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Beauty and the Baller (Strangers in Love) Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 20,927 ratings

An Amazon Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestseller.

An NFL quarterback turned small-town coach gets sacked by a Texas beauty queen in this swoony, passionate romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.

Gorgeous, talented, and brilliant, NFL quarterback Ronan Smith has the world in his hands. But after losing his career and his fiancée in a car accident, he falls into a pit of grief and bad choices. When a mysterious girl shows up to his party, he feels drawn to her and makes her his…for one night.

Former beauty queen Nova Morgan is on a mission. Scantily clad as a princess from a galaxy far, far away, she sneaks into a high-profile party to capture the attention of her favorite quarterback. But her hopes crash after an awful one-night stand.

Fast-forward two years. Broke and desperate, Nova returns home to Blue Belle, Texas, where, by a cosmic twist of fate, her broody neighbor is none other than Ronan, the shiny new football coach everyone adores. But he has no idea who she is.

The booster club keeps shoving women at Ronan to keep him in town. His solution? He proposes fake dating to Nova. But things heat up for real under these Friday-night lights when he realizes she’s the one who slipped away.

Has this jaded beauty found her forever baller, or will his past keep them apart?

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“In this un-put-downable romance, Madden-Mills skillfully balances the emotional with the physical to produce a love story that’s equal parts scorching and sweet.” Publishers Weekly

“A sexy, fun romance from an author who always delivers.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

About the Author

Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances. A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero. She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Sign up for her newsletter and receive insider info about new releases and exclusive giveaways: www.ilsamaddenmills.com

Facebook: @authorilsamaddenmills

Join her private reader group on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ilsasunicorngirls/

Instagram: @Ilsamaddenmills

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09B71P1W3
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Montlake (March 29, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 29, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 20,927 ratings

About the author

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Ilsa Madden-Mills
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#1 Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances.

A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online. ☺

★ Sign up for her newsletter and receive insider info about new releases and exclusive giveaways

★ You can stalk her/sign up on the contact page: ilsamaddenmills.com

★ Facebook: Author Ilsa Madden-Mills

★ Join her private reader group on FB: Unicorn Girls

★ Instagram @Ilsamaddenmills

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
20,927 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the story. They found it romantic with intense emotions and a perfect mix of humor and banter. The characters were described as charming, funny, and likable. Readers appreciated the writing quality and vivid descriptions. They also mentioned that the book had steamy moments.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

422 customers mention "Story quality"404 positive18 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it entertaining and memorable. The characters are relatable with flaws, and the secondary characters are delightful.

"...I so enjoyed reading Nova and Ronan’s story. Both of these characters packed an emotional whallop...." Read more

"...These secondary characters were a delightful bunch, and they had me cracking up. Of course, there were a couple who needed to get a clue...." Read more

"...•My Thoughts” I love this book! It’s sweet, sexy and has the perfect dash of zany that made me smile throughout. Ronan was a great MMC...." Read more

"First off read the book and then listen to the audio book. So good! My hats off to the narrators of the audio book version...." Read more

249 customers mention "Romance"249 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romantic story. They find it sweet, funny, and full of intense emotions. The characters have heart and love for each other. The story is romantic with some sad past events. There are many tears, both of joy and sadness.

"...Both of these characters packed an emotional whallop...." Read more

"...Looking for a feel-good, small town, sports romance, filled with heat, flirty banter and all the feels, then 🎧︎Beauty and the Baller is the perfect..." Read more

"...It’s sweet, sexy and has the perfect dash of zany that made me smile throughout. Ronan was a great MMC...." Read more

"...Read or listen to the book its amazing. Its got so much humor and love. Ilsa Madden -Mills has knocked another book out of the park for me...." Read more

208 customers mention "Humor"208 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it entertaining, with witty dialogue and banter between characters. The small-town setting is described as lighthearted and charming.

"...All of the characters in this book are fantastic and entertaining. Lois is a true small town busy body that somehow becomes endearing...." Read more

"...🎧︎Beauty and the Baller was an entertaining, humorous, flirty and sweet romance which will appeal to fans of contemporary romance..." Read more

"...This is everything I love in sports romance; it’s funny, sweet and sexy all rolled into a fun, easy to devour read. •My Blurb•..." Read more

"...Read or listen to the book its amazing. Its got so much humor and love. Ilsa Madden -Mills has knocked another book out of the park for me...." Read more

197 customers mention "Character development"193 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the characters' development. They find the characters fantastic, entertaining, and likable. The book humanizes the professional player and shows their growth.

"...All of the characters in this book are fantastic and entertaining. Lois is a true small town busy body that somehow becomes endearing...." Read more

"...Well paired narrators who captured the characters, the heat, the banter and the story...." Read more

"...Just read it you won't regret it! The side characters make you laugh out load !! Grab it now to read, its worth it. Enjoy!!" Read more

"...Sabine (Nova's sister) is just the best! All the characters are well developed and relatable. Got me all in my feels!..." Read more

148 customers mention "Charm"148 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming and sweet. They describe it as a cute mix of sweet and spice, with humorous banter. Readers appreciate the witty and strong-willed female protagonist.

"Beauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a sweet and steamy, laugh out loud romance...." Read more

"...•My Thoughts” I love this book! It’s sweet, sexy and has the perfect dash of zany that made me smile throughout. Ronan was a great MMC...." Read more

"...Beauty and the Baller is a sweet, captivating, angsty, funny, steamy, charming, hot AF small-town romance exploring themes of risk-taking, faith,..." Read more

"So cute. Can guys say that? Too late, I already did. I really hate Andrew. I wanted to clock him and I'm not even Nova's boyfriend...." Read more

117 customers mention "Writing quality"114 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written and emotional, with a talented author and relatable characters. The narrator accurately portrays the feelings of Nova and Ronan. The dialogue is great, and the book is funny, intelligent, and an easy read.

"...The high school setting is top notch, fun and realistic. I love the relationships developed between the adults and the kids...." Read more

"...Well paired narrators who captured the characters, the heat, the banter and the story...." Read more

"...This is a quick, easy read that would be an excellent palate cleanser. This reread did not disappoint!!..." Read more

"...All the characters are well developed and relatable. Got me all in my feels! Favorite quotes... “Everything will be fine...." Read more

52 customers mention "Steam content"52 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy scenes in the book. They mention the best man, coolest dude, hottest lover, awesome coach, and retired football star. The steamy bar games and laugh-out-loud moments are also appreciated.

"Beauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a sweet and steamy, laugh out loud romance...." Read more

"...Looking for a feel-good, small town, sports romance, filled with heat, flirty banter and all the feels, then 🎧︎Beauty and the Baller is the perfect..." Read more

"...There's playful banter and some heat, but not a lot of intimate moments - the plot gets distracted by so many other characters...." Read more

"...It's told in dual POV, is a bit of a slow burn, has some steam and great character development...." Read more

41 customers mention "Relationship"41 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the relationship between the main characters. They find it exciting to watch their relationship grow and see where it takes them. The small-town setting and strong relationships with family and friends are also appreciated. The fake relationship isn't dragged out for too long, which readers appreciate. Overall, customers enjoy listening to the love story and the strong friendships between the main characters.

"...As Nova’s sister, she is often front and center. The sister’s relationships is sweet and very special...." Read more

"...There's a lot of good stuff going on in the story - a fake dating scheme, a small town feel, discussion of grief and healing, playfulness - but that..." Read more

"...I loved their relationship, the friendship between them and the other teachers at BBHS, their neighbor..." Read more

"...thoroughly loved everything about her southern, small town, fake dating sports romance!..." Read more

The Beauty gets per Solo
4 out of 5 stars
The Beauty gets per Solo
My Review 💐💐💐💐1/2Ronan & Nova are a great couple. These two are like Fire & Ice throughout this book.Ronan thinks life is only about football after a tragic sticks and his NFL career is cut short an the love that he thought was forever is taken from him. Little does he expect fate to step in and change that all. One night that he can never forget and one girl that’s lived in his mind ever since.Nova thought her life was over coming back home to the small Texas town, but funny how things put you exactly where your suppose to be. The moment she steps into the head football coaches house she can’t believe who stands in front of her. The night she shared Ronan spun her head.These two are such a great couple - what starts as a game to keep others away soon turns into much more. Ronan slowly see what’s in front of him and opening his heart slowly back is hard but it’s so beautiful to read. Nova is the spark he needed.I loved this book and it’s sweet nature and also the secondary characters made me want to know more about Tuck and his football life & where the high school boys end up.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2022
    Beauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a sweet and steamy, laugh out loud romance. Little does Ronan know that he hit the jackpot and all his stars align with Nova. As a result, this romance is their emotional journey.
    I so enjoyed reading Nova and Ronan’s story. Both of these characters packed an emotional whallop. Then once stunned, all of a sudden they’re both wrapped around your heart as well as each other’s. All of the characters in this book are fantastic and entertaining. Lois is a true small town busy body that somehow becomes endearing. Bruno is a laugh-riot! Sonia and Skeeter are the adult comic relief, but real, true friends. The high school setting is top notch, fun and realistic. I love the relationships developed between the adults and the kids. It’s fun as well as inspiring and often touching. Sabine is another young characters worth mentioning. As Nova’s sister, she is often front and center. The sister’s relationships is sweet and very special.
    Overall, throughout the book, Nova and Ronan together feels as though they were fated, destined. A little work, a whole lot of patience and faith brings about this book couple’s HEA and it’s so worth it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2022
    🎧︎Beauty and the Baller is the first book in the Stranger in Love series. After reading Princess and the Player, book two in the series, I had to read book one. 🎧︎Beauty and the Baller was an entertaining, humorous, flirty and sweet romance which will appeal to fans of contemporary romance

    Two and a half years ago, Ronan and Nova met at a party. They had an incredible night together. However, the next morning Nova left and Ronan never had the chance to get her name and to apologise for the faux pas he made. This incident provided the catalyst he needed to get sober and get his life back on track. At the time he met Nova, he was mourning his fiancé, who had died in a motor vehicle accident. The same accident, which ended his NFL career. 

    Fast forward two years later. He is sober, a teacher and coaches high school football in Blue Belle, Texas. Nova came home to Blue Belle to take care of her sister after the death of their mom. It so happens that Ronan is her next-door neighbour. Although he didn’t recognise her at first, he sensed an air of familiarity about her... And when he discovered she was his one-night stand from two years ago; he made a proposition to her. 

    Full of humour, heat, and flirty banter, 🎧︎Beauty and the Baller will tempt you to read/listen without taking a break. The banter between Nova and Ronan and the secondary characters will have you laughing and crying in one breath.

    Nova and Ronan are wonderful and flawed characters. Even though Ronan’s got his life back on track, the tragedy which changed his life still haunts him. So much so he closed himself to the possibility of finding love a second time around. His focus, his career and so had no interest in any of the women who threw themselves at him since he came to town.

    Having had her heart broken before, Nova is wary of forming intimate and long-term relationships. Especially relationships with jocks. However, fate had alternate plans for her. She tried to keep her distance from Ronan, despite the sparks which ignited between them whenever they came in contact with each other - but of course she fought a losing battle.

    I loved them as individuals and even more so as a couple. They brought out the best in each other. The walls they built around their hearts came tumbling down brick by brick, opening them up to the healing power of love - learning to trust the process. Mistakes were made along the way. However, their willingness to embrace the unknown and claim happiness aided in rectifying these mistakes.

    I loved the small town vibe and the way the community embraced Ronan. From the members of the football team, the students in his class, his coworkers, and neighbors. These secondary characters were a delightful bunch, and they had me cracking up. Of course, there were a couple who needed to get a clue.

    The narration by Sebastian York and Savannah Peachwood added to my enjoyment of the story. Well paired narrators who captured the characters, the heat, the banter and the story. Looking for a feel-good, small town, sports romance, filled with heat, flirty banter and all the feels, then 🎧︎Beauty and the Baller is the perfect romance to grab.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2023
    Beauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills
    -Strangers in Love Series-

    4.5/5⭐️

    I meant to do a slow audiobook reread of this book but got so caught up in the story that I ditched the audio around 70% in and inhaled the rest of the book with my eyes. This is everything I love in sports romance; it’s funny, sweet and sexy all rolled into a fun, easy to devour read.

    •My Blurb•
    Ronan lost it all in one swoop, a car crash that took the life of his fiancé and left him with an injury that ended his professional football career. He’s still grieving (and unhealthily coping), when he meets a girl dressed as his favorite Star Wars fantasy and has one night stand. She disappears without revealing her name but she left a mark. Ronan turns his life around, moves and takes a job as the head coach of a high school team in Texas. 2 years later, Nova moves home to Texas to take care of her sister when her mom unexpectedly passes. She very quickly recognizes her new neighbor as Ronan, her one night stand but he doesn’t recognize her. Forced to work together, Ronan decides to use Nova to keep the small town women trying to date him at bay. She’ll keep him off the market and he’ll help her save face in front of her ex. As they continue to spend time together, feelings change and grow but both of them are holding back. They need to let go of the hurts of the past in order to change their futures or they might miss out on something wonderful.

    •My Thoughts”
    I love this book! It’s sweet, sexy and has the perfect dash of zany that made me smile throughout. Ronan was a great MMC. Emotionally tortured and physically scarred, Ronan is the hurt cinnamon roll we all want a chance to heal. Our FMC, Nova might be my favorite though. Her self-deprecating comments, deep love and loyalty for her autistic sister, and her bravery make her one of my very favorite parts of the book. I loved the small town southern setting, complete with meddling neighbors and “bless your hearts”. This is a quick, easy read that would be an excellent palate cleanser. This reread did not disappoint!!

    This was my first dual audio narration and I’m a fan! This audiobook is included with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • miriam jardon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me encanto!
    Reviewed in Mexico on June 17, 2022
    Amo a esta autora desde hace mucho tiempo y entre más libros leo de ella más me gusta lo que hace.
    Este va a la lista de mis favoritos desde ahora porque me encanta la dinámica entre Ronan y Nova y necesito saber más de las parejas secundarias!!
  • Cindy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a fun and romantic read with a wonderful group of character!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 3, 2022
    I loved both Ronan and Nova, the were such wonderful characters and had so much to offer. The connection the had was instant. The more we got to know them and see them interact the more you grew to love them. The chemistry was off the charts, their interactions, conversations and banter was perfect! They really brought out the best in each other allowed them to discover what they really wanted and who they really were.

    There are definitely moments that pulled at my heart strings and had you feeling for these two characters so deeply and other times that had me laughing out loud. I couldn’t put the book down.

    Add in the addition of such wonderful supporting characters, that not only brought more depth to Ronan and Nova’s great personalities- but had you falling in love with them as well and the bits of their stories we got to see.

    I absolutely recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a small town, workplace/sports, fake dating read!

    4.5⭐️
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2025
    I don't normally leave reviews but I loved this book. Tender, sad and laugh out loud, its got it all. If you like romance then you'll like this book. The games they play result in him getting caught wearing her bra! Though I found the head lice incident even funnier! In a school store cupboard no less! But then you have his grief and how that colours his life. I read a lot and I've not found a book I've enjoyed so much in a long time
  • Lucpag
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in Germany on January 28, 2025
    Loved the book, shipping very fast, package intact.
  • Maguie75
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent. On of the best of 2022
    Reviewed in France on May 20, 2022
    This book has everything : perfectly imperfect hero's and heroin. A small town in Texas. Lots of funny moment. And a lot of emotions also , grief.

    Nova and Ronan deserve their HEA

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