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Forbidden Goals #6
Off the Rim
Their families hate each other. They're supposed to hate each other. On the court, their animosity and competitive natures take over. Off the court, though...
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
340 people are currently reading
1949 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Rathe
27 books1,109 followersDeliciously dirty, delightfully neurotic, ratchet mess of a daydreamer.
See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
July 6, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
This is exactly why I don’t trust Joy.I always got betrayed. 🤡🙂🙂🙂🙂
This book gave me so much. It made me feel all kinds of emotions, from giddy joy to deep heartbreak. I genuinely had a great time reading it. It was fun, painful, soft, messy… and I loved them. Their story meant a lot to me, and I was fully invested. I enjoyed this story.
But then came the “I love you” scene—the moment I’d been ACHING FOR, the one that was supposed to knock the wind out of me. And what did he fucking do? He went and presented it to his asshole father like it was part of a PowerPoint presentation.
“Slide one: My deepest emotional breakthrough.” NO YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME??????? 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
I didn’t need his dad’s cold little reaction. I wanted to feel that moment with Ash and Marcus. I wanted to be in it. SO.BAD.
And don’t even get me started on the endless sports commentary. I didn’t care then, I don’t care now, and it felt like I was being forced to sit through a game I never bought tickets for. It just killed the vibe every time.
So no, I’m not giving it 5 stars. Because those things hurt me and annoyed the crap out me. BUT everything else? It was genuinely so good. I still love the book. I still love them. Just… yeah. I needed a VERY different version of that moment
This is exactly why I don’t trust Joy.I always got betrayed. 🤡🙂🙂🙂🙂
This book gave me so much. It made me feel all kinds of emotions, from giddy joy to deep heartbreak. I genuinely had a great time reading it. It was fun, painful, soft, messy… and I loved them. Their story meant a lot to me, and I was fully invested. I enjoyed this story.
But then came the “I love you” scene—the moment I’d been ACHING FOR, the one that was supposed to knock the wind out of me. And what did he fucking do? He went and presented it to his asshole father like it was part of a PowerPoint presentation.
“Slide one: My deepest emotional breakthrough.” NO YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME??????? 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
I didn’t need his dad’s cold little reaction. I wanted to feel that moment with Ash and Marcus. I wanted to be in it. SO.BAD.
And don’t even get me started on the endless sports commentary. I didn’t care then, I don’t care now, and it felt like I was being forced to sit through a game I never bought tickets for. It just killed the vibe every time.
So no, I’m not giving it 5 stars. Because those things hurt me and annoyed the crap out me. BUT everything else? It was genuinely so good. I still love the book. I still love them. Just… yeah. I needed a VERY different version of that moment
March 7, 2025
4.25**** stars
God, I love how freaking hot these books are. This author knows how to write the smut.
Another great and addictive addition to the Forbidden Goals series and man I’m so happy this series got extended for another three books to come. I can’t get enough of them.
****************
Forbidden Goals Series
Book 1 - Head in the Game - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 2 - Man On - no rating
Book 3 - Choke Up - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - The Try Line - skipped
Book 5 - Off Balance - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - Off The Rim - 4.25 stars
Book 7 - Wrap Around - release 07/25
Book 8 - Full Split - release 09/25
Book 9 - Pinned Down - release 12/25
God, I love how freaking hot these books are. This author knows how to write the smut.
Another great and addictive addition to the Forbidden Goals series and man I’m so happy this series got extended for another three books to come. I can’t get enough of them.
****************
Forbidden Goals Series
Book 1 - Head in the Game - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 2 - Man On - no rating
Book 3 - Choke Up - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - The Try Line - skipped
Book 5 - Off Balance - 4.25 stars
Book 6 - Off The Rim - 4.25 stars
Book 7 - Wrap Around - release 07/25
Book 8 - Full Split - release 09/25
Book 9 - Pinned Down - release 12/25
March 5, 2025
I loved Off the Rim so much. It includes all the elements of a fantastic forbidden romance, featuring two warring families and an unrelenting attraction that spans over a decade. Marcus and Ashton have an incredible story filled with surprises, betrayals, and secrets that make for a gripping tale I couldn’t put down.
I loved receiving the in-depth backstory for Ashton and Marcus. It helps to understand the turmoil and trauma these characters have experienced over the past decade, making their reunion all the more emotional, bittersweet, and hopeful as they navigate their current predicament while trying to process their underlying complicated feelings for each other.
One of the main consistent aspects of Marcus and Ashton's dynamic is their unwavering care for each other. Even when they shouldn’t, they cannot help but be drawn to one another, as they share the same passion, which quickly develops into something more.
Overall I loved this story from start to finish. It has many strong emotional moments that are pivotal for these characters, while giving them a second chance and hope for their future. I could not get enough of Marcus and Ashton and love how hard-won their HEA is.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.**
I loved receiving the in-depth backstory for Ashton and Marcus. It helps to understand the turmoil and trauma these characters have experienced over the past decade, making their reunion all the more emotional, bittersweet, and hopeful as they navigate their current predicament while trying to process their underlying complicated feelings for each other.
One of the main consistent aspects of Marcus and Ashton's dynamic is their unwavering care for each other. Even when they shouldn’t, they cannot help but be drawn to one another, as they share the same passion, which quickly develops into something more.
Overall I loved this story from start to finish. It has many strong emotional moments that are pivotal for these characters, while giving them a second chance and hope for their future. I could not get enough of Marcus and Ashton and love how hard-won their HEA is.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.**
March 16, 2025
my mouth went from a smile to a yawn real quick but i genuinely did like the beginning. the tension and mountain of hidden old feelings 🤌
March 11, 2025
⭐️
4.5 stars rounded up
⭐️
Another great installment in this series.
This was such a great idea for a series, taking every possible scenario for a forbidden relationship and giving them all to us. I'm so happy this series will have more books to come. I mean, as long as you can think up a forbidden relationship, this series could keep going.
In this one, we focus on Ashton and Marcus, in an almost Romeo & Juliet situation. Without the dying at the end. But it kind took the R&J outline and applied it here.
Although in this we get to understand why two families are enemies.
Ashton is part of a very rich family. The third of his name. Growing up in privilege. Marcus has grown up fairly poor, with his parents having to do all they could to make ends meet.
When they're five, they play at the park for a day and strike up a friendship, before that's put to a stop immediately when Ashton's father finds out who Ashton was playing with.
Over the years as they grow older, they know there's something going on between the families that makes them hate each other, but they don't know why, exactly. Something to do with their fathers, though.
But as Ashton's father buys out Marcus' father's business to put out small business for chain stores, things get really personal between the two.
And when, years later when they're 17, a kiss between the two boys goes bad, bad blood is really there between the two. Or more like Marcus rightfully dislikes Ashton for what happens and Ashton feels immense guilt for it but still never ended up doing anything to make it better.
Until their senior year of college, when they end up at the same university, playing for the same college basketball team.
Ashton wants to make it better, he wants to be better than he has been and how his family is.
As he and Marcus get to know each other more, being around each other all the time now, they start to fall for each other, of course.
Ashton has always kind of had a thing for Marcus, and this just makes that deeper. Marcus has been up and down with his feelings for Ashton. But because of what his family and what happened when they were 17, it's a bit more complicated for Marcus.
This is less enemies to lovers in that they hated each other - although Marcus did for a while in a one-sided way - but more that since their families were enemies, they were enemies. Or were supposed to be.
But these two break the cycle. Not that Marcus' parents didn't have good reason, they absolutely did. But the drama and enemy lines and such, and the shitty actions by Ashton's family etc, they stopped with them.
I really liked these two together, I loved their chemistry. This story also really showed the journey they went on through their life, as they went from 'enemies' to lovers. As they fell in love.
The sex was very good too, very hot and passionate.
My only reason for .5 stars off was maybe in the end there wasn't a whole lot of hiding or much of a forbidden feeling after long. Because these two choose to say 'fuck it' and fuck what anyone else thinks. Which is all well and good, but it just made the forbidden aspect, eventually, feel a bit...underutilized.
Like eventually they were even like 'fuck it' to Ashton's asshole father and didn't much care when he found out, and the father didn't end up doing anything to stop them being together in the end anyway. It was all very easy, I'd say. Like with a forbidden relationship I like to feel like it's a HUGE deal they're together and people would freak out if they found out they were together, and that wasn't too present here.
These two didn't feel the need to hide for that long either so I didn't get that sense from them.
If I didn't love the majority of the story and these two so much, I would have taken more off for this aspect. Like, you advertise a forbidden relationship, I expect a forbidden relationship, with how people react to it and all...
That wasn't too present here.
So yeah, .5 stars off for that.
Otherwise, this was perfect. I definitely can't wait for next in the series, this is just a great series overall and continues to impress.
Onto the next!😘
My Ratings for the Forbidden Goals Series:
🔆 Head in the Game: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Man On 3.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Choke Up: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Try Line: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Off Balance: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Off The Rim: 4.5 stars
Another great installment in this series.
This was such a great idea for a series, taking every possible scenario for a forbidden relationship and giving them all to us. I'm so happy this series will have more books to come. I mean, as long as you can think up a forbidden relationship, this series could keep going.
In this one, we focus on Ashton and Marcus, in an almost Romeo & Juliet situation. Without the dying at the end. But it kind took the R&J outline and applied it here.
Although in this we get to understand why two families are enemies.
Ashton is part of a very rich family. The third of his name. Growing up in privilege. Marcus has grown up fairly poor, with his parents having to do all they could to make ends meet.
When they're five, they play at the park for a day and strike up a friendship, before that's put to a stop immediately when Ashton's father finds out who Ashton was playing with.
Over the years as they grow older, they know there's something going on between the families that makes them hate each other, but they don't know why, exactly. Something to do with their fathers, though.
But as Ashton's father buys out Marcus' father's business to put out small business for chain stores, things get really personal between the two.
And when, years later when they're 17, a kiss between the two boys goes bad, bad blood is really there between the two. Or more like Marcus rightfully dislikes Ashton for what happens and Ashton feels immense guilt for it but still never ended up doing anything to make it better.
Until their senior year of college, when they end up at the same university, playing for the same college basketball team.
Ashton wants to make it better, he wants to be better than he has been and how his family is.
As he and Marcus get to know each other more, being around each other all the time now, they start to fall for each other, of course.
Ashton has always kind of had a thing for Marcus, and this just makes that deeper. Marcus has been up and down with his feelings for Ashton. But because of what his family and what happened when they were 17, it's a bit more complicated for Marcus.
This is less enemies to lovers in that they hated each other - although Marcus did for a while in a one-sided way - but more that since their families were enemies, they were enemies. Or were supposed to be.
But these two break the cycle. Not that Marcus' parents didn't have good reason, they absolutely did. But the drama and enemy lines and such, and the shitty actions by Ashton's family etc, they stopped with them.
I really liked these two together, I loved their chemistry. This story also really showed the journey they went on through their life, as they went from 'enemies' to lovers. As they fell in love.
The sex was very good too, very hot and passionate.
My only reason for .5 stars off was maybe in the end there wasn't a whole lot of hiding or much of a forbidden feeling after long. Because these two choose to say 'fuck it' and fuck what anyone else thinks. Which is all well and good, but it just made the forbidden aspect, eventually, feel a bit...underutilized.
Like eventually they were even like 'fuck it' to Ashton's asshole father and didn't much care when he found out, and the father didn't end up doing anything to stop them being together in the end anyway. It was all very easy, I'd say. Like with a forbidden relationship I like to feel like it's a HUGE deal they're together and people would freak out if they found out they were together, and that wasn't too present here.
These two didn't feel the need to hide for that long either so I didn't get that sense from them.
If I didn't love the majority of the story and these two so much, I would have taken more off for this aspect. Like, you advertise a forbidden relationship, I expect a forbidden relationship, with how people react to it and all...
That wasn't too present here.
So yeah, .5 stars off for that.
Otherwise, this was perfect. I definitely can't wait for next in the series, this is just a great series overall and continues to impress.
Onto the next!😘
My Ratings for the Forbidden Goals Series:
🔆 Head in the Game: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Man On 3.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Choke Up: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Try Line: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Off Balance: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Off The Rim: 4.5 stars
May 29, 2025
"Marcus, I don't think you appreciate how obsessed I am with you. Like full on, weirdo creeper obsessed. If you don't let me put my tongue in your ass right now, I'll annoy you until you let me do it."
This is true (the obsession) but I'm not sure I understand why. Ashton's been obsessed with Marcus since they were 5 but there's no reason why. He just met this other boy and over the years stayed obsessed with him.
Not enough to be a decent human being the few times it mattered when they were kids and teens, mind.
Obsessed, but only when it was convenient for him.
Until much later, when suddenly he's ready to fight anyone and everyone that tries to come between him and Marcus. Which....what the hell, sure.
What I DON'T get is why Marcus was so forgiving. He has valid reasons to hate this rich kid but his hate is mostly performative and easily overcome by horn.
It's not just that Ashton's father fucked up Marcus' father's life. That, I could understand him moving past. End of the day, people are not their parents, especially if they've gone out of their way to prove that.
But that's just it, though.
By this point, Ashton was just like his daddy, as far as Marcus is concerned. What Ashton's friends did(and Ashton allowed to happen, mostly, then later kept quiet about while Marcus' life fell apart around him) wasn't a small thing. Literal life changing things. Changed the trajectory of his life, his education, his basketball career.
It's not the kind of thing you get past because a rich kid got on his knees for you. At least, I thought it wasn't.
Your daddy died, Marcus. Something nefarious happened with your grandparents, Ashton himself watched you get beaten up by his friends.
But he's forgiven because he mouths at your crotch and kicks at the diquid that comes out?
It didn't help that Ashton kept saying things like 'We were just kids, why can't you get over it?'
No way. And Marcus just ✨GOT OVER IT✨
So. In summary. I wasn't buying it.
Another thing I wasn't buying? The narrator's attempts at a southern accent. It was so inconsistent that it kept pulling me out of the book.
Why did I finish this then? The subplot.
Imagine. IMAGINE!
I just had to know why their fathers hated each other.
Was it worth it? No. Not really. 11 hours of my life, gone.
This is true (the obsession) but I'm not sure I understand why. Ashton's been obsessed with Marcus since they were 5 but there's no reason why. He just met this other boy and over the years stayed obsessed with him.
Not enough to be a decent human being the few times it mattered when they were kids and teens, mind.
Obsessed, but only when it was convenient for him.
Until much later, when suddenly he's ready to fight anyone and everyone that tries to come between him and Marcus. Which....what the hell, sure.
What I DON'T get is why Marcus was so forgiving. He has valid reasons to hate this rich kid but his hate is mostly performative and easily overcome by horn.
It's not just that Ashton's father fucked up Marcus' father's life. That, I could understand him moving past. End of the day, people are not their parents, especially if they've gone out of their way to prove that.
But that's just it, though.
By this point, Ashton was just like his daddy, as far as Marcus is concerned. What Ashton's friends did(and Ashton allowed to happen, mostly, then later kept quiet about while Marcus' life fell apart around him) wasn't a small thing. Literal life changing things. Changed the trajectory of his life, his education, his basketball career.
It's not the kind of thing you get past because a rich kid got on his knees for you. At least, I thought it wasn't.
Your daddy died, Marcus. Something nefarious happened with your grandparents, Ashton himself watched you get beaten up by his friends.
But he's forgiven because he mouths at your crotch and kicks at the diquid that comes out?
It didn't help that Ashton kept saying things like 'We were just kids, why can't you get over it?'
No way. And Marcus just ✨GOT OVER IT✨
So. In summary. I wasn't buying it.
Another thing I wasn't buying? The narrator's attempts at a southern accent. It was so inconsistent that it kept pulling me out of the book.
Why did I finish this then? The subplot.
Imagine. IMAGINE!
I just had to know why their fathers hated each other.
Was it worth it? No. Not really. 11 hours of my life, gone.
Want to read
July 1, 2024Their families hate each other ? Like Romeo&Juliet ? I'M SAT.
December 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 rounded up to 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
RTC!
Tropes:
MM
Basketball players
Enemies to lovers
Mysteries and betrayals
Their family hate each other
Rich boy x Poor boy
He calls him Princess
Misunderstandings
Virgin MMC
REAL PINNING
🔞
Blowjobs and deep throating
Rimming
Cum filled kisses
Flechling
Public and risky sex
All his first times with him
Playing with toys in public
Shower and Bathtub sex
Flip fucking
Cum play
🌶️🌶️🌶️
RTC!
Tropes:
MM
Basketball players
Enemies to lovers
Mysteries and betrayals
Their family hate each other
Rich boy x Poor boy
He calls him Princess
Misunderstandings
Virgin MMC
REAL PINNING
🔞
Blowjobs and deep throating
Rimming
Cum filled kisses
Flechling
Public and risky sex
All his first times with him
Playing with toys in public
Shower and Bathtub sex
Flip fucking
Cum play
March 15, 2025
I actually loved that the drama between Ashton's family and Marcus's family was something pretty substantial because it made the rivalry and sabotage of Marcus's future feel like it happened for an actual reason?
I really liked Marcus and how he worked so hard for everything. Ashton was a total spoiled brat a lot of the time, but I really liked how he wanted to be a better person and that Marcus inspired him so much and taught him a lot of life skills.
I would have liked to have seen a little more of the aftermath of finding out the true reasoning for why the families hate each other, and I kind of would have liked to see Marcus and his mum getting what they always should have had!
I did like the twist with the ending though and the way Marcus and Ashton basically swapped ambitions!
Really enjoying these books and the drama in them!
I really liked Marcus and how he worked so hard for everything. Ashton was a total spoiled brat a lot of the time, but I really liked how he wanted to be a better person and that Marcus inspired him so much and taught him a lot of life skills.
I would have liked to have seen a little more of the aftermath of finding out the true reasoning for why the families hate each other, and I kind of would have liked to see Marcus and his mum getting what they always should have had!
I did like the twist with the ending though and the way Marcus and Ashton basically swapped ambitions!
Really enjoying these books and the drama in them!
March 5, 2025
So freaking good!!! This series seriously just keeps getting better and better. I couldn’t put this one down, the feuding families, the tension, the spice, I’m here for all of it! I absolutely fell in love with these two, Ashton and Marcus’s chemistry was crazy hot. I definitely recommend this one!
January 27, 2026
Another good book in this series! I have loved each one I’ve read so far!!
I really loved all the flash back chapters and it was fun to read about basketball, I haven’t read many basketball books. Loved Ashton & Marcus & their hea.
I do wish more shit would have happened to Ashton’s dad I wanted to see him suffer 😂😂
I also don’t think a top ten ncaa basketball team would throw a game by refusing to pass to their best player because they don’t like him because he is poor lol. I think they’d do anything to win, then hate him off the court.
Still liked it, still looking forward to more from this author!
I really loved all the flash back chapters and it was fun to read about basketball, I haven’t read many basketball books. Loved Ashton & Marcus & their hea.
I do wish more shit would have happened to Ashton’s dad I wanted to see him suffer 😂😂
I also don’t think a top ten ncaa basketball team would throw a game by refusing to pass to their best player because they don’t like him because he is poor lol. I think they’d do anything to win, then hate him off the court.
Still liked it, still looking forward to more from this author!
March 14, 2025
5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶🌶🌶/5
Format: ebook
another fabulous installment of this amazing series from rebecca.
this book follows ashton and marcus, who come from sort of feuding families, giving their mutual pining some forbidden aspects.
the structure of the story is sort of coming of age, because we follow the boys through several stages of their lives and the way they keep running into each other, until we get to the present and find them on the outs again.
i really loved and rooted for both characters. ashton was born and raised with a gold spoon, and really the only thing in life he’d ever been denied was marcus. marcus was raised in a working-class family that was filled with a lot of love. their pull to one another never really makes sense to anyone else, but they can only fight it for so long.
i really loved the background plot of this book, and how ash and marcus worked together to piece the small bits they each got from their families to figure out where the bad blood came from. it gave fun mystery/crime vibes that i really enjoyed. the spice, as usual, was super hot.
this was medium-angst with lots of pining and groveling and obsession. i devoured this in a day and could’ve easily read a dozen more chapters of them. i think they’ve stolen second place after my babies noah and lane, who remain my number ones.
REMEMBER: 100% of all rebecca’s preorders this year are going to organizations that support and defend human rights in the US!
*i received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
bookstagram | booktok
Spice: 🌶️🌶🌶🌶/5
Format: ebook
another fabulous installment of this amazing series from rebecca.
this book follows ashton and marcus, who come from sort of feuding families, giving their mutual pining some forbidden aspects.
the structure of the story is sort of coming of age, because we follow the boys through several stages of their lives and the way they keep running into each other, until we get to the present and find them on the outs again.
i really loved and rooted for both characters. ashton was born and raised with a gold spoon, and really the only thing in life he’d ever been denied was marcus. marcus was raised in a working-class family that was filled with a lot of love. their pull to one another never really makes sense to anyone else, but they can only fight it for so long.
i really loved the background plot of this book, and how ash and marcus worked together to piece the small bits they each got from their families to figure out where the bad blood came from. it gave fun mystery/crime vibes that i really enjoyed. the spice, as usual, was super hot.
this was medium-angst with lots of pining and groveling and obsession. i devoured this in a day and could’ve easily read a dozen more chapters of them. i think they’ve stolen second place after my babies noah and lane, who remain my number ones.
REMEMBER: 100% of all rebecca’s preorders this year are going to organizations that support and defend human rights in the US!
*i received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
bookstagram | booktok
March 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stunning. Delicious. So hot. So EMOTIONAL! I love these two.
These two have absolutely GAGGED right now. I don’t even know why I’m writing this review because that ending has me swooning and heart-eyeing so damn hard.. I feel like I’ve got nothing to really say other than I LOVED THEM.
Ashton is a spoiled, rich, privileged boy who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s made some not so great decisions in his past, but one thing he’s known for sure for most of his life? He’s in love with Marcus, the one boy he’s not allowed to have.
Marcus comes from nothing. A loving family, a promising basketball talent, but “the wrong side of the tracks” kinda kid. He’s been dealt an absolute garbage hand in life. And it just keeps getting worse when his rival and enemy, Ashton joins his college basketball team.
These two have a twisted past. One filled with hurt, secrets, and betrayal. They’re both hurting, but for some reason they can’t seem to stay away from one another.
These two were so much fun to read. They were up and down, left and right, so wrong for one another, but meshed so perfectly. They really WORKED hard to make things right, and like I said.. the ending? Perfection. Their HEA? I ADORED.
The spice was of course, perfect. Rebecca never fails to deliver on the hot as heck, yummy, memorable spice. And of course if you know me.. you know I love a jock strap 😉 gotta have it. So that was a nice surprise.. just saying.
I swear, Rebecca just gets better and better with this series and each one is better than the last. This might be the best basketball romance I’ve ever read. Hands down. I’m GOBSMACKED by how much I loved their story. The growth these two characters experienced, beautiful to read. Just pick it up. You know you want too. And listen to Bow Wows “Basket-BALLLLLL” while you do.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stunning. Delicious. So hot. So EMOTIONAL! I love these two.
These two have absolutely GAGGED right now. I don’t even know why I’m writing this review because that ending has me swooning and heart-eyeing so damn hard.. I feel like I’ve got nothing to really say other than I LOVED THEM.
Ashton is a spoiled, rich, privileged boy who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s made some not so great decisions in his past, but one thing he’s known for sure for most of his life? He’s in love with Marcus, the one boy he’s not allowed to have.
Marcus comes from nothing. A loving family, a promising basketball talent, but “the wrong side of the tracks” kinda kid. He’s been dealt an absolute garbage hand in life. And it just keeps getting worse when his rival and enemy, Ashton joins his college basketball team.
These two have a twisted past. One filled with hurt, secrets, and betrayal. They’re both hurting, but for some reason they can’t seem to stay away from one another.
These two were so much fun to read. They were up and down, left and right, so wrong for one another, but meshed so perfectly. They really WORKED hard to make things right, and like I said.. the ending? Perfection. Their HEA? I ADORED.
The spice was of course, perfect. Rebecca never fails to deliver on the hot as heck, yummy, memorable spice. And of course if you know me.. you know I love a jock strap 😉 gotta have it. So that was a nice surprise.. just saying.
I swear, Rebecca just gets better and better with this series and each one is better than the last. This might be the best basketball romance I’ve ever read. Hands down. I’m GOBSMACKED by how much I loved their story. The growth these two characters experienced, beautiful to read. Just pick it up. You know you want too. And listen to Bow Wows “Basket-BALLLLLL” while you do.
March 9, 2025
This book was so good! I loved Marcus and Ashton and their chemistry was explosive. With the odds against them from the beginning they persevered. I definitely recommend!
May 19, 2025
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Heroes: Ashton and Marcus
I loved this so much! I adored both Ashton and Marcus.
I really enjoyed getting to see the small snippets of them interacting as they grew up and then the big thing that sort of tore them apart. I'm especially glad that we got it in a small section at the start of the book rather than flashbacks. I'm not the biggest fan of flashbacks and prefer to follow the timeline as they do. I wanted Marcus to have the world, and my entire heart belonged to Ashton. He was just the sweetest princess that never had the right love, attention, or tools to cope and understand until he was older. His mistakes were easily understood given the way he grew up and the role model he had.
The family drama made me angry, as it was intended; and I felt satisfied with the conclusion that wrapped that up.
These two boys just honestly had me hooked from the first page.
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Heroes: Ashton and Marcus
I loved this so much! I adored both Ashton and Marcus.
I really enjoyed getting to see the small snippets of them interacting as they grew up and then the big thing that sort of tore them apart. I'm especially glad that we got it in a small section at the start of the book rather than flashbacks. I'm not the biggest fan of flashbacks and prefer to follow the timeline as they do. I wanted Marcus to have the world, and my entire heart belonged to Ashton. He was just the sweetest princess that never had the right love, attention, or tools to cope and understand until he was older. His mistakes were easily understood given the way he grew up and the role model he had.
The family drama made me angry, as it was intended; and I felt satisfied with the conclusion that wrapped that up.
These two boys just honestly had me hooked from the first page.
May 2, 2025
Amazing as usual Rebecca! there was a solid couple of hours where I was so pissed at Ash for being such a coward, I did not know how you were gonna turn that around and make me like him, but you did! You really did!
Full five stars, possibly my favorite in the series after the first book. Jake Bordeaux did another amazing audiobook as well!
Full five stars, possibly my favorite in the series after the first book. Jake Bordeaux did another amazing audiobook as well!
May 1, 2025
Another slam dunk (sorry, couldn’t help it) for Rebecca Rathe and her fantastic MM sports series. I’ve loved each and everyone. I love how they have a theme to make sense as a series, but completely different stories so each stands out on its own. I really liked these two a lot. There were so many layers to the characters, especially Ashton. The groveling is to notch and geez the locker room/shower scenes with these two were unbelievably hot. Their journey to love was just as good as the spice. I also really liked the other plot line as well. The epilogue was beautiful and it just left me happy and fulfilled. If you like MM stories, especially ones involving athletes, I definitely recommend this book. I was fortunate enough to receive this book as an arc. This review is my own personal, unbiased opinion.
April 8, 2025
This Book Gave Me the Feels
Dee’s Grade: A+
Ash and Marcus make me swoony. They are so real as a couple and they manage to keep that banter and push and pull whether they are in love or in hate with each other.
Off the Rim is at least tied with Man On for my fave of the series. This one isn’t as heavy as that book. The topics this book deals with are important while keeping the book lowish angst unlike Man On which is high angst. The story in Off the Rim and characters are equally compelling to me though.
Dee’s Grade: A+
Ash and Marcus make me swoony. They are so real as a couple and they manage to keep that banter and push and pull whether they are in love or in hate with each other.
Off the Rim is at least tied with Man On for my fave of the series. This one isn’t as heavy as that book. The topics this book deals with are important while keeping the book lowish angst unlike Man On which is high angst. The story in Off the Rim and characters are equally compelling to me though.
March 14, 2025
I always know Rebecca won’t disappoint me with her well balanced mix of strong character development and delicious spice. I so enjoyed reading how Ashton was able to step away from how he was raised and stand as his own person. Seeing his reflection in Marcus’ eyes made him work to be someone they could both be proud of. What a lovely story!
January 29, 2026
4/5 ⭐️ 4/5 🌶️
- Virgin MMC
- Rich x poor
- Family rivalry
- Basketball players
- Size difference
- Family secrets
- Virgin MMC
- Rich x poor
- Family rivalry
- Basketball players
- Size difference
- Family secrets
March 18, 2025
DNF at 80% but, actually kinda by 40%. I’ve been skimming this for ages, I can’t do this anymore.
The writing is so juvenile, the tension non existent. Plot? Where? I couldn’t care less about AJ enterprise or whatever the rich dad’s business is. I just don’t care.
The writing is so juvenile, the tension non existent. Plot? Where? I couldn’t care less about AJ enterprise or whatever the rich dad’s business is. I just don’t care.
March 7, 2025
Ash (Ashton James) • Marcus
….
“Your son makes me brave…”
….
What are the ingredients for this book?
A few major pinches of betrayal
1oz of a life changing kiss
A million grams of growth
The biggest cup of care
A big spoonful of forgiveness
A thousand liters of finding your purpose
And the loudest volume finding the people to do just that with.
I adore the feeling when an author makes their characters equally loving people, that you don’t root for one but root for them together. This book had a bit of mystery and two man that don’t hold back. When the feelings started, let’s just say we got two goners.
Ps. Rebecca, I am still trying to process the 6’10. Legs in the air. I mean a+ for the visual. I’m going to leave you all with that.
….
Taylor Swift - invisible string
….
“I feel a piece of me slide into place, and I know there's no coming back. This is the moment everything changes.” // “Because my future starts now.” // "But I'm trying to be better. You make me want to be better." // “…and raises up on his toes to press a kiss to my cheek.” // “His husky whisper is almost inaudible. "Beautiful.”” // "There's more where that came from.” // "Can I just be Ash to you?" // “As I follow his instruction, I realize just how exposed I am. I'm wearing nothing but my bow tie, the too-tight jock, and black dress socks.” // "No one else gets to have you ever again." // "I care about you this much." // “I'll never get over the fact that he's mine.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
….
“Your son makes me brave…”
….
What are the ingredients for this book?
A few major pinches of betrayal
1oz of a life changing kiss
A million grams of growth
The biggest cup of care
A big spoonful of forgiveness
A thousand liters of finding your purpose
And the loudest volume finding the people to do just that with.
I adore the feeling when an author makes their characters equally loving people, that you don’t root for one but root for them together. This book had a bit of mystery and two man that don’t hold back. When the feelings started, let’s just say we got two goners.
Ps. Rebecca, I am still trying to process the 6’10. Legs in the air. I mean a+ for the visual. I’m going to leave you all with that.
….
Taylor Swift - invisible string
….
“I feel a piece of me slide into place, and I know there's no coming back. This is the moment everything changes.” // “Because my future starts now.” // "But I'm trying to be better. You make me want to be better." // “…and raises up on his toes to press a kiss to my cheek.” // “His husky whisper is almost inaudible. "Beautiful.”” // "There's more where that came from.” // "Can I just be Ash to you?" // “As I follow his instruction, I realize just how exposed I am. I'm wearing nothing but my bow tie, the too-tight jock, and black dress socks.” // "No one else gets to have you ever again." // "I care about you this much." // “I'll never get over the fact that he's mine.” …
….
*I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
….
December 22, 2025
4.5 stars of deliciousness
If all slow burn books were like this, then I would eat them up!! This book had me blushing and rather flustered.
Rebecca delivers another delicious, forbidden love story. Ash and Marcus are almost star-crossed lovers forbidden by parents to even associate with each other. This pressure is definitely more one-sided from Ash's elitist d-bag of a father.
But is Marcus being from the other side of town really the only reason, or are there more things at play? You'll have to read to find out.
If all slow burn books were like this, then I would eat them up!! This book had me blushing and rather flustered.
Rebecca delivers another delicious, forbidden love story. Ash and Marcus are almost star-crossed lovers forbidden by parents to even associate with each other. This pressure is definitely more one-sided from Ash's elitist d-bag of a father.
But is Marcus being from the other side of town really the only reason, or are there more things at play? You'll have to read to find out.
December 15, 2025
3.5 stars
This had me sat in the beginning, I was intrigued by the mystery of the dads and the history of it all. I loved Marcus and Ashton's story and journey to each other. The family component was interesting and added a layer of drama that I enjoyed. I also loved the chemistry between these two. The tension and mountain of hidden old feelings was amazing. I will say I felt the pacing was a little off with the story and it dragged a bit in the last quarter of the of the book but still had a fun time reading this one!
This had me sat in the beginning, I was intrigued by the mystery of the dads and the history of it all. I loved Marcus and Ashton's story and journey to each other. The family component was interesting and added a layer of drama that I enjoyed. I also loved the chemistry between these two. The tension and mountain of hidden old feelings was amazing. I will say I felt the pacing was a little off with the story and it dragged a bit in the last quarter of the of the book but still had a fun time reading this one!
March 8, 2025
Off the Rim is part of the Forbidden Goals series
This is your vibe if you like
Sports romance - basketball
Hate to love vibes
Second Chance
Opposites attract
I love a good hate to love vibes and this book delivered! If you’ve read any books from this series you know that they can be read in any order and like the others I’ve this book does not disappoint!
I’m so glad I was able to dive in and binge read this as the story really sucked me in. The characters have great tension and chemistry right from the beginning which is probably why I was engrossed in it.
Ashton and Marcus are definitely among my top faves from Rebecca now!
This is your vibe if you like
Sports romance - basketball
Hate to love vibes
Second Chance
Opposites attract
I love a good hate to love vibes and this book delivered! If you’ve read any books from this series you know that they can be read in any order and like the others I’ve this book does not disappoint!
I’m so glad I was able to dive in and binge read this as the story really sucked me in. The characters have great tension and chemistry right from the beginning which is probably why I was engrossed in it.
Ashton and Marcus are definitely among my top faves from Rebecca now!
June 27, 2025
“I'm yours to do with as you please," I murmur softly. I'm not afraid to submit and show him that he owns me. […] "Take your hate out on me. Use me. Hurt me. I deserve it.”
I know absolutely nothing about basketball, but the way the author described how these two played had me completely hooked, and the way they connected on the court? So hot. The chemistry, spice, tension, and the emotional pull in this book were just so good!!
“It's me and you, Princess," he says quietly as we sprint down the court
Asher and Marcus’s relationship was full of obstacles and complications. The drama, the spice, the plot and just everything was so well done and totally pulled me into their story. I loved that from the very first moment, there was always this undeniable connection between them.
“Your son makes me brave, Mrs. Harding. It isn't his responsibility to teach me to be a better human, but he does, just by being himself. I'll do whatever it takes to live up to the chance he's given me to prove that I'm better than my bloodline.”
“I've been searching for that feeling, that spark, all this time, but haven't found it anywhere. I thought maybe it was the excitement of the moment, the chance of being caught. Then maybe I thought it was because Marcus was a boy, that it confirmed something about myself that I’d always suspected. But no matter how, where, or who I experimented with, I never experienced the same thrill I got from kissing Marcus Vell.”
I live for the forbidden aspect of their relationship, and the family drama storyline was so well built, I am so happy that we were able to see the development of their future together in the epilogue.
“It's a stupid idea."
"Probably."
"Our families hate each other. We hate each other—”
Ashton’s response is immediate and firm. "I never hated you."
"I hated you," I admit.
Hated. Past tense. I'm not sure when it stopped, but somewhere along the way, it became something else entirely.
"You can take it out on me.”
Loved this couple and the development of their relationship. What I really appreciated is that the book offered more than just romance (which was amazing on its own); it had such an interesting, solid plot. It was a great read all around!
“Take your cock out, baby. Take it out and show me how good it feels to be fucked by your enemy on your rich daddy's desk.”
Quotes worth mentioning:
“You wanna come all over your daddy's desk, Princess?"
"Ffffuuuuuccckkk pleeaaasseee—” I gasp as Marcus rolls his hips into me, my sore ass clenching around his still pulsing cock as he reaches down to cup my balls. "Marcus—” I warn, not sure I can stop what's about to happen.
"Come for me, Princess. Let me see that big load I know you've got in here."
“we live in a world where something as petty as my sexuality could mean I'm passed over. I wish I didn't have to feel that way. I wish it wasn't a topic of discussion at all. Who I love, how I identify, my orientation, none of it has any bearing on who I am as a person or a player. I'm not any more or less open about being gay than a straight player is with their relationships, I'm just living my life as fully and authentically as possible. I shouldn't have to hide, and it shouldn't matter.”
“I know without a shadow of a doubt that this moment, his lips against mine and our hearts beating wildly, will stick with me forever. I feel a piece of me slide into place, and I know there's no coming back. This is the moment everything changes.”
I know absolutely nothing about basketball, but the way the author described how these two played had me completely hooked, and the way they connected on the court? So hot. The chemistry, spice, tension, and the emotional pull in this book were just so good!!
“It's me and you, Princess," he says quietly as we sprint down the court
Asher and Marcus’s relationship was full of obstacles and complications. The drama, the spice, the plot and just everything was so well done and totally pulled me into their story. I loved that from the very first moment, there was always this undeniable connection between them.
“Your son makes me brave, Mrs. Harding. It isn't his responsibility to teach me to be a better human, but he does, just by being himself. I'll do whatever it takes to live up to the chance he's given me to prove that I'm better than my bloodline.”
“I've been searching for that feeling, that spark, all this time, but haven't found it anywhere. I thought maybe it was the excitement of the moment, the chance of being caught. Then maybe I thought it was because Marcus was a boy, that it confirmed something about myself that I’d always suspected. But no matter how, where, or who I experimented with, I never experienced the same thrill I got from kissing Marcus Vell.”
I live for the forbidden aspect of their relationship, and the family drama storyline was so well built, I am so happy that we were able to see the development of their future together in the epilogue.
“It's a stupid idea."
"Probably."
"Our families hate each other. We hate each other—”
Ashton’s response is immediate and firm. "I never hated you."
"I hated you," I admit.
Hated. Past tense. I'm not sure when it stopped, but somewhere along the way, it became something else entirely.
"You can take it out on me.”
Loved this couple and the development of their relationship. What I really appreciated is that the book offered more than just romance (which was amazing on its own); it had such an interesting, solid plot. It was a great read all around!
“Take your cock out, baby. Take it out and show me how good it feels to be fucked by your enemy on your rich daddy's desk.”
Quotes worth mentioning:
“You wanna come all over your daddy's desk, Princess?"
"Ffffuuuuuccckkk pleeaaasseee—” I gasp as Marcus rolls his hips into me, my sore ass clenching around his still pulsing cock as he reaches down to cup my balls. "Marcus—” I warn, not sure I can stop what's about to happen.
"Come for me, Princess. Let me see that big load I know you've got in here."
“we live in a world where something as petty as my sexuality could mean I'm passed over. I wish I didn't have to feel that way. I wish it wasn't a topic of discussion at all. Who I love, how I identify, my orientation, none of it has any bearing on who I am as a person or a player. I'm not any more or less open about being gay than a straight player is with their relationships, I'm just living my life as fully and authentically as possible. I shouldn't have to hide, and it shouldn't matter.”
“I know without a shadow of a doubt that this moment, his lips against mine and our hearts beating wildly, will stick with me forever. I feel a piece of me slide into place, and I know there's no coming back. This is the moment everything changes.”
March 24, 2025
I went into this book with really no expectations, and it was all of the fluffy MM sports romance goodness I could have ever wanted! I definitely recommend this one for my fellow mood readers also currently obsessed with March Madness and college basketball! This is part of a standalone series, but I have not read any of the other "Forbidden Goals" books (except Head in the Game-definitely recommend!) and I got through this perfectly fine. You're looking at a 4-5 spice level on the chili pepper scale and I was here for every second of it.
This is a quick, fluffy, smutty, low angst story of two college basketball players who learn what the wise prophet Rafiki once tried to teach a young lion: The past can hurt, but you can run from it, or learn from it. I really loved the sort of Romeo and Juliet-esque, star crossed lovers vibe. "Our families hate each other, and actually maybe they have a reason to hate each other, so how do we get past that because I really, really don't hate you?!" Ashton worked so, so hard to prove to himself and to Marcus that he was not like his family, and Marcus, to his credit, let him. That evolution of being a bit mystified at being drawn to this person despite the heartbreak, and cautiously beginning to understand that maybe people do change and that you can let go of the past, was really beautifully done. Ashton was so honorable-absolutely no problem admitting when he's wrong, willing to work hard, take risks, and change himself and how he interacts with others. I am madly in love with him. I also really appreciated that once the two of them found their way to each other, they were loving, loyal, and steadfast throughout. None of the dreaded miscommunication or third act break up tropes--just support and trust. Sigh. So good. Happy endings for everyone, the epilogues were chef's kiss amazing, 10/10, no notes.
This is a quick, fluffy, smutty, low angst story of two college basketball players who learn what the wise prophet Rafiki once tried to teach a young lion: The past can hurt, but you can run from it, or learn from it. I really loved the sort of Romeo and Juliet-esque, star crossed lovers vibe. "Our families hate each other, and actually maybe they have a reason to hate each other, so how do we get past that because I really, really don't hate you?!" Ashton worked so, so hard to prove to himself and to Marcus that he was not like his family, and Marcus, to his credit, let him. That evolution of being a bit mystified at being drawn to this person despite the heartbreak, and cautiously beginning to understand that maybe people do change and that you can let go of the past, was really beautifully done. Ashton was so honorable-absolutely no problem admitting when he's wrong, willing to work hard, take risks, and change himself and how he interacts with others. I am madly in love with him. I also really appreciated that once the two of them found their way to each other, they were loving, loyal, and steadfast throughout. None of the dreaded miscommunication or third act break up tropes--just support and trust. Sigh. So good. Happy endings for everyone, the epilogues were chef's kiss amazing, 10/10, no notes.
March 8, 2025
5 stars
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4.5/5
I have loved every book in the Forbidden Goals series of standalones and this is no exception. The characters are flawed and perfect simultaneously. The spice will require to have hydration close by and the plot delivers a home run (or the basketball equivalent LOL). Rebecca Rathe is a true MVP of MM romance.
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4.5/5
I have loved every book in the Forbidden Goals series of standalones and this is no exception. The characters are flawed and perfect simultaneously. The spice will require to have hydration close by and the plot delivers a home run (or the basketball equivalent LOL). Rebecca Rathe is a true MVP of MM romance.
March 5, 2025
Coming from two ‘feuding’ families, Ashton and Marcus have been made enemies for their entire lives. No reasoning behind it just that their parents don’t want them to interact with each other. But when you both love the same sport, you are bound to end up together at some point.
You follow their story from the moment they met at five years old, and it was so freaking cute, every single time after when the color purple was mentioned I just melted. Throughout their teens and the several encounters that shape their relationship.
Ashton comes from a place of wealth and privilege, where Marcus grew up having to work for what he wanted. The growth in Ashton and his character development for Ashton was so beautiful. And Marcus was so steady, he wouldn’t deter from who he is for anyone, even if that meant not fitting in.
Now let’s talk spice, because it was of the charts delicious and the amount of shower scenes... I have come to realize that there is no such thing as too many shower scenes and I will stand by that. Seriously, if they get a bonus scene somewhere, I need it to be shower scene and nothing else!
I live for this series, every single book in it I just love so much.
You follow their story from the moment they met at five years old, and it was so freaking cute, every single time after when the color purple was mentioned I just melted. Throughout their teens and the several encounters that shape their relationship.
Ashton comes from a place of wealth and privilege, where Marcus grew up having to work for what he wanted. The growth in Ashton and his character development for Ashton was so beautiful. And Marcus was so steady, he wouldn’t deter from who he is for anyone, even if that meant not fitting in.
Now let’s talk spice, because it was of the charts delicious and the amount of shower scenes... I have come to realize that there is no such thing as too many shower scenes and I will stand by that. Seriously, if they get a bonus scene somewhere, I need it to be shower scene and nothing else!
I live for this series, every single book in it I just love so much.
October 25, 2025
The fuck did I take so long to read this. This plot is exactly my jam, like ticked off all the boxes of what I want to read in a romance. While I really liked Ashton and had no animosity towards him at all, I do feel Marcus forgave him easily.
Set to 4 stars because I would have preferred more grovelling and more pleading. Like I needed Marcus to still be antagonistic while hate-fucking Aston up to 70%, that's how much grovelling how the James family treated Marcus' family required.
I wanted to see Marcus wrestling with his attraction to this "supposed enemy." Him feeling guilty of wanting Ashton when his family was responsible for his father's business loss. Him having warring thoughts about his feelings and then taking it out on hate-fuck on Ashton. And of course, Ashton taking it all in stride and trying to placate for his family and shit.
Also, I would have also loved more pillow moments of Ashton talking about their first meeting. But it is what it is, thoroughly enjoyed this. Much much more than I expected.
Set to 4 stars because I would have preferred more grovelling and more pleading. Like I needed Marcus to still be antagonistic while hate-fucking Aston up to 70%, that's how much grovelling how the James family treated Marcus' family required.
I wanted to see Marcus wrestling with his attraction to this "supposed enemy." Him feeling guilty of wanting Ashton when his family was responsible for his father's business loss. Him having warring thoughts about his feelings and then taking it out on hate-fuck on Ashton. And of course, Ashton taking it all in stride and trying to placate for his family and shit.
Also, I would have also loved more pillow moments of Ashton talking about their first meeting. But it is what it is, thoroughly enjoyed this. Much much more than I expected.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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