Only Between Us (Oakwood Bay #2) by Ellie K. Wilde Book Review: A Sizzling Fake Dating Rom-Com That Scores Touchdowns
- Joao Nsita
- Jul 7
- 9 min read
Introduction
What happens when a viral selfie turns a washed-up football star and a fiery small-town girl into the NFL’s hottest fake couple? In Only Between Us, the second book in Ellie K. Wilde’s Oakwood Bay series, sparks fly as a publicity stunt becomes a heart-pounding romance. Former pro footballer Brooks Attwood and fiery Sienna Evans navigate a fake relationship to salvage his career and her reputation, only to find real feelings blurring the lines. Wilde, a Canadian romance sensation, delivers a steamy, whip-smart rom-com that’s as addictive as a game-day touchdown. This must-read will have you cheering for love’s unexpected victories. Discover more romance gems at That Love Podcast.
Book Summary
Only Between Us follows Brooks Attwood, a former NFL star sidelined by a career-threatening injury and a scandalous photo leak that jeopardizes his comeback with the Rebels, his dream team. Desperate to keep a low profile, his plans implode when a selfie with Sienna Evans, the internet-famous ex of another NFL player, goes viral, sparking tabloid rumors of a new “It couple.” They strike a deal: fake date to boost Brooks’ image and protect Sienna’s dreams of opening a bakery. Living together in Oakwood Bay, their banter-filled forced proximity ignites undeniable chemistry. As Brooks trains and Sienna heals from her past, their pretend romance deepens, complicated by her adoption journey and his struggle for belonging. Wilde crafts a standalone sports romance brimming with humor, heart, and heat, set in a charming small-town community.
Author’s Style and Craft
Ellie K. Wilde’s prose is a touchdown of wit and warmth, blending sizzling tension with heartfelt emotion. Her dual POV narration immerses readers in Brooks and Sienna’s minds, capturing their fiery banter and vulnerability. The pacing is brisk, with football training scenes and cozy small-town moments keeping the energy high. Dialogue crackles, as when Brooks quips, “Unlike me, that Brooks didn’t leave that game limp and unconscious on a stretcher,” revealing his layered pain. Character development shines: Brooks evolves from a cocky athlete to a devoted partner, while Sienna’s strength as a survivor anchors the story. Wilde’s vivid Oakwood Bay setting, with its surf spots and local charm, feels alive, enhanced by audiobook narration that amplifies the spice and humor.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
The novel explores redemption, belonging, and the courage to embrace vulnerability. The fake dating trope symbolizes the masks we wear for public approval, with Brooks and Sienna’s journey reflecting the universal quest for authenticity. Brooks’ struggle with his injury and reputation mirrors societal pressures on athletes to perform flawlessly, while Sienna’s adoption story highlights resilience in overcoming past trauma. Their shared home becomes a metaphor for building trust, like a playbook for love drawn from chaos. Wilde tackles issues like public scrutiny and personal worth, offering a heartfelt commentary on finding home in another person, making the story resonate beyond the rom-com genre.
Strengths
Only Between Us scores with its electric chemistry and laugh-out-loud banter. Brooks and Sienna’s meet-cute, sparked by a viral selfie, is hilariously chaotic, setting the tone for their dynamic. The no-sleeping-together pact adds creative spice, with steamy scenes (3.5/5 spice rating) that sizzle without overpowering the plot. Brooks’ devotion, like risking his comeback for Sienna, melts hearts, while Sienna’s sassy resilience makes her a standout heroine. Wilde’s small-town setting, rich with community vibes, grounds the story, as seen in scenes at local bars. The audiobook’s narration enhances the humor, making this a rom-com that delivers both giggles and goosebumps.
Areas for Improvement
While addictive, the novel leans heavily on familiar tropes like fake dating, which may feel repetitive to seasoned romance readers, as noted on Goodreads. The adoption subplot, though poignant, resolves quickly, potentially undercutting its emotional weight. Secondary characters, like Sienna’s friends, could use more depth to enrich the world. The pacing, while brisk, rushes the romantic resolution, leaving some emotional beats underexplored. Adding more unique twists or deeper secondary character arcs could elevate the story, ensuring it stands out in the crowded sports romance genre.
Comparative Analysis
Only Between Us builds on Wilde’s Only in Your Dreams (Amazon Link), sharing its small-town charm but with a spicier, fake-dating twist. It echoes Elle Kennedy’s The Deal (Amazon Link) for its sports romance banter, though Wilde’s focus on emotional depth sets it apart. Compared to Tessa Bailey’s It Happened One Summer (Amazon Link), it’s less coastal but equally heartfelt. Wilde challenges genre norms by avoiding a third-act breakup, offering a fresh take on the fake dating trope with authentic emotional stakes.
Target Audience
This novel is ideal for romance fans aged 18-35 who love steamy, humorous sports rom-coms with fake dating and forced proximity tropes. Readers of Ellie K. Wilde, Elle Kennedy, or Tessa Bailey will adore its wit and heat. It appeals to those who enjoy small-town settings and stories of personal growth, especially women navigating past trauma or career challenges. Content warnings include explicit sexual content (3.5/5 spice), past emotional abuse, and discussions of adoption and injury, suitable for mature readers comfortable with steamy content. Its vibrant characters and fun vibe make it perfect for book clubs and summer reading.
Personal Impact
Only Between Us had me grinning like a sideline cheerleader, its banter and spice igniting pure joy. Sienna’s resilience echoed my own journey through setbacks, while Brooks’ vulnerability stirred hope in love’s quiet strength. Their story lingered like a warm Oakwood Bay sunset, reminding me that real connections bloom amidst pretense. This book is a must-read for anyone craving a romance that’s as funny as it is heartfelt, leaving you swooning and satisfied.
Conclusion
Only Between Us is a rom-com touchdown, blending sizzling chemistry, hilarious banter, and heartfelt growth. Ellie K. Wilde crafts an unputdownable tale of fake dating turned real love, set in the charming Oakwood Bay.
Grab it on Amazon and join Brooks and Sienna’s irresistible journey.
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About the Author
Ellie K. Wilde, a Canadian romance author, crafts steamy, heartfelt stories that make readers laugh, swoon, and reach for a fan. Known for the Oakwood Bay series, including Only in Your Dreams, she specializes in cinnamon roll heroes with big personalities and fierce heroines who discover their strength. When not writing, she’s devouring romance novels, bingeing reality TV, or snuggling her fur babies. Based in Canada, Wilde’s vibrant voice has earned praise from authors like Peyton Corinne. Follow her on Ellie K. Wilde’s Website, Goodreads, BookBub.
FAQ Section
What is Only Between Us about?A steamy sports rom-com about Brooks Attwood and Sienna Evans fake dating after a viral selfie, navigating real feelings in Oakwood Bay.
Is it part of a series?Yes, it’s book two in the Oakwood Bay series but can be read standalone.
Who is the target audience?Romance fans aged 18-35 who love spicy, humorous sports rom-coms with fake dating tropes.
Are there content warnings?Explicit sexual content (3.5/5 spice), past emotional abuse, adoption, and injury discussions.
How does it compare to Only in Your Dreams?It’s spicier with a fake dating focus, but shares the small-town charm and emotional depth.
What themes are explored?Redemption, belonging, vulnerability, and overcoming public scrutiny and personal trauma.
Is it suitable for book clubs?Yes, its banter and themes of trust and growth spark lively discussions.
How spicy is it?Rated 3.5/5 for steamy scenes, perfect for fans of spicy romance.
Where can I buy it?Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and bookstores, releasing July 8, 2025.
Why read this book?A hilarious, heartfelt romance with electric chemistry, ideal for trope lovers and sports romance fans.
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