Best Friend Rule #1: never want the guy’s sister.
Oops.
Trent Salway is one of San Francisco’s hot up-and-coming-under-thirty bachelors. A highly successful mutual fund portfolio manager, a workaholic, and a ladies’ man, he’s got everything he could possibly want…except one thing.
Physical therapist Kelsey Quaid dumped her ex-fiancé six months ago because she was tired of not even being a … even being a distant second to his career. Which is why despite secretly crushing on her big brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember, there’s no way Kelsey can go there. One workaholic in her life is more than enough, thank you very much.
Before Kelsey’s brother leaves on his Navy SEAL mission, he asks Trent one simple request: make sure Kelsey isn’t dating any assholes while he’s away. As Trent does his best to do just this, he and Kelsey spend more and more time together. Sparks fly, as do a few items of clothing, and the next thing they know things are getting physical between them. Now, Trent has to decide what to do about the woman he’s falling for—the one whose brother would take him down faster than he takes down the enemy. And Kelsey will have to decide if Trent is just another workaholic or if he’s decidedly off limits.
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This is the first book in the By the Bay Series. Trent and Kelsey’s slow burn story is fun and sexy. Trent, Kelsey’s brother best friend, is protective and caring. Kelsey is lovely, strong, smart, funny, and independent. They are both great characters. I loved to follow them in their journey. Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther did a great job with the narration. I like Stina Lindenblatt’s writing. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Decidedly with Baby.
A double-whammy of rule breaking! Not only is Trevor her best friends brother, but he’s also her brother’s best friend. (Say that three times fast!) Kelsey has a job she loves, but she misses having someone to share her life with. This book was filled with plenty of steam to warm you up on a cold night, and enough humor that your cheeks will still be sore the next day. A great RomCom with minimal drama. I immediately bought the next book in the series and can’t wait for more!
Wonderful Story & Narration A Heartfelt Delight!
Decidedly off Limits
By the Bay, Book 1
By: Stina Lindenblatt
Narrated by: Tim Paige & Isabelle Ruther
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it is a wonderful romance, an off limits romance because she is his best friend’s sister and he is her best friends brother. Not so much of a taboo more of they do not want awkward family moments if all does not work out. Trent Salway and Kelsey Quaid have known each other for years, she always crushed on Trent, her brother’s best friend. Kelsey broke off her engagement, her fiancé was more into his job than he was into her. Her best friend Erin is determined to fix her up with someone how can she tell her that she wants Trent. Trent was asked by her brother, Liam, to watch over her while he was deployed over seas serving the country. Even though she is forbidden he can not deny his attraction to her and when the two finally do get together it is explosive. There is great chemistry between these two and I thought they were perfect for each other. Afraid to tell their families they try to keep it hidden which gets pretty funny at times. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted and there is never a dull moment. There is plenty of drama, a touch of angst, some great humor, heartfelt and emotional moments and some hot romance. Stina Lindenblatt thank you for the great story, the laughs and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audiobook edition, the narrators Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther are the perfect cast to bring these characters to life. They give each their own unique voice making it easy to follow along and who is who. They do an awesome job portraying the characters, grasping each persona and playing that role with perfection, sounding just as I picture them to sound. These two are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this wonderful listen
Kelsey is one amazing woman. Trent is one amazing romantic. They make for one fun strong amazing couple. Could not wait to see where the story would go. So glad it played out the way it did. Amazing couple.
If you love Brother’s Best Friend Romance than this is the book for you. Heck, if you love romance at all, read this book, it is absolutely amazing. The story is so entertaining! Kelsey has loved Trent since forever. However, Trent happens to be Kelsey’s brother, Liam’s best friend. On top of that, Kelsey’s best friend is Erin, Who happens to be the sibling of Trent. The rule for both Liam and Erin is no dating their sibling. Yet, when Liam goes off to be a Navy Seal, he asks Trent to look out for his sister, Kelsey. Trent knows looking out for Kelsey will be easier said than done. It is just keeping his hands to himself that will be the problem as he notices Kelsey more now. He notices she is beautiful and all grownup. Read this fun, swoony book. It is an absolutely fantastic romantic story, an absolute must read!
This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Stina Lindenblatt and it certainly won’t be the last. This author creates likable characters that the reader would love to have as real life friends. The plot is well paced and I love the sexy, flirty, sensual banter between Kelsey and Trent. It’s a sexy rom/com that I highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more.
Kelsey has been in love with her best friend’s brother for forever. However, Erin’s brother has a player reputation and Erin has forbidden her friends from dating her brother. And since Kelsey’s brother, Liam, is Trent’s best friend there is the whole no hitting on your best friend’s sister code. Things get interesting when Navy SEAL Liam asks Trent to keep an eye on Kelsey while he is on a mission. Trent mysteriously shows up and sabotages her dates to the humor of the reader, Kelsey is not as amused.
What follows is fun flirty story of two people who vow not to fall for each other but obviously break their own rule. This book hits all my buttons: great friendships, humor, a little misdirection to keep the relationship secret, great banter between the couple, sexy scenes that deepen the feelings of the couple and maybe best of all an irate Navy SEAL.
The audiobook of this book is brilliantly brought to life by Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther. Ms. Ruther’s voice is perfect for the bright and bubbly physical therapist, Kelsey. Through her narration I could visualize the scenes in the book and her reactions to situations. Her voices for different characters are distinctive and I love her Australian accent for Trent’s business associate, Holli. Tim Paige’s voice has a super swoony tone to it and he brings Trent to life for the listener. The listener can close their eyes and envision the uber sexy financial planner in all his hotness.
In print or in audio, I highly recommend this friends to lovers, forbidden romance to anyone who likes a great story with amazing characters. I can’t wait to get to the next read in the series.
Decidedly Off Limits
by Stina Lindenblatt
Narrated by Tim Paige, Isabelle Ruther
Series By the Bay #1
If you are looking for a fun, witty, flirty, steamy story, don’t look any further. Stina Lindenblatt has one for you! This book is what I call good entertainment. Trent and Kelsey have secretly had a crush on each other for years. There is something keeping them apart! Their siblings are each other’s best friend and you know you can’t date each other. Or can you? Both have had difficult relationships and know what they don’t want. Given the chance though, these two now have the secret, no strings attached, friends with benefits agreement. But can they stick to it? Will one fall and the other not? What will happen if their relationship goes public? And should they take the chance with their hearts? It’s all the tropes I love, best friend’s sister, childhood friends, secret relationship, friends to lovers. It’s fun, the characters are fantastic and I fell for the couple. It’s the best kind of listen.
Of course, to top this wonderful book off, the choice of narrators is spot on. Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther are amazing. Paige has the best voice, a slight sexy growl at times and just adds so much to Trent. This is my first listen of Ruther and I love her voice. She picks the perfect voice for Kelsey and lets us feel her emotions. It’s a great summer listen! Don’t miss it!
https://bit.ly/3iDJBhm
I loved this story. I listened to the audiobook and all I can say is wow! The narration was perfect! Kudos to Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther. However, the real shining star was the writing. Stina Lindenblatt knocked it out of the park. I laughed, I sighed and I was totally immersed. The characters were extremely well drawn and very believable. The story started as a bit of a slow burn, but then consistently built until it ignited! Once that fire was well and truly lit, oh my! Perfection! This book is a stand-alone but I know from blurb at the end that two of the characters get their own story. I can’t wait!
Super fun. Kept me laughing and reading until I finished the end. Lead to a book hangover, but totally worth it!
Good Friends to Lovers Romance – Audiobook Review
This is a sweet, sexy, funnyromance about Trent, the best friend watching out for a sister, Kelsey, while the Seal friend and Kelsey’s brother, Liam, is deployed. There are other great characters in the book too that make the story fun. Kelsey kept trying to fix Trent up with someone else but Trent only wanted Kelsey but didn’t want Liam to be mad at him. It was a good book and I enjoyed it but it was a little frustrating at times because you just wanted them to talk to each other and get together. The Narrators were both fantastic. Isabelle was a new narrator to me and her male voice was fantastic. Tim Paige is always great. I would recommend this book.
4.5 Fun & Sexy Stars!
I had so much fun listening to this friends to lovers/forbidden love romance. It was quirky, hilarious, heartwarming, and very sexy! Trent and Kelsey’s families have been close most of their lives. Kelsey is bff with Erin, Trents younger sister. Trent is best friends with Liam, Kelsey’s older, protective and scary Navy Seal, brother. When Liam is about to be deployed, he asks Trent to keep Kelsey safe and away from men who will take advantage of her. Little did Liam know, Trent was one of those men who was attracted to Kelsey. But the ‘best friend rules’ made him keep his distance. Trent takes his promise very seriously and finds himself in many awkward and hilarious situations with Kelsey. Kelsey is strong, smart and quirky and has had a crush on sexy, workaholic, playboy, Trent, forever. But she left her fiance because his work came first so she doesn’t want to go there again. Also after a college friend of Erin’s had a disastrous breakup with Trent, she forbids any of her friends from dating Trent ever again. So now instead of a relationship, Kelsey is trying to find her passion in life and Trent is all too willing to help. They have an easy and comfortable relationship but the more time they spend together the more their smoldering chemistry ignites. But can they go against the wishes of their meddling friends and family? When neither thinks the other is serious, can they walk away without a broken heart?
I had so much fun listening to Tim Paige, and Isabelle Ruther’s narration. Their comedic timing was perfect, and they easily made me feel all the turmoil, angst, fun, and passion between these characters. I was totally lost in their storytelling, and they made this funny, heartwarming, and sexy forbidden romance even more delightful!
Cute brother’s best friend story. Kelsey broke off her engagement because her fiancé was a workaholic..at least, that’s what she tells herself. Yet, in spite of opportunities to date, she can’t shake her feelings for her brother’s beat friend, Trent. Oh, and he’s also her best friend’s brother…but he doesn’t trust relationships. When the opportunity arises, Kels and Trent agree to a secret friends with benefits arrangement…they just have to keep their friends and family fooled. Lots of funny moments and steam. Great HEA. Looking forward to Holly’s story next!
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Trent and Kelsey are dealing with the same problems. They both have horrible dating records, are workaholics, are best friends with each other’s siblings and have secret crushes on each other. When Trent’s best friend, Liam, asks him to look after Kelsey while he is on deployment, Trent doesn’t think that it will be too hard. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow and it becomes harder to fight their attraction. The final problems they need to overcome are their siblings and their insecurities.
Decidedly Off Limits is a friends to lovers, best friend’s sibling romance in the By The Bay series. This was a good start and the introduction to the characters in this series. Trent had a real issue with jealousy through most of this book until he finally admitted to Kelsey how he felt about her and then he became quite the dirty talker. Kelsey seemed to be a little too uncertain of herself in everything but her job as a therapist. I did laugh and enjoy this story enough to want to continue on with the series. Both of the narrators, Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther did a great job and I would definitely listen to them again.
*Audiobook credit was generously provided in exchange for my honest review*
Brothers best friend and best friends brother story. Very entertaining and witty. Lovely friendship that turns into a sweet and steamy relationship.
I struggled to get into this story, but stuck with it and soon fell in love with Kelsey and Trent who have had feelings for each other for years. I struggled to like Erin who seemed controlling when it came to her best friend’s life, but nobody ever seemed to pull her up about it. A definite recommended read though and I’ll certainly be checking out other books by this author
This is the 1st book I read by Stina Lindenblatt. I’m sorry I stopped reading this story at chapter 3 because I didn’t like the characters in this story .
Sweet, cute and hot.
Longer review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3890589473?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
If you love a slow burn romance with probably no drama then this is a book for you!
I enjoyed it a lot since there were moments I loved.
For me there was a lack of a drama or something happening and then fixing. But I know not everyone is for that!
Otherwise! I would definitely recommend this book!
10/01/2020 I would actually rate “Decidedly Off Limits” (nook) as 4-1/2 stars. This story is a different take on loving a “best friends little sister.” This heartwarming story pulls at several emotions: from sorrow to angst to hope and, finally, a happily-ever-after.
I think I found one error: after Kelsey’s brother discovers her and Trent in bed, she has to traipse down the stairs to retrieve Trent’s clothing. She picks up his pants before she gets to his underwear which would indicate he removed his underwear before removing his pants.
A good story.
Audiobook Review
Narrators: Tim Paige and Isabelle Ruther
Dual POV, Dual Narration
Trope: Siblings BFF (both h and H)
Steam level: 4/5
Humor (, , , or ):
Chemistry/Sexual Tension (,, or ): in between and
This is a popular trope, because everyone loves the forbidden, even if they don’t want to admit it. It’s a lot of fun.
The storyline flowed really well, and was enjoyable. The conversations between the siblings and friends were always enjoyable. You could tell they were close. It felt authentic. The characters were well developed and came across as having depth. I enjoyed the amount of time devoted to the side characters; it gave an added layer of dimension and a sense of sincerity to the story.
The only disappointing element was the siblings reactions to their relationship. With as much angst, and for how long they denied their feelings, it was a bit of a let down. Especially from one of the siblings. It (their reaction and feelings) were talked up so much that it just made it seem false, to me anyways. Even so, it didn’t sour the story; it just felt like it was glossed over.
As far as the narrators go, they were incredible. I felt like the parts were casted very well. Tim Paige is a performer, through and through. It comes through with his ability to take on the character, and make you believe it’s real. This was the first time to listen to a book narrated by Isabelle Ruther. She has a very pleasant tone of voice, and did a great job with her character, and stepping in for the others. Her Australian voice is amazing. Makes me a bit jealous, actually. All of my attempts at an accent only sound redneck.
Verdict: 9/10 would recommend.