No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel Book Review

The book where a second chance at love feels grown, grounded, and glorious.

In her highly anticipated sophomore novel, No Ordinary Love, Myah Ariel returns with a sweeping, emotionally charged romance that explores what it means to rebuild and rediscover love after heartbreak.

The story follows Ella Simone, an R&B-pop princess in the middle of a messy and very public divorce from her music producer husband of eight years. With her career hanging in the balance and the press ready to devour her every misstep, Ella is determined to follow The Plan: keep a low profile, avoid scandal, and protect her brand. But when a fashion mishap and a chance rescue by MLB heartthrob Miles Westbrook throws her into the tabloids, a PR-friendly romance just might be the perfect cover… until it becomes something much more.

Unlike When I Think of You (Myah Ariel’s previous novel), which was a second-chance romance, No Ordinary Love reads like a second chance at romance itself—something equally compelling, but built on the idea of rebuilding from within. I’ll do my best to avoid spoilers, so bear with me as I dance around the details, but just know: this book had me hooked from the start.

One of the things I love most about Myah Ariel’s writing is how familiar the settings feel to me. Much like her debut, this book is steeped in the soul of Los Angeles, and her clear love of music, R&B, and Black culture shines in every chapter. I’ve always said that music feels like a love language to me, and that’s exactly how it’s used here—expressive, intimate, and powerful. I will say, at times, the number of music references bordered on a bit much, but if you know the songs, the lyrics often act as emotional subtext. And honestly? I didn’t mind—especially with a good playlist running in the background.

Something I’ve noticed in myself when it comes to reading romance is that I really prefer when the two leads get a lot of page time together. When characters are physically separated for long stretches, it can be harder for me to buy into the romance, and I did feel a little bit of that here. Ella and Miles have such electric chemistry when they’re together, and while their voice note exchanges were clever and charming, I found myself wanting just a bit more real-time connection in the second half. Still, the story never lost me.

In fact, their physical distance made their emotional intimacy even more profound at times. The way they navigated trust, vulnerability, and the unique perspective of both being divorced gave this book a refreshing, grown-up quality. This is a love story between two adults who have lived, lost, and still have so much to give. I especially appreciated the mutual respect they had for each other’s journeys—there was no forced drama, no unnecessary games. Just two people doing their best to find joy again.

I also loved Ella’s glam squad/besties. Her friend group added warmth, laughter, and some much-needed levity to the story. I wouldn’t have minded one fewer friend just to give the others more breathing room, but their presence made the story feel lived-in and real.

Much like in When I Think of You, Myah Ariel’s writing made me feel all the things. I didn’t cry quite as much this time around, but I definitely got choked up.

Her vivid storytelling pulls you in, and her characters stay with you. I read this book in just a couple of sittings, and I was rooting for Ella and Miles from beginning to end—not just as a couple, but as individuals.

One quote in particular really stayed with me, and I think it perfectly encapsulates the heart of this story:

“Maybe this is what happens to a heart after it breaks—with time and healing, it becomes reinforced along the cracks. And when it’s right to love again, that heart’s a stronger muscle for having learned what it should take. What it can give.”

If that doesn’t make you want to curl up with this book and a good playlist, I don’t know what will.

After flying through the pages with a smile, a sigh, and a little soft spot in my heart for these characters, I’m giving No Ordinary Love a very well-earned 9/10. This was one of my most anticipated books of 2025, and I’m so happy to say it lived up to the hype.

No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel is now available at your favorite bookstores and online platforms. Get out there and support your Black women authors & local bookstores!

And don’t forget to connect with me on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram @borderlinemillennials to share your thoughts or hear more about my favorite bookish finds. A big thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me an early copy to review.

Thinking of reading this with your book club? Click here for No Ordinary Love Discussion Questions.