Princess and the Player

Strangers in Love

By: Ilsa Madden-Mills

Narrated by: Lee Samuels, Stella Bloom

A masquerade ball brings together an NFL player and a penniless princess in this smart and sexy romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.

Levelheaded Francesca Lane never thought she’d miss her own wedding. But when her fiancé betrays her, she puts on her wedding dress and ditches the altar for a masquerade ball—at an exclusive lifestyle club.

There, she meets unknown-to-her NFL star Tuck Avery, dressed as a prince and hiding behind a mask—he’s there to celebrate his birthday. For one night, Francesca and Tuck indulge in a wickedly incognito affair. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.

Unfortunately, Francesca realizes quickly that her masked prince is the wealthy jock who lives in the penthouse of her apartment building. His hobbies include parties and supermodels—or so the tabloids say. Getting tangled up with a shallow jerk is the last thing Francesca needs right now, so she vows to keep Tuck from recognizing her (not that she’s his type anyway).

But fate has a teeny-tiny trick up her sleeve…a plus sign on a pregnancy test. Can this tormented prince accept love, or will he push his princess away forever?

©2022 Ilsa Madden-Mills (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The couple has chemistry to spare and Madden-Mills packs in the feels. Returning readers will be pleased.” (Publishers Weekly)

“A steamy romance that will appeal to fans of Karla Sorenson and Kristen Callihan.” (Library Journal)

it was a good story

It was good, but I feel like Francesca forgave Tuck too soon... I understand that he was mad, but he treated her like crap and why would she tell him the secret when he kept saying he didn't want that..

What sorcery is this book?!?!

I have been so in to this book that I couldn't stand being done with it. And yet my brain NEEDED that HEA. My brain was not disappointed. There were so many layers to this story and they were all fun to uncover. Tucker and Francesca were perfect together. My best advice to anyone not sure they want to read or listen to this book is to ignore that voice and get started NOW. You won't be sorry.

Loved it!!!

Great story great narration had me listening from beginning to end and for me that’s a good story.

A great story!

I enjoyed this one! It is my first read by Madden-Mills and I will definitely check out more of their stuff!

Good story.

This story was good, and the narration brings the characters to life. Fate really did want these two together because what started as a one night, no names and became way more. Tuck & Francesca have troubled pasts and a lot to overcome if they want what they share to work. This story offers so much hope from self healing and believing in one’s self (not how others view you). Also, the chosen family can be so much better. 4/story 4.5/performance 4.25/overall.