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Out of Bounds

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The first rule of football--don't screw with a streak.

My career is finally looking up, and I'm leading a new pro team down the field every Sunday. No way will I mess with that. But when I meet the most stunning and captivating woman I've ever seen, I tell myself one night will have to be enough.

But it's not. And now I can't get her out of my mind. Even when I'm playing. Even when I need to focus. Even when I’m on the hottest streak of my life.

And it turns out, she's not just some random woman I met. She works for the team. My team.

***

I only have one goal this season--do my part as the team's lawyer to keep them out of trouble. Help rebuild their reputation on and off the field. There's no room for error and certainly no room for a secret tryst with a player . . . even if he's the quarterback.

Right?

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2016

358 people are currently reading
4036 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Blakely

256 books24.3k followers
You can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews
Profile Image for Yvette ~ Nose Stuck in a Book.
681 reviews652 followers
November 4, 2016
Why can't life be like a Lauren Blakely book? Is it too much to ask for to run into a sexy, half-naked pro athlete on a beach? We sadly can’t all be as fortunate as the heroine in the author’s new novella, Out of Bounds but we can be satisfied with reading about the scorching hot romance between protagonists, Dani Paige and Drew Erickson. I’m always on the lookout for a book that will make me smile and swoon, which is exactly what Lauren Blakely delivers with Out of Bounds.

What’s better than a hero who’s funny, charming, and always armed with a sarcastic quip? How about a no-nonsense, whip-smart heroine who can go toe-to-toe with him? In Out of Bounds, we have Drew – a professional quarterback looking for his big break with a new team – and Dani – a hardworking lawyer who spends her free time surfing, which is how she meets Drew. The two instantly connect, the attraction between them quickly growing from a spark to a raging inferno. Their relationship is a whirlwind, with only a few snags along the way courtesy of some workplace drama. What makes the couple so engaging (and kept me glued to my Kindle from beginning to end) is the easygoing, playful dynamic between them. Drew and Dani’s romance is sexy, dreamy, and oh-so-naughty – a combination that will have you sighing in contentment one moment and fanning your face the next. And can I just talk about Drew for a second? He's the best of both worlds, with a clean-cut, good-guy persona yet downright filthy in bed (or in the car, or on the phone, etc.). Drew is the ultimate fantasy and a worthy addition to Lauren Blakely’s long line of swoon-worthy book-boyfriends.

I'm typically not a big reader of novellas because I'm greedy and always want more. When it comes to Lauren Blakely, however, I'll take what I can get! With Out of Bounds, the author gives readers a sports romance with a forbidden element, light on the drama and heavy on the romance. Throw in some explosive chemistry and light-hearted banter, and you have all the makings of a fun, flirty, and entertaining read.

*complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review
Profile Image for Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers).
1,757 reviews143 followers
October 27, 2016
I might seriously have to start battling the other fan-girls for the number #1 fan of Lauren Blakely. She writes sweet. She writes sexy. She writes in male POV. She writes in female POV. She writes businessmen, lawyers, bartenders, firefighters…etc. And now she's added football star to her list of leading men. And, being a huge football fan, this gave me all the football romance feels. Hot, sexy quarterback and his stunning, team attorney. Out of Bounds is Drew and Dani's story. Drew is the starting quarterback, a job he's been longing for all his career. He's on fire on the field. And then he meets Dani, who sets his body on fire. She's everything he's been looking for in a woman. Sexy, smart, funny and loves football almost as much as he does. But, she's the lawyer for his team. Isn't that a conflict of interest? They can't help the attraction that's simmering between them. The team needs to watch their reputation and a love affair between the star quarterback and the team's lawyer is forbidden. Isn't it? Well, maybe not. With the team's image and their season on the line, will Drew and Dani take the risk? Is there room for football and love? I loved this story! Drew is sarcastic and yummy! Dani is gorgeous and funny. They are the perfect football loving couple. I didn't want this story to end and I already want more.

PS: I love the name of the Food Truck!

Bingo. We have a sarcastic one on our hands. My favorite kind of man.

Drew: You are one badass and ballsy babe, and I'm crazy for you. And what you did makes me even crazier for you.
Dani: Whew. I’ll take that brand of crazy.

This woman just does something to me, and like an invisible thread connects us, I feel a pull.
Profile Image for Melinda.
866 reviews10 followers
October 29, 2016
Out of Bounds by Lauren Blakely

When you combine one of your favorite authors with one of your favorite genres, you're practically guaranteed to get a fantastic read. So to say I was thrilled that Lauren Blakely was releasing a sports romance is quite the understatement!

Blakely delivers a deliciously sexy sports novella featuring footballer, Drew and lawyer, Dani. They meet on the beach when Dani checks to see if Drew is hurt after being clobbered by a rogue surfboard and while Dani quickly realizes who Drew is, she's happy to pretend not to know he's the rising star quarterback for a local professional team. And who is Dani, I hear you ask. Why, she's a lawyer for the *other* local team - where Drew gets transferred to.

So this book has a bit of a forbidden feel to it: team lawyer and quarterback plus the slightly older woman and it totally rocked my world. The interactions between these two are fun and flirty and the sexy times are in-freaken-sane! Delicious! Hot!

What I love most is that Blakely (as always) gives us good, solid characters. Further to that, she never gives a weak heroine; they're always strong within their own right, smart, and are far from needy. Dani is a perfect example of that and I want to be her friend, desperately! And another thing? These women are ADORED by their men and Drew is no exception to this. I love how he views Dani as a badass because she really is one with a huge heart! As much as I love and lust for The Blakely Boys, the girls have their own special place for me.

I really loved this novella and I really hope that Blakely continues with writing sports romances - she's proven to be damn good at it!

*arc received in exchange for review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
November 15, 2016
PURE BLISS! No matter the length of the romance, Lauren Blakely sweeps me off of my feet EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. The flirtatious banter fly off of every single page, making us fall in love with Blakely's sexy quarterback, Drew Erickson.

Sports romance, romantic comedies, contemporary romances, romantic suspense, erotic romance...it doesn't matter the genre, Lauren Blakely will SLAY each and every one. She continues to climb to the top of my favorite authors list with every new release. I can't get enough of the laughter, romance, and emotion she brings with every love story she writes. Even though OUT OF BOUNDS was a quick and steamy romance, it was packed full of emotion, heart, and sizzling chemistry you just can't deny. Drew and Dani were AMAZING together. So much passion and intensity that you wouldn't expect in a sports romance, but once again, Lauren Blakely BRINGS IT!

A promise of something more, a slight misunderstanding, fate steps in and brings Drew and Dani back together. Will they finally surrender to what they brought out in each other when they first met? Football is EVERYTHING to Drew. He is on his rocket ride to the top and he doesn't need any distractions, but there is something about the beautiful and smart surfer girl who has him rethinking everything. Is there room for love AND football? I guess you just have to find out when you one-click the hell out of this amazing novella!

out of bounds teaser

Unknown
Profile Image for Laura.
2,594 reviews113 followers
August 28, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author***

Lauren Blakely really is perfect. She writes a story that is engaging with characters that you enjoy and want to get to know.

This was a shorter novel and I was impressed with how much depth of character and development of the story arc that was present, as it was closer to a novella in length. That right there makes it worth of 5 stars, as usually novellas leave me feeling a little unfulfilled, like I wanted more. Ok, so I want more of Drew and Dani...but not because their story wasn't over, but because

Lauren Blakely

Wrote A Book About a Football Player

Let that sink in. A Lauren Blakely sports romance.

It's as good as it sounds.

Drew is hot. Really hot. Dani is sexy. They have the best time in traffic. And in other places.

The writing, as always, was spot on. The pacing of the story perfect. the meet-cute hilarious in a perfect sort of way. As I mentioned already, I was impressed by how much was able to be put into this story.

I highly recommend this and I can't wait to read Blakely's next sports novel (HINT!!)

Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,079 reviews52 followers
November 10, 2016
I don't know how Lauren does it but she makes it look easy. She can write a novella with so much story filled with heart, heat and laughter so completely in such a magical way. She must be a wizard. Yep. That's it...Lauren Blakely is a wizard with words. Anyway...back to the Magic. Out of Bounds is a complete standalone involving a Quarterback/whack-a-mole champion and a surfing lawyer.

It all started with humping surfboards. Drew and Dani first meet in the ocean while surfing. They instantly feel a spark between them along with some amazing sarcasm. They seemed to have hit it off but they don't see each other again as soon as they hoped but when they do, the heat is still there. They want nothing more than to rip each other's clothes off but both of their careers and reputations are on the line. Drew is finally a starting Quarterback and he needs to focus on adding W's to the winning streak. Dani is the team lawyer, she has seen what scandal has done to the L.A Knights over the last year and she doesn't want to add to it by being with the star of the team.

Drew and Dani need to stay focused. Even if what they want to focus on is each other's bodies. They give and take of pleasure. They have to figure out if the risk is worth the reward. Maybe just one night will be enough. It's so hard to resist a sexy as Sin football player with a clean image but dirty mouth. And it's hard for Drew to resist a sexy lady in red that could give him a run for his money at whack-a-mole. Will the take the risk or walk away for the sake of the team?

Yum! We have a Blakely man that plays football. Drew is swoon-worthy and not just because he is good with his hands. He is sweet, funny, and loves children. He really is the ultimate package. Then there is Dani. She has a big heart, funny, and feels one with the ocean. Together, they are so much fun with a twist of naughty. I love it.

Overall...It was exactly what I needed to read today. It was the perfect mix of sexiness, laughter, and sweetness.

Quotes:

She narrows her eyes. “No one ever calls attorneys sweet.”
“Ah, so you’re a shark.”
She hums the theme song for one of film’s most famous villains. “Call me Jaws.”

“Guess that’s the first time I’ve ever been glad to be stuck in traffic,” he says, then gestures ahead of us.

“God, you’re so fucking beautiful,” I say.
“Why thank you. You’re pretty fucking bodacious yourself.”




Profile Image for Lauren Blakely.
Author 256 books24.3k followers
October 6, 2016
I wrote this book! It's hot, sexy, fun and a bit forbidden!
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,287 followers
October 25, 2016
4.5 Making It Work So Good Stars
* * * *
So when I think of the next book to read... I ask myself... What Do I Want...and if there is a new Lauren Blakely out there... I will more than likely jump at the chance to consume it immediately. There is no doubt, for me...I will be totally entertained, totally wanting all the action to be happening to me personally, and loving all the heart, care and humor that goes with it. It is a done deal.

Out of Bounds
is a perfect example of this theory.... it is so Blakely. ...great guy, smart gal and uber sexy! It is a novella full of content. It gives everything you could want within this format. It brought these two characters together; instantaneously establishing the rhythm of banter, smarts, respect for each person...and the understanding of what the scenario was...

We have Drew Erickson, up and coming star in the professional football league... he is taking a timeout of being on...enjoying the beach and trying his hand at surfing. He is built (duh... he is the quarterback), staggeringly handsome... and totally committed to mastering these waves on a long board. The Venice Beach has all sorts doing their thing in the ocean and unfortunately for Drew...a surfer does the unthinkable for surfing etiquette...drops into Drew's wave and then his board goes flying in the direction of Drew's head...

Now Dani Paige has been tracking this fine Specimen of Man...yes, she has been enjoying the display of his athletic ability and limbs...his way of never giving up when smacked down by the waves and when he is in the surfing groove... riding a winner... it is a thing of beauty...

So when she sees the lunkhead cut into her ManVision...and the idiot's board is heading for her Eye Candy...this guy new to surfing. Dani yells out Heads Up in hopes to alert him of what is aiming his way...but the orange board hits its target and Drew's head gets smacked hard.

Dani paddles from her spot to where the Big Fella went under...and as he pops up...even after this whack, he is something to behold. Dani approaches him and asks if he is alright and this is the start. Both of them exchange this extremely witty banter... she first seeing sincerely if he is ok... and him becoming intrigued with this wonder-surfer angel...smart, quick and who was nice enough to care and try to alert him of the board. Her also being in a bikini, looking amazing and most importantly... comfortable in her own skin, doesn't hurt either.

There is one other thing he is noticing big time...She has NO IDEA of who he is...He is just a guy to her...and that has been so rare for him...So when the introductions are made...He gives her his full first name Andrew...as all know him as Drew in the Sports world.

What Drew doesn't know is Dani is involved in his world big time. She is one of the Los Angeles Knights team lawyers. She also has been weaned on football since she was a baby; her father, a high school football coach, shared his love for the sport with his daughter freely...He would encourage her to talk of plays, to understand why things happened as they did and when she thought he needed to make some changes on the field...he listened.

Football was part of Dani and she was thrilled to be in a position to work with the Knights. When she realizes Drew wants to keep his identity a secret, she goes with it. She has a bit of understanding how it could be hard to live in the public eye 24/7. This allows the two of them to just be... she does not reveal she works for the Knights and he doesn't say he is the up and coming Quarterback for the Anaheim Devil Sharks.

These two experience an afternoon of perfection. Dani checks to see if his head is actually fine from the hit...old Lifeguard reflexes....and Drew is taken with her not knowing anything about him and still trying to help him out. They go for a drink...flirt/banter some more and Dani has decided she would be open to having a night with his amazing fella...

It looks good for the both of them... a kiss at Dani's door leads to an intensity which demands more...and then Drew's phone goes off. Numbers are punched into phones and both hope to hear from each other.

Of Course, Neither Receives a Text or Call....
Both are disappointed...

Which leads to Dani and Drew meeting under different circumstances...and we are off to a fantastic read...

We get POV's from both Drew and Dani. We have the dance of figuring out how to have it all... because there are obstacles to overcome... but there is an undeniable passion and appreciation for the person they each met on the beach. Both of these people are ripe to give this relationship a try...yet there are legit reasons not to...and that is the quandary.

This novella had all the substance you could want in a quick read... not too short but was fully formed and enough. I will not give anything away...but will share Drew and Dani had a very unique way of passing time on the freeway during a Los Angeles traffic jam...

Very Hands On....

We had secondary characters of a manager and sister who add flavor and counter balance. We also have Drew's teammates who could be a possible next tale...

Overall I would say... this was low in angst, high in sexy banter, actions and fun with just the right amount of heart. TOUCHDOWN!

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Leave it to Lauren Blakely to bring us...
A Hot, Focused, Pro Football Player with a winning team...
Wanting to Keep the wins happening...

Only, he now is distracted by Her...
One time was not enough...
She has invaded his mind while on the field...

Too bad she is always around...
Hired to make sure the Team maintains a clean, positive image...

Can these two uphold that idea...
Well, Maybe if they can keep their hands off each other...


Out of Bounds - November 22nd 2016

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog.
337 reviews1,032 followers
November 26, 2016
4.5 stars!

Review at Of Pens and Pages



When I first heard of Out of Bounds, all I said was "sign me the f* up!". Seriously though. A Lauren Blakely sports romance? Yes, please! In this alternating POV novella, she's managed to deliver a swoon-worthy sports romance with her signature wit and humor, lovable characters, and sizzling sexual tension. All wrapped in a quick, fun, and light plot.

Dani Paige didn't know she was ogling Drew Erickson––and she definitely didn't know it when she helped him after a tiny surfing accident––until she was looking at him up close. She knew who he was; as one of the lawyers for Los Angeles Knights and as a football fan in general, she knew the quarterback for the Anaheim Devil Sharks. But since he seemed to want to stay anonymous, she played with it.

The serendipitous meeting showed these two how strong their chemistry was, but the events that followed made them believe the other gave them the cold shoulder. And so it was a bittersweet meeting when they see each other again in an event to welcome Drew into the Knights team.

They were happy to see each other and the misunderstanding was cleared up, but a new problem arose. The Knights team has had a field day with the media because of players involved in drugs and promiscuity. If Drew wants to stay on the team, he'd have to keep his image squeaky clean. It's never been an issue for him, but now it seems he and Dani can't pursue the possibility of something more.

Drew is a funny, sweet, and dirty-talking hunk. I was fanning myself reading his conversations with Dani, especially the phone calls and texts! But all that sexiness is balanced by his genuine affection and care for Dani, and I'm smiling just thinking about it!

And Dani is quite the firecracker! She's sassy, honest and is the go-getter. I love how dedicated she is to her job and how amazing of a big sister she is to Ally. And what I loved the most about her is that she made sure she and Drew weren't breaking any rules and before starting a relationship.

I love Dani, okay? In fact, I love all of LB's heroines! They're strong and intelligent and ahhh they're strong, independent women I strive to be. I love that so much. These ladies slay like Beyonce!



I hope Lauren Blakely writes more sports romance. But you know what, I'd gobble up anything she writes because I know I'll love it.

So slay, LB. Slay!

*ARC given in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Choko.
1,505 reviews2,682 followers
November 15, 2017
*** 3.44 ***

A buddy read with the Fabulous Ladies of the Abtastic Geishas!


This is a short contemporary Sports Romance by one of our favorite young authors write this genre today. My favorite part, as always, is those abs on the cover - I can think of many, many ways to enjoy, I mean research that six pack! We should make it our mission to put it in the Constitution that every woman, or man who swings that way, should have the right to visually appreciate such worthy physique gracing our literature😀😀😀. I believe that guys should get what they want too, but I am here to do my part for the Ladies 😀!

"...“Stay out of trouble, don’t get distracted and keep your eye on the mother**king prize.”..."

LB brings us another too good to be true guy in the quarterback Drew and a sweet, smart, and sexy young lady lawyer. Everything was mostly perfect while the game was rolling and all was easy, but with the first sign of difficulty, Drew punked-out and took the most ridiculous and stupid way to deal with it. That wasn't bad enough, she did not make him gravel after! That is what pissed me off and took off couple of stars from my rating. I know he is sweet, but if it was me, I would never trust him not to panic in a difficult moment and leave me to deal with the problem ever again... Yeah, it would have taken a lot of gravelling for him to get back on my good graces 😈...

Otherwise there were the sweet and sexy moments we have come to expect from this author and I still enjoyed reading it 😊...

Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
Profile Image for Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦.
662 reviews2,788 followers
November 29, 2016


➦3.5 stars! I liked this sports novella. Quarterback falls for a team lawyer. A bit of forbidden factor as in they are afraid his image would get hurt if he gets involved with another member of their organization.

➦These two were pretty hot together but I kind of slowly started losing interest towards the end. I don't know, I think novellas just aren't my thing because I do seek that in depth character development. But if you are looking for something quick and sexy then this might be for you. :)


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Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,689 followers
November 15, 2017
There is nothing like a Buddy Read with the Abtastic Ab Loving Geishas!

We read books with abs on the cover because someone has to do it. For science!!



Yup, we are sex crazed lunatics dedicated researchers.

So, in this book, we have an extremely attractive and successful couple get together for incredibly good-looking sex and surfing. Proving once again that beautiful people are better than the rest of us.

Them:


Us:
Profile Image for Alba and Her Secrets..♥.
951 reviews1,157 followers
November 23, 2016
4 'Blissfully' Stars!
 photo tumblr_n11n2mfpr01rzr0suo1_500_zps7lkqaf39.gif

As you may know, Lauren is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Well, I was super excited when she announced a sports romance and I have to say I really enjoyed it!

As with most of her books, Out of Bounds is funny, with light drama and extremely hot! Loved the main and secondary characters so much and the relatinships they form. Of course, I also loved the wrting (because this woman is just that awesome!) But I kind of was expecting this to be longer TBH, I really wanted more of Drew and Dani together!

Still, if you are a fan of sports romance and you enjoy Lauren's work, I definitely recommend reading Out of Bounds!
Profile Image for Floripiquita.
1,514 reviews170 followers
April 2, 2018
Muy normalito. Tanto es así que, 12 días después de haberlo leído, prácticamente se me ha olvidado de qué va, jajaja
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,416 followers
November 21, 2016
ARC provided by author/publisher in exchange fro an honest review

 photo 6abf3ba8d6a90a1db41d085b062ec3_zpsvbs4ftjj.gif

TOUCHDOWN!!! Lauren Blakely scores BIG TIME once again with her newest romance, Out of Bounds. From her charismatic and lovable characters, she has truly mastered the art in writing winning heartfelt romance.

 photo ec0ec021c611dab16fdab324fc0e4f_zpsakfdltd9.gif “I’m just a twenty-six-year-old guy who’s got his shit together and wants to go out with a woman he works with— a woman who has her act together too. That adrenaline fuels me, pushes me on. Maybe it’s the orgasm high, or maybe it’s just reality. But is this so wrong for me to want to at least pursue something with her?”

When Dani rescued and helped out a young man surfing, she never expected him to be Drew Erickson, a rising NFL quarterback. So when Drew didn’t reveal his job, Dani played it off that she didn’t know his celebrity athlete status. Instead, these two enjoyed a flirtatious banter of getting to know each other without revealing too intimate details. As Drew’s career is on the line, will he be able to keep in bounds his new relationship with Dani? Or will he discover that he may have to step out of bounds?

It’s no secret that I want to live in the literary world that Lauren Blakely creates. She has this magical way of making you crave, want, and need more of her words and characters. And Drew Erickson is one delectable hero that every romance readers needs to meet as he will be scoring on and off the field. So if you are looking for a romance that is sizzling with heat, romance, and heart then look no further than Out of Bounds.

 photo MICHELLE1_zps3515xymk.jpg Lauren Blakely

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Profile Image for Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog).
1,057 reviews484 followers
July 16, 2017
3.5 stars

Out of Bounds is a novella, which admittedly isn’t my favorite type of book. However, it’s a sports romance and it’s written by Lauren Blakely, so reading this was a no brainer. The book is signature Lauren Blakely—fun, flirty, and sexy.

Dani is a corporate lawyer tasked with helping to clean up the image of a disgraced professional football team. Drew is a friendly, focused, squeaky clean quarterback who has just been traded to Dani’s team. I love the cute way in which they meet, and the fact that their relationship is built on more than just physical attraction makes the story all the more satisfying. That’s not to say there aren’t some steamy sexy times, because nice guy Drew is one dirty talker.

The story presumably falls under the forbidden romance trope, but the execution is fumbled. I just didn’t understand why their relationship is so taboo. Dani isn’t Drew’s boss. She doesn’t handle contract negotiations with the players or work directly with them in any way. It makes the primary conflict that lasts throughout the majority of the book seem moot. The story is entertaining, but this missing component would have increased my overall enjoyment.

On the bright side, we’re given some extremely likeable characters—including Dani’s supportive younger sister—that really help sell the story. Drew is swoon worthy, Dani is the ultimate understanding girlfriend, and together they make a fun couple that you can’t help but root for.

Out of Bounds makes for a quick read that offers a wonderful combination of humor and romance.

Recommended for fans of:
Sports romance
Sweet heroes
Surfing

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**

Reading Frenzy Book Blog
Profile Image for Karen Mc .
1,106 reviews771 followers
November 26, 2016
“Love is not something you go out and look for. Love finds you, and when it does, ready or not, it’ll be the best thing to ever happen to you.”

Football is my favorite sport to watch…live or on TV. I love the fast pace and fierce competition. I love the game. I LOVE FOOTBALL! Hot guys in tight pants with massive muscles scrambling over the ball? Sign me up! Like the game itself, football romances make my heart race and spike with adrenaline, like Lauren Blakely’s newest sensation, Out of Bounds.

Out of Bounds captivated and charmed me from the very first page. I was glued to this story with the intensity of watching my favorite team play football. I WAS ALL IN. The romance and passion poured off the pages while the heat set them ablaze—both penetrating straight through me. Out of Bounds is a fun, flirty, and forbidden romance where you can’t help but smolder and swoon as you instantly fall in utter love. Oh did I fall in LOVE SO MUCH.

The new pro quarterback for LA’s football team, Drew Erickson, has to keep his eye on the prize: the Super Bowl. He can’t afford any distractions, especially the sun-kissed blonde surfing goddess with mile-long legs who happens to now work with him as his new team’s sports attorney. No…he must keep his head in the game and stop thinking about his new beautiful distraction.

“Stay out of trouble, don’t get distracted and keep your eye on the mother**king prize.”

Beautiful sports attorney, Dani Paige, handles football contracts, helping keep players out of trouble. She lives for working and surfing or did until the most gorgeous god entered her life, the tall, rock-hard, blond and hazel-eyed quarterback whose team she supports as a sports attorney…Drew…totally off limits. If only her body was not so traitorous.

“There’s something about a tall, well-built man that makes you want to step out of your panties right then and there, toss them over your shoulder, and say…”

I instantly loved Dani as much as lusted for Drew. There is something refreshing about a woman is assertive, who speaks exactly what’s on her mind. A gal who knows what she wants and goes after it with gusto…no games…just honesty.

“Those strong calves. Those black heels. That tight little waist. This woman is too f**king sexy. Too f**king funny. Such a straight shooter too, and it turns me on to no end. That’s the problem. I can’t afford to be turned on. Need to keep the blinders on.”

Drew and Dani's chemistry is electric like the buzz in the air during a sold-out football game. A slow burn sizzled through the story as the build-up brought on butterflies that fluttered with feels, my heart fluttering too. Dani and Drew’s passion pounded from the pages straight to me. The angst from that pent-up passion was an adrenaline-induced high…and oh did I FEEL THAT RUSH!

Their intense attraction is like the forbidden fruit, and Drew and Dani must fight temptation and not mix business with pleasure. However, chemistry is a powerful force as strong as the most powerful offense where the defense may be powerless to stop the score. Temptation never looked so good.

Lauren Blakely scores a terrific touchdown in her debut sports romance, Out of Bounds, a spellbinding story that made me swoon and smolder. Though I had no doubt that I would FALL IN INSTA-LOVE with this sports story because Lauren Blakely’s books ALWAYS BLOW ME AWAY! A master storyteller who brings her A-game to any romance genre she writes, ALL OF BLAKELY’S BOOKS ARE UTTER BLISS: contemporary, erotic, suspense, and now sports. It doesn’t matter what type of romance Lauren Blakely pens, she perfects them all!

I fell hard and fast for Out of Bounds, a sports romance that rocked my football-loving world. Out of Bounds brought the heat and humor, but also hope and heart. This sweet and sexy story soared right into my soul with the speed of a fast football, and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!!! Out of Bounds was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! I’m not ready for this game to be over.

★★★★★ 5 sweet and sexy ‘Super Bowl’ stars
Profile Image for Jo.
957 reviews242 followers
November 28, 2017

Buddy read with the lovely Geishas.

This was a really sweet romance with instant attraction, a sexy football player, some hot and sexy times (phone sex included) and very little angst. Just what the doctor ordered because sometimes lots of sweetness with a side of cheese is all you need. My only complaint was I needed more grovelling in the end.

Profile Image for Bex | TotallyBex.com.
569 reviews200 followers
November 23, 2016
★★ 4.5 stars! ★★

Every once in a while you need a short and sweet story (or quick and dirty, if you will) to read in an afternoon. Out of Bounds fits the bill at only 150 pages, but nothing is left out of this sexy, somewhat forbidden romance. It’s packed with heat, witty humor, delicious dirty talk, and sizzling chemistry!

Dani is a lawyer for a local football team, while Drew is the new star quarterback. After their adorable meet-cute, they find out that they are now working together. While it isn’t technically against the rules to date, the team has suffered some major PR problems recently. This puts the brakes on their instant connection, but gives us some major sparks of unresolved sexual tension every time they are in the same room together.

By now, you probably know that I love Lauren’s writing. I was curious about how that would translate to a sports romance (i.e. my fave genre) and she definitely didn’t disappoint. Out of Bounds is filled with everything I have come to expect: lovable, relatable characters, piping hot chemistry, witty, humorous banter, and lots of swoon thrown in the mix. It may technically be a novella, but it reads as a full-length novel. I really hope she continues this as a series because I need more hot and dirty athletes in my life!


▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.

▸ Order: Kindle | Kobo | iBooks | Nook

▸ For more reviews, visit
NightOwlReader.com
Profile Image for Beneath The Covers Blog.
1,512 reviews502 followers
November 15, 2016
Lauren Blakely undoubtedly knows romance! And now, add sports romance to her repertoire! Every time she writes a book, it's magic!

Out of Bounds smolders with heat, desire, and wicked swoon-worthy excitement! A chance meeting between two fantastic characters leads to a straightforward, yet complicated connection. An accidental surfboard injury, instant attraction, and undeniable chemistry...it all lines up to be a hot and sexy read. But when lines cross and the "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" come into play, it's not so easy to follow the rules, and forget about what the body craves and what the heart longs for.

I've said this a millions times, and I'll keep saying it: I will never get enough of Lauren Blakely's books! This story proves just that! Humor, intense yearning, intricate and difficult situations, and passion...good Lord, the lustiness and sensuality Lauren writes sparks a fire inside that fuels your thirst for more. And more is what she makes you want...and more and more!

Out of Bounds is an absolute must read! Fall in love and win big with this romantic love story! 5 Game-Changing Stars!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.* ~Kelly
Profile Image for KaleidoscopicCasey.
338 reviews168 followers
June 17, 2017
3.75 Blissfully Content stars

Uncomplicated and delightfully fluffy. Both of the main characters are good people, which seems rare these days in romance stories. Out of Bounds was a quick read so if you need a palate cleanser to follow a story that left you weepy or questioning humanity, this might hit the spot for you.

Plus, gorgeous quarterback.
Profile Image for Talltree.
2,081 reviews25 followers
December 19, 2016
Low angst and very readable novella length romance between surfer-babe/attorney h and stand up guy/jock H set in LA. 3.5 stars!
Profile Image for Maayan.
Author 3 books312 followers
November 27, 2016
It started strong then went downhill when Unfortunately, this book was a miss.
Profile Image for NinaReader.
565 reviews82 followers
November 28, 2016
3.5 Stars!

A quick fun sexy sports romance by this awesomely smutty author.

I didn't realize how short the story was when I started until I got to the end that same day.

If you're looking for something quick and easy with some hot scenes...this is it.
Profile Image for Aileene.
243 reviews119 followers
November 20, 2017
PRE-READ

I’m coming... I’M COMING, ladies.



Buddy read with my G-peeps. Starts today!


>>>>>>>>>>

POST READ

Short story of two good people finding love with each other.

A quarterback who wants best for his team and himself. And a lawyer who maintains her clients out of any scandal and a good provider for her younger sister.

Almost adequate but forgettable story as there was no character depth and no intriguing plot.

Quite disappointed, really, coz this is supposed to be a sports romance story and I didn’t get my fill on the sports side of it.
Romance is hot, no questions there but I wasn’t convinced that these two have that connection. They were hot for each other, yes, but that’s all I felt, pure and intense lust between them.
Also, the law part wasn’t explored enough to feel that the heroine was indeed a lawyer.

Rating this 1.5stars.

Thanks for the lovely buddy read, G-Peeps.
Till our next read together, meantime let me
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,396 reviews50 followers
December 22, 2017



He leido algunas lecturas de Lauren Blakely que me han echo pasar muy buenos ratos, por eso cuando vi esta novela no lo pense, no solo era bastante corta ( 150 paginas ) sino que tambien tenia a un protagonista deportista ( mi debilidad ).

Out Of Bounds es de esas historias que empiezan de una manera increible ( sobretodo al ser tan corta ) pero que pierde fuerza en la segunda mitad, ademas la pareja protagonista me encanto en los primeros capitulos pero en las ultimas paginas me di cuenta de cuan planos eran.

En fin, esta bien si te apetece una novela corta pero al igual que me ha ocurrido con los otros libros de la autora, hay algo que no me termina de convencer en sus historias.

2.25 Estrellas!
Profile Image for Alba M. .
1,724 reviews149 followers
December 19, 2017
Aunque no es un mal libro no ha acabado de llenarme...

Vamos a ver, es una historia corta, eso está visto. Pero es que este instalove que pasa en la historia... meh, no acaba de caer en gracia conmigo.
Por lo demás, es una historia entretenida pero no tiene nada especial, supongo que podrías considerarla una historia para pasar el rato sin nada memorable. Es de esas pequeñas historias para quienes le gustan los jugadores de fútbol 😬
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