Off-Limits Grumpy Player

by Clarissa McKay

Two things I’m gonna do at college: land an internship, and lose my virginity.
I just didn’t expect it to be with my brother’s best friend.

But the way he swings his hockey stick around as the captain of the team has me seeing stars.

He may be a bad-tempered hockey player with everyone else, but he’s always had a soft spot for me.

He and my brother have been inseparable since they were kids, so we’ve basically grown up together.

He’s been to all my birthday parties, and I’ve never missed a single one of his games.

Every inch of his chiseled body is etched on my brain, and I could trace his arm tattoos with my eyes closed.

Not that I’d ever try.

And he’d never act on his feelings, either... sigh

We would never want to hurt my brother.

But, does it count if he has no idea?

Now that we’re at college together -- with, ahem, our own dorm rooms -- we have more privacy than ever before.

And there’s only one guy I want to lose it to.

One thing’s for sure: my brother can never find out.

•••

Off-Limits Grumpy Player is a standalone virgin college hockey romance with no cheating and a HEA.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey, College, Hockey Romance, Friends To Lovers

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2022

About the author

Download my free book "Forbidden Captain" here:

https://BookHip.com/DCPCHSN

"Forbidden Captain" is a brother's best friend sports romance and standalone companion book to "Tuck Me In", the first book in the San Francisco Stingers series.

***

About Clarissa:

Clarissa McKay writes contemporary romance novels, and her happily-ever-after endings are what keep her sane in this crazy world.

She is a wife, a mom to two young children, and loves getting her bare feet in nature as much as possible.

She credits contemporary romance for keeping the passion alive in her marriage and hopes her fun and steamy love stories inspire more romance in your own life, too. RAWR! ;)

***

*** Sign up for author updates, free books, and more at www.ClarissaMcKay.com ***

- Let's connect on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ClarissaMcKayxo

- BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clari...

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoclarissam...

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Off-Limits by Clarissa McKay

⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.75

Luke Miller and Connor Davis have been best friends and hockey teammates since childhood, the two share a bond of mutual respect that is hard to find in a college that is notorious for players and cheaters. Unfortunately for Luke, the one downside to their friendship, is the zero fraternisation rule with Connor’s sister, Heather. Heather has been working in Luke’s mind since forever, and unbeknownst to Connor—it has always been the same for Heather. ‘Off-Limits’ adheres to its title, where readers are privy to the forbidden romance of Luke Miller and Heather Davis.

As per most forbidden romances, the longing and yearning by either party is the key to the success of this book. Whilst the author does apply these components, they do fall significantly short and do not have any emotive pressure to invite readers in. It’s clear in Luke and Heather’s respective POV’s that there is an explicit attraction there, however, when it came to moments of them together, it felt forced and a little corny.

Unfortunately, as the book neared its end, readers are left not knowing much on the characters. There is an absence of character depth and personality throughout the novel, with the only nuance to the characters being their trauma. I desired to know Heather and Luke as individuals, their quirks, likes and dislikes, but once I realised that a distinct voice between POV’s couldn’t even be established, I knew it was a lost cause. ‘Off-Limits’ is another novel that had no intentionality or character development, falling short to a lot of critical components of a romance novel that could have made it successful. It was hard to be immersed by Heather and Luke’s relationship, it seemed juvenile and immature. Unfortunately, the writing style did not also help. It was plain, lacked emotion and was articulated through overused lines.

[Treez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really underdeveloped writing

The problem for me was that this book is definitely for a YA audience and I am way beyond the wham-bam-thank you ma’am genre. A much younger demographic will appreciate it for what it is though. So, that’s it’s redeeming quality.
The characters are I’ll described so it’s hard to see them as individuals in their college setting. They’re basically horny, faceless entities with little personalities.
It’s a shame, really, because the whole story hinges on sex and not the potential of a very good book, which is there - but never develops beyond the very superficial.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off-Limits Grumpy Player is a low-angst college romance that I grabbed because I have a thing for grumpy characters. But if we're being honest, nobody's really that grumpy here, except possibly Heather's dad who disapproves of her educational choices. Luke, the hero, is an ice hockey player who avoids interviews and gets rather annoyed at his birth mom's attempts to contact him but otherwise he is quite nice and friendly. He has been friends with Heather and her brother Connor since they were children. Now they are all college students and both Heather and Luke have realized they want more than friendship.

But they have long held back because they consider the relationship off limits because of Luke's friendship with her brother. Eventually they do get together but decide to date in secret because what would Connor say? This is not my favorite trope because hello? Girlfriend, it's 2022 and not the dark ages so why the heck would you need to get your brother's permission to hook up with whoever? It's not Connor's job to guard Heather's virginity so why should they even need to ask his opinion? It's a very weird misogynistic flex for an otherwise empowered modern woman, to voluntarily give her brother the veto rights regarding her sex life. The saving grace is that the entire problem was mostly in their heads and Connor's true reaction is rather more reasonable than the conflicts their imagination supplied. Which makes sense because Luke is not some selfish playboy who hurts women left and right but a nice guy and Connor's friend, so why would Connor mind if Luke finds a girlfriend?

So, yeah, nobody was really off-limits either.

Apart from Heather's strange fascination with her brother's opinions of her sexual choices this was a nice, entertaining read. There is some sexual content.

I got a free copy and this is a voluntary review.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather is at the local, hometown bar trying, to drink down the anger, disappointment, and regret. Mainly, for one man, who has never approved of, any of her choices of, her presence, or that she is not like, her brother. And, she is over it, and at the same time angry, beyond words. She can’t understand why he even made her come stay with him when clearly doesn't want her there. She could have just stayed with her mother in NY. She decides, to hang out with some high school friends, before heading back, to the college for classes after, the holidays.

The one, and only true man, she has always wanted, is Luke. Her brother’s best friend. Pretty sure, it just can't happen, right? But, without either of them knowing she gave her heart to him. Connor is her brother, he has always been overprotective. Mainly, because their father is not. Throughout her life, Luke has been recruited. He was asked to help monitor the situation. Leaving her most of the time without a man. For being scared off.

The night at the bar they, flirt a bit. He takes her home. The next morning his mom is pleased, to hear he took, her home. Not sure how she found out, but she did. She says, he should go for it. More flirting happens at a party but, then there is some ghosting. See how this couple maneuvers, the obstacles that come up, as they attempt, to find their way, to one another.

Luke is the captain of, the hockey team. Connor doesn't even play yet, they are still friends, and roommates. Both Connor, and she attended all of, Luke’s home games, along with the after parties. Other than, when he is on the ice, Luke can’t keep his, eyes off her. The feeling is mutual.

I enjoyed the book until the end. It felt rushed. We don’t get to find out if he gets a pro contract and they really do get married.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather has been in love with Luke practically her whole life. The one big problem that stands in her way well maybe not the other thing that stands in her way…..Luke is her big brother’s best friend which means they have grown up together and worse he doesn’t see her like that at all. He’s the little sister he never had but really Luke feels the same, que the angels and harps playing.

Luke is also the Captain of the hockey team, the strong silent type he’s not an easy guy to read but his family and friends mean the world to him. Heather on the other hand is on another level. She is the beauty and happiness that make him feel at peace.

On the night of his birthday, Heather tells him how she feels and once that happens the walls are down and now they want to see where it goes. Luke has been in love with her probably as long as she has but out of respect to his best friend, he knows she is off limits. What the heart wants is what the heart wants. He’s tired on just watching and being around her. He wants the world to know that she belongs to him and only him.

Such a sweet story, makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot of the sports romances from Clarissa McKay and I've enjoyed every one of them so far, so I was surprised when this one just felt like it was lacking in some way for me. I don't know exactly what it was either that caused me to just not be as in love with the story as I have been with her other works. It could be the wishy washy back and forth the characters go through before finally admitting their feelings to each other and taking a chance. It could be that the drama in the story felt contrived especially once the reveal is done later and it turned out to not be a big deal at all. Also the story line with Luke's mom seemed a bit out of left field to the rest of the story. Or it could be the ending that just seemed to end abruptly. I kept waiting for there to be more of a conflict or showdown with Max but it just fell flat too. I'm really bummed right now, because I so badly wanted to enjoy this story more than I did. I'm hoping that this was just a fluke for me and that the next one (hopefully in this series) is as good as the rest of her writing is known to be.

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

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off-Limits Grumpy Player is Luke and Heather's story and is told by them in alternating chapters. While easily a stand alone it's better when read in order since it's a connected series with others. We reunite with many characters we've met before and see how life is progressing for them.

Everyone around Luke and Heather can see their attraction and love for each other. He's best friends with her brother and her brothers is always watching over her. They all attend the same college where Luke is captain of the hockey team. She's a writer/editor for the school magazine and someone on staff has it in for her.

There are multiple stories being told that are woven together but there seems like there are more stories to tell so I'm hoping we meet up with Heather, Luke and the others again. There is some steaminess to the story along with family and friends, secrets, anger, happiness, dating, college life, romance, loving and love. There is some closure but the story ended abruptly. I was hoping for a little more.

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

[Donna L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Clarissa McKay’s series about college hockey players. Clarissa’s style of writing is descriptive and captures the reader’s interest. Her character’s internal dialogue effectively conveys the yearning attraction each is trying to deny.

Stoic and quiet Luke is the team captain and he’s in love with his best friend’s little sister, Heather. He’s reluctant to reveal his feelings for her in fear that her brother won’t approve. He’s also dealing with someone from his past trying to contact him, and a surprise that is later revealed.

Heather has had a crush on Luke for many years and is a virgin. She is dealing with a coworker who verbally bullies her concerning work assignments. She hides her feelings about Luke because she’s afraid to destroy the relationship between him and her brother.

Will her brother, Connor, accept that his sister is involved with his best friend? Who is trying to contact Luke from his past, and what information shocks Luke? All your questions will be answered after reading this interesting and sweet book.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke & Heather have known each other since early childhood.
Luke is her brother Connor's best friend and is the captain of the hockey team with a reputation as being rather standoffish.
He is very protective of Heather and has deep feelings for her but does not want to upset his best friend by acting on them. He also has a family issue that he is conflicted about.
Heather has had a crush on Luke for years but believes nothing will ever come of it as it would ruin her brother's friendship with Luke.

Despite all this they are like magnets drawn to each other. I love how all the issues are eventually resolved and they get their happy ever after.

While we revisit some characters from a previous story, this can be read as standalone.

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

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish were were given a 3.5 rating. I never want to hurt the author but sometimes I am left at 3.5. This story follows is Luke and Heather. I like double POV’s but not necessarily alternating chapters. This is a stand alone but many characters from previous books pop in so you may want to reward from the beginning. I like opposites attract and especially grumpy guys and I’ve read a great deal from this author but it wasn’t my fav. It’s possible it’s meant for a younger audience. It didn’t have the ;’it’ factor. And, I have to say I really disliked the abrupt ending, I’d rather do a cliff then an ending like that. Not a bad story, just not my fav by this author and I would say 3.5 but that’s not an option some upgraded to 4 to benefit the author.

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

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather has been in love with Luke forever. Luke has felt much the same way for almost as long. There's just one problem -- Heather's brother, Conner, is Luke's best friend. Luke has always been a big brother protector to Heather, and she loves him for it. But she also wants him to be so much more than just a big brother. She finally decides to go for it and is somewhat put off by Luke's reaction. So, even though it's painful, she decides to get over him by going out on dates with other men. When Luke sees her on one of these dates, he decides that isn't going to work for him and he kisses Heather. They start a relationship but keep everything on the downlow. Which of course means the secret is going to come out at a very inopportune time. Will their relationship be able to survive?.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There Is No Stopping, When It’s Meant To Be -
When I read the blurb for the book, I knew in that moment that I had to read it. The book called to me and I am so happy that I indulged myself, as I was hooked on the story, with all the drama, sneaking around and steamy encounters that left me jealous of the heroine. This is a feel-good story, that will make your horrible day better, because once you start reading, there is no chance you will want to stop until you reach the end. I only recently discovered Clarissa McKay and I can say without a shadow of doubt, that she is definitely one of my favourite authors, whose books I love to read. This book is a definite must read.

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

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Heather have loved each other for years but haven’t shared it. Luke is her brother’s best friend and both he and Heather consider their relationship taboo. The couple is just drawn together. They attend college together and just can’t avoid interacting. Heather knows what she wants and begins dating. Luke really hates it and decides to follow his heart. Despite them hiding their relationship, Heather’s brother knows and confessed to her that he is not surprised or angry about it. That was very refreshing. I was happy that Connor did not begrudge his sister and his best friend falling in love. This was a great new adult romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather & Luke have known each other since she was grade school, Luke is her brother Connor’s best friend since they were both 6/7, and heather is a year younger.

Heather has had a crush on Luke since she was a teenager, but he’s always treated her as a younger sister. Until, they are all at the same university together and finally admit their feelings are no longer familial. Both heather and Luke are concerned about Connor’s reaction, but are pleasantly surprised with his quick acceptance.

There is drama in the story, most of it from Luke’s birth mother; as well as drama from a coworker of Heathers. But it just keeps the story interesting.

There is humor, sensuality, some sex, and great character development.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Short and sweet. The writing style was kind of basic but that made for a fast read requiring next to no brain power

Hates everyone but her trope (not hate but grumpy and stoic w everyone but her and I love it)

This book did a really good job of showing a lot of small sweet gestures that I wish more books did:
- he gets pickles on his sandwich to give to her bc she loves them even tho he hates them
- gives her his hoodie when cold
- she knows when he’s upset and let’s him know she will be there to listen when he’s ready to talk

I’m actually kind of surprised how many memorable moments there are in this book considering the length is only ~170 pages

Overall solid choice, worth the read— especially if you’re looking for something short

[Sharon Holroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and her brother Connor have been BFFs with Luke for years. Heather has a major crush on Luke but is worried about how Connor will react. Luke really likes Heather but isn’t sure about crossing the line with his best buddy’s sister. Add in family struggles and drama, this book is a lovely story that moves at a nice pace. The characters are likeable and relatable, we get to catch up with characters from a previous book ( always love a crossover story).

Great read from a very good storyteller
Can’t wait for more.

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

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the second book in the college players collection hockey romance.
This is Heather and Luke's story.Luke is Heather's brother Connor's best friend, she has known him forever and has feelings for him she cannot admit to as they are off limits to each other.
Luke also is attracted to Heather but he has not acted on them either.They both eventually admit their feelings for each other,but keep it a secret from her brother as they don't want to hurt Connor.
A sweet steamy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after.
I hope there will be more books in the series.

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

[Anika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows hockey player Luke and his best friend's little sister Heather.

The characters are nice and it is enjoyable to meet the ones from the first book (Fake dating the player) again. The story has rythm and the feelings of both are understandable. They were destined to be together, which was just so lovely.
This story was sweet, fun, easy to read. I'm sure a lot of you will enjoy it. It is a wonderful feel good book .

Standalone with HEA told from dual POV. No cliffhanger.

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

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa McKay’s latest novel Off-Limits Grumpy Player is an absolute delight to read! It has all the feels, excitement, and heat that a romance reader could want against the background story of the “bro code” (male friends do not date their friend’s sisters), life-long crushes, childhood memories that shaped the character’s lives, all of which is overshadowed by the power and compulsion of attraction/chemistry between two people that are incapable of resisting one another. I could not put this novel down. Off-Limits left me with a huge smile in my heart!

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like sports romances you'll enjoy Heather and Luke's story. Luke always considered her off limits since she was his best friends sister. Neither knew each had a secret crush on the other. The chemistry between them is explosive and they are so cute together. This book is read as a standalone but you'll recognize from characters from some of Clarissa's other books. This was a cute book is plenty of drama but little angst. Eventually there's an HEA and brotherly approval. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brothers best friend, virgin romance story.

Luke and Heather have always known each other and each have starred in the others fantasies, but have hidden their true feelings.
When Heather goes to college she has 2 goals, to get an internship and to loose her virginity. Will Luke to able to help her out with at least one of her goals and what will it do to their friendship.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Luke and Heather’s story. Luke is the grumpy captain of the hockey team, as well as being Heather’s brother’s best friend. Heather has loved Luke for years, and now that they are at college together, they have more freedom to act on their feelings. The chemistry between these two is off the charts and undeniable, and they compliment each other perfectly. This is a well written story which has secrets, drama, witty banter, humor, emotions, and is an entertaining college romance story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. A mix of friends to lovers and brother's best friend but without the angst and mess. It's a college aged romance so expect a little bit of 'juvenile' drama but nothing too annoying. Overall, I enjoyed this easy to read, light hearted, sweet and steamy romance with little angst and a sweet HEA ending.

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

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s been in love with him practically her whole life, but he’s her big brother’s best friend. He’s the captain of his hockey team, the strong silent type, she is not. On the night of his birthday she confesses her feelings, he feels the same, but she is off limits. He gets tired of just watching her, so he finally decides to make it happen. This is a sweet story.

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

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke has been friends with Connor and his sister, Heather, forever and now they’re all at college. Heather has crushed on Luke since she knew what a crush was but he doesn’t see her that way. She lets her secret slip one night and finds out he feels the same. A sweet, steamy college romance with a hot hockey player and his best buddy’s sister that leads to a HEA.

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

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long can Luke & Heather pretend they're only friends?

Another 5 star read from one of my favourite new authors. I absolutely loved everything about Luke & Heather's story. I don't want to give any spoilers so all I will say is I highly recommend this book as you won't be disappointed.
Who doesn't love a steamy story that involves a grumpy hockey player & will Heather achieve her two college goals?

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

[Caroline Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and Luke have known each other their whole lives, both secretly lusting after the other. After years of wondering what will happen, Heather confronts Luke about their feelings. But what will happen when her brother who's also Luke's best friend finds out? Enjoy this slow burn romance, filled with fun and laughter, passion and emotion throughout!.

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

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brother's best friend hockey romance is one that will keep you on your toes and will have you swooning when these two characters finally give in to the desire they both have for each other.

Heather and Luke had the hottest chemistry! I was cheering hard for them to finally get together, and when they did, Clarissa did not disappoint me at all!

I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was actually quite a sweet romance. Luke and Heather have crushed on each other for years. The complication is that Heather happens to be sister of Luke's best friend. These two dance around each other until they decide to go ahead and be together but keep it a secret. Luke and Heather are very likable characters and are just adorable together.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was brothers best friend forbidden trope.
Luke and Heather have always been friends growing up as he is her brothers best friend.
But deep down both have had been in love for a long time but have kept it hidden as they didn't want to ruin the friendship.

This was a nice easy read, with little drama and a lovely love story. The characters development was well written.
Some spicy moments and a HEA.