What happens when a marriage of convenience turns into something real? Ill Will by Elle Rivers takes this classic trope and delivers a touching, character-driven story about love, trust, and self-acceptance. With realistic protagonists and an emotionally satisfying romance, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn love stories with depth.
Blurb
Ever since she stole a house from her brother Calvin, things have been tough for Amy Willard. Her job at her parents’ company barely pays enough to live on, and her chronic condition keeps her buried in medical debt. She’s barely hanging on to her grandmother’s historic house, which she loves dearly.
When Calvin takes over the family company and fires her, Amy is sure he’s finally gotten the revenge he’s always wanted. Desperate to save herself and her home, she begins job hunting.
Her first interview? With Levi Hensen—the one man who hates her brother as much as she does… and the only man who has ever broken her heart. Despite her initial hostility, Levi offers her a job that will solve all her financial problems. The catch? She has to become his wife.
Amy knows the offer is only meant to spite Calvin. What better way to get back at your enemy than to marry his sister? She tells herself she’ll take the security and ignore Levi’s charming smile and quiet kindness. But as lines blur, Levi starts feeling more like a husband and less like a man seeking revenge. Amy begins to wonder: Does he really love her? Or is she just a pawn in his ill will toward her brother?
Favorite Quote
"There is a lot riding on this, so you have to lock it in. No being weird. You need to land this job. This is not the time to talk about dicks, romance books, or anything in between."
This line immediately set the tone for Amy’s character—funny, self-aware, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way.
My Thoughts
This was such a cute and heartfelt story! Ill Will perfectly blends second-chance romance, childhood friendship, and the marriage of convenience trope, all while maintaining a sense of realism that’s often missing in contemporary romance.
The book follows Amy and Levi as their arrangement slowly transforms into something deeper. While we only see Amy’s point of view, Levi’s actions speak louder than words. His steady support and quiet devotion make him an endearing love interest, even without direct access to his inner thoughts. I loved how their relationship was built on communication and mutual understanding rather than unnecessary drama.
Amy, in particular, is a standout character. Too often, contemporary romance heroines are reduced to a single defining trait, but Amy is refreshingly complex. She struggles with financial instability, but it doesn’t consume her personality. She has a chronic illness, but it doesn’t define her. She loves to read, garden, and form meaningful relationships, making her journey feel real and relatable. The contrast between how Amy’s family treats her and how Levi’s family embraces her was one of the most powerful aspects of the book. Watching her learn to accept love and support was incredibly rewarding.
One of the things I appreciated most about this story is that there’s no third-act breakup. When conflict arises, Amy and Levi take time to think, step back, and ultimately communicate in a constructive way that strengthens their relationship. It was so refreshing to see mature conflict resolution instead of the usual misunderstanding-driven drama.
Spice Level & Overall Rating
🔥 Spice Level: 1 chili pepper – The romance is primarily emotional, with some spice, but feelings take center stage.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 – The only thing that would have made this book even better for me was Levi’s POV, but the lack of it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Who Will Love This Book?
✅ Marriage of convenience tropes with real emotional depth
✅ Strong, well-rounded heroines
✅ Slow-burn romance with mature conflict resolution
✅ A hero who shows love through actions rather than words
Ill Will is a beautifully written romance that explores love, resilience, and self-acceptance. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn romances with well-developed characters and meaningful emotional depth.
Have you read Ill Will? What are your favorite second-chance romance books? Let’s chat in the comments!
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