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Off Limits: A fiery, forbidden Cheerleader x Footballer romance
Praise for Emma
'Emma Rae's latest is full of sharp wit, emotional depth and undeniable sizzling chemistry.' Hannah Grace, author of Icebreaker.
'A swoony sports romance...Everything you want and more!' Bella North, author of Score to Settle.
She'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 football team, she must hide her double life from her new employers.
But when Serenity catches the attention of the newest Canyon 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 the Netflix's America's Sweethearts, Tessa Bailey and Ali Hazelwood.
Readers are loving Emma
'I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was hooked from the first few chapters. I can’t wait to see more from this author.' Reader Review.
'I loved being swept up in the tension between Serenity and Jake...The chemistry zapped me every time.' Reader Review.
'Much more than just a sports romance! You won't want to put it down.' Reader Review.
'This book had me hooked right from the start! Full of tension, chemistry, and that delicious “we shouldn’t, but we absolutely will” energy. The forbidden aspect was done so well.' Reader Review.
'As a cheerleader myself I just had to read this one. All of the secrets, the forbidden element and all of that with sports included? Count me in!' Reader Review.
'Emma Rae's latest is full of sharp wit, emotional depth and undeniable sizzling chemistry.' Hannah Grace, author of Icebreaker.
'A swoony sports romance...Everything you want and more!' Bella North, author of Score to Settle.
She'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 football team, she must hide her double life from her new employers.
But when Serenity catches the attention of the newest Canyon 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 the Netflix's America's Sweethearts, Tessa Bailey and Ali Hazelwood.
Readers are loving Emma
'I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was hooked from the first few chapters. I can’t wait to see more from this author.' Reader Review.
'I loved being swept up in the tension between Serenity and Jake...The chemistry zapped me every time.' Reader Review.
'Much more than just a sports romance! You won't want to put it down.' Reader Review.
'This book had me hooked right from the start! Full of tension, chemistry, and that delicious “we shouldn’t, but we absolutely will” energy. The forbidden aspect was done so well.' Reader Review.
'As a cheerleader myself I just had to read this one. All of the secrets, the forbidden element and all of that with sports included? Count me in!' Reader Review.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 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.
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!
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
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews