Off Limits (Kings of Mayhem MC 5) by Penny Dee-Review Tour

Off Limits (Kings of Mayhem MC 5) by Penny Dee-Review Tour

 

OFF LIMITS
Kings of Mayhem MC 5
by Penny Dee
Release Date: December 12, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC, age-gap, romance

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 12, 2019

I’m about to break the biggest rule of all.

RUGER
I was sixteen when she was born.
The niece of my best friend.
An angel with bright blue eyes and hair the color of night.
Through the years I’ve seen her grow from an adorable dimpled cupid into a strong, independent beauty.
Into a goddess.
A temptress.
Fate has brought us together.
But she is off limits.
I’ve got no business wanting her.
No business at all.

CHASTITY
For years I’ve crushed on him.
An older man who makes me tremble.
A biker King whose arms I want to get lost in.
Whose body I can only dream about touching.
Whose lips I’m dying to taste.
I shouldn’t want him.
But I do.
I shouldn’t lust after him.
But tell that to my poor hopeless heart.
I should stay away.
But I won’t.

•••••••••

REVIEW: OFF LIMITS is the fifth instalment in Penny Dee’s contemporary, adult KINGS OF MAYHEM erotic, MC, romance series focusing on the members of the Kings of Mayhem MC. This is thirty-nine year old, Kings of Mayhem Sargent at Arms Ruger La Montagne, and twenty-three year old, college student Chastity Calley’s story line. OFF LIMITS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ruger and Chastity) OFF LIMITS follows the forbidden relationship between thirty-nine year old, Kings of Mayhem Sargent at Arms Ruger La Montagne, and twenty-three year old, college student Chastity Calley. Chastity Calley grew up in the world of the MC but the Kings of Mayhem president, Michael ‘Bull’ Western was overprotective to a fault since the death of her father years before. With her return from California, and enrolment in the local college, Chastity found herself homeless when a water pipe broke destroying everything she owned. With no place to live Ruger La Montagne offered Chastity a room, placing Chastity’s life-long crush within feet of her heart. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Chastity and Ruger, and the potential fall-out when their relationship is exposed, and a new player in town takes out his revenge on the Kings of Mayhem MC.

Kings of Mayhem President Bull Western raised Chastity as one of his own but Bull had made it perfectly clear that Chastity was off limits to everyone including the brothers of his own MC. Ruger La Montagne knew starting a relationship with Chastity was tantamount to suicide but their attraction to one another was palpable and hot. When Ruger’s past comes looking for a second chance, Ruger struggles in the knowledge that he was about to destroy Chastity’s heart but made her a promise that she was the only woman he would ever love.

The relationship between Ruger and Chastity is a forbidden romance. Keeping their romance secret was about to blow up in their face but Ruger knew that Chastity was the woman he loved even if it meant walking away from the only life he ever known. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. Club president Bull Western battles between head and heart when he discovers that his best friend is secretly in love with the young woman he considers off –limits to everyone and more. We are introduced to Gimmel Martel, a rich drug dealer with connections to the Saljav cartel.

OFF LIMITS is a story of family, blood, friendship, secrets and lies; desperation, revelations, love and happily ever after. The premise is captivating, exciting, and emotional; the character are numerous, sassy, energetic and realistic; the romance is raw and spicy.

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Kings of Mayhem
Brothers in Arms
Biker Baby
Hell on Wheels
Off Limits

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Penny Dee writes contemporary romance about rockstars, bikers, hockey players and everyone in-between. She believes true love never runs smoothly, and her characters realize this too, with a boatload of drama and a whole lot of steam.

She found her happily ever after in Australia where she lives with her husband, daughter and a dog named Bindi.

You can connect with Penny Dee : Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon Author Page / Website / Instagram

 

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The February Launch of DARE from Harlequin-Reviews, Excerpt & Giveaway

Introducing the February launch of DARE from Harlequin!-Reviews, Excerpt & Giveaway

A new imprint from Harlequin featuring strong, independent women and sizzling hot heroes. DARE delivers riveting, irresistible romance stories featuring highly explicit sexual encounters, making it the publisher’s sexiest series ever. Look for four new titles each month.

Sexy. Passionate. Bold.

Harlequin Website | Harlequin DARE | Twitter | Facebook

_____________

OFF LIMITS
Harlequin DARE
by Clare Connelly
Release Date: February 1, 2018

“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…!

Add to your TBR list: Goodreads

Available For FREE at: Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Connect with Clare: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

•••••••••••

REVIEW:
Another book from the “Dare” series.
Can be read without reading the others. Gemma has been Jack’s assistant for nearly 2 years, and has had to endure the endless line of women in and out of her bosses life and bed. Having to order flowers for dates. And to listen to him moan about “how clingy the last one was”Even though she knows what he like, it won’t  stop her from being attracted to him. But it’s a line she won’t cross, she loves her job, and if they did, then she’d lose it all !!!! Jack is still in the grieving process over the death of his wife.
Yes he hides behind the endless stream of women, and some might say, that he should respect himself a little more, and the memory of his wife, (but if you lose someone close to you, you lose yourself for a while) 

They both have this attachment or attraction to one another, but as Gemma has never given Jack the slightest come in, he won’t cross the line. But that’s not to say he hasn’t thought about her ?

Until a late night working in the office together one thing leads to another….. 

 Now everything has changed this isn’t just about a one night stand it has the potential to be so much more.

Jack and Gemma’s relationship was a constant push and pull, and did have its turbulent moments. Do they find a way to get past Jack’s grief ? Does Gemma make Jack see that it’s ok to love another ? 

The story of the billionaire falling for the meek assistant might sound a little cliched, and yes it was in places, but it was still a good little read. 
Julie ?

Excerpt: Copyright © 2018 Off Limits by Clare Connelly
 

I am holding my breath again. Is that how I’m going to get over this little hurdle? Suffocate myself? Is that even possible? I’m pretty sure we have some breathing trigger in our brains, but my brain is a bit pissy with me so maybe it would conveniently forget about the button.
I push air out consciously, quietly, and he takes his seat.
‘Anyway…’ I prompt impatiently.
His smile is a clicker. Is he laughing at me? Arrogant arsehole! That’s be just like him. See? That’s the problem! I know him. I’m not one of his other women. I know that is he as bastardy as he is sexy.
‘How did you sleep?’
I blink at him, my eyes wide. ‘You’ve already asked me that.’
‘You didn’t answer.’
I except a sign that speaks of anger. ‘Like I always do. Seriously, Jack. My desk is covered in paper. I have to get to work.’
‘I’m your work,’ he says with a shrug.
Insolent bastard.
He leans forward, and while his face is casual there is an urgency in the flecks of gold that fill his eyes. ‘Did you see him last night?’
I want to remind him of the salient fact I pointed out the night before. It’s not his damned business. But I’m not sure I can say that with such conviction now that I’ve tasted his mouth; now that I’ve been stunned by his desire.
Can I skirt around his question?
‘You’re my work? Okay, the thing is I have the New York guys waiting on contracts, you have a meeting in a week that I have to prepare for and Athens wants your input-which means my input- on a lease agreement. And I need to – ‘
‘Quiet.’
God! Don’t hate me, but when he’s bossy I love it. And he’s almost always bossy.
I glare at him across his desk; it’s best if he doesn’t know that this is just about my favourite version of him.’ 


 

RULED
Hard Riders MC #1
DARE Harlequin
by Anne Marsh
Release Date: February 1, 2018

The Rebel vs. The Princess

Complete opposites who share the same burning passion!

Jaxon Brady of the Hard Riders MC has sworn to protect Evie Kent from a rival gang. His hard muscles and black leather motorcycle boots are a sharp contrast to the girlie dresses Evie wears for her successful party-planning business. Their instant attraction is magnetic, and their lust keeps them glued to each other’s side…but is it a dangerous distraction?

Add to your TBR list: Goodreads

Available at: Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Connect with Ann: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

•••••••••••

 

Another book from the “Dare” series. Again this doesn’t have to be read in order, but I do think it’s part of a “new series” that the author has planned.

Evie is just trying to make a better life for herself and her baby brother. And by planning “pink parties” she gets to earn money and start a flourishing business.
She may have had a thing for bad boys but that’s in her past, what she wants is a “nice guy”, someone whose dependable, someone she can rely on.
But meeting Rev, that all goes out of the window ? but she won’t give up without a fight. She wants a quiet life, not one filled with bikers and trouble.

Jaxon “Rev” Brady was a Seal, but now is a member of the Hard Riders MC, doing his part to keep their territory free of gangs and drugs.
Jaxon has been sent to find out where Evie’s brother, (Rocker) is hanging out. Rocker is from a rival bike club and needs to answer some questions.
He’s got no time for parties and for “pink princesses” …..
But meeting Evie all that changes, she is feisty and won’t help Jaxon to find her brother. But she’s piqued his interest, and now he finds himself wanting her and wanting to protect her from the cartel.

Will getting involved with Eve prove to be a fatal distraction for Rev?
And can there ever be a future between a biker and a woman who is way out of his league? And will Evie learn that she can’t protect her brother forever ?

Julie ?

Excerpt: Copyright © 2018 Ruled by Anne Marsh
 

I have to be more cautious. From the rising volume of the squeals emanating from the backyard, cake consumption has concluded and the party will be wrapping up as the sugar highs hit, the early departers fleeing past my RV parked out front. Spotting the princess in an R-rated embrace with a biker would be bad for my business. You can’t be a dirty girl and host children’s birthday parties for a living. The moms will kill you. Fortunately, the moms aren’t mind readers. I’m only a party-perfect princess on the outside. Riding anywhere with Rev would be career suicide.
My bad voice promptly weighs in. But only if you get caught.
“I don’t do bikers.”
Something flashes across Rev’s face. “You don’t get hurt on my watch. I promise.”
“You’re not an ax murderer?”
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the wallet attached to his belt by a silver chain. Silently, he flips it open and holds it out so I can read his driver’s license. There’s a military ID underneath it, too, the kind of card that gets you into Nellis Air Force Base.
“Your name isn’t Rev.” According to the State of Nevada’s laminated plastic, he’s one Jaxon Brady.
“Road name,” he says tersely.
I examine the license again. He’s also turning thirty-three in four weeks. I bet he won’t be booking a celebratory princess party.
“Wow.” I hand back his wallet. “Former navy?”
He nods, as if it’s no big deal. “SEAL. You’d be safe with me.”
He’s not big on talking. Or negotiating, asking, or sweet-talking. I’ve always trusted my instincts, though, and right now they’re on board with Rev Brady. Completely, totally, 100 percent in favor of getting on this man’s bike and riding off with him. Somewhere. Wherever he wants to go. He’s big and strong and tempting. He’s fought for our country and kept everyone safe.
How bad can he be?
The little voice in my head pipes right up. How bad do you want him to be?
That voice needs a gag.
“Think about it,” he says and then he turns and saunters toward his bike. I stand there, watching his ass the whole way, and wondering why I don’t mind his attitude. He’s scary as shit. He’s not Mr. White Picket Fence and he’s not promising happily ever after, but the man has a fantastic butt and I’m lonely. That’s all it is. I need to get out more, need to make a point of seeing someone.
Someone else.
Anyone else. There are absolutely, positively no bikers anywhere in my future. 


 

A WEEK TO BE WILD
by JC Harroway
DARE Harlequin
Release Date: February 1, 2018

A daring game of temptation

She’ll play his game—but only by her rules!

Alex Lancaster is an adrenaline junkie. He’s also a sexy British billionaire who should come with his own warning signs. When Libby insists she’s done with men who live on the edge, Alex coaxes her out of her comfort zone—professionally and very, very personally. Libby’s taking a high-stakes gamble, but the payoff could win her everything

Add to your TBR list: Goodreads

Available at: Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Connect with JC: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  This is part of a new series “DARE” but as they are standalone’s, you can easily read it on it’s own.

Libby is an American business woman who has sworn off men, she likes her quiet life, she did the “loving life on the edge” but it didn’t turn out great for her.
So …… She’s in Europe on business to further her career, and when she meets Alex …… it’s instant attraction

Alex is a billionaire …… he loves his life, it’s a fast paced, adrenaline filled one. He’s use to getting WHO and WHAT he wants, but he’s about to meet his match.

Alex wants Libby’s help in launching a charity set up for his sister’s memory. Does he have an ulterior motive ? Hell yes, he’s fascinated with this American, (she wants him, but on her terms), and he loves the fact she won’t back down or give in.
He wants to show her the city and he wants her in his bed, but wanting and getting are two different things.

Its interesting to read the characters, as both have been successful in business, but as people, they are vulnerable and have been hurt in their own ways. And their pasts have a huge say in how they interact with others.

Yes, it’s predictable…… there are steamy scenes….. a little romance… a few laughs. And a part in the book that makes you wonder if that’s it for them (lizzy is on a week deadline, then she goes home)

But if you like a quick steamy read, then this one is for you.

Julie ?

Excerpt: Copyright © 2018 A Week to Be Wild by JC Harroway
 

The man occupying her thoughts swept up beside her on a cloud of freshly showered deliciousness, his hand taking a proprietorial hold of the back of her barstool and his smoky, heavy-lidded smile stripping her naked.
Alex.
‘Hi.’ Libby closed her slack-jawed mouth and swivelled to face him, turning her back on the stranger, never one to pass up a golden opportunity. She hated rudeness, but if Beer Breath was too stubborn or thick-skulled to take the hint…
Alex kept his stare on her, his smile genuine and warm enough to melt her underwear clean off, and then signalled the waiter with a flick of his wrist.
Libby sensed the moment when Beer Breath slinked away, and the hairs on the back of her neck settled—but only temporarily, because Alex hadn’t taken his eyes off her. In fact, he was looking at her as if he was seconds from devouring her whole.
She shivered, delicious tendrils snaking to all her erogenous zones. ‘What are you doing here?’ Libby took a slug of her previously untouched drink, the burn calming her enough to meet his bold stare with one of her own.
‘I came to invite you out for a late supper. I was on my way to Reception and then I spotted you here.’ His hand slid from the back of her stool, and he settled into the one next to her, passing his order to the waiter before returning his disconcerting focus to her.
She stared back, lost for words and missing the proximity of his hand on her chair. He was close enough that his warmth traversed the space between them, but far enough away that she battled her body’s urge to sway closer. And keep on swaying.
‘What?’ One corner of his mouth kicked up. ‘What kind of host would I be if I left you to fend for yourself on your first night in a strange city?’
She couldn’t help the snort that left her. ‘The non-stalker kind…?’
He took the jibe with a cocksure arch of one brow, sipping wine while his poised stare flicked over her face from feature to feature.
Libby flushed hot all over. The ‘stalker’ comment had been beneath her. He hadn’t once touched her, hadn’t bought her drink, hadn’t tried to grab her phone, hadn’t even chased away her unwanted admirer—he had simply given her the out she’d wanted. The rest was all her.
What was wrong with her? Rudeness to a generous host and influential employer? All because he’d awoken needs within her? Needs too long dormant. Needs she’d never had before. Needs threatening to overwhelm her in their intensity.
Hardly his fault.


 

LEGAL SEDUCTION
Legal Lovers
DARE Harlequin
Release Date: February 1, 2018

“You are mine for the next two weeks.”

Resigning might be the sexiest thing she’s ever done…

Quitting her job puts executive assistant Bette Monroe in a very compromising position. She has ten days left, and powerhouse lawyer Simon Kramer is working her late into the night…and seducing her into oblivion! While he’s convinced she’s selling business secrets, the bombshell secret she’s keeping would shock him more. Does she bare all…or keep him guessing?

Add to your TBR list: Goodreads

Available at: Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Connect with Lisa: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

•••••••••

REVIEW: There is a mole at Simon’s law firm, someone has been sharing company secrets and he is determined to catch them, no matter the cost. This is his baby, and they won’t
get away with it !!! He begins to take a look at everyone, to his horror, his suspicions draw him to his assistant Bette.

He’s wonders why that she would suddenly hand in her notice, and come into a large
sum of money at around the same time.

He is shocked to think the one person he thought he could trust would sell company
secrets, but why else would she suddenly be walking away from a job he thought she
loved? He thought they worked well together, he felt hurt that she couldn’t come to
him.

Simon decides the best way to find out the truth is to seduce the truth out of Bette.

Bette has a secret, and now she needs to leave the job and boss she loves. But why ?
And when she finds out that Simon thinks she’s selling company secrets, she’s upset
and appalled, she could tell him the REAL reason why she’s going, but that’s not an
option.

I really enjoyed reading these characters, they had great chemistry, the banter
between them kept things interesting. And the secret that Bette is keeping …..
you need to read to find out ?

The last February “Dare” book in the series. You won’t need to read them in order (they
aren’t connected at all)

Julie ?

Excerpt: Copyright © 2018 Legal Seduction by Lisa Childs
 

“So then more money will get you to stay,” he said dismissively, as if he’d closed a case. He tossed her crumpled-up resignation letter into the brass trash can sitting beside his desk.
Frustration—and not just with this conversation—overwhelmed her, overcoming her natural inclination to avoid confrontation, and she blurted out, “No!”
Working for him these past two years had increased her frustration because of all those damn fantasies he’d inspired.
“But you just said—”
“I took the job because I needed money,” she said. “I needed money then.”
His eyes narrowed more as he studied her face. “And you don’t need it now?”
“My reason for leaving has nothing to do with money,” she said. Had she not found another source of income, she would have been forced to stay, but he didn’t need to know that.
“So you do have a reason.”
He wasn’t the trial lawyer of their partnership, but he could have been. She felt like she was being cross-examined on the witness stand. And she didn’t enjoy it one bit. Quitting was not a crime.
“I don’t have to give you a reason.” At least she didn’t think she did.
Maybe she should have had a lawyer look at that employment contract before she’d written her resignation letter. But no matter how much she paid, no lawyer would be as good as Simon Kramer. He was the best.
And, according to his ex-lovers, not just at the law…
“Why don’t you want to tell me?” he asked, and he stepped closer now, so close that she could feel the heat of his body through his suit and her cardigan and skirt.
Heat flushed her body, making her skin tingle. She tried to step back but the desk stopped her, the hard wood pressing into the backs of her thighs as he nearly touched the front of her. Her breasts pushed against the front of the gray cardigan as she struggled for breath. She had never been this close to him before. It was more than unsettling. Her knees trembled and her already tripping pulse quickened even more.
“Because it’s personal,” she murmured. And they had never been anything but businesslike with each other, except in her dreams.
He leaned down, so close that his warm breath whispered across her lips as he asked, “Are you in love with me?” 


 

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Off The Record/Off Limits/Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett-a series review

Off The Record/Off Limits/Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett-a series review

Off series

NOTE:  I want to say what attracted me to this particular series are the covers.  Clean, simple, attractive two-toned.  YEP-listen up authors and publishers-give me an ugly cover and I won’t look twice; I won’t attempt to read it and I will scroll on by at the e-retailer. But give me a beautiful, attractive cover and you will definitely catch my interest

Off The RecordOFF THE RECORD (Off Series #3) by Sawyer Bennett

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 8, 2013

Ever Montgomery suffered the ultimate betrayal by the one man who she should have been able to count on for anything. It has left her hurt, jaded and incapable of forming relationships, but it also means that she can spot a liar a mile away. These traits are earning her a reputation as a reporter with a keen nose for a good story and a complete understanding of the extreme power of the written word.

Lincoln Caldwell, is the hot goalie for the New York Rangers. At twenty-four and a rising star, he works hard and he plays even harder. He’s gorgeous and carefree—the ultimate charmer. Ladies fall at his feet and the single life has never been lived the way Linc Caldwell does it.

When Ever publishes an article about Linc containing information that she received off the record, she finds herself on the receiving end of the athlete’s fury. Rather than basking in the glory of exposing Linc as a shameless user of women, she finds herself at his mercy when he demands and receives retribution. Required by her editor to trail Linc for six weeks, Ever is forced to look at the real Linc Caldwell

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: OFF THE RECORD is the third installment in the OFF SERIES by author Sawyer Bennett. Although this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty. The premise surrounding the series is that of professional hockey players and the lives and loves, but to be honest, there is little to do with hockey except most of the leading men are hockey players.

Off The Record focuses on Linc Caldwell and Ever Montgomery. At a year end party for Linc’s team, magazine journalist Ever mistakenly gets the wrong impression about Linc and writes a scathing review about the athlete and his affinity for sex and women. To avoid a law suit, Ever must serve ‘time’ with Linc for six weeks-tailing and trailing everything he does. In this, Ever will learn that she has made a major error in judgment and will have to apologize before she loses both the man and her heart.

The writing style and character building are simple. There is nothing over the top. The storyline is a boy meets girl, girl gets angry, boy wants girl back. The world building brings together several of the previous storyline characters in cameos but their importance to the overall story is negligible although Off The Record does further both of the two previous storyline premises.

Ever Montgomery is a woman scorned –not once, not twice but three times-and therefore she wants to keep all men at a distance. Her personality and too quick to judge attitude left a little to be desired. Betrayal has left an open wound and she refuses to allow herself to get hurt –ever again- but in doing so, she comes across as bitter and angry. Linc must move slowly in order to not scare Ever away, but in doing so begins to lose himself in the woman who may or may not want a happily ever after. This story is told from two points of view, but the focus remains on Ever and the inner turmoil that threatens to overwhelm her perfect façade and her need to make things right with Lincoln Caldwell before she loses the man forever.

OFF THE RECORD is another interesting storyline that at one point I shed a tear. Although the overall story is not an emotional roller coaster ride there was a moment when it definitely pulled at my heart. The storyline is fast paced but the relationship is slow to build. There is very little tension; there is no angst between the couple only an overwhelming aura of past betrayal. Ever must purge her demons before she is able to move on. If you like a romantic storyline with a happily ever after-Off The Record is perfect for a lazy afternoon of reading.

READING ORDER
1. Off Sides
2. Off Limits
3. Off the Record

Reviewed by Sandy

•••••••••••••••••••••••

Sensual coupleOFF LIMITS (Off Series #2) by Sawyer Bennett

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2013

Two years ago, Emily Burnham, had an epiphany about the shallowness of her life. And she made it her mission to become a different person…a better woman. Out from under the controlling thumb of her mother, Emily is tasting the real world for the first time. And she likes it.

Nixon Caldwell has served his time in the Marine Corps, surviving two brutal tours in Afghanistan. He is back home, surrounded by what he likes best…isolation. It’s certainly the best way to avoid confrontation of the consuming guilt that is weighing him down.

When an accident brings Emily and Nix together, he soon learns he is not the master of his own fate. Struggling with his own pain, Nix tries to guard himself against Emily’s charms. He wants her in his bed, but he doesn’t want her in his heart

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: OFF LIMITS is the second installment in the new adult genre OFF series by Sawyer Bennett. Although this is part of a series, each book can be read as a stand alone with out any difficulty. A few of the characters from the first book are present but their back story and anything necessary to the current story are brought into play when necessary. This is Emily Burnham and Nixon Caldwell’s story.

Emily is from a well to do, politically connected family. Upon entering university she was determined to change her personality-so much so that when she selects a major (not connected to medicine or law) her mother pulls all financial support. Without following her mother’s demands Emily is on her own. But when she accidently runs over the brother of her latest journalism interviewee, she will become indebted to Nix Caldwell until the bill is finally paid. What she didn’t expect was a snarky, mean spirited, angry young man who will tug at her heart and her soul.

Nix Caldwell is a veteran of two tours in Afghanistan, who builds motorcycles and metal sculptures and, a man determined to keep everyone at a distance. But when he meets Emily he realizes he wants something more than friendship. To pay off her debt he arranges for her to help with his home and office, but over several days Nix will discover that Emily is something more-he is beginning to fall in love.

Off Limits is an interesting story of two people from different sides of the track. Emily is a child of privilege-a daughter who is expected to marry into money, make pretty babies and represent her husband in their affairs and Nix is the complete opposite of what and whom she is expected to marry.

As the storyline develops the reader is pulled into a relationship that begins as friends with benefits but one that will quickly evolve into something more. But when Emily uncovers a secret that Nix has hidden away, she will be pushed out of his life, possibly for good. And in the end, Nix will realize that Emily is the love of his life and if anyone can calm the nightmares and guilt, it is the woman who holds his heart with her own.

Off Limits is a predictable story where the embattled hero refuses to acknowledge his demons and a heroine who is willing to stand by her man. There is family friction from Emily’s side and heartbreaking sorrow when Nix’s history is revealed. His heart is heavy with guilt and the knowledge that he may lose Emily because of his behavior and perhaps his past. But like many warriors, his guilt and his PTSD must be addressed before he can ever conceive of starting a new life with the woman he loves and in the end his guilt is a manifestation of the atrocities of war.

The writing style is simple. There is nothing overwhelming or life altering about the premise but it is story of romance with a happily ever after. There is the angst and heartbreak of a broken hero who cannot forget the ravages of war; the love and care of a woman willing to support the man she loves and in the end, there is the couple, who together, want to take the next step in their lives- to start a family of their own.

READING ORDER
1. Off Sides
2. Off Limits
3. Off the Record

Reviewed by Sandy

••••••••••••••••••••••

Off SidesOFF SIDES (Off Series #1) by Sawyer Bennett

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ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date February 2013

Ryan Burnham is the privileged son of a U.S. Congressman and captain of his university’s hockey team. While he is on the verge of fulfilling his dreams to play in the NHL, his parents want him on a different course. One he is expected to accept for the sake of his family’s public image.

Forced her to abandon her music career after the heart breaking death of her parents, Danny Cross exists on the opposite side of the tracks from Ryan. She is struggling to make her own way, working two jobs, attending college part time and volunteering in a homeless shelter. She is on a mission to build her own success.

With a chance meeting, their vastly different worlds collide, causing each to evaluate whether they are truly on the correct path to self-fulfillment and happiness. Can their relationship survive? Particularly when others are against them every step of the way. A lot can happen in just ten short days…

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REVIEW: OFF SIDES is the first installment in Sawyer Bennett’s OFF series focusing on the men of professional hockey and the women they love. Off Sides is a short story that introduces the series but remains focused on the leading couple –Ryan Burnham and Danny Cross. Danny is a struggling part-time college student trying to make ends meet and Ryan is the epitome of rich, successful jock from a well to do family with political aspirations. But life isn’t always greener on the other side. Ryan’s mother is all about appearances and Danny does not fit into the family plans.

The storyline follows Ryan and Danny as their relationship blossoms over several days. Enter the ex-girlfriend who cannot take no for an answer and we soon discover that Ryan’s mother has plans for her son. Ryan’s family is a study in dysfunctional family values and his only means of escape is to walk away into the arms of the woman he loves.

Off Sides is a story of rich boy/poor girl, class structure and the ability to walk away when the pain becomes too much. The storyline is told from two alternating POVs. But something about this particular storyline did not sit well with me. Perhaps it was the overall feel to the story or some of the characters including Ryan’s mother, ex girlfriend and fellow team mate were complete and utter evil. Perhaps it was the rushed feel of the relationship –zero to love – in 48 hours or perhaps it was the heroine’s continuous internal verbiage about losing her virginity to Ryan Burnham. Both leading characters are strong and independent and willing to step out side of their comfort and class. Ryan is not someone who bows to the demands of his mother or ex girlfriend; and Danny is not a woman willing to stand by and take verbal or emotional abuse from those who believe money talks. But in the end, Danny will walk away because money and power are all about control.

I read this series out of order-in fact-Off Sides was the 3rd storyline I read and for me OFF THE RECORD (#3) and OFF LIMITS (#2) are much better stories with well-rounded characters and a more interesting premise.

READING ORDER
1. Off Sides
2. Off Limits
3. Off the Record

Reviewed by Sandy

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