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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What do you do when one of your favorite authors releases a new book? You clear your entire schedule because you know she is going to rivet you right from the beginning and you will not be able to function in the outside world until you’ve devoured every last word.
Without giving anything away, I will say that the character development this is novel is phenomenal. Ava is a strong, hardcore heroine who has endured so much. As the author painstakingly weaves together her past and present, I admired her strength and resilience. As for her love interest, their verbal sparring had me laughing and it was impossible to not feel their intense connection.
Several of the characters are complex and they each play an integral role in the plot line. There is an underlying mystery thread throughout the book and you will definitely want to have some tissues ready as you embark on Ava’s journey. Brilliantly written, Dear Ava is an emotionally charged, enemies-to-lovers high school romance that is sure to capture your heart. You will find yourself crying and laughing, heartbroken and swooning, but most of all you will be left with perfect ending.
Having read this as a novella had me anxious to see how Ilsa Madden Mills would expand on the story and let’s just say I was not disappointed. This book deals with very emotional subject matter that could be a trigger for some but I believe was delivered in a very good fashion.
Ava has reinvented herself and after being away returns to school to navigate another school year. Surrounded by suspicion and non believers she must decide who to trust and works to determine who her secret admirer is.
I loved Knox even more this time around. He too had his own issues to deal with but the intricate layers in this book slowly peeled back reveal his true self.
Again this is an emotional read but there is happiness to be found. Go grab your copy of Dear Ava {have you seen that cover?} and meet Ava, Chase, Knox and Dane but be prepared for a book hangover.
Ava’s back at the school where everyone hates her. She is mostly able to shrug off the constant whispers about her. The tension she can feel emanating from all her fellow students who hate her for having the nerve to report what happened to her. And then she gets an anonymous letter (the secret admirer kind) from one of the Sharks. The Sharks who rule the school and who are just some of the many who hate her. Who is her secret admirer? She’s not really there to find out, though, because she has more important things to deal with. Like securing her and her brother’s future. Like finding out who abused her. And she’s strong enough and kickass enough to do these things all on her own.
But Knox happens. Knox with the scar and the same lonely heart Ava has. Perhaps they can help each other. Perhaps they can be each other’s.
Damn…every time I think I’m done with Young Adult, I get sucked back in, usually by Ilsa because her writing is always so good. Here it’s even better than good, it’s superb. Knox and Ava are such an intense couple both with heartbreaking backstories. It makes perfect sense that they’re it for each other. I thought I loved Ilsa’s writing before, but Ava and Knox are her best yet!
OMG!! This book! I just don’t even know where to start. It was amazing! I want more of the Camden prep stories! The way this book twisted and turned had me on the edge of my seat! Loved it!!!
I originally read Dear Ava as part of Team Player 2. I was so ecstatic to find out that Isla was extending Dear Ava into a full length novel.
I adored Ava. It’s so refreshing to see a strong lead female that doesn’t rely on a man to get her through. Ava was everything I love about strong women. She endured the most awful violation, but still held strong and stood on her own.
I really enjoyed Knox too. He was a strong male, without being too much of a jerk, but he also showed quite a vulnerable side of himself quite often.
Knox and Ava are an amazing couple and Dear Ava is an amazing book. Ava’s relationship with her brother was so special too. I recommend this book to everyone, as it was simply amazing and really well done with sensitive subject matter.
Dear Ava—I seriously love you! This book opens with suspense in spades. It also has a mystery which keeps the reader rapidly turning the pages! Knox is at first look the king of the Sharks. Ava is the threat to Camden Prep. She has come back to make them pay! Can these two find a way to surmount the obstacles that stand in their way? I really loved this book! A must read! 5 stars
Oh My God!! What an awesome book. Definitely will have you at the edge of your seat. The twists and turn will have you feeling as if you were on a rollercoaster. But one you don’t want to get off of. Ava and Knox are such complex characters. Seeing the pull and push from them will give such whiplash but in the best way. Definitely a 5 star read!
I loved Ava’s character, she is strong and fierce! She decides to go back to Camden knowing the insults and treatment she will be in for because she’s a fighter.
Knox is a “shark” but he’s the good kind. He’s been secretly having thoughts about Ava and even more so after she was attacked at a party
Then the letters started showing up…
Emotional, page turner,definitely a 5 star read!
A beautiful tale on the strength Ava takes on as she conquers every single day. She would not let anyone stand in the way of achieving her dreams. Even though she didn’t belong she was the one who stood out and he was absolutely helpless around her.
OMG where to begin with this review…… I absolutely loved this story! Right from page one till the end I could not put this book down. I love how this story fell into place.
Ava is a strong girl and when something happens to her she is determined to find out what it was and who did it to her. But see she is going up against the richest kids in school and she will have to fight hard to find out what happened. Then she gets a letter and she is dying to find out who wrote it and why and even if it is true what the person is saying.
Then when she finds out who it is she is shocked. She can’t believe who it is and she is not sure if it is real or a prank but when she finds out it is real she will go on a roller coaster of a ride with him. I could go on and on but this is a must read book for all romance lovers!
All the stars in the world for this story. I think this one has jumped into my top spot from Ilsa. A big claim because she’s one of my unicorn authors, but this story, well it’s kind of special.
I adored these characters. Absolutely adored them. I laughed, I cried, I felt my heart break. This story touches on very real subject matter. It’s not a breezy read but that’s why I loved it. As a sexual assault survivor this one hit very close to home for me but the subject is handled respectfully and the story felt very genuine. These kind of stories need to be told.
I loved how Ava was portrayed as a warrior, not a victim. And Knox is just EVERYTHING a Book Boyfriend should be. Happiest of sighs from this reader. This is the kind of book I know I will read again and again. Onto my Forever Favourites Shelf. Definitely recommend.
I couldn’t put this book down! Read it start to finish in one setting. So good!
Let’s just say that when it ended, in the anthology I was gutted, I wanted more !
And I’m pleased to say we totally got it ! Gah I love this story, I love these characters, well most of them
Ava from the outset is strong willed and determined ! and Knox is full of calm and mystery ! I’m not telling you too much you need to go in blind and read this story of love, whilst dealing with a lot of adversity, it’s emotional. The subject matter that rolls throughout this book is difficult, but it’s not swept under the carpet, it’s dealt with as it should be, and makes this book all the more emotionally charged
I’m hoping now we get the story of other characters from within this world x
5 Stars
Diz
I always know that when I enter a world that Ilsa Madden-Mills writes I’m going to be swept up and this was no different. Right from the first page, it punches you in the feels. This book is angsty, sweet, and absolutely amazing. I loved even the tough moments.
Knox and Ava make you root for them. I love Ava because she’s strong, smart, determined and she’s not willing to take anything from anyone. And for as hard of an exterior as Knox seems to have its just walls and on the inside is a true hero. Every time Knox is on the page I found myself craving more of him. He’s colored with so many shades and there’s so much depth there. Their love story may not be easy, but it is so wonderful and in the end it gives you that happy feeling that makes you go back and read that one last scene a half dozen times because it’s pure magic and you love it.
Release Date: February 3 2020
Spoken In: Dual Perspectives – Ava/Knox
Rating: 5 + Stars
Dear Ava is a new FULL standalone novel written by Isla Madden-Mills. After reading the novella of these two from the Team Player 2 Anthology I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their full story.
Trigger Warning – Although this book doesn’t go into graphic detail there is a lot of talk about sexual assault from the past.
There are honestly no words for how much I loved Ava and Knox. They have both dealt with so much in their past and the strength and determination in both especially Ava was so incredible to read. Their relationship was beautiful and took time to overcome past emotions its obviously not all easy and I wanted to cry for both of them.
I had so many emotions while reading this but it was so beautifully written I couldn’t stop once I started. It was heartbreaking, full of drama and angst but it also had some really sweet moments and the banter between these two made me smile.
You definitely need to get on reading this book. I loved it!
ARC kindly provided for an honest review.
Wow! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars because it deserves it! Dear Ava was an awesome & emotional read with an edge to it that had me hanging on to the edge of my seat. I devoured it in one day! I couldn’t get enough of Knox and Ava! It is a standalone with a HEA.
They come from opposite sides of the track. They have nothing in common except they go to the same prestigious school. Knox is a star quarterback born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Ava is a scholarship kid who has had a rough upbringing and has had to fight and scrape for everything she has (which isn’t much). While Knox is one of the most popular guys in school, Ava has very few people she can call friends (two to be exact). At one time, Ava was a part of the popular group when she became a cheerleader. Then a traumatic event occurs and she is exiled from the popular group and hated by almost everyone in the school. The last person she expects to be in her corner is Knox. Unbeknownst to Ava, they have more in common than they think. They’ve both experienced great pain, loss, and traumatic events that have shaped and changed their lives. I loved that Knox was more than meets the eye. He is caring, loving, fiercely protective, funny, and hella hot! Ava is beautiful, smart, sassy, and one of the strongest characters I have read. Their back and forth banter was hilarious! They are an unlikely pair but I was rooting for them 100%! They are one of my all-time favorite couples ever!
This book was everything and then some! I could not put it down! The plot was so well-written. It starts out with a heart-pounding traumatic event. There are triggers and difficult subject matters that will break your heart but it is wonderfully and tastefully written. I loved every single part of it, even the difficult parts. It was heartbreaking, emotional, tragic, suspenseful, steamy, and beautiful. This is a must-read! I am only sad that it came to an end.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
All my previous favorite Ilsa Madden-Mills reads have been knocked down a notch by her latest standalone release, Dear Ava. This book? It. Was. Everything. At its most basic, this is a mature young adult (M-YA) bully romance, but it’s also so much more than “just” that. From beginning till the end, there’s this thrum that varies in terms of intensity depending on what’s happening on the page, but it’s there throughout. There was nothing that could have distracted me from this book once the character of Ava was introduced in the prologue. A couple of pages in, and I was already so damn invested in her story, and once her “Secret Admirer” enters the picture as well as three of the Sharks, well, slap me with the “shark bait” label because that was me with this book–hook, line, and sinker.
Ah, this book. I wish had adequate words to explain why this novel is as awe-inspiring as it is and why I’m as moved and impressed by it as I am. Ava truly is the soul of this book. After everything she went through, what came out of it was this young woman who was courageous and driven yet remained sensitive and forgiving to those who deserved it when all was said and done. Her “Secret Admirer”, on the other hand, was the heart of this story. I’ve debated on whether I should mention his name or not, but since it wasn’t mentioned in the blurb, I’m going to hold off. Suffice it to say that if Ava is the “inspiring”, then SA is the “awe” in the “awe-inspiring” tag I gave this book. Ilsa Madden-Mills didn’t take the easy route telling their story, but it’s the hard-fought-for happy endings that are the most memorable, and theirs certainly was that. I cannot recommend Dear Ava enough. Five-plus stars.
I absolutely loved everything about this book from the cover to the words written on the page. Ilsa Madden-Mills is one of my go to authors and never disappoints. Dear Ava had my heart breaking at times. This was a well written story about a hard topic.
Ava is not like all the kids she goes to school with, unlike them she is homeless and poor. She is doing her best to fit in and just get done with school and have a better life for her and her brother. The kids at her school are awful to her and after something awful happens to Ava everyone, she thought was her friend has shown their true colors.
Knox is the quarterback every girl in school wants, he doesn’t do relationships. For some reason he is drawn to Ava. He knows he should stay away but that’s easier said than done.
This book is a must read and I highly recommend it!
I have been waiting for this book since I read the novella of it back in September in the Team Player Anthology. All I can say is wow! I said it when I read the novella, and now that I’ve read the finished novel, I will say it again. Ilsa has truly outdone herself with this one!
I absolutely fell in love with Ava and Knox’s story. Ava is one of those characters who you just connect with from the start. You can’t help but fall in love with her character. As for Knox, oh my goodness, who doesn’t love the quiet brooding type. This story is truly a heartbreaking one that will have your emotions all over the place. I know I felt like my heart was put through the ringer. But this story also shows you that no matter what a person goes through, love truly can conquer it all when it’s with the right person.
5 stars
““No matter the road you take, it doesn’t matter if it’s beautiful or ugly, hard or smooth, paved or pitted with ruts—it’s your road to take. What matters is how it ends.”
When Ilsa Madden-Mills drops a book, I know I’m in for the long haul. Her writing is deep and flawless. You can FEEL the emotions of the characters as their story is told. I was completely engrossed with Knox and Ava and their story. Dear Ava broke my heart and slowly put it back together. It is a story of love and loss, heartbreak, tragedy, the meaning of family, strength, and over all: healing.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is Ava’s portrayal…not as a victim but as a warrior. A survivor. Ava is the epitome of a strong and resilient heroine. She doesn’t let her traumatic past get in the way of achieving her goals. She holds her high as she walks through the doors of Camden Prep. She doesn’t let the bullies see her as weak. If ever there was a heroine to be admired, it’s Ava. The way she cared for her brother. The way she was still able to open her heart and trust again after her assault. Every aspect of her character is empowering.
Then there was Knox. Everything you could want in a hero and then some. He was the star quarter back. Envied by the guys and wanted by the girls. He gave off this cold and mysterious vibe and didn’t let many people in. He was broken inside and has lived through some traumatic experiences, but you’d never know that by the mask he wore. My heart broke for him as he internally battled himself with what he wanted versus what he felt was the right thing to do. Once his walls came down, you couldn’t help but fall more. The way he was so gentle, thoughtful, and patient with Ava and never pushed for more than she was willing to give was heartwarming.
Dear Ava is a high school romance with all the feels. It was raw and consuming. I was enchanted with the slow burn romance and intrigued with the gut wrenching plot. Ilsa brought her A game with Dear Ava and shows us all how love can heal even the deepest wounds. 5 Truth or Dare Stars
Amazon: https://amzn.to/37ZDS0n
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