REVIEW: My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills

My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills: As a professional football player Graham Harlan has always known that his job comes with some very physical repercussions. After having his life quite literally flash before his eyes after receiving a massive tackle, Graham is now more sure than ever that he wants to life his life to the fullest, starting with helping his younger brother gain access to their inheritance. The only hang up being to gain access to said inheritance Graham needs to be married. Normally this would be a problem seeing as Graham has no girlfriend or any girl friends that he could ask but he already has the perfect girl in mind, namely Emmy Darling.

The slightly strange but cute girl that stole his Lamborghini in the middle of the desert. Things have really not being going according to plan for Emmy, but her ex putting his hands on her was the final straw and kind of how she found herself stealing a complete strangers luxury car. She did leave an apology note, in her defense. Turns out her mystery stranger is non other than NFL hotshot Graham Harlan and he is ready to cash in her IOU… all she has to do is get married to him and pretend to be all loved up… should be a total piece of cake…

My Darling Bride was easily one of the cutest books to end the year with. Mills combines the fake dating, marriage of convenience and sports romance tropes perfectly in this book, all while delivering to easy to love main characters and a whole bunch of hilarious supporting characters. I loved the fact that even though Emmy and G were different, they actually had a lot in common, they both had family issues as well as health issues. Both of which were handled brilliantly throughout the book.

“He’s that little piece of magic, that irresistible feeling I never imagined I’d feel for someone. I’ve fought it, but I can’t stop. That’s how love is, impossible to pack away and forget.”

It was super easy to get invested in G and Emmy’s story, not only were they super cute together but I loved getting to see them actually falling in love. I just loved Emmy, she was a total mama bear. I loved getting to see her love and protect her siblings, she always put their wellbeing and safely before her own. She just exude warmth and love. I loved her sassy side and the way she made up silly names for people she didn’t know. Most of all I loved seeing her break through Graham’s walls. Our hero was all rough and manly and I loved getting to see his protective side come out. It was hard not to like G. The more we got to know him the easier it became to understand his reasons for protecting his heart. Though I will say that there were a few moments that I wanted to give him a good shake to wake him. The other thing I found a bit annoying was the fact that he took soooo long to finally accept that Emmy was the girl from his premonition.

This book had one of the funniest meet cutes ever! I loved that Emmy all but pounced on G at the motel with her wacky story and he just rolled with it like a true champ. Got to love Honey Bunny. I loved the build up between these two, their chemistry was of the charts and really they did not need to do much acting. I will say it did take Graham a bit longer to wake up and open up about his feelings but he eventually comes around. There were a few more serious moments in the book especially when it came to the abuse that Emmy faced from her ex, as well as the childhood traumas that she had to deal with.

The secondary characters were just brilliant! I loved both of their siblings and all the little nuggets of brilliance that they brought to the book. As for G’s team mates, well lets just say I hope that we get to see them again soon, we need Jasper to get his own book! Though I will say the star of the book in my heart had to be Magic the cute kitten, I loved that he had so much of personality and wormed his way into everyones heart.

I totally adored reading My Darling Bride, this book has the right balance of cute, serious, drama and so many laughs. A total must read for me!

Book Info:

Publication: December 5, 2023 | Montlake |

On a normal day, Emmaline Darling isn’t a car thief. She’s just a simple girl who runs a bookstore and adores cats. But when she’s stranded in the desert and needs to get away from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, she picks her only option: swiping the keys to a famous football player’s Lamborghini and speeding away.

Football star Graham Harlan is in chaos. First he took a hit on the field that left him with a near-death experience, and now he’s promised his brother he’ll get married to secure the family inheritance. Trouble is he isn’t even seeing anyone.

Then a mystery woman steals his car. With his usual stubbornness, he tracks her all the way to Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum: marry me or I’ll press charges.

Her choice is obvious, only neither of them expect the sparks that ignite between them.

As the end of their arrangement looms, will Graham take a chance on love or let his darling walk away forever?