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Off-Limits Lovers #5
Red Velvet
He's passing through. I'm staying put. So why does everything about him feel like home?
I didn't come to Faraday Island looking for a distraction. I came to open a bakery, recruit a legendary pastry chef, and prove I'm exactly as capable as everyone seems to doubt. The last thing I needed was a broad-shouldered Alabama lumberjack showing up at the bar, arguing about red velvet cake, and making me forget every sensible rule I've ever lived by.
James doesn't live here. He's fixing up a house to sell and heading back to his real life. I know better than to want someone I can't keep. But he shows up everywhere, learns my coffee order, fixes things I didn't know were broken, and looks at me like I'm the most interesting thing on this island.
But he’s hiding something. And the closer I get, the more I realize his secrets aren't just his to keep.
Some recipes can't be rushed. Some risks can't be taken back.
Red Velvet is a steamy, slow-burn contemporary romance set on a sun-drenched island where the only thing harder than opening a bakery is resisting a man who was never supposed to stay. Fall for Book 5 in the Off-Limits LoversSeries, where love breaks every rule, including the ones you made for yourself.
I didn't come to Faraday Island looking for a distraction. I came to open a bakery, recruit a legendary pastry chef, and prove I'm exactly as capable as everyone seems to doubt. The last thing I needed was a broad-shouldered Alabama lumberjack showing up at the bar, arguing about red velvet cake, and making me forget every sensible rule I've ever lived by.
James doesn't live here. He's fixing up a house to sell and heading back to his real life. I know better than to want someone I can't keep. But he shows up everywhere, learns my coffee order, fixes things I didn't know were broken, and looks at me like I'm the most interesting thing on this island.
But he’s hiding something. And the closer I get, the more I realize his secrets aren't just his to keep.
Some recipes can't be rushed. Some risks can't be taken back.
Red Velvet is a steamy, slow-burn contemporary romance set on a sun-drenched island where the only thing harder than opening a bakery is resisting a man who was never supposed to stay. Fall for Book 5 in the Off-Limits LoversSeries, where love breaks every rule, including the ones you made for yourself.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 20, 2026
Red Velvet is the fifth book in Townsend's Off-Limits Lovers series set on Faraday Island. This steamy, slow-burn contemporary romance features Sarah Boylen and James Harlan.
Sarah was working at the White Sands Resort but left her position and security to pursue her dream of opening her own bakery Sugarplum. She meets James at the local pub. His clothes and accent clearly identify him as a tourist. James is from Montgomery, Alabama. He finds himself on Faraday Island to settle his late father's estate. Back home, James made the error of borrowing money from the wrong people. He intends to clean out his father's house and flip it, using the funds to settle the debt.
When Sarah connects with James, she assumes he is a safe option as he won't be sticking around. She allows herself to lose control, something she never does. Has she trusted the wrong person?
It was such a pleasure to return to Faraday Island with this newest installment to the series. Sarah is a relatable character with her body confidence issues and her need to be on top of everything, at all times. I loved seeing her let go, and see that not everything fell apart. It was also wonderful watching her come to appreciate her body. As for James, he made a bad choice but he's far from being a bad person. He definitely needs to work to prove himself to Sarah, but that's okay. She's worth the effort.
There's a passage in the book spoken by James that was beautifully written that resonated with me. "Now, coming form the south, I know more about religion than I do about magic. But I don't think it matters much what you call it. Someone or something waved their hand or their wand and wrapped the beautiful soul that is Sarah up in skin and delivered her to this planet. And somehow, it just happened to be the same planet I was delivered to. Somehow, you and I ended up on the same little island in the middle of the same giant ocean at the same time. In the same old, falling-down house in the middle of the same damn jungle. Standing in front of the same cracked mirror. Breathing the same air. If that's not a miracle, I don't know what is." He also says to her, "If one single part of you was different, we wouldn't have ended up right here, right now."
If you like a spicy story with heartwarming characters and small-town vibes, this one is for you.
Sarah was working at the White Sands Resort but left her position and security to pursue her dream of opening her own bakery Sugarplum. She meets James at the local pub. His clothes and accent clearly identify him as a tourist. James is from Montgomery, Alabama. He finds himself on Faraday Island to settle his late father's estate. Back home, James made the error of borrowing money from the wrong people. He intends to clean out his father's house and flip it, using the funds to settle the debt.
When Sarah connects with James, she assumes he is a safe option as he won't be sticking around. She allows herself to lose control, something she never does. Has she trusted the wrong person?
It was such a pleasure to return to Faraday Island with this newest installment to the series. Sarah is a relatable character with her body confidence issues and her need to be on top of everything, at all times. I loved seeing her let go, and see that not everything fell apart. It was also wonderful watching her come to appreciate her body. As for James, he made a bad choice but he's far from being a bad person. He definitely needs to work to prove himself to Sarah, but that's okay. She's worth the effort.
There's a passage in the book spoken by James that was beautifully written that resonated with me. "Now, coming form the south, I know more about religion than I do about magic. But I don't think it matters much what you call it. Someone or something waved their hand or their wand and wrapped the beautiful soul that is Sarah up in skin and delivered her to this planet. And somehow, it just happened to be the same planet I was delivered to. Somehow, you and I ended up on the same little island in the middle of the same giant ocean at the same time. In the same old, falling-down house in the middle of the same damn jungle. Standing in front of the same cracked mirror. Breathing the same air. If that's not a miracle, I don't know what is." He also says to her, "If one single part of you was different, we wouldn't have ended up right here, right now."
If you like a spicy story with heartwarming characters and small-town vibes, this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🧁🧁🧁🧁.25 and 🌶️🌶️🌶️: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Literally ate this book up! Fast romance read, book 5 of the Off Limits Lovers by Lore Townsend. I also read Lying For Keeps book 3 and need to get my hands on the rest of the series.
This book is great for a quick read, fun with a little suspense and forbidden romance vibes. Sarah has dropped everything to start her bakery. While trying to take a night to herself and lose control, she meets James, someone in town for a short time. So why not have a little fun with someone who will be gone in a short time?
My favorite part of Sarah was watching her confidence shift throughout the book, not only in life but her body. She is a character that most women will be able to relate to.
Red Velvet explores women’s body image issues/unfair life expectations, learning that without communication you can miss some important parts of people’s lives and how to handle the aftermath and being confident in your own abilities and hard work can certainly outweigh luck and reliance on others.
My favorite scene in this book 100% has to do with frosting 😘😜.. yep, you heard me right! I also really liked the heated rivalry 🧁🧁
James is a little harder for me to understand. Super dominant with control in the bedroom but running from his past and trying to outrun his secrets didn’t seem like him. His sexiness tho 💙🥰 yummm!
Read this if you enjoy: small town vibes, forbidden romance, fast paced, bakery
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @authooretownsend, ate this up 🧁!!
Literally ate this book up! Fast romance read, book 5 of the Off Limits Lovers by Lore Townsend. I also read Lying For Keeps book 3 and need to get my hands on the rest of the series.
This book is great for a quick read, fun with a little suspense and forbidden romance vibes. Sarah has dropped everything to start her bakery. While trying to take a night to herself and lose control, she meets James, someone in town for a short time. So why not have a little fun with someone who will be gone in a short time?
My favorite part of Sarah was watching her confidence shift throughout the book, not only in life but her body. She is a character that most women will be able to relate to.
Red Velvet explores women’s body image issues/unfair life expectations, learning that without communication you can miss some important parts of people’s lives and how to handle the aftermath and being confident in your own abilities and hard work can certainly outweigh luck and reliance on others.
My favorite scene in this book 100% has to do with frosting 😘😜.. yep, you heard me right! I also really liked the heated rivalry 🧁🧁
James is a little harder for me to understand. Super dominant with control in the bedroom but running from his past and trying to outrun his secrets didn’t seem like him. His sexiness tho 💙🥰 yummm!
Read this if you enjoy: small town vibes, forbidden romance, fast paced, bakery
I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!
Thanks for the advanced copy @authooretownsend, ate this up 🧁!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautiful love story between two souls who didn't know that they actually needed each other.
Sarah, a 40 year old baker planning to open her own bakery, thought that was all she needed in life. She was happy.
Then she sees James at the local Sports Bar, and encouraged by her table of friends to approach "The Lumberjack" and see where it takes her.....she did, with a cupcake in hand!
"He takes a long pull off his beer, still showing no interest in the treat. “I’m more of a red velvet guy.”
And so begins their story. James with his secrets and not sure whether he wants to stay on the Island or to eave.
Meeting Sarah makes what he has to do so much harder. James is a 46 year old that needs to get his life in order and hope the men that he owes money to do not find him here, hidden away on an Island!
And of course Sarah does not make his decisions any easier either!
Loved the angst and the way that Sarah grew into the strong sassy woman that was happy with her decisions regarding James.
James did not make it easy for Sarah to love him, but of course every difficult love story has a HEA and this one is no different!
Loved it in it's entirety from start to finish!
Sarah, a 40 year old baker planning to open her own bakery, thought that was all she needed in life. She was happy.
Then she sees James at the local Sports Bar, and encouraged by her table of friends to approach "The Lumberjack" and see where it takes her.....she did, with a cupcake in hand!
"He takes a long pull off his beer, still showing no interest in the treat. “I’m more of a red velvet guy.”
And so begins their story. James with his secrets and not sure whether he wants to stay on the Island or to eave.
Meeting Sarah makes what he has to do so much harder. James is a 46 year old that needs to get his life in order and hope the men that he owes money to do not find him here, hidden away on an Island!
And of course Sarah does not make his decisions any easier either!
Loved the angst and the way that Sarah grew into the strong sassy woman that was happy with her decisions regarding James.
James did not make it easy for Sarah to love him, but of course every difficult love story has a HEA and this one is no different!
Loved it in it's entirety from start to finish!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yummy!
Red Velvet is book 5 in the Off-Limits Lovers series. This can absolutely be read as a standalone book, it has its own storyline and HEA but… I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning. The series is too good to miss and there are overall series events, characters and locations that tie the books together. I am delighted that there is a new book and it exceeded my expectations! Also, do not miss the holiday novella called Booked for Christmas, which is a fantastic addition that only enhances the series.
Red Velvet has it all… a little drama, a fun storyline, a whole lot of spice and wonderfully angsty characters all in an island resort setting. I love the little visits from past characters and all the tasty bakery references have me wanting a cupcake! And even better, Lore has included a fantastic sounding recipe (from the story) that is at the end of the e-book and I cannot wait to try!
I recommend binge reading the entire Off-Limit Lovers series to get away from it all on Faraday Island! I am making a frozen margarita to go along with my cupcake and imagine I am at the beach!
Red Velvet is book 5 in the Off-Limits Lovers series. This can absolutely be read as a standalone book, it has its own storyline and HEA but… I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning. The series is too good to miss and there are overall series events, characters and locations that tie the books together. I am delighted that there is a new book and it exceeded my expectations! Also, do not miss the holiday novella called Booked for Christmas, which is a fantastic addition that only enhances the series.
Red Velvet has it all… a little drama, a fun storyline, a whole lot of spice and wonderfully angsty characters all in an island resort setting. I love the little visits from past characters and all the tasty bakery references have me wanting a cupcake! And even better, Lore has included a fantastic sounding recipe (from the story) that is at the end of the e-book and I cannot wait to try!
I recommend binge reading the entire Off-Limit Lovers series to get away from it all on Faraday Island! I am making a frozen margarita to go along with my cupcake and imagine I am at the beach!
May 19, 2026
Red Velvet is another fantastic addition to the Off Limits Lovers series!!
You can read it as a standalone, but the whole series is great, the characters are amazing, and they are all connected that it's worth starting from the beginning and make sure to read holiday novella Booked for Christmas! 🥰🥰🥰
James and Sarah's story has everything! Great banter, a fun island setting, a little drama, and the perfect amount of spice.
I loved the bakery storyline, and the cupcake references. Seeing familiar characters pop in made it even better!!
James and Sarah have instant chemistry. They have a little rivalry but I love how they can't stay away from each other.
His past and her confidence struggles add just enough tension.
Their story is sweet, spicy, charming, and impossible to put down!!
Faraday Island feels like a mini vacation, and this book fits the series perfectly. 🥰🥰🥰
You can read it as a standalone, but the whole series is great, the characters are amazing, and they are all connected that it's worth starting from the beginning and make sure to read holiday novella Booked for Christmas! 🥰🥰🥰
James and Sarah's story has everything! Great banter, a fun island setting, a little drama, and the perfect amount of spice.
I loved the bakery storyline, and the cupcake references. Seeing familiar characters pop in made it even better!!
James and Sarah have instant chemistry. They have a little rivalry but I love how they can't stay away from each other.
His past and her confidence struggles add just enough tension.
Their story is sweet, spicy, charming, and impossible to put down!!
Faraday Island feels like a mini vacation, and this book fits the series perfectly. 🥰🥰🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed all the other books in the series, but I had a little difficulty getting into this one. I’m not sure why, maybe it was just me, but it took me a while to fully connect with the characters. Once I was invested, though, the book completely pulled me in.
Enemies to lovers with chemistry like this can only lead to amazing spice, and wow, did it deliver. I absolutely loved the spice in this book. Alongside that, there was just the right amount of drama and suspense. The rivalry, the romance, and the small island atmosphere made the whole story feel picture perfect.
I really hope there will be more Faraday Island romances in the future!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Enemies to lovers with chemistry like this can only lead to amazing spice, and wow, did it deliver. I absolutely loved the spice in this book. Alongside that, there was just the right amount of drama and suspense. The rivalry, the romance, and the small island atmosphere made the whole story feel picture perfect.
I really hope there will be more Faraday Island romances in the future!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
A sweet story about the rival (only during the day, not at night),owners of two bakeries Jamie inherited his bakery and Sarah saved and worked really hard for hers. James owed a lot of money to loan sharks and when they come to collect tragedy strikes. The citizens of Faraday come to their aid and the crisis averted. Lessons were learned by both of them and they got their happy ending. There is spice but only at night and cameo appearances by characters from previous Faraday stories and Charles to say nothing of the delicious baking, all of which make this a delightful read.
May 18, 2026
Have I mentioned I love this whole series? Yeah, in the reviews of all four other books! I wish I could live on Faraday Island. I loved Sarah’s determination and the colorful happy place her bakery probably was. I could relate to her so much. The way she melted for James…omg. James Harlan. Yes, sir. One of my favorite MMCs is one who can take charge in the bedroom, but still be insecure and vulnerable. This was a quick and fun read for me. As always, the spice is spicy and the praise is satisfying. I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
James and Sarah’s banter and chemistry was off the charts. The “rivalry” between the bakeries and some of Sarah’s comments were hilarious. Now James mouth had me sweating. He always knew what to do and what to say to make Sarah feel comfortable and feel amazing in her own body. James’s growth was amazing to watch, he was very self aware, and started making several changes to live up to his full potential. The little bit of drama at the end added that little extra to the overall story and was a good addition.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Sarah and James story! In the beginning they have an instant attraction. Then going into a rivalry to finding love. There story was filled with drama, humor, tension, spice, and much more. The banter, tender moments, and spicy scenes were great.
I really liked both characters too. It was also good to see past characters as well.
Overall, this was such a great romance and happy ending!
I really liked both characters too. It was also good to see past characters as well.
Overall, this was such a great romance and happy ending!
May 19, 2026
Baking Competitive Love
Sarah is excited to open her bakery, however she is not expecting the son (James) of a local bakery owner who has recently passed away to come to town and continue the business. This off again on again romance blossom until a tragic fire takes Sarah’s dream. But James who knows his past is catching up to him may have a way of saving her dream. A cute story about competitive revival to lovers.
Sarah is excited to open her bakery, however she is not expecting the son (James) of a local bakery owner who has recently passed away to come to town and continue the business. This off again on again romance blossom until a tragic fire takes Sarah’s dream. But James who knows his past is catching up to him may have a way of saving her dream. A cute story about competitive revival to lovers.
May 20, 2026
This one was a little hard to rate. I struggled to get into it and couldn't put my finger on why.
Overall, I did enjoy the characters and the writing. There is some suspense and intrigue. Cute island and found family vibes. Jamie and Sarah have great chemistry. I loved the body positivity. Their emotional connection didn't quite hit for me though. It just didn't grab me in the way I had hoped.
Overall, I did enjoy the characters and the writing. There is some suspense and intrigue. Cute island and found family vibes. Jamie and Sarah have great chemistry. I loved the body positivity. Their emotional connection didn't quite hit for me though. It just didn't grab me in the way I had hoped.
May 12, 2026
Love the rivals to lovers. Love the banter. Love being back at Faraday. MCs are in their 40s! I was giddy and kicking my feet the whole time.
Feels like a standalone - I have read a couple of others at the White Sands Resort but not all and I didnt feel like I was missing pertinent information.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Feels like a standalone - I have read a couple of others at the White Sands Resort but not all and I didnt feel like I was missing pertinent information.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book did not disappoint. I love it so much! I happen to bake so this book really interested me. I have been enjoying the Off-Limits Lovers series. Sarah and James have a very fun start. Then they learn who each other are. I was intrigued from the get go. Sarah is working on opening up a new bakery so she is dealing with getting things done. James father’s passing brought him to Faraday Island. So he is focused on fixing things up and then getting out of there. I love how Sarah’s character is so relatable. It felt so real, the both of them. I will definitely be reading this again and again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of Red Velvet from the author.
Book 5 of the Off Limits Lover series. A Rivals to Lovers romance with just enough spice! I loved the banter between characters. I loved that the FMC is plus sized. I loved how James always boosted her confidence and that Sarah always saw the good in him even when he didnt believe it. It was the perfect romance. Love, Love, Love ❤️
Book 5 of the Off Limits Lover series. A Rivals to Lovers romance with just enough spice! I loved the banter between characters. I loved that the FMC is plus sized. I loved how James always boosted her confidence and that Sarah always saw the good in him even when he didnt believe it. It was the perfect romance. Love, Love, Love ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sarah has the dream of opening her own bakery. She starts from a place of courage and doubt but grows into her confidence not only through James but the community as a whole. James comes is baggage and an accent. They both have a lot to learn about what they deserve and challenge each other along the way! It’s a good heart felt romance, with some action thrown in!
May 19, 2026
Love, love, love the title! So appropriate for Sarah's business.
Owning a bakery isn't easy! So many hours! Take a night for yourself?
What could possibly go wrong?
A fling with James, who is just passing through. No harm right?
I enjoy red velvet cake too, and I definitely enjoyed this Lore Townsend treat!
Owning a bakery isn't easy! So many hours! Take a night for yourself?
What could possibly go wrong?
A fling with James, who is just passing through. No harm right?
I enjoy red velvet cake too, and I definitely enjoyed this Lore Townsend treat!
May 20, 2026
Another slam dunk from the amazingly talented Lore Townsend. Sweet bakery owner meets rugged southern lumberjack, paired with some of the best treats (sweet and spicy) that the island can come up with! Great storyline, perfect amount of 🌶️🌶️🌶️. And a great ending. Plus the cream Cheese frosting scene……. Had me laughing, tearing up and yelling at the characters throughout! Another hit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the people on this island!
Sarah is a real powerhouse of woman, who just needed to find her strength and confidence. James is the safeplace were she finds them.
I love a man that's obsessed with female curves and plussize body's. A man to make a woman feel beautiful and sexy.
Sarah is a real powerhouse of woman, who just needed to find her strength and confidence. James is the safeplace were she finds them.
I love a man that's obsessed with female curves and plussize body's. A man to make a woman feel beautiful and sexy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh man!!! I definitely want to make some red velvet cupcakes the way Sarah and James did! This book not only gives you the juicy steamy scenes but it has a wonderful romance to it as well. Who doesn't love it when a man admits that he is wrong?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally, I picked up something that was higher spice! I knew Lore had my back.
Excellent story, great banter, and the perfect amount of spice. From love at first sight to rivals, back to love, this was definitely an adventure. Tension from the mmcs past and issues with fmca confidence, all perfectly balanced in a story I couldn't put down. Highly recommend.
Excellent story, great banter, and the perfect amount of spice. From love at first sight to rivals, back to love, this was definitely an adventure. Tension from the mmcs past and issues with fmca confidence, all perfectly balanced in a story I couldn't put down. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews