we were being fed the same lines over and over for the majority of the story and it made it really hard to focus or feel engaged. I understand that restating some facts throughout the story is necessary to move the plot along and keep the readers on track, but this bordered on excessive. It almost gave the illusion that there was almost too much filler or unnecessary details to bulk up the book until the next conflict or big moment came along. Unfortunately, this only hurt it. The book did come together in the end and the last 10% of the writing and story did get stronger, but sadly, it was not enough to save it.
I am so sad that this missed the mark for me, but I do look forward to what the author puts out in the future because this had great potential to be amazing!
Thank you Avon for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
out of her league is a fake-dating romance that whisks you away with flirty fun and relatability. a wedding in paris, only one bed and sweet care and consideration is enough to make these characters wonder if this might be something a bit more real than they thought.
independent and driven, dr. isabelle mercado will stop at nothing to achieve her dreams and make her own way in the field of medicine. she is a force to be reckoned with. when her plans for the future tilt a bit sideways after learning that her ex is engaged and will be attending her friend’s wedding, a set of lucky circumstances allow isa to follow sabrina’s wisest words in good graces, “break my heart, and i swear i’m moving on with your favourite athlete”. enter austin cade - devastatingly handsome, charming and an american soccer legend from his time in the premier league, he agrees to be isa’s fake date to the wedding as long as she helps him secure good press and funding for his and his late friend’s charity.
with fake dating, chemistry can often come in a bit awkward and jagged, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth with these two. from the beginning they had this easiness, this genuine respect for one another that fostered playful connection and conversation.
i really appreciated getting to see more of isabelle’s vulnerable side throughout the book, to watch her realize that sometimes blindly powering through can close you off to new and unexpected paths that might give you what you’ve been searching for all along. it was relatable and refreshing to see a career-minded woman who is steadfast in her dedication to fulfilling her aspirations. and to see austin come in with such care and consideration, such support of that. wow. while they might come from different worlds and stages of life/career, i feel as though this is exactly what works for them.
i did find that the pacing of the book worked against it at times, there were moments where the intrigue wasn’t as strong and it was starting to lose me a bit. i would have appreciated greater depth and exploration of the character struggles as well - more on austin leaving playing his sport after such an illustrious career, isabelle’s hesitancy with opening up to potential for disappointment, things like that.
though overall, this remains a quick and enjoyable read, with many sweet and giggle-inducing moments that make up for any short comings.
thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the e-arc!!
release: may 12th
independent and driven, dr. isabelle mercado will stop at nothing to achieve her dreams and make her own way in the field of medicine. she is a force to be reckoned with. when her plans for the future tilt a bit sideways after learning that her ex is engaged and will be attending her friend’s wedding, a set of lucky circumstances allow isa to follow sabrina’s wisest words in good graces, “break my heart, and i swear i’m moving on with your favourite athlete”. enter austin cade - devastatingly handsome, charming and an american soccer legend from his time in the premier league, he agrees to be isa’s fake date to the wedding as long as she helps him secure good press and funding for his and his late friend’s charity.
with fake dating, chemistry can often come in a bit awkward and jagged, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth with these two. from the beginning they had this easiness, this genuine respect for one another that fostered playful connection and conversation.
i really appreciated getting to see more of isabelle’s vulnerable side throughout the book, to watch her realize that sometimes blindly powering through can close you off to new and unexpected paths that might give you what you’ve been searching for all along. it was relatable and refreshing to see a career-minded woman who is steadfast in her dedication to fulfilling her aspirations. and to see austin come in with such care and consideration, such support of that. wow. while they might come from different worlds and stages of life/career, i feel as though this is exactly what works for them.
i did find that the pacing of the book worked against it at times, there were moments where the intrigue wasn’t as strong and it was starting to lose me a bit. i would have appreciated greater depth and exploration of the character struggles as well - more on austin leaving playing his sport after such an illustrious career, isabelle’s hesitancy with opening up to potential for disappointment, things like that.
though overall, this remains a quick and enjoyable read, with many sweet and giggle-inducing moments that make up for any short comings.
thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the e-arc!!
release: may 12th
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25/5
not nearly enough jealousy scenes for a book that is focused on making an ex jealous...
it wasn't my intention to bring ryan shay into this review, but i will. i have craved a book with the tension of the scene in the right move when ryan sees indy's ex at his game and says, "oh you're a fan." genuinely one of the best moments in any fake dating romance ever and i thought this book would deliver in the same way. unfortunately it was boring. i was interested in isa and austin's personal life struggles but the romance seemed to get swept up in these plot points which felt like a shame. we also spent half of this book in france for a wedding and i was not immersed in the at all. i love weddings in books but this one felt like a sad side plot, all we heard about it was the annoying reporter who needed to be kept away. from what? i don't know because nothing happened.
the romance was intriguing to me because i eat up this dynamic. charming guy mixed with serious girl is always gonna do it for me. i felt like i knew so much about who they were and what they wanted to accomplish in this next stage of their lives. isa was finishing her residency and deciding which fellowship/path to take, while austin was deciding between a coaching career he wasn't invested in or a soccer academy that clearly brought back the joy to him. these stories were interesting but they didn't do enough to carry the story and the romance felt slightly flat to me. the moment they decide to hook up in paris felt very blah. i wasn't feeling the chemistry between the two at that point and i was kinda upset. fake dating is pretty hit or miss for me and i don't think i have made that revelation before. it just is a trope that can feel forced if not written the best.
there was nothing strikingly wrong with this book, it was a very sweet love story, i just closed the last page feeling no strong connection to these two which is a shame. i also felt like the first eight chapters were so repetitive and that theme continued throughout the book. some lines would be said over and over again and no new point would be made. i wish we dealt more with the chemistry between the two and also the handling of grief on austin's end. theo just feels like this ghost sitting over everything but we don't really get into how austin dealt with that. jo and zoya were amazing additions to this book though and i loved them very much!
*thank you netgalley and avon for the copy*
not nearly enough jealousy scenes for a book that is focused on making an ex jealous...
it wasn't my intention to bring ryan shay into this review, but i will. i have craved a book with the tension of the scene in the right move when ryan sees indy's ex at his game and says, "oh you're a fan." genuinely one of the best moments in any fake dating romance ever and i thought this book would deliver in the same way. unfortunately it was boring. i was interested in isa and austin's personal life struggles but the romance seemed to get swept up in these plot points which felt like a shame. we also spent half of this book in france for a wedding and i was not immersed in the at all. i love weddings in books but this one felt like a sad side plot, all we heard about it was the annoying reporter who needed to be kept away. from what? i don't know because nothing happened.
the romance was intriguing to me because i eat up this dynamic. charming guy mixed with serious girl is always gonna do it for me. i felt like i knew so much about who they were and what they wanted to accomplish in this next stage of their lives. isa was finishing her residency and deciding which fellowship/path to take, while austin was deciding between a coaching career he wasn't invested in or a soccer academy that clearly brought back the joy to him. these stories were interesting but they didn't do enough to carry the story and the romance felt slightly flat to me. the moment they decide to hook up in paris felt very blah. i wasn't feeling the chemistry between the two at that point and i was kinda upset. fake dating is pretty hit or miss for me and i don't think i have made that revelation before. it just is a trope that can feel forced if not written the best.
there was nothing strikingly wrong with this book, it was a very sweet love story, i just closed the last page feeling no strong connection to these two which is a shame. i also felt like the first eight chapters were so repetitive and that theme continued throughout the book. some lines would be said over and over again and no new point would be made. i wish we dealt more with the chemistry between the two and also the handling of grief on austin's end. theo just feels like this ghost sitting over everything but we don't really get into how austin dealt with that. jo and zoya were amazing additions to this book though and i loved them very much!
*thank you netgalley and avon for the copy*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a fun book to read! Thank you, Ava, for this experience! And I could definitely tell where you wanted to inut your medical experience. As an uninformed reader, I'm a little glad the terminology was there, but not in overall depth.
Isa is in her last year of residency as an orthopedic surgeon, and part of her residency is working with her attending and the soccer team in NYC. She is an absolute boss, but one thing that does knock her ego is that her ex is engaged and going to her best friend's wedding (where she is the maid of honor). Austin is on the NYC soccer team, but he's recovering from an ACL injury and trying to keep his late best friend's charity afloat. That best friend's wife suggests that at an auction, he auction himself off to help raise money for the charity. Little did the two know that this would bring them closer to one another in a symbiotic way. She decides to bring him as her date to her best friend's wedding to make her ex jealous (who is a huge fan of the player)!
I lowkey love the doctor/patient trope (even if technically she wasn't his doctor), but I enjoyed the fact that these MCs had sortof been around each other prior to the book's setting. The chemistry between these two is undeniable. I had no problem believing that they couldn't keep their hands off each other. I used to hate the fake dating trope, but I think it is also becoming one of my favorites.
The relationships the MCs have with other characters did not take away anything from the relationship; in fact, it strengthened it. Austin's relationship with his goddaughter was so cute and had me giggling. Isa's relationship with her parents was a little wonky, but at least it worked out in the end. When she chose what she wanted to do with her career and her life, I felt relieved for her (but also stressed because that was going to be a rough situation to work around). I didn't necessarily love the scene where her dad shows up out of the blue in NYC to lecture her and drop her ego a peg. He's described as busy, and a train trip from DC is not the easiest thing to do. Honestly, I think a phone call could have done the same thing without bringing me out.
Overall, I will definitely be recommending this book to others, and I can't wait to see Ava talk more about this book at Cupid's!
Isa is in her last year of residency as an orthopedic surgeon, and part of her residency is working with her attending and the soccer team in NYC. She is an absolute boss, but one thing that does knock her ego is that her ex is engaged and going to her best friend's wedding (where she is the maid of honor). Austin is on the NYC soccer team, but he's recovering from an ACL injury and trying to keep his late best friend's charity afloat. That best friend's wife suggests that at an auction, he auction himself off to help raise money for the charity. Little did the two know that this would bring them closer to one another in a symbiotic way. She decides to bring him as her date to her best friend's wedding to make her ex jealous (who is a huge fan of the player)!
I lowkey love the doctor/patient trope (even if technically she wasn't his doctor), but I enjoyed the fact that these MCs had sortof been around each other prior to the book's setting. The chemistry between these two is undeniable. I had no problem believing that they couldn't keep their hands off each other. I used to hate the fake dating trope, but I think it is also becoming one of my favorites.
The relationships the MCs have with other characters did not take away anything from the relationship; in fact, it strengthened it. Austin's relationship with his goddaughter was so cute and had me giggling. Isa's relationship with her parents was a little wonky, but at least it worked out in the end. When she chose what she wanted to do with her career and her life, I felt relieved for her (but also stressed because that was going to be a rough situation to work around). I didn't necessarily love the scene where her dad shows up out of the blue in NYC to lecture her and drop her ego a peg. He's described as busy, and a train trip from DC is not the easiest thing to do. Honestly, I think a phone call could have done the same thing without bringing me out.
Overall, I will definitely be recommending this book to others, and I can't wait to see Ava talk more about this book at Cupid's!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5
Out of Her League follows Isabelle and Austin, who find themselves intertwined in a fake dating agreement after finding out Isabelle's ex is attending her best friend's wedding. Being absolutely gutted after finding out her ex was engaged, Isabelle wants to get back at him by appearing unfazed and American Footballer Austin Cade appears just in time to play the lead role.
𝑆𝑜, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑠ℎ 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑒
𝑁𝑜. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝑒𝑥-𝑏𝑜𝑦𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑦 ℎ𝑖𝑚.
The banter, chemistry, witty comments, and sassiness from both of them made me eat this one up. I probably highlighted each and every one of their interactions. I loved the way that Isabelle and Austin mesh together. Their connection didn't seem forced at all, making this a very enjoyable and fun read.
𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑜 𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎.
𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎, 𝐼𝑠𝑎? --
Recovering from an injury, Austin is currently reevaluating his career choices. Lacking the skills to build funds for the foundation he started with his best friend, Isabelle helps him with her charm and networking skills. It just happens that she needed a plus one to her best friend's very high-profile wedding in exchange for some help. How perceptive Austin is towards Isa's needs makes me swoon. He is the standard.
Isabelle is a very ambitious and successful surgeon completing her residency. Being very focused on her career makes her unable to keep a balanced social life. She's planned out her life, but when she catches news that her ex-boyfriend is now engaged, it throws her into a spiral. I related a lot to Isa and her thought process it was scary. The insecurities that she had about relationships with people and the constant weighing of something that would push your career ahead versus your social life just hit a little too close to home. I do love seeing her development alongside Austin's because it wasn't a massive change - they didn't need to sacrifice big things from their life for their happiness.
He BRINGS HER SOUP! Where do I find this man???
Thank you to Ava Rani and Avon for the chance to read this book! This is all my personal opinion and review.
Out of Her League follows Isabelle and Austin, who find themselves intertwined in a fake dating agreement after finding out Isabelle's ex is attending her best friend's wedding. Being absolutely gutted after finding out her ex was engaged, Isabelle wants to get back at him by appearing unfazed and American Footballer Austin Cade appears just in time to play the lead role.
𝑆𝑜, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑠ℎ 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑒
𝑁𝑜. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝑒𝑥-𝑏𝑜𝑦𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑦 ℎ𝑖𝑚.
The banter, chemistry, witty comments, and sassiness from both of them made me eat this one up. I probably highlighted each and every one of their interactions. I loved the way that Isabelle and Austin mesh together. Their connection didn't seem forced at all, making this a very enjoyable and fun read.
𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑜 𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎.
𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎, 𝐼𝑠𝑎? --
Recovering from an injury, Austin is currently reevaluating his career choices. Lacking the skills to build funds for the foundation he started with his best friend, Isabelle helps him with her charm and networking skills. It just happens that she needed a plus one to her best friend's very high-profile wedding in exchange for some help. How perceptive Austin is towards Isa's needs makes me swoon. He is the standard.
Isabelle is a very ambitious and successful surgeon completing her residency. Being very focused on her career makes her unable to keep a balanced social life. She's planned out her life, but when she catches news that her ex-boyfriend is now engaged, it throws her into a spiral. I related a lot to Isa and her thought process it was scary. The insecurities that she had about relationships with people and the constant weighing of something that would push your career ahead versus your social life just hit a little too close to home. I do love seeing her development alongside Austin's because it wasn't a massive change - they didn't need to sacrifice big things from their life for their happiness.
He BRINGS HER SOUP! Where do I find this man???
Thank you to Ava Rani and Avon for the chance to read this book! This is all my personal opinion and review.
March 9, 2026
My second NetGalley book review! I love finding books this way!
3.5 🌟
Side note before reading: I didn’t realize that the wedding the majority of this book takes place during was of a couple in another one of her books, so I did go back to read the BioTech Billionaires series (which I would recommend overall but especially so you can fully appreciate Selena & Isa’s friendship).
Isa and Austin - I really enjoyed both of their characters, I really saw Isa wanting to be successful and not feeling as if she could have everything without sacrifices and Austin just being a supportive King and finding out a new dream of his. All good stuff.
The fake dating - I wanted Isa to be more focused on Austin and what was happening there instead of Blake, just get the jealousy but more of the “whoa why does it feel good to be holding hands” type moments. I did enjoy the one-bed trope, because obviously.
I also wish that more of their inner monologue was actually spoken out loud to each other. Not even in declarations of feelings but just fully explain Theo and your history, why did he stop himself? Would have just added depth to their relationship vs being info only the reader already had.
Overall would recommend :)
Spoiler type quotes and remarks:
—————————————————————————————-
LOLs:
Was her type scraggly and unremarkable? 😆
Henry being subtly funny “can I call offsides” (this is why I have to read them in order!)
“Where’s that idiot that fumbled Dr Isabelle Mercado”
The low-key ragging on soccer is funny to me because same 😆
Selena “reformed playboy” …. 😉 😆
I'm always going to be my best... that's not going to change."
"Good."
"I know that sometimes... I'm too much."
"For who?" I whispered.
>>>>>>"Because, Isa, I can't get enough." <<<<<
"Sometimes I run from things that scare me."
"Don't worry. I'll catch you." 💞💞
"I pushed you away. I'm sorry."
"Don't do it again."
"That's the thing, Isa. No man is ever competing against some other guy for you. I'm competing with the life you're building for yourself. Because unless I can add to it, I don't deserve to be part of it. While we're on the subject," I told her more firmly. She needed to hear this because I wasn't having this argument again. "I know I can add to it. You need to let me and trust that I will." -Austin Cade give a Ted Talk.
3.5 🌟
Side note before reading: I didn’t realize that the wedding the majority of this book takes place during was of a couple in another one of her books, so I did go back to read the BioTech Billionaires series (which I would recommend overall but especially so you can fully appreciate Selena & Isa’s friendship).
Isa and Austin - I really enjoyed both of their characters, I really saw Isa wanting to be successful and not feeling as if she could have everything without sacrifices and Austin just being a supportive King and finding out a new dream of his. All good stuff.
The fake dating - I wanted Isa to be more focused on Austin and what was happening there instead of Blake, just get the jealousy but more of the “whoa why does it feel good to be holding hands” type moments. I did enjoy the one-bed trope, because obviously.
I also wish that more of their inner monologue was actually spoken out loud to each other. Not even in declarations of feelings but just fully explain Theo and your history, why did he stop himself? Would have just added depth to their relationship vs being info only the reader already had.
Overall would recommend :)
Spoiler type quotes and remarks:
—————————————————————————————-
LOLs:
Was her type scraggly and unremarkable? 😆
Henry being subtly funny “can I call offsides” (this is why I have to read them in order!)
“Where’s that idiot that fumbled Dr Isabelle Mercado”
The low-key ragging on soccer is funny to me because same 😆
Selena “reformed playboy” …. 😉 😆
I'm always going to be my best... that's not going to change."
"Good."
"I know that sometimes... I'm too much."
"For who?" I whispered.
>>>>>>"Because, Isa, I can't get enough." <<<<<
"Sometimes I run from things that scare me."
"Don't worry. I'll catch you." 💞💞
"I pushed you away. I'm sorry."
"Don't do it again."
"That's the thing, Isa. No man is ever competing against some other guy for you. I'm competing with the life you're building for yourself. Because unless I can add to it, I don't deserve to be part of it. While we're on the subject," I told her more firmly. She needed to hear this because I wasn't having this argument again. "I know I can add to it. You need to let me and trust that I will." -Austin Cade give a Ted Talk.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!
This author has been on my TBR for a long time now so when I received the widget to read this book, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Plus, it's being marketed as Grey's Anatomy drama with Ted Lasso Funny?? Sold. Out of Her League had banter for days and characters with so much heart and nuance.
Immediately, I loved Isa. It was clear that she was very dedicated to her career as a surgeon and ambitious as hell. Such a headstrong woman with so much pressure on her shoulders. From navigating her parent's grueling expectations while also working tirelessly during one of the most important years of her residency, she was under an insurmountable amount of stress. And then to top it off, going through a break-up in her personal life. I admired the way she tackled everything in her life though, but fully believed she deserved to make room for love, too. I loved the way her story played out and how she prioritized her happiness in the end - both in her personal and work life. Also, as someone who is childfree, I loved the open and real conversation about not having kids being an actual option and the idea that it's ok if you put yourself first. So refreshing!!
Austin was so sweet and such a good man. His heart was obviously in the right place when it came to everything he did in life. From Isa to Zoya and Jo to the foundation to his career - he was trying to do right by them all and I think he was too hard on himself. I'm glad he had such good people in his life who could be there to remind him what an incredible man he is. His guilt and grief from Theo's death killed me, but it was really sweet how he was there for Zoya and Jo. He was so good with Isa and I loved how he showed her that she could be loved completely and wholly. His determination and patience was everything and I loved how he gave Isa the space she needed while also never giving up on her. It was really beautiful to see him love her the way that he did.
Anyway, I absolutely loved this. This was very rom com-y with the fake dating, wedding shenanigans, and making her ex jealous plan, but I loved how real it got too. So many great side characters and a lot of depth to this. I hope we get Zoya's story because I need more of her!!
This author has been on my TBR for a long time now so when I received the widget to read this book, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Plus, it's being marketed as Grey's Anatomy drama with Ted Lasso Funny?? Sold. Out of Her League had banter for days and characters with so much heart and nuance.
Immediately, I loved Isa. It was clear that she was very dedicated to her career as a surgeon and ambitious as hell. Such a headstrong woman with so much pressure on her shoulders. From navigating her parent's grueling expectations while also working tirelessly during one of the most important years of her residency, she was under an insurmountable amount of stress. And then to top it off, going through a break-up in her personal life. I admired the way she tackled everything in her life though, but fully believed she deserved to make room for love, too. I loved the way her story played out and how she prioritized her happiness in the end - both in her personal and work life. Also, as someone who is childfree, I loved the open and real conversation about not having kids being an actual option and the idea that it's ok if you put yourself first. So refreshing!!
Austin was so sweet and such a good man. His heart was obviously in the right place when it came to everything he did in life. From Isa to Zoya and Jo to the foundation to his career - he was trying to do right by them all and I think he was too hard on himself. I'm glad he had such good people in his life who could be there to remind him what an incredible man he is. His guilt and grief from Theo's death killed me, but it was really sweet how he was there for Zoya and Jo. He was so good with Isa and I loved how he showed her that she could be loved completely and wholly. His determination and patience was everything and I loved how he gave Isa the space she needed while also never giving up on her. It was really beautiful to see him love her the way that he did.
Anyway, I absolutely loved this. This was very rom com-y with the fake dating, wedding shenanigans, and making her ex jealous plan, but I loved how real it got too. So many great side characters and a lot of depth to this. I hope we get Zoya's story because I need more of her!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Avon for letting me read and review this book early. All thoughts are my own!!
Out of Her League is a fake dating romance full of strong, accomplished women and the men who love to support them. This is my first Ava Rani book, and it will not be my last!!
Isa is an extremely accomplished surgeon who is fighting to gain recognition for herself, not just as her father’s daughter. She’s determined and headstrong in a way that makes the reader want to both bow down in awe and also wrap her up in a blanket and make her rest for a bit. I truly loved watching her open up to Austin and get more comfortable asking for help. Her decisions towards the end to chase what she actually wanted, instead of what her parents were expecting was one of my favorite parts of this book! She loves fiercely, so her friendship with Selena was very special as well. I loved how much they cared for each other!!
Austin is also in an in-between place in this book. He’s ready to make a decision about what he’ll do after his injury, but he’s torn. He has the foundation he built with his late friend, Theo, and I really loved watching his work with it and his dream towards local programs for kids. I really enjoyed his friendship with Zoya and how he cared for her daughter. I’m very curious if we’ll see them again in another book someday.
The romance in this book was so, so good!! I really loved the transition from their fake relationship to a real one. Their chemistry and tension was palpable from the jump, and I enjoyed watching the more emotional side of their connection grow over time. Austin truly knew Isa so well, and he wasn’t interested in changing anything about her. I LOVED IT. I won’t say too much about the third act conflict so I don’t spoil it, but I will say that I really liked how it was written. I struggle with third act conflicts a lot, but this one felt perfectly done.
I haven’t read Ava Rani’s other books yet, but I definitely want to after reading this one. I know some of the characters in this book are from another book she has, and I’m very curious to read their love stories. I also was making note of other little hints about potential future books, and I know I’d love to see some of these characters again!!
Out of Her League is a fake dating romance full of strong, accomplished women and the men who love to support them. This is my first Ava Rani book, and it will not be my last!!
Isa is an extremely accomplished surgeon who is fighting to gain recognition for herself, not just as her father’s daughter. She’s determined and headstrong in a way that makes the reader want to both bow down in awe and also wrap her up in a blanket and make her rest for a bit. I truly loved watching her open up to Austin and get more comfortable asking for help. Her decisions towards the end to chase what she actually wanted, instead of what her parents were expecting was one of my favorite parts of this book! She loves fiercely, so her friendship with Selena was very special as well. I loved how much they cared for each other!!
Austin is also in an in-between place in this book. He’s ready to make a decision about what he’ll do after his injury, but he’s torn. He has the foundation he built with his late friend, Theo, and I really loved watching his work with it and his dream towards local programs for kids. I really enjoyed his friendship with Zoya and how he cared for her daughter. I’m very curious if we’ll see them again in another book someday.
The romance in this book was so, so good!! I really loved the transition from their fake relationship to a real one. Their chemistry and tension was palpable from the jump, and I enjoyed watching the more emotional side of their connection grow over time. Austin truly knew Isa so well, and he wasn’t interested in changing anything about her. I LOVED IT. I won’t say too much about the third act conflict so I don’t spoil it, but I will say that I really liked how it was written. I struggle with third act conflicts a lot, but this one felt perfectly done.
I haven’t read Ava Rani’s other books yet, but I definitely want to after reading this one. I know some of the characters in this book are from another book she has, and I’m very curious to read their love stories. I also was making note of other little hints about potential future books, and I know I’d love to see some of these characters again!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for the eARC! This was my first read by Ava Rani. This was a fun and heartfelt read. At first, it seems like a fun story centered around a mutually beneficial fake dating agreement. But as both the story and relationship develops, you realize that theres a deeper and more emotional element to it. The story follows FMC Isabelle, who is finishing up her residency as a surgeon and actively considering her next steps for fellowships. Isabelle is strong, independent, and laser focused. Until she finds out that her now engaged ex will be at her best friend's wedding. So she hatches the classic plan, one up her ex by bringing a date-but not just any date, a famous former soccer star. Austin, our MMC, was a premier league star and came back to the US to play in the American league. Currently injured, he's wondering whats next for his career and life. He agrees to be Isabella's fake date for the wedding in Paris in order to take advantage of potential coaching opportunities over there. As the story unfolds between Isabelle and Austin, we realize that what seems like a fun idea that will get them both something, ends up being a real connection between them. They both have experiences that have forged their decisions and they are both at a crossroads for whats next. Both are unsure about the next stage of life and whether they should follow their hearts for their careers and one another. Overall, I enjoyed my first read by Ava Rani. I appreciated the real and relevant elements about how life changes and trying to figure out the path you really want from the one you told yourself you "should' follow. I also appreciated how it highlighted the real experience of women, who are trying to make careers in male=dominated fields. I could relate to some of Isabelle's concerns about making her own choices and having an identity for herself. The only area that I wanted more from was the connection between Isa and Austin. I think it felt a little rushed for the first 75% of the book. The last 25% it got better. I would recommend this book as I think it's got a good balance of fun and real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fake dating at a Paris wedding to make your ex jealous? Say less.
📚 Out of Her League by Ava Rani
Genre: Contemporary sports romance
Vibes: fake dating, Parisian wedding chaos, surgeon x soccer star, only one bed, reputation rehab
Dr. Isabelle Mercado is laser focused on her orthopedic surgery residency. Love is not the goal. Success is.
Unfortunately, her ex will be at the Paris wedding of the year with his perfect fiancée.
Enter Austin Cade. Global soccer heartthrob in need of good PR. Isa needs a date. Austin needs image rehab. And her ex happens to be his biggest fan.
Win win.
Until it is not fake anymore.
What I loved:
🥂 Lavish Paris wedding setting dripping in drama
🔥 So much banter that never felt forced
🛏️ Only one bed tension done right
⚽ Athlete hero quietly wrestling with what comes after fame
🩺 Career driven heroine who never shrinks for romance
Isa and Austin are opposites in the best way. She is disciplined, ambitious, and determined to earn everything. He is at a crossroads, confronting injury, press scrutiny, and the fear of what happens when the spotlight fades.
Their chemistry never felt performative, even when they were technically performing. The transition from strategic fake dating to something real was smooth and built on real conversations, not just physical attraction.
I especially appreciated how emotionally mature Austin is. He supports Isa’s ambition instead of feeling threatened by it. And Isa never abandons her goals for love. The relationship feels additive, not sacrificial.
There are threads of family expectations, messy past relationships, and the pressure of public image that give this romance depth beyond the wedding sparkle.
If you love destination wedding drama, fake dating with real feelings, and a supportive athlete hero who falls hard, this one delivers.
💬 Are you a sucker for fake dating to make an ex jealous, or is that too chaotic for you?
#AvaRani #OutOfHerLeague #AvonBooks #FakeDatingRomance #SportsRomance
📚 Out of Her League by Ava Rani
Genre: Contemporary sports romance
Vibes: fake dating, Parisian wedding chaos, surgeon x soccer star, only one bed, reputation rehab
Dr. Isabelle Mercado is laser focused on her orthopedic surgery residency. Love is not the goal. Success is.
Unfortunately, her ex will be at the Paris wedding of the year with his perfect fiancée.
Enter Austin Cade. Global soccer heartthrob in need of good PR. Isa needs a date. Austin needs image rehab. And her ex happens to be his biggest fan.
Win win.
Until it is not fake anymore.
What I loved:
🥂 Lavish Paris wedding setting dripping in drama
🔥 So much banter that never felt forced
🛏️ Only one bed tension done right
⚽ Athlete hero quietly wrestling with what comes after fame
🩺 Career driven heroine who never shrinks for romance
Isa and Austin are opposites in the best way. She is disciplined, ambitious, and determined to earn everything. He is at a crossroads, confronting injury, press scrutiny, and the fear of what happens when the spotlight fades.
Their chemistry never felt performative, even when they were technically performing. The transition from strategic fake dating to something real was smooth and built on real conversations, not just physical attraction.
I especially appreciated how emotionally mature Austin is. He supports Isa’s ambition instead of feeling threatened by it. And Isa never abandons her goals for love. The relationship feels additive, not sacrificial.
There are threads of family expectations, messy past relationships, and the pressure of public image that give this romance depth beyond the wedding sparkle.
If you love destination wedding drama, fake dating with real feelings, and a supportive athlete hero who falls hard, this one delivers.
💬 Are you a sucker for fake dating to make an ex jealous, or is that too chaotic for you?
#AvaRani #OutOfHerLeague #AvonBooks #FakeDatingRomance #SportsRomance
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