On an ordinary day, Jane Darling wouldn’t be caught dead in a sports bar wearing a toga with angel wings. But she’s desperate to launch her matchmaking business to secure her young daughter’s future. Her mission: to attract new clients at any cost.
Her Cupid outfit catches the eye of New York’s beloved star quarterback, Jasper Jannich. She and Jasper have always clashed, but when a pushy admirer goes too far, he steps in as an unexpected knight in shining armor.
He offers a tantalizing proposal: to be Cupid’s Arrow’s premier client. Reluctantly, Jane agrees, aware of the business potential despite her reservations about Jasper and his playboy reputation.
As she sets him up on date after date, it grows clear that Jane’s the only woman he wants.
She is his goal, his endgame.
She’s not not interested…but her heart has been burned before. To get anywhere, they’ll need courage and faith.
| Title: | My Darling Jane |
| Author: | Ilsa Madden-Mills |
| Series: | The Darlings (Book 2) |
| Pages: | 300 |
| Genre(s): | Contemporary |
| Trope(s): | Temporary Relationship Enemies to Lovers Sports Romance (American Football) |
| Point of View: | First Person, Present Tense, Dual Viewpoint (H & h) |
| Location: | NYC, NY, USA |
| HEA: | ✔ |
| Release Date: | 5th November, 2024 |
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A darling grumpy sunshine romance
Oh I do so love an Ilsa Madden-Mills book. Love it even more that it’s a second book in the unexpected Darlings series. Last year we got the delightful My Darling Bride in what seemed like a non-series novel. But now the sister of the heroine in that first book gets her own happily ever after – and I’m here for it. We really didn’t get to know Jane during her sister’s story, so there’s no need to have read any other books before reading and enjoying this one.
Our heroine, Jane, is a former model and single mum. She’s had her struggles – especially having grown up without her parents and then being abandoned by her daughter’s father, leaving her to raise her alone. Now working in her family bookstore – she wants to strike out on her own with her tailored matchmaking service. Which is why she finds herself frequenting the local bars dressed as cupid.
Jane was a surprisingly likeable character. I say surprisingly because she was, at times, a grumpy jerk! Her emotional walls were sky high and she could be snippy and sarky. But she was loyal, loving, kind and fun. I liked her determination and her grit, making it easy to root for her to get a happily ever after. She definitely deserved it.
While touting for new clients for her matchmaking service, Jane bumps into Jasper Jannich – playboy quarterback and bane of her existence. With Jane’s brother in law being an ex-footballer, Jane and Jasper have bumped into – and butted heads – before. But there’s definitely a spark that Jasper is keen to do something about.
“Jasper is the sunshine to Jane’s grump.”
Jasper is the sunshine to Jane’s grump. He’s upbeat, kind and fun – and instantly likeable. But, like Jane, he’s got some childhood trauma that also affects his adult life. Although a bit more open, Jasper, too, has trouble with committing to relationships. But something is different with Jane and he realises that she is what his life has been missing. Although he seemed to fall first – it was definitely a case of Jasper just admitted his feelings before Jane did.
Jane and Jasper have a great chemistry and I loved them as a couple. They had a great heat and the sex scenes were delightful and plentiful. But it was more about how they complimented each other’s personalities. Jane was, at times, quite grumpy, but Jasper loved that about her. And they definitely brought out the best in each other.
Although you don’t need to have read it, those who read My Darling Bride will enjoy the return of quirky bookstore employee, Babs. Emme and Graham make extremely minor appearances – mainly on the phone or at the very end of the book. And Londyn – Jane’s daughter – and Andrew, Jane’s brother, also have cameos.
I’ve given this book 5 stars as I adore Ilsa’s writing style and how she builds a story that always captures me. But that’s not to say that the book was without flaws. Jasper’s bio mum’s story could have been fleshed out more, as could have Jasper’s rivalry with the new quarterback. And that pregnancy dream was just the thing of my Dallas nightmares. But there was nothing that pushed this away from a 5-star read. If you like a fun read of frenemies turned lovers with a lot of heat and a lot of heart then I would definitely recommend this story.
* I received this book in exchange for my honest review *
Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her contemporary romances ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
Seven of her ten novels have placed in the Amazon US Store Top Six Best-seller List: Dirty English hit #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You hit #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things all placed #6 in the Amazon US Store. The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, hit #4.
A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.
She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.
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The Darlings Series
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