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Off Limits
He was always my brother's overprotective best friend... then one night changed everything.
She vows to save herself for the right man.
Sassy and brilliant, plus an unhealthy obsession with stuffed animals.
My best friend's little sister.
Her brother knows that I’m bad news, that I ruin everything I touch.
He would end me if he knew the filthy thoughts that keep running through my head.
For years, I’ve only looked. Never touched.
The thought of losing my best friend, destroying our business partnership, it killed my temptation to make a move.
Until that night.
When I rescued her.
Whisking her away to a cabin in the mountains was the easy part. Spending the night under the same roof with the forbidden fruit was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Especially when she’s wearing that T-shirt with nothing underneath it.
Seeing those perky pointers on her chest that confirms she wants me just as much.
I swore I’d protect this little angel from the monsters of this world; but how do I protect her from the biggest one of them all?
Off Limits is a steamy, brother’s best friend, forced proximity romance
✓A protective (sometimes possessive) alpha hero
✓A strong and sassy h
✓Touch-her-and-I'll-end-you vibes
✓OW drama (no cheating, I promise!)
✓A heartwarming HEA.
Book 4 of the Damaged Hearts series, but it is a standalone.
18 + only. Check the content warnings.
She vows to save herself for the right man.
Sassy and brilliant, plus an unhealthy obsession with stuffed animals.
My best friend's little sister.
Her brother knows that I’m bad news, that I ruin everything I touch.
He would end me if he knew the filthy thoughts that keep running through my head.
For years, I’ve only looked. Never touched.
The thought of losing my best friend, destroying our business partnership, it killed my temptation to make a move.
Until that night.
When I rescued her.
Whisking her away to a cabin in the mountains was the easy part. Spending the night under the same roof with the forbidden fruit was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Especially when she’s wearing that T-shirt with nothing underneath it.
Seeing those perky pointers on her chest that confirms she wants me just as much.
I swore I’d protect this little angel from the monsters of this world; but how do I protect her from the biggest one of them all?
Off Limits is a steamy, brother’s best friend, forced proximity romance
✓A protective (sometimes possessive) alpha hero
✓A strong and sassy h
✓Touch-her-and-I'll-end-you vibes
✓OW drama (no cheating, I promise!)
✓A heartwarming HEA.
Book 4 of the Damaged Hearts series, but it is a standalone.
18 + only. Check the content warnings.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2024
27 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Erika Bradley
4 books63 followersErika Bradley has been an avid romance reader most of her life, long before she was even allowed to read steamy novels. Recently, she decided to step to the other side of the world she loved and wrote her first romance novel, Intoxication.
Erika writes steamy, suspenseful plots with flawed, emotional characters that will keep readers turning each page. Her aim is to give each reader a satisfying escape.
When she’s not writing, you may find her curled up with a book or gardening. She also enjoys island trotting during her extended breaks.
Erika writes steamy, suspenseful plots with flawed, emotional characters that will keep readers turning each page. Her aim is to give each reader a satisfying escape.
When she’s not writing, you may find her curled up with a book or gardening. She also enjoys island trotting during her extended breaks.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 2, 2024
Listen, I really liked the characters in this book, and I liked the storyline. This author is definitely talented in the writing department, but several things kept it from being the perfect book, in my opinion.
I love my children with all my heart, and in no way would my dying wish be for them to marry someone who already betrayed them because of a promise to some other person. Why would any parents (aside from an evil one) dying wish be to honor a friend and screw their child over? Also, on the opposite side of that coin, in no way would I marry someone I didn't love and who betrayed me EVEN if it was my parents dying wish. Those were not believable scenarios, and it made me believe his dad didn't really love him at all. Seriously, that really made me dislike his father completely and everyone around him acting like it was truly a tough decision. No, no, it wasn't, like at all.
Also, Marcus was talking about never wanting to marry and could never love anyone even after knowing the h, and suddenly he changed his mind because he saw her naked?
Lastly, but honestly, it's one of the most important parts... the way Oliver and the other guys treated her at work was not just small disrespects. It was flat out abuse, threats, and disgusting male behavior that real women deal with constantly, and the author just let them get away with it in the end. Nothing happened to them.... the men just get to keep working after the physically and mentally abused the CEO. What. The. Actual. F was that about.
I gave 4 stars because the author is very talented, and the story was good aside from those things. But it makes me hesitate to read anything she writes again because I'm not a fan of anyone getting abused and the abusers getting away with it, but even more so a woman getting abused and the man just getting to keep his position. I am so hoping this was some strange one off, and she doesn't do this in all her books. I need the antagonists to actually get theirs in the end. The real world is enough of the abusers getting away with it. I read to escape reality.
I love my children with all my heart, and in no way would my dying wish be for them to marry someone who already betrayed them because of a promise to some other person. Why would any parents (aside from an evil one) dying wish be to honor a friend and screw their child over? Also, on the opposite side of that coin, in no way would I marry someone I didn't love and who betrayed me EVEN if it was my parents dying wish. Those were not believable scenarios, and it made me believe his dad didn't really love him at all. Seriously, that really made me dislike his father completely and everyone around him acting like it was truly a tough decision. No, no, it wasn't, like at all.
Also, Marcus was talking about never wanting to marry and could never love anyone even after knowing the h, and suddenly he changed his mind because he saw her naked?
Lastly, but honestly, it's one of the most important parts... the way Oliver and the other guys treated her at work was not just small disrespects. It was flat out abuse, threats, and disgusting male behavior that real women deal with constantly, and the author just let them get away with it in the end. Nothing happened to them.... the men just get to keep working after the physically and mentally abused the CEO. What. The. Actual. F was that about.
I gave 4 stars because the author is very talented, and the story was good aside from those things. But it makes me hesitate to read anything she writes again because I'm not a fan of anyone getting abused and the abusers getting away with it, but even more so a woman getting abused and the man just getting to keep his position. I am so hoping this was some strange one off, and she doesn't do this in all her books. I need the antagonists to actually get theirs in the end. The real world is enough of the abusers getting away with it. I read to escape reality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
Off Limits is a perfect blend of steamy forbidden romance and heart-pounding tension! The “brother’s best friend” trope is always a winner, but this book takes it to the next level with its protective alpha hero and strong, sassy heroine. The chemistry between them is electric—every stolen glance and touch crackles with anticipation.
The forced proximity in a secluded cabin amps up the intensity, and I couldn’t get enough of the push-and-pull dynamic between them. He’s determined to keep his hands off his best friend’s little sister, but she’s equally determined to break down his walls. The hero’s possessiveness and fierce protectiveness shine through, giving me all the “touch her and I’ll end you” vibes I crave.
With just the right amount of OW drama, a swoon-worthy HEA, and all the angst of forbidden love, Off Limits is an addictive read you won’t want to put down. If you love possessive alphas and sassy heroines, this book is a must-read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The forced proximity in a secluded cabin amps up the intensity, and I couldn’t get enough of the push-and-pull dynamic between them. He’s determined to keep his hands off his best friend’s little sister, but she’s equally determined to break down his walls. The hero’s possessiveness and fierce protectiveness shine through, giving me all the “touch her and I’ll end you” vibes I crave.
With just the right amount of OW drama, a swoon-worthy HEA, and all the angst of forbidden love, Off Limits is an addictive read you won’t want to put down. If you love possessive alphas and sassy heroines, this book is a must-read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2024
Off-Limits is a Brother's Best Friend Romance story. Off-Limits follows the forbidden love of Marcus and Lauren. My attention in this book was captured right the start of reading this book and my attention stayed glued to this book until I read the last sentence of the story. I couldn't get enough of Marcus and Lauren's amazing story, I thought it to be beautifully written, well-balanced, and perfectly executed by Author Erika Bradley. Off-Limits is the first book that I have read that is written by this amazing author. Off-Limits is an entertaining, enjoyable read as well as an ease to read, has wonderful characters, an outstanding storyline, romantic/steamy, and there's a happily ever after for the amazing main characters. Off-Limits is certainly a book that I would recommend for anyone to read. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2024
Ei bine, cartea asta mi-a plăcut!
Avem povestea lui Lauren, o tipa care dorește sa demonstreze tuturor ca merita locul pe care îl are în firma pe care a preluat-o de la tatăl ei și care se luptă cu o decizie foarte grea pe care trebuie sa o ia în legătură cu sănătatea și viitorul ei.
Familia ei era puternica, cu legături cu mafia și cu politia în același timp, cu legături multe si cu relatii.
Si apoi e Marcus, prietenul cel mai bun al fratelui ei, Gabriel.
Lauren îl iubește de mică, de asta și faptul ca are 26 ani și e virgina 🫣
Lauren este martora la o crima și viata ei ia o întorsătură ciudata.
Este nevoita sa accepte un bodyguard șofer, pe lângă protecția exagerata a fraților și tatălui ei.
Am simțit chimia dintre Lauren și Marcus, mi-a plăcut cum a evoluat relația lor, mi-a plăcut gelozia lui Marcus, mi-au plăcut fricile lui când Lauren a dispărut și tot ce a urmat în căutările lor.
Avem povestea lui Lauren, o tipa care dorește sa demonstreze tuturor ca merita locul pe care îl are în firma pe care a preluat-o de la tatăl ei și care se luptă cu o decizie foarte grea pe care trebuie sa o ia în legătură cu sănătatea și viitorul ei.
Familia ei era puternica, cu legături cu mafia și cu politia în același timp, cu legături multe si cu relatii.
Si apoi e Marcus, prietenul cel mai bun al fratelui ei, Gabriel.
Lauren îl iubește de mică, de asta și faptul ca are 26 ani și e virgina 🫣
Lauren este martora la o crima și viata ei ia o întorsătură ciudata.
Este nevoita sa accepte un bodyguard șofer, pe lângă protecția exagerata a fraților și tatălui ei.
Am simțit chimia dintre Lauren și Marcus, mi-a plăcut cum a evoluat relația lor, mi-a plăcut gelozia lui Marcus, mi-au plăcut fricile lui când Lauren a dispărut și tot ce a urmat în căutările lor.
October 28, 2024
Marcus felt he had his heart ripped out when the woman he thought he'd spend the rest of his life with cheated on him. He buried his hurt by sleeping with any available woman.
Lauren has loved Marcus, her brother's best friend for years and when she witnesses a murder it's him she runs to.
It takes almost losing her to realise what is in front of him but she is utterly off limits. Keeping his hands to himself is easier said than done.
Add in assassins, board room back stabbing, perceived betrayals and suppressed passion and this story is absolutely enthralling.
This is a new to me author but given the great world building, likeable characters, strong female lead, tough focused male lead and fast paced story one I'll definitely be looking out for more from.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lauren has loved Marcus, her brother's best friend for years and when she witnesses a murder it's him she runs to.
It takes almost losing her to realise what is in front of him but she is utterly off limits. Keeping his hands to himself is easier said than done.
Add in assassins, board room back stabbing, perceived betrayals and suppressed passion and this story is absolutely enthralling.
This is a new to me author but given the great world building, likeable characters, strong female lead, tough focused male lead and fast paced story one I'll definitely be looking out for more from.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2024
Marcus and Lauren's story is filled with angst, spice and admiration from afar. Marcus is Lauren's brother's best friend, and he has never looked at Lauren in a way other than a friend and someone Lauren turns to when she needs help.
Lauren witnesses a murder and is now in danger.
Marcus vows to keep Lauren safe, even if it means taking her to a cabin in the mountains - cue forced proximity :)
The story is well written and touches on:
Alpha hero; sassy FMC; touch her and die.
A HEA romance with some good spice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lauren witnesses a murder and is now in danger.
Marcus vows to keep Lauren safe, even if it means taking her to a cabin in the mountains - cue forced proximity :)
The story is well written and touches on:
Alpha hero; sassy FMC; touch her and die.
A HEA romance with some good spice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2024
Tropes brother's best friend, forced proximity, friends to lovers, forbidden romance, touch her and d**.
Lauren, the sassy heroine, is Marcus's best friend's little sister. Someone who he has always looked at as more than a friend but has kept to himself due to their relationship. Marcus saves her when she witnesses a murder, bringing her to a cabin in the mountains. Temptation is too hard to resist, especially in such close quarters. The tension between them is intense and charged.
I always love a good brother's best friend and trope, and this book was a good read with drama, angst, and spice and ends in a HEA.
Lauren, the sassy heroine, is Marcus's best friend's little sister. Someone who he has always looked at as more than a friend but has kept to himself due to their relationship. Marcus saves her when she witnesses a murder, bringing her to a cabin in the mountains. Temptation is too hard to resist, especially in such close quarters. The tension between them is intense and charged.
I always love a good brother's best friend and trope, and this book was a good read with drama, angst, and spice and ends in a HEA.
September 24, 2024
Lauren Cain is such a lucky girl. Having a tall, dark drink of water with hazel eyes watching her back, not being able to say no to anything she wants from him, must be nice. Add to the fact that Marcus gives SERIOUS touch her and I'll ** you vibes, like he literally almost ** someone who tried to harm her. No wonder she has a serious crush on him.
Marcus has a secret thing for Lauren, too, but he made a vow to her brother that he would keep his hands off her (he's a womanizer, what brother would want him hooking up with his sister, right?). Anyway, he can't afford to lose his best friend for many reasons, one of which is seriously heart-tugging, so he resists temptation.
At least, for a while.
When he rescues Lauren one night from a bad guy and takes her to his cabin, that vow went out the window. What happened next was definitely entertaining and spicy and made this an awesome addition to the brothers best friend trope.
Marcus has a secret thing for Lauren, too, but he made a vow to her brother that he would keep his hands off her (he's a womanizer, what brother would want him hooking up with his sister, right?). Anyway, he can't afford to lose his best friend for many reasons, one of which is seriously heart-tugging, so he resists temptation.
At least, for a while.
When he rescues Lauren one night from a bad guy and takes her to his cabin, that vow went out the window. What happened next was definitely entertaining and spicy and made this an awesome addition to the brothers best friend trope.
October 1, 2024
yesssss!!!
I lovedddd this!!!! I recommend this if you’re into dark romances but also just starting out reading them
I do wish there was some more ‘🌶️ action’ but it was still really good
💯💯💯💯
I lovedddd this!!!! I recommend this if you’re into dark romances but also just starting out reading them
I do wish there was some more ‘🌶️ action’ but it was still really good
💯💯💯💯
October 14, 2024
Wow! Suspense, twists and turns and keeping you wondering how it will all work out for thr mmc and mfc! I really got into this and couldn't put it fown until I was finished. So only 4 hrs of sleep before my alarm goes off for work lol great read!
September 1, 2025
Lauren has loved Marcus from a distance for years, but her brother’s best friend doesn’t seem to see it. But when she’s in trouble he’s there to look out for her in this steamy friends to lovers read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2024
This was Marcus and Lauren’s story. This was a wonderful off Limits, spicy, brother’s best friend, slow burn romance. I couldn’t get enough. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews