Off Limits Obsession: A best friend’s brother, surprise pregnancy sports romance

by Elle Arden

Please don’t tell my best friend I slept with her brother…
or that I’m pregnant with an NFL superstar’s baby.

Nick “Cash” Johnson is the last man I should want—every woman’s headline fantasy and my professional nightmare.

He’s football’s most dangerous man… and the story that could make or break my career.

From the second we’re forced into close quarters, he’s infuriatingly irresistible.

All dominance and discipline—
while I’m a storm in stilettos he never sees coming.

Then a road game goes sideways.

One hotel room.
One reckless night.

And he scores in a way no playbook could’ve prepared me for.

I tell myself it was a mistake.

But then he lets me see the man behind the headlines…

Quiet moments he guards like secrets.
Forbidden, familiar touches he has no right giving me.

And the way he looks at me like I’m more than the truth he’s terrified I’ll uncover.

Somewhere between the sparring and the secrets, I fall for him.

But if anyone finds out…

I lose my job.
And he loses the comeback worth millions.

Just when I think I can handle the fallout…

I find out I’m pregnant with his baby.

Off Limits Obsession is a steamy, high-stakes sports romance featuring a dominant athlete hero, forced proximity, forbidden chemistry, and a surprise pregnancy that changes everything.

Perfect for readers who

⭐ best friend’s brother (forbidden)
⭐ surprise pregnancy
⭐ forced proximity
⭐ one night mistake
⭐ protective alpha athlete
⭐ secrets, scandal & high stakes
⭐ a drama-free Happily Ever After (no cheating, no love triangles)

Get your copy now and fall for the NFL star who doesn’t just play to win… he plays for keeps. ❤️🏈🔥

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2026

About the author

Elle Arden writes the kind of romance that makes your heart flutter, your pulse skip, and your hope switch back on.
She’s the 2026 Evergreen Award winner for Best Author of Passionate & Heartfelt Romance in Virginia, and her work has been featured across major media outlets including USA News, CBS, ABC, International Business Times, Barchart, AP, and more.

Elle’s books are for readers who love:
✨ off‑limits tension
✨ protective heroes with soft centers
✨ heroines who deserve the world
✨ emotional payoff that hits you right in the chest
✨ and stories that leave you feeling lighter, braver, and a little more in love with life

She believes romance should feel like a warm hand on your back — comforting, empowering, and full of possibility.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading, dreaming up new characters, or reminding her readers that every chapter (in books and in life) has the power to change everything.

If you’re here for swoony heroes, big feelings, and unforgettable love stories… you’re in the right place.

Reviews

[Francis Carrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This is the perfect book I love reading when I need a break from some of the very dark romance or very long and convoluted fantasy series I usually read. It’s fast paced, there’s tension starting from the very beginning, and once the spice hits, it hits!
Sports romance are slightly new to me, but I do love them! I also love the use of football jargon throughout the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow once I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down. This is Savannah and Nick's love story and boy is there drama to spare. Savannah is Nick's best friends sister and she is a journalist who is sent to do a story on Nick. You will have no trouble believing in their love for each other the sparks fly off the page.

As their attraction grow their feelings become harder to hide and this places Savannah's job on line. Add to that they are keeping their relationship from her brother and you have more tension than you can poke a stick it.

This is a great read and there is plenty of spicy as well. You are going to love the epilogue so much.

[Elzabe Lintvelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love sports romance, I do. All previous womanisers become saints (sort of) due to some beautiful, strong, I-don’t-care-about-your-fame girl. I know exactly what’s going to happen and I still enjoy a good conversion process every time😊. I liked this book.

[KathrynAlyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC of Off Limits Obsession from the author and Booksprout, and I absolutely devoured it. I finished it in just a few hours because I genuinely did not want to put it down. The prologue had me blushing immediately, and from there the story completely pulled me in.

This is one of those drama-filled romances that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the dual POVs, especially getting to see Nick’s yearning and internal struggle throughout the story. The spice was definitely good and well written.

The story follows Savannah, a journalist assigned to cover an NFL superstar, only to realize he’s someone she’s known for years — her best friend’s brother. The forbidden attraction and secret longing between them comes into play quickly, and the chemistry was undeniable. They try their best to fight it, but eventually all that tension explodes in a perfectly steamy way.

As feelings deepen, Savannah’s career is put at risk when people begin noticing that she and Nick may be more than just professional. Between the pressure from her job and the possibility of Nick’s sister finding out, everything eventually comes to a head.
The ending felt sweet and satisfying, bringing the story full circle.

I also want to mention that I’m usually not a fan of the pregnancy trope, but I actually thought it was handled really well here. It didn’t feel forced, and the epilogue made it a genuinely sweet addition to their story.

My only small issue was how sudden the first major shift in their relationship felt. One moment they were strictly professional while secretly longing for each other, and then suddenly she was in his hotel room with both of them openly acknowledging the attraction. I would have loved just a little more buildup in that transition.

Overall, this was a fun, addictive, spicy sports romance with great tension, emotional payoff, and a couple I was rooting for the entire time.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah lands the job that could really cement her reputation as a journalist - she gets access to a NFL football team. However, the situation could not be any more complicated. It involves:

🤯Nick - who she knows personally but now must keep all interactions on a professional level
🚫Maddie - her best friend and Nick's sister (he is off limits)
🤫Savannah - realizes she is attracted to Nick
😈Camille - NFL PR person that tries to get Savannah fired due to unprofessional conduct❎
🗡️Darius - another play on the team who has a hidden agenda
🤯Scandal - seems Camille, who's married, is having an affair with Darius 🧨
🤌🏻Karma is served 💋

A nice quick story where feelings grow, are acknowledged, and have been determined that the relationship is worth more than their respective jobs. Great plot twist and satisfying ending.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah and Nick. He’s an NFL star and she’s a journalist. She’s set to do a story on the team. Namely Nick. They’ve known each other in the past but never got together. But it only took one night and they hooked up. But she also ended up pregnant. But she can’t tell anyone. She’ll lose her job. And that’s the last thing he needs to have the whole world knowing. Especially since he’s a famous football player. So they keep things under wraps. But people are slowly starting to see that there’s more to the two of them.
This was such a great story. It was intense and sweet. Secretive and spicy. And I really loved seeing the way these two navigated things. It was a great story and I enjoyed it so much.

[Takara · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to the author and Booksprout for the opportunity to ARC read this- I loved this book.
Nick “Cash” Johnson superstar football player, coming back from an injury and recovery proving that he is still the best in the league.
Savannah James, the reporter assigned to write his comeback story.
Secrets that lie in the quiet, stolen glances, stolen moments. This book is an engaging story that shows that love appears in your life when you need it not when you’re looking for it, in fact when you’re avoiding it at all costs.
I loved the story and the development of each of the MC’s. I enjoyed the double perspective and the development if their history and future. Great read!

[Hope LaPlante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off-Limits Obsession is a quick, steamy forbidden romance that leans heavily into the brother’s-best-friend and age-gap tropes. The chemistry between Maggie and Daniel is intense from the start, and the story keeps a fast pace without dragging out the tension. If you enjoy possessive heroes, instant attraction, and low-drama romance with plenty of spice, this is an easy binge read.

The novella format means character development and conflict resolution feel a little rushed at times, but it still delivers a satisfying happily-ever-after and strong emotional chemistry between the leads. It’s more focused on romance and heat than deep storytelling, making it a fun palate-cleanser for readers who like short contemporary romances.

[Chris Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely stole my evenin, and several hours of sleep. I couldn't put it down! The chemistry between the main characters kept me hooked from the beginning, and I found myself smiling through so many of their interactions.

I also loved the messy side story involving the PR disaster, Camille, and fellow player Darius. It added an unexpected twist to the overall story and kept things interesting without taking away from the romance.

This book had me swooning, smiling, and turning pages way past my bedtime. If you love sports romance with great chemistry, engaging characters, and just enough drama to keep you guessing, this one is definitely worth the read.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing read: Savannah is writing a piece on her best-friend’s brother and the attraction is surprising to her as previously she only found him annoying. Nick tries to ignore the attraction, as he has for a few years, but inevitably the close quarters are his downfall.
But someone has it in for Savannah, and is determined to bring her down.
A wonderful read that I enjoyed enormously, and can happily recommend.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[Renee Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story made me smile. I loved the dynamic that quickly grew between Nick and Savannah. Their banter is both telling and cryptic at the same time. Smart writing and wonderfully crafted characters who can certainly hold their own, but chose not to. Fast-paced. A few chapters felt like they didn’t quite fit the flow, but nothing that will interrupt the experience. Plenty of passion and a few intriguing plot twists. Enjoyable read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entertaining sports romance is between an athlete and a journalist who are acquainted with one another by a family member. There is drama, chemistry, steam, a surprise, and a possible HEA. The MCs are defined, professional, have chemistry, are likable, and engaging. I liked this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle delivered a superb romance book with 5-star characters. The complexities of Savannah and Nick are dynamite, and I found this book to be exceptional to read. If you haven't read this book yet I strongly urge you to. It's PHENOMENAL.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th and 1. Punt, Pass or Kidd? Read on to find out!

A fun book to read. Relatable characters and a plot that kept me engaged. Personal preference for less wordiness, hence the four star rating. However, I enjoyed the book and recommend it as a good and satisfying read.

[Veee Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah and nick are ** chefs kiss**
I received this arc and I absolutely love sports romance. Add in best friends brother…. Work place romance I couldn’t start it fast enough!!!
I devoured this book.
And I love a surprise pregnancy!!!
Would 1000000% reread!!!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I love the pining for each other and the secret times to meet. I do not like Camille she can go for all I care. I’m glad she got what she deserved.

[Liz Baylus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle Arden has, once again, knocked it out of the park with Off-Limits Obsession!! Tension, spice, and career-ending scandal were at an all time high and I absolutely devoured this book!!

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an emotional story for both characters. He has some heavy baggage and she has some heavy rules. The deck is stacked against them, but they can’t help it. I loved this!