REVIEW: My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills

My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills: There really isn’t much that Jane Darling wouldn’t do to ensure that her daughter has the best future possible, so if that means she needs to dress up as cupid and go to a sports bar to promote her new dating app then that is exactly what Jane is going to do. She didn’t however expect to run into the annoyingly handsome Jasper Jannich, or for New Yorks most beloved quarterback to come to her rescue when a fan gets a bit to pushy. Playing hero is one thing but offering to sign up to her dating app is a whole other level, and as much as Jane wants to keep Jasper at arms length even she cant deny that having him as one of her clients is a sure fire way to draw in more business… the only problem is after setting Jasper up on a few dates they both realise there is more chemistry between the two of them rather than with anyone else… however will Jasper be able to actually win over Jane or will her guarded heart stand in their way?

My Darling Jane was an absolute delight to read, I loved the combination of sports romance, enemies to lovers and most importantly hero falls first. I really liked the fact that this was an easy and light romcom read that did not cause any major upsets or have any major drama.

I really enjoyed getting to know both of our main characters better as the book progressed and I think it would be safe to say they both were reluctant to allow love back into their lives until they meet each other. I loved the fact that the roles were a bit reversed in this book, most of the time we get a grumpy hero but in this book Jane is a bit of a grump and we get to see the ever optimistic Jasper slowly win her over. Now as much as I grew to like Jane, she did come across as a bit mean and judgmental for no reason, though once the book progressed and we got to understand her character a bit better I did find myself warming up to her. Now for our star quarterback, well I instantly knew that Jasper would be a swoon worthy hero, there was just something about him that just said nice guy. I really liked that he really put in the work to get closer to Jane and prove to her that he was genuinely a nice guy.

The chemistry between these two was just fire, I loved their banter and the constant back and forth. While they might have been total opposites there was no denying the pull between them, and added to this was that spicy hate to love vibe that played through for a good portion of the book. I have to give it to Jasper, he was determined to win his girl and he was willing to put in the work to get her, even when she was desperately trying to keep him at arms length. I think the only thing that I felt was lacking a bit was the spice, while there were a few steamy moments, I think they were a bit held back, but this didn’t take away at all from the overall story.

I have to take a moment to mention Londyn, she was such a sweet supporting character and I just loved getting to see her relationship with Jasper grow. I also loved getting to see Emmy and Graham again and seeing how things have been going with them. One of the best parts of this book was the fact that found family played such a big role in the entire story.

All in all I really enjoyed reading My Darling Jane, this sunshine meets grump, sports romance is definitely worth checking out. If you like a cute romcom with a bit of sass then I would highly recommend reading My Darling Jane!

Book Info:

Publication: November 5, 2024 | Montlake | The Darlings #2

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 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 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, not just sizzling chemistry.

He’s ready to make the pass. Is his darling ready to catch it?