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Off the Chain
After her dream of becoming a veterinarian is crushed, London Reed turns to escorting in this fast-paced dramatic tale.London Reed's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are spoiled when she isn't accepted to veterinarian school. Instead, she decides to start a dog walking service, but her high-powered mother thinks the job is beneath her and gets London a job working for the sexy William Thorne, a senior investment banker with a multi-million dollar portfolio.Several months later, budget cuts force Thorne to fire London but not before making her an offer she can't refuse; have sex with him for money. One date turns into an ongoing affair and Thorne lets London in on a little secret--he's been running a call-girl service for over fifteen years and claims it makes so much money he's become addicted. London shortly finds herself enjoying the life of a high-priced call girl and when Thorne's wife becomes terminally ill, she takes over the service.Everything is going great until an unexpected magazine article surfaces forcing London to make a expose her clients or go to jail.
- GenresUrban
278 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2011
4 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Candice Dow
15 books91 followersCandice Dow is a native of Baltimore, MD and graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Johns Hopkins University. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a Senior Software Engineer. It was her lifelong dream to write a novel and after toying with the idea for over five years, Candice made a commitment to herself to finish, Caught in the Mix; a story she had sporadically worked on.
Shortly after, Candice retained a literary agent and within two months was offered a two-book deal from Kensington Publishing. In 2005, she stepped out on faith and quit her six-figure job, one month prior to the release of her debut novel, Caught in the Mix. In her subsequent novels, Ain’t No Sunshine, A Hire Love and Tappin’ On Thirty, Candice continues to tackle relatable topics and create intriguing characters with stories that speak to the soul.
Candice currently resides in Maryland and is at work on her next novel. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Xi Omega Chapter in Baltimore. Candice is a frequent traveler and loves to analyze love, life, and relationships, and seeks to expose the answers in works of fiction.
Shortly after, Candice retained a literary agent and within two months was offered a two-book deal from Kensington Publishing. In 2005, she stepped out on faith and quit her six-figure job, one month prior to the release of her debut novel, Caught in the Mix. In her subsequent novels, Ain’t No Sunshine, A Hire Love and Tappin’ On Thirty, Candice continues to tackle relatable topics and create intriguing characters with stories that speak to the soul.
Candice currently resides in Maryland and is at work on her next novel. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Xi Omega Chapter in Baltimore. Candice is a frequent traveler and loves to analyze love, life, and relationships, and seeks to expose the answers in works of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 25, 2011
Leader of the Pack
Candice Dow's latest novel is based on money. When college graduate London Reed fails to make it into veterinary school she doesn't have a plan B to fall back on. Desperate not to be forced to move back in with her mother, she's content living on her friend's couch. After being hounded to use her expensive college education, London lands a job working for William Thorne.
Gainfully employed, London is also able to walk dogs, her side job, in her spare time. Thorne takes the time to teach London things that will be beneficial to her future. Unfortunately, when pink slips are passed out in the office, London is back to wondering what she's going to do. Thorne provides London a chance to use her trade, with money never being an issue again. Is London able to handle the guilt, lies, and betrayal?
Candice Dow has the ability to make the improbable not just readable but something you can't help but to discuss. OFF THE CHAIN, like Dow's other books, is a conversation piece. Whether you agree or disagree with the character's choices, you're sure to discuss this well after you've closed the book.
OOSA Online Book Club BOTM
Candice Dow's latest novel is based on money. When college graduate London Reed fails to make it into veterinary school she doesn't have a plan B to fall back on. Desperate not to be forced to move back in with her mother, she's content living on her friend's couch. After being hounded to use her expensive college education, London lands a job working for William Thorne.
Gainfully employed, London is also able to walk dogs, her side job, in her spare time. Thorne takes the time to teach London things that will be beneficial to her future. Unfortunately, when pink slips are passed out in the office, London is back to wondering what she's going to do. Thorne provides London a chance to use her trade, with money never being an issue again. Is London able to handle the guilt, lies, and betrayal?
Candice Dow has the ability to make the improbable not just readable but something you can't help but to discuss. OFF THE CHAIN, like Dow's other books, is a conversation piece. Whether you agree or disagree with the character's choices, you're sure to discuss this well after you've closed the book.
OOSA Online Book Club BOTM
February 6, 2017
This book was truly off the chain, this book was really good. I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 31, 2011
Walk the Dog
Candice Dow delves into the world of escorts. London Reed is a college graduate but she's doing anything but using her degree. After not getting into veterinary school as planned, circumstances lead her to taming another type of beast. With only exclusive customers, London soon finds herself traveling the world with luxuries at her fingertips. But all that glitters is certainly not gold as London soon finds out.
"Off the Chain" is as much about choices, regrets and consequences as it is about the main character, London, finding herself. London is kind of coasting through life until she smacks into the wall of reality. While Dow has consistently produced enjoyable reads, this one was just a little lackluster for me. The plot and characters were interesting enough but the story seemed to be missing some umph and was a little predictable. With a list of six books and a half to her credit, "Off the Chain" is unfortunately my least favorite.
That said, "Off the Chain" is entertaining as it has its moments and is worth the read. Look forward to what Candice Dow has in store for readers next.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.75 stars
Candice Dow delves into the world of escorts. London Reed is a college graduate but she's doing anything but using her degree. After not getting into veterinary school as planned, circumstances lead her to taming another type of beast. With only exclusive customers, London soon finds herself traveling the world with luxuries at her fingertips. But all that glitters is certainly not gold as London soon finds out.
"Off the Chain" is as much about choices, regrets and consequences as it is about the main character, London, finding herself. London is kind of coasting through life until she smacks into the wall of reality. While Dow has consistently produced enjoyable reads, this one was just a little lackluster for me. The plot and characters were interesting enough but the story seemed to be missing some umph and was a little predictable. With a list of six books and a half to her credit, "Off the Chain" is unfortunately my least favorite.
That said, "Off the Chain" is entertaining as it has its moments and is worth the read. Look forward to what Candice Dow has in store for readers next.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.75 stars
June 5, 2014
Started off a little slow, but when it picked up it held my attention throughout the rest of the book. Really enjoed the story but the ending was a little abrupt, I kind of wanted a little more story before she ended. Still an author I keep on my radar.
June 5, 2018
this was meh...
I read until about halfway through before I started skipping and skimming. London wasn't someone I cared about. she was supposed to be smart, I mean biology degree from Georgetown- like hello, but for all her book smarts she was an idiot in all other ways.
the writing is technically proficient and had decent flow. however the story was a dud for me. I would try another book from this author in the future.
☆☆ read
I read until about halfway through before I started skipping and skimming. London wasn't someone I cared about. she was supposed to be smart, I mean biology degree from Georgetown- like hello, but for all her book smarts she was an idiot in all other ways.
the writing is technically proficient and had decent flow. however the story was a dud for me. I would try another book from this author in the future.
☆☆ read
September 13, 2022
This is a typical urban novel. London was a Georgetown grad who wasn't clear on her career goals. She was walking dogs until an offer to perform sex acts appeared. She became good at it. Her handler ran into a personal tragedy. She took over the business. Some hairy situations arose. It was an okay read.
August 28, 2022
Good book.
April 13, 2012
Instead of actually writing a review Im just going to answer the reading group questions because that is basically the book review.
1)Do you think the average unemployed college graduate would have taken Thorne up on his offer?
I think that the average unemployed college graduate wouldn't have taken Thorne's offer because they would feel like they spent all those years in college for nothing. I think they may have used it as a last resort but there is no way someone would have came to them with that offer and they would have jumped on that boat.
2) What were the pros and cons of London's job?
The pros of London's job would be she got to do a incredible amount of traveling and she got the money she wanted to support her lifestyle of spending money and shopping. The cons of London's job was that she was selling herself for money and was missing out on real relationships. In the process of that she was missing out on what life is really about.
3) What did Thorne see in London that made her a prime candidate?
She was emotionless but had a mind to know what she wanted. Deep down she knew what she wanted and her mom couldn't deter her from that. She was a person who was going to do what they wanted regardless of what others thought.
4) What is your opinion about Thorne's advice that if a woman is not in a committed relationship, she shouldn't offer her services for free?
I think that is true. You shouldn't just be giving yourself away to any and everyone. Then you don't have anything left when you want to settle down. A guy can get it from anyone and won't remember the females name if they aren't in a committed relationship.
5) Did London trust Thorne too much?
I think London did trust Thorne too much. She pretty much got to involved with him and got too involved. Instead of think with her head she was thinking with her heart and whats in between her legs. That's what can happen and cause things to go from 0 to 60 in a blink of a eye.
6) When would have been an optimal time for London to get out of the game?
She could have gotten out when Clyde and her were in Australia. That was when she felt like she wanted to have a serious relationship. She should have left the game then before everything hit the fan.
7) Was London a wise businesswoman? What were her strengths and weaknesses?
London was a wise businesswoman. She was strong in decision making and knowing exactly what she wanted. Her weakness was falling for her boss, Thorne.
8) Did London's relationship with her mother affect her choices in life?
London's relationship with her mother affected her choices. If she had of been closer maybe she wouldn't have been searching for something in all the men she slept with. A girl needs her mother but she also needs a father. For her not to have a father figure in her life she looked for it in all the men she slept with. She wanted that love that she missed out on.
9) Were there similarities between London and her mother?
London and her mother were both addicted to money. They had a spending habit and they loved to shop. They knew what they wanted out of life and that's exactly what they did. London wanted money and to see the world and be a vet. London's mom wanted to work her life away at a complany as a C.E.O.
10) What statement did London's calling her mother in her time of trouble make?
London showed that she would always need her mommy no matter what. That is true. No matter what you and your mom goes through you will always need her.
11) Is it likely that London could ever have a successful relationship after spending so many years in the profession?
Yes and no. She will likely have problems believing that someone is there because they love her and not just paying for companionship.
12) Do you think she really cared for Clyde? Did he care for her?
Yes I think she did like Clyde. He Did Care for her as well. Even when she went into protective custody she risked everything to be with him.
1)Do you think the average unemployed college graduate would have taken Thorne up on his offer?
I think that the average unemployed college graduate wouldn't have taken Thorne's offer because they would feel like they spent all those years in college for nothing. I think they may have used it as a last resort but there is no way someone would have came to them with that offer and they would have jumped on that boat.
2) What were the pros and cons of London's job?
The pros of London's job would be she got to do a incredible amount of traveling and she got the money she wanted to support her lifestyle of spending money and shopping. The cons of London's job was that she was selling herself for money and was missing out on real relationships. In the process of that she was missing out on what life is really about.
3) What did Thorne see in London that made her a prime candidate?
She was emotionless but had a mind to know what she wanted. Deep down she knew what she wanted and her mom couldn't deter her from that. She was a person who was going to do what they wanted regardless of what others thought.
4) What is your opinion about Thorne's advice that if a woman is not in a committed relationship, she shouldn't offer her services for free?
I think that is true. You shouldn't just be giving yourself away to any and everyone. Then you don't have anything left when you want to settle down. A guy can get it from anyone and won't remember the females name if they aren't in a committed relationship.
5) Did London trust Thorne too much?
I think London did trust Thorne too much. She pretty much got to involved with him and got too involved. Instead of think with her head she was thinking with her heart and whats in between her legs. That's what can happen and cause things to go from 0 to 60 in a blink of a eye.
6) When would have been an optimal time for London to get out of the game?
She could have gotten out when Clyde and her were in Australia. That was when she felt like she wanted to have a serious relationship. She should have left the game then before everything hit the fan.
7) Was London a wise businesswoman? What were her strengths and weaknesses?
London was a wise businesswoman. She was strong in decision making and knowing exactly what she wanted. Her weakness was falling for her boss, Thorne.
8) Did London's relationship with her mother affect her choices in life?
London's relationship with her mother affected her choices. If she had of been closer maybe she wouldn't have been searching for something in all the men she slept with. A girl needs her mother but she also needs a father. For her not to have a father figure in her life she looked for it in all the men she slept with. She wanted that love that she missed out on.
9) Were there similarities between London and her mother?
London and her mother were both addicted to money. They had a spending habit and they loved to shop. They knew what they wanted out of life and that's exactly what they did. London wanted money and to see the world and be a vet. London's mom wanted to work her life away at a complany as a C.E.O.
10) What statement did London's calling her mother in her time of trouble make?
London showed that she would always need her mommy no matter what. That is true. No matter what you and your mom goes through you will always need her.
11) Is it likely that London could ever have a successful relationship after spending so many years in the profession?
Yes and no. She will likely have problems believing that someone is there because they love her and not just paying for companionship.
12) Do you think she really cared for Clyde? Did he care for her?
Yes I think she did like Clyde. He Did Care for her as well. Even when she went into protective custody she risked everything to be with him.
March 2, 2012
London is a young woman who just wants to love fashionably and take care of animals. Unfortunately, she flunks out of veterinarian school and is living on her best friend's couch. Things start to look a bit better for her when her friend helps her start a dog walking business and her mother gets her a job as an administrative assistant. That success is short-lived, though, when her friend kicks her out. Londod doesn't know what she will do, until her boss offers her an opportunity she can't pass up: become a call girl for his escort service. AKA a prostitute.
I really liked London as a character and thought the author did a good job of making her relatable, even though one would think a prostitute isn't really someone the average person can relate to. There were plenty of twists and turns in the book to keep me hooked. I always enjoy Candice Dow's books and this one was no exception.
I really liked London as a character and thought the author did a good job of making her relatable, even though one would think a prostitute isn't really someone the average person can relate to. There were plenty of twists and turns in the book to keep me hooked. I always enjoy Candice Dow's books and this one was no exception.
May 16, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book I read by Candice Dow. I think that i will read more books from this author. This book is about the journey of London Reed whose dreams of being a veternarian have been crushed because she wasn't excepted into school. After receiving her degree in biology she was broke and basically homeless living on her college friends couch. Her mother and friend both felt that until ahe got accepted into college she should find a job. She started working as an assistant to an investment banker with the help of her mother.
That job was short lived and ahe was approached by her boss to work for him in one of his other business ventures......an excort service. She became one of his best girls. But things take a turn for the worst in more ways than one.
This is a story of coming of age and learning the hard way that all money isn't good money.
Take a ride through the ups and downs of London Reed.
That job was short lived and ahe was approached by her boss to work for him in one of his other business ventures......an excort service. She became one of his best girls. But things take a turn for the worst in more ways than one.
This is a story of coming of age and learning the hard way that all money isn't good money.
Take a ride through the ups and downs of London Reed.
May 27, 2013
London went through the works in this novel. I felt so connected to her character. I also read this one within 48hrs as always. It was a quick page turner packed with drama and suspense. The situation in this story left me debating how far I would got if I found out my bachelors wasn't enough. London was stuck at a crossroad between employment, family, and friends. One character that drives me crazy was Thorne with his awful intentions and shady business. The reason why this gets 4 stars and not 5 is because I wished the author developed the ending more fluidly as it felt totally rushed and too open ended. I think there might be a second part with the way this one ended. I'm crossing my fingers for more!
June 3, 2013
I loved this book. I definitely want to read more from this author. The author kept things to the point and didn't wander too much and if you were unsure about certain things in the book, they were addressed. The plot took a few turns that were definitely unexpected, especially the end for me. Right when you think you know who the main character would end up with..it's someone completely different. This book showed the in's and out's of life of a college graduate, and call girl. The call girl life can be lavish until things hit the wall and the post college life is just an all around struggle. I loved this book.
November 12, 2011
I enjoyed this book. It held my attention throughout, but it was nothing new about the content. It felt like it was something I read for. London was an interesting character who made a major wrong choice in her life by becoming a high priced call girl. Of course there was a lot of sex, but none of it was impactful. It just went with the flow of what London did. Thorne was interesting in the way he recruited London, and the turn of events of his actions in the end were pretty shocking. The ending was a bit abrupt and I really didn't see it coming. This was just an OK read for me.
August 25, 2011
This was my first time ever reading one of Candice Dow's book and I must tell you that it was worth it! This book lets you into a life of a girl that is soon to be assed out and you actually see what one will do when they are desperate. Getting into the life style that she decided she wanted was easy but leaving it had many complications and downfalls. It is a must that you read this book. You will enjoy from the prologue to the end! I promise!!
July 18, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was one of those books that I just didn't want to put down. IT had a plot twister where I wouldn't have guessed the ending if I tried. Not to give away any spoilers but the main character was believable and the situtation was one of those ripped from the headlines. I get so tired of reading unbelieveable fluff that this one was a great change of pace.
September 4, 2012
Call me crazy but there was nothing "Off The Chain" about this book except the dogs, I guess. I don't know why this book has such high ratings when there is a serious lack of character development, and a ridiculous and rushed ending. I read it and I barely made it through the book, and when I did finish, I was disappointed. SMH at that ending. Very disappointing.
August 2, 2012
To trust or not to trust? London has the game by the tail and is working it, she is on top of the world. Trust is broken sending her life out of control and London running for her life. Well written page turner full of lies, secrets and blindness.
Want to Read
June 30, 2011Can't wait to read!!!!
July 5, 2011
This book was really ... good and interesting. I think it should have a better ending .. but it was very good.
August 1, 2011
This was a great read! I hated what Thorne did to London, but in the end she had to do what she had to do! Left me wondering what will happen with her.
September 2, 2011
It was pretty good but of course it had a lot of sadness and negative events and drama that accured through out, but it did lead to a happy ending!
September 5, 2011
This was the first book I've read from this author but I will definitely be reading her other books. I thoroughly enjoyed it but was a little disappointed at the abrupt ending.
April 4, 2012
This book is a page turner. This was the first book that Ive read by this author and I was throughly pleased. The main character is very easy to connect with.
February 11, 2012
Loved it!!!!
September 6, 2015
Couldn't put this down. Was actually bummed that I had to stop reading to be an adult for a few hours. Quick and easy read. The story grabbed me and held my interest to the very end.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews