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Off Limits: A fiery, forbidden Cheerleader X Footballer romance
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26She's the Cheerleader. He's the star Player. One their contracts.
For Serenity Harper, paying off her father’s massive gambling debt means working a job as a late-night dancer in a sleazy dive bar. But achieving her dream of becoming a cheerleader for the Canyon Bay football team, she must hide her double life from her new employers.
But when Serenity catches the attention of the Canyon Bay’s newest star player, golden-boy Jake Walsh, while out shopping – sparks instantly fly.
But their contracts have a very specific no fraternizing with the players or cheerleaders. As the pair struggle to stay away from each other, will Serenity’s other secrets come to light, and will Jake lose his perfect player image…?
A steamy, forbidden sports romance - for fans of Tessa Bailey and Ali Hazelwood.
For Serenity Harper, paying off her father’s massive gambling debt means working a job as a late-night dancer in a sleazy dive bar. But achieving her dream of becoming a cheerleader for the Canyon Bay football team, she must hide her double life from her new employers.
But when Serenity catches the attention of the Canyon Bay’s newest star player, golden-boy Jake Walsh, while out shopping – sparks instantly fly.
But their contracts have a very specific no fraternizing with the players or cheerleaders. As the pair struggle to stay away from each other, will Serenity’s other secrets come to light, and will Jake lose his perfect player image…?
A steamy, forbidden sports romance - for fans of Tessa Bailey and Ali Hazelwood.
- GenresRomance
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 14, 2026
6 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 7, 2025
3 ˖⁺‧✮
i really liked how the book started. and overall, it was a great read. the story felt new and plot line was so interesting. every character was connected but at the same time was able to carry a personal developed story.
the only thing that truly made me mad while reading was mmc. he was sweet and caring but incredibly immature and annoying. serenity was working multiple jobs and was looking after her dad, she has told him multiple times how busy she is with the schedule. still, he’d say stuff like “can’t you just meet me for 30min” after her saying how exhausted she is and still having to go back to work!!!! he never seemed to value serenity. the compliments were lame and felt very sexual. he never said anything about her as a person rather her general appearance. i mean, now it’s obvious why he couldn’t date anyone for so long.
i really like serenity’s plotline. she showed that independence and strength in so many ways. jack never deserved her and he’s too immature to date people 🧍♀️
you should definitely read this book for its plot because of how diverse it was. it has so many cute but also sad and heartbreaking moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the arc.
i really liked how the book started. and overall, it was a great read. the story felt new and plot line was so interesting. every character was connected but at the same time was able to carry a personal developed story.
the only thing that truly made me mad while reading was mmc. he was sweet and caring but incredibly immature and annoying. serenity was working multiple jobs and was looking after her dad, she has told him multiple times how busy she is with the schedule. still, he’d say stuff like “can’t you just meet me for 30min” after her saying how exhausted she is and still having to go back to work!!!! he never seemed to value serenity. the compliments were lame and felt very sexual. he never said anything about her as a person rather her general appearance. i mean, now it’s obvious why he couldn’t date anyone for so long.
i really like serenity’s plotline. she showed that independence and strength in so many ways. jack never deserved her and he’s too immature to date people 🧍♀️
you should definitely read this book for its plot because of how diverse it was. it has so many cute but also sad and heartbreaking moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the arc.
November 6, 2025
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was hooked from the first few chapters. I can’t wait to see more from this author, (hopefully Harmony’s story!) The spice was so well written and thought out, I loved the whole thing. Thankyou net galley and the authors team for an ARC
October 25, 2025
3.5✨
This is not your typical sports romance & I really enjoyed the angle Emma Rae took with this. Serenity is accepted for a position as a cheerleader for the Canyon NHL team, that Jake is the newest draft pick for. A chance meeting between Jake & Serenity sparks a connection that they can’t ignore. Neither of them are aware they work for the same team and there’s one problem.. it is forbidden for cheerleaders & football players to interact.
This story started strong for me and I was immediately sucked in. There is so much packed into this one, I was invested to see how it turned out. I did struggled to vibe with the writing style & characters at times, and didn’t vibe with some of the scenes written. Some of them felt a bit rushed or like they didn’t quite fit, instead of focusing on other parts of the plot.
The bond that Serenity had with her squad & the way they showed up for her at the end of the book was so heart warming! This book is great if you’re wanting a nice, easy sports-romance read and a good palette cleanser.
Thank you to the author Emma Rae & NetGalley for the opportunity to review a copy of Off Limits by Emma Rae. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#OffLimits #NetGalley
This is not your typical sports romance & I really enjoyed the angle Emma Rae took with this. Serenity is accepted for a position as a cheerleader for the Canyon NHL team, that Jake is the newest draft pick for. A chance meeting between Jake & Serenity sparks a connection that they can’t ignore. Neither of them are aware they work for the same team and there’s one problem.. it is forbidden for cheerleaders & football players to interact.
This story started strong for me and I was immediately sucked in. There is so much packed into this one, I was invested to see how it turned out. I did struggled to vibe with the writing style & characters at times, and didn’t vibe with some of the scenes written. Some of them felt a bit rushed or like they didn’t quite fit, instead of focusing on other parts of the plot.
The bond that Serenity had with her squad & the way they showed up for her at the end of the book was so heart warming! This book is great if you’re wanting a nice, easy sports-romance read and a good palette cleanser.
Thank you to the author Emma Rae & NetGalley for the opportunity to review a copy of Off Limits by Emma Rae. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#OffLimits #NetGalley
October 24, 2025
The first chapter really piqued my interest. The plot was interesting and had potential, although I am not sure of the delivery. Many things didnt work for me, probably due to personal preferences. But the romance fell flat for me and I got a bit bored. I couldn't connect with both MCs; Couldn't feel them falling for each other. Also, a bit too much focus on body count.
It just wasn't for me but the story had interesting ideas! If you decide to jump in, just be mindful that it is a bit darker than the cover suggests. Maybe some trigger warnings should be included!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
It just wasn't for me but the story had interesting ideas! If you decide to jump in, just be mindful that it is a bit darker than the cover suggests. Maybe some trigger warnings should be included!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
October 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley / Emma for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this one! I love a good storyline with a little spice. I was rooting for Jake and Serenity the whole time!!
I really enjoyed this one! I love a good storyline with a little spice. I was rooting for Jake and Serenity the whole time!!
October 10, 2025
I just finished this and there were some things I liked and some things that didn't work for me.
Jake as an MMC is a nice family guy (a bit on the immature side, but I guess he is in his early 20s) who falls instantly in love with a woman that he sees at the grocery store. Serenity, the FMC (and the one in the store), doesn't fawn all over him like most girls do, because he is a big shot NFL player, which interests Jake even more. He pursues her even though she seems unsure (and is much too busy for a relationship), even when they both realize that she is an NFL cheerleader (for his team) and there is a clause in the contract that she's signed that states that she cannot get involved with an NFL player.
I liked Jake's relationship with his younger sister, River, which was really sweet. I liked how Jake and Serenity had to keep their relationship covert and sneak around. One of the notes Jake writes to her it so swoony: "If I died tomorrow, I'd die happy, because you let me kiss you. You're on my mind, all the time."
I don't like the tag-line, "She's a cheerleader. He's the star player. What could go wrong?" because it doesn't make sense. Jake is not the star player; he is, in fact, a rookie that just joined the team. It's clear that the author doesn't know much about football, and it would have been nice if she did a little bit more research to make it more believable. But I understand why this is the case - the author is very clearly British.
The British words really took me out of the story since it is supposed to be set in Texas, and the characters have southern accents. There was "checquered shirts," "jewellery," "pyjamas," "rumours," and other instances of British-spelled words. Jake uses an 'x' or 'xx' as a kiss/kisses on the end of a note and a text, which Americans don't do. The words aren't incorrect, but the spelling was noticeable while reading.
Another thing that bothered me was just how much the main characters talked about "body count" and virginity. It gave me the ick that it was brought up on more than one occasion.
There should also be a TW for coercion, blackmail, intimidation, forced touching and almost forced intimacy (both for FMC/not with MMC). We also see the inside of a strip club several time and some private dances (not for the MMC), if that is something that might bother a reader.
I'm glad Jake and Serenity got their HEA. The end was wrapped up nicely (honestly, perhaps a little too on the nose). I'd give this book a 3-3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Jake as an MMC is a nice family guy (a bit on the immature side, but I guess he is in his early 20s) who falls instantly in love with a woman that he sees at the grocery store. Serenity, the FMC (and the one in the store), doesn't fawn all over him like most girls do, because he is a big shot NFL player, which interests Jake even more. He pursues her even though she seems unsure (and is much too busy for a relationship), even when they both realize that she is an NFL cheerleader (for his team) and there is a clause in the contract that she's signed that states that she cannot get involved with an NFL player.
I liked Jake's relationship with his younger sister, River, which was really sweet. I liked how Jake and Serenity had to keep their relationship covert and sneak around. One of the notes Jake writes to her it so swoony: "If I died tomorrow, I'd die happy, because you let me kiss you. You're on my mind, all the time."
I don't like the tag-line, "She's a cheerleader. He's the star player. What could go wrong?" because it doesn't make sense. Jake is not the star player; he is, in fact, a rookie that just joined the team. It's clear that the author doesn't know much about football, and it would have been nice if she did a little bit more research to make it more believable. But I understand why this is the case - the author is very clearly British.
The British words really took me out of the story since it is supposed to be set in Texas, and the characters have southern accents. There was "checquered shirts," "jewellery," "pyjamas," "rumours," and other instances of British-spelled words. Jake uses an 'x' or 'xx' as a kiss/kisses on the end of a note and a text, which Americans don't do. The words aren't incorrect, but the spelling was noticeable while reading.
Another thing that bothered me was just how much the main characters talked about "body count" and virginity. It gave me the ick that it was brought up on more than one occasion.
There should also be a TW for coercion, blackmail, intimidation, forced touching and almost forced intimacy (both for FMC/not with MMC). We also see the inside of a strip club several time and some private dances (not for the MMC), if that is something that might bother a reader.
I'm glad Jake and Serenity got their HEA. The end was wrapped up nicely (honestly, perhaps a little too on the nose). I'd give this book a 3-3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
This story follows Serenity, a dancer who lands a spot as a cheerleader for a major NFL team. It seems like the opportunity of a lifetime, until she reads the fine print. The contract forbids her from dating players on the team and requires her to maintain a certain public image, which doesn’t exactly align with her side job as a stripper. Things get even more complicated when she discovers that the charming guy she met outside a grocery store, and who’s clearly falling for her, is actually one of the players on the team, Jake.
The premise is fun and exactly what you’d expect from a spicy, lighthearted romance. I liked the back-and-forth dynamic between the main characters, and it overall was entertaining.
Something that didn't quite work for me was the stripper storyline. It's more of a personal preference, but it just wasn't really my style. But I knew what I was getting into before starting, so that's more on me.
The dialogue was also a bit distracting at times. I think it is written this way to make it sound more realistic, with words written phonetically (“’em” instead of “them,” “goin’” instead of “going”). It felt a bit much, especially because at times it was in almost every dialogue sentence, sometimes multiple times in a sentence and it just didn't work for me. On top of that, a few sentences read a bit oddly (for example "you and I are gonna have some words"), and there were some minor typos. It didn't make me throw the book in the ocean, but just threw me a bit off is all.
The MMC(Jake) also felt inconsistent. He shifts between confident and shy in a way that makes it difficult to get a clear sense of who he really is. When he’s pursuing Serenity, he’s bold and sure of himself, but when they’re alone, he becomes overly nervous in a way that just doesn't feel natural. I completely get that people have different personalities in different situations, here it just felt a bit much. It made it a bit hard to really connect with him. It did get better toward the end though.
There’s also quite a bit of repetition, like something will happen, then the characters will recount the event to someone else, then to someone else, and it's just kind of a repetition of what I just read.
That said, I did enjoy the ending and the general arc of the story. It’s a quick, easy read that delivers exactly what it promises.
If you enjoy spicy, trope-filled romances, the kind that tend to blow up on BookTok, you’ll likely have a good time with this one.
This story follows Serenity, a dancer who lands a spot as a cheerleader for a major NFL team. It seems like the opportunity of a lifetime, until she reads the fine print. The contract forbids her from dating players on the team and requires her to maintain a certain public image, which doesn’t exactly align with her side job as a stripper. Things get even more complicated when she discovers that the charming guy she met outside a grocery store, and who’s clearly falling for her, is actually one of the players on the team, Jake.
The premise is fun and exactly what you’d expect from a spicy, lighthearted romance. I liked the back-and-forth dynamic between the main characters, and it overall was entertaining.
Something that didn't quite work for me was the stripper storyline. It's more of a personal preference, but it just wasn't really my style. But I knew what I was getting into before starting, so that's more on me.
The dialogue was also a bit distracting at times. I think it is written this way to make it sound more realistic, with words written phonetically (“’em” instead of “them,” “goin’” instead of “going”). It felt a bit much, especially because at times it was in almost every dialogue sentence, sometimes multiple times in a sentence and it just didn't work for me. On top of that, a few sentences read a bit oddly (for example "you and I are gonna have some words"), and there were some minor typos. It didn't make me throw the book in the ocean, but just threw me a bit off is all.
The MMC(Jake) also felt inconsistent. He shifts between confident and shy in a way that makes it difficult to get a clear sense of who he really is. When he’s pursuing Serenity, he’s bold and sure of himself, but when they’re alone, he becomes overly nervous in a way that just doesn't feel natural. I completely get that people have different personalities in different situations, here it just felt a bit much. It made it a bit hard to really connect with him. It did get better toward the end though.
There’s also quite a bit of repetition, like something will happen, then the characters will recount the event to someone else, then to someone else, and it's just kind of a repetition of what I just read.
That said, I did enjoy the ending and the general arc of the story. It’s a quick, easy read that delivers exactly what it promises.
If you enjoy spicy, trope-filled romances, the kind that tend to blow up on BookTok, you’ll likely have a good time with this one.
November 3, 2025
Sometimes the line between love and ruin is drawn in ink — right there in a contract clause.
In Off Limits, Emma Rae gives us a high-voltage forbidden romance that blends Friday-night-lights energy with the ache of a secret you can’t afford to tell. Serenity Harper finally lands her dream job as a cheerleader for the Canyon Bay Mutineers, but she’s living a double life. By night, she’s dancing in a dive bar to pay off her father’s debt — a truth that could destroy everything she’s worked for. Then she meets Jake Walsh, the team’s golden-boy quarterback, and suddenly, every rule in her employee handbook starts to feel like a dare.
What hooked me wasn’t just the “no fraternizing” trope (though that tension sizzles). It was the why behind Serenity’s choices — the moral tug-of-war between survival and self-respect, between the girl she wants to be and the one she has to be right now. Rae lets us see both the glitter and the grit, giving us a heroine who’s fierce, flawed, and refreshingly human. Jake could’ve been a cliché — the charming athlete with a heart of gold — but he earns his warmth. Beneath the fame and pressure, there’s a man who sees Serenity’s fire and refuses to look away.
Their chemistry burns bright, but it’s the quieter moments — stolen glances at practice, whispered confessions behind stadium walls — that make this story feel lived-in. Rae’s writing is cinematic, balancing adrenaline with tenderness, and her dialogue crackles with realism.
Off Limits isn’t reinventing the sports-romance playbook, but it executes the tropes with heart and honesty. It’s about chasing dreams even when you’re out of breath, about owning your truth even when it costs you the spotlight. And most of all, it’s about two people who risk everything — career, reputation, peace of mind — because some loves are worth breaking the rules for.
Verdict: Forbidden, fast-paced, and full of heart. A perfect read for anyone who loves their romance with a side of risk.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
In Off Limits, Emma Rae gives us a high-voltage forbidden romance that blends Friday-night-lights energy with the ache of a secret you can’t afford to tell. Serenity Harper finally lands her dream job as a cheerleader for the Canyon Bay Mutineers, but she’s living a double life. By night, she’s dancing in a dive bar to pay off her father’s debt — a truth that could destroy everything she’s worked for. Then she meets Jake Walsh, the team’s golden-boy quarterback, and suddenly, every rule in her employee handbook starts to feel like a dare.
What hooked me wasn’t just the “no fraternizing” trope (though that tension sizzles). It was the why behind Serenity’s choices — the moral tug-of-war between survival and self-respect, between the girl she wants to be and the one she has to be right now. Rae lets us see both the glitter and the grit, giving us a heroine who’s fierce, flawed, and refreshingly human. Jake could’ve been a cliché — the charming athlete with a heart of gold — but he earns his warmth. Beneath the fame and pressure, there’s a man who sees Serenity’s fire and refuses to look away.
Their chemistry burns bright, but it’s the quieter moments — stolen glances at practice, whispered confessions behind stadium walls — that make this story feel lived-in. Rae’s writing is cinematic, balancing adrenaline with tenderness, and her dialogue crackles with realism.
Off Limits isn’t reinventing the sports-romance playbook, but it executes the tropes with heart and honesty. It’s about chasing dreams even when you’re out of breath, about owning your truth even when it costs you the spotlight. And most of all, it’s about two people who risk everything — career, reputation, peace of mind — because some loves are worth breaking the rules for.
Verdict: Forbidden, fast-paced, and full of heart. A perfect read for anyone who loves their romance with a side of risk.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2025
Off Limits by Emma Rae
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I just finished Off Limits by Emma Rae, and I’m still smiling! This book is the perfect blend of swoon-worthy romance, emotional depth, and pure fun. From page one, I was completely drawn into Serenity and Jake’s world — and let me tell you, once I started, there was no putting it down.
The story follows Serenity Harper, a determined dreamer chasing her spot on the Canyon football team’s cheer squad—all while secretly working nights at a gritty dive bar to pay off her father’s gambling debts. Enter Jake Walsh, the team’s golden-boy quarterback with a smile that could melt steel and a reputation to match. The chemistry between them? Instant. The problem? The contract has one ironclad rule: no dating between players and cheerleaders. Cue the forbidden-romance fireworks, smoldering glances, and all the delicious tension you could ask for.
What I loved most about this book is how Emma Rae makes the romance feel both steamy and sweet. The chemistry between Serenity and Jake is off the charts — full of playful banter, secret glances, and those slow-burn moments that make your heart ache in the best way. But beneath all the flirtation, there’s real emotional substance. Both characters are juggling big dreams, family pressures, and reputations they’re scared to lose. It makes their connection feel earned and genuine. I really enjoyed the darker edge to the story that I was not expecting!
The tropes included within this story are:
🏈 NFL Player x Cheerleader
🏈 Forbidden Romance
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Secret Double Life
🏈 Golden Boy
🏈 Rule-breaking love
Off Limits is a deliciously addictive forbidden romance with just the right mix of spice, heart, and humor. If you love stories that make you grin, swoon, and stay up way too late turning pages, this one’s a total touchdown.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I just finished Off Limits by Emma Rae, and I’m still smiling! This book is the perfect blend of swoon-worthy romance, emotional depth, and pure fun. From page one, I was completely drawn into Serenity and Jake’s world — and let me tell you, once I started, there was no putting it down.
The story follows Serenity Harper, a determined dreamer chasing her spot on the Canyon football team’s cheer squad—all while secretly working nights at a gritty dive bar to pay off her father’s gambling debts. Enter Jake Walsh, the team’s golden-boy quarterback with a smile that could melt steel and a reputation to match. The chemistry between them? Instant. The problem? The contract has one ironclad rule: no dating between players and cheerleaders. Cue the forbidden-romance fireworks, smoldering glances, and all the delicious tension you could ask for.
What I loved most about this book is how Emma Rae makes the romance feel both steamy and sweet. The chemistry between Serenity and Jake is off the charts — full of playful banter, secret glances, and those slow-burn moments that make your heart ache in the best way. But beneath all the flirtation, there’s real emotional substance. Both characters are juggling big dreams, family pressures, and reputations they’re scared to lose. It makes their connection feel earned and genuine. I really enjoyed the darker edge to the story that I was not expecting!
The tropes included within this story are:
🏈 NFL Player x Cheerleader
🏈 Forbidden Romance
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Secret Double Life
🏈 Golden Boy
🏈 Rule-breaking love
Off Limits is a deliciously addictive forbidden romance with just the right mix of spice, heart, and humor. If you love stories that make you grin, swoon, and stay up way too late turning pages, this one’s a total touchdown.
October 10, 2025
🏈✨ ARC Review: Off Limits by Emma Rae ✨🏈
Pub Date: Nov 6, 2025
She’s the cheerleader. He’s the star player.
And they’re absolutely not supposed to fall in love.
When Serenity Harper lands her dream job as a Canyon Bay cheerleader, she swears to keep her double life under wraps. No one can know that her nights are spent dancing to pay off her father’s debt. But then she meets Jake Walsh, football’s golden boy with a heart of gold and everything gets a whole lot more complicated.
Their chemistry? Instant.
Their connection? Undeniable.
Their relationship? Totally forbidden.
💋 Forbidden love
💋 Secret relationship
💋 Sports romance
💋 Golden boy x girl with secrets
💋 Swoon-worthy notes + slow-burn steam
Jake and Serenity’s story is full of stolen glances, secret notes, and tension that burns hotter than Friday night lights. Fans of Tessa Bailey’s banter and Ali Hazelwood’s heart will eat this up. The ending was sweet, satisfying, and gave me that perfect HEA sigh.
Thank you @Sourcebooks & @EmmaRaefor the early copy, I couldn’t stop reading this one! 💞
#OffLimits #EmmaRae #SportsRomance #ForbiddenRomance #CheerleaderXFootballPlayer #RomanceBooks #Bookstagram #ARCReview #RomanceReaders #EnemiesToLovers #SlowBurnRomance #TessaBaileyVibes #AliHazelwoodFans
Pub Date: Nov 6, 2025
She’s the cheerleader. He’s the star player.
And they’re absolutely not supposed to fall in love.
When Serenity Harper lands her dream job as a Canyon Bay cheerleader, she swears to keep her double life under wraps. No one can know that her nights are spent dancing to pay off her father’s debt. But then she meets Jake Walsh, football’s golden boy with a heart of gold and everything gets a whole lot more complicated.
Their chemistry? Instant.
Their connection? Undeniable.
Their relationship? Totally forbidden.
💋 Forbidden love
💋 Secret relationship
💋 Sports romance
💋 Golden boy x girl with secrets
💋 Swoon-worthy notes + slow-burn steam
Jake and Serenity’s story is full of stolen glances, secret notes, and tension that burns hotter than Friday night lights. Fans of Tessa Bailey’s banter and Ali Hazelwood’s heart will eat this up. The ending was sweet, satisfying, and gave me that perfect HEA sigh.
Thank you @Sourcebooks & @EmmaRaefor the early copy, I couldn’t stop reading this one! 💞
#OffLimits #EmmaRae #SportsRomance #ForbiddenRomance #CheerleaderXFootballPlayer #RomanceBooks #Bookstagram #ARCReview #RomanceReaders #EnemiesToLovers #SlowBurnRomance #TessaBaileyVibes #AliHazelwoodFans
October 5, 2025
Serenity Harper is struggling to keep her head above water and keep herself and her father alive. She's working 3 jobs, including at a strip club trying to pay off her dad's gambling debt. When she meets Jake when he pays for her groceries at the store, she just thinks he's a nice guy. Meanwhile, he's already swept away and wants to know more about her. There are a lot of challenges to them being together, and just when Jake thinks he's broken down all of Serenity's walls AND the barriers to them, there's one more thing. Can they learn to trust one another and find a way to be together, despite all of the factors that want to break them apart?
It took a little time for the whole story to unfold to Jake, and there were points it seemed to drag, but overall this is a cute story. I admire how he didn't take no for an answer, even though Serenity kept pushing him away. I think he knew she didn't mean no, but she just didn't see how they could work. I hope this book is a series and we get to learn more about the other teammates.
It took a little time for the whole story to unfold to Jake, and there were points it seemed to drag, but overall this is a cute story. I admire how he didn't take no for an answer, even though Serenity kept pushing him away. I think he knew she didn't mean no, but she just didn't see how they could work. I hope this book is a series and we get to learn more about the other teammates.
October 27, 2025
Off Limits had me in a full-on chokehold from start to finish! I don’t usually reach for sports romances (it’s been years since my last one), but this book single-handedly pulled me out of my reading slump. The writing? Exquisite. The pacing? Addictive. I truly could not put it down.
The story follows Serenity, an NFL cheerleader chasing her dream but there’s a catch. Her contract strictly forbids her from interacting with players or doing anything that could tarnish the team’s reputation. The problem? She’s already crushing on Jake, the sweet, charming new rookie… only to find out he plays for her team. To make things even more complicated, Serenity’s been hiding a huge secret: she works nights as a stripper.
What follows is the ultimate mix of forbidden romance, off-the-charts chemistry, and edge-of-your-seat drama. There were moments that had me literally squealing, closing the book to pace around my house because my heart couldn’t handle the tension and then immediately diving right back in because I had to know what happened next.
Jake and Serenity’s connection felt electric, messy, and real in the best way. And the twists? I didn’t see half of them coming. Off Limits had everything I love in a romance, heat, heart, and just the right amount of chaos. I absolutely loved every second. ❤️🏈🔥
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Serenity, an NFL cheerleader chasing her dream but there’s a catch. Her contract strictly forbids her from interacting with players or doing anything that could tarnish the team’s reputation. The problem? She’s already crushing on Jake, the sweet, charming new rookie… only to find out he plays for her team. To make things even more complicated, Serenity’s been hiding a huge secret: she works nights as a stripper.
What follows is the ultimate mix of forbidden romance, off-the-charts chemistry, and edge-of-your-seat drama. There were moments that had me literally squealing, closing the book to pace around my house because my heart couldn’t handle the tension and then immediately diving right back in because I had to know what happened next.
Jake and Serenity’s connection felt electric, messy, and real in the best way. And the twists? I didn’t see half of them coming. Off Limits had everything I love in a romance, heat, heart, and just the right amount of chaos. I absolutely loved every second. ❤️🏈🔥
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 20, 2025
This book was… weird. The concept itself was a little out there, which can sometimes work in a story’s favor, but in this case, it just never quite came together. The plot felt disjointed, and some of the details didn’t line up in a way that made sense. It was like the author had several interesting ideas but couldn’t quite decide which direction to take, so everything ended up feeling a bit muddled.
The biggest disappointment for me, though, was the romance. In a romance novel, you expect the falling-in-love part to be the heart of the story—to feel real, emotional, and central to everything. Here, it felt more like an afterthought. The connection between the characters never fully developed, and by the time they were supposedly in love, it didn’t feel earned or believable.
I kept waiting for that spark, that emotional pull that makes a romance worth reading—but it never quite arrived. Overall, it had potential, but it just missed the mark in the areas that mattered most.
The biggest disappointment for me, though, was the romance. In a romance novel, you expect the falling-in-love part to be the heart of the story—to feel real, emotional, and central to everything. Here, it felt more like an afterthought. The connection between the characters never fully developed, and by the time they were supposedly in love, it didn’t feel earned or believable.
I kept waiting for that spark, that emotional pull that makes a romance worth reading—but it never quite arrived. Overall, it had potential, but it just missed the mark in the areas that mattered most.
October 12, 2025
Thank you netgalley for an early copy of this book! I was pleasantly surprised by this contemporary romance. The communication between the two main characters was top-tier! I'm so glad this wasn't a miscommunication trope. I was worried this forbidden romance between a football player and NFL cheerleader wouldn’t feel high stakes enough, but Serenity’s backstory added so much to the story. Serenity and Jake fell for each other pretty fast, but I’ll allow it since they were honest with each other. The ending wrapped up almost too perfectly and there’s just no way it would all work out like that (with my experience as a college cheerleader and knowing how the athletic department thinks NOTHING of you and pays you nothing) but I’ll allow it because I love a happily ever after!! I enjoyed the writing style and only cringed once which is a win. I would recommend this to a friend!
October 21, 2025
So this cover completely threw me off. This was a little bit darker than I anticipated and I have to say it was pretty good.
You have the FMC, serenity, she’s a cheerleader who moonlights as a private dancer to pay off her father’s gambling debts. Then there is the MMC, Jake, he’s in his first rookie year of the NFL takes one look at Serenity and is in “insta-love.” There was definitely some darker elements once you find out that the FMC is doing these private dances under coercion. I think the most ridiculous part overall was the clause where the cheerleaders aren’t able to fraternize with the players whatsoever which is what makes it “forbidden.”
Overall this book was way more emotional than what I originally thought.
Thanks to Netgalley & Emma Rae for giving me this ARC in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You have the FMC, serenity, she’s a cheerleader who moonlights as a private dancer to pay off her father’s gambling debts. Then there is the MMC, Jake, he’s in his first rookie year of the NFL takes one look at Serenity and is in “insta-love.” There was definitely some darker elements once you find out that the FMC is doing these private dances under coercion. I think the most ridiculous part overall was the clause where the cheerleaders aren’t able to fraternize with the players whatsoever which is what makes it “forbidden.”
Overall this book was way more emotional than what I originally thought.
Thanks to Netgalley & Emma Rae for giving me this ARC in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2025
⭐️ 2.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC!
This one, unfortunately, just didn’t click for me. The premise had potential, but the story felt a bit messy and uneven. I struggled to connect with the characters, and sometimes I got annoyed at Serenity’s decisions — she made choices that didn’t always make sense to me. The pacing was also inconsistent, with some parts dragging and others feeling rushed.
That said, I really liked the glimpse into the world of cheerleading and the NFL — it was such an interesting backdrop! And I did appreciate how Serenity and Jake actually talked about their problems instead of ignoring them. It wasn’t my favorite overall, but it had some bright spots.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC!
This one, unfortunately, just didn’t click for me. The premise had potential, but the story felt a bit messy and uneven. I struggled to connect with the characters, and sometimes I got annoyed at Serenity’s decisions — she made choices that didn’t always make sense to me. The pacing was also inconsistent, with some parts dragging and others feeling rushed.
That said, I really liked the glimpse into the world of cheerleading and the NFL — it was such an interesting backdrop! And I did appreciate how Serenity and Jake actually talked about their problems instead of ignoring them. It wasn’t my favorite overall, but it had some bright spots.
October 14, 2025
I do enjoy a sports romance but this book was so much more . It wasn’t just a romance story or 2 people desperate to be together but it has so many great moments and when Serenity came to light and all her struggles and how she was trying to cope alone hit the feels. She was doing it all and when Jake came on the scene it seems like it would never work how when she had so many obstacles in the way. But one by one Jake broke them down with the help of teammates & cheerleaders . It was truly a great story and I enjoyed the background elements and how they overcame each problem . Brilliant story kept me on the edge of my seat til the end. How there love for each other was greater than anything. High praise for this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2025
Serenity has achieved her dream of becoming a cheerleader at CMC which comes with a lot of rules (think old school DCC making the team & America's Sweethearts) and she just so happens to have met the one person she's contractually obliged not to fraternise with, Jake Walsh, a rookie running back who just signed with the Mutineers.
There was the right amount of angst with the will they won't they get discovered along with Serenity's double life and the blackmail threatening to bring everything to light.
I think there was just enough chemistry between our main characters, though more of a simmer than a boil. The bond of the teams when everything came to a head was great and I found the ending quite satisfying.
This was a nice palate cleanser of a book and an enjoyable read.
There was the right amount of angst with the will they won't they get discovered along with Serenity's double life and the blackmail threatening to bring everything to light.
I think there was just enough chemistry between our main characters, though more of a simmer than a boil. The bond of the teams when everything came to a head was great and I found the ending quite satisfying.
This was a nice palate cleanser of a book and an enjoyable read.
November 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Getting to know Jake, Serenity and the rest was so fun.
I was really invested in the story, questioning what I would do and how. I wouldn’t make all the same choices as the characters did and that both intrigued and surprised me!
Jake and Serenity are just too cute but I enjoyed all of the characters and found them both believable and lovable (well okay, there were a couple I didn’t love)!
I found some of the book quite heavy, with her dancing troubles and double life being a main theme. I knew it was a forbidden romance but I wasn’t expecting it to be so heavy or serious in places and thought it would be just lighthearted fun, but it added depth and made for an interesting story.
I was really invested in the story, questioning what I would do and how. I wouldn’t make all the same choices as the characters did and that both intrigued and surprised me!
Jake and Serenity are just too cute but I enjoyed all of the characters and found them both believable and lovable (well okay, there were a couple I didn’t love)!
I found some of the book quite heavy, with her dancing troubles and double life being a main theme. I knew it was a forbidden romance but I wasn’t expecting it to be so heavy or serious in places and thought it would be just lighthearted fun, but it added depth and made for an interesting story.
October 5, 2025
A warning to anyone diving into this spicy romance - there are some serious triggers to be mindful of, including:
- scenes at a private club
- full nudity stripping
- almost forced intimacy
- stalker-ish behaviour
- intimidation using texting
- threatening behaviour in person
- power tripping family (the Conway’s need a takedown!)
Besides the above, it’s incredible the journey the characters go on throughout this book, for Jake he learns how to be a man, and for Serenity overcoming her struggles to move forward so that they can be together.
Learning about the power imbalance between cheerleaders and the team was insane!
- scenes at a private club
- full nudity stripping
- almost forced intimacy
- stalker-ish behaviour
- intimidation using texting
- threatening behaviour in person
- power tripping family (the Conway’s need a takedown!)
Besides the above, it’s incredible the journey the characters go on throughout this book, for Jake he learns how to be a man, and for Serenity overcoming her struggles to move forward so that they can be together.
Learning about the power imbalance between cheerleaders and the team was insane!
October 13, 2025
Fabulously spicy American football romance with a huge heart. When Serenity makes the Canyon Mutineers Cheerleaders squad she has to sign to say she won't bring the squad into disrepute or fraternise with the footballers. Trouble is she's already unknowingly swapped numbers with the team's hottest new recruit Jake, and she lives in fear that her late night stripper job she's forced to do to pay off her sick father's debts will be found out. Can love touch down for Jake and Ren, or will her dancing dream get the red card? Rae keeps the pages turning and includes a great cast of supporting characters. My favourite is Jake's sister River.
October 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for the early release of this book. I’ve read one of Emma Rae’s books before and enjoyed it. This started a little slow for me but I was rooting for Jake and Serenity by the 50% mark.
The plot was interesting and different to what I’ve read before. I enjoyed how it explored women’s standards in a cheerleading role and the difference between them and men in football roles. I also loved the relationship between Jake and his sister, River.
This wasn’t my favourite book by Emma Rae, I Knew You Were Trouble was a 4.5 star for me, but the writing was addictive and I simply couldn’t put it down.
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for the early release of this book. I’ve read one of Emma Rae’s books before and enjoyed it. This started a little slow for me but I was rooting for Jake and Serenity by the 50% mark.
The plot was interesting and different to what I’ve read before. I enjoyed how it explored women’s standards in a cheerleading role and the difference between them and men in football roles. I also loved the relationship between Jake and his sister, River.
This wasn’t my favourite book by Emma Rae, I Knew You Were Trouble was a 4.5 star for me, but the writing was addictive and I simply couldn’t put it down.
October 21, 2025
I love a good sports romance and this book was exactly it for me!! I really liked the MMC Jake and FMC Serenity, I’ve never read a book with a backstory like hers, and what she was doing and was going through really gripped me throughout!
The plot was informative yet intriguing and went at exactly the right pace for me. I liked that the side characters were always connected and involved too, especially Harmony and River!
As my first read by Emma Rae, this book has for sure made me want to pick up more of hers in the future!
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc!!
The plot was informative yet intriguing and went at exactly the right pace for me. I liked that the side characters were always connected and involved too, especially Harmony and River!
As my first read by Emma Rae, this book has for sure made me want to pick up more of hers in the future!
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc!!
October 22, 2025
Overall, i enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and I appreciated the difficult topics that it dealt with. However the romance between Jake and Serenity was very “insta love”. I feel like we only really saw them together two or three times before they were confessing their love for each other.
I feel like there was almost a bit too much going on. Serenity’s double life, the blackmailing, Jake having to date Lemon, and them keeping their relationship a secret. It felt as if there almost wasn’t time for their romance.
Thank you to Net Galley for the Arc
I feel like there was almost a bit too much going on. Serenity’s double life, the blackmailing, Jake having to date Lemon, and them keeping their relationship a secret. It felt as if there almost wasn’t time for their romance.
Thank you to Net Galley for the Arc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
The idea of this book was good and I really appreciated that it tried to be more than a cute contemporary romance but unfortunately for me it didn't hit the mark. The chemistry between the characters wasn't there everything felt really rushed and forced between them.
The characters had a weird mix of good boy/girl vibes and trying to be tough and it didn't work for either. There was just too much going on in this book and it made for some weird pacing through the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Hera Books, and Emma Rae for a copy of this book.
The characters had a weird mix of good boy/girl vibes and trying to be tough and it didn't work for either. There was just too much going on in this book and it made for some weird pacing through the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Hera Books, and Emma Rae for a copy of this book.
November 6, 2025
Ren achieves her dream of becoming a cheerleader for the Mutineers, but the terms of her contract hang over her head. No one can know she's a stripper.
Read if you like:
-Forbidden
-Cheerleader x Football Player
TW/CW:
-Purity Culture
Off Limits just wasn't for me. I kept reading hoping it would get better, but it didn't. The emphasis on how Ren was less than (including her own inner dialogue) because she was a stripper and had more experience than Jake was difficult for me to read and disappointing.
Read if you like:
-Forbidden
-Cheerleader x Football Player
TW/CW:
-Purity Culture
Off Limits just wasn't for me. I kept reading hoping it would get better, but it didn't. The emphasis on how Ren was less than (including her own inner dialogue) because she was a stripper and had more experience than Jake was difficult for me to read and disappointing.
November 9, 2025
Off Limits captured my heart from beginning to end. Jake’s unwavering devotion to Serenity is both touching and admirable—his protective nature shines through not only in the way he cares for her but also in how he looks out for his sister. Serenity’s journey is deeply emotional, and the challenges she faces are heartbreaking at times. However, seeing her ultimately find happiness and receive more than she ever dreamed of makes the story all the more rewarding. Emma Rae delivers a beautiful blend of love, resilience, and healing in this unforgettable romance.
October 5, 2025
I pondered this one a bit. I enjoyed both the FMC and the MMC quite a bit. I enjoyed the fact that they talked about their issues. The story felt heavy on the front end and then rushed at the end. I felt a bit of whiplash because I feel situations needed closure but were moved on too quickly.
It was an interesting look inside the power imbalance in the world of cheerleader/athlete/corporate leadership. However, I needed more to happen in the resolution of the conflict.
It was an interesting look inside the power imbalance in the world of cheerleader/athlete/corporate leadership. However, I needed more to happen in the resolution of the conflict.
October 8, 2025
★★★☆☆ — Enjoyable but uneven
Off Limits had great chemistry and an interesting setup, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The tension between the leads worked well, and there were glimpses of real emotion — yet the pacing dragged and the conflict felt forced at times. The ending also wrapped up a little too neatly.
Still, it’s an easy, steamy read if you like forbidden or slow-burn romance.
Off Limits had great chemistry and an interesting setup, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The tension between the leads worked well, and there were glimpses of real emotion — yet the pacing dragged and the conflict felt forced at times. The ending also wrapped up a little too neatly.
Still, it’s an easy, steamy read if you like forbidden or slow-burn romance.
October 24, 2025
*arc review*
Thank you for the arc! I enjoyed the cmc squad and I liked that it approached topics of differences in women’s jobs and mens. I would have loved to see more of the family and focus a little on the mom situation. I feel that it was just kind of mentioned and then never spoke about again. But anyway, I loved Jake and was a big fan of the boys we did get to meet from the team. Thanks so much!
Thank you for the arc! I enjoyed the cmc squad and I liked that it approached topics of differences in women’s jobs and mens. I would have loved to see more of the family and focus a little on the mom situation. I feel that it was just kind of mentioned and then never spoke about again. But anyway, I loved Jake and was a big fan of the boys we did get to meet from the team. Thanks so much!
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