Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog)'s Reviews > Out of Bounds

3.5 stars

Out of Bounds is a novella, which admittedly isn’t my favorite type of book. However, it’s a sports romance and it’s written by Lauren Blakely, so reading this was a no brainer. The book is signature Lauren Blakely—fun, flirty, and sexy.

Dani is a corporate lawyer tasked with helping to clean up the image of a disgraced professional football team. Drew is a friendly, focused, squeaky clean quarterback who has just been traded to Dani’s team. I love the cute way in which they meet, and the fact that their relationship is built on more than just physical attraction makes the story all the more satisfying. That’s not to say there aren’t some steamy sexy times, because nice guy Drew is one dirty talker.

The story presumably falls under the forbidden romance trope, but the execution is fumbled. I just didn’t understand why their relationship is so taboo. Dani isn’t Drew’s boss. She doesn’t handle contract negotiations with the players or work directly with them in any way. It makes the primary conflict that lasts throughout the majority of the book seem moot. The story is entertaining, but this missing component would have increased my overall enjoyment.

On the bright side, we’re given some extremely likeable characters—including Dani’s supportive younger sister—that really help sell the story. Drew is swoon worthy, Dani is the ultimate understanding girlfriend, and together they make a fun couple that you can’t help but root for.

Out of Bounds makes for a quick read that offers a wonderful combination of humor and romance.

Recommended for fans of:
Sports romance
Sweet heroes
Surfing

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**