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Off Limits
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 in order to achieve her dream of becoming a cheerleader for the Canyon Bay football team, she must hide her double life from her new employers.
When Serenity catches the attention of the Canyon Bay’s newest star player, golden-boy Jake Walsh, while out shopping – sparks instantly fly. However, 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.
2025 Emma Rae (P) 2025 DK Audio
When Serenity catches the attention of the Canyon Bay’s newest star player, golden-boy Jake Walsh, while out shopping – sparks instantly fly. However, 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.
2025 Emma Rae (P) 2025 DK Audio
Audible Audio
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 13, 2025
“Off Limits” by Emma Rae was a tension-filled, emotional ride in the best way. Serenity’s backstory gave real depth to her character and a strong motivation for everything she did to help her father. The story was packed with tension—both the kind that makes your heart race and the kind that tugs at your emotions—which kept me on edge and eager to see what would happen next.
The main characters fell for each other quickly, but somehow it worked perfectly within the story. Their chemistry felt believable and intense. I also loved how everything came full circle at the end, with everyone coming together to help Serenity out of her predicament.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, fast-paced read that balanced drama, romance, and redemption really well.
The main characters fell for each other quickly, but somehow it worked perfectly within the story. Their chemistry felt believable and intense. I also loved how everything came full circle at the end, with everyone coming together to help Serenity out of her predicament.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, fast-paced read that balanced drama, romance, and redemption really well.
November 13, 2025
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Off Limits by Emma Rae is one of those books that hooks you early with a great premise but doesn’t quite stick the landing. It’s a forbidden sports romance with plenty of drama, secrets, and sneaky chemistry, but it also has a few rough edges that made it a mixed read for me.
The setup is fun: Serenity Harper is juggling way too much. She’s caring for her dad, working multiple jobs (including one she desperately wants to keep hidden), and finally chasing her dream of becoming a cheerleader for the Canyon Bay football team. Then she meets Jake Walsh- the team’s newest golden boy and instant heartthrob- and sparks fly. The problem? Their contracts strictly forbid any relationships between players and cheerleaders.
What I liked most was Serenity herself. She’s strong, determined, and constantly putting others first, even when the world keeps throwing obstacles at her. I genuinely admired her independence and the way she kept pushing through, no matter how unfair things got. The bond she has with her squad and the way they support her toward the end of the book gave me all the warm fuzzies.
Jake, though… was a little harder to love. He starts off sweet and charming, but his immaturity shows more than once. There were several moments where Serenity made it clear how exhausted and overworked she was, and he still pushed her to see him, it felt selfish, even if his heart was in the right place. His obsession with physical compliments also got repetitive and made the romance feel surface-level at times.
That said, the book’s pacing is quick, and there’s never a shortage of tension or emotional stakes. I also appreciated how Emma Rae wove in heavier themes like financial struggle, coercion, and self-worth- though some of those moments probably could’ve used more nuance or content warnings upfront.
Overall, Off Limits has the bones of a great sports romance- a compelling heroine, an enticing forbidden setup, and plenty of angst. But it’s also a little messy, both in tone and execution. If you go in looking for an easy, drama-filled, slightly chaotic romance, you’ll have a good time. Just don’t expect a flawless play-by-play.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Off Limits by Emma Rae is one of those books that hooks you early with a great premise but doesn’t quite stick the landing. It’s a forbidden sports romance with plenty of drama, secrets, and sneaky chemistry, but it also has a few rough edges that made it a mixed read for me.
The setup is fun: Serenity Harper is juggling way too much. She’s caring for her dad, working multiple jobs (including one she desperately wants to keep hidden), and finally chasing her dream of becoming a cheerleader for the Canyon Bay football team. Then she meets Jake Walsh- the team’s newest golden boy and instant heartthrob- and sparks fly. The problem? Their contracts strictly forbid any relationships between players and cheerleaders.
What I liked most was Serenity herself. She’s strong, determined, and constantly putting others first, even when the world keeps throwing obstacles at her. I genuinely admired her independence and the way she kept pushing through, no matter how unfair things got. The bond she has with her squad and the way they support her toward the end of the book gave me all the warm fuzzies.
Jake, though… was a little harder to love. He starts off sweet and charming, but his immaturity shows more than once. There were several moments where Serenity made it clear how exhausted and overworked she was, and he still pushed her to see him, it felt selfish, even if his heart was in the right place. His obsession with physical compliments also got repetitive and made the romance feel surface-level at times.
That said, the book’s pacing is quick, and there’s never a shortage of tension or emotional stakes. I also appreciated how Emma Rae wove in heavier themes like financial struggle, coercion, and self-worth- though some of those moments probably could’ve used more nuance or content warnings upfront.
Overall, Off Limits has the bones of a great sports romance- a compelling heroine, an enticing forbidden setup, and plenty of angst. But it’s also a little messy, both in tone and execution. If you go in looking for an easy, drama-filled, slightly chaotic romance, you’ll have a good time. Just don’t expect a flawless play-by-play.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2025
🏈 Book Review 🏈
3⭐ 3 🌶️
Really, this was a little too close to the DCC and I couldn't really justify some of the behaviour of the characters because of this. However, if you haven't seen the DCC TV series or are able to put realism aside then this was a good read. Not a great read but a good read.
There was a lot going on and because of that I felt like a lot of the plot points were glossed over. I think the author could have reduced the number of plot points and leaned into certain ones a little more. I think this would have made the characters more interesting and created greater depth with the relationship between the two MCs.
This is the second of this author's books I've read and not reviewed highly. I'm not sure if I'll read any more of their books.
Big thanks to netgalley and Emma Ray for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion
3⭐ 3 🌶️
Really, this was a little too close to the DCC and I couldn't really justify some of the behaviour of the characters because of this. However, if you haven't seen the DCC TV series or are able to put realism aside then this was a good read. Not a great read but a good read.
There was a lot going on and because of that I felt like a lot of the plot points were glossed over. I think the author could have reduced the number of plot points and leaned into certain ones a little more. I think this would have made the characters more interesting and created greater depth with the relationship between the two MCs.
This is the second of this author's books I've read and not reviewed highly. I'm not sure if I'll read any more of their books.
Big thanks to netgalley and Emma Ray for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion
December 27, 2025
Forbidden off limits romance what more could you want. Spark, it was missing for me. The concept of the book, I liked but For me I couldn’t get behind the characters.
There was aldo a darker side to this book so maybe some trigger warnings should be listed for those who are sensitive to certain subject matter.
But like I said the story idea I liked cause I love a good sports romance, but the MMC seemed a bit wishy washy to me in how he came across, not in his feelings but just he himself and the FMC, I wasn’t impressed by her choices.. But liked how the couple talked out problems and liked the bonding and relationships that were formed amongst the players and the cheerleaders.
So If your looking for a slow sizzle romance with just enough drama then this is for you. Just be prepared it’s not all light and fuzzy.
There was aldo a darker side to this book so maybe some trigger warnings should be listed for those who are sensitive to certain subject matter.
But like I said the story idea I liked cause I love a good sports romance, but the MMC seemed a bit wishy washy to me in how he came across, not in his feelings but just he himself and the FMC, I wasn’t impressed by her choices.. But liked how the couple talked out problems and liked the bonding and relationships that were formed amongst the players and the cheerleaders.
So If your looking for a slow sizzle romance with just enough drama then this is for you. Just be prepared it’s not all light and fuzzy.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. It gives off all of the cute and cosy vibes that there is to offer but it also has elements of being extremely deep and heartfelt, which truly stands out throughout the story.
There were things at the beginning that raised questions but don’t worry, it all resurfaces and everything gets answered!
This is a quick and easy read for anyone looking for something quick to read.
The one thing I will say about this that made me slightly dislike it is the fact that it gave off the vibes as though I was watching a rom-com, rather than reading it - for me personally parts that needed detail, lacked it a lot. This is reflected in my rating of the book.
Thank you to Hera Books for kindly gifting me a copy of this book, I appreciate it a lot!🥰
2.5⭐️
There were things at the beginning that raised questions but don’t worry, it all resurfaces and everything gets answered!
This is a quick and easy read for anyone looking for something quick to read.
The one thing I will say about this that made me slightly dislike it is the fact that it gave off the vibes as though I was watching a rom-com, rather than reading it - for me personally parts that needed detail, lacked it a lot. This is reflected in my rating of the book.
Thank you to Hera Books for kindly gifting me a copy of this book, I appreciate it a lot!🥰
2.5⭐️
January 15, 2026
Star football player and cheerleader with off-limits vibes is such a fun read!
Serenity & Jake‘s chemistry is instant and off the charts. I really enjoyed the pace and storyline of this book. I felt really bad for Serenity cause she has a dream of becoming a cheerleader and has to at the same time pay off her father‘s massive gambling debts which leads her to working in a sleazy bar. She has to hide her double life. I really enjoyed the slight angst and her character the most.
Serenity & Jake‘s chemistry is instant and off the charts. I really enjoyed the pace and storyline of this book. I felt really bad for Serenity cause she has a dream of becoming a cheerleader and has to at the same time pay off her father‘s massive gambling debts which leads her to working in a sleazy bar. She has to hide her double life. I really enjoyed the slight angst and her character the most.
August 15, 2026
I received an ARC of Off Limits and leave this review voluntarily.
I love the conflict present within the female character. Her background and motivations to continue within the conflict was excellent and heartbreaking. I also appreciate how the negative aspects of sex work are highlighted and how terrifying it can be to be forced into the profession. I also really loved the male character and how he interacts with the female character. Definitely worth picking up.
I love the conflict present within the female character. Her background and motivations to continue within the conflict was excellent and heartbreaking. I also appreciate how the negative aspects of sex work are highlighted and how terrifying it can be to be forced into the profession. I also really loved the male character and how he interacts with the female character. Definitely worth picking up.
December 18, 2025
A steamy, emotionally charged romance that plays with temptation and boundaries. Emma Rae builds tension beautifully, pairing intense chemistry with meaningful character development. A gripping read that balances heat and heart.
This was an interesting read. Serenity and Jake had a tough journey, but their romance was worthy.
Thanks for the copy, NetGalley!
This was an interesting read. Serenity and Jake had a tough journey, but their romance was worthy.
Thanks for the copy, NetGalley!
July 7, 2026
I was hooked by the first chapter. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊
January 20, 2026
Omg I loved it! I’ve recently gotten into Dallas cowboy cheerleaders so it was great timing! This was so heartbreaking at times and it touches on some really important themes so I would read TW before reading but oh wow! Amazing
March 15, 2026
Thank you, Netgalley and Hera Books, for the ARC. I overall liked the start of this book, but it got irritating with the constant complaining about not having time for the other person. If I were doing all of that, I wouldn't be available either.
March 30, 2026
A great read with all the warm and fuzzy feels 🥰
May 5, 2026
DNF’d around 30% in. Couldn’t get myself to care about the FMC all her choices felt questionable.
June 10, 2026
Spicy & fun! Thoroughly enjoyed
August 4, 2026
Fun sports romance book with a very strong DCC influence.
FMC has a bloody hard time in this book.
I enjoyed the romance! ❤️ Jake was a great golden retriever MMC.
FMC has a bloody hard time in this book.
I enjoyed the romance! ❤️ Jake was a great golden retriever MMC.
March 11, 2026
This is a contemporary sports romance that explores a forbidden relationship between Jake, a young NFL rookie, and Serenity, a dedicated cheerleader for his team. Their connection begins with an unexpected grocery store encounter and grows stronger despite a professional rule prohibiting relationships between players and cheerleaders. The secrecy surrounding their romance adds tension and tenderness, and Jake’s caring nature—especially in his interactions with his younger sister, River—adds depth to his character.
The story includes heartfelt moments and emotional exchanges, though some aspects may feel less authentic, such as the limited football detail and the use of British spellings in an American setting. Discussions about relationships and intimacy recur throughout the book, which may not appeal to all readers. Additionally, certain plot elements—coercion, intimidation, and scenes set in a strip club—may require content warnings.
Overall, Off Limits offers a sweet, secretive love story with elements of risk and devotion. It’s a light, emotional read for those who enjoy romance centered on breaking rules for love.
The story includes heartfelt moments and emotional exchanges, though some aspects may feel less authentic, such as the limited football detail and the use of British spellings in an American setting. Discussions about relationships and intimacy recur throughout the book, which may not appeal to all readers. Additionally, certain plot elements—coercion, intimidation, and scenes set in a strip club—may require content warnings.
Overall, Off Limits offers a sweet, secretive love story with elements of risk and devotion. It’s a light, emotional read for those who enjoy romance centered on breaking rules for love.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews