Off Limits

by Regina Brownell

Is all that stuff in romance novels real? Two longtime friends are about to find out, in this spicy new novel by the author of The Two-Week Promise . . .

Tabatha, a romance writer, is back on Long Island and back together with her longtime best friend, Levi, a bookstore manager. His sister is getting married, giving the pair a chance to hang out in person after years of messages and video chats.

In discussing Tabatha’s literary career, Levi expresses skepticism about the tropes she and her fellow novelists employ.

It all seems silly to him—until they try settling the argument by experimenting with some of those fictional scenarios in real life. And the classic romance trope of “friends-to-lovers” is soon put to the test . . .

Genres: Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2023

About the author

Regina Brownell resides on Long Island, New York, between the city lights of Manhattan, and the beautiful beaches of the Hampton’s. When her oldest child was born, she became a stay-at-home mom. With the support of her husband, three children, and three fur-babies, Regina spends her time balancing mom-life with her love for writing.

Her published works include: The Two Week Promise, One Lucky Christmas and Capturing His Heart.

Reviews

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story and I enjoyed reading it. The bookish connection, the journey, and the growth of the characters did not disappoint. It is a sweet, part funny but also steamy story that kept my attention.

[Kathleen Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading review

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
📚Long Island
👩‍❤️‍👨Close proximity
📚Mental Health
👩‍❤️‍👨Fake dating
📚Friends to lovers
👩‍❤️‍👨 One Bed

Levi and Tabby. Tension. Tension. Tension. Tabby is an author who moved away due to family issues and Levi stayed on Long Island and manages a book store. Tabby comes back to Long Island to write her next novel and attend Levi’s sisters wedding. I absolutely adored the way Levi loved Tabby. GOLDEN RETRIEVER. The perfect and respectful man. Tabby is a bit insecure and doesn’t fully believe in herself.

Regina is a local author which is awesome! I found her by working with her cousin and I really enjoyed her depute novel The Two Week Promise.

The pop culture references in this book 😍😍😍😍😍😍

There were so many different parts to this book that made it amazing as a Long Island girl that grew up where the book took place.

Scene that lives rent free: shower scene and tropical breeze,

Favorite quote : “who says anything about pretending?”

[Tara Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this book before publication and once again, the author delivers. I’m a sucker for any romance novel that features a writer, so of course, I was hooked. I love the idea of a romance writer testing out tropes with someone they secretly love. My favorite thing about this author is that she writes from the heart, and her characters are realistic.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this author! I have read her previous books and this is hands down one of my favorites. It takes me back to my high school days with the tv shows and band references. This book pulls you in because you get invested in wanting to know what happens next. I can’t wait to see what else this author brings us!! :)

[♡Anieta♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Read 📖

My Rating 4/5⭐️

I enjoyed this book very much , I laughed and cried while reading... I liked the characters and their back story's..What i disliked a bit is the way how Tabby is a bit much with the whole abandonment Issues, but overall I do understand why she has this feelings, one can only imagine to be in such circumstances... This was a hilarious and spicy ride through the "friends-to-lovers" trope. Regina Brownell served up a fun mix of fiction-meets-reality in this sizzling novel.

Tropes:

■ Romance writer and Bookshop Manager
■ Friends to Lover's
■ Only One Bed
■ Steamy Romance
■ Fake Dating



Thank you so much Regina for the amazing Opertunity to read this novel 🤍

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There has never been anyone who compares. She’s not only my best friend, but she’s also my everything. She has to know that.”

Off Limits by Regina Brownell is a charming best friends to lovers, one-bed, found family romance. Think if Harry and Sally had met in elementary school. I thoroughly enjoyed this love story between the romance writer and the book seller. Childhood friends Tabatha and Levi have supported each other through thick and thin. Tabby’s tumultuous childhood left scars on her heart and deep-seeded abandonment issues. Despite spending a decade apart, the two fell back into their easy friendship when Tabby returned to Long Island for the summer. Emotional walls and a relentless ex-girlfriend created roadblocks in this sweet & steamy love story. Tabby was a delightful, witty romance author hoping to spice up her writing by gaining hands-on experience…for research. Who better to fill the role of tutor in the bedroom than her biggest fan and best friend, Levi? Their love for one another was rooted in friendship and evolved into a forever kind of adoration. I loved their quippy back and forth, the way Levi’s family absorbed her into their own, and the blossoming relationship between Tabby and Elena. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, fake dating romcoms, you’ll love Off Limits!

3.5/5⭐️ Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

[Jenny / Wondrous Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Off Limits, but it didn’t grab my attention quite like I thought it would. While I enjoyed the friends to lovers story and the bookish work background (Levi is a bookshop manager and Tabatha is a romance author), I did have a few issues with the characters, and I think the book could have been edited more.

Tabatha and Levi haven’t seen each other in person for ten years, and I feel like they went from friends to more a bit too quickly. I think a few flashbacks could have helped explain existing feelings, and would have made their romantic relationship seem like a more natural progression. I did really like their dynamic, though, especially their unwavering friendship and support of each other.

Personally I found Tabatha and her issues a bit repetitive; it’s mentioned a lot, and it did somewhat lessen my liking of her. Saying that, it is great to see this book written as a dual POV, shared equally between both characters, and I’m always a big fan of this writing style. I love being able to find out what the male character is thinking and what his motivations are, and Levi is certainly a welcome open book.

Off Limits is definitely worth a read for romance fans, particularly those who like the friends to lovers, fake dating, and forced proximity tropes. There’s a lot to like here, and I’m interested in reading more from Regina Brownell and Bloodhound Books!

[Kat_h_Readsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you bloodhound books for this ARC.

Regina delivers another heart warming book, that makes my old cold heart beat a mile a minute.

As with all her books Regina has the great ability to write characters that you just want to be friends with. The intricate details make them leap off the page.

This friends to lovers book, watches child hood best friends grow into more. She's an author and he's a bookstore manager... A match made in a bookstore shaped heaven.

Watching Tabathas character grown is amazing, though admittedly I will say I yelled at her a few times. And Levi, well what can I say, he's a sweet cinnamon roll.

Tabatha returns to her home town after 10 years. For 10 years her and Levi had maintained their relationship virtually through the phone. Now, she returns as a published author writing a book, where better to find inspiration than the man standing in front of her.

Follow them through their journey and watch them grow. Fall in love with them, become friends with them.

If you're looking for a sweet, funny and steamy read. This book will not disappoint.

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I was able to read this before it’s release date. Thank you so much for trusting me with this!

Second, it’s a good friends to lover book.
Frankly, I loved it maybe I’m biased as I’m married to my best friend I met when I was 12…. But it’s so relatable!

Levi is a book store manager

Tabby is an author

Of course they are besties from age 5 and they are doing “research” for her next book. However, the research they are doing Tabby has not been very experienced and/or not experienced at all. Which makes them very vulnerable together!

This has a disappointing twist towards the end but it does regain itself!

As I was reading I knew 1 of 2 things were going to happen and I’m so glad what I hoped happen did.

Oh…there’s SPICE!!!

This is a 2024 TBR if you can’t fit it in before the EOY. You won’t regret it!!!

I would had finished this in 1 sitting easily but sadly I have (sigh) responsibilities (lol)!


Enjoy!!!!!

[NeverBlandBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

When romance writer Tabatha gets an idea to test tropes with her best friend Levi, what could possibly go wrong?

This was a (mostly) fun friends-to-lovers read by the always lovely Regina Brownell. I say mostly because, though there is the fun banter of lifelong friends, there is also awkwardness, confusion, anxiety, and the emotional turmoil that comes with navigating taking that relationship to the next level. Which is what makes the story good. Tabby and Levi's friendship has seen some rocky roads in the past, but they've made it back together to celebrate his sister's wedding. And though they both agreed to see this experiment to the end in their heads, their hearts might be struggling a bit. Is this real? Is it fake? What’s happening here? If you want a heartfelt read that tests the One Bed and Fake Dating Tropes while also being a One Bed, Fake Dating, Friends-to-Lovers romance then this book is for you!

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when you find an author and you absolutely love their style of writing, and also their books. That's what I feel about this Authors books - I have read all but one, and they have all been very easy 5 star reads from me.
This book was very easy to get into write from the first few pages. It's one of those books with a really easy storyline that doesn't really take any concentration or thinking, which means you are completely free to just get stuck in and enjoy.
Yes it was pretty predictable, but that's how these books tend to be but I definitely don't find that a negative, as I loved finding out where their journey ended up.
This was a little bit steamier than I remember the other authors novels to be, but that actually improved the book for me as who doesn't love a bit of spice sometimes? 🤣
Great read - would highly recommend.

[Esther Bultitude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Levi hasn’t seen his best friend Tabby for 10 years, so when she arrives to be his plus one at his sister’s wedding, could they become more?

Tabby is a romance novelist and wants to try out some of the tropes in her new novel - friends to lovers, the one bed scenario and fake dating - but are these all a bit too close to the truth?

This was a really fun book with a little bit of spice included along the way.

You could see that Levi and Tabby were mad for each other - they just had to figure it out for themselves.

Levi’s sister was a great addition and Elena gave Tabby someone to confide it and someone who tells it like it is which she needed to hear.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy her writing style as well as her characters. This is a well written story where the characters bring the story to life. It is a friends to lovers story and one you don't want to miss. I enjoyed how I was pulled into the story from the start. It is an engaging, hard to put down story that is easy to read. I enjoyed the chemistry as well as the growth of the characters. They add so much to the entertainment value. If there was any two people who will put the friends to lovers theory to the test it is these characters. This is a great romance story. I highly recommend this book.

[Kailxyy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 ⭐️ This book pissed me off, made me laugh and cry at the same time. I enjoyed the friends to lovers aspect however I wish Tabatha would have figured her feelings out with Levi or would have communicated how she was feeling, it would have saved a lot of heart break. It also stressed me out that they didn’t reunite until the last chapter, I would have liked to see a little more of them together before the epilogue.

I also loved that Tabatha was a spicy romance author and all of the bookish content we got.

I wish we could get a story or even novella on Elena and Devin and their life after she switched her career.

[Jen Starkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

Another incredible story written by the amazing author Regina Brownell! These stories always feel so real which makes the emotional scenes that much more meaningful and enjoyable. Tabby and Levi's story does the Friends to Lovers trope unlike any other I've read, there was never any kind of awkwardness, just pure love for each other. I loved seeing the male pov for the first time as it made the story feel whole. I hope we get to see more of these characters (and that Chance will get his chance at love too 😅)

[Claire Blanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I frigging loved this book. A bit of friends to lovers go a long way in my life, and this didn't disappoint.

I love reading Regina's work as it is so fun and light and gives me all the warm, fuzzy feels.

Tabatha and Levi s love story was beautiful. there was an overwhelming need to knock some sense into these two, and Tabathas trauma really gave me all the feels. I may have had a few tears as this really hit me hard.

but in spectacular form, Regina makes it all better.
I adored this story so much

[Melody Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Levi and Tabatha from the very beginning! Friends to lovers is my FAVORITE romance trope, and it was made more fun by the fact that she was a romance writer needing help with her novel. And who more perfect to help her come up with inspiration than her best guy friend, who runs a bookstore!

You’ll be rooting for these two to get together, because of course, everyone can see they’re perfect for each other. I absolutely loved it!

You don’t want to miss this 5 star book from Regina Brownell!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Tabatha returns to her home town for the wedding of her best friend’s sister she doesn’t expect her emotions to react in quite the way they do. She stays with her best friend Levi during the trip home and through their shared interest, she a writer and he a bookshop manager, they get into some deep discussions but things don’t go quite the way she expects. A lovely novel with some great characters and plot lines.

[Jane Welchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. I have read several of this author’s books and loved them, so was amazed and excited to read this one so soon after her previous release. It did not disappoint. In fact I could say she has excelled herself yet again and this maybe my new favourite read from her.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Lyndsay’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been so long since I’ve truly enjoyed a friends-to-lovers, cutesy, hometown romance. When I say Tabatha swept me up, uhh I just wanted to be her friend. Levi, took me some time to like him. He’s a dreamy, sweet, book loving nerd with a hot/spicy side… but man oh man did he have me teetering the edge a few times.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While I think some moments could’ve had more detail, or the time-lapses could’ve included in the book, this hometown love story is one of the best I’ve read. Not overly cheesy or corny, you can really connect to the characters and understand the way they think. I look forward to reading many more by Regina.

[Brandy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:5
Spice: 2chili peppers
Tropes:
Long Island
Close proximity
Mental Health
Fake dating
Friends to lovers
One Bed
This book was such a refreshing book after all the dark romance ive read lately Regina Brownell is a new author for me and this being my read by her it didn’t disappoint. I loved the love story between the MMC and FMC. Definitely going to read more by this author

[Clair's Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5/5
📍 🇺🇸
📖 Old best friends, Levi and Tabatha, are in the same zip code just for the summer. But when book plots need to be tested, can they become real?
🌶️ Spice
❤️ Bookstore/author setting/plot
✅ Dual POV
✅ Read over 2 days
💬 “Who says anything about pretending?”
💬 “Do I look like I can dry myself in a hand towel?”
📆 23rd November 2023

[Sheron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off limits A brand new steamy Friends to lovers romance

I enjoyed the storyline however it was a bit of a slow burner and took a while to get going. I liked that it revolved around the two main characters and their lives and friendship whilst growing up. First book of Regina I have read. I will definitely read more

[Mironica Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so witty with all the book references and it was nerdy and fun. Them living out the tropes together was so cute but my favorite was the end when he said "psssh epilogue... We have series potential". I just melted 🫠

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

Cute, but lacking a lot of commas. Luckily, it was mostly still easy to read, but the lack of commas was really annoying. I liked how the story progressed, it didn't feel too rushed so that was good.

[TISH VP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great one!

I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry! I love how the characters are so real, and you can feel their emotions.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the friendship between these two, and the way their relationship developed. They were cute together.

We have an author and a bookstore manager, who were best friends, and who act out tropes from the book she's trying to write. Of course they'll fall in love!

This was a super easy book to get into, and was enjoyable to read. The banter was fun, the secondary characters were great, too.

[Keira · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Regina’s work, I was excited to read this. I have never loved two main characters so much.
I smiled from start to finish! The story line kept me turning the page and I devoured this quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual pov and I literally swooned from the first page to the last. Excellent read.

[Gemma Aston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a highly enjoyable friends to lovers story. I loved the unusual and entertaining way in which the author included so many of the romance tropes and that the two main characters were so into their books. Levi’s character was adorable, so loving and supportive! However Tabitha did become a little frustrating after a while, I understood the idea that she needed to work on herself first but I did want to give her a good shake occasionally.
This is the first book I have read by this author but based on this one I would definitely seek out her other titles as I would like to read more.
*I was given an ARC of this book for review*

[Amanda Giles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, friends to lovers story. As a writer I love a main character who's a writer, so double the enjoyment for me. And, wow, there's a lot of shared enjoyment between Tabitha and Levi as they explore the tropes of romance books! Great level of steamy spice for my entertainment. A perfect and original romance to curl up with on a lazy afternoon.