A review by kfriend
Not My Match by Ilsa Madden-Mills
5.0
I just cannot get enough of the charming town of Daisy and all of the quirky characters that inhabit it. Not My Romeo was one of my favorite reads of 2021, and Not My Match certain matches its delightful witty charisma while painting an original story that is fresh and addictive. Eccentric characters with a connection that sizzles, sexy banter, the perfect nexus of comedy and romantic angst, and a tender love story at its heart. I laughed, I swooned, and I was enchanted yet again. Not My Match is yet another reminder why Ilsa Madden-Mills will always be one of my unicorn authors- every story captures my heart. And Devon and Giselle did just that.
After not my Romeo, I was DYING for Devon’s story. He was the comedic support that stole every scene. And I loved him even more in Not My Match- he’s more than the easy going, jovial wingman we meet before. Devon is a BEAUTIFUL soul that had me swooning and awwing left and right. He’s the perfect hero- the right balance of possessive protectiveness and charismatic swagger with a tender, caring, and deeply loving heart behind it all. He easily stole my heart- and Giselle’s- with his unending GOODNESS. His past pains just tore at my heart. This man is so complex and compelling. Truly so dreamy- I am captivated by him and completely in love.
Ilsa’s characters are always so delightfully specific and quirky- and Giselle may be her most adorably eccentric heroine yet. She surprised me in every way- and to be honest, I was worried I couldn’t get behind her after the hurt she caused her sister in book one- but I LOVED HER. Like everyone else, I had put her in a box. I had decided who and what she as without even knowing her. She is so much more than anyone can know- until Devon sees her. She’s brilliant and incredibly smart and driven, but she’s also so funny, gentle, and full of spunk and heart. And she’s so delightfully interesting and contrasting- a brilliant scientist who is writing alien erotic romance, an academic with a penchant for endless random knowledge that she adorkably spews out at any moment, a nerdy introvert who is also sexy and alluring. How could you not love her? She has such a loving soul- and she just is desperate to find herself, to be free and open with all her thoughts and love. And she has SO much love. And Ilsa so smartly gives us some closure with her sister- addressing the elephant in a room that makes us love and understand Giselle even more.
These two are so different on paper- but they both just want to be seen and valued for who they are. And their connection is SO sexy, so sweet, and so well done. This is some of the best Ilsa chemistry to date (which is saying a lot because her chemistry is always impeccable). We get to watch these two grow as friends, evolve as they love and support each other, and we see them connect as people. The result is that their relationship is grounded in care and emotion- in a tender respect and admiration for each other- that makes it just sizzle off the page. And the slow burn made me even more ravenous- Ilsa works the anticipation on this one, and it is worth the wait. SWOON! They are so adorable- explosive but sweet, raw but comforting. I could not love them more. THEY ZING!
Giselle and Devon’s story is so heartfelt and sweet- and full of the witty humor and sexiness that I love about Ilsa’s writing and this series. Daisy and these characters capture me every team- I love being swept away into the world that Ilsa has created. It feels like coming home- warm, inviting, full of love and laughter, and never fails to put a smile on my face.
After not my Romeo, I was DYING for Devon’s story. He was the comedic support that stole every scene. And I loved him even more in Not My Match- he’s more than the easy going, jovial wingman we meet before. Devon is a BEAUTIFUL soul that had me swooning and awwing left and right. He’s the perfect hero- the right balance of possessive protectiveness and charismatic swagger with a tender, caring, and deeply loving heart behind it all. He easily stole my heart- and Giselle’s- with his unending GOODNESS. His past pains just tore at my heart. This man is so complex and compelling. Truly so dreamy- I am captivated by him and completely in love.
Ilsa’s characters are always so delightfully specific and quirky- and Giselle may be her most adorably eccentric heroine yet. She surprised me in every way- and to be honest, I was worried I couldn’t get behind her after the hurt she caused her sister in book one- but I LOVED HER. Like everyone else, I had put her in a box. I had decided who and what she as without even knowing her. She is so much more than anyone can know- until Devon sees her. She’s brilliant and incredibly smart and driven, but she’s also so funny, gentle, and full of spunk and heart. And she’s so delightfully interesting and contrasting- a brilliant scientist who is writing alien erotic romance, an academic with a penchant for endless random knowledge that she adorkably spews out at any moment, a nerdy introvert who is also sexy and alluring. How could you not love her? She has such a loving soul- and she just is desperate to find herself, to be free and open with all her thoughts and love. And she has SO much love. And Ilsa so smartly gives us some closure with her sister- addressing the elephant in a room that makes us love and understand Giselle even more.
These two are so different on paper- but they both just want to be seen and valued for who they are. And their connection is SO sexy, so sweet, and so well done. This is some of the best Ilsa chemistry to date (which is saying a lot because her chemistry is always impeccable). We get to watch these two grow as friends, evolve as they love and support each other, and we see them connect as people. The result is that their relationship is grounded in care and emotion- in a tender respect and admiration for each other- that makes it just sizzle off the page. And the slow burn made me even more ravenous- Ilsa works the anticipation on this one, and it is worth the wait. SWOON! They are so adorable- explosive but sweet, raw but comforting. I could not love them more. THEY ZING!
Giselle and Devon’s story is so heartfelt and sweet- and full of the witty humor and sexiness that I love about Ilsa’s writing and this series. Daisy and these characters capture me every team- I love being swept away into the world that Ilsa has created. It feels like coming home- warm, inviting, full of love and laughter, and never fails to put a smile on my face.