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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I read the short story of Dear Ava last year in a romance sports anthology and fell in love. I knew almost immediately that it would be a full-length novel so I was happy about that. I wanted to see what happened. I wanted to know who assaulted Ava and how would she and Knox navigate their feelings and deal with high school and all that other stuff that was going on. The novella was perfect because it answered a lot of questions right in the story except who assaulted Ava, what was going on with Dane–Knox’s brother, and where Knox’s scar came from. I read this book in one day. I started it and I read for hours. I stopped only so that I could go to bed and started again when I woke up. I loved the pace of the story. So much happened leading into halfway through the book where I stopped for the night. It didn’t seem too slow or too fast. It was a perfect pace and I think I liked how a lot of the book happened within a few weeks. I liked how slow and fast Knox and Ava seemed to move in regards to their relationship. Their characters were ones I loved. They were both broken and so strong and only wanted what was best for their families but also what was best for each other. I loved Dane, Wyatt, Piper, and Tyler. Oh and Lou too. I came to like Knox and Dane’s father. These characters made the book feel more well-rounded and gave our main characters something to strive for and people outside of themselves and their relationship to care about. The characters were amazing and relatable. It was easy to root for them and I loved how they all blended together.
This story was hard to read at times. Anything dealing with sexual assault or abuse are hard topics for me to swallow but Ilsa did such an amazing job of letting the characters tell their stories without it overwhelming the plot and making it harder for me to get through this book. I felt for Ava and Knox and Dane. They were all children who’d dealt with unspeakable tragedies and were just trying to survive. They were all tortured souls and I was rooting for all of them. I wanted them to get their happily ever after. I also think that Ilsa did a fantastic job with the rape that Ava endured prior to the events of the book. It was an off the page assault that happened when Ava went to a party. As the book progressed I had my suspicions of who it may be who did it and I was right. He was an awful individual who got what he deserved in the end. But it was something to see just how the whole thing affected the characters, Dane, Knox, and Ava the most. All three of them were so much stronger than they thought they were and I admired their fight and determination to get the truth.
Now, I want to talk about the changes in this novel versus the novella. I really liked all the changes Ilsa made with this story. Making the brothers twins just solidified their bond and it made even more sense why Knox and Dane were so close and why Knox worried as he did. I liked how the plot was filled in while keeping a lot of what happened in the novella but just extending it. I did feel as if the story dragged on after we knew who was the one behind the sexual assault on Ava. I didn’t like that there was so much time and the time jumps made it really hard for me to keep up with what was going on and exactly how much time has actually passed. I was glad when the age of one of the characters was said because that gave me a place a reference. I did like how all the characters came together. They were all still friends and still in each others lives.
This was a moving, beautiful story about broken people finding their way and leaning on each other to do it. I adored Ava and Knox and their story was one I’ll remember for a very long time. I also loved them as a couple and they are definitely one of my all-time favorite couples.
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
“I want him so much, yet it’s so much more than simple lust or desire; it’s deeper and stronger and crazy and how have I let him scale my fortress?”
Y’all this is my favorite Ilsa Madden-Mills book to date! I can not stress enough how much you should ONE CLICK this book! I won’t give any spoilers but yes it does touch on some sensitive subjects but I felt the author handled them tastefully and tactfully. I fell in love with Dear Ava when it was just a novella in the Team Player 2 anthology. However the whole story just rocked my world for reals! I loved everything from the storyline to the characters. Dear Ava packed all the angst and emotions your heart desires. Once I started this book I simply could not put it down until I devoured every last page! I always have a soft spot for Football based sports romances. Something about a broken alpha quarterback gets me every time. High school romances can be touch and go for me but this one is definitely a WIN. I am secretly hoping this won’t be the only book from this world. There is a few secondary characters that intrigued me enough to want to read their stories too!
“She’s the eye of a hurricane, the winds of her pain whipping around her protectively.”
Ava is seriously one bada$$ heroine! She was sassy, fierce, and strong. She never failed to make me smile with some of the things that came out of her mouth. Ava knew what she wanted in life and I love how she would not settle for anything less. I admired her character so freaking much. My heart definitely hurt for her. I could not imagine going through everything she went through. Yet no matter what life threw her way she always managed to hold her head high with a smile on her face. I don’t think I have ever rooted for a heroine quite like I did her.
“Kissing him is like I’ve spent a day in the sunshine, and when night comes, the stars will only shine for me.”
*5 STARS*
Well earned for this hauntingly beautiful story! I feel the book hangover looming full force. Dear Ava is one of those reads that stick with you long after the pages end.
5 The Heart Knows When It Sees Its Forever stars!
Ava Harris has had a tough life and has always had to look out for herself. She gets into the prestigious Camden Prep School in Sugarwood, Tennessee on scholarship, and wants to fit in. The Sharks at Camden Prep are rich, popular, and untouchable. They rule the school, and she wants to be part of their world until one of them destroys her.
It’s senior year, and Ava figures she has nothing to lose. She’ll be living be her own rules now, and Ava 2.0 is fierce. She wants to be independent, get into the college of her dreams, and have the future she deserves. She just has to survive her last year of high school around all the kids who try to intimidate her with their dismissive, superior attitudes. Between her ex who broke her heart, the guy who is out to get her, and the one who writes her anonymous love letters, it’s hard to pretend they don’t exist with constant reminders everywhere she turns.
Ava is curious to figure out who her secret admirer is. Could it be Knox, the scarred quarterback, Dane, his twin brother, or Chance, the jerk who dumped her? She has no clue who it is, but has serious chemistry with one of the guys. They are complete opposites, and come from different worlds. They share a connection she can’t explain, and she finds herself wanting to know him better. The guy in question is fascinated by Ava as well, and desperately wants her to be his. He’s tried to fight his growing feelings, but feels consumed by her more each day!
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills is an emotional standalone, enemies to lovers romance. It’s a deep, intriguing, fantastic book that deals with some serious subject matter. It’s a dark high school love story full of hot football players, a delicious set of twins, mystery, suspense, angst, humor, and all the feels. I adored this book, and was completely captivated throughout! This story was unlike anything I’ve read by this author. I am a huge fan of Ilsa’s writing and devour anything by her. This story just had a more intense vibe, and really takes you on the heroine’s journey. I loved how strong Ava is. She never gives up, and is a fighter. Then there’s the guy she chooses to give her heart to. Swoon, swoon, and swoon some more. Om, my heart! He was just everything!!!
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review- with that said: Dear Ava is one of my favorite stories of the year. It started when I got a glimpse last year, in an anthology, but now, with the full story, OH. MY GOSH!
I couldn’t put this down.
Ava, a swan, was forced to become a dragon who fiercely protects her heart and herself after what was done to her.
Her connection with Knox is a sweet fall, leaving every feel imaginable behind. Their struggle, was so well written and so realistic, making an electric page-turner.
The mystery was well-paced and expertly written, keeping me guessing till the very end. And the ending. *Sigh* The ending wasn’t predictable, which was refreshing but the happily ever after was so perfect. I’ll definitely be in a book hangover after this.
You need to read this book, m’kay….
Yeah, I know that doesn’t count as a review…. let me try again.
A little about the book, the main characters are seniors in high school. Normally, this isn’t my jam, but when the author is Isla Madden-Mills I read it. My challenge here is to tell you why this is an amazing book with out giving anything away – you really need to read it for yourself to see.
Let’s start with the characters- our cast is young, but our leads have more life experience than a lot of adults do. Ava’s strength in facing what had to be incredibly difficult for her was amazing. Her anger, fear, confusion and later softer emotions radiated off the page. I found myself annoyed with the adults and culture around her that allowed such a situation to exist.
Knox was a hard character to get to know, but I found my heart breaking for him a couple of times. He was in a horrible situation and was trying to do his best for everyone. He and his brother are prime examples of how having it all doesn’t always mean you are happy.
The story around Ava and Knox is multi layered and intense. We see the baggage they are dealing with and how that impacts their interactions. Not only are both characters complex, but they are surrounded by a situation that is fraught with distress and even some danger if not handled right. Seeing them peel back the layers to find the core of who they are made me root for them even when it looked like things were impossible.
Well written, Dear Ava kept me on my toes and made it hard to put the story down. The core cast surrounding Ava and Knox is relatively small, but they definitely made an impact. I think it speaks to the author’s talent that she was able to take such a young set of characters and create a situation and set of personalities that is relatable to most readers. I left Dear Ava happy with the ending, but still curious, that means they get to live in my imagination now!
Just, someday in the future, find me. Just find me and come up to me and tell me you still love me and want me and can’t live without me in your arms—
Ilsa Madden-Mills brings all of the emotion, the poignance, and the angst with her latest novel, Dear Ava.
Ava has never quite fit in at the prestigious Camden Prep. A scholarship student, she catches the eye of one of the football players her junior year and decides to try to be a part of his group of friends, the exclusive “Sharks” who rule the school. But when the unthinkable happens at a party, Ava is left to pick up the pieces. Ten months after her assault, Ava is back to finish her senior year… with a vengeance. Her sole concern is to put together the pieces of what happened that night, and find out who was responsible. When she discovers that the head of the Sharks, Knox, is actually her ally, they both get closer and closer to the truth… and to each other.
Oh, how Dear Ava packs an emotional punch. It’s visceral; it’s captivating; it’s heartbreaking; it’s breathtaking. There are parts that are difficult to read. The novel covers difficult themes: sexual assault, mental illness, and suicide, but they’re all treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. They aren’t tragedies for tragedy’s sake.
Ava is one of the strongest heroines I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. She’s an old soul who has experienced so much, and yet still has the wherewithal to fight for what she wants, and what is best for those she loves. The familial bonds between Ava and her brother, Tyler, and between Knox and his twin, Dane, are also quite powerful and impactful to the storyline. Add in a couple of great supporting friendships, and this novel is filled to the brim with interesting characters who all add to the overall story.
The push/pull between Ava and Knox is absolutely captivating. Their bond is inexplicable but ever-present, and the slow burn of their attraction is enthralling from beginning to end. The narrative arc was unpredictable, but perfect. I think this is one of the best novels I’ve ever read of this genre. Madden-Mills has created a story that will stay with you, will reside in your bones, and will make you feel all of the feels.
I’m already declaring this to be one of my top ten romances of 2020.
I’m not usually into high school romance, but something about the way this author writes them has me devouring the pages. We met Knox and Ava in a novella but getting more of them was absolutely necessary. There are so many details that were missing. So many things that help us understand what really makes these two who they are.
Dear Ava was a wonderful read that very carefully touches on sensitive topics. I found parts of it to be heartbreaking and there were parts that gave me big old smiley face.
5 Stars
Dear Ava is the latest stand-alone novel by Ilsa Madden-Mills. It is hands down my favorite from her. It is an emotional tale that will pull at your heartstrings and leave you wanting so much more when it’s over. . Dear Ava is a story full of loss, forgiveness, love, and friendship.
Ava has been through so much in her short life. The struggles she’s faced has shaped her into the person she is. Going to a prep school with a bunch of rich kids is not easy. So when she’s paired up with Knox, the handsome and popular quarterback, she has no idea what to expect. All she really cares about is getting answers to what happened to her. Definitely not having to deal with some rich jock. But Knox isn’t what he seems. His public persona is very different from his truth. Ava wasn’t expecting him to want the answers too…
I seriously loved Dear Ava soooo much! The push and pull between the main characters was so intense. As like every other Madden-Mills story, Dear Ava was well written and had fantastic and relatable characters. This novel will be staying with me for a long time to come!
Ava and Knox, . These two started out rough but it was a lot to it. She experienced a terrible thing and unbeknown to her Knox made it his business to find out who hurt her. At first they had a love hate relationship that slowly started developing into more. The way he pursued her and won her over was very romantic. Their love story had some sadness and so much emotion in it. You can’t help but root for them. They were so many characters that were likeable that in one way or another contributed to the development and growth of Ava and Knox relationship. I can’t say much because this is one that you need to read without spoilers and see how everything comes together. I must say that the last chapters and epilogues are downright beautiful and swoony.
With focus and kindness Ilsa Madden-Mills takes readers on a journey full of vulnerability and courage in Dear Ava. Casting aside misconceptions of suffering this author shed light on the struggles of her leads showing that hardship and pain comes in many forms and does not discriminate by class. In a beautifully constructed love story her leads found a way to comfort each other as they confronted their injured hearts. Ava was an incredible heroine well matched with a hero that stood out as a genuine breakout hero. This couple’s courtship was one that will keep Ms. Madden-Mills audience’s reading experience full of heart flutters and wishful sighs.
Ilsa Madden-Mills is an author who continually grows in her writing, just when you think she has outdone herself along comes Dear Ava. This work was truth, dare and everything in between. Emotional and relevant this story spoke to her readers hearts even as it brought to the forefront a scenario that anyone could find commonality with even if it reached beyond their personal frame of reference. This author writes with a familiarity with her characters and slips into the age group she portrays with ease displaying their angst with laser sharp observations. The characters in Dear Ava were memorable, thoughtful and the kind readers will fight for in their devotion to their story long after they have read the last word of this book. A well put together mystery suspense component added a nice layer to this plot. Ilsa Madden-MiIls’ Dear Ava will bring tears to your eyes one moment and blurry smiles the next as hope shines through the seemingly impossible, even while raising your expectations of what makes a great romance story!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Some authors will release a book and I’ll automatically go for it without reading the blurb because they create amazing stories. Ilsa is one of them. I’ve read all her books so far and imagine my surprise when Dear Ava surpassed my already high expectations. This is her best story yet. A perfect 10 star.
I’m not going to say anything about what kind of story this is because the readers needs to read it in order to get the full experience.
It deals with a difficult subject and one that happens far more often then not. It’s heartbreaking and gut wrenching at times. I might have shed a few tears along the way. The characters were perfectly created to make me feel so much for them. The author was able to put back my breaking heart back in one piece. There are different facets to it that came full circle.
A storyline that was addicting and highly entertaining. A solid page turner that left me breathless. Bottomline this is a must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
This book picked me up, shook me around and tossed me back out on my rear. I don’t think I can find the words to describe the emotions I got from this book. I’m sitting here, just finished, and I’m reeling. I’m blissful, I’m distressed, I want more, my hearts fluttering…Ilsa got me good this time.
Ava is different than everyone else around her. She the scholarship kid, the poor girl, the one without parents and without money. She’s surrounded by the elite and at one point she gives in and tries to fit in. Devastation occurs. Damaged and broken yet stronger and willing to fight for the answers she needs, she enters the world of the elite once again. Knox is there. He’s King in this world, everyone bows to him. But he’s different too, they just don’t see it. But she does. Slowly, with acid spitting from her lips, she lets him in. A connection, one neither of them expected, forms. Then once again the world stops turning. It’s her choice, her decision, her future. She’s the real hero.
Time is what it takes and time is what was given. Grey skies clear, and the sun shines once again. “Dear Ava, today is the beginning of anything you want.”
It’s freaking beautiful. Emotional, sexy, snark-ish, and gripping. It leaves you wanting more.
Ilsa Madden-Mills killed this book! I couldn’t put it down, I was going down the worm hole, I cancelled all my Saturday plans. It was 1000% worth it. Her writing was on point, Ava and Knox are incredibly deep, complex characters, the highs and lows are a moving roller coaster that I never want to get off of. While I’m not an angst book reader, I was desperate to read Ava and Knox’s full story. The little taste we read in Team Player 2 was not nearly enough. There’s SO MUCH MORE to experience, to devour…and devour I did, every single page.
Ava had been through a horrific experience, which Ilsa wrote beautifully. I felt compassion, empathy, and to those who tore her down, I hated every moment for her. I felt like I was right there with her in every second. This book truly touched my heart, like every great movie, I was right there for every moment of this book. Ava and Knox, oh man, they are a bundle of complicated emotions all tied together with this undeniable energy, a connection neither can walk away from. The pages sizzled with every interaction, every snarky conversation, every side glance. And I was here for it!
This book should not be missed by any reader. I loved it completely and can’t get it out of my head days later.
This book of Ava and Knox is everything!! This book is emotional and brought me to tears and I couldn’t put it down. Ava is one tough heroine and will stop at nothing to make a better life for herself and her little brother. After Ava’s life got turned upside down her junior year of high school, she didn’t let that stop her and she returned to school her senior year. Ave went back to the school where the snooty girls and popular jocks who taunted her and called her snitch, but she did it with her chin up and back straight. I love how Ava’s character came back with a vengeance and wasn’t going to let anyone try to knock her down. She was doing this for a better chance for her and her little brother Tyler. Knox is the head Shark, the QB of the football team and befriending the outcast of the school was not a part of the plan. Knox with the hard exterior and won’t take any crap from anyone, underneath it all he has a huge heart and his brother was his everything and main priority. I love how Knox’s character is much more than just the popular jock that all the guys want to be and all the girls want to be with. This book is raw and unapologetically real that touches on issues that will make you mad and cry. This story made me cry mad as hell and rooted for these two because they both needed a HEA in their life! This is a must read and deserves more than 5 stars!!
I read the novella when it came out, let me tell you the book is even better and that’s saying a lot since I loved the novella so much! Their is soooo much more in the book. Ilsa made me feel alllll the feels I don’t usually enjoy it but Ilsa just has a way with words I hope she writes more of this world!
*Trigger warning: a sexual assault is referenced but not explicitly described so if you do not wish to read about that skip this book*
Ava is an extremely strong young woman who has had to deal with many hardships but returns to the school the represents so much of her ugly past for herself and her brother.
The buildup and angst between her and Knox was out of this world and it made their romance that much sweeter. This was a very emotional story and I loved every word. The strength that Ava shows and the support Knox gives her is amazingly captured by Ilsa. I hope she’ll consider writing about other characters because I don’t want to say goodbye to Knox and Ava!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
So much love for this book!! This story was originally released as a novella in Team Player 2 but was expanded into this full length novel. I loved the novella but the entire book really does Ava’s story so much more justice.
Ava and Knox are a little bit of an unorthodox couple but their growth throughout is really amazing. I loved Knox, especially with how protective he was of Ava and his brother. Definitely one that’s worth reading over and over again.
I loved Dear Ava so much. The angst of teenage drama is high in this one. I love Ava and how strong she is after everything. She proves that no one can keep her down. Her bond with her brother is amazing. Then there is Knox. Knox will make you swoon. I love how he is with Ava. You feel the love hate between them from the start. Knox is the guy you want to have your back. You are going to love him so much especially how he looks out for his twin brother. Dear Ava take you for one heck of a ride and you feel every high and low with this one. I had tears in my eyes at some point and my heart swelled and skip a beat or two at others. I couldn’t get enough of this book and you will love it so much. Go one click it today.
Highly emotional and highly heart wrenching this is one book you will not be able to put down and will be so upset when the book is finished. Filled with they typical teenage angst and add a very sensitive hurdle to overcome Ava is so much stronger than she even realizes. Knox is the typical jock on the outside but in the inside completely damaged and broken. While the reader instantly feels for the headliners in the story it is the secondary characters that blew me away. I truly hope they get their books as well. This book deserves more then 5 stars!!
I loved this when it was a short story, but it was missing so much. This gave me everything I was missing!!! So much depth and emotion and turmoil and survival! Knox is such an unemotional man on the outside, but deep down he just cares about everyone else except himself. Ava is just trying to heal from trauma the only way she knows how. She doesn’t want to let anyone close, but sometimes, 2 hearts recognize each other and no matter how much gets between them, they always find their way back. This story was absolutely beautiful and tragic. I loved every word written.