Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:
Off-Limits Series
Synopsis for Crave (from Amazon.ca):
Turns out the beautiful man from the club is my new professor… But he wasn’t when he kissed me.
Ex-ballet dancer Olivia would never set foot in a club like Velvet, not to mention seize the stage. But when she learns her ‘perfect’ boyfriend has been cheating, she indulges in a wild fantasy for the first time.
From the moment Sawyer rescues her in the parking lot at the club, Olivia realizes he’s what she’s been missing. The way he touches her sets her on fire.
But one mistake becomes two when she learns Sawyer isn’t only the passionate, mysterious man she stayed up all night with…
He’s her new professor.
CRAVE is an illicit, forbidden full-length novel and book 1 in the OFF-LIMITS trilogy. An addictive, enthralling romance from WSJ and USA Today bestselling author Piper Lawson.
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author; Canadian Author
Series: Off-Limits
Author: Piper Lawson
# of Books: 4 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological (#1-3); Connected (#4)
Complete?: Yes
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Forbidden Love
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: October 26, 2021 – October 25, 2022
Source & Format: Author–eARC
**This post was originally published as a Fresh Friday review of the first book of the series. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.**
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
I’ve spent most of 2021 in a reading funk, but Piper Lawson’s new releases this year seem to be the balm that soothe it. I’ve read all of Piper’s books–except the short story anthology starring our two leads here–and I always know that I am going to get a great romance story. And I was so excited to see her return to the genre of New Adult romance!
What I Liked:
–Fantastic Chemistry–
The chemistry between Olivia and Sawyer is so strong right from the start that it’s easy to get sucked into their relationship. And forget that they shouldn’t be together — because they seem so perfect for each other!
–The Mysterious Sawyer–
Sawyer had made a brief appearance in the Enemies Series but he was still an enigma to me. I liked that we only got a few chapters from his POV because it helped to build up his mysterious side but still provided insight into his mind.
–Rebellious Olivia–
Olivia is a girl trying to find her independence and I liked how her character was evolving. She’s breaking free of that box people put her in but no so much that it feels forced or that her pursuit of Sawyer is simply for the forbidden thrill of it
What I Didn’t Like:
–The Forbidden Element Loses its Shine As the Novel Progresses–
This is a trilogy about the same couple, so not every obstacle to their relationship will be revealed in book #1 and I can appreciate that. However, as much as I loved the forbidden element of their relationship, I found that as the novel progressed, the thrill of their relationship dimmed. Nothing seemed to challenge the romance’s “forbidden” element; those that found out about it treated it as something mundane and there were only a few handful of moments where they were at risk of being caught. But I’m optimistic that this will evolve as the series continues.
My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:
It ends on a bang though and I can’t wait to see where this will go next!
–January 12, 2022– Book #2: Collide
I’ve never read a student-professor romance like this! But that’s what I’ve come to expect from Piper Lawson: the unexpected.
These two are stubborn and I feel like they make things purposely difficult for each other–but that’s part of their charm. They don’t know how to love or let someone in because they’ve never felt seen by another person. So it’s a beautiful thing to watch these two surrender to their connection as their relationship evolves.
I also love that these two have their own dramatic plot lines. Yes, those storyline overlap at times but I like that they both have their own things going on to help evolve that personal character growth.
Can’t wait to see how this all wraps up!
–March 21, 2022– Book #3: Claim
What a great way to wrap up this one of a kind series! Honestly, I’ve never read a student-professor romance story with as much depth as this series and I am all for it!
Everything that has been pushing and pulling Sawyer and Oliva together and apart comes together here and I loved watching it unfold. One thing I truly loved about this two is that they really evolved as people throughout this series and I think it really shows in this book as they reflect and navigate their relationship.
–October 26, 2022– Book #4: Tempt
I am SO glad Piper decided to write Daniel’s story! He didn’t have a huge role to play in the first 3 books of the Off-Limits Series, but he managed to capture my attention nonetheless. I couldn’t wait to learn more about his past and to see him find happiness after the loss of his beloved wife.
There is just something so incredibly charming about romances with single parents. I’m a huge romantic so I just adore the idea of people finding love again after loss. And the kids are always so stinking cute too!
I found this book to be a great, feel-good novel and its guaranteed to put a smile on your face! With plenty of steamy moments along the way, I just enjoyed reading this book with its lighter approach to the plot and character stories.
For me, some scenes were a lot more telling than showing, which isn’t my usual preference for a romance. I understand why though as this is a standalone novel and things need to be wrapped up within a certain amount of time. But I just found it made the plot points seem jagged and not as smooth as they could be.
My Rating: 4/5
Crave 4/5 | Collide 4/5 | Book 3 4/5
Overall, this was a great series that kept things fresh with original characters and plots!
Read if You Like: forbidden romance, new adult romance, STEM heroines
Avoid if You: want erotica, dislike new adult romance
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- Schooled by Piper Lawson (Travesty Series #1)
- Black Rainbow by JJ McAvoy (Rainbows Series #1)
- Shame by Rachel Van Dyken (Ruin Series #3)
- Lace Up by Shae Ross (Pretty Smart Girls Series #1)
