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Off Limits #1
Off Limits
‘I want to taste you tonight.’
With chemistry this hot, it’s worth getting burned…
Billionaire Jack Grant is totally off-limits to Gemma Picton. He’s wild, deliciously dangerous…and her boss. When working late turns X-rated, it’s better than her wildest imaginings—and Gemma’s imagined a lot! But Jack has major emotional baggage, so when she starts wanting to heal his heart as well as enjoy his body she knows she’s in big trouble…
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
269 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Clare Connelly
517 books405 followersFor all things Clare Connelly, please see www.clareconnelly.co.uk, the official home of Clare Connelly on the web.
Clare Connelly grew up in a small country town in Australia. Surrounded by rainforests, and rickety old timber houses, magic was thick in the air, and stories and storytelling were a huge part of her childhood.
From early on in life, Clare realised her favourite books were romance stories, and read voraciously. Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, to Mills & Boon and (more recently) 50 Shades, Clare is a romance devotee. She first turned her hand to penning a novel at fifteen (if memory serves, it was something about a glamorous fashion model who fell foul of a high-end designer. Sparks flew, clothes flew faster, and love was born.)
Clare has a small family and a bungalow near the sea. When she isn't chasing after energetic little toddlers, or wiping fingerprints off furniture, she's writing, thinking about writing, or wishing she were writing.
Clare Connelly grew up in a small country town in Australia. Surrounded by rainforests, and rickety old timber houses, magic was thick in the air, and stories and storytelling were a huge part of her childhood.
From early on in life, Clare realised her favourite books were romance stories, and read voraciously. Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, to Mills & Boon and (more recently) 50 Shades, Clare is a romance devotee. She first turned her hand to penning a novel at fifteen (if memory serves, it was something about a glamorous fashion model who fell foul of a high-end designer. Sparks flew, clothes flew faster, and love was born.)
Clare has a small family and a bungalow near the sea. When she isn't chasing after energetic little toddlers, or wiping fingerprints off furniture, she's writing, thinking about writing, or wishing she were writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
January 22, 2018
It's not you, it's me. Or well, maybe it's also you a little. This book is the worst of what romance has to offer a feminist. A bright, capable, accomplished heroine sexually harrassed by her employer, who she then sleeps with, falls in love with and eventually has an "HEA" with after three glorious weeks of non-stop fucking. Oh, after he finally admits he has his head up his butt because he was mean to his dead wife. Spare me the hero whose mansluttish ways are directly derived from the dead woman in his past. If any of this were interrogated within the text, I wouldn't have hated it quite so much. But it's all utterly unexamined bullshit. Not an auspicious start to the Dare line, which I had hoped to adore given the demise of Blaze. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of sex. Too bad I wanted to drown both of the protagonists: him for being an unmitigated ass and her for putting up with his crap so I couldn't properly appreciate it. Even without the horror of the naked hero sexually harrassing the heroine in his bedroom/office in the opening scene in the wake of the Weinstein revelations, this would have been a meh book. I upgraded it to two stars because I only found one typo. He couldn't even grovel properly. No thanks.
February 26, 2018
3 Stars
The classic workplace romance trope was used here and it was used well.
Jack Grant is a billionaire philanthropist playboy and Lady Gemma Picton is his right-hand women. They work exceedingly well together and have done so for a good two years.
There has always been a certain spark of chemistry between Jack and Gemma, but both have remained professional for several reasons beyond the whole don’t shit where you eat, no romance in the workplace mentality.
For one, Jack is a widower. To drown his sorrows over the loss of his beloved wife, he has copious amounts of casual sex with countless faceless women. Although Gemma is wildly attracted to Jack she has no intention of becoming yet another one of Jack’s mind-numbing sexual conquests.
But, as these things generally go, Jack and Gemma’s restraint only takes them so far, until one sexually charged night a moment of weakness and want sees them giving into temptation. And once those dams break, there is no stopping them.
Jack remains standoffish, except for in the bedroom, and Gemma knows that she must protect her heart from the man she understands can’t (or won’t) love her the way she needs. She could just call it a day – Gemma knows that would be the smart thing to do – but she is willing to risk her heart for more time with Jack, even knowing the fallout that awaits them.
Jack and Gemma’s complicated romance probably should have worked for me better than it did. I enjoy a good office romance and I found myself really digging Clare Connelly’s writing style and her portrayal of Gemma as a strong woman who knew her own mind.
I guess my problems lie in the whole widower trope. This generally isn’t something I enjoy reading in my romance reads, ever really. I think this is largely due to the feelings of anxiety and discomfort it draws from me when the widowed character deals with all those angsty emotions, like loss, grief, guilt and even betrayal, as they find themselves unexpectedly falling for someone new. Sometimes – and it’s very rare – these elements are handled in a way that puts my mind and heart at ease. This was not the case here, and I think that had a lot to do with that fact that I just didn’t buy Jack’s feelings for Gemma, like, at all. This may have been helped if we got a deeper insight into his character, but as it was, from Gemma’s perspective, he came across as a standoffish asshole 80% of the time. He has his own brief moments of narrative himself, but they did absolutely nothing to assure me that his dick-ish behaviour was grounded in the depth of his sorrow and hurt. To me, he was just an unlikable guy, which, by all rights, should have changed as the story progressed, but it didn’t, instead I found myself growing more convinced that he simply wasn’t what Gemma deserved.
To be fair, this entire reaction could be a “me thing” and I own that. Most readers are self-aware enough to know what kind of tropes and character traits they enjoy reading, and as such, I probably had an inkling going in that this wasn’t rightly the kind of romance story I was going to get swept up in.
Though, as I said, I really did love Clare Connelly’s writing and I did really root for Gemma and her happiness. This was also an exceedingly steamy read, too, which is always a bonus if you love that sort of thing, which I do. *waggles eyebrows*
Ultimately, I may not have loved this the way I hoped I would, but I’ll most certainly be keeping my eye out for more of Connelly’s stories in the future.
The classic workplace romance trope was used here and it was used well.
Jack Grant is a billionaire philanthropist playboy and Lady Gemma Picton is his right-hand women. They work exceedingly well together and have done so for a good two years.
There has always been a certain spark of chemistry between Jack and Gemma, but both have remained professional for several reasons beyond the whole don’t shit where you eat, no romance in the workplace mentality.
For one, Jack is a widower. To drown his sorrows over the loss of his beloved wife, he has copious amounts of casual sex with countless faceless women. Although Gemma is wildly attracted to Jack she has no intention of becoming yet another one of Jack’s mind-numbing sexual conquests.
But, as these things generally go, Jack and Gemma’s restraint only takes them so far, until one sexually charged night a moment of weakness and want sees them giving into temptation. And once those dams break, there is no stopping them.
Jack remains standoffish, except for in the bedroom, and Gemma knows that she must protect her heart from the man she understands can’t (or won’t) love her the way she needs. She could just call it a day – Gemma knows that would be the smart thing to do – but she is willing to risk her heart for more time with Jack, even knowing the fallout that awaits them.
Jack and Gemma’s complicated romance probably should have worked for me better than it did. I enjoy a good office romance and I found myself really digging Clare Connelly’s writing style and her portrayal of Gemma as a strong woman who knew her own mind.
I guess my problems lie in the whole widower trope. This generally isn’t something I enjoy reading in my romance reads, ever really. I think this is largely due to the feelings of anxiety and discomfort it draws from me when the widowed character deals with all those angsty emotions, like loss, grief, guilt and even betrayal, as they find themselves unexpectedly falling for someone new. Sometimes – and it’s very rare – these elements are handled in a way that puts my mind and heart at ease. This was not the case here, and I think that had a lot to do with that fact that I just didn’t buy Jack’s feelings for Gemma, like, at all. This may have been helped if we got a deeper insight into his character, but as it was, from Gemma’s perspective, he came across as a standoffish asshole 80% of the time. He has his own brief moments of narrative himself, but they did absolutely nothing to assure me that his dick-ish behaviour was grounded in the depth of his sorrow and hurt. To me, he was just an unlikable guy, which, by all rights, should have changed as the story progressed, but it didn’t, instead I found myself growing more convinced that he simply wasn’t what Gemma deserved.
To be fair, this entire reaction could be a “me thing” and I own that. Most readers are self-aware enough to know what kind of tropes and character traits they enjoy reading, and as such, I probably had an inkling going in that this wasn’t rightly the kind of romance story I was going to get swept up in.
Though, as I said, I really did love Clare Connelly’s writing and I did really root for Gemma and her happiness. This was also an exceedingly steamy read, too, which is always a bonus if you love that sort of thing, which I do. *waggles eyebrows*
Ultimately, I may not have loved this the way I hoped I would, but I’ll most certainly be keeping my eye out for more of Connelly’s stories in the future.
January 4, 2019
Ha estado bien, una lectura entretenida y sencilla.
Es un libro que me ha gustado pero que esperaba más. No sé si es que no era el momento adecuado para leerlo o que, sin embargo sí que es una lectura entretenida y os recomiendo si buscáis una trama ligera y que os mantenga durante unas horas atrapados. Eso sí, me he quedado con la espinita de querer leer más historias de la autora así que miraré por Goodreads por si tiene alguna otra en español.
"Zona Prohibida" es un libro fácil de leer que tiene una trama sencilla perfecta para desconectar durante unas horas.
Reseña completa: https://aprovechalavidacadadiaa.blogs...
Es un libro que me ha gustado pero que esperaba más. No sé si es que no era el momento adecuado para leerlo o que, sin embargo sí que es una lectura entretenida y os recomiendo si buscáis una trama ligera y que os mantenga durante unas horas atrapados. Eso sí, me he quedado con la espinita de querer leer más historias de la autora así que miraré por Goodreads por si tiene alguna otra en español.
"Zona Prohibida" es un libro fácil de leer que tiene una trama sencilla perfecta para desconectar durante unas horas.
Reseña completa: https://aprovechalavidacadadiaa.blogs...
February 13, 2018
3,5 stars
Gemma is Jack's assistant and knows exactly what kind of a man Jack is, when it comes to women. After losing his wife, Jack has been having meaningless affairs with lots of women, but he's also attracted to Gemma. When passion takes over them, Jack starts to open up about his past and their relationship becomes more meaningful. Even though they get closer to each other, Jack's past is still holding him back, but Gemma is not going to let him play with her. Can Jack finally let go of his past?
It was my first read by the author and Harlequin new line. It has two strong characters, great banter and a lot of steamy scenes. It's a quick and fun read and I really liked it, especially the second half of the book.
Gemma is Jack's assistant and knows exactly what kind of a man Jack is, when it comes to women. After losing his wife, Jack has been having meaningless affairs with lots of women, but he's also attracted to Gemma. When passion takes over them, Jack starts to open up about his past and their relationship becomes more meaningful. Even though they get closer to each other, Jack's past is still holding him back, but Gemma is not going to let him play with her. Can Jack finally let go of his past?
It was my first read by the author and Harlequin new line. It has two strong characters, great banter and a lot of steamy scenes. It's a quick and fun read and I really liked it, especially the second half of the book.
November 12, 2017
MY RATING : 4/5 STARS
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first harlequin dare novel or mills and boon so I'm pretty excited. Once Goodreads or the publisher gets their act together, you'll probably fall in love with the cover as much as I did. I was attracted to the cover as much as the synopsis because hello who doesn't love an office romance involving a super rich boss and his assistant?
OFF LIMITS was definitely a darker toned novel. There were hardly any light heart moments you might expect. Jack is going through a long grieving process after his wife passed away from cancer and Gemma, his assistant, is there to watch him waste his life by having sex with as many females as possible to forget his grief.
Obviously, things get heated and suddenly Gemma and Jack are getting hot and heavy basically anywhere they go. The sex scenes were spectacular and you can really feel the chemistry and intensity of each scene. If you're not a fan of fifty shades of grey, I'm sorry to quote this but this book had a lot of fifty vibes. Not a stalker or abusive boyfriend but just dark past, moody hero, Bondage, and submissive vibes.
In terms of why it wasn't a perfect 5/5 for me is probably because it didn't leave a big impact on me. I enjoyed the read and got through it but it's not something I would pump my first in the air for.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Definitely worth the buy and read!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first harlequin dare novel or mills and boon so I'm pretty excited. Once Goodreads or the publisher gets their act together, you'll probably fall in love with the cover as much as I did. I was attracted to the cover as much as the synopsis because hello who doesn't love an office romance involving a super rich boss and his assistant?
OFF LIMITS was definitely a darker toned novel. There were hardly any light heart moments you might expect. Jack is going through a long grieving process after his wife passed away from cancer and Gemma, his assistant, is there to watch him waste his life by having sex with as many females as possible to forget his grief.
Obviously, things get heated and suddenly Gemma and Jack are getting hot and heavy basically anywhere they go. The sex scenes were spectacular and you can really feel the chemistry and intensity of each scene. If you're not a fan of fifty shades of grey, I'm sorry to quote this but this book had a lot of fifty vibes. Not a stalker or abusive boyfriend but just dark past, moody hero, Bondage, and submissive vibes.
In terms of why it wasn't a perfect 5/5 for me is probably because it didn't leave a big impact on me. I enjoyed the read and got through it but it's not something I would pump my first in the air for.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Definitely worth the buy and read!
February 19, 2018
Full Review on my blog!
Oh my, Oh my! I don't even know what to say, but this was one hot read! A forbidden work romance that was sweet, funny, and sexy.
Off Limits is a book about Gemma and Jack. Jack is Gemma’s boss and that’s why there cannot be a sexual relationship between them, even though they both want it. One day Jack’s crossed the line and since that day, they are addicted to each other.
I loved this book but I feel like it was missing something in the build up of their relationship. And the last few chapters seemed rushed. Nonetheless, I still loved how it ended, they were perfect in the end.
This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. I will now devour anything by this author! I highly recommend it!
*a copy was provided by NetGalley*
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Oh my, Oh my! I don't even know what to say, but this was one hot read! A forbidden work romance that was sweet, funny, and sexy.
Off Limits is a book about Gemma and Jack. Jack is Gemma’s boss and that’s why there cannot be a sexual relationship between them, even though they both want it. One day Jack’s crossed the line and since that day, they are addicted to each other.
I loved this book but I feel like it was missing something in the build up of their relationship. And the last few chapters seemed rushed. Nonetheless, I still loved how it ended, they were perfect in the end.
This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. I will now devour anything by this author! I highly recommend it!
*a copy was provided by NetGalley*
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Want to read
February 6, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/6/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
“I want to taste you tonight.”
With chemistry this hot, it’s worth getting burned…
Billionaire Jack Grant is totally off-limits to Gemma Picton. He’s wild, deliciously dangerous…and her boss. When working late turns X-rated, it’s better than her wildest imaginings—and Gemma’s imagined a lot! But Jack has major emotional baggage, so when Gemma starts wanting to heal his heart as well as enjoy his body, she knows she’s in big trouble…
Blurb:
“I want to taste you tonight.”
With chemistry this hot, it’s worth getting burned…
Billionaire Jack Grant is totally off-limits to Gemma Picton. He’s wild, deliciously dangerous…and her boss. When working late turns X-rated, it’s better than her wildest imaginings—and Gemma’s imagined a lot! But Jack has major emotional baggage, so when Gemma starts wanting to heal his heart as well as enjoy his body, she knows she’s in big trouble…
January 21, 2018
I bet that five stars is a surprise. But I have a set of rules about reviewing romance and I have to stick to them. This book made me a little weepy at one point. You do that, hardened category romance reader that I am, and you get that extra star. So long as you don't break any of the other rules. Fair warning.
This is a boss and PA romance. Technically. Apparently there is a prequel on the Harlequin site about how Gemma and Jack first meet when she starts working for him. He is dealing with his grief for the recent loss of his wife by burying himself in booze and women. I have chosen not to read that prequel because that is why I stopped reading boss/PA/secretary romances years ago.
So when I started this book (especially after my experience with another of the Dare books) I was very nervous. Especially as it's written in first person which is most definitely not a POV I enjoy. It often seems forced to me, lacking the smoothness of third.
Anyway, we start this book at a point of change. The attraction between Jack and Gemma has been simmering, just below the boil, for a long while. For Jack, she is off limits because he knows from the first that Gemma wouldn't be as easily shagged and disposed of as the other women who parade through his bedroom before being consigned to oblivion. For Gemma, she knows that being treated as just another of Jack's "screw to forget" disposable women would break her.
So they have spent two years, keeping an invisible barrier while, with great proficiency, he screws (it ain't love and is barely sex) nameless women, and while Gemma becomes an indispensable part of Jack's business.
Then Jack steps over the line, and the force of it takes Gemma with him. Be prepared for a lot of sex. A. Lot. Of. Sex.
But it isn't all just about the sex. Gemma isn't stupid and she uses Jack's craving for her to delve deeper, into places he doesn't want to go. And Jack does the same, his need for Gemma's body awakening a need to know more about his former icicle of a PA.
Of course it isn't all sex and skittles. Jack has demons to fight and Gemma has her own insecurities. It is bound to go pear shaped.
Overall this was a good read. It took me a while to get into the 1st person and there seems to be a much bigger percentage of Gemma's POV because I did look for input from Jack a few times and it wasn't there. Once I got into the rhythm, the POV didn't jar me too much. I still don't feel comfortable with the disrespectful way he treated his shagfest women, but I was able to understand why, even if I still don't approve.
The ending was satisfying and as mentioned, it got to my emotions.
I received this ARC from Netgalley for an independent review.
This is a boss and PA romance. Technically. Apparently there is a prequel on the Harlequin site about how Gemma and Jack first meet when she starts working for him. He is dealing with his grief for the recent loss of his wife by burying himself in booze and women. I have chosen not to read that prequel because that is why I stopped reading boss/PA/secretary romances years ago.
So when I started this book (especially after my experience with another of the Dare books) I was very nervous. Especially as it's written in first person which is most definitely not a POV I enjoy. It often seems forced to me, lacking the smoothness of third.
Anyway, we start this book at a point of change. The attraction between Jack and Gemma has been simmering, just below the boil, for a long while. For Jack, she is off limits because he knows from the first that Gemma wouldn't be as easily shagged and disposed of as the other women who parade through his bedroom before being consigned to oblivion. For Gemma, she knows that being treated as just another of Jack's "screw to forget" disposable women would break her.
So they have spent two years, keeping an invisible barrier while, with great proficiency, he screws (it ain't love and is barely sex) nameless women, and while Gemma becomes an indispensable part of Jack's business.
Then Jack steps over the line, and the force of it takes Gemma with him. Be prepared for a lot of sex. A. Lot. Of. Sex.
But it isn't all just about the sex. Gemma isn't stupid and she uses Jack's craving for her to delve deeper, into places he doesn't want to go. And Jack does the same, his need for Gemma's body awakening a need to know more about his former icicle of a PA.
Of course it isn't all sex and skittles. Jack has demons to fight and Gemma has her own insecurities. It is bound to go pear shaped.
Overall this was a good read. It took me a while to get into the 1st person and there seems to be a much bigger percentage of Gemma's POV because I did look for input from Jack a few times and it wasn't there. Once I got into the rhythm, the POV didn't jar me too much. I still don't feel comfortable with the disrespectful way he treated his shagfest women, but I was able to understand why, even if I still don't approve.
The ending was satisfying and as mentioned, it got to my emotions.
I received this ARC from Netgalley for an independent review.
February 15, 2018
I found this story to be a HOT quick read, one that can be done in an afternoon. The story had a lot of substance and the chemistry between Jack and Gemma was great. This really is a great introduction to Harlequin's new DARE line of books.
You can see my full review along with an excerpt and #Giveaway here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
You can see my full review along with an excerpt and #Giveaway here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
March 3, 2018
Do you guys remember the movie, Two Weeks Notice with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant? .... Okay so the whole set up of this story reminded me of this move and but a huge smile on my face from the start! They're not identical by any means, but they're similar enough that it immediately put me in a very *happy place* when I began to read!
One thing I can warn you about from the start is Jack ... he's gonna be a hard one to not only like, but to root for. Honestly, he's an asshole lol ... but he has his reasons. Would I have chosen to write him with very little soft edges to him? Probably not. But he's consistent. Once and asshole almost always an asshole so .... there's that. Which of course would make Gemma kinda, maybe, sorta come across as weak because she continues to go back for more from him. But it works you guys. It's who they are and their puzzle pieces fit together very well and their sexual chemistry is off the charts!
This book surprised me. I liked it a lot. Both our leads our leads were perfectly flawed just like real life. This was realistic and relatable and really sexy! Well done!
Copy provided for blog tour review
One thing I can warn you about from the start is Jack ... he's gonna be a hard one to not only like, but to root for. Honestly, he's an asshole lol ... but he has his reasons. Would I have chosen to write him with very little soft edges to him? Probably not. But he's consistent. Once and asshole almost always an asshole so .... there's that. Which of course would make Gemma kinda, maybe, sorta come across as weak because she continues to go back for more from him. But it works you guys. It's who they are and their puzzle pieces fit together very well and their sexual chemistry is off the charts!
This book surprised me. I liked it a lot. Both our leads our leads were perfectly flawed just like real life. This was realistic and relatable and really sexy! Well done!
Copy provided for blog tour review
October 28, 2017
First of all, I have to admit, I haven't read a Mills & Boon book since I was a teen. It's not something I thought I would do again, but I was given a 'limited edition proof' of this book with no cover at a local book signing and, on a spur of the moment, thought why not? It says 'Dare - Our hottest series yet' on the cover and I took that as a challenge. Surely, a M&B book is no way near as hot as the books I tend to read these days. Right??
Oh boy, was I wrong!! Talk about hot!! This sexy billionaire boss and his smart & challenging right-hand woman sure knew how to turn up the heat. I got swept away by these two intelligent and engaging characters. Both Jack and Gemma had been broken in their own way and weren't looking for love or even ever crossing those boundaries with each other. They thought of each other as off limits, a line they couldn't cross as it would change everything ... and so it did ... and it was steamy, witty, charming, anger-fueled, heartbreaking... and definitely a book I would recommend!
Oh boy, was I wrong!! Talk about hot!! This sexy billionaire boss and his smart & challenging right-hand woman sure knew how to turn up the heat. I got swept away by these two intelligent and engaging characters. Both Jack and Gemma had been broken in their own way and weren't looking for love or even ever crossing those boundaries with each other. They thought of each other as off limits, a line they couldn't cross as it would change everything ... and so it did ... and it was steamy, witty, charming, anger-fueled, heartbreaking... and definitely a book I would recommend!
October 3, 2021
Un libro entretenido que una muy buena opción entre una lectura y otra. Es una novela corta que se puede leer en una tarde.
December 12, 2017
I truly liked this book. I have not been really able to delve into a lot books as I did this one. It kept my interest. This is the story of Gemma Picton and Jack Grant. Jack is Gemma's boss and for 2 years she has been trying not to be attractive to her employer.
They are both attracted to each other but they are trying to adhere to a look-but-don't-touch rule. I wanted these characters together. They made a great match. Gemma and Jack are good counterparts for each other. His sarcasm and her quick wit were just perfect together. I liked how the author wrote about the battle within the characters. It was well written. Their internal battle to keep it together and not be affected by each other was something that kept me wanting to read.
I loved the development of the characters. "I want him to chase me." This statement right here made me want to devour this book. Gemma is my kind of girl. I love a good chase. And I believe the author accomplished that feat with her writing. I also liked Gemma's inner dialogue. It was practical. It made sense. She was mature. She knew she should not get caught up with Jack but his pull was hard to resist. She was fighting not to fall for him. She was not pushing herself on him or into his life.
I liked Jack as a character also. He treated Gemma like a person and how she should have been treated. He did not want a relationship at first but he realized that Gemma was what he needed. And comparing him to Colin Farrell was a plus since I think he is cute. That image gave me a vision in my mind of how Jack looked.
The author made their relationship natural. It was not man sees girl or girl sees guy and they are instantly in love. The relationship went through its ups and downs and it progressed into something. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review. All reviews are my own opinions.*
They are both attracted to each other but they are trying to adhere to a look-but-don't-touch rule. I wanted these characters together. They made a great match. Gemma and Jack are good counterparts for each other. His sarcasm and her quick wit were just perfect together. I liked how the author wrote about the battle within the characters. It was well written. Their internal battle to keep it together and not be affected by each other was something that kept me wanting to read.
I loved the development of the characters. "I want him to chase me." This statement right here made me want to devour this book. Gemma is my kind of girl. I love a good chase. And I believe the author accomplished that feat with her writing. I also liked Gemma's inner dialogue. It was practical. It made sense. She was mature. She knew she should not get caught up with Jack but his pull was hard to resist. She was fighting not to fall for him. She was not pushing herself on him or into his life.
I liked Jack as a character also. He treated Gemma like a person and how she should have been treated. He did not want a relationship at first but he realized that Gemma was what he needed. And comparing him to Colin Farrell was a plus since I think he is cute. That image gave me a vision in my mind of how Jack looked.
The author made their relationship natural. It was not man sees girl or girl sees guy and they are instantly in love. The relationship went through its ups and downs and it progressed into something. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review. All reviews are my own opinions.*
October 30, 2017
I received the Arc for Off Limits by Clare Connelly and I was not disappointed.
It's my first book by this author and I have nothing but good comments for the novel.
Gemma and Jack's story was scorching and tender, I cried at the end because I just knew how strong Gemma is to make the decision she made, which in the end paid off for both of them.
Jack is this intelligent, sexy than sin billionaire who is broken and damaged after losing his wife to cancer. The sexy billionaire goes through woman to fill that void (Don't you love this stereotype already) because he knows he won't ever forget his Lucy. And Brilliant, confident Gemma working two years for Jack knows all about his issues. She fights like hell the attraction they have together and it's spectacular to watch. The best tease for a reader. She doesn't just want to heal him but help me believe in something better again. You can see the struggle each characters has from the beginning and when they finally collide it's 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
I found myself laughing at their quirky banter and eager to see more of them. I'm so sad the book ended ughhhh. Can't wait for the next one!
It's my first book by this author and I have nothing but good comments for the novel.
Gemma and Jack's story was scorching and tender, I cried at the end because I just knew how strong Gemma is to make the decision she made, which in the end paid off for both of them.
Jack is this intelligent, sexy than sin billionaire who is broken and damaged after losing his wife to cancer. The sexy billionaire goes through woman to fill that void (Don't you love this stereotype already) because he knows he won't ever forget his Lucy. And Brilliant, confident Gemma working two years for Jack knows all about his issues. She fights like hell the attraction they have together and it's spectacular to watch. The best tease for a reader. She doesn't just want to heal him but help me believe in something better again. You can see the struggle each characters has from the beginning and when they finally collide it's 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
I found myself laughing at their quirky banter and eager to see more of them. I'm so sad the book ended ughhhh. Can't wait for the next one!
February 1, 2018
Original review
This book was provided by the Publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Dare!
Off Limits is a book about Gemma and Jack. Jack is Gemma’s boss and that’s why there cannot be a sexual relationship between them, even though they both want it. One day Jack’s crossed the line and since that day, they are addicted to each other. But will it last?
When I started reading Off Limits, I didn’t know this book was going to be this sexy. I started reading this book on the bus and I couldn’t stop blushing and hoping that no one was reading along. Off Limits is such a steamy hot romance book!
I really love Off Limits because it reminds me a little of Fifty Shades. It’s not that the sex is that similar, but the way it’s described and the way the book flows. Off Limits is such a fast-paced read, I couldn’t stop reading. From the first page, I was completely hooked!
Clare Connelly is such a great author and I cannot wait to read more books written by her!
This book was provided by the Publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Dare!
Off Limits is a book about Gemma and Jack. Jack is Gemma’s boss and that’s why there cannot be a sexual relationship between them, even though they both want it. One day Jack’s crossed the line and since that day, they are addicted to each other. But will it last?
When I started reading Off Limits, I didn’t know this book was going to be this sexy. I started reading this book on the bus and I couldn’t stop blushing and hoping that no one was reading along. Off Limits is such a steamy hot romance book!
I really love Off Limits because it reminds me a little of Fifty Shades. It’s not that the sex is that similar, but the way it’s described and the way the book flows. Off Limits is such a fast-paced read, I couldn’t stop reading. From the first page, I was completely hooked!
Clare Connelly is such a great author and I cannot wait to read more books written by her!
October 23, 2017
Jack is a very dominant man, ‘no, you didn’t. Shame… Because if you weren’t wearing underwear I could take you right now. Here against the door. Would you like that, Gemma?’ I loved this book, Jack's personality was one that demanded attention.
May 5, 2025
Eine sehr schöne, emotionale & berührende Geschichte. Was sich zwischen dem Chef Jack & seiner Assistentin Gemma anbahnt, klingt wie die klassische Arbeitsromanze, doch so einfach ist es sie so oft in der Liebe nicht … die Gefühle , Leidenschaft & Erotik kommen auf keinen Fall zu kurz im Roman , doch steht das Körperliche zwischen ihnen nicht völlig im Vordergrund!! Es geht nicht NUR darum , sondern steckt noch mehr dahinter in der Beziehung zwischen den Beiden... ‚Off limits‘ ist sehr gefühlvoll, Prickelnd & kurzweilig geschrieben & auch das Ende fand ich sehr stimmig…
‚Da draußen gibt es eine wunderschöne große Welt, & selbst wenn du für den Rest deiner Tage nur noch reisen würdest, könntest du nicht mehr alles sehen.‘ (S.58)
‚Aber wir sind nicht normal. Jeder für sich nicht & ganz bestimmt nicht gemeinsam. Wir sind beide Außenseiter, & was Beziehungen angeht, haben wir schon lange jegliche Normalität hinter uns gelassen.‘ (S.159)
‚Dann entspannt er sich, seine Lippen kehren zu mir zurück, & mein Herz bekommt Flügel, damit es über meinem Körper schweben kann. Es fühlt sich so richtig an, so perfekt. Unvermittelt komme ich mir vor wie im Himmel.‘ (S.224)
‚Die Sterne sind jetzt unerwünscht, löscht jeden aus davon,
Verhüllt den Mond & nieder reißt die Sonn‘,
Fegt weg den Wald & auch des Meeres Flut.‘
(S.266)
‚Da draußen gibt es eine wunderschöne große Welt, & selbst wenn du für den Rest deiner Tage nur noch reisen würdest, könntest du nicht mehr alles sehen.‘ (S.58)
‚Aber wir sind nicht normal. Jeder für sich nicht & ganz bestimmt nicht gemeinsam. Wir sind beide Außenseiter, & was Beziehungen angeht, haben wir schon lange jegliche Normalität hinter uns gelassen.‘ (S.159)
‚Dann entspannt er sich, seine Lippen kehren zu mir zurück, & mein Herz bekommt Flügel, damit es über meinem Körper schweben kann. Es fühlt sich so richtig an, so perfekt. Unvermittelt komme ich mir vor wie im Himmel.‘ (S.224)
‚Die Sterne sind jetzt unerwünscht, löscht jeden aus davon,
Verhüllt den Mond & nieder reißt die Sonn‘,
Fegt weg den Wald & auch des Meeres Flut.‘
(S.266)
February 6, 2018
Gemma Picton has grown up in the lap of luxury, but she's not content to sit on her behind and let the world revolve around her. A brilliant lawyer, she's now the in-house counsel for Jack Grant, billionaire playboy... and grieving widower. For two years, Gemma has kept Jack at a professional distance, but bit by bit, the walls are coming down. What sort of happily-ever-after can there be, though, for a girl who's never dreamed of white picket fences and a man who lost the love of his life?
This is an unconventional romance, but it works because neither Gemma nor Jack WANT a conventional sort of relationship. I absolutely loved Gemma's fierce, determined approach to life, her absolute refusal to compromise her principles for anyone. Her relationship with her grandmother the duchess was fabulous; I could have read a whole novel on the two of them alone.
The sex scenes in this book are hot, they are graphic and they start early on. It's not for the faint-hearted, but you could probably have guessed that from the cover. Off Limits is a great example of an unconventional relationship portrayed the right way, with a happy ending that was totally believable for the two characters in question. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the DARE range! Five stars for a fantastic, super sexy read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
This is an unconventional romance, but it works because neither Gemma nor Jack WANT a conventional sort of relationship. I absolutely loved Gemma's fierce, determined approach to life, her absolute refusal to compromise her principles for anyone. Her relationship with her grandmother the duchess was fabulous; I could have read a whole novel on the two of them alone.
The sex scenes in this book are hot, they are graphic and they start early on. It's not for the faint-hearted, but you could probably have guessed that from the cover. Off Limits is a great example of an unconventional relationship portrayed the right way, with a happy ending that was totally believable for the two characters in question. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the DARE range! Five stars for a fantastic, super sexy read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
February 12, 2018
This book was definitely a lot darker than I was expecting, with a lot of heavy themes and heartbreaking angst for the hero. Jack’s backstory is tragic, but it never quite made me root for him. He’s a pretty big jerk for most of the book, an asshole, even, and while I did warm up to him in the last third of the book, I had a hard time with his tortured reasons for being removed.
Gemma is the kind of heroine I love, whip-smart and capable, and I wanted her to get her HEA, despite not being completely on board with the hero. I love a workplace romance, and this one had some of my favorite moments, with illicit touches and office sexy times.
Even though Jack wasn’t my favorite billionaire hero, the sexy times were off the charts hot and he does turn tender towards Gemma in a way that satisfied my need for a HEA.
I’d read more from this author in the future!
Gemma is the kind of heroine I love, whip-smart and capable, and I wanted her to get her HEA, despite not being completely on board with the hero. I love a workplace romance, and this one had some of my favorite moments, with illicit touches and office sexy times.
Even though Jack wasn’t my favorite billionaire hero, the sexy times were off the charts hot and he does turn tender towards Gemma in a way that satisfied my need for a HEA.
I’d read more from this author in the future!
April 30, 2018
Gemma has been working for billionaire and widower, Jack Grant for 2 years and lusting after him for all of them. But she's watched him self-destruct and use women and she's determined not to become a part of all that. She likes her job, thank you very much. But when Jack starts to notice her and starts to apply his seduction expertise, Gemma has no hope of avoiding it. So against her best judgement, she goes into it, eyes wide open and absolutely sure that this will be a no-strings temporary thing. But things between Jack and Gemma aren't just physical - both of them know there's something more there. Jack though, is still mourning his wife and believes himself incapable of love, and this will cause problems when Gemma realizes that she's in love with Jack.
First off, let me just say that this author is clearly a bomb-ass writer. She took my emotions and made them her own personal roller coaster. And in any other story with these characters, I probably would have thrown my kindle and said something about these idiots making the worst fucking decisions. But I didn't because I was that sucked into the story. I spent the majority of this story sorta yelling at my Kindle, mostly two phrases, "Why do you treat her like that?" and "Why do you take that from him?" This is because Jack is an asshole, from the start, who is definitely pushing the bounds of sexual harassment (only Gemma says she's not harassed so it's okay). But he starts seducing her at work and leaving her on edge so she'll come to him at night, and all the while there's this smug arrogance - and just like it bothered the heroine, it bothered me that he was unaffected. Only he wasn't really. He was becoming obsessed with her, but that's something that's dragged out over time for the reader to see, but that Gemma still doesn't. We see Jack become human over the course of the story, not wanting to hurt Gemma but knowing he will and still being unable to stay away from her.
So as I'm warming up to Jack a bit, I'm wondering what the hell is wrong with Gemma? She's a strong, self-sufficient woman who is justifiably hurt and pissed when after their first time together, Jack dismisses her like a prostitute or something. And she stays mad for about 12 hours when he comes in the next day and seduces her against a door and she completely forgets how cheap he made her feel. Where is this girl's self-respect? Her dignity? And she lets him keep using her and I don't understand this behavior. She's a professional throwing away her credibility in the workplace and she's letting herself be used by a man who has not shown that he's going to change. And at this point I can't really blame Jack because he's warned her and she keeps telling him she won't get hurt. But she does because she changes her mind and decides she loves him. And she gets hurt because she wanted him to change his mind too.
These characters were so frustrating! But I couldn't stop reading about them! The other aspect of this comes down to personal preference. This is the story of a guy who still loves his dead wife desperately and every time I read a story about this, I find myself wondering if the heroine isn't just a consolation prize. If the dead wife came back to life, would the hero still want the heroine? And that messes with my mind and enjoyment of the story. Not the author's fault. Although there is evidence in this to support the idea that the heroine is a consolation prize. Like when it's his dead wife's birthday and he NEEDS her because he needs her to help him forget his dead wife. And he's an absolute bastard and refusing to talk to her about anything because it's still his dead wife's birthday. It still affects him, as it should, but it just confirms my worry.
I'll say that I'm not so sure I want to continue with the DARE line for Harlequin. I'll try one or two more, but I'm not sold on it. This author clearly has some talent though, so I will be on the look out for more from her.
First off, let me just say that this author is clearly a bomb-ass writer. She took my emotions and made them her own personal roller coaster. And in any other story with these characters, I probably would have thrown my kindle and said something about these idiots making the worst fucking decisions. But I didn't because I was that sucked into the story. I spent the majority of this story sorta yelling at my Kindle, mostly two phrases, "Why do you treat her like that?" and "Why do you take that from him?" This is because Jack is an asshole, from the start, who is definitely pushing the bounds of sexual harassment (only Gemma says she's not harassed so it's okay). But he starts seducing her at work and leaving her on edge so she'll come to him at night, and all the while there's this smug arrogance - and just like it bothered the heroine, it bothered me that he was unaffected. Only he wasn't really. He was becoming obsessed with her, but that's something that's dragged out over time for the reader to see, but that Gemma still doesn't. We see Jack become human over the course of the story, not wanting to hurt Gemma but knowing he will and still being unable to stay away from her.
So as I'm warming up to Jack a bit, I'm wondering what the hell is wrong with Gemma? She's a strong, self-sufficient woman who is justifiably hurt and pissed when after their first time together, Jack dismisses her like a prostitute or something. And she stays mad for about 12 hours when he comes in the next day and seduces her against a door and she completely forgets how cheap he made her feel. Where is this girl's self-respect? Her dignity? And she lets him keep using her and I don't understand this behavior. She's a professional throwing away her credibility in the workplace and she's letting herself be used by a man who has not shown that he's going to change. And at this point I can't really blame Jack because he's warned her and she keeps telling him she won't get hurt. But she does because she changes her mind and decides she loves him. And she gets hurt because she wanted him to change his mind too.
These characters were so frustrating! But I couldn't stop reading about them! The other aspect of this comes down to personal preference. This is the story of a guy who still loves his dead wife desperately and every time I read a story about this, I find myself wondering if the heroine isn't just a consolation prize. If the dead wife came back to life, would the hero still want the heroine? And that messes with my mind and enjoyment of the story. Not the author's fault. Although there is evidence in this to support the idea that the heroine is a consolation prize. Like when it's his dead wife's birthday and he NEEDS her because he needs her to help him forget his dead wife. And he's an absolute bastard and refusing to talk to her about anything because it's still his dead wife's birthday. It still affects him, as it should, but it just confirms my worry.
I'll say that I'm not so sure I want to continue with the DARE line for Harlequin. I'll try one or two more, but I'm not sold on it. This author clearly has some talent though, so I will be on the look out for more from her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2018
Very good, very hot ;)
February 1, 2018
This is my second Harlequin Dare novel and dare I say, this was hotter than the last one. The story-line is intense and the chemistry is off the charts. From the moment you start reading this book, you are sucked into Jack and Gemma’s story. Jack is wild, hot and off limits since he’s Gemma’s boss. Jack knows he should stay away, but he can’t seem to get Gemma out of his head. And when Gemma seems to want the same things that Jack wants….lets just say, all bets are off.
I loved Jack’s character. He was broody and sexy and had his own baggage. And Gemma…Such a hard worker. She tried to fight the attraction she felt for Jack, but it just seemed to be too impossible. The sparks were there and these two just couldn’t deny them.
Off Limits was a quick and easy read for me; definitely one that you could finish in one sitting. It hit all the marks I was looking for in a quick and sexy read, with just the right amount of hotness and romance.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
I loved Jack’s character. He was broody and sexy and had his own baggage. And Gemma…Such a hard worker. She tried to fight the attraction she felt for Jack, but it just seemed to be too impossible. The sparks were there and these two just couldn’t deny them.
Off Limits was a quick and easy read for me; definitely one that you could finish in one sitting. It hit all the marks I was looking for in a quick and sexy read, with just the right amount of hotness and romance.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
January 24, 2018
Off Limits is the story of Gemma who is attracted to her boss and knowing it is wrong. Jack who lost his wife to cancer turns to women to sooth the mourning and suffering. When Jack turns his attention to Gemma, he is determined to win Gemma. What results is a great book with lots of steamy scenes. While the story makes you wonder at times if Jack will ever find the love that Gemma has to offer or if she will leave him before he does, the author keeps you enthralled as you read each page. Clare Connelly has written a book that kept my attention with each page and the sexy scenes will only warm you up on a cold winter's day.
A perfect read and can't wait to read more of Clare Connelly's books!
A perfect read and can't wait to read more of Clare Connelly's books!
January 17, 2018
Jack is one hot complicated mess of a man. Gemma is one strong sensitive woman. They make for one hell of a strong complicated couple. They have an amazingly strong connection. They both have issues that they need to deal with. Could not wait to see where this story would go. First book I’ve read from this author will read more.
Merged review:
Jack is one hot complicated mess of a man. Gemma is one strong sensitive woman. They make for one hell of a strong complicated couple. They have an amazingly strong connection. They both have issues that they need to deal with. Could not wait to see where this story would go. First book I’ve read from this author will read more.
Merged review:
Jack is one hot complicated mess of a man. Gemma is one strong sensitive woman. They make for one hell of a strong complicated couple. They have an amazingly strong connection. They both have issues that they need to deal with. Could not wait to see where this story would go. First book I’ve read from this author will read more.
April 24, 2020
I loved the light, cheeky play between Jack and Gemma. The detail that gave the reader the visualization of being in the room was great. I was able to picture where Gemma was looking at the tattoo on his thigh. Bringing visualization to a book really helped me to connect more with the book. The text from the book was simple, but not simple. I was able to follow along with the characters.
I was impressed how Gemma Was able to keep her animalistic desires for Jack in check. The sexual desire was high for both characters. The writer didn’t draw out the point of the book the style of writing fits well with the readers today. This excerpt was a good one to read.
I was impressed how Gemma Was able to keep her animalistic desires for Jack in check. The sexual desire was high for both characters. The writer didn’t draw out the point of the book the style of writing fits well with the readers today. This excerpt was a good one to read.
December 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book :)) it was given to me by Bookish First and HarlequinReads! It was a short ebook but i still loved it. It was steamyy and funny n just some romance that i needed in my day. Let me say Jack was very hot lol n i live how Gemma was like nopee im not gnna give any fucks lol even though im dying for him inside❤️❤️. Also awesome Grandma lol i loved her
October 30, 2017
I've often wondered if the pain is worth the end result when it comes to falling in love. Gemma's pain is so real, throughout the book she knows that she needs to keep her heart out of what they're doing. But come on, Jack is so hot and sensual. Off Limits, is an awesome work place romance.
May 29, 2018
Gemma sure loves to be used as rebound for Jack’s dead wife. Sigh.. he got jealous when their clients shown interest in her and fuck with her. He didn’t respond to her love declaration. Begged her when she quitted her job. Meh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2017
A brilliant, steamy read!
I loved the sexual tension that built between the characters and the H was a brooding, bossy alpha...PERFECT!
I loved the sexual tension that built between the characters and the H was a brooding, bossy alpha...PERFECT!
January 19, 2019
[2'8/5] Al igual que el anterior, entretenido sin más!
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