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Nolan U Football #2
The Off-Limits Play
He's the bad boy of Nolan U Football—fast on the field, reckless in a bar and smokin' between the sheets. And he's just met a good girl he's not supposed to want…
Coach Jones made it clear to all of us—no dating his daughter.
As much as I hate being told what to do, I value my life enough not to get involved…
Except Nylah's one feisty chick and there's something about her sharp-witted comebacks that are kind of addictive. I'd be a fool to mess around with her. Coach will bench my butt for the rest of the season. He doesn't care that I'm one of the best wide receivers Nolan U has ever seen. If I cross this line with his baby girl, he won't get over it.
But there she goes again… popping up at parties, flirting with me every chance she gets.
I don't know how much longer I can resist… or if I even should.
Rules are made to be broken, right?
Sh*t, I've gone and done it now…
The Off-Limits Play is a stand alone, sweet and spicy NA football romance with no cheating and a guaranteed happy ending. Perfect for fans of Kelsie Rae, Hannah Gray and Rebecca Jenshak.
Coach Jones made it clear to all of us—no dating his daughter.
As much as I hate being told what to do, I value my life enough not to get involved…
Except Nylah's one feisty chick and there's something about her sharp-witted comebacks that are kind of addictive. I'd be a fool to mess around with her. Coach will bench my butt for the rest of the season. He doesn't care that I'm one of the best wide receivers Nolan U has ever seen. If I cross this line with his baby girl, he won't get over it.
But there she goes again… popping up at parties, flirting with me every chance she gets.
I don't know how much longer I can resist… or if I even should.
Rules are made to be broken, right?
Sh*t, I've gone and done it now…
The Off-Limits Play is a stand alone, sweet and spicy NA football romance with no cheating and a guaranteed happy ending. Perfect for fans of Kelsie Rae, Hannah Gray and Rebecca Jenshak.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
515 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Katy Archer
35 books281 followersKaty Archer is the author of sweet and spicy college sports romance. Her debut novel, The Forbidden Freshman, released in February 2024 and is for fans of slow burn hockey romance, forbidden love, and found families.
In her novels you're guaranteed to find happy endings, protective book boyfriends and sassy heroines. Welcome to the world of Nolan U, where love is a game changer…
You can find out more on her website and sign up for a sneak peek of The Forbidden Freshman!
In her novels you're guaranteed to find happy endings, protective book boyfriends and sassy heroines. Welcome to the world of Nolan U, where love is a game changer…
You can find out more on her website and sign up for a sneak peek of The Forbidden Freshman!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 19, 2025
The wait for this book was so worth it!!! The writing was on point and the characters and story gave me all the feels!
June 2, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
Listen, I knew Carson’s book was going to be a bit emotional just because you could see the anger and angst inside him in Zander’s book, but I was not expecting it to be this emotional and for my heart to break for Carson.
Carson is the lost kid blindly making his way through life. Nylah’s just trying to find herself again after going through a life altering accident. Somehow the two find themselves enjoying each other’s company, even though they shouldn’t. She’s his coach’s daughter, the one girl on campus that is forbidden and off limits. But why stop seeing someone that makes you happy?
Nylah and Carson, I love these two so much. It’s so obvious that they heal each other. Nylah’s struggling with her body and confidence and Carson’s struggling with his self worth and feeling lost all the time. They both lift each other up, and erase the self doubt they both have in themselves.
This book felt way more real than the others. It showed a pretty good depiction of someone with self destructive tendencies and never believing they’ll be good enough. It also showed the determination of someone who is in love with someone and thinks they can fix/better them. However, you can only do so much to fix/better someone, in the end it will only work if the person wants to be fixed/better. And this book showed just that, Carson had to do better for himself before he could do better for Nylah.
It’s a very emotional journey watching Nylah and Carson. The chemistry, the banter, the obvious love and light they brought to each other. Nylah refused to give up on him, her sass and wit slowly broke down Carson’s walls and he couldn’t resist her anymore. These two deserve the whole fucking world.
Wily’s book will be interesting, I’m not sure what to expect but I can’t wait.
Tropes:
🏈Coach’s Daughter
💚Forbidden Love
🏈Grumpy X Sunshine
💚Sassy Good Girl
🏈Broken Bad Boy
💚Mental Health Rep
Thank you to the author for the ARC in return for an honest review.
~ARC Review
Listen, I knew Carson’s book was going to be a bit emotional just because you could see the anger and angst inside him in Zander’s book, but I was not expecting it to be this emotional and for my heart to break for Carson.
Carson is the lost kid blindly making his way through life. Nylah’s just trying to find herself again after going through a life altering accident. Somehow the two find themselves enjoying each other’s company, even though they shouldn’t. She’s his coach’s daughter, the one girl on campus that is forbidden and off limits. But why stop seeing someone that makes you happy?
Nylah and Carson, I love these two so much. It’s so obvious that they heal each other. Nylah’s struggling with her body and confidence and Carson’s struggling with his self worth and feeling lost all the time. They both lift each other up, and erase the self doubt they both have in themselves.
This book felt way more real than the others. It showed a pretty good depiction of someone with self destructive tendencies and never believing they’ll be good enough. It also showed the determination of someone who is in love with someone and thinks they can fix/better them. However, you can only do so much to fix/better someone, in the end it will only work if the person wants to be fixed/better. And this book showed just that, Carson had to do better for himself before he could do better for Nylah.
It’s a very emotional journey watching Nylah and Carson. The chemistry, the banter, the obvious love and light they brought to each other. Nylah refused to give up on him, her sass and wit slowly broke down Carson’s walls and he couldn’t resist her anymore. These two deserve the whole fucking world.
Wily’s book will be interesting, I’m not sure what to expect but I can’t wait.
Tropes:
🏈Coach’s Daughter
💚Forbidden Love
🏈Grumpy X Sunshine
💚Sassy Good Girl
🏈Broken Bad Boy
💚Mental Health Rep
Thank you to the author for the ARC in return for an honest review.
~ARC Review
May 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this one! It was a great story and had me engaged from beginning to end. I loved getting to know Carson and getting to delve deeper into his personality and his bad habits. There is so much more to Carson but he has kept things close to the vest and he hasn't shared a lot of what has been going on even with the football frat house guys. They love him but they don't know why he has the ups and downs, the good choices and bad choices that he continually makes. One night he runs into Nylah as he is cleaning up the field and they have a connection and spark that pulls them together and then he quickly figures out that she is the coach's daughter, the one they were all warned to walk away from. Neither can stop thinking about the other and the banter and flirting is there the next time they see each other on campus. Loved the trope coach's daughter and thought it was very well done in this one! Also have the bad boy with a good heart that he keeps shielded. Nylah is coming back from almost dying after a bad car accident and has permanent damage in her leg. She is starting college now a year late and working on finding her way froward again and back into life. Her parents are overprotective and she knows it is from love and from almost losing her so she is trying to find a balance in how she gains some independence without hurting them. Nylah and Carson are good for each other. They each support each other and get it. I love how Carson doesn't treat her with kid gloves and sees her strength so is great about how he encourages her about her dreams and more while also protecting her. Carson also does better as Nylah steadies him and makes him want to be better. This story definitely deals with some strong emotions as well as there is a lot going on and Carson definitely has some growth that he needs to make. It was well done and I truly enjoyed this story and was fully engaged the entire time! I loved it and getting to see some more of Zander and Sienna as well as the other guys. I'm very excited for the next book in the series as well!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 20, 2025
I just finished the arc read for this book and am going to tell you now if you loved Zander your going to love Carson! Zander’s great don’t get me wrong we love him BUT Carson? Bad boy fighting to find his footing in life ? This hits you so hard in the feels your wanting more there wasn’t a moment in this book that I hated ! From having a hard life to finding love for the first time and learning to fight for what you want and never knowing what’s around the next page I couldn’t stop. There was points in this book that it hit so hard I was crying without even knowing till the tears hit lol I got mad at my real life for getting in my way of not going on faster you love books because
You read for hours and put your self in another world this book lets you do it BUT it’s so close to real life your feeling what they feel your being dragged into things and screaming please be ok no don’t do that 😂 ! From the damage each main character went though to get to each other to learning how to live life made the love they have so much more special I promise you if you loved the first book you’ll love this one ! Is it Aug yet? I want to know how Willy is doing 😂 but on a more important note you really will love this book … from protective dad to a bad boy man scared to love this has it all! Half a mile down! You can do it ! Enjoy the book!
You read for hours and put your self in another world this book lets you do it BUT it’s so close to real life your feeling what they feel your being dragged into things and screaming please be ok no don’t do that 😂 ! From the damage each main character went though to get to each other to learning how to live life made the love they have so much more special I promise you if you loved the first book you’ll love this one ! Is it Aug yet? I want to know how Willy is doing 😂 but on a more important note you really will love this book … from protective dad to a bad boy man scared to love this has it all! Half a mile down! You can do it ! Enjoy the book!
June 16, 2025
Nylah Jones is the football coach’s daughter. And her dad has one rule: his football players are to stay away from his daughter. Nylah observes Carson after practice one day, and she leaves an impression with her throwing skills and departs with a wink. Carson couldn’t stay away after that.
I should have known Carson’s story was going to break my heart. To the world, they see a man with a hard exterior, without a care in the world, except for drinking and hooking up. Underneath, is a sweetheart. Who loves old movies. Finds his roommate’s daughter adorable. Who has a caring and nurturing side. All things he hides from the world.
Nylah is not her old self. She is trying to put herself out there, but her parents keep reminding her of the past. Carson is the one person she looks forward to seeing. Whether it be watching old movies. Getting pizza. Her personal favorite, calling him a different name every time she sees him to see if he will crack a smile.
Carson had a rough journey to self-love. He learned that in order for him to love Nylah, he needed to love himself first. And he put in the work! Unfortunately, before he learned to love himself, they had to be a part. Which were due to Carson’s reaction from others’ actions and words, and nothing Nylah did. They both broke down, and a lot of tears were spilled from them and me. But in the end, they got there happily ever after, and the grand gesture had me swooning and crying.
The golden retriever of the group is the next MMC, Wily Wilson. I’m most curious about the scene Carson and Nylah saw between Wily and Elizabeth. Also, I have some thoughts about what is going on between Grady and his girlfriend Teah. But I’ll have to wait for the trope reveal to confirm my suspicions. We didn’t see too much of Tyrell, so I’m curious about how his on-again-off-again relationship with Bella is going.
I should have known Carson’s story was going to break my heart. To the world, they see a man with a hard exterior, without a care in the world, except for drinking and hooking up. Underneath, is a sweetheart. Who loves old movies. Finds his roommate’s daughter adorable. Who has a caring and nurturing side. All things he hides from the world.
Nylah is not her old self. She is trying to put herself out there, but her parents keep reminding her of the past. Carson is the one person she looks forward to seeing. Whether it be watching old movies. Getting pizza. Her personal favorite, calling him a different name every time she sees him to see if he will crack a smile.
Carson had a rough journey to self-love. He learned that in order for him to love Nylah, he needed to love himself first. And he put in the work! Unfortunately, before he learned to love himself, they had to be a part. Which were due to Carson’s reaction from others’ actions and words, and nothing Nylah did. They both broke down, and a lot of tears were spilled from them and me. But in the end, they got there happily ever after, and the grand gesture had me swooning and crying.
The golden retriever of the group is the next MMC, Wily Wilson. I’m most curious about the scene Carson and Nylah saw between Wily and Elizabeth. Also, I have some thoughts about what is going on between Grady and his girlfriend Teah. But I’ll have to wait for the trope reveal to confirm my suspicions. We didn’t see too much of Tyrell, so I’m curious about how his on-again-off-again relationship with Bella is going.
June 2, 2025
I loved this story, with the rollercoaster of emotions coming from both Carter and Nylah.
I love that Nylah was doing everything she could to be more independent, man she is strong and determined and talk about feisty...that girl can dish it out like no one's business and she is hilarious. Carter dealing with his own demons was in a path of self destruction until this feisty girl with quick come backs comes into his life, and man it was so heartbreaking all that doubt he has of himself. It didn't help much when he hears people he looks up to, talk bad about him.
I cried a couple of times 😭 I could just feel his pain and doubt.
I am glad that Katy Asher showed ways of how to help someone in this situation as well as what they can possibly need to get better.
Ok now let's talk about the chemistry they had, yeah it was perfect, totally swoon worthy. Plus the public play was just, chefs 😘
I love that Nylah was doing everything she could to be more independent, man she is strong and determined and talk about feisty...that girl can dish it out like no one's business and she is hilarious. Carter dealing with his own demons was in a path of self destruction until this feisty girl with quick come backs comes into his life, and man it was so heartbreaking all that doubt he has of himself. It didn't help much when he hears people he looks up to, talk bad about him.
I cried a couple of times 😭 I could just feel his pain and doubt.
I am glad that Katy Asher showed ways of how to help someone in this situation as well as what they can possibly need to get better.
Ok now let's talk about the chemistry they had, yeah it was perfect, totally swoon worthy. Plus the public play was just, chefs 😘
June 19, 2025
Since book 1 in this series introduced the reader to Carson, you learn that he is a lone wolf with a dark side. From the first page I was so engaged in this story of Carson & Nylah. Both of the characters have deep rooted issues, Carson struggles with self-worth & anger, Nylah struggles with the "new" life she is living, she went from being the "it" girl to identifying who she is now. After a very bad car accident, going through recovery, therapy, taking a year off from college, Nylah is trying to find herself. What happens when Carson & Nylah have a chance meeting and they learn she definitely off limits this story soars. I was so invested in the story and many times holding my breathe until the next page.
I love this book and add a cute little 2 yr old into the mix really had me smiling a few times, this book is superb.
I love this book and add a cute little 2 yr old into the mix really had me smiling a few times, this book is superb.
June 11, 2025
The Off-Limits Play Arc by Katy Archer⭐️🩵
This is the second book in the Nolan U football series and as usual it didn’t disappoint!! I would say throughout all of Katy Archer’s books this is definitely the one with the most depth and character development.
This book was about Carson and Nylah’s love story, Carson is a football player for Nolan U and Nylah is the coaches daughter. Nylah being the coaches daughter threw a spanner in the works for this love story as it is forbidden for any of the Nolan U footballers to date the coaches daughter which was said in the early chapters of the book.
However, there was no denying the chemistry between Carson and Nylah and of course they couldn’t stay away from one another regardless of how forbidden the relationship was🤭 This made the book extremely gripping and filled with tension as you never knew when their relationship would be revealed and what the reaction would be.
Both Carson and Nylah had a lot of personal issues going on throughout the book which made it realistic and interesting to read how their relationship develop and how their relationship helped them get through their issues. Nylah had suffered a severe injury in a car accident which makes it hard for her to walk without a cane (which she hates) and Carson had been going through family issues which impacted his mental health.
These personal issues gave the book a sense of reality which doesn’t usually take place in a fictional romance but worked really well. This book provided a glimpse of the process of trying to better yourself and how receiving support and help from others can positively impact this process.
After reading so much about the two main characters it was easy to become attached and root for their relationship as they both deserve happiness and they’re great together!!
If you’re looking to read about a forbidden romance that results in the characters sneaking around then this one is for you!!!🫶🏻
This is the second book in the Nolan U football series and as usual it didn’t disappoint!! I would say throughout all of Katy Archer’s books this is definitely the one with the most depth and character development.
This book was about Carson and Nylah’s love story, Carson is a football player for Nolan U and Nylah is the coaches daughter. Nylah being the coaches daughter threw a spanner in the works for this love story as it is forbidden for any of the Nolan U footballers to date the coaches daughter which was said in the early chapters of the book.
However, there was no denying the chemistry between Carson and Nylah and of course they couldn’t stay away from one another regardless of how forbidden the relationship was🤭 This made the book extremely gripping and filled with tension as you never knew when their relationship would be revealed and what the reaction would be.
Both Carson and Nylah had a lot of personal issues going on throughout the book which made it realistic and interesting to read how their relationship develop and how their relationship helped them get through their issues. Nylah had suffered a severe injury in a car accident which makes it hard for her to walk without a cane (which she hates) and Carson had been going through family issues which impacted his mental health.
These personal issues gave the book a sense of reality which doesn’t usually take place in a fictional romance but worked really well. This book provided a glimpse of the process of trying to better yourself and how receiving support and help from others can positively impact this process.
After reading so much about the two main characters it was easy to become attached and root for their relationship as they both deserve happiness and they’re great together!!
If you’re looking to read about a forbidden romance that results in the characters sneaking around then this one is for you!!!🫶🏻
May 30, 2025
I loved this book! So many emotions, while reading this. From laughing out loud to cussing some decisions, then fanning my face to wiping tears. Such a good read.
Carson and Nylah’s story is fun, sexy, and heartbreaking. They both have broken pieces; one of body and self-confidence, the other of soul and self worth. But they find a way to come together and mend the pieces.
I love Nylah’s determination and sassiness, and I want to wrap Carson in the biggest hug.
Carson and Nylah’s story is fun, sexy, and heartbreaking. They both have broken pieces; one of body and self-confidence, the other of soul and self worth. But they find a way to come together and mend the pieces.
I love Nylah’s determination and sassiness, and I want to wrap Carson in the biggest hug.
June 11, 2025
The wait for this book has been worth it! I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for Carson and Nylah was everything I wanted and more for him! The emotion, the spice, the plot line-so many fantastic elements at work together to make this story one for the books (literally)!
It was fun, spicy, heartbreaking, and healing in all the right ways as Katy shares her words across the pages in a way that beautifully tells the tale of these two souls who together, find a way to mend the pieces to not just heal, but fuse and strengthen themselves as individuals and as a couple! Welcome to the Nolan U Family, Carson and Nylah 🥰
It was fun, spicy, heartbreaking, and healing in all the right ways as Katy shares her words across the pages in a way that beautifully tells the tale of these two souls who together, find a way to mend the pieces to not just heal, but fuse and strengthen themselves as individuals and as a couple! Welcome to the Nolan U Family, Carson and Nylah 🥰
June 10, 2025
ARC Review 📖
The Off-Limits Play
Nolan U Football Book 2
Written by Katy Archer
@addictedtocollegesportsromance
@collegesportsromancebooks
Carson is lost , grumpy and has a bad attitude according to Nylah and she is not wrong. Nyah is trying to find herself and start fresh with her life after surviving an accident.
He's one of her dad's football players and is off limits. She's the coach's daughter and is off limits.
Even though they both know this they can't stop thinking about each other ever since the first time they saw each other.
I couldn't wait to know more about them both and what would bring them together.
Carson and Nylah took me on an emotional rollercoaster.
Her sunshine personality compliments his grumpy personality. I love a good grumpy sunshine trope.
#nolanufootball #romancebooks #sportsromancebooks #bookstagram #spicyromance #grumpysunshine
#Mrattitude #mrgrumpyface #footballromance #forbidden #coachsdaughter #healing #moviedates #lame #caveman #kitten
The Off-Limits Play
Nolan U Football Book 2
Written by Katy Archer
@addictedtocollegesportsromance
@collegesportsromancebooks
Carson is lost , grumpy and has a bad attitude according to Nylah and she is not wrong. Nyah is trying to find herself and start fresh with her life after surviving an accident.
He's one of her dad's football players and is off limits. She's the coach's daughter and is off limits.
Even though they both know this they can't stop thinking about each other ever since the first time they saw each other.
I couldn't wait to know more about them both and what would bring them together.
Carson and Nylah took me on an emotional rollercoaster.
Her sunshine personality compliments his grumpy personality. I love a good grumpy sunshine trope.
#nolanufootball #romancebooks #sportsromancebooks #bookstagram #spicyromance #grumpysunshine
#Mrattitude #mrgrumpyface #footballromance #forbidden #coachsdaughter #healing #moviedates #lame #caveman #kitten
June 11, 2025
4 stars⭐️
CUTIES! The chemistry between these two was there from the start, I would say that Nylah made it so easy, she is such a carefree heroine who cares about the people around her.
Carson was struggling a lot, he had a lot bottled up inside, mostly from his parent, he really did realize that is wasn’t worth feeling all that anger.
CUTIES! The chemistry between these two was there from the start, I would say that Nylah made it so easy, she is such a carefree heroine who cares about the people around her.
Carson was struggling a lot, he had a lot bottled up inside, mostly from his parent, he really did realize that is wasn’t worth feeling all that anger.
June 9, 2025
This was a very good book. Huge feelings and tons of emotions fuel Carson and Nylah's story. This couple sent my emotions on an intense roller coaster ride. From smiles and chuckles, to tears and anger I feel like I ran the full spectrum of emotions with these two. My heart ached for each of them and the baggage they carried.
June 10, 2025
Nylah and Carson’s love story is special. Couldn’t put it down. Katy does a great job in bringing their story to life and making you feel all of the emotions. This book is a must read.
June 9, 2025
Amazing story. Well written and very interesting
June 23, 2025
This is more of a 2.5⭐ but ....the fmc is black so 😂
Ultimately, this is fine. As most IG ad books are. First of all, this ends on a cliffhanger and the next book picks up with a new character so I'm not really sure how this is a standalone?? Like, the main couple doesn't even get closure before you move on to another one.
In addition, the entire plot of this dragged in a way that didn't really help the romance. The main focus was Carson and his trauma, and that would be fine, but I don't feel like the relationship was explored as much as it should've been. The temptatious secret relationship wasn't that secret when all his friends found out, and they fall for each other so fast. There's really no like....tension in that aspect. They're with each other for most of the book until the 3rd act breakup which then lasts until the book basically ends. That's fine, but I just wanted more drama throughout and not just at the end.
Also, very little to do with football!! The main connection is that Nylah is the coach's daughter and it's ~forbidden~ for the players to date her. Like, most of the games happen in a paragraph if that. Why is it a sports romance if there's no sports? I get not having a lot but damn we want a little!
Overall, this was fine. It was a quick read and I guess it scratched the sports romance itch...sort of. I just needed to read something to get my mind recalibrated and it served it's purpose.
Ultimately, this is fine. As most IG ad books are. First of all, this ends on a cliffhanger and the next book picks up with a new character so I'm not really sure how this is a standalone?? Like, the main couple doesn't even get closure before you move on to another one.
In addition, the entire plot of this dragged in a way that didn't really help the romance. The main focus was Carson and his trauma, and that would be fine, but I don't feel like the relationship was explored as much as it should've been. The temptatious secret relationship wasn't that secret when all his friends found out, and they fall for each other so fast. There's really no like....tension in that aspect. They're with each other for most of the book until the 3rd act breakup which then lasts until the book basically ends. That's fine, but I just wanted more drama throughout and not just at the end.
Also, very little to do with football!! The main connection is that Nylah is the coach's daughter and it's ~forbidden~ for the players to date her. Like, most of the games happen in a paragraph if that. Why is it a sports romance if there's no sports? I get not having a lot but damn we want a little!
Overall, this was fine. It was a quick read and I guess it scratched the sports romance itch...sort of. I just needed to read something to get my mind recalibrated and it served it's purpose.
July 8, 2025
Katy Archer has done it again! I loved The Forever Play and read that and The Off Limits Play back to back. I love this series and just when I think it can’t get any better, it does! I loved Carson and Nylah’s story - especially their inner strength in overcoming obstacles so they could be together. It was wonderful to see how Nylah made Carson believe he was special and lovable. Her determination and courage was amazing to read! The Football Frat guys are amazing and I can’t wait for Wily’s story next so we can see what Katy has in store for us!
July 23, 2025
Carson is so much more than a bad boy. His struggles and his past keeps him to his full potential. Nylah can be the one to help him be a better person. But she is off limits and he can’t help their attraction. And he is helping her win her confidence back after her injury in a really bad car accident last year. But she is his football coach’s daughter. Can they fight for their love and help each other be better or will their love story be condemned to fail? Emotional, sexy, and so much more.
January 4, 2026
Carson will break your heart and put it back together again. I love this book so much. Carson is a guy with a chip on his shoulder who doesn’t really care about much. Until he see Nylah who captured in attention right away but is totally off limits since she’s his coach’s daughter. This book will make you laugh, cry, and have all the emotions!
June 20, 2025
3.75/4 ⭐️
The Off-Limits Play is the second release from author Katy Archer’s Nolan U Football series.
This Bad Boy/Good Girl, Grumpy/Sunshine, Found Family, Forbidden Romance has us following the story of Nolan U's Wide Receiver football player Carson McAvoy and the football coach’s daughter Nylah Destiny Jones through the telling of both their perspectives.
The story was somewhat surprising from the way it was laid out and built upon, something I wasn’t expecting.
While a majority of the story was sweet and cute, following the journey of Carson and Nylah's relationship. Taking them from strangers to somewhat friends, eventually too much more.
There was turmoil from the bumps, given the highs, lows and the pushing and pulling, going back and forth along the way from both sides.
Mainly due to the Forbidden Romance trope aspect, Nylah being the coach of Carson’s football team, and Carson along with his teammates being told by the coach his daughter Nylah being off limits.
Although the exploration of the early stages of their relationship made for a good read, seeing it out play quite thoroughly with detail. Adding a genuine-ness to their relationship, making it feel more real and authentic.
It needs to be known, courtesy of my reading slump, as well as the story seeming a little long that had me in mixed emotions throughout for a certain time.
And that was mainly due to the length of the story, which IMO could’ve been shortened since it was a little too long for my liking. Resulting in me waving in and out, partly.
It did change upon the surprising turn of events the story took, having caught off guard.
In all honesty, it led to author Katy pulling me back in and having me gripped on.
From being choked up by the unleashing of a tidal wave of emotions, the whirlwind of it all hit with a major impact that almost had me close to tears.
Which was completed unexpected to say the least, given how Nylah and Carson’s story started and played out for 2/3 of the book and made me feel at times.
Then again with a subplot that created major tension from the intensity of it all, it was to be expected. Adding not only to the development of the overall storyline, but also with the character development. Pulling us deep down from seeing the unravelling of the layers that made up Nylah and Carson, whilst breaking down their walls they hid behind. Particularly Carson from the journey he found himself navigating through.
Despite my issues, The Off-Limits Play was a lovely story that showcased a journey of self love and healing individually, courtesy of the battles Carson and Nylah faced and overcame from the issues they endured, including their inner demons.
Yet simultaneously too from the pair finding it in each other’s arms, not only helping to bring one another out of each other’s shells. But finding comfort and love with the other, creating their own found family at the same time.
Carson and Nylah’s story was emotional getting down into the nitty gritty from the rawness exposed and explored making for a meaningful read. Ultimately having me pleasantly enjoyed their story overall.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Off-Limits Play is the second release from author Katy Archer’s Nolan U Football series.
This Bad Boy/Good Girl, Grumpy/Sunshine, Found Family, Forbidden Romance has us following the story of Nolan U's Wide Receiver football player Carson McAvoy and the football coach’s daughter Nylah Destiny Jones through the telling of both their perspectives.
The story was somewhat surprising from the way it was laid out and built upon, something I wasn’t expecting.
While a majority of the story was sweet and cute, following the journey of Carson and Nylah's relationship. Taking them from strangers to somewhat friends, eventually too much more.
There was turmoil from the bumps, given the highs, lows and the pushing and pulling, going back and forth along the way from both sides.
Mainly due to the Forbidden Romance trope aspect, Nylah being the coach of Carson’s football team, and Carson along with his teammates being told by the coach his daughter Nylah being off limits.
Although the exploration of the early stages of their relationship made for a good read, seeing it out play quite thoroughly with detail. Adding a genuine-ness to their relationship, making it feel more real and authentic.
It needs to be known, courtesy of my reading slump, as well as the story seeming a little long that had me in mixed emotions throughout for a certain time.
And that was mainly due to the length of the story, which IMO could’ve been shortened since it was a little too long for my liking. Resulting in me waving in and out, partly.
It did change upon the surprising turn of events the story took, having caught off guard.
In all honesty, it led to author Katy pulling me back in and having me gripped on.
From being choked up by the unleashing of a tidal wave of emotions, the whirlwind of it all hit with a major impact that almost had me close to tears.
Which was completed unexpected to say the least, given how Nylah and Carson’s story started and played out for 2/3 of the book and made me feel at times.
Then again with a subplot that created major tension from the intensity of it all, it was to be expected. Adding not only to the development of the overall storyline, but also with the character development. Pulling us deep down from seeing the unravelling of the layers that made up Nylah and Carson, whilst breaking down their walls they hid behind. Particularly Carson from the journey he found himself navigating through.
Despite my issues, The Off-Limits Play was a lovely story that showcased a journey of self love and healing individually, courtesy of the battles Carson and Nylah faced and overcame from the issues they endured, including their inner demons.
Yet simultaneously too from the pair finding it in each other’s arms, not only helping to bring one another out of each other’s shells. But finding comfort and love with the other, creating their own found family at the same time.
Carson and Nylah’s story was emotional getting down into the nitty gritty from the rawness exposed and explored making for a meaningful read. Ultimately having me pleasantly enjoyed their story overall.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2025
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WOW! The Off-Limits Play by Katy Archer broke me and then put me back together again in the best possible way. Carson and Nylah? Absolutely EVERYTHING. The chemistry, the tension, the way they tried to keep their connection hidden—even from themselves at times—just so her father wouldn’t find out. Their journey was messy, emotional, and so real. But through it all, they fought to be what they were always meant to be: end game. Forever. Couple goals.
This book doesn’t shy away from tackling some truly difficult topics, and let me tell you—I cried more than once. But it wasn’t all heartbreak. There were moments that made me laugh, swoon, and fall even harder for these characters. I especially loved watching Carson work on himself—not just for Nylah, but for his own healing. That growth made their love story even more powerful.
My heart is so full for them right now. And the only downside? I can’t believe I have to wait for the next books. I need them right now. Katy Archer, please don’t keep us waiting too long!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WOW! The Off-Limits Play by Katy Archer broke me and then put me back together again in the best possible way. Carson and Nylah? Absolutely EVERYTHING. The chemistry, the tension, the way they tried to keep their connection hidden—even from themselves at times—just so her father wouldn’t find out. Their journey was messy, emotional, and so real. But through it all, they fought to be what they were always meant to be: end game. Forever. Couple goals.
This book doesn’t shy away from tackling some truly difficult topics, and let me tell you—I cried more than once. But it wasn’t all heartbreak. There were moments that made me laugh, swoon, and fall even harder for these characters. I especially loved watching Carson work on himself—not just for Nylah, but for his own healing. That growth made their love story even more powerful.
My heart is so full for them right now. And the only downside? I can’t believe I have to wait for the next books. I need them right now. Katy Archer, please don’t keep us waiting too long!
June 29, 2025
Omygosh i have prolly read this book like 3 times already.
This was exactly how a romance book should be friends, then act on emotions, the characters finding themselves and then happily ever after.
The first half was nice but the SECOND HALF omygosh i loved cause i think i felt every emotion especially through carson.
Both Nylah and Carson have their pasts that affect them, and the way Archer described it made you want to relate some way or the other.
This book overall got me in my feels and loved the chemistry through the book.
This was exactly how a romance book should be friends, then act on emotions, the characters finding themselves and then happily ever after.
The first half was nice but the SECOND HALF omygosh i loved cause i think i felt every emotion especially through carson.
Both Nylah and Carson have their pasts that affect them, and the way Archer described it made you want to relate some way or the other.
This book overall got me in my feels and loved the chemistry through the book.
July 5, 2025
The Off-Limits Play is a forbidden coach’s daughter sports romance with spice. This is Carson and Nylah’s story and I couldn’t stop laughing and crying at their banter and challenges they hastily go through to be together. I love how they pushed each other to go for what they want and be there for each other. They have been through a lot and finally finding someone that understands them without judgement is amazing to read. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read the next one!
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advanced readers copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advanced readers copy.
August 10, 2025
Great story!!
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Nylee and Carson's story.
This is a well written, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions , challenges, trauna, heartbreak, healing, tension, angst, drama,intrigue, undeniable chemistry, persistence, secrets, taking chances, and unconditional love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is the second book in this impressive series, and this is Nylee and Carson's story.
This is a well written, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions , challenges, trauna, heartbreak, healing, tension, angst, drama,intrigue, undeniable chemistry, persistence, secrets, taking chances, and unconditional love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 3, 2025
4.5. Her books just keep getting better. I’m also hoping for the basketball series after this one. This one went way deeper than anticipated. The comments about the tears were spot on. 😢
June 13, 2025
I really wanted to love this book and I was so looking forward to it. The reviews raved about it and I have loved all of Katy’s books to date - but this one was a huge disappointment. Severely lacking in spice and it ended so abruptly. A really unsatisfying ending. And some chapters could have been left out - like a single chapter on Carson getting ready/dressed in a suit for an event - really??? How did that add to the storyline. Hockey House is still my absolute fave series and although I didn’t love this book, I still love Katy as an author.
June 21, 2025
Nylah and Carson
This book is so much better than the first book in the football series, enough to suggest that you can ignore the first book if you don’t like reading about characters that make little sense, and start with this one. This is set in college so both characters go to classes, live on or near campus and participate in college related activities.
Nylah and Carson are two very broken people but in vastly different ways. Nylah is smart, strong and resilient. She’s stubborn and doesn’t give up, not in herself and not in Carson. She stands up for herself, even against her parents who would wrap her in bubble wrap and lock her in a safe if she allowed it. Her accident left her with physical limits that she’s working to accept. She knows she’s broken but it doesn’t stop her from dreaming big and making future plans that challenge her.
She wants to get close to Carson from the beginning and recognizes that he needs and wants her even though he keeps pushing her away. They both know she’s off-limits. Carson has low self worth. His family life is a mess. He has a wall that he’s built to protect himself from hurt, esp from someone like Nylah. He and Nylah are friends first and it develops into something intense and deep. It all happens in secret. When it all finally comes out, the fallout isn’t as awful as either character expected. They have to be stronger together than they are as individuals.
There’s an irritating 3rd act breakup that felt so unnecessary. At that point, both characters had grown enough and declared their love for each other openly that they could’ve acted like adults to work on their problems together. I don’t like the ‘break up to make up later’ trope.
The timeline overlaps the last half of Sienna and Zander’s story in the first book so there are minor references to that. Also a few favorite characters from the hockey house books appear. I liked the sneak peek at Wily’s story next. Can’t wait for that.
This book is so much better than the first book in the football series, enough to suggest that you can ignore the first book if you don’t like reading about characters that make little sense, and start with this one. This is set in college so both characters go to classes, live on or near campus and participate in college related activities.
Nylah and Carson are two very broken people but in vastly different ways. Nylah is smart, strong and resilient. She’s stubborn and doesn’t give up, not in herself and not in Carson. She stands up for herself, even against her parents who would wrap her in bubble wrap and lock her in a safe if she allowed it. Her accident left her with physical limits that she’s working to accept. She knows she’s broken but it doesn’t stop her from dreaming big and making future plans that challenge her.
She wants to get close to Carson from the beginning and recognizes that he needs and wants her even though he keeps pushing her away. They both know she’s off-limits. Carson has low self worth. His family life is a mess. He has a wall that he’s built to protect himself from hurt, esp from someone like Nylah. He and Nylah are friends first and it develops into something intense and deep. It all happens in secret. When it all finally comes out, the fallout isn’t as awful as either character expected. They have to be stronger together than they are as individuals.
There’s an irritating 3rd act breakup that felt so unnecessary. At that point, both characters had grown enough and declared their love for each other openly that they could’ve acted like adults to work on their problems together. I don’t like the ‘break up to make up later’ trope.
The timeline overlaps the last half of Sienna and Zander’s story in the first book so there are minor references to that. Also a few favorite characters from the hockey house books appear. I liked the sneak peek at Wily’s story next. Can’t wait for that.
June 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed the first part. I loved the idea of the movie theater and the out of town pizza meet ups. It was a good build up.
Unfortunately the middle part where they’re finally “together” was kinda flat for me. It was just them having sex in her dorm for the week or so that her roommate is gone. We’re told that it’s not just sex and they have really nice talks and cuddle after but we don’t get any time with that actually happening. I just wish there was more cute innocent sneaking around.
Now I’m also a HATER of third act breakups so the last 20ish% of this book was just not really what I wanted. “I’m not good enough” whole thing, it makes sense for Carson’s character but it was like 15 chapters of them not being together and him having to “become better”. But honestly it doesn’t even feel like he grows as a character because the first time they interact again he’s kind of rude to Nylahs date to the winter dance thing. It would’ve been nice to see him mature and respectful. Also we just immediately skip the rest of the night and next thing we see is them having sex the next morning.
I’d be interested in the next book for sure. I like the shorter chapters. Some things felt repetitive but not a big deal, I wish we at least saw a LITTLE use of Nylahs cane, it was made such a big deal but we never see her use it. And Carson using the word “Chick” was overused.
OH MY GOD ADDED EDIT! LISTING OFF THE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT SOMEONE TO YOUR GRANDMA WHEN YOURE UPSET ABOUT YOUR BREAKUP SHOULD NOT INCLUDE HIM HAVING MAGIC FINGERS! THAT IS CRIMINAL!!
I really enjoyed the first part. I loved the idea of the movie theater and the out of town pizza meet ups. It was a good build up.
Unfortunately the middle part where they’re finally “together” was kinda flat for me. It was just them having sex in her dorm for the week or so that her roommate is gone. We’re told that it’s not just sex and they have really nice talks and cuddle after but we don’t get any time with that actually happening. I just wish there was more cute innocent sneaking around.
Now I’m also a HATER of third act breakups so the last 20ish% of this book was just not really what I wanted. “I’m not good enough” whole thing, it makes sense for Carson’s character but it was like 15 chapters of them not being together and him having to “become better”. But honestly it doesn’t even feel like he grows as a character because the first time they interact again he’s kind of rude to Nylahs date to the winter dance thing. It would’ve been nice to see him mature and respectful. Also we just immediately skip the rest of the night and next thing we see is them having sex the next morning.
I’d be interested in the next book for sure. I like the shorter chapters. Some things felt repetitive but not a big deal, I wish we at least saw a LITTLE use of Nylahs cane, it was made such a big deal but we never see her use it. And Carson using the word “Chick” was overused.
OH MY GOD ADDED EDIT! LISTING OFF THE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT SOMEONE TO YOUR GRANDMA WHEN YOURE UPSET ABOUT YOUR BREAKUP SHOULD NOT INCLUDE HIM HAVING MAGIC FINGERS! THAT IS CRIMINAL!!
September 8, 2025
Katy's writing is beautiful. Her characters are unforgettable, but Carson, well, he is one of a kind that will stick with me even more than the rest. From the previous books of the series, he seemed like such a dick. But I'm so glad I got to know the him!
I loved his awkwardness and the way he would walk away without a word. He was not much for talking and I really admired that about him. Sometimes you just don't need words. I loved that he was so honest too and spoke his mind when he felt it was needed, whether it upset people or not.
Nylah was a pillar of strength. The things she had gone through could have completely destroyed her yet somehow they made her stronger. And though she was not always confident, she was confident enough to go after what she wanted-Carson. I loved how she battled for him! She pushed until she got her way!
The quick wit, 'lame' jokes and banter between these two was brilliantly done. It felt so natural. And the steaminess was off the charts!
This story moved me. Carson was such a broken soul. My heart hurt for him, especially the motor cycle scene (read it and you will know). Bawled my eyes out!!
It has taken me a week to get to this review and I still don't feel my words have done it justice. JUST READ IT!!
I loved his awkwardness and the way he would walk away without a word. He was not much for talking and I really admired that about him. Sometimes you just don't need words. I loved that he was so honest too and spoke his mind when he felt it was needed, whether it upset people or not.
Nylah was a pillar of strength. The things she had gone through could have completely destroyed her yet somehow they made her stronger. And though she was not always confident, she was confident enough to go after what she wanted-Carson. I loved how she battled for him! She pushed until she got her way!
The quick wit, 'lame' jokes and banter between these two was brilliantly done. It felt so natural. And the steaminess was off the charts!
This story moved me. Carson was such a broken soul. My heart hurt for him, especially the motor cycle scene (read it and you will know). Bawled my eyes out!!
It has taken me a week to get to this review and I still don't feel my words have done it justice. JUST READ IT!!
June 6, 2025
Carson McAvoy is the best wide receiver on the Nolan U football team and a hard partying bad boy through and through. When he first meets the feisty, sharp-tongued Nylah he knows there is something about her he is going to be hard pressed to resist, especially when he seems to be running into her everywhere. But the coach made it very clear, none of the football team is allowed to date his daughter, or else.
I absolutely adored all of the characters in this book, whether I had already "met" them in previous books or they were newly introduced in Nylah's and Carson's story. This author has such a remarkable talent for realistically portraying her characters that I found myself laughing with them and even crying with them at times. This is a fantastic college sports romance with lots of steamy interactions between the male and female lead characters. There are lots of emotional ups and downs with some surprising twists and turns in the plot that it was nearly impossible to put this book down until the last page. I highly recommend this book to any other reader.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from the author.
I absolutely adored all of the characters in this book, whether I had already "met" them in previous books or they were newly introduced in Nylah's and Carson's story. This author has such a remarkable talent for realistically portraying her characters that I found myself laughing with them and even crying with them at times. This is a fantastic college sports romance with lots of steamy interactions between the male and female lead characters. There are lots of emotional ups and downs with some surprising twists and turns in the plot that it was nearly impossible to put this book down until the last page. I highly recommend this book to any other reader.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from the author.
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