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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So before I start my review, I’d like to mention that I haven’t read a book where Closer by Nine inch Nails has been mentioned in any good context. Geez The song has suffered.
I was not sure what to expect from this book, but the suspense and the intensity was certainly not it. It drove me high, nuts and delivered beyond my expectations.
Ava and Knox – odd enemies that weren’t really enemies but actually enemies. Yeah, read the book and you’ll understand better.
Lol.
Ava is a young woman who’s struggling to cope and yet, fights with all she got for a better future. Now, she single handedly turned this book into an inspirational romance.
If I could describe Knox in one phrase- Closeted book boyfriend. Closeted rough around the edges. Hell, He had my feeling for him closeted too… till they were not.
This book was an emotional book with all the feels to teach so many life and love lessons on the way to the coveted HEA.
Through every angsty, tender yet heartbreaking moment, my heart bled. But, I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
#KNAVA
I’m gonna say right up front there are some things in here that don’t make sense, but if you can brush those off and be swept up in the emotion of the story there’ll be a big payoff, I promise you. This is a story created to evoke emotion, to put us right back in high school again, in the middle of the cliques and hierarchy and politics of it all. If you can remember what that’s like, then you can put yourself into Ava’s and Knox’s shoes.
Ava and Knox have somewhat parallel and tragic histories. They both have absent parents, both feel protective of their brothers, both are forced to take on adult responsibilities far earlier than they should have been. Knox always had a thing for Ava since they were freshmen, but he never acted on it. He was a rich kid, the school quarterback and head of their clique, and she was the ‘charity case’ girl from the inner city. From the outside looking in, they shouldn’t be together. But something happens one night that forces Knox to be more honest with himself about his feelings and gradually he’s comfortable revealing that to Ava. Wrapped around this romance is a mystery—a complicated one that strains relationships within the school, the football team, Knox’s family, and between Knox and Ava.
I love the ending. How they entrust their relationship to destiny. I’ve never read one like that before. The logistics are a bit implausible but I was overtaken by the romanticism of it. This is an emotional story meant to be felt, not analyzed.
There’s tons and tons of social issues packed into this story, so if you’re in the mood for something angsty and intense try this one. This is an amazing story. Just go with it and enjoy the ride.
ℝ
••••••••••
::Knox and Ava::
“ , ’ ’ , , —’ . .”
Ilsa Madden Mills wrote such a beautiful story in “Dear Ava”. It’s an enemies-to-lovers/secret admirer trope – but really is so much more than that. It’s a story about pain, healing, and the perseverance of love. It’s emotional, but also uplifting, romantic, and just down right inspiring. The story takes a serious subject matter and mixes it in with such relatable characters.
Ava is such an inspiring heroine, and I love everything about her. I even loved her moments of weakness and vulnerability, because it made her that much more real.
Knox in all his sexiness, broodiness and complexities – was so much more than meets the eye. And each layer that was revealed broke him heart for him even more.
I adored Ava and Knox and their fight for themselves, their fight for answers and their fight for family. The ending was absolutely beautiful and the two epilogues completely healed my heart and gave me so much peace after everything they went through.
I loved loved loved this story so much. I loved everything about it. Knox and Ava’s story will resonate with me forever.
” , . . .”
One of the best books I’ve read this year. I love this book so much. I wish there were more from these characters. It’s a stand-alone. No one should go through what Ava goes through I highly recommend this book.
I originally started to read this book because my names in it,then I got really invested this book is amazing
I loved Dear Ava, it was a great high school enemies to lovers romance. The letters were cute and I liked how Ava and Knox had more depth to them than met the eye. Ilsa Madden Mills is great at writing high school and college NA romances, and this one didn’t disappoint.
Ava returns for her Senior year after being raped a year ago. She is bullied for being a narc and called a liar about the events that took place. The once popular crowd she wanted to be a part of, including her ex, do not make it easy on her. Everyone that is except for Knox. Knox has wanted Ava since freshman year, but he has demons of his own. He wants to protect Ava and find out what happened that night, but he also feels the need to protect his twin too. With his brother spiraling out of control because of that night, their father being absent, their mothers death, and his need to figure out who raped Ava Knox has created trouble for himself. They begin to grow close and open up to eachother. Knox fighting his feelings of not being good for her and Ava learning exactly what Knox has done to help her, she can no longer deny how she feels. This book deals with the sensitive subjects of rape, drug abuse, mental health issues, and suicide. Ilsa handles them all so well. This is a coming of age book and the journey people have to go on to overcome the past hurts. It is about family and what one good man would do for those he loves. Truly well written.
Ava:
I shiver. It’s never been like this, never this intense, never this hot feeling on my body, the way I burn.
He pushes at my tights, grunting when he sees the booty shorts underneath, his fingers stalling out. “Are you sure, Tulip? Are you? Because I want you, but I don’t want to scare you or make you feel like you have to be physical with me. We can cuddle. We can crawl up in your bed and watch those goofy Star Wars movies while I play with your hair.”
Dear Ilsa,
I bought this book because you wrote it. I did not read the blurb; I never do. I just know I will enjoy it because you wrote it. But then I discovered that it was about high school, and I hate high school stories. It took me awhile to start the book instead reading other favorite authors before starting Dear Ava.
I should have kept the faith and started reading when it hit my Kindle. I was so wrong, Ilsa! And, you were so right!
This book was superb! You are a master at your craft. You just improve with every book! Your concepts are not clichés; they involve real people with real feelings and real emotions. You develop your characters, so they come right off the page and appear before the eyes of the readers.
I ask myself to list adjectives to describe this book and I see tender, beautiful, charming, brave, emotional, and angsty fly by my eyes. I remember the banter between Knox and Ava as they fall for each other.
Ilsa, I was so wrong not to trust you! This book was exceptional! It deserves 10 Stars!
Dear Ava was such a fantastic story, and l didn’t want to stop reading! It was so emotional at times there was so many questions, so much bullying, so many secrets! I adored Ava for what she endure and how she came out the other side fighting and strong! Absolutely loved the ending!
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills. WOW! Just finished this amazing book and it left me feeling so many things. Love, pain, loss, passion, empathy, anger, and triumph. Such an incredible journey of forgiveness, being true to yourself, and overcoming obstacles that seem impossible. Ava and Knox should never work out, but fate has a way of seeing situations in a new light (if you let it). I felt the passion and strength in this love story that had me breathless as I was devouring this book (when I should have been working )
Ilsa Madden-Mills does not write the kind of books where you can read one and be done. You’re never ready for the book to end and you are always going to be left deeply satisfied. But still so so so hungry for more. I absolutely loved Dear Ava. It’s an amazingly spectacular sports romance packed with deep emotion, lots of angst and such beautifully written characters. Ava inspired me. Tyler was adorable. And Knox… He’s the perfect boyfriend for someone like Ava. I fell deeply in love with him. I would 100% recommend this book to everyone who enjoys the new-adult genre. So well done. I can’t wait for more from this author!
Ava became part of the popular jock-filled Shark crew when she started dating Chance. She attends a kegger in the woods and is sexually assaulted. She left school for 10 months before coming back to face the school that caused her so much pain. She receives a letter from a secret admirer when she returns and she can’t figure out who it is. Ava has so much strength, she’s not been dealt the easiest hand in life but she doesn’t let that bring her down for long.
I love Knox so much. Strong. Broody. Protective. Huge heart and wise beyond his years for being just a kid. He has the public persona and his real self which he lets Ava see. Like Ava, not everything in his life is easy and together there is some pain but they understand each other in ways that not everyone else does.
The ending is one of my favorite endings I’ve ever read. It’s raw real and just ugh so freaking good.
Dear Ava may be described as enemies-to-lovers but I actually found it very sweet and romantic. Compared to other enemies-to-lovers books I have read this one is very mild, I wouldn’t even use that description to describe this book at all. Yes this was a dark story, and at times hard to read, but as far as the romance aspect goes it was an enjoyable, easy read. Now that you are thoroughly confused let me try to explain.
This story wasn’t necessarily a roller coaster ride as we started our journey firmly at the bottom and went straight up from there. The book begins with a sexual assault and a mysterious who-done-it as to the perpetrator. The story then unravels the blossoming relationship between Ava and her secret admirer. While she tries to move on with her life she also seeks a resolution to the horrible events that happened to her. Who can she trust? Is her secret admirer the same person who assaulted her? Everything in this book was uncovered at a delicious slow burn pace.
Madden-Mills does a good job with her trigger warnings at the beginning of this book as well as additional support listed at the end of the book. Triggers are sexual assault/rape. This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It may be dark but it is also one of the most romantic reads I have enjoyed in a while. Also her epilogues are 100% swoon-worthy.
3.5 stars
A sweet story about the healing of two individuals inexplicably drawn to each other.
I enjoyed this one but didn’t find it as emotional or angsty as I expected. It centers around some heavy subject matter (rape) but I felt it glazed over the heroine’s (Ava) trauma. Her need for vengeance is touched on but not a major pRt of the story.
The relationship between Ava and Knox was sweet and featured a little bit of a secret admirer setting. Both characters meshed well but at times their interactions were a bit unbelievable. They had many layers and overall, I enjoyed the journey they took together.
Dear Ava ,
I hope you are fine now . You are STRONG. What you felt and gone through is very tough. I want to tell you that I am there for you , I cried reading your story . It is heart breaking but I am happy that lastly you find your happiness . Knox is really nice guy and I know you both need some time to overcome from your own darkness and guilt and I am happy that you choose a mature way to solve this problem.
I love tyler also . He is a bubbly child and just like you love your brother this much i also love mine . He is everything to me . He is also sweet and very childish . When you are talking about tyler , my brother came in my mind. I hope he would achieve everything in this world . He is really a nice guy.
I know you also felt betrayal from those person whom you thought that they would be there for you in every moment of your life. It’s bitter sweet experience to actually remember and realise that what you thought is just wrong.
You have many admirer ,apart from your secret admirer , I am also one of them .
You taught me to be strong . You taught me to be selfless . You taught me to lobe yourself no matter what . You taught me to believe in yourself even whole world is against you. You taught me to stand up for myself. To strong enough to face criticism .
There are various thing I got to know about this world through you . That you need to be strong for you and your loved ones. No matter what at the end of time it is you who is going to deal with everything .
Love is about believing your partner . Love is about letting it go . It’s about believing in destiny.
Thank you for sharing your story with me and among various other people . I know you encourage others to believe in themselves also.
Love ,
@bookriot_anjedah
Trigger warning – rape ,anxiety ,drugs intake , panic attacks , post trauma , crying.
I really enjoyed reading Dear Ava. I couldn’t stop reading and didn’t want it to end. I loved Ava’s personality, her courage, inner strength and the love she has for her little brother. 100% recommended .
The story begins with Ava attending a high school party with her boyfriend and other popular kids from Camden Prep. Ava wakes up in the woods realising she has been sexually assaulted with very little memory of what happened to her.
10 months later she comes back to finish her last year of school. She encounters animosity and hostility as no one believes her side of the story and her ex thinks she cheated on him.
But on her first day of class she finds a letter in her locker from a secret admirer. He admits that he wants her, that he is a Shark and he’ll never hurt her. Ava finds this hard to believe as The Sharks, the group of popular and rich kids from Camden prep, were at the party the night she was assaulted.
Can she trust a Shark?
I absolutely love Ilsa-Madden Millers books. Because I know that they are going to have all the feels along with humor along the way. Ava story is heartbreaking, but she is a survivor. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Knox, but as the story evolved I liked him. And I loved watching Ava and Knoxs relationship evolve. I finished it in two days, I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what was going to happen and find answers to the past. There could be a trigger warning for some. But this was such a good book. I definitely recommend it!!
I couldn’t put it down and didnt want it to end.
Wow!!!! Just wow!!! There are so many elements of this book that I love. Ava’s journey to self-realization and self-love and seeing value in herself is great to see. It’s not often that I read stories where the heroine makes the choice to pick herself over the love. And to me that makes for an incredibly strong female character. I adore Ava’s courage and strength. And then there’s Knox’s journey of being ok with himself, how he looks, and dealing with his fragile family dynamic. I love that he didn’t give up on his core, his family, to chase after Ava. Which is then what makes their combined love story so amazing— that they had to become two complete, while people before they could truly be together in a lasting way. And the story of the siblings… both Ava & Tyler and Knox & Dane. This story just really had all the elements of a perfect story!! Amazing!!!
“Dear Ava: Enemies-to-Lovers Standalone Romance” by Ilsa Madden-Mills is the first book I have read from Ilsa, but it will not be the last. Warning this story is hard to read due to the rape that takes place. But this is a wow of a story that does not disappoint. Get ready for a roller coaster of emotions, with the perfect romance story. This is an emotional gripping, heart twisting, full of raw emotions. Speechless simply speechless. Dear Ava, should be on the top of your to read pill because once you start reading it you won’t want to put it down.