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Off Limits

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"I absolutely enjoyed this entertaining feel-good love story ... fast-paced, filled with drama, pain and loss, all mixed perfectly with sooo much love ... definitely not-to-be-missed!"-GoodReads Reviewer It's the cardinal rule of the Girl never date a friend's ex. Laynie Duluth knows that Gideon Roth is completely off limits. After all, he and her best friend, Priya, dated for two years back in college. And there's no statute of limitations on the rules of Girl Code. Problem is, somebody forgot to tell Gideon. When Laynie wakes up in Gideon's hotel room bed, wrapped up in a naked, deliciously attractive Gideon after a night of explosive, earth-shattering, mind-blowing sex, she knows she's got to fess up and come clean with Priya. Only that's not easy knowing what she knows about her best friend, and it becomes even harder when she learns Priya might just have a secret of her own to come clean about. Off Limits was originally published in a multi-author anthology titled "Just the Tip" from December 27, 2018 - March 26, 2019.

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2019

1 person is currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Nicole R. Locker

23 books257 followers
Nicole R. Locker is a social worker by day and author by night, writing about strong women and the hunky Heroes brave enough to take them on. She's an avid lover of pit bull softies, Scottish accents, and audiobooks. She lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her nephew and three dogs. Find her at www.nicolerlocker.com.

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5 stars
14 (28%)
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22 (44%)
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9 (18%)
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4 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Jen.
766 reviews116 followers
May 8, 2019
Nicole R. Locker is an author I haven't read before, and after reading the synopsis, I was itching to get my hands on Off Limits. What a great story! I loved Gideon and Laynie together. It was all hearts and flowers, and although I typically enjoy a bit more drama in my books, I really liked it.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
April 28, 2019
Off Limits by Nicole R. Locker is the story of Laynie Duluth and Gideon Roth.
Gideon was involved with Laynie's friend back in college, then broke her friends heart when they broke up. Laynie always had a crush on Gideon but he was off limits because of his relationship with her friend. Of course now he should still be off limits but he is harder to resit especially after their hot encounter. Their story was overall a easy read with not to much drama, enjoyed it and hope to read more from this author.

Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
April 22, 2019
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


It's the cardinal rule of the Girl Code: never date a friend's ex.

Off Limits by Nicole A. Locker is one of those stories that you can zip right through and enjoy every minute of it. As this was my first story by Ms. Locker, I am going to be checking out her other stories as well.

Off Limits is a feel-good story that has minimal drama while the growth of the relationship is fast moving because Gideon and Lynie have a history together.

This story jumps from the present to the past where Gideon was dating Laynie's best friend in college, where they all met. Told in dual point of view, we get to read and feel both their situations and inner feelings.

Oh, and the best friend Laynie is so worried about has a secret of her own!!

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Nicole Locker.
Author 23 books257 followers
Read
December 15, 2018
In the following scene, Laynie is remembering a time back in college, while Gideon was dating her best friend, Priya, when he had come to her aid in her time of need in a super-swoon-worthy way. Read on to see how...

Excerpt: Off Limits
“Are you okay? You looked like you could use some help.” It was Gideon. He had seen her leaving the camp area and followed her.

She had begun to heave, and she tried to shoo him off. “I’m fine. Just …” she barfed, “…go. Please,” she had pleaded, and even she could hear the desperation in her voice.

But Gideon didn’t go. He had made his way over to her and pulled back her shoulder-length hair as she stood there hunched over. He had rubbed her back softly as she puked, over and over again. When she was done, he had handed her a bottle of water that she rinsed her mouth out with. Then, feeling exhausted from the hard labor her body had just endured from the violent heaving, she had sat down on the ground, letting the cool air brush over her and cool her heated skin.

“You didn’t have to follow me. I’m okay, really,” she’d said in a weak, shaky breath.

He’d grimaced and shaken his head, sitting down next to her and folding his long legs in front of him. “I couldn’t let you be out here alone. Somebody had to come and hold your hair back.”

She’d looked over at him and watched a genuine smile crawl across his lips. He was teasing her, in a good-natured kind of way, it seemed.

“I must look so stupid.” She had brushed her hair back from where the stray strands around her face had matted with sweat against her skin. “I wish you hadn’t seen me like this.”

He had just shrugged like it was no big deal. Then he reached back around her to rub his hand up and down her back again in soothing strokes. It had felt like such a caring gesture to her, and she hadn’t been surprised at all he’d offered his help. Had anyone else even noticed she’d left? But that was just how he was – genuine, like he actually gave a shit about people. Like he would literally give someone the shirt off his back or the last dollar in his wallet.

“I think I threw up on your shoes,” she had said, mortified, looking down at his feet, but at the same time reveling in how great it felt, him touching her like that.

He had stopped rubbing and looked down at where she was looking. Then he shrugged like it didn’t matter. “It’ll wash off.”
829 reviews52 followers
May 1, 2019
I loved that this was a romance between slightly older MCs than I am used to (mid 30s). I don’t have much to say but the secret Priya had was obvious from the start. I mean, how could Laynie not realise what was Priya hiding?

So yeah, 4 stars because this book could be much shorter if Laynie came clean to Priya since the beginning when she was seeing Gideon so all that fuss was basically for nothing.

But as for the book, writing is good, it’s a short and easy read with great chemistry between characters.

I also missed more details about people in general, how they look etc. I feel like the brother was just a name added in the book but I can’t remember how he looks like. I missed seeing the connection between him and her sister.



ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,411 reviews24 followers
April 26, 2019
3.5 outta 5 stars from me!

What is the ultimate girl code? Don't hurt your friend's feelings and one of the biggest ways to do that is by dating their ex who broke their heart. But what if this after a decade and you semi had dibs on him first because you liked him before they went together and your friend knew about it? That is when things get a little bit complicated.

This was an easy and fairly light read but it did have a lot of entertaining aspects in it! I could not get a good read on the main character Laynie, but I absolutely loved Gideon. What a freaking heartthrob! Successful, nice, and persistent--*Swoon*.

If you want to get away for a bit and read a fun story, this is a good book for you to read!

PS: I received this book for free but am voluntarily reviewing it!
Profile Image for Bookgyrl.
1,346 reviews23 followers
April 14, 2019
Quite a lovely story about a couple getting a second chance at love. At university, Laynie had a big crush on Gideon, but he got together with her best friend Priya. After their break-up it was Laynie who consoled Priya. But now it is years later (15-20) and when Laynie meets Gideon again he pursues her and she is the one with doubts because of 'the Girl Code'.

The story is a rather fast read and cute. Laynie falls hard (again) for Gideon but she is trying to hide her relationship with Gideon for Priya. Another issue in the story is the fact Gideon is a successful lawyer in another town; he had his reasons to leave this town and Priya in the past. Will he choose Laynie?

The whole 'Girl Code' thing was understandable, but the time passed made it work. Besides, Priya knew what Laynie was feeling for Gideon when she snagged him so in my eyes Priya broke the girl code first. Plus Priya has a secret of her own and her story will be next in line.

*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest review. ***
Profile Image for Ella Star.
106 reviews20 followers
May 28, 2019
A fun, steamy little read I loved! I want more. 4.5 stars


I wasn't expecting to love this sexy novella as much as I did, but it was adorable - sweet, steamy and fun! I can't wait to read more from this author who does this genre so well.

I adored Laynie and Gideon's story, sooo sweet and the H was absolutely dreamy. I wish the book was longer, that's my only complaint!

Would recommend for: fans of chick lit movies, you'll love this!
Profile Image for Sarah Justi.
403 reviews11 followers
December 28, 2018
This was a great contemporary romance. Gideon has become a big city success and is determined to do what he feels is right. Laynie is a small town success. She has a great job and her best friend with her every step of the way. Can she betray herself and her friend to find happiness? I loved it!
Profile Image for thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books).
2,811 reviews117 followers
May 2, 2019
I love a book that has a lot of chemistry and this has it in spades, I loved the two main characters, so much fun, humour and sizzle. A fantastic read

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,685 reviews51 followers
April 23, 2019
Off Limits was my first book by Nicole R. Locker and I really liked it. I really liked Laynie and Gideon. I would really like to read more by this author
Profile Image for Suez.
839 reviews
December 28, 2018
I absolutely enjoyed this entertaining feel good love story ... the characters had great chemistry, it was fast-paced, filled with drama, pain and loss, all mixed perfectly with sooo much love ... definitely not-to-be-missed! This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy
Profile Image for Lynne.
57 reviews47 followers
June 19, 2019
Flat characters with little back story. When there was back story it was delivered in a way that was so lacking in emotion by a character that I didn't really care about it either.
I didn't understand her need to stick so strongly to 'the girl code' and i didn't get how she didn't see that her friend had broken it so often and seemed to have so little regard for it that I don't think she even know about it.
Also the story line with the brother was obvious.
I would not recommend others read this.
Profile Image for Kataklicik.
944 reviews18 followers
May 26, 2020
Audiobook : Spotify.
Read by Melody Muzljakovic and Adam Riley.

Predictable. Cute, but predictable. You know those old Mills and Boons books? Yeah, like that.

Another thing, Ms Muzljakovic read well, the accents were all okay EXCEPT for Priya's. Priya sounded Russian, instead of Indian. That was definitely disconcerting!
Profile Image for Jin.
1,117 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2019
Number 1 of the girl code is to never date a friend's ex. Laynie is a wedding planner and when she was planning one of her client, she faces her college crush/her best friends ex, Gideon. He comes into her office with devastating smile, she doesn't know what to think. She is trying her best to ignore but when Gideon sort of leaves her office with dinner invitation. She decides to go and has a good time.
Now Gideon is trying to woo Laynie into dating him while he is in town. Laynie is conflicted. She is not sure if she can continue seeing him without telling her best friend Freya since she dated him and she saw how devastated she was when he left her. He is definitely off limits to her but their chemistry is off the chart and decides to go ahead without telling Freya.
Gideon really wants to keep it going with Laynie but Laynie isn't sure if she should date him and she doesn't want a short fling. Laynie had a biggest crush in college and she actually fell for him before Freya knew him. Now she gets second chance but she is worried more about her best friend's reaction and it will cause them apart. Will they give themselves a chance at love?
It was short and sweet second chance story and I enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory editing Netgalley Co-Op for ARC in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
May 1, 2019
Off Limits was definitely an entertaining & original read that dealt with girl code. See, Laynie has had a thing for Gideon since college, but he was with her BFF, so obviously she had to stuff it deep down. And if that wasn't bad enough, Gideon broke said BFF's heart, so it's a slippery slope no matter how much time has passed. Add to the complicated chaos, even with a couple decades past, Gideon has his sights set on Laynie now, and the chemistry that is going on is SCORCHIN' HOT! So what's a girl gonna do?! Yeah this short(ish) story kept me laughing a ton, because not only were the different girl codes hilarious, but so were Laynie & Gideon's interactions. I'm a big girl code person myself, so I could definitely say the struggle is real, as I was struggling with Laynie, and stayed conflicted with her, especially since those sparks, OMG! And for the icing on the cake, there was an extra added underlying suspense story line going on! So if you want to find out how it all ends, you'll have to read it for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for EducatedBookFreak.
642 reviews
May 1, 2019
This book made me so happy. The feelings after this book were of sweet romance, with steaminess worked into it. I smiled, laughed, almost cried, and all around loved this book. It’s world of sweet, loving and kind people who treat each other with respect. The author did an amazing job of capturing the past relationships and feelings between the characters. Her switch of point of views was spot on. The author wrote an amazing story and I can’t wait to see what is coming in the future!!

Laynie and Gideon have a past that isn’t bad, but is not positive. Loving someone from a distance is one of the hardest things you have to do sometimes. Laynie questions feelings and others feelings before realizing she deserves to be happy. Gideon has a whole different life, but sees what is truly important in life. His devotion to family is so endearing.

Loved this book - read it and you will not be disappointed!!
600 reviews
May 1, 2019
Read Under Up All Night With Books Blog:

4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

It's the cardinal rule of the Girl Code: never date a friend's ex.

Off Limits by Nicole A. Locker is one of those stories that you can zip right through and enjoy every minute of it. As this was my first story by Ms. Locker, I am going to be checking out her other stories as well.

Off Limits is a feel-good story that has minimal drama while the growth of the relationship is fast moving because Gideon and Lynie have a history together.

This story jumps from the present to the past where Gideon was dating Laynie's best friend in college, where they all met. Told in dual point of view, we get to read and feel both their situations and inner feelings.

Oh, and the best friend Laynie is so worried about has a secret of her own!!

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
January 5, 2019
I read Nicole R. Locker’s Off Limits as part of the Just the Top collection, and I can tell you right now the bottom line about that story: wow. Our heroine here, Layie Duluth, may have broken (make that shredded) the cardinal rule of the girl code bit (much more than simply) going out with her best friend Priya’s ex, Gideon Roth, but waking up tangled up with him? As I said: wow. There’s a HEA here but it’s a very heated path with some real sharp twists and turns to get there. Totally fun. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. This story alone definitely justified getting that whole collection. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that Off Limits is easy to highly recommend.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,041 reviews595 followers
April 8, 2025
Nicole R. Locker’s Off Limits is a story that can be read in a single sitting, a quick read that allows you to power through it. While I can see this story working for many, it did not work for me.

Unfortunately, the fact that this was such a quick read impacted upon my enjoyment of the story. I felt like the level of depth required for the interactions between the characters – both in the present and the past – was missing. I needed more to be invested in them, and the fact that it was never fully explored impacted upon my enjoyment. Add in the fact that things were a bit too predictable, making this overly cliched, and it failed to stand out for me.

All in all, I can see this working as a quick and enjoyable read for many. Unfortunately, for me, this one missed the mark.
154 reviews
August 9, 2019
This is the story of Laynie and Gideon's romance - they knew each other at college, when he dated Laynie's best friend Priya and now, over 15 years later, they are thrown together again.

I really enjoyed their developing relationship, with a few other story threads thrown in to keep things moving and interesting - elder abuse etc.

The only quibble I had is that, despite the chapter headings including Girl Code Rules, both Laynie and Priya break these so called rules. Not a problem for me, as I don't see the problem in dating a friend's ex more than a decade after their break up.

A good read.
Profile Image for SCBookAddict.
645 reviews52 followers
April 14, 2019
This was a fast-paced, easy-to-read book.
The story was cute, not as drama-filled as I thought, but it still had a few serious pieces and it had this tenderness that kept me wanting to read it until the end.
We all need a Gideon in our lives!
I loved how Laynie was hiding her secret from Priya and then Priya was hiding her secret from Laynie.
If you want to know what the secret is, you need to read the book.
1,611 reviews9 followers
April 23, 2019
This was a great romantic story about two people who are in a way given a second chance at love. Gideon and Laynie had really good chemistry between them. The story had just the right amount of romance and drama. There were things being withheld and secrets that needed to be told. All in all this entire book was fast paced and a great read. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
956 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2019
This was such a fun read, if predictable ending. I just couldn't believe Laynie didn't see what was going on with Priya. But i guess when you have your own secrets everything becomes clouded. With an old crush back in town, will Laynie be able to get past the girl code about exes and friends.

I appreciated that we got to see a bit of Gideon POV as it helped pull the story along as well as a rounded view of the relationship. Quick and easy read.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,929 reviews22 followers
January 19, 2019
I love all about this story: The characters, the story, the ending. Laynie and Gideon are great characters, and they share a strong chemistry. This book is also part of the Just the tip: Seven Standalone Contemporary Romances. I can't wait for the next book in this Series, Hard to Get, Larkin and Priya's story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amanda.
692 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2019
I loved how this book was constructed. Very cool...easy read. Plenty of smexiness in it. The characters were great. You didn't get an over load of information on them, but the right amount of it for the occasion. I loved the easy flow of the story and how it just meshed well. Definitely and author I will be reading again!
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
April 10, 2019
Gideon is quite the cocky man, “you’ll see me again,” he answered with a self-assured smile. “I’ll make sure of it.” Laynie doesn't understand why her man chooses to have selective hearing, "her hands fisted his shirt. “Seriously? That’s all you have to say from that?” I liked this book, I fell in love with Gideon.
113 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2019
Off Limits is my first book by this author so I was not exactly sure what to expect. I found the story to be cute and fast-paced but it was unfortunately missing a lot more background to complete the narrative and fill in plot holes. Plus the story felt very predictable so be realistic when you start reading this story. For these reasons, I'll be giving the book 3 chili peppers of hotness.
Profile Image for Messy Bun Book Blog.
2,319 reviews
April 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Nicole R. Locker is a new-to-me author and I fell in love with Off Limits. Gideon and Laynie's story is sweet and easy to read. There isn't a lot of drama that was perfect to me!
Profile Image for Kristin.
284 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2019
"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, sexy romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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