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Strictly Off Limits
Alexandra James gave up her spring break for an offer she couldn’t refuse—a week-long job that would earn her enough money to buy her way out of a broken heart. But if she thought her new boss would let her off easy because he’s her father’s best friend, she couldn’t have been more wrong.
Dean Brittany demands perfection from his employees, but none more so than his new temp, since correcting her mistakes seems to fuel his unexpected attraction to her. Unfortunately for him, eighteen-year-old Alexandra is strictly off limits.
Strictly Off Limits is a forbidden romance novella originally published in the Forbidden Fruit Anthology, Volume 1 (no longer available). It's a quick read at 21,000 words.
Dean Brittany demands perfection from his employees, but none more so than his new temp, since correcting her mistakes seems to fuel his unexpected attraction to her. Unfortunately for him, eighteen-year-old Alexandra is strictly off limits.
Strictly Off Limits is a forbidden romance novella originally published in the Forbidden Fruit Anthology, Volume 1 (no longer available). It's a quick read at 21,000 words.
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First published October 30, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
August 2, 2016
This was a good short story to read when you're int he mood for something hot and fast. There isn't much romance going on but there are plenty of sexy times that will keep you intrigued. I would have rated higher but the fact that so much of the beginning reminded me too much of the movie, The Secretary, was too weird for me. It was almost like the author was taking that plot and trying to make it her own, but left in too many similarities. Could be a coincidence, but for me it was just felt too odd.
May 12, 2019
Reread May 2019 - down from 4 to 3
------------------------------
Original review -
This book was hot.
An older man who is forbidden not just because he's her boss and 20 years older but also because he's her father's best friend.
The only thing that could make this better would be Dean's POV and it being longer!
------------------------------
Original review -
This book was hot.
An older man who is forbidden not just because he's her boss and 20 years older but also because he's her father's best friend.
The only thing that could make this better would be Dean's POV and it being longer!
January 11, 2019
Meh, quick listen. Not that hot. And awfully similar to the movie Secretary.
July 17, 2020
Hot taboo novella
This novella is taboo for multiple reasons. Age-gap of 30 years, dad’s best friend, and he’s also her boss for a short period of time. It’s a bit edgy considering the hero is a little pushy with her at first, so I’d say it flirts the line of dub-con in some instances. If you are not triggered by dub-con and love big age gaps, then you may enjoy this read. I thought it was a quick and easy read. The age gap skeeves me out a bit, but hey it’s well written even if it’s not exactly my jam.
This novella is taboo for multiple reasons. Age-gap of 30 years, dad’s best friend, and he’s also her boss for a short period of time. It’s a bit edgy considering the hero is a little pushy with her at first, so I’d say it flirts the line of dub-con in some instances. If you are not triggered by dub-con and love big age gaps, then you may enjoy this read. I thought it was a quick and easy read. The age gap skeeves me out a bit, but hey it’s well written even if it’s not exactly my jam.
July 11, 2016
3.5 stars
Very quick read, it's a novella but the story does feel complete. This premise is pretty wrong but the heat is undeniable and the connection is tangible. I like Jessica Hawkins ability to 'go there' with these kinds of topics. Great writing for a short.
Very quick read, it's a novella but the story does feel complete. This premise is pretty wrong but the heat is undeniable and the connection is tangible. I like Jessica Hawkins ability to 'go there' with these kinds of topics. Great writing for a short.
July 22, 2016
Alexander James has just been dumped by her boyfriend and cancels going to Mexico for spring break. Instead, she opts to stay home and work for her parents friend Dean Brittany while his secretary is on vacation for the week. Wanting extra money to buy this killer dress to wear to a fraternity formal...hoping to win back the boyfriend who just dumped her.
Well, to say that this short book escalated quickly would be an understatement!!! Seems as though Mr Brittany has got the hots for his new temp!!! This book was steamy hot and quite the page turner!! Could only wish for another round to see where this relationship goes. As this book just ended......
Well, to say that this short book escalated quickly would be an understatement!!! Seems as though Mr Brittany has got the hots for his new temp!!! This book was steamy hot and quite the page turner!! Could only wish for another round to see where this relationship goes. As this book just ended......
January 1, 2019
Oh this was a quick, sexy, fun, age gap - forbidden short story. Alexandra needs money for a dress so she works for a week at her father's best friend's office to earn the money. Dean tries to restrain his wants but sometimes temptations win out. This story is not for everyone but I enjoyed the sexiness.
This specific video review will be included in the December 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the December 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
August 21, 2019
Short and Sweet. Hot and Sexy. I really truly enjoyed this story. Exactly what I needed. A quick read to get me in the mood...... For reading ;-)
I was in a reading slump and now I'm not.
I was in a reading slump and now I'm not.
June 7, 2017
This was good.
I like the slow pull that Alexandra felt towards Dean aka Mr. Brittany
The downside for me is, I'm a fan of insta-lov(ish) esp from the male MC
Instead Dean kept saying "just this once" - and im all like "No not once!! How about ALL the time." :P
I like a decisive alpha male and for me he was sending too many mixed signals before he finally gave ALL the way over #Committed
OVERALL: Good read with some steamy scenes :-)
I like the slow pull that Alexandra felt towards Dean aka Mr. Brittany
The downside for me is, I'm a fan of insta-lov(ish) esp from the male MC
Instead Dean kept saying "just this once" - and im all like "No not once!! How about ALL the time." :P
I like a decisive alpha male and for me he was sending too many mixed signals before he finally gave ALL the way over #Committed
OVERALL: Good read with some steamy scenes :-)
June 30, 2015
That was not consensual and I had to stop or I would've thrown my kindle. Very short book, basically skips character and story development in favor of having someone in a position of power force himself on her despite her objections. I'm not mild sexually by any means but if she says no the first time he approaches her and repeatedly after he touches her, it isn't consentual. that's a hard limit for me
September 27, 2017
if you check my history, I like this author. This book? BIG fat NOPE. I QUIT at 19% in when old lecherous boss H spanks the 18 yo h...at work and not in a sexy, "pull my hair daddy" kind of a way with no sexy vibes between the characters leading up to this criminal assault. immediately disgusted and QUIT!!
January 1, 2016
Really quick and hot read. I enjoyed the much older hero! Totally hot. I didn't like that the book ended at 72%. :/
Shelved as 'kindle-freebies'
July 17, 2016kindle freebie 7/17/16
August 28, 2016
The beginning was similar to The Secretary (which is a awesome movie), but it came into its own after a while. I also loved the older guy / younger heroine plot, they are my favourite.
May 12, 2021
This novella is age-gap, boss, dads-best-friend book. The H starts out as a cold, stern, strict, type-A kind of guy, but quickly turns squishy. The plot is a bit silly. The h all but seduces him. It should have been more hot than it was. It was sort of kink-lite. So, if you need a quick read and like these tropes but don’t really like kink, this is for you. It wasn’t really my flavor.
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December 12, 2020
I think this book was mostly ok but I was not impressed by it and had some issues with the plot. I liked that the heroine admitted (to herself at least) that what her boss did to her the first time was harassment (many others would try to justify him). I didn't mind the age gap (30 years) but I didn't like that he was so bossy. Also, who does what hero did to heroine in front of her parents...?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2016
HOT & WRONG
Yup just as it sounds! It's hot and wrong and yet so intriguing! If you like alpha males, then you'll appreciate this one
Yup just as it sounds! It's hot and wrong and yet so intriguing! If you like alpha males, then you'll appreciate this one
June 18, 2017
2.5*
The definition of forbidden.
Apparently I bought this book almost 3 years ago but never got around to reading it. I was looking for some quick novellas today since I was falling behind on my GR goal and came across this one. I don't know at the time what I was thinking when I got it, as I'm not typically a fan of the older man/younger woman trope, and this one really pushes the boundaries- he's 30(!!!) years older than her. I don't understand that attraction. I'm the same age as the H and I can't imagine any of my male friends getting involved with a teenager. Sure, I don't doubt for a second that any of them wouldn't look twice at a beautiful young woman, but to act on it, especially a daughter of a friend, yeah I don't see that happening. Especially when that girl is the same age as your daughter, as is the case in this book. I'm not sure what the fascination authors have with this type of storyline- I seriously have my doubts if their 18yo daughter was out there with a 48yo man they would be okay with it.
Anyway, to the story- even if I could get past the age gap I didn't feel any kind of connection between the characters at all. There's was nothing between them that made me want a relationship to work for them, taboo as it was. Granted it's a novella, but I've read plenty where the author is able to really pull you into the story and characters, but this one didn't. The H did nothing to endear himself to me and the h was just way to immature to make it plausible that he could be attracted to her. And the ending was just plain abrupt. All in all just a miss for me.
The definition of forbidden.
Apparently I bought this book almost 3 years ago but never got around to reading it. I was looking for some quick novellas today since I was falling behind on my GR goal and came across this one. I don't know at the time what I was thinking when I got it, as I'm not typically a fan of the older man/younger woman trope, and this one really pushes the boundaries- he's 30(!!!) years older than her. I don't understand that attraction. I'm the same age as the H and I can't imagine any of my male friends getting involved with a teenager. Sure, I don't doubt for a second that any of them wouldn't look twice at a beautiful young woman, but to act on it, especially a daughter of a friend, yeah I don't see that happening. Especially when that girl is the same age as your daughter, as is the case in this book. I'm not sure what the fascination authors have with this type of storyline- I seriously have my doubts if their 18yo daughter was out there with a 48yo man they would be okay with it.
Anyway, to the story- even if I could get past the age gap I didn't feel any kind of connection between the characters at all. There's was nothing between them that made me want a relationship to work for them, taboo as it was. Granted it's a novella, but I've read plenty where the author is able to really pull you into the story and characters, but this one didn't. The H did nothing to endear himself to me and the h was just way to immature to make it plausible that he could be attracted to her. And the ending was just plain abrupt. All in all just a miss for me.
August 30, 2021
Please this novella was so hot I actually CANNOT. I’m mad this mans last name was Brittany. I appreciate the author making her refer to him as “Mr. Brittany” to make it seem hot but it was NOT. However he absolutely was good God that man was something else. He gave me Christian Grey vibes but a bigger asshole plus he’s 48 so definitely daddy vibes. She was 18 so if that big of an age gap bugs you then don’t read it bc it’s discussed.
Basically miss girl just got dumped by her boyfriend so to try to and get him back she wants to buy an expensive dress to wear to formal, super dumb but whatever. She ends up subbing in for her fathers friend as his assistant and BOY. This man is a dick, straight up. Lmao he only communicates with her via the work IM when she sits right outside his office lmao somehow the ims were hot though idk idk idk. First day on the job she ends up bent over his desk….. HOT
There is also a scene in here with his hand under the table while at dinner with her parents okay? There is a HEA… OKAY… READ IT, goodbye.
Basically miss girl just got dumped by her boyfriend so to try to and get him back she wants to buy an expensive dress to wear to formal, super dumb but whatever. She ends up subbing in for her fathers friend as his assistant and BOY. This man is a dick, straight up. Lmao he only communicates with her via the work IM when she sits right outside his office lmao somehow the ims were hot though idk idk idk. First day on the job she ends up bent over his desk….. HOT
There is also a scene in here with his hand under the table while at dinner with her parents okay? There is a HEA… OKAY… READ IT, goodbye.
April 11, 2018
Alexandra James spends her spring break as an office temp, to earn sufficient money to buy a dress that is supposed to make sure that the boyfriend who dumped her, will want to have her back.
Well, every story needs a starting point, so why not something like this. Her boss turns out to be really bossy and controlling, she spends long days at the office (though it remains totally unclear what would occupy her time), gets spanked for her mistakes and in the end, realizes that her ex-boyfriend can never match the way her temporary boss makes her feel when she gets fucked. A short story and a forgettable read.
Well, every story needs a starting point, so why not something like this. Her boss turns out to be really bossy and controlling, she spends long days at the office (though it remains totally unclear what would occupy her time), gets spanked for her mistakes and in the end, realizes that her ex-boyfriend can never match the way her temporary boss makes her feel when she gets fucked. A short story and a forgettable read.
Read
November 24, 2021This was short, steamy, and as promised forbidden. Just ignore reality and read this almost 50 year old man make his best friends 18 year old daughter crawl for him. And also don’t think about anything too hard. Like eating junk food. Keep grabbing more and don’t think about the consequences.
October 5, 2017
Sexy read. Jessica Hawkins can really make you blush!!
January 15, 2018
Snore. It was like the movie Secretary, kinda. Sorta.
My problem was the build up wasn't there. Neither was a conclusion that tied the book in a pretty bow.
My problem was the build up wasn't there. Neither was a conclusion that tied the book in a pretty bow.
June 1, 2020
3.5 stars
I listened to this on audibles. It was exactly what I was looking for quick and dirty.
I listened to this on audibles. It was exactly what I was looking for quick and dirty.
January 3, 2023
Needed an extra quick read to complete my Goodreads, and this was it! Was okay, definitely more of an insta lust smut book than I normally like.
November 30, 2014
this was okay - it's a really short read (does not provide page numbers, but it has Kindle Location 1093, if that helps)
anyway, so quick quick read that just sort of skimmed a fuller story beneath (or maybe there wasn't one?) and I know this is told from Alex's POV, but Dean's actions just sort of floated out there - I mean, given their long-standing relationship, you'd think there would be a little more explanation or something ... otherwise, it just felt like teenage-infatuation that he triggered with his actions ... anyway!
(there were a couple of errors, but not too many - the one that really got me was Loc 702, "Despite behind so hard")
it was good for what it was, a short/hot-ish read
anyway, so quick quick read that just sort of skimmed a fuller story beneath (or maybe there wasn't one?) and I know this is told from Alex's POV, but Dean's actions just sort of floated out there - I mean, given their long-standing relationship, you'd think there would be a little more explanation or something ... otherwise, it just felt like teenage-infatuation that he triggered with his actions ... anyway!
(there were a couple of errors, but not too many - the one that really got me was Loc 702, "Despite behind so hard")
it was good for what it was, a short/hot-ish read
September 20, 2015
Update: I just received this audio version and loved it!! It was nice to work and have a whole story in just a few hours! The narrator was on par with her sounding like an 18 year old, but not annoying! Some things are just hotter when listening too!
Fracking A!!! I loved this!! I love how Jessica writes these strong older males that just makes my heart a flutter!!
Fracking A!!! I loved this!! I love how Jessica writes these strong older males that just makes my heart a flutter!!
January 1, 2016
3-3.5 stars! Mixed feelings about this book
The story was too short for my liking and it ended abruptly. I wish there would have been at least a short epilogue. Other than that the story was good, going somewhere until it wasn't anymore.
The story was too short for my liking and it ended abruptly. I wish there would have been at least a short epilogue. Other than that the story was good, going somewhere until it wasn't anymore.
April 29, 2015
3.5 stars
May 16, 2016
Wish it was longer but I enjoyed the book :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews