Special Release Price!WSJ bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers a gripping enemies-to-lovers, secret admirer, high school romance.The rich and popular Sharks rule at prestigious, ivy-covered Camden Prep. Once upon a time, I wanted to be part of their world–until they destroyed me.The last thing I expected was an anonymous love letter from one of them.Please. I hate every one of those … them.
Please. I hate every one of those rich jerks for what they did to me. The question is, which Shark is my secret admirer?
Knox, the scarred quarterback.
Dane, his twin brother.
Or Chance, the ex who dumped me. . .
Dear Ava,
Your eyes are the color of the Caribbean Sea.
Wait. That’s stupid.
What I really mean is, you look at me and I feel something REAL.
It’s been ten months since you were here, but I can’t forget you.
I’ve missed seeing you walk down the hall.
I’ve missed you cheering at my football games.
I’ve missed the smell of your hair.
And then everything fell apart the night of the kegger.
Don’t hate me because I’m a Shark.
I just want to make you mine.
Still.
★★★★★
“A gut punch right in the feels. These characters wreck you. It’s a deep storyline, with such tender, beautiful, unbelievably perfect romance. Gah. I. Am. Wowed. Five Stars!” Angie, Angie’s Dreamy Reads
Not part of any other series. Dark High School Romance. Recommended for 18+.
A short excerpt of Dear Ava appeared in Team Player 2. (No longer available) This all-new, full-length version is 331 pages and 100,000 words.
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For full disclosure, I was an Ilsa Madden-Mills fan before this story. Now all I can say is this is hands down my favorite book she has ever written. Holy heck I was dying after reading the first chapter. I wanted to tear someone apart because of what happened to Ava. Trigger warning especially the beginning of this story. It is not for the faint of heart.
If you are looking for a brave heroine then Ava is your girl. She is a true survivor. I admire how when her world was rocked, she continues to fight. She wants a good life for her and her little brother.
Knox is my dude. I wasn’t sure about him at first. He felt like a bit of the douchy poor rich boy. It didn’t help that he was part of the horrible Shark group. Yes I have some issues with those that act entitled in life. Ok now that I expressed what initially gave me pause, let me say I am “MADLY IN LOVE” with Knox. He is an amazing white knight, ok maybe he has some dark knight qualities but a knight none the less. He is DEFINITELY my next book boyfriend.
The journey this book takes me on fills my heart. In a world where I often feel there is little justice, well I was glad this author didn’t do that to me.
I am not a spoiler kind of gal but let me say the ending to this book WAS PERFECTION. It felt like reality. Sometimes to heal from our wounds we need time and a reboot to find our best life. Ugh I need to join the spoiler room on this book. I want to discuss all. Eek. SO GOOD. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
Sports romance, enemies-to-lovers, new adult, secret admirer, HEA…
I don’t care that it’s only February but this is going to the top of my 2020 favorites! Dear Ava is a MUST READ if you are a fan of Ilsa Madden-Mills. Dear Ava is definitely one of her more intense, emotional reads. She doesn’t miss out on the fun banter and there is definitely plenty of swoon moments but this one is different from her others.
What you get are two broken people(even though Ava’s story is far worse) that are constantly being tested by their surroundings, situations, and family—but somehow come out on top. This story is fantastic and beautifully written in a way that will make you remember it for a long time. I can see myself reading this more than once.
I highly recommend!
*ARC received by author in exchange for an honest review. *
I have no words. My heart is overflowing with emotions and I am choking with all the feels. Ilsa Madden Mills has destroyed my heart beautifully in Dear Ava. This angst filled, heartbreaking, soul deep and intense enemies to lover New adult sports romance is the epicness only few stories can achieve.
Ava Harris is back in Camden Prep; the school of rich, bully and arrogant people. She is back to prove the last year with the black day has not broken her. The scars in her body may have faded but the fire and anger in her heart is still alive. And she will not forgive and forget it untill she finds the person who abused her. Knox is the surprise she did not expect. Because he is the leader of the Sharks, the rulers and popular jocks of Camden prep and because one of them has hurt Ava. Knox was always fascinated by Ava and he is determined to be there with her. But he has so many complications and broken pieces. So starts an emotional and overwhelming journey of two unlikely partners.
Ava is absolutely amazing character. I wish I had half of her courage and strength. She came back from darkness by sheer will power and she still can see goodness in people. She could see past the cocky self of Knox and find the good man hiding from everyone. And dear lord..my heart is aching so badly for Knox. He is like my cryptonite. Give me a sweet, arrogant, caring, alpha, vulnerable and sexy as sin guy any day and I will be gone. And Knox is a bit extra. He is unbelievable. With layers of pain, sadness, helplessness and desperation. And their chemistry was simply mesmerising. It evolved like a living breathing animal and took my heart piece by piece. They are two misunderstood and lonely souls. Their connection is otherworldly. It was beyond passionate and beyond sexy. It was something unique. Ilsa Madden Mills pushed the knife of her genius writing deep in my heart and I bled emotions. My tears are the evidence.
Feels. Feels. All the feels. Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden Mills is one big moment of deep feels. Every page has so much of exhilarating, breathtaking, jaw dropping and heartaching emotions. I left a piece of me in those pages.
Received ARC for honest review
Oh the feels….
Dear Ava is an amazing heartfelt read. All the emotions are there…..anger, sadness and in the end happiness.
Ava and Knox’s story is one that you won’t easily forget. The pain and struggles that they both endure make this a book that will hold your heart all the way through. The author gave us a story that touched on a terrible event but she wrote it with taste and thoughtful for those with triggers. Her words gripped my heart and made me a blubbering mess. I highly recommend this wonderful read.
Oh the feels….
Dear Ava is an amazing heartfelt read. All the emotions are there…..anger, sadness and in the end happiness.
Ava and Knox’s story is one that you won’t easily forget. The pain and struggles that they both endure make this a book that will hold your heart all the way through. The author gave us a story that touched on a terrible event but she wrote it with taste and thoughtful for those with triggers. Her words gripped my heart and made me a blubbering mess. I highly recommend this wonderful read.
*review by Michelle
This book is pretty powerful and draws you in from page one. You spend most of the story wondering who is truly on Ava’s side and who is against her. I loved how much of a fighter Ava was; for herself, for her brother. Even though her life had not been all rainbows and lollipops she is still determined to make something of herself and give her brother the best life possible! I loved Knox’s dedication and determination as well.
This story starts off with a harsh reality that sets up the entire book. The way the opening scene is depicted is well written and lets you know it was done by someone who cares.
Ilsa has a way of writing these flawed characters who mesh so well together. Ava is so full of strength and determination to be greater than her situation. Then Dane and Knox are so beautifully broken and full of compassion and understanding.
I couldn’t help but be enamored by the brothers and their dynamic. They both shined in their own way as did all the supporting characters. Very well written love story despite dealing with such a heavy subject. This story was sweet, funny and passion filled.
Ilsa owned this tale and deserves more than a five star rating. If you love high school angsty teenage drama, this one will knock your socks off!
I read the first part of this book in Team Player 2 and i was HOOKED. This book was everything I was looking for and everything I love about Ilsa and her love stories. They are so much more than romcoms, they have grit, they are raw and they make me feel. With Knox and Ava I did just that. I felt all the things and more.
“I want you kissing me, just me.” Knox doesn’t kiss all the girls, but he dreams of kissing Ava. He loves her so much, you can feel it jumping off the pages. The thing is, she doesn’t know. She has no clue that SA is Knox. He’s the top Shark, the leader of the pack, quarterback of the football team. What would he want with her? Their love story hurts. He feels like he should have been able to save her and swears he will get revenge on the person who harmed her, the only issue is he needs to find out who that is first.
I’m so in love with these two, especially Knox. I even loved most of the side characters, like Dane! This poor kid made my heart hurt. I love so many of Ilsa’s Heroes, this one might be my favorite.
Ilsa went for it with this book and delivered like no other! This is probably the most raw, and emotional book I’ve read of hers. She has a way of writing this topic so sophisticatedly, yet making a story develop that is just so full of many other emotions. It’s truly a gritty storyline-that we get right from chapter 1. The mystery surrounding everything is what kept me totally intrigued.
Knox was this character I constantly wanted more of-I wanted to know more and more about the brooding QB, just as Ava eventually did as well too.
Definitely adhere to the trigger warnings, because there is some sensitive material, but this book was really a beautiful story. It’s a wonderful sports romance-emotionally taxing story that I think every romance lover would appreciate. This author did a fabulous job! A must read!
***5 Stars***
After reading the, what we will now call, “The Teaser” version of Dear Ava in the Team Player 2 anthology (Not available anymore) I NEEDED more. I need more of Ava, her friends, her enemies, her frenemies…everyone!
ALL. OF. IT.
So to say I was squealing like a teenager who has just seen one of their idols for the first time in the flesh is an understatement (Though, please note it was all done in my head…but still) and Ms. Madden Mills abso-freaking-lutely delivered! I laughed, I growled, I got all kinds of swoony and twitterpatted and everything in between and I wasn’t a happy camper when there were no more words to read.
I ADORED Ava. This girl went through something horrific and yet came out swinging. Seeing her put on her shitkickers and take hold of her future, knowing how hard it would end up being emotionally and mentally, was all kinds of awesome. I loved her snark, how she held her own against all odds and her heart is truly golden. And Knox…this guy, I adored him. Talk about complex. He is so much more than he appears to be and getting to peel back the layers and seeing just how genuine, though bruised, his soul truly was all kinds of wonderful.
This was a great read, definitely one of my top reads by the author. From handling what happened to Ava with a gentle, yet realist touch, and figuring out who did itto watching as all the characters in the story evolved in one way or another ~ I think she did an amazing job with it all. As for the supporting cast of characters. I ADORED Wyatt, Piper and Tyler. These three were so well written and really brought out the spark in Ava. And as for the Sharks? Well, this is definitely a mixed bag, and since I don’t want to give anything away, I will say that there were a couple I wouldn’t mind seeing more of in the future.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
“I’m falling so hard, dancing near the edge of the vastness that’s him. And I know there’s barely any trust in me for guys, but for him… I want this. Whatever it is.”
I caught a snippet of this story in Team Player 2 Anthology and was hooked and salivating for the rest of it immediately upon reading. Raw, gritty, and powerful, Ava was strength, and vulnerability, and eager to seek revenge. The unplanned fall was mesmerizing, the change in Knox addictive, and the mystery hiding underneath was a constant question that will have you reading through the night to discover what really happened to Ava. I couldn’t put it down, I didn’t want to. Engrossed from page 1 to the very end, it was a truly wonderful read!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
I love it when i finish a book and it just makes me feel something and knowing i will never forget this book. I will admit i am a fan of enemies to lovers genre at the moment and this is one of my favs.
Dear Ava starts off with an incident that sets the whole preset of this book and it’s one where you are hanging for Ava to get her revenge and you are rooting for her the whole way. I loved Ava she was such a string, loving and beautiful character. I loved her relationship with her brother Tyler and he was such a good character that i loved as well.
God Knox he was such an interesting character i loved him i hated him i loved him i hated but i knew there was so much to this character and he would have to be one of my favourite mean guys.
The story had me laughing, crying getting the feels and i loved how this author was so sensitive to a dark subject of assault. I also loved the story with Dane and his struggles and it was so hard to read when he hit his rock bottom but god i loved his ending he was another amazing character.
If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers and love the drama of high school, the mean girls and the footy jocks it’s a must read.
If your a fan of Isla madden mills you will jot be disappointed, this would be one of my favourite of hers that i have read so far
When I first read Dear Ava I was so into it, needing the next page as fast as I could, I ended up going back and reading my favorite scenes twice just to get more and slowing down to really take it in. These characters have a hard history and as eachside is revealed you can’t help but fall in love with them. All of them! This is a type of enemies to lovers story but not that black and white. I cried, and omg I swooned. I’d be shocked if this book doesn’t touch you! A true siblings love story, friendship loyalty, and a ride on a emotional train to Happily Ever After. There is some warnings you should take note of if you have any triggers but it’s not to detailed in my opinion. It’s the after math that’s worth everything, 5 stars for dear Ava!
I have to say this book is more than I ever expected. The title is very misleading because this is far from a simple and sweet story. Dear Ava deals with serious subjects that include rape and drug abuse. When I looked beyond the book title and delved into this story, I discovered that this was not going to be an ordinary love story.
A cheerleader dating one of the popular Shark football players, Ava Harris wanted to fit in among her wealthy friends at Camden Prep. But everything changed her junior year. One terrible night that divided a school and turned everyone against her. What Ava has suffered and the injustice dealt to her because of her lack of resources broke my heart. I was so angry that the adults around her were more swayed by wealth and name than looking for the truth. What happens when no one believes you or even cares to know the truth? In Ava’s case, she fights to find out what happened to her that night. I love Ava’s fighting spirit, her need to protect her adorable brother Tyler while sacrificing her sanity at the hands of the bullies at Camden Prep.
But Ava while has plenty of enemies at Camden Prep she she still has a few allies on her side, her friends Piper and Wyatt and one other person who believes in her, who wants to help her survive the hell that is Camden Prep and the Sharks. Who is he? That’s a mystery you will need to find out on your own, but I will say that he is a worthy match for the tough and strong willed Ava. There were a few moments where I hated his hot and cold attitude towards a girl dealing with so much pain. He is not a perfect character, but his love for Ava is all consuming and very complicated.
Dear Ava is at times a sad, tragic story filled with mystery and a heartbreaking love. I think Ava is a wonderful character; so strong, protective of the ones she loves, and open to love after everything she has been through. She deserved a beautiful HEA and I’m so glad she got one.
We got a glimpse of Knox and Ava in the anthology Team Player 2. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this story. And Ilsa Madden-Mills didn’t let me down.
This book hits on a very hard subject matter. But it is one that happens quite often and gets swept under the rug. Especially if you don’t have the money to fight back. It was an emotional read. And may not be for everyone. One I started I couldn’t put it down. I loved the strength of Ava. And the determination in Knox to protect Ava the way he did. This is definitely one of my favorites by Mills.
Dear Ava…..OH MY GOODNESS! This story was beautiful as a novella, but it’s AMAZING as a full story. I’ve never been so grateful to get more out of a story than I was for this.
Ava is amazing, in a “never backing down, you’ll never see me break” type of way. She is the face of so many women who are walking around every day. To have this heroine in a story and have such justice served warmed my heart.
Knox is the hot football player that everyone watches. All the girls want to be with, and all the guys look up to.
The chemistry is chart topping.
This story has all of the love, hurt, and recovery someone may need.
Thank you Ilsa Madden-Mills for giving Ava justice and strength!
I’ve read a handful of Ilsa Madden-Mills books before but NOTHING prepared me for Dear Ava. It was unlike anything I’ve read of hers and I most certainly didn’t expect it. However, it was truly amazing!
What started as a cross between enemies to lovers + a bit of suspense; combine that with a feisty heroine and HAF football player(s). This book that covers so many tropes for me, also had ALL THE FEELS that my super emotional reads include. That makes this one a 5 star read for me, one that I’ll gladly read again.
Ava was such an amazing heroine to read, to experience her growth into what she wants to be, wants to achieve and refusal to allow anyone to get in her way. She uses her past; what some would assume is her weakness to build her strength upon. By doing so, she’s given them all the middle finger; which does nothing but make the “bad guy” even angrier.
I don’t want to reveal anything, because with this having some suspense to it; I want you to experience all the emotions I did as I was reading Ilsa’s words. SO I can’t talk about Ava’s H.
Just know he’s the one guy who I loved from the get go; I never doubted him…not even once. The more the book went on, the more I fell for him.
I also had a couple suspicions about who the culprit was and I was right about one of them.
I loved that along the way, Ava had people that were friends and on her side. So she never was truly alone and I absolutely LOVED her friends.
I can’t help but love the entire book, from start to finish was truly such a great book. The ending….if I could give her a standing ovation for the ending alone I would. ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!!! It was everything I needed an ending for Ava to be.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
This full length version of “Dear Ava ” is so impressive from the first word to the last it took me on a journey I was sad to finish … A wonderful high school drama at it’s best.
Ava is a scholarship girl who started at Ivy league Camden Prep .
She is such an amazing human coming from a dreadful life she knows what she wants and works extremely hard to attain her goals.
Knox a quarterback has so many feelings for Ava .. another worthy human..
Life gets in their way completely and life can shatter, but strength and determination often pulls through ..
These characters are written perfectly.
Such an intriguing book that delivers all the way from the beginning to the end..
I can’t praise this book enough the ending had me reading it more that once ..
I won’t give anything away but everyone needs to read this special perfect book ..
All the characters in this book are written is such a way that they are all very important with perhaps a story to tell..
Beautiful , wonderful and an amazing book .. that will stay with me always.
This book is nothing short of amazing and everything I had hope for in an well-written YA novel. Ilsa Madden-Mills perfectly defines the YA genre with the right amount of angst, chemistry, incredible characters, and delicate subject matter.
This book got me in all the feels. So much so that I had to take a few days to digest. It does have some dark elements, some that might be a trigger for some. However, Maden-Mills handles the situations which could be cringe-worthy in a way that connects you with Ava and Knox that while your heart hurts, you break and heal with them both. They are indeed tense, but realistic without undue drama.
If you don’t connect with the book at this point and already think it’s insanely good, the last 15% of the book is the ace in the hole. Even days later I can’t stop thinking of the ending and how complete it made not just the story, but also the characters.
I think what I loved most about the story is that important details were neither trivialized nor dramatized; the author makes you feel as if this could have been your life. You live the angst, hurt, and hope alongside the characters. This is not only a 5 star read for me, but also a book I’d like to re-read. It’s also a prime example of why I am a huge fan of Ilsa Madden-Mills and why you should be, too!