OFF LIMITS: A Dad’s Best Friend Age Gap Romance

by Amelia Perry

Friday One reckless night with a gorgeous older stranger.
Monday He’s my new boss… and my dad’s best friend.

Friday night, I let a gorgeous stranger buy me a drink.
Silver at the temples. Expensive suit. Dangerous smile.
No last names. No expectations. Just one unforgettable night.

But the universe loves a plot twist.

Monday morning, he walks into the boardroom.

Robert Ashford.
Forty-nine. Billionaire CEO. My new boss.

And my dad’s best friend.

Twenty-four years older. Totally forbidden.
Exactly the man I should stay away from.

Then two pink lines blow my whole life apart.

Suddenly, there’s a diamond on my finger, a fake engagement for the cameras, and a future neither of us saw coming.

The ring is fake.
My feelings aren’t.
And I’m carrying my dad’s best friend’s baby.

But what happens when Robert discovers he’s the father… and my dad finds out who got his daughter pregnant?

OFF LIMITS is part of the Age-Gap Romance Series but can be read as a complete standalone.

433 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2026

Reviews

[Pranav Bhatnagar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A forbidden romance with real emotional depth, delicious tension, and a heroine who refuses to lose herself for love. Some romances are about falling in love. Others are about discovering whether love can survive when the whole world seems determined to pull two people apart. Off Limits gave me both, wrapped in an engaging story of attraction, family secrets, ambition, and second chances. Danielle Brooke is a smart, capable woman who has worked hard to establish herself professionally. Robert Ashford is a powerful businessman who has spent years keeping his personal life carefully controlled. Their unexpected connection becomes much more complicated when Danielle discovers that Robert is not only her new CEO but also someone from her father's past. Suddenly, the attraction between them comes with consequences neither can easily ignore. What I liked most was the tension between Danielle and Robert. Their age difference and professional positions create an obvious imbalance, but the story gives their relationship more to work with than forbidden attraction alone. Both characters have their own fears, responsibilities, and reasons for keeping their distance. Watching them navigate those complications made their connection interesting to follow. Danielle was a particular highlight for me. She is ambitious and independent, but she is also allowed to feel uncertain, hurt, and vulnerable. I appreciated that she does not simply surrender her identity when her feelings become complicated. Her career matters to her, and she wants to be respected for her own abilities rather than treated as someone's romantic interest. Robert is equally interesting in his own way. He is accustomed to making difficult decisions and maintaining control, yet his relationship with Danielle challenges the habits he has built over the years. Beneath his confident exterior is a man who has to learn that protecting someone is not the same as deciding what is best for them. The corporate side of the story adds another layer of suspense. Workplace politics, questionable decisions, leaked information, and attempts to manipulate public opinion make the characters' private lives increasingly difficult to separate from their professional responsibilities. I enjoyed how these problems raised the stakes without taking away from the central romance. I also appreciated the emotional weight given to family history. The complicated relationship between Danielle and her father adds depth to her choices, while Robert's own family relationships reveal that even powerful people carry unresolved pain. These details help the characters feel like people with lives beyond their attraction to each other. The story has plenty of romantic tension, but it also understands the importance of trust, honesty, and personal boundaries. Danielle and Robert cannot simply rely on chemistry to solve everything. They have to face uncomfortable truths and decide what kind of future they are willing to build together. The pacing kept me engaged, especially as the personal drama became tangled with the corporate conflict. There is a lot happening, and readers who prefer quieter romances may find the combination of scandal, career pressure, and relationship complications intense at times. For me, the added stakes made the story more compelling. What stayed with me most was Danielle's determination to build a life on her own terms. Love can change your priorities, but it should not erase the person you worked so hard to become. That idea gave the romance a satisfying emotional foundation. Off Limits is an entertaining, heartfelt read for fans of age gap romance, forbidden attraction, powerful heroes, independent heroines, and high stakes relationship drama. It offers passion, conflict, and the reminder that a meaningful relationship requires more than wanting someone. It requires choosing each other honestly, even when that choice is difficult. A thoroughly enjoyable romance that kept me invested in Danielle and Robert's journey and left me smiling at the warmth of their eventual family life.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle and Robert . . .

Friday night, Danielle and her friends can't agree on what they want to do. So Danielle thinks they should divide up the choices where Heather picks the bar, Michelle can decide if they want karaoke, and if a club is suggested, she promises not to check the reviews, driving distance, or if the club has a coat check. Her job involves checking everyone's schedules, but she is done thinking tonight. Apparently Heather knows all her habits, so she invests time in convincing her to put her phone away. By the time they get to the club, she switches to water and Heather immediately notices... of course. Then she spots "him"; he's older and dressed well in a tailored suit. He knew she was staring, so he got up and walked over to introduce himself. He said "Dance with me," with quiet confidence, but she reminded him he had not asked a question, so he rephrased it properly. She already has figured out that his job comes with people who call him "sir".

They have a one-night-stand, and on Monday morning, she meets the new CEO of her workplace... Robert Ashford, her new boss. She discovers he and her father, Keith Brooke, were best friends in school 20 years ago! There is much that he hasn't told her yet, but he's not ready to talk about the past with her at this time. They are both preparing to head into a briefing and he still needs to be prepared to meet everyone as she tells him what to expect from each of the people he is about to work with. This discovery was awkward enough, but when she eventually discovers she is pregnant, how will she deal with it? She lets Robert know first. They will need time to figure it out together, and then her father will also be told. But before they can do that, Security calls to say her father is in the lobby. After a glance at Danielle, he tells Security to send him up... and she lets Robert know that she will be staying for this conversation. Are they ready to make a decision? And how long would it take for the three of them to agree to the same decision?

[Jessi Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert "Robbie" mets Danielle one night while they are both out for the night with friends. Well one thing leads into another and they have a one night stand. Both of which they knew it would end that night.

Well as it happens, Robert ends up being her boss. They try to keep it professional but they are both attracted to each other and with a medaling of others, stuff happen, lies and truths are exposed that put their relationship to the test.

I gave this 4 stars.. I really want to give it 4.5 stars. Because even though I understood it, I didn't like the whole he needs to tell you and then he does and was like, there is more but I can't tell you.. lol.. I was like just tell her already. I also thought the Robert and Claire having a almost relationship could have not happened. Why not just been close friends, why did there have to be a romance to it. Even if it was short lived.

4.5 ⭐
4 🌶️

Can't wait for what comes next to this series.

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

[Trey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A forbidden romance with plenty of drama!

What a fun, steamy read! I loved the forbidden romance between Robert and the heroine, with the age gap, the boss-and-employee situation, and the added complication of him being her dad’s best friend. Just when you think things couldn’t get any more complicated, two pink lines change everything!

The fake engagement, unexpected pregnancy, and the secret they’re trying to keep make for a deliciously dramatic storyline. There’s plenty of tension, romance, and emotional moments to keep the pages turning, and I was rooting for these two to find their happily ever after despite all the obstacles in their way.

An enjoyable, spicy read with a forbidden love story that kept me entertained. Definitely recommended if you love older men, age-gap romance, and a little baby surprise drama!.

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

[K T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Robert & Danielle's story... from their meeting at a bar, through working together...and finding a way to make a life together work.

There is good tension & drama with Robert & her Dad's history... and interesting to find out bits here & there until you know their whole story/past. I do love that they were able to resolve things (in time) & that Danielle didn't feel like she had to choose between the 2 men.

The book is told in a dual 1st person POV

Spice level: 3/5

*Billionaire romance
*Workplace romance
*Age gap (he's 25 years older than her)
*he used to be her father's best friend/business partner
*complicated history between her dad & him
*starts with a one night stand
*he's the new CEO at the company she works at
*forbidden romance
*surprise pregnancy

Thank you to the author (Amelia Perry) & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jea · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Off Limits is a ONS, age gap romance. Danielle meets Robert, a handsome, older man, at the bar and agrees to a one-night-stand, only to return to work and find out he's the new CEO of the company at which she has worked so hard to make a name for herself. To make things worse, she finds out that Robert is also her father's ex-best friend and the two have a troubled history. If that weren't enough, an accidental pregnancy throws a monkey wrench into even the most carefully laid plans. Both Danielle and Robert struggle with the relationship, for differing reasons - he thrives on control and doesn't trust easily, she has learned to be independent and self-reliant, and a relationship threatens that - so it's interesting to watch the two characters navigate the situation and the lingering tension and animosity with Danielle's father, and come out the other side.

[Mary Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle and Robert have a one night stand , no strings and no last names. She’s gone before he wakes up the next morning Robert is set to take over from his dad as CEO of his families fashion company Monday morning he arrives at work and locks eyes with the employee assigned to help him with the transition and it’s Danielle. He’s 25 years older than her, used to be in a partnership with her father and now they are seeing each other every day. Can they build a relationship despite the gossip and innuendo following their every move? Romance, suspense and intrigue and a fun ending! Very enjoyable book.

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

[Julie Juhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

OFF LIMITS-A Dad’s Best Friend Age Gap Romance by Amelia Perry is part of the Age Gap Romance series.
Oh, how I love a good age-gap, dad's best friend romance, and this one certainly delivered! Danielle is fiercely independent, knows exactly what she wants, and isn't afraid to go after it. Enter Richard—older, wealthy, ridiculously handsome, and oh yeah, her father's former best friend! Talk about a deliciously complicated situation! This was another great one from Amelia Perry!.

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

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the book. The characters were relatable, strong, and played well against each other. Danielle reads like a more mature woman than her 25 years and I feel like that made the relationship with Robert a little more believable. The title made me believe that Robert and Danielle's father were currently friends, and while that was not the case, I enjoyed the twist that the subplot of their past and current relationship added to the book.

I received a copy of this book and I am leaving my honest review.

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle and Richards age gap romance starts off well enough, a one night stand with enough drama and secrets to keep your interest from the beginning.
Problem one Richard and her father Keith used to be best of friends as well as business partners until something went wrong, deadly.
So how would he feel when his daughter Danielle is in a relationship with the one man he has hated for past twenty years.
Its a great story secrets, lies and blackmail makes this a must read.

[Angee Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It's an age gap, dad's best friend romance which is right up my ally. The characters were great together. There was chemistry, banter, spice, tension, and a sense of forbidden romance. They tried to resist, but off course we got the payoff we want! You get everything you expect from Amelia that you come to expect. Great story.

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

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoyed this age gap, father’s friend story. Wonderful characters, she’s independent and knows what she wants. He’s older, rich, handsome and once was her dad’s best friend. The hidden secrets, deceit, lies and a duplicitous family member make for a great read.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I always love about reading romance books written by Amelia is that they hook me right away. Second thing is they have fantastic characters and OMG romance with HEA endings.
This book meets all of those checks and more.
HOT Cover. Check
SEXY Characters. DOUBLE CHECK.
HEA. Most definitely.
So, stop wasting any more time and grab this 5-star romance and let the swooning begin.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one night stand , age gap and secrets. Perfect

Danielle and Richard had an hot night together . But it turns out Richard used to Danielle’s father’s best friend and business partner. Under line used to be.
Blackmail, spice, chemistry. Pure angst, amazing characters.

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

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of two people who are perfect for each other but work, age gap, father and nasty coworkers are all trying to make it impossible. Loved the interactions between these two and couldn't help but root for them to get together.

[Crystal Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I loved Robert and Danielle. Their first encounter was very unexpected to say the least. No spoilers.

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

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, this is such a great read. I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and storyline so much. I was hooked right from the start. Totally worth the read. Enjoy.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle and Robert's story was so good. Chemistry, history, surprise, self-preservation, healing, guilt and forgiveness. This book has so much to offer! I highly recommend this read.