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 really enjoyed this book. Knox and Ava are meant for each other and Ilsa really wrote the characters well. Truly felt what they were each feeling. I loved the Dirty Dancing (my favorite movie of all time) reference too!!!!
“Come on, little Ava. Come closer to me, fierce girl. One more step. Let me touch you. On the arm. Your hand. Anything. Please.”
I loved this book. I really did. This was my first book from this author and I am so in love with the characters here.
Knox was everything you want in a hero. Everything. His letter to Ava was so sweet, so much yes, that you immediately fall for him. And Ava, poor, sweet, strong, Ava, my heart was broken for her and also so full for her.
The slow burn in this book is something that every slow burn book should have. I don’t know how IMM does it, but the love I have for these characters is going to last a very long time.
I do not take this lightly when Ilsa Madden Mills Dear Ava is my best read EVER It was absolute raw emotion and my heart was broken and pieced back together again. Every single character is complex, each flawed and damaged but together they all come full circle. I cried, laughed and had goosebumps – what a rollercoaster! u2063
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“All I had that was mine—my body—was taken without my consent, by you or one of your precious teammates. There’s nothing else you can do to me, Cold and Evil. Go tell your little brat pack that today. Something’s going to trigger my memory and when it does, I’m going to kill him with my bare hands.” “I’ll kill him with my bare hands.” His eyes flash. My heart drops and I rear back, confusion making me suck in a breath. What?” u2063
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I knew Ava was a Phoenix the moment I read her in #TeamPlayer2. She experienced a traumatic assault that obviously molded her into a kick ass girl, she fights all of these demons by returning to high school and facing The Sharks head on. She is strong, resilient and passionate. u2063
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“I kind of like Cold and Evil. Fits me. Truthfully, I’d prefer Hot as F*, but you do you.”
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Holy goodness how strong and brave is Knox (he’s literally a Fort Knox). He loves Ava and his brother Dane with such a strong intensity. He is damaged and scarred (not just physically) by a past he is trying to heal from. u2063
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I read the last four chapters several times and I just wish I could put into words how much I loved this book. 5/5 and I will recommend to everyone that will listen to me!
Angsty high-school/young love story will love this story, but I actually find it to have more depth and emotion that your standard HS fare- we have an emotional story of redemption and rebirth- a reclaiming of self. And don’t be deceived- we have mature themes, even though our characters are young.
Ilsa always writes such complex heroines- those carrying extreme emotional baggage whether from trauma or from painful pasts- heroines who are strong, yet vulnerable, kind and resilient- who are burdened at a young age by experiences and/or responsibilities they are too young to shoulder. And, Ava is no exception. Her past is painful, she’s recovering from trauma, she’s caring for a sibling, and she’s trying to finish out her senior year in one of the sources of her pain after her life has been derailed. She’s the heroine you want to root for as she scratches her way to reclaim herself.
The standard tropes we see in many HS bully stories are here- we have the relatively unchecked (or unsupervised) rabid mean girls and the vicious “boy squad”- here, the Sharks. Yet, somehow, one of the Sharks becomes Ava’s lifeline, someone she least expects, Knox. He’s your typical football archetype- a player (literally and metaphorically), but I found him to also be protective, loyal, and caring.
Ava and Knox have killer chemistry- a connection physical and spiritual. I wish the letter writing idea was more than just an introduction (the title of the book made me assume this would be a running theme, but instead it is just the catalyst to our story- which is fine, I had just anticipated something else.
This is a stay-up-all-night and read kind of story- yes we have the angst and the delicious romantic tension (and HOT steam), but we also have a revenge story of a phoenix rising from the ashes of her pain and embracing love and connection. There is a depth to this that I appreciated, a character journey that is meaningful, and a love story that is swoon worthy. Love this read.
“Dear Ava” by Ilsa Madden-Mills is definitely on my list of top 5 books that I’ve read this past year. It’s sexy, emotional, and, surprisingly, empowering. For Ava, the struggle is real. Abandoned by her mom and left to take care of a special needs baby brother, she manages to rise above her troubles and gets a scholarship to go to a super preppy school. While there, tragedy strikes and she is sexually assaulted. What’s even worse is that she is branded a pariah, and is mocked and insulted. Nevertheless, wanting a better life for her brother, she persists and returns to school. We learn that Knox, a big hunky football player, has loved her from afar for a long time but was afraid for one reason or another to act on his love. Madden-Mills’ description of their smouldering looks through flashbacks is masterful, successfully building and developing the relationship between Ava and Knox and providing a history for their connection.
Everything I read has a happy ending, so of course these two find their way to each other. However, it’s the path that brings them together that was riveting (and tear inducing). I’m not going to sum it up here because reading it was such a delight (yes, YOU! Go read this book right now!), but suffice to say, Madden-Mills eschews the typical romance novel ending where the story stops abruptly once the hero and heroine have declared their mutual love for one another and all conflicts have been resolved somewhat satisfactorily. Rather, we get more than just that, and the “more” is what makes this story a standout.
Wow this was a rollercoaster of a beautiful story.
“Scars serve as medals of honor, and the strongest hearts have the most.”
YouTube review https://youtu.be/QQKUQXM4y1I
Dear Ava was unexpected for me, I excepted a light hearted or funny read.
Instead It was angsty, filled with determination, mystery, emotion & suspense.
It was also sweet & heartwarming.
A must read for anyone who loves a bit more emotional enemies to lovers romance.
Holy heartbreaking!!! Ilsa this book has wrecked me. My heart literally broke and was shredded to pieces for Ava. What a heroine!!! She is fierce! She is strong! She is courageous!!! Knox is my hero. Totally swoon over this man. Everything he did was what a true hero is made of. His past was not easy and when he reveals the truth about the one detail everyone wants to know your heart just isn’t ready. I could not put this book down!! A definite MUST READ!!!
So this book is much more then just a King Shark and a poor scholarship girl, it shows the sides of these two that most don’t know about. Knox, is the King Shark, he’s popular,star quarterback and rich. I know what you’re thinking, he’s a jerk,right? No not at all. Knox was so much more then his titles. He was a lost boy who had his world rocked and just wanted his dad in his life. He noticed Ava and always kept an eye on her despite her dating his best friend. One night changes everything for everyone.. Ava worlds get rocked and she becomes the outcast for speaking the truth. She’s called names and getting hurt. When Knox steps in to help find the truth for that night, it brings them closer but some of friends don’t like it. There’s so many sweet moments that cover the ugly in this book. My heart went out to both characters cause they deal with alot. One has an absentee mom who left kids with the nuns and comes back for money and the other lost his mom, self conscience about his scar, his absence father and his brother’s mental state. I loved the bond between the characters and their brothers. It was clear they cared and did everything in their to give them a better life. I loved seeing the bad guy get caught and actually served time. I loved how despite tearing the football team down, they still managed to be happy about not winning and how much work Knox and Ava put in to accomplish their dreams. The ending was super sweet to see. I tend to stay away from high school romance books but this called to me and I’m glad I read this. I loved Knox and Ava so much and the way that the author handled the delicate issues was amazing and beautiful!
I absolutely got lost in this book!!!! I will never forget these characters. This book had your attention from the very start! It was amazing!!!!!!
I don’t typically go for high school romances, but Dear Ava is a really well written enemies to lovers new adult story.
Ava is a resilient high school senior. To say her past is troubled would be an understatement. I loved her never-let-them-see you-sweat attitude and her determination to thrive despite her circumstances.
It would be easy to paint Knox as just the bully or the popular jock, but he has so many layers that I enjoyed uncovering. I also liked seeing Ava through his eyes and his fascination for her.
The chemistry between Knox and Ava is electric. Their love story is filled with the perfect balance of angst and passion. This is the first book I’ve read by Ilsa Madden-Mills but I’ll definitely be looking for more of her work.
Ever since quarantine started in my country, I couldn’t focus 100% on a book. Yes, I did read a couple in these last two weeks, but they couldn’t get my mind off the tragedy we are all living in this moment. Until this book. I’ve wanted to read something by Ilsa Madden-Mills for a while, and I even have some of her books on my Kindle. But of course, since I tend to pick a book to read according to what I’m feeling to read in that moment, I usually let a book “call” to me. This book has a great cover and the blurb looked what helps me relax these days. Plus it was on Kindle Unlimited, so… why not?
Best. Decision. Ever.
You know that satisfaction and hearts in your eyes when you finish a book you loved so much? That’s how I’m feeling right now, after finishing Dear Ava. The blurb describes what the story is about, but the book is even better. I love when that happens, when your expectations are even more than met. This means I will probably read another book by this author very soon, if all of her stories are as engaging as this one.
The premise of Dear Ava is similar to many books published lately. That is: the protagonist a girl who is poor, Ava, who gets to go in a prestigious prep school thanks to a scholarship. In Camden, the prep school in this book, there’s an inner circle of people who never lets anybody in, the Sharks, the football players. Ava gets to be in their small group because one of the guys becomes her boyfriend and because she becomes a cheerleader…
But then one night changes everything.
The story opens with Ava’s devastating realization that something happened to her. She wakes up alone in the woods, with bruises and her clothes in disarray. She was raped, but she doesn’t know who did it and how it happened. She doesn’t remember anything.
The recollection of Ava’s confusion after she was assaulted was raw and on point. The author described it pretty well and made it seem real, as if everyone who’d read could feel the same emotions as her.
Ava is a strong character. She is just 18 and she didn’t live an easy life, but she is a good student so she could get into Camden with her grades. After the night of the accident, nobody believes her. Nobody believes her story because she can’t remember much, and because of who she is, she is quickly given names. Ava doesn’t give up, though. Despite everything, she decides to get back to school so she can graduate and move on with her life, and because she wants justice. Since almost all the students who could have done this to her are from the inner circle and they are pretty wealthy and untouchable, it looks hard to achieve, but it doesn’t mean she won’t find out who did this to her. Ava is mature and sarcastic. I liked how she handled a lot of situations and tried to save herself all the time.
Knox is one of the Sharks. He’s a QB and he’s popular at school, not only among guys but also among girls. He is a closed off person who protects the people he loves, and he’s so, so, sweet. When he is described the first time, you think he is the typical a*hole and a bully, but slowly you realize he is not. He comes of as reserved and defensive, but he has a big heart. And he is loyal, which is one of the reasons why he always looks at Ava with longing and then he seems to get cold feet. I loved that he was nothing like the usual characters of these types of romances. If he were real, I probably would have fallen for him as well.
Ava and Knox are from different worlds and one could say that they aren’t fit to be together, especially considering their own problems. They are raw and sincere and I loved the build up of their relationship. I wouldn’t call it a slow burn, but it is a sort of slow burn story, considering they slowly deal with things and they move forward step by step. They made me giddy inside and with hearts in my eyes, really.
Ugh, I really loved this book.
Oh my goodness so many feels in this book, I hate the bullies of this world. The characters are so well written. Loved this book though parts were so hard to read.
My Thoughts:
Dear Ava was a story that ended up being so much more than the premise alluded to. I absolutely loved this story. It was beautiful. The main characters felt so real to me. There were so many layers to who they were, as well as their back stories. Even though this story takes place in high school, it is not a light and fluffy romance. It deals with traumatic and relevant social topics, such as sexual assault, victim shaming, mental health, drugs, and poverty.
At Camden Prep, the wealthiest of the wealthy rule the school, and are untouchable.They are referred to as the Sharks, and they are a tight-knit, elite, fraternity. The Sharks are children of the most high-end attorneys, real estate moguls, government officials, etc., and have all that money, power, and privilege could possibly provide. This makes many of them have a sense of entitlement, and treat anyone with less as if they are not worthy of respect.
Ava is an orphan. She was abandoned along with her half-brother, Tyler, by her drug and alcohol addicted mother. Ava attends Camden Prep on a scholarship, and has dreams of attending college at Vanderbuilt, and becoming a doctor. She works hard at a little greasy spoon diner, and spends every free moment studying or with Tyler.
Last year Ava dated Chance, who was a part of the Sharks, and she thought he loved her. However, he let her down when she needed him the most. She left school, and now she is back with her head held high. She starts receiving anonymous love letters in her locker at school, and wants to know who her secret admirer is.
Chance is apologetic and never stopping loving Ava. Knox and Ava had an undeniable connection last year, and it only continues to grow. Ava hates the Sharks and doesn’t trust them, but could a certain Shark be so much more than he appears…
I don’t want to give spoilers, that could lead to giving away who the secret admirer is. However, once you begin the story, it will be abundantly clear. I loved Ava. Her strength, courage, resilience, and work ethic had me rooting for her. The way she loved her little brother, and took care of him, made my heart feel for her predicament and all that she had been through. I wanted her to heal and get the justice that she deserved. I hated the way her peers treated her, and it made me so angry to see her harassed on a daily basis.
I fell in love with the male lead. He had a traumatic past and my heart broke for everything that he had been through with his family, and was still going through. He was honorable and protective of Ava. He was strong, caring, compassionate, and patient. Unfortunately, his traumatic past had him erecting so many walls, that it was difficult for anyone to get in. However, anyone could see that he only had eyes for Ava, and he loved her. If you enjoy a good slow-burn romance, with enemies, turned friends, turned lovers, you need to read, Dear Ava!
This story made me feel so many emotions. I cried, smiled, and boy did I swoon! Dear Ava had the most beautiful ending, and this is a gorgeous love story that I will never forget!
This book is an emotional roller coaster and incredibly written story that is very sensitive in the way I could feel these characters. I could feel their pain and happy. This is an emotional book yet heartwarming.
I devoured this book. Knox and Ava…WOW!!! I loved every minute of it! If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend!!
Such a good book with all the feels (good emotional depth) plus so much more. Strong Characters, witty banter, believable story. Hands down one of my favorites by this author.
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a very emotional story carrying a powerful message and inspiring to fight for yourself, your beloved ones and getting justice beside your background and influential people standing in your way. It’s a story about pain, road to healing, the importance of family and finding someone to fill your heart with hope, support and unconditional love.
Ava and Knox’s road to happiness was amazing to witness and very heart-warming. It was difficult, hard and demanded sacrifices but in the end very fulfilling.
„Dear Ava, today is the beginning of anything you want.”
The author took a great risk and in a very careful and beautiful way delivered Ava and Knox’s story. It was a well-written, consuming and gripping journey. Ava, besides her traumatic experience, was very strong, brave and determined to get justice and education she has worked very hard for. Knox, behind his mean and gruff shield, was a very thoughtful and sensitive guy, carrying lots of responsibilities on his arms. Despite their different backgrounds, Ava and Knox had a lot of things in common. And when they opened their hearts to each other my own almost burst. The connection, the chemistry, and the tension between them were explosive. I loved and sensitivity and tenderness in their relationship.
Dear Ava is a story you have to read and experience! Definitely a winner for me and I will cherish Ava and Knox’s story forever.
Dear Ava is quite a special new adult romance book that will have you feeling so deeply for characters who have seen and struggled with way more than anyone ever should during their eighteen years of life. Yet despite their struggles, this book highlights two very strong people whose bravery and character and fortitude rival that of many adults.
I’ll admit that I was very hesitant to read Dear Ava because I typically do not read books that deal with any type of sexual assault or abuse (that’s not a spoiler as you learn this in the very first chapter). But I honestly was sucked in by the book blurb and knew that Madden-Mills can write one heck of a book, so I went for it and am so glad that I did.
Yes, this book highlights some very serious tragedies that affect many of the characters, but Madden-Mills wrote two amazing characters who not only rise from their adversity but ultimately thrive together because of it.
What I Loved
The best romance books are those whose characters really captivate. They have amazing depth to them that has you hooked to learn even more. What makes this person tick? Would I behave the same in their shoes? Do I have the bravery and courage that they seem to showcase on a daily basis in this story?
Ava and Knox, on paper, are complete opposites.
She’s an orphan, on scholarship and working to support herself. She’s alone.
Knox is captain of the football team, has a group of popular friends, is tight with his twin brother and has more money than he could possibly need.
But really, these two are so much alike:
– They are fighters
– They are so strong
– They have seen and lived through more than anyone should by age 18
– They love fiercely and will do anything for those they love
Although this story took place when they were seniors in high school, this didn’t seem like an average young adult/new adult romance book. I’m normally not drawn to high school romance as I’m so past that age but these two were so mature and the story really reflected that.
I will say that I expected a bit more note sharing or secret texting given the book blurb. I loved the honesty, vulnerability and love for Ava that was shared in these tidbits but those that were included in the book were enough.
Madden-Mills deserves so much praise for the feelings and angst she portrayed in this story. I don’t enjoy heavy topics with my romance (such as rape or suicide) but when the story is so well written and the themes so thoughtfully explored, I want to thank the author wholeheartedly.
I really don’t want to go more into the plot as I don’t want to spoil anything. Just trust me in saying that this was such a well-written, moving book that you will feel so grateful after that you read it.
Check out this review and all my romance book reviews and romance book lists on my book blog, She Reads Romance Books: http://www.shereadsromancebooks.com
What a fantastic story! This is for sure going to be one that I always remember! I honestly feel this is probably Ilsa’s best book to date! So good
*Angsty
*Tragic event
*heroine receives love poems/letters
*Twin romance
*Scarred, broken popular Hero
*Broken heroine who comes from a poor/foster care background refuses to back down
*heroine is like a mother to her little brother who has (FAS)
*heroine is a waitress at a diner
*High school setting
*Hero is her ex-boyfriends best friend/enemy/love interest
*Football team “Sharks” consists of many popular, rich jocks who have dad’s who own/heavily influence the town & its interests
*Secrets/Memory loss/a bit of mystery
*Hero and heroine share a film class together & must work together on a project
*HEA