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Pleasure Principle #1
Off the Clock
FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE LOVING ON THE EDGE NOVELS, THE FIRST IN A SENSUAL NEW SERIES
Overtime has never felt so good…
Marin Rush loves studying sex. Doing it? That’s another story. In the research lab, Marin’s lack of practical knowledge didn’t matter, but now that she’s landed a job at The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute, she can’t ignore the fact that the person most in need of sexual healing may be her.
Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, couldn’t agree more. Donovan knows that Marin’s clients are going to eat her alive unless she gets some hands-on experience. And if she fails at the job, he can say goodbye to a promotion, so he assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to prepare her for the wild clientele of The Grove’s X-wing.
But some of those tasks are built for two, and when he finds Marin searching for a candidate to help her check off her list, Donovan decides there’s only one man for the job—him. As long as they keep their erotic, off-the-clock activities strictly confidential and without strings, no one will get fired—or worse, get attached…
Exclusive to this edition only—a bonus short story
Overtime has never felt so good…
Marin Rush loves studying sex. Doing it? That’s another story. In the research lab, Marin’s lack of practical knowledge didn’t matter, but now that she’s landed a job at The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute, she can’t ignore the fact that the person most in need of sexual healing may be her.
Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, couldn’t agree more. Donovan knows that Marin’s clients are going to eat her alive unless she gets some hands-on experience. And if she fails at the job, he can say goodbye to a promotion, so he assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to prepare her for the wild clientele of The Grove’s X-wing.
But some of those tasks are built for two, and when he finds Marin searching for a candidate to help her check off her list, Donovan decides there’s only one man for the job—him. As long as they keep their erotic, off-the-clock activities strictly confidential and without strings, no one will get fired—or worse, get attached…
Exclusive to this edition only—a bonus short story
358 pages, ebook
First published January 5, 2016
About the author
Roni Loren
43 books3,488 followersRoni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. She holds a master’s degree in social work and spent years as a mental health counselor, but now she writes full time from her cozy office in North Texas where she puts her characters on the therapy couch instead. She is a two-time RITA Award winner and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
January 14, 2016
4 Stars
Is it hot in here or was it this book? I should know by now to expect sizzling hot romance from Roni Loren but this was absolutely smoking', uncomfortably aroused, don't read in public sort of hot! Dirty fantasies, role playing, and a hero dubbed "The Orgasm Whisperer". Yeah. Suffice it to say I really enjoyed this one.
I've been a huge fan of Roni Loren since I first discovered her Loving on The Edge series, but dare I say this book was my favorite of hers yet? If you haven't read anything by this fantastic author yet, this is the perfect book to start with.
Marin Rush has spent most of her youth taking care of her mother and younger brother and trying to put herself through school. A chance meeting late night at work she stumbles upon something that changes her and her career. She may not have much experience in the matter, but Marin knows sex, in the scientific and psychological sense anyway. But when she lands a coveted position in one of the most renowned institutions as a sex therapist, she knows that her scientific knowledge won't do much for her when it comes to her clients. She needs hands on knowledge...
They dubbed him The Orgasm Whisperer. Dr. Donovan West is a great therapist, but he's not without a few sexual hangups himself. Mostly in the form of commitment phobia. He likes his sex dirty, hard, and non-permanent. When the beautiful Marin becomes his colleague, he knows he can help her, but the rules may need to blur for it
Marin and Donovan have a connection in the past that seems to make their sexual attraction in the present that much stronger. It may not be quite against the rules, and it may be a touch taboo, but it's not long before the pull between them gets too deliciously tempting to resist.
I loved every single part of Off The Clock. It was sexy, a little edgy, and everything I've come to love in Roni Loren's romances.
Marin may have been one of my favorite parts about this book. While she may be inexperienced, she's no blushing ingenue. This is a woman that's smart, strong and knows what she wants. She has this inner core of strength to her that was understated and yet perfectly there. I wasn't expecting to love her as much as I did because she's not the typical heroine I like to read about but she completely won me over. I loved watching her tick kink after kink off with the sinfully sexy Donovan.
As for Donovan? *Fans self*. This is the epitome of a sexy nerd. This man was everything. Between his penchant for the kinky in bed and his dirty talk, he certainly doesn't act like a nerd, and yet nothing was more delicious than reading about him doing his dissertation of female arousal from dirty talk. I'm easy like that I suppose.
If you're looking for a sexy contemporary romance to start your 2016 with, you really can't go wrong with this one. A huge rec from this girl!
Graphics are stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don't share without permission
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I'm happy to take things slow since you're new to so much. But that doesn't mean I don't think about hauling you up against a wall, hiking your skirt up, and fucking you like I own you.
Is it hot in here or was it this book? I should know by now to expect sizzling hot romance from Roni Loren but this was absolutely smoking', uncomfortably aroused, don't read in public sort of hot! Dirty fantasies, role playing, and a hero dubbed "The Orgasm Whisperer". Yeah. Suffice it to say I really enjoyed this one.
I've been a huge fan of Roni Loren since I first discovered her Loving on The Edge series, but dare I say this book was my favorite of hers yet? If you haven't read anything by this fantastic author yet, this is the perfect book to start with.
Marin Rush has spent most of her youth taking care of her mother and younger brother and trying to put herself through school. A chance meeting late night at work she stumbles upon something that changes her and her career. She may not have much experience in the matter, but Marin knows sex, in the scientific and psychological sense anyway. But when she lands a coveted position in one of the most renowned institutions as a sex therapist, she knows that her scientific knowledge won't do much for her when it comes to her clients. She needs hands on knowledge...
They dubbed him The Orgasm Whisperer. Dr. Donovan West is a great therapist, but he's not without a few sexual hangups himself. Mostly in the form of commitment phobia. He likes his sex dirty, hard, and non-permanent. When the beautiful Marin becomes his colleague, he knows he can help her, but the rules may need to blur for it
Marin and Donovan have a connection in the past that seems to make their sexual attraction in the present that much stronger. It may not be quite against the rules, and it may be a touch taboo, but it's not long before the pull between them gets too deliciously tempting to resist.
I loved every single part of Off The Clock. It was sexy, a little edgy, and everything I've come to love in Roni Loren's romances.
Marin may have been one of my favorite parts about this book. While she may be inexperienced, she's no blushing ingenue. This is a woman that's smart, strong and knows what she wants. She has this inner core of strength to her that was understated and yet perfectly there. I wasn't expecting to love her as much as I did because she's not the typical heroine I like to read about but she completely won me over. I loved watching her tick kink after kink off with the sinfully sexy Donovan.
As for Donovan? *Fans self*. This is the epitome of a sexy nerd. This man was everything. Between his penchant for the kinky in bed and his dirty talk, he certainly doesn't act like a nerd, and yet nothing was more delicious than reading about him doing his dissertation of female arousal from dirty talk. I'm easy like that I suppose.
If you're looking for a sexy contemporary romance to start your 2016 with, you really can't go wrong with this one. A huge rec from this girl!
Graphics are stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don't share without permission
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
August 29, 2023
5 Orgasm Whisperer Stars ⭐️
After accepting a position as a therapist at The Grove, an experimental sex therapy institute, Marin Rush quickly realises that being out of her element is spot on. And faking it until she makes it doesn't apply to this role.
Dr Dominic West is a well renowned sex therapist to the rich and elite. Tragedy from his past has left him cold, cynical and closed off to relationships. But if one is looking for counselling, alternative therapies or just pure satisfaction, he’s an expert in his field.
By coincidence Dominic and Marin share a past from a lifetime ago. A romance cut short by unforeseen circumstances. But neither forgot the friendship and passion they briefly embraced.
"This was going to happen. Marin wanted him in her bed—to teach, to explore, to show her things she’d only fantasised about. She wanted raw, gritty sex. And she wanted to do it with him. Holy fucking gift from above."
Although Marin is a perfectionist and a quick study, her lack of sexuality makes her awkward for this new role. For personal and selfish reasons, it’s in Dominic’s best interest to see Marin succeed. Dominic soon finds himself offering Marin his mentoring services both professionally and physically. And the best form of experience is exposure.
So begins a sensual exploration of intimacy, lust and fantasies (so delicious to read), until they both realise how perfect they are together.
I loved the premise of this story, the sizzling chemistry between these two, the intricacies of their personalities and the absurdity of the story-line. I would reread this in a heartbeat. Expect to require relief!!
After accepting a position as a therapist at The Grove, an experimental sex therapy institute, Marin Rush quickly realises that being out of her element is spot on. And faking it until she makes it doesn't apply to this role.
Dr Dominic West is a well renowned sex therapist to the rich and elite. Tragedy from his past has left him cold, cynical and closed off to relationships. But if one is looking for counselling, alternative therapies or just pure satisfaction, he’s an expert in his field.
By coincidence Dominic and Marin share a past from a lifetime ago. A romance cut short by unforeseen circumstances. But neither forgot the friendship and passion they briefly embraced.
"This was going to happen. Marin wanted him in her bed—to teach, to explore, to show her things she’d only fantasised about. She wanted raw, gritty sex. And she wanted to do it with him. Holy fucking gift from above."
Although Marin is a perfectionist and a quick study, her lack of sexuality makes her awkward for this new role. For personal and selfish reasons, it’s in Dominic’s best interest to see Marin succeed. Dominic soon finds himself offering Marin his mentoring services both professionally and physically. And the best form of experience is exposure.
So begins a sensual exploration of intimacy, lust and fantasies (so delicious to read), until they both realise how perfect they are together.
I loved the premise of this story, the sizzling chemistry between these two, the intricacies of their personalities and the absurdity of the story-line. I would reread this in a heartbeat. Expect to require relief!!
March 24, 2021
5+++ stars
This delightful little book was recommended by the lovely Isabella! I have no idea why it took me so long but it was well worth the wait!
I’m down for some hot nerd action!
Reading through fantasies and telling a hot guy which ones turn me on sounds like a dream job, mmmkay. Get it together, Marin!
The chemistry is off the charts. Like seriously, the hottest chemistry ever. 30 days my ass, this shit is inevitable.
On the surface Donovan is annoyingly cocky but when you chip away that veneer you find someone very heartfelt, with good intentions. And when his conceited behavior comes too close to the surface, Marin’s good about putting him in his place.
“Feel better?” he asked after eating a few bites of the melon. “I know sex with me requires regular hydration. It’s like training for a marathon. Need to get you in fighting shape, Rush.” She narrowed her eyes at him and then spit a watermelon seed at him with impressive velocity. It plinked off his shoulder and he laughed.”
I’ve always been a big Batman fan, (Michael Keaton of course) so I’m loving this double life scenario. Mild mannered sex therapist by day, brutal dominating orgasm whisperer by night. (Although that sounds more like Superman, Henry Cavill of course.)
“The urbane doctor was gone. This was Donovan unmasked. The Donovan in his and her private fantasies.”
Hottest game of hide and seek, ever!
What a fantastic ride! Marin and Donovan may be one of my favorite couples ever. And the steam factor, pretty much ticked all the boxes.
This delightful little book was recommended by the lovely Isabella! I have no idea why it took me so long but it was well worth the wait!
I’m down for some hot nerd action!
Reading through fantasies and telling a hot guy which ones turn me on sounds like a dream job, mmmkay. Get it together, Marin!
The chemistry is off the charts. Like seriously, the hottest chemistry ever. 30 days my ass, this shit is inevitable.
On the surface Donovan is annoyingly cocky but when you chip away that veneer you find someone very heartfelt, with good intentions. And when his conceited behavior comes too close to the surface, Marin’s good about putting him in his place.
“Feel better?” he asked after eating a few bites of the melon. “I know sex with me requires regular hydration. It’s like training for a marathon. Need to get you in fighting shape, Rush.” She narrowed her eyes at him and then spit a watermelon seed at him with impressive velocity. It plinked off his shoulder and he laughed.”
I’ve always been a big Batman fan, (Michael Keaton of course) so I’m loving this double life scenario. Mild mannered sex therapist by day, brutal dominating orgasm whisperer by night. (Although that sounds more like Superman, Henry Cavill of course.)
“The urbane doctor was gone. This was Donovan unmasked. The Donovan in his and her private fantasies.”
Hottest game of hide and seek, ever!
What a fantastic ride! Marin and Donovan may be one of my favorite couples ever. And the steam factor, pretty much ticked all the boxes.
January 11, 2016
♥ ♥ ♥ 4 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
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"I'm happy to take things slow since you're new to so much. But that doesn't mean I don't think about hauling you up against a wall, hiking your skirt up, and fucking you like I own you. I think about it. I think about it. All. The. Fucking. Time."
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Marin Rush hasn't had it easy in life. Still, she manages to put herself through school. It's precisely at this school where she develops a crush on grad student Donovan West. One night, Marin accidentally over hears someone's deep voice, saying very dirty things that turn her on. When she realizes it was Donovan's voice, things change for her dramatically and even changes the direction of her studies. A connection sparks between them, and soon Marin finds herself losing her v-card to the sexy Donovan. Unfortunately, something tragic happens in her family which alters things for. But, she never forgot about Donovan throughout the years.
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"Do you know what that does to me? Knowing you're turned on by my words? My fantasies? And now to walk in and see you touching yourself over them? Fuck"
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Nine years later, Marin is struggling to make ends meet now that her brother Nate is about to start college. Luck is on her side when she finds out about a job opportunity in New Orleans, where Nate will be studying. The job may be out of her comfort zone but she is willing to give it a shot. It is a high end clinic for the rich and famous that offer sex therapy in some innovative ways. When Marin shows up for the interview, she never in a million years expected to see Donovan, who is now a sex doctor at the clinic. The attraction between is definitely still very much present, but now that they are colleagues anything between them is off limits. They both ignore the heat they feel for each other, but Donovan is done ignoring. He wants her, so why can't they indulge in each other in secret. And with the time limit set, they can finally get it out of their system without it turning into more.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"Donovan. I need you."
"I've got you." He climbed onto the bed and pressed a line of kisses along the curve of her neck. She writhed under his touch, and he put a hand on her hip to anchor her. "I need you right back."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
This was one hell of a smoking hawt read! Yowza! Roni Loren, you freaking did it. I really enjoyed this one. It didn't hurt that it was a second chance at love kind of story, I'm big sucker for those. But what I really liked were the characters. The chemistry between them was sizzling. The sex scenes were sensual, naughty, and kinky. I can't tell you enough how toe curling those were. Donovan is one sexy beast. Oh, how I really loved him. And Marin may have been a virgin, but I loved that she never came off as this shy naïve girl. Sure she was inexperienced, but she was confident in herself and didn't hold back in exploring things sexually with Donovan. I loved the pace of the book and the development of relationship. I loved that for an erotica, there was more to them than just sex which can happen a lot in these types of stories. I really liked a few of the secondary characters as well, for example Lane. He needs a book pronto, as does Nate. Overall, this book was really great. Definitely recommend this one.
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 14, 202147% and I'm out.
I need to stop before it becomes a "hate read".
This book had so much potential and sounded JUST like my kind of thing, because I LOVE talking about sex in real life. Human sexuality is exciting - and educating about it is SO SO necessary, so yeah, their research and the therapy sessions were really interesting. And the romance part, I totally ate up the first 20%!
But then 9 years passed and we were presented with two barely changed characters...
I couldn't get past a 27 year old woman who had a PhD in Human Sexuality Studies but blushed every time when someone mentioned masturbation or porn. And a hero, who was a licenced therapist, but hasn't seeked help for his trauma from 10 years ago and was still fixated as if it'd happened recently.
It wasn't all, but I'll stop here.
PS. I keep thinking that if Cara McKenna would have written it, it would've been a fantastic story...
I need to stop before it becomes a "hate read".
This book had so much potential and sounded JUST like my kind of thing, because I LOVE talking about sex in real life. Human sexuality is exciting - and educating about it is SO SO necessary, so yeah, their research and the therapy sessions were really interesting. And the romance part, I totally ate up the first 20%!
But then 9 years passed and we were presented with two barely changed characters...
I couldn't get past a 27 year old woman who had a PhD in Human Sexuality Studies but blushed every time when someone mentioned masturbation or porn. And a hero, who was a licenced therapist, but hasn't seeked help for his trauma from 10 years ago and was still fixated as if it'd happened recently.
It wasn't all, but I'll stop here.
PS. I keep thinking that if Cara McKenna would have written it, it would've been a fantastic story...
July 27, 2020
I thought I was getting into a sexy book about sex therapists. Instead, Off the Clock turned out to be a sexy book that contains some pretty damaging ideas about mental health. Solid going, Ms. Loren. (Not.)
So, this book is basically about Marin and Donovan’s unresolved sexual tension. They met in college. Marin was an undergrad; Donovan was writing his dissertation. They hooked up over a lab table. Then they don’t see each other for 9 years, until Marin gets hired by the same fancy private practice Donovan works at. As Donovan attempts to train Marin for her first-ever clinical position, he realizes that she blushes at literally everything their clients say about their sex lives. So, he helpfully offers to fuck the blushes straight out of her.
Stay classy, y’all.
Looking back at it, what’s strangest about Off the Clock is how fiercely Roni Loren clings to the “innocent virgin” archetype, even in the context of a book about sex therapy. Marin is a virgin when the book opens—we get a lovely image of the blood on Donovan’s dick. And then the book expects us to believe than in the ensuing 9 years, Marin never did anything remotely sexual or romantic. She didn’t go on dates, she didn’t watch pornography, she didn’t ever see a sex toy. Nada. This is unreasonable for anyone, but especially for someone who’s literally getting her PhD as a sexual psychologist. I promise you, she would have had her “innocence” knocked out of her long before she got the therapist job.
But, you see, for some reason it’s very important to this book that Donovan be Marin’s One True Dick. He’s her one and only sexual partner, and of course this is meant to be coded as “look at Marin, she’s so chaste and deserving of a good orgasm.” Uh, no. If I’m reading a book about sexual therapists, I would really like to see a sexually liberated woman who isn’t locked inside her own shame closet. Alas, Marin is the queen of blushes and deer-in-headlights-look, so we have to deal with that for the entire 400 page novel.
Once I reluctantly accepted that the virginal heroine trope was there to stay, Off the Clock honestly isn’t bad. It’s very sexy, and it’s very well-written. I admit that I was turned off by the scene where Donovan pours red wine over Marin’s vulva and then proceeds to penetrate her with the wine bottle, but I guess in Romancelandia we don’t have to be concerned about UTIs. Other than that, the sex was good—and since this is an erotic romance, the entire book is about sex. Everything was going super well! Until it wasn’t.
Where things really fall apart is the Dark Moment. After Marin and Donovan get caught embracing by their boss, Marin goes back to Donovan’s house while he gets lectured by said boss. She goes looking in his medicine cabinet and finds...medicine! (Who would have thought.) The medicine in question is antidepressants, sleep aids, and antianxiety meds. And then the reader is treated to this gem:
What. The. Fuck.
May I remind everyone that Marin is a psychologist and almost-licensed therapist? She, better than anyone, should know that wildly depressed people tend to look completely “normal” on the outside. This just doesn’t make sense, and I’m really sick of the whole “You’re not sick! You look fine!” mentality that many people have. To see it perpetrated by a character who’s purported to be an expert on mental health? How fucking damaging.
Anyway, and then things get really juicy when Donovan comes home and Marin confronts him about the antidepressants:
The broken kind. THE. BROKEN. KIND.
“The broken kind” from, again, a trained and extremely well-educated therapist! That’s so ridiculous I don’t even know what to say. A real therapist would fucking know better than to equate depression with being “broken.” Additionally, a real therapist would most likely...be in therapy! To deal with their PTSD and suchlike. Because therapists tend to be very pro-therapy, and don’t let their symptoms go unaddressed for 10 years. What the hell.
Like, I get that Loren needed some kind of emotional conflict that would amp up the Dark Moment, but sacrificing realistic mental health at the altar of convenient plot twists strikes me the wrong way. According to her author bio, Loren was also a mental health practitioner at some point—she should know better. What we need in mainstream media is the normalizing and acceptance of mental health disorders, not the demonizing of them. Off the Clock massively fails in this respect, in just a single scene.
But it didn’t end there! Oh, no. After this emotional conversation with Donovan, Marin returns home. There, she finds her gay little brother, who’s supposedly in a relationship, making out with a woman. When Marin (reasonably) demands to know what’s going on, her brother explodes.
Oh look, casual biphobia for the win. I really wonder what’s so fucking wrong with being bisexual, huh? But obviously, per the portrayal in Off the Clock, bisexuality is not something anyone ever wants to be. It’s more of an affliction that must be suffered through. Mmkay. Gross. Don’t even want to touch that one.
Anyway, so all of this absolute crappy crap happens right before the end. I was so put off by the blatant ableism and confusing biphobia that I just cruise-controlled my way to the HEA. It was nice, and it felt “deserved,” if such a thing can be said. But honestly, the entire thing was cheapened by what I’ve discussed above.
I think we need books that delve into what it’s like to live with depression, PTSD, etc. I think we need books that humanize psychology and make it seem like a friendly, helpful science, rather than a scary, often damaging experiment. What we do not need is to perpetuate harmful myths surrounding mental health and therapists. Off the Clock may be a sexy book, but I honestly fear that it does more harm than good. Since this is coming from an author who claims to have been educated and experienced in this issue, I’m even more disappointed. Roni Loren should have known better.
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So, this book is basically about Marin and Donovan’s unresolved sexual tension. They met in college. Marin was an undergrad; Donovan was writing his dissertation. They hooked up over a lab table. Then they don’t see each other for 9 years, until Marin gets hired by the same fancy private practice Donovan works at. As Donovan attempts to train Marin for her first-ever clinical position, he realizes that she blushes at literally everything their clients say about their sex lives. So, he helpfully offers to fuck the blushes straight out of her.
Stay classy, y’all.
Looking back at it, what’s strangest about Off the Clock is how fiercely Roni Loren clings to the “innocent virgin” archetype, even in the context of a book about sex therapy. Marin is a virgin when the book opens—we get a lovely image of the blood on Donovan’s dick. And then the book expects us to believe than in the ensuing 9 years, Marin never did anything remotely sexual or romantic. She didn’t go on dates, she didn’t watch pornography, she didn’t ever see a sex toy. Nada. This is unreasonable for anyone, but especially for someone who’s literally getting her PhD as a sexual psychologist. I promise you, she would have had her “innocence” knocked out of her long before she got the therapist job.
But, you see, for some reason it’s very important to this book that Donovan be Marin’s One True Dick. He’s her one and only sexual partner, and of course this is meant to be coded as “look at Marin, she’s so chaste and deserving of a good orgasm.” Uh, no. If I’m reading a book about sexual therapists, I would really like to see a sexually liberated woman who isn’t locked inside her own shame closet. Alas, Marin is the queen of blushes and deer-in-headlights-look, so we have to deal with that for the entire 400 page novel.
Once I reluctantly accepted that the virginal heroine trope was there to stay, Off the Clock honestly isn’t bad. It’s very sexy, and it’s very well-written. I admit that I was turned off by the scene where Donovan pours red wine over Marin’s vulva and then proceeds to penetrate her with the wine bottle, but I guess in Romancelandia we don’t have to be concerned about UTIs. Other than that, the sex was good—and since this is an erotic romance, the entire book is about sex. Everything was going super well! Until it wasn’t.
Where things really fall apart is the Dark Moment. After Marin and Donovan get caught embracing by their boss, Marin goes back to Donovan’s house while he gets lectured by said boss. She goes looking in his medicine cabinet and finds...medicine! (Who would have thought.) The medicine in question is antidepressants, sleep aids, and antianxiety meds. And then the reader is treated to this gem:
Donovan was depressed? It was hard to wrap her head around. The guy she knew had so much light in him. That smile of his was like a freaking sunrise.
What. The. Fuck.
May I remind everyone that Marin is a psychologist and almost-licensed therapist? She, better than anyone, should know that wildly depressed people tend to look completely “normal” on the outside. This just doesn’t make sense, and I’m really sick of the whole “You’re not sick! You look fine!” mentality that many people have. To see it perpetrated by a character who’s purported to be an expert on mental health? How fucking damaging.
Anyway, and then things get really juicy when Donovan comes home and Marin confronts him about the antidepressants:
The words hit her like a blow to the chest. “Donovan…”
“Yeah. That’s what guy I am. The broken kind. The kind you can’t count on. I told you that from the start.”
Her stomach knotted, her emotions curling in on themselves. Donovan had thought about suicide.
The broken kind. THE. BROKEN. KIND.
“The broken kind” from, again, a trained and extremely well-educated therapist! That’s so ridiculous I don’t even know what to say. A real therapist would fucking know better than to equate depression with being “broken.” Additionally, a real therapist would most likely...be in therapy! To deal with their PTSD and suchlike. Because therapists tend to be very pro-therapy, and don’t let their symptoms go unaddressed for 10 years. What the hell.
Like, I get that Loren needed some kind of emotional conflict that would amp up the Dark Moment, but sacrificing realistic mental health at the altar of convenient plot twists strikes me the wrong way. According to her author bio, Loren was also a mental health practitioner at some point—she should know better. What we need in mainstream media is the normalizing and acceptance of mental health disorders, not the demonizing of them. Off the Clock massively fails in this respect, in just a single scene.
But it didn’t end there! Oh, no. After this emotional conversation with Donovan, Marin returns home. There, she finds her gay little brother, who’s supposedly in a relationship, making out with a woman. When Marin (reasonably) demands to know what’s going on, her brother explodes.
I’ve gone through the worst breakup of my life, have barely been able to deal with this move, and then I freaking started up something with a girl. I could be bi. I have no clue what to do with that. I don’t want to be that.
Oh look, casual biphobia for the win. I really wonder what’s so fucking wrong with being bisexual, huh? But obviously, per the portrayal in Off the Clock, bisexuality is not something anyone ever wants to be. It’s more of an affliction that must be suffered through. Mmkay. Gross. Don’t even want to touch that one.
Anyway, so all of this absolute crappy crap happens right before the end. I was so put off by the blatant ableism and confusing biphobia that I just cruise-controlled my way to the HEA. It was nice, and it felt “deserved,” if such a thing can be said. But honestly, the entire thing was cheapened by what I’ve discussed above.
I think we need books that delve into what it’s like to live with depression, PTSD, etc. I think we need books that humanize psychology and make it seem like a friendly, helpful science, rather than a scary, often damaging experiment. What we do not need is to perpetuate harmful myths surrounding mental health and therapists. Off the Clock may be a sexy book, but I honestly fear that it does more harm than good. Since this is coming from an author who claims to have been educated and experienced in this issue, I’m even more disappointed. Roni Loren should have known better.
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July 20, 2020
5 stars!
this book consumed me. or in fact, it was this series that really pulled me in. its emotional, filthy, raw and most importantly, Roni Loren tackled real life issues like mental illnesses and suicidal thoughts extremely well here.
9 years ago. On a fateful night, Marin overheard a deep voice saying dirty things and she can't help but stayed to listen. it turns out that the man was Donovan who's doing a study on the different scenarios that turns a woman on. sparks fly and they connected immediately. the night when Marin and Donovan had sex for the first time, something happened to Marin's family and she knew she had to leave.
9 years later. Marin has finally gotten her PhD. She went for a job interview and never did she expect to find Donovan there, working in the same institute.
Dr Donovan West now works as a sex therapist. On the outside, he's a confident man. But on the inside was a broken man, complete wrecked from a tragedy, living in paranoia. When he finally met Marin again after 9 years, all of the memories came rushing back again.
Particularly that night.
the question now is, will they be able to ignore the tension between them when both of them clearly still wanted each other? the steam level here is crazy.. Donovan had a dirty mind and mouth, Marin might be on the inexperienced side but she's willing to try out everything that Donovan suggests. wine bottles..? audio recordings of the different fantasies..?
it might be under erotica, but there's so much more. The struggles and tragedies that Marin and Donovan faced were so real. it's not OTT and you can FEEL for them. the scenes of passionate lovemaking to the rough, hot, deliciously filthy sex were packed with so much emotion. you feel the longing between them and it's powerful.
"He snapped another picture. And then lowered the camera, turning the screen her way. Hooded eyes, puffy lips, and ransacked hair, the candlelight hitting her just so, making her sexy in a way she’d never have assigned to herself. This was what wanting him looked like on her.
This is what he saw. "
5 stars! ✨✨
this book consumed me. or in fact, it was this series that really pulled me in. its emotional, filthy, raw and most importantly, Roni Loren tackled real life issues like mental illnesses and suicidal thoughts extremely well here.
9 years ago. On a fateful night, Marin overheard a deep voice saying dirty things and she can't help but stayed to listen. it turns out that the man was Donovan who's doing a study on the different scenarios that turns a woman on. sparks fly and they connected immediately. the night when Marin and Donovan had sex for the first time, something happened to Marin's family and she knew she had to leave.
9 years later. Marin has finally gotten her PhD. She went for a job interview and never did she expect to find Donovan there, working in the same institute.
Dr Donovan West now works as a sex therapist. On the outside, he's a confident man. But on the inside was a broken man, complete wrecked from a tragedy, living in paranoia. When he finally met Marin again after 9 years, all of the memories came rushing back again.
Particularly that night.
the question now is, will they be able to ignore the tension between them when both of them clearly still wanted each other? the steam level here is crazy.. Donovan had a dirty mind and mouth, Marin might be on the inexperienced side but she's willing to try out everything that Donovan suggests. wine bottles..? audio recordings of the different fantasies..?
it might be under erotica, but there's so much more. The struggles and tragedies that Marin and Donovan faced were so real. it's not OTT and you can FEEL for them. the scenes of passionate lovemaking to the rough, hot, deliciously filthy sex were packed with so much emotion. you feel the longing between them and it's powerful.
"He snapped another picture. And then lowered the camera, turning the screen her way. Hooded eyes, puffy lips, and ransacked hair, the candlelight hitting her just so, making her sexy in a way she’d never have assigned to herself. This was what wanting him looked like on her.
This is what he saw. "
5 stars! ✨✨
January 12, 2016
3.5 Stars
A very sexy and unique story. I liked the characters and the overall story, but I wanted a little more chemistry between Donovan and Marin. The dirty talk was off the charts hot and the sex was smoking, though, and that made this book good. There was little story so I kept hoping for more of one, but what we did get was good.
A very sexy and unique story. I liked the characters and the overall story, but I wanted a little more chemistry between Donovan and Marin. The dirty talk was off the charts hot and the sex was smoking, though, and that made this book good. There was little story so I kept hoping for more of one, but what we did get was good.
September 19, 2022
Definitely didn't expected it to be this spicy... Loved the plot. So refreshing!
Things I liked:
🧡 The story: The plot is very fresh, two sex therepists working together who find something special in each other.
🧡 The writing: Whether it be of the characters or the plot as a whole, the writing flowed nicely.
🧡 The length: It didn't bore as many novels do tend to go on and on forever.
The only thing that needed work for me can be that the couple could've had more of their therapy sessions together before going into their relationship. Otherwise, a strong romance!
Things I liked:
🧡 The story: The plot is very fresh, two sex therepists working together who find something special in each other.
🧡 The writing: Whether it be of the characters or the plot as a whole, the writing flowed nicely.
🧡 The length: It didn't bore as many novels do tend to go on and on forever.
The only thing that needed work for me can be that the couple could've had more of their therapy sessions together before going into their relationship. Otherwise, a strong romance!
May 5, 2017
3* STARS!
My first read from Roni Loren. I was so curious about this book because someone's review really fascinating me. I didn't realize this book would be thatttt long. Just look at that pages *shudders*. Off the clock was divided into 2 parts. Well, it was the past and the present. I have some difficulty to process this book. The doctor and biological isn't my things and it was quite unexpected in the story.
Marin Rush met someone who's gonna changed her life in the future. The past they had didn't end well. They had separate ways but nine years later, they met in unexpected circumstances that brought them together. Again. Donovan West never thought he will meet this girl after what happened in the past. Marin still 'innocent' like her first time. She's a great researcher with brilliant theory but sucks at practice with people. Her new job demands her to face people and Donovan is her mentor. He challenge her to explore the sexuality for her job, of course.
I have trouble to connect with Marin at first. She's so typical with nothing interest me so far. Until she landed with the new job. I admitted her life was so boring. She has troubled family and a brother to taken care of but she's a wonderful woman. Donovan is a train-wreck in this case. He has amazing skill and great body. Who doesn't want this sexy doctor?
Their job seems very interesting in 50% of the book. You know, sex addiction and other problems. Like I said before, it was hard to process their 'conversation' when in doctor mode. BUT... I'm starting to like them together when in sexy mode. Wow... Donovan West! *fanned myself* I didn't know he's a true kinky bastard. Their sex games really freakin' HOT. It was like BDSM without label. There is no 'Yes, Sir' but damn awesome. I wouldn't argue with that! Donovan has very dirty mind with dark side. Kinda love it ;) Do I need to mentioned they have 'role-play'? Fuck... I couldn't forget it!
Anyaway, Off the Clock was a great read for me. Work hard, play hard. Yeah, it was like their motto. We just know in the outside world Donovan is a laid-back person, but inside he's still scarred man. He couldn't forgive himself after what happened with his family. It was so sad. But Marin balanced him. She was like sunshine in Donovan's life. My only complaint is the slow-paced building plus kinda boring life before the sex happened. Huh :p
My first read from Roni Loren. I was so curious about this book because someone's review really fascinating me. I didn't realize this book would be thatttt long. Just look at that pages *shudders*. Off the clock was divided into 2 parts. Well, it was the past and the present. I have some difficulty to process this book. The doctor and biological isn't my things and it was quite unexpected in the story.
Marin Rush met someone who's gonna changed her life in the future. The past they had didn't end well. They had separate ways but nine years later, they met in unexpected circumstances that brought them together. Again. Donovan West never thought he will meet this girl after what happened in the past. Marin still 'innocent' like her first time. She's a great researcher with brilliant theory but sucks at practice with people. Her new job demands her to face people and Donovan is her mentor. He challenge her to explore the sexuality for her job, of course.
I have trouble to connect with Marin at first. She's so typical with nothing interest me so far. Until she landed with the new job. I admitted her life was so boring. She has troubled family and a brother to taken care of but she's a wonderful woman. Donovan is a train-wreck in this case. He has amazing skill and great body. Who doesn't want this sexy doctor?
Their job seems very interesting in 50% of the book. You know, sex addiction and other problems. Like I said before, it was hard to process their 'conversation' when in doctor mode. BUT... I'm starting to like them together when in sexy mode. Wow... Donovan West! *fanned myself* I didn't know he's a true kinky bastard. Their sex games really freakin' HOT. It was like BDSM without label. There is no 'Yes, Sir' but damn awesome. I wouldn't argue with that! Donovan has very dirty mind with dark side. Kinda love it ;) Do I need to mentioned they have 'role-play'? Fuck... I couldn't forget it!
"I wanted you like this from very first moment I saw you. Back then. And now." He leaned forward, his lips brushing hers. "Tonight. I will fucking have you."
Anyaway, Off the Clock was a great read for me. Work hard, play hard. Yeah, it was like their motto. We just know in the outside world Donovan is a laid-back person, but inside he's still scarred man. He couldn't forgive himself after what happened with his family. It was so sad. But Marin balanced him. She was like sunshine in Donovan's life. My only complaint is the slow-paced building plus kinda boring life before the sex happened. Huh :p
January 14, 2016
DO NOT USE A OPEN WINE BOTTLE FOR MASTURBATING. Unless you want a vaginal prolapse - or bleed to death, DON'T do it!
Genre: Office Affair – Second Chance – New Adult style
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 6/10
Humour: 0/10
Hotness: 4/10
Romance: 7/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & Hero POV; 3rd person. Stand alone.
Off the Clock has two characters with broken pasts; a man-whore hero, a virgin heroine and a forbidden feel.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This book started off really good. I liked the hero. But sadly, he turned into just an okay character. I dropped half a star because of how much it waned in the middle, for a good 20%.
Then I dropped half a star because of the bottle scene. These lead characters are sexual mental heath doctors, yet he stuck an open bottle up her vagina! Major faux pas there author. Another faux pas was the excuse between the characters not to be together; because they're colleagues. Yet, his last sex-buddy was a colleague too.
There were a few overdone NA tropes in there, the V card, the dom, the other woman, the dead parents... But the book had a unique setting & some good sex (though there wasn't too much). It's set in a health clinic, where the rich and famous go. And both our leads are experts in sexual mental health.
Overall, the bottle & the overdone tropes let it down. But the kink, the setting, the writing and the unique parts were very good.
3.5 STARS
Genre: Office Affair – Second Chance – New Adult style
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 6/10
Humour: 0/10
Hotness: 4/10
Romance: 7/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & Hero POV; 3rd person. Stand alone.
Off the Clock has two characters with broken pasts; a man-whore hero, a virgin heroine and a forbidden feel.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This book started off really good. I liked the hero. But sadly, he turned into just an okay character. I dropped half a star because of how much it waned in the middle, for a good 20%.
Then I dropped half a star because of the bottle scene. These lead characters are sexual mental heath doctors, yet he stuck an open bottle up her vagina! Major faux pas there author. Another faux pas was the excuse between the characters not to be together; because they're colleagues. Yet, his last sex-buddy was a colleague too.
There were a few overdone NA tropes in there, the V card, the dom, the other woman, the dead parents... But the book had a unique setting & some good sex (though there wasn't too much). It's set in a health clinic, where the rich and famous go. And both our leads are experts in sexual mental health.
Overall, the bottle & the overdone tropes let it down. But the kink, the setting, the writing and the unique parts were very good.
January 8, 2018
Hot damn...wow omg. I've laughed, blushed and was flustered throughout this whole book. Not only do I recommend this author but this series is a winner.
At the end of this book there is a short story. It's called One Night and Only it's about Bianca one of the clients who have seen them for therapy. It was so good especially to know what happened on her date after she spent all that time with the Lane the sex surrogate. She bumps into Eli while she waited for the therapist. Eli will see the docs because he's a sex addict.
At the end of this book there is a short story. It's called One Night and Only it's about Bianca one of the clients who have seen them for therapy. It was so good especially to know what happened on her date after she spent all that time with the Lane the sex surrogate. She bumps into Eli while she waited for the therapist. Eli will see the docs because he's a sex addict.
January 4, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Prepare to squirm, ladies! Roni Loren didn't hold back with her newest, Off the Clock. A deliciously decadent start to a new series and one that kept me up all hours of the night with gloriously dirty thoughts going through my mind. Loved it!
Alright so the quick of it is that during a college break many years ago Marin and Donovan had a scorching encounter and then life took them their separate ways...until now. They've both landed at the same facility as sex therapists. Having to work together and wanting to play together too.
I flat out loved these two. Marin and Donovan are so damn interesting. Their past together, the struggles they've gone through in life, their careers. They had me captivated from page one. And I really just liked them and their personalities. It was fun watching them deal with each other at work and over such sensitive subjects, deal with the past and their attraction. There were some amazing secondary characters too that totally peaked my interest.
Now. The heat was ridiculous. Deliciously filthy and incredibly fun too. There might have been pervy things done with a wine bottle. Hide & Seek may have been used to dole out orgasms. Maybe. A sex toy supply closet at work. A hero that records (audio) fantasies for sex therapy <---and holy cow they were HOT. There were just so many make you squirm moments. But it never felt like too much. It was perfect.
"I'm happy to take things slow since you're new to so much. But that doesn't mean I don't think about hauling you up against a wall, hiking your skirt up, and fucking you like I own you. I think about it. I think about it. All. The. Fucking. Time."
There were some real life issues dealt with too. Mental illness, thoughts of suicide, sexual dysfunction. It was nice seeing an author tackle issues that are so often brushed under the table. It made for some very emotional scenes but powerful ones too.
All in all, Loren continues to amaze with scorching hot romances that are unique, sexy, and full of swoon-worthy moments. Do yourself a favor...grab one of her books NOW. You won't be disappointed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10/13 Off The Clock <---- When your book is so badass it needs not one but TWO cutie UPS men to deliver it. Oh yeah. This bad boy is in my greedy little reader hands. Woots!
10/11 Things Anna Needs: 1] Off the Clock 2] The day off to read Off the Clock :D
Gah! I cannot freaking wait!
January 26, 2016
It was a decent read. Quite steamy and an interesting plot. However, the H left me wanting a little bit more. I don't want to say he seemed 'weak' but I think he could've redeemed himself a tad more towards the end.
January 28, 2016
This was so fantastic! There was this perfect balance of passion and emotion and seriously epic hotness. I was expecting hotness, but it was just so much more! It's my first book by Roni Loren and I'm blown away! You have to read it!!!
It was amazing. Seriously AMAZING. This book consumed me.I was fascinated and completely pulled in. Marin and Donovan were these great characters with an undeniable connection. They were flawed but full of passion. How they meet is pretty great, super hot. But there this underlying bit of emotion happening as the details and back stories start to unfold. I love them reconnecting. The sexual tension and angst, want and need all building had me on the edge of my seat. There is this pull between the two and it just builds and grows and it becomes all consuming... it pretty much skyrockets.
About the hotness… the schmexy was off the charts! It was sensual and dirty and kinky and fun. But somehow, mixed in was this huge element of trust and emotion that made it all so much more real and meaningful. It's hard to explain, you have to read it for yourself and experience it.
I really liked all the other characters that were in the mix, it made for a really detailed story with a lot of depth. Loved Nate and how Marin was so there for him. Loved Lane. I need more Lane for sure. I need more Roni Loren in general. I am officially a fan.
The writing was flawless to me. An excellent read that was just so well thought out. Timing, pace, build, all of it was just fantastic. There were bits of drama mixed in but it all balances nicely with the hot and emotion. Major kudos to the author for addressing a series issue in today's society. In the midst of all the hotness, there is a lot of healing and hope. It was really just this beautiful thing.
How I can go from squirming to crying to laughing and having my heart feel full in a short amount of time I'll never know but it happened. I know I'm getting gushy but it was pretty amazing. It’s a story full of passion, love, and hope. Fantastic read!
It was amazing. Seriously AMAZING. This book consumed me.I was fascinated and completely pulled in. Marin and Donovan were these great characters with an undeniable connection. They were flawed but full of passion. How they meet is pretty great, super hot. But there this underlying bit of emotion happening as the details and back stories start to unfold. I love them reconnecting. The sexual tension and angst, want and need all building had me on the edge of my seat. There is this pull between the two and it just builds and grows and it becomes all consuming... it pretty much skyrockets.
About the hotness… the schmexy was off the charts! It was sensual and dirty and kinky and fun. But somehow, mixed in was this huge element of trust and emotion that made it all so much more real and meaningful. It's hard to explain, you have to read it for yourself and experience it.
I really liked all the other characters that were in the mix, it made for a really detailed story with a lot of depth. Loved Nate and how Marin was so there for him. Loved Lane. I need more Lane for sure. I need more Roni Loren in general. I am officially a fan.
The writing was flawless to me. An excellent read that was just so well thought out. Timing, pace, build, all of it was just fantastic. There were bits of drama mixed in but it all balances nicely with the hot and emotion. Major kudos to the author for addressing a series issue in today's society. In the midst of all the hotness, there is a lot of healing and hope. It was really just this beautiful thing.
How I can go from squirming to crying to laughing and having my heart feel full in a short amount of time I'll never know but it happened. I know I'm getting gushy but it was pretty amazing. It’s a story full of passion, love, and hope. Fantastic read!
January 5, 2016
Dr. Marin Rush—sex therapist. If only her clients knew how little experience she truly has. Marin has spent the past nine years in a controlled research environment, an environment that didn’t require practical experience. But now out in the real world and working at the high-end, sex therapy institute The Grove, Marin quickly realizes she’s in desperate need of some “hands on” experience.
Donovan West is Marin’s new colleague and mentor. In the running for a big promotion which will allow Donovan the free time and opportunity to conduct research again, he knows Marin’s success as a therapist hinges upon his tutelage, his experience, his knowledge. Knowledge he’s willing to share with Marin, as well as his cock.
Donovan suggests that he’s the perfect person for Marin to learn from—both in the office and off the clock. But they just need to keep things confidential and without strings—keeping it as a learning experience only because nobody wants to get fired or attached, right?
I need a cold shower and new panties after finishing Off the Clock. I love a strong heroine—and Marin fits the bill perfectly! She’s just the right amount of sarcastic, independent, smart, and tough, but she’s also tender, loving, forgiving, and thoughtful. She isn’t afraid to try new experiences—and she needs that to handle Donovan.
Sigh. Donovan. What a beautifully flawed, smart, sexy man. He doesn’t quite realize how amazing he is until Marin comes into his life. He just needs to believe he’s worthy and not fuck it all up… easier said than done, he is a man after all.
I am greatly looking forward to the next book in the series. Lane. Mmm…. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Donovan West is Marin’s new colleague and mentor. In the running for a big promotion which will allow Donovan the free time and opportunity to conduct research again, he knows Marin’s success as a therapist hinges upon his tutelage, his experience, his knowledge. Knowledge he’s willing to share with Marin, as well as his cock.
Donovan suggests that he’s the perfect person for Marin to learn from—both in the office and off the clock. But they just need to keep things confidential and without strings—keeping it as a learning experience only because nobody wants to get fired or attached, right?
I need a cold shower and new panties after finishing Off the Clock. I love a strong heroine—and Marin fits the bill perfectly! She’s just the right amount of sarcastic, independent, smart, and tough, but she’s also tender, loving, forgiving, and thoughtful. She isn’t afraid to try new experiences—and she needs that to handle Donovan.
Sigh. Donovan. What a beautifully flawed, smart, sexy man. He doesn’t quite realize how amazing he is until Marin comes into his life. He just needs to believe he’s worthy and not fuck it all up… easier said than done, he is a man after all.
I am greatly looking forward to the next book in the series. Lane. Mmm…. ~ Missy, 5 stars
September 5, 2019
4.5 stars...
”I can’t be your boss. Because if what I have in mind is going to work, it’s going to have to be strictly off the clock and off the record.”
So, I’m not sure what I was expecting with this one, but what I got was a sweet, exciting, VERY hot story written by an author that I can’t wait to read more from. The characters were interesting, the storyline was appropriately fun and meaningful, and the outcome was realistic. I didn’t love every single detail ABOUT the story, but it didn’t matter because I loved the story itself.
That’s when it came back to him, in one, scrolling memory. Late nights and long conversations. Teasing glances and longing looks. He’d kissed those lips. He’d touched this woman. But only once.
Donovan and Marin meet when she is a freshman in college and he’s in grad school. Of course, he isn’t quite aware of the age difference, and Marin conveniently doesn’t volunteer that information. The sexual chemistry is off the charts in these early years, and the writing is perfection. Even though we as the reader knows they are at different stages in their careers and lives, they treat each other like equals. Yes, their dynamic is sexy, but there’s something deeper there too. Unfortunately, a tragedy happens in Marin’s life and they don’t see each other again for 9 years. This is when the bulk of the story begins- The setting being a high-cost facility outside of New Orleans, where both Donovan and Marin are employed.
”I’m doing my dissertation on female sexual arousal in response to auditory stimuli. I’m recording scripts of fantasies that we may use in the study.”
“Your study is about dirty talk?” she asked, surprised that the university was down with that. And if he was the one doing the dirty talking, where did she sign up to volunteer?
Marin Rush was very easy to love. My feminist heart loved her intelligence and professionalism, but most of all I loved how she wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable and REAL. Life had not been kind to her, but she just kept on truckin’. I also loved that she raised her younger brother, because it was a sweet, commendable reason for the fact she was a sex therapist and still kind of a square. She was this awesome mix of honest and strong, cautious yet vulnerable and open at the same time. She was even funny! She wasn’t complicated, but she was more than just a typecast virginal character. I think she is probably one of my favorite heroines ever!
This was the girl he remembered. The one who had pushed every one of his buttons, gotten him to talk about things he never had, given him her virginity, and then walked off like a boss. Bold bravery wrapped in a quiet, steel-lined package.
Donovan West may have been a tougher nut to crack, but by the last page, I loved him just as much as Marin. He’s been through some shit, but he wasn’t as good as dealing with it as Marin was. Until he changed in that aspect, I didn’t think he was good enough for Marin. But once he took accountability and TRIED, I was able to love more than just his sexy dirty talk (which, for the record, was amazing).
”I’m happy to take things slow since you’re new to so much. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think about hauling you up against a wall, hiking your skirt up, and fucking you like I own you. I think about it. I think about it. All. The. Fucking. Time.”
I swear, the chemistry and the sex were their own characters in this story. I also loved the side characters, like Ysa, Lane, and the little brother. The best parts of this one, though? The descriptions of their jobs and what it entails, as well as the patients. It was SO interesting; in fact, the entire story kept my attention from beginning to end, which is quite a feat when you consider I’m currently not medicated for my ADHD due to pregnancy. It’s not even funny how many books I’ve started and not finished the last few months. So when I say I loved reading this story, it really means something these days!! 😆 I highly recommend to ANYONE!!
“You don’t see me behind you. I know you know who I am, but you don’t know I’ve been watching you. You don’t know how much I think about you, about all the dirty things I want to do to you. You have no idea how badly I need you and no idea that tonight’s the night you’re going to be mine. I want to hear you beg for your pleasure and for my mercy . . .”
”I can’t be your boss. Because if what I have in mind is going to work, it’s going to have to be strictly off the clock and off the record.”
So, I’m not sure what I was expecting with this one, but what I got was a sweet, exciting, VERY hot story written by an author that I can’t wait to read more from. The characters were interesting, the storyline was appropriately fun and meaningful, and the outcome was realistic. I didn’t love every single detail ABOUT the story, but it didn’t matter because I loved the story itself.
That’s when it came back to him, in one, scrolling memory. Late nights and long conversations. Teasing glances and longing looks. He’d kissed those lips. He’d touched this woman. But only once.
Donovan and Marin meet when she is a freshman in college and he’s in grad school. Of course, he isn’t quite aware of the age difference, and Marin conveniently doesn’t volunteer that information. The sexual chemistry is off the charts in these early years, and the writing is perfection. Even though we as the reader knows they are at different stages in their careers and lives, they treat each other like equals. Yes, their dynamic is sexy, but there’s something deeper there too. Unfortunately, a tragedy happens in Marin’s life and they don’t see each other again for 9 years. This is when the bulk of the story begins- The setting being a high-cost facility outside of New Orleans, where both Donovan and Marin are employed.
”I’m doing my dissertation on female sexual arousal in response to auditory stimuli. I’m recording scripts of fantasies that we may use in the study.”
“Your study is about dirty talk?” she asked, surprised that the university was down with that. And if he was the one doing the dirty talking, where did she sign up to volunteer?
Marin Rush was very easy to love. My feminist heart loved her intelligence and professionalism, but most of all I loved how she wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable and REAL. Life had not been kind to her, but she just kept on truckin’. I also loved that she raised her younger brother, because it was a sweet, commendable reason for the fact she was a sex therapist and still kind of a square. She was this awesome mix of honest and strong, cautious yet vulnerable and open at the same time. She was even funny! She wasn’t complicated, but she was more than just a typecast virginal character. I think she is probably one of my favorite heroines ever!
This was the girl he remembered. The one who had pushed every one of his buttons, gotten him to talk about things he never had, given him her virginity, and then walked off like a boss. Bold bravery wrapped in a quiet, steel-lined package.
Donovan West may have been a tougher nut to crack, but by the last page, I loved him just as much as Marin. He’s been through some shit, but he wasn’t as good as dealing with it as Marin was. Until he changed in that aspect, I didn’t think he was good enough for Marin. But once he took accountability and TRIED, I was able to love more than just his sexy dirty talk (which, for the record, was amazing).
”I’m happy to take things slow since you’re new to so much. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think about hauling you up against a wall, hiking your skirt up, and fucking you like I own you. I think about it. I think about it. All. The. Fucking. Time.”
I swear, the chemistry and the sex were their own characters in this story. I also loved the side characters, like Ysa, Lane, and the little brother. The best parts of this one, though? The descriptions of their jobs and what it entails, as well as the patients. It was SO interesting; in fact, the entire story kept my attention from beginning to end, which is quite a feat when you consider I’m currently not medicated for my ADHD due to pregnancy. It’s not even funny how many books I’ve started and not finished the last few months. So when I say I loved reading this story, it really means something these days!! 😆 I highly recommend to ANYONE!!
“You don’t see me behind you. I know you know who I am, but you don’t know I’ve been watching you. You don’t know how much I think about you, about all the dirty things I want to do to you. You have no idea how badly I need you and no idea that tonight’s the night you’re going to be mine. I want to hear you beg for your pleasure and for my mercy . . .”
May 7, 2016
This is the first book I've read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Marin was one cool chick of a character. She raised her brother on her own, put herself through school, accomplished her doctorate, and secured herself (with the help of her mentor) a cushy position at The Grove, which would help her pay for her brother to go to school. I respected the sh*t out of that. Donovan was hot. Like really hot. A smooth alpha, with some kinky tastes, but still pretty vanilla. His background was a sob story as well, but in a different way. His parents were murdered in an home invasion. This left him with some unresolved issues that pretty much limited his relationship with Marin.
I loved the build of their relationship. Although their chemistry was instantaneous and off the charts, they consisted of more than just hot sex. I really liked how they just really "got" each other. I laughed during pretty much every scene that they were at work. They meshed so well.
This book is low on angst, low on drama. It's an easy, light read. My biggest feeling of disappointment comes from the fact that I wasn't satisfied with their HFN. It wasn't enough for me. Donovan went from not being ready to being ready but I wanted to see how they made it work and reconnected. I kinda felt the love but I think I needed more convincing for the ending to leave me content.
Enjoy! xo
I loved the build of their relationship. Although their chemistry was instantaneous and off the charts, they consisted of more than just hot sex. I really liked how they just really "got" each other. I laughed during pretty much every scene that they were at work. They meshed so well.
This book is low on angst, low on drama. It's an easy, light read. My biggest feeling of disappointment comes from the fact that I wasn't satisfied with their HFN. It wasn't enough for me. Donovan went from not being ready to being ready but I wanted to see how they made it work and reconnected. I kinda felt the love but I think I needed more convincing for the ending to leave me content.
Enjoy! xo
March 1, 2016
4.5 Stars
Loved. This. Book.
✅ Dynamic characters, each with a rich backstory that had my heart tied up in knots.
✅ Scorching, inventive sex scenes. There's no lights off, missionary, vanilla sex here. So, have your fan at the ready.
✅ And, a story arch that flowed so well I was up until the wee hours of the morning reading.
Loved. This. Book.
✅ Dynamic characters, each with a rich backstory that had my heart tied up in knots.
✅ Scorching, inventive sex scenes. There's no lights off, missionary, vanilla sex here. So, have your fan at the ready.
✅ And, a story arch that flowed so well I was up until the wee hours of the morning reading.
January 10, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Sex therapists lead us through lessons on sexual discovery and empowerment while fighting their own dark and terrible pasts. (Basically on how not to blush when talking about sex. :oops: )
Opening Sentence: “I’m going to wrap my fingers in your hair and slide my other hand up your thigh. You have to be quiet for me. We can’t let anyone know.”
The Review:
Off the Clock is the newest erotic romance series by Loving on the Edge author Roni Loren. I have only read a few books the in the Loving on the Edge series, and what I have read I loved, so I really had high expectations for this novel. I really wasn’t disappointed. This story was quite erotic without going crazy over the edge, although there was one scene with a wine bottle that is whoa. Roni Loren knows how to write characters with such emotional depth and heartache that I can’t help but fall for them. My only complaint was that the novel was over with way too soon.
The novel starts out when Donovan West and Marin Rush are in college studying sexual research. Marin has had a crush on her TA for months when she unexpectedly runs into him one night. Donovan introduces her to his research and asks for her womanly help wanting to know what really turns women on because he wants his research to work properly. Marin quickly agrees to help him but she isn’t really truthful about who she is because she doesn’t want him to know she is just a freshman. Donovan and Marin share a week of happiness and sensual fun until life smacks Marin in the face and causes her to take a drastic turn in life and college.
Nine years have passed since that fateful night with Donovan. Marin is completely comfortable studying sex research for the college but with personal bills and the college funding for her research disappearing, she must pursue a higher paying job. She isn’t exactly thrilled to go out of her comfort zone of research but as a sex therapist she can make quite a bit more. Marin gets a job at The Grove, a therapy ranch for the rich and famous. Marin didn’t realize that her new co-worker would be the sexy Donovan West.
Donovan West’s job at The Grove is on the line. He’s an excellent therapist and he’s up for a promotion but his behavior of showing up late for his clients and sleeping with other co-workers has his boss upset. If Donovan can’t get Marin trained in six months then he will be out the door with her. Marin is a natural at therapy but the sex talk causes her to blush a lot. When Donovan realizes the lack of experience, he decides to help her get over her shame about sex talk. It will make her a better therapist.
Marin and Donovan both have extremely depressing and sad backgrounds that make them the perfect pair. Marin understands Donovan’s hang ups and frustrations, and Donovan loves that Marin doesn’t look at him differently for his imperfections. Marin was never prudish, she was just too busy for relationships, so when she gets to finally explore, she jumps all in ready to learn what feels good and what does not. Donovan knows sex, it is what he is good at. He doesn’t believe in Love or The One. He especially knows that he isn’t built for a relationship. Marin makes him happy, feel comfortable and relaxed but his insecurities arise when he is alone making him doubt what he could have with her.
Overall, Off the Clock is an amazingly H-O-T read! This novel is filled with sex talk from beginning to end. The story is a bit dark while being uplifting and impactful. If you want some sex therapy, I highly recommend this story. I’m already excited about some of the side characters, I can’t wait to see what their dark secrets hold.
Notable Scene:
Her chest rose and fell with gulping breaths and her eyes stayed squeezed shut. But after a few last cries of release, she moved her hand away, letting her arm fall to the side.
“Shit,” she whispered, almost to herself.
Donovan gave her breast one last stroke. Then he reached down and righted her dress. “Beautiful. Feel better?”
“I can’t believe I just did that.”
“You’re more daring than you think. Your desire’s there. You just need a nudge.” He finally rolled forward through the stop sign and tried to mentally tamp down his own level of arousal. At this rate, he was going to walk into his place with a monster hard-on leading the way.
She shifted in the seat. “You make me stop thinking. It freaks me out a little.”
He smiled and reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers and hitting the gas to rocket them down the dark road. “I make you stop thinking, and you wake me up.”
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Off the Clock. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Sex therapists lead us through lessons on sexual discovery and empowerment while fighting their own dark and terrible pasts. (Basically on how not to blush when talking about sex. :oops: )
Opening Sentence: “I’m going to wrap my fingers in your hair and slide my other hand up your thigh. You have to be quiet for me. We can’t let anyone know.”
The Review:
Off the Clock is the newest erotic romance series by Loving on the Edge author Roni Loren. I have only read a few books the in the Loving on the Edge series, and what I have read I loved, so I really had high expectations for this novel. I really wasn’t disappointed. This story was quite erotic without going crazy over the edge, although there was one scene with a wine bottle that is whoa. Roni Loren knows how to write characters with such emotional depth and heartache that I can’t help but fall for them. My only complaint was that the novel was over with way too soon.
The novel starts out when Donovan West and Marin Rush are in college studying sexual research. Marin has had a crush on her TA for months when she unexpectedly runs into him one night. Donovan introduces her to his research and asks for her womanly help wanting to know what really turns women on because he wants his research to work properly. Marin quickly agrees to help him but she isn’t really truthful about who she is because she doesn’t want him to know she is just a freshman. Donovan and Marin share a week of happiness and sensual fun until life smacks Marin in the face and causes her to take a drastic turn in life and college.
Nine years have passed since that fateful night with Donovan. Marin is completely comfortable studying sex research for the college but with personal bills and the college funding for her research disappearing, she must pursue a higher paying job. She isn’t exactly thrilled to go out of her comfort zone of research but as a sex therapist she can make quite a bit more. Marin gets a job at The Grove, a therapy ranch for the rich and famous. Marin didn’t realize that her new co-worker would be the sexy Donovan West.
Donovan West’s job at The Grove is on the line. He’s an excellent therapist and he’s up for a promotion but his behavior of showing up late for his clients and sleeping with other co-workers has his boss upset. If Donovan can’t get Marin trained in six months then he will be out the door with her. Marin is a natural at therapy but the sex talk causes her to blush a lot. When Donovan realizes the lack of experience, he decides to help her get over her shame about sex talk. It will make her a better therapist.
Marin and Donovan both have extremely depressing and sad backgrounds that make them the perfect pair. Marin understands Donovan’s hang ups and frustrations, and Donovan loves that Marin doesn’t look at him differently for his imperfections. Marin was never prudish, she was just too busy for relationships, so when she gets to finally explore, she jumps all in ready to learn what feels good and what does not. Donovan knows sex, it is what he is good at. He doesn’t believe in Love or The One. He especially knows that he isn’t built for a relationship. Marin makes him happy, feel comfortable and relaxed but his insecurities arise when he is alone making him doubt what he could have with her.
Overall, Off the Clock is an amazingly H-O-T read! This novel is filled with sex talk from beginning to end. The story is a bit dark while being uplifting and impactful. If you want some sex therapy, I highly recommend this story. I’m already excited about some of the side characters, I can’t wait to see what their dark secrets hold.
Notable Scene:
Her chest rose and fell with gulping breaths and her eyes stayed squeezed shut. But after a few last cries of release, she moved her hand away, letting her arm fall to the side.
“Shit,” she whispered, almost to herself.
Donovan gave her breast one last stroke. Then he reached down and righted her dress. “Beautiful. Feel better?”
“I can’t believe I just did that.”
“You’re more daring than you think. Your desire’s there. You just need a nudge.” He finally rolled forward through the stop sign and tried to mentally tamp down his own level of arousal. At this rate, he was going to walk into his place with a monster hard-on leading the way.
She shifted in the seat. “You make me stop thinking. It freaks me out a little.”
He smiled and reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers and hitting the gas to rocket them down the dark road. “I make you stop thinking, and you wake me up.”
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Off the Clock. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
October 29, 2015
Overtime has never felt so good…
I’m a huge fan of Roni Loren, and this book only solidified that for me. I’m pretty sure that this is actually going to become my favorite series by her.
Off The Clock starts out in the past, introducing us to Marin Rush and Donovan West… Marin a freshman and Donovan a grad student find themselves spending Spring Break on campus. Marin knows exactly who Donovan is … he’s the TA she’s had a crush on since she first saw him, and their chance … somewhat awkward meeting has her not only pretending she’s someone a lot more experienced than she really is, but offering him assistance with his “Scripted Dirty Talk” dissertation.
Everything isn’t simple in either of their lives though, and when things finally move forward between her and Donovan it’s amazing…
His gaze rolled over her, a slow, seeking perusal. Something dark and tense glinted in his eyes. "You didn't get to finish."
"I'm fine," she bit out.
"You're out of breath and..." His focus shifted down her body. "And wet."
She glanced down. Saw the telltale spot announcing how turned on she was through the thin cotton of her shorts. Oh shit. Oh God. Oh fuck. Mortification like none she'd ever experienced bled through her. Her thighs snapped together. "Can you please not make this worse with your analytics? Just let me be embarrassed in peace."
His blue eyes met hers, the tired resignation from earlier gone and replaced with something she'd never seen before from him - intent. "Let me help."
"What?"
"I made you a promise to keep things professional. I'll keep that promise if you want me to." He reached down and took the hand she'd been using on herself in his. He traced his thumb over her fingertips, setting the sensitive pads on fire. "But I fucking want you."
But then something happens that changes her life and forces her to make some major changes… changes that don’t include a future anything with Donovan. Not even a proper goodbye.
Nine years later, we’re in present time and we find out what Marin’s life has been like. Making ends meet for her and her brother it’s been a struggle, but she’s doing it. But the grant that pays her salary is being eliminated and she’s got to find a job and she turns to The Grove, a private institute in Louisiana that needs a clinician in their sex therapy department.
The one thing she wasn’t expecting when she arrived at The Grove, was Dr. Donovan West.
Their connection is just as bright nine years later and I loved getting to see these two reconnect. Not only as therapists and eventually sexually, but as friends. As sex therapists they have to be able to keep a straight face and not judge when working with their clients and that’s the one thing that Marin seems to be struggling with. Dr. West offers to make her shameless and can I just say that he does quite the job?
It’s no secret that Loren can write some amazing and hot and sexy, steamy scenes and I have to say that these have got to be some of her best by far in my opinion.
But like I said before they both have their demons, and while Marin may have dealt with hers, Donovan has simply pushed his aside and locked them behind doors. He doesn’t do relationships no matter how Marin might make him feel. This thing between them has an expiration date and nothing will change that.
You might say… oh no another guy who doesn’t like commitments or want to be in a relationship… but it really is so much more than that. I loved that Marin, while less experienced than Donovan also wasn’t afraid to call him out on his shit and when all is said and done, she doesn’t turn her back on him either.
And that was refreshing.
As I said, this is probably my favorite book of Loren’s, but I’m excited for more from the characters in this series. Not only to catch a glimpse of these two in the future, but to find out what the future holds for some of her amazing secondary characters from this book!
Get this one on your To Be Read list immediately if Contemporary Romance is your thing!
Thank you to Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I’m a huge fan of Roni Loren, and this book only solidified that for me. I’m pretty sure that this is actually going to become my favorite series by her.
Off The Clock starts out in the past, introducing us to Marin Rush and Donovan West… Marin a freshman and Donovan a grad student find themselves spending Spring Break on campus. Marin knows exactly who Donovan is … he’s the TA she’s had a crush on since she first saw him, and their chance … somewhat awkward meeting has her not only pretending she’s someone a lot more experienced than she really is, but offering him assistance with his “Scripted Dirty Talk” dissertation.
Everything isn’t simple in either of their lives though, and when things finally move forward between her and Donovan it’s amazing…
His gaze rolled over her, a slow, seeking perusal. Something dark and tense glinted in his eyes. "You didn't get to finish."
"I'm fine," she bit out.
"You're out of breath and..." His focus shifted down her body. "And wet."
She glanced down. Saw the telltale spot announcing how turned on she was through the thin cotton of her shorts. Oh shit. Oh God. Oh fuck. Mortification like none she'd ever experienced bled through her. Her thighs snapped together. "Can you please not make this worse with your analytics? Just let me be embarrassed in peace."
His blue eyes met hers, the tired resignation from earlier gone and replaced with something she'd never seen before from him - intent. "Let me help."
"What?"
"I made you a promise to keep things professional. I'll keep that promise if you want me to." He reached down and took the hand she'd been using on herself in his. He traced his thumb over her fingertips, setting the sensitive pads on fire. "But I fucking want you."
But then something happens that changes her life and forces her to make some major changes… changes that don’t include a future anything with Donovan. Not even a proper goodbye.
Nine years later, we’re in present time and we find out what Marin’s life has been like. Making ends meet for her and her brother it’s been a struggle, but she’s doing it. But the grant that pays her salary is being eliminated and she’s got to find a job and she turns to The Grove, a private institute in Louisiana that needs a clinician in their sex therapy department.
The one thing she wasn’t expecting when she arrived at The Grove, was Dr. Donovan West.
Their connection is just as bright nine years later and I loved getting to see these two reconnect. Not only as therapists and eventually sexually, but as friends. As sex therapists they have to be able to keep a straight face and not judge when working with their clients and that’s the one thing that Marin seems to be struggling with. Dr. West offers to make her shameless and can I just say that he does quite the job?
It’s no secret that Loren can write some amazing and hot and sexy, steamy scenes and I have to say that these have got to be some of her best by far in my opinion.
But like I said before they both have their demons, and while Marin may have dealt with hers, Donovan has simply pushed his aside and locked them behind doors. He doesn’t do relationships no matter how Marin might make him feel. This thing between them has an expiration date and nothing will change that.
You might say… oh no another guy who doesn’t like commitments or want to be in a relationship… but it really is so much more than that. I loved that Marin, while less experienced than Donovan also wasn’t afraid to call him out on his shit and when all is said and done, she doesn’t turn her back on him either.
And that was refreshing.
As I said, this is probably my favorite book of Loren’s, but I’m excited for more from the characters in this series. Not only to catch a glimpse of these two in the future, but to find out what the future holds for some of her amazing secondary characters from this book!
Get this one on your To Be Read list immediately if Contemporary Romance is your thing!
Thank you to Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Want to read
May 12, 2017Omg I forgot to add this ,it's so good seriously ...I love this story so much ❤❤❤❤❤
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 14, 2018DNF @ 57%
I can't believe I'm doing this - especially because so many of my GR friends loved this book - but something about this one is really needling me the wrong way. I can't get past the hero being smarmy or the heroine being lame. And even worse, for a book about dirty talk, the dirty talk is just too cheesy for me.
This SHOULD have been exactly my cup of tea.... :(
I can't believe I'm doing this - especially because so many of my GR friends loved this book - but something about this one is really needling me the wrong way. I can't get past the hero being smarmy or the heroine being lame. And even worse, for a book about dirty talk, the dirty talk is just too cheesy for me.
This SHOULD have been exactly my cup of tea.... :(
June 13, 2022
Friends. Although I have not been on that planet for long, I have been a long time reader and a long time Internet user in respect to my lifespan. Many words have come across my eyeballs. I've read inspiring books, freakishly researched in-depth fan lore, scholarly articles, strange Twitter feeds, less-than-amusing shampoo bottles, all of it! Words! Concepts! Characters! If anything, curse my family for allowing me to purchase an iPod Touch at 12 years old. It has brought me more than a library ever could.
I've seen some shit.
This Goodreads account has been active probably since I was 13. I am getting close to 22 now. So let me reflect: as a consumer of written works and a bitter romantic, I have seen my fair share of fictional relationships. The sweet and fluffy, the pained and broken, the weird and taboo, the toxic and unfulfilling. Lots! All the combinations! All the personality traits! All the plots! All the lack of plots! And I will also recognize that when I read books like this, it's usually strictly for fun (or whatever a more appropriate adjective is for describing the experience of reading erotica) so I don't leave reviews usually, and sometimes don't even put them on Goodreads.
However, I feel compelled to leave a review anyway because I am so tired of being bored. This didn’t pick up until the last quarter of the book and by then, I cared about nothing.
This feels very much PWP which is fine! I know sometimes people complain about that but I prefer it. I know what I'm looking for. I'm a woman on a mission. A veteran of setting my AO3 searches to "E only." It's cool! If anything, I wish there was less plot because it was atrocious. I wanted none of it.
And you know what, congrats to the author for exploring all the taboo or whatever. Again! I've seen it all in terms of written porn! You can't scare me! I've had all the sites bookmarked since I was like, in middle school. AO3, Wattpad, fanfiction.net, Tumblr, LIVEJOURNAL????? Literally all of it. Should I be admitting this on the internet considering how many irls follow me? Probably not. But I am so tired. I forgot my point. Oh yeah. Congrats to the author for exploring the taboo but yo. The characters. So awful. So boring. Felt like they had zero chemistry. I think you need some chemistry if you're going to execute a kidnapping kink (I don't think that's a spoiler--I think you should know that going into it, but ya know, let me know if you think otherwise). I think that’s the main thing with books like this: the characters need to work together if you’re writing out rather aggressive scenarios and still want to convince the reader that these characters are deeply in love. Because that is far from what it felt like. I wanted to choke both Maren and Donovan for being borderline manipulative and frustratingly unclear (but they'd probably like that so maybe not. ha.).
This is such a messy review. I apologize. But I am so, so exhausted over boring as hell adult novels. Please. I have read more entertaining and (what's the awful word people like to use?? spicy??) spicy (oh god I'm never using that again) Percy Jackson fics written by probably teenagers. Save me.
(Also????? There was a weird comment about BDSM but it was compared to cutting aka the form of self harm and I wasn't vibing with it. Very unnecessary.)
In conclusion, give me better recommendations. I am a bundle of fury.
I guess read this if you’re into dragging plots, controlling men, and that whole weird almost-virgin uwu thingy (and uh, consensual kidnapping and sinful behaviors with wine bottles and supposedly consensual fantasy play but lowkey still feels a little bit sexual assault-y but who knows).
***
i have finally been freed from this hell. rtc.
I've seen some shit.
This Goodreads account has been active probably since I was 13. I am getting close to 22 now. So let me reflect: as a consumer of written works and a bitter romantic, I have seen my fair share of fictional relationships. The sweet and fluffy, the pained and broken, the weird and taboo, the toxic and unfulfilling. Lots! All the combinations! All the personality traits! All the plots! All the lack of plots! And I will also recognize that when I read books like this, it's usually strictly for fun (or whatever a more appropriate adjective is for describing the experience of reading erotica) so I don't leave reviews usually, and sometimes don't even put them on Goodreads.
However, I feel compelled to leave a review anyway because I am so tired of being bored. This didn’t pick up until the last quarter of the book and by then, I cared about nothing.
This feels very much PWP which is fine! I know sometimes people complain about that but I prefer it. I know what I'm looking for. I'm a woman on a mission. A veteran of setting my AO3 searches to "E only." It's cool! If anything, I wish there was less plot because it was atrocious. I wanted none of it.
And you know what, congrats to the author for exploring all the taboo or whatever. Again! I've seen it all in terms of written porn! You can't scare me! I've had all the sites bookmarked since I was like, in middle school. AO3, Wattpad, fanfiction.net, Tumblr, LIVEJOURNAL????? Literally all of it. Should I be admitting this on the internet considering how many irls follow me? Probably not. But I am so tired. I forgot my point. Oh yeah. Congrats to the author for exploring the taboo but yo. The characters. So awful. So boring. Felt like they had zero chemistry. I think you need some chemistry if you're going to execute a kidnapping kink (I don't think that's a spoiler--I think you should know that going into it, but ya know, let me know if you think otherwise). I think that’s the main thing with books like this: the characters need to work together if you’re writing out rather aggressive scenarios and still want to convince the reader that these characters are deeply in love. Because that is far from what it felt like. I wanted to choke both Maren and Donovan for being borderline manipulative and frustratingly unclear (but they'd probably like that so maybe not. ha.).
This is such a messy review. I apologize. But I am so, so exhausted over boring as hell adult novels. Please. I have read more entertaining and (what's the awful word people like to use?? spicy??) spicy (oh god I'm never using that again) Percy Jackson fics written by probably teenagers. Save me.
(Also????? There was a weird comment about BDSM but it was compared to cutting aka the form of self harm and I wasn't vibing with it. Very unnecessary.)
In conclusion, give me better recommendations. I am a bundle of fury.
I guess read this if you’re into dragging plots, controlling men, and that whole weird almost-virgin uwu thingy (and uh, consensual kidnapping and sinful behaviors with wine bottles and supposedly consensual fantasy play but lowkey still feels a little bit sexual assault-y but who knows).
***
i have finally been freed from this hell. rtc.
February 18, 2021
Reading has been a bit more of a struggle for me lately, but I absolutely devoured this. The feelings are so immediate, and the chemistry is sizzling. I loved the first 3/4s, but I did have some quibbles with the way things wrapped up. It wasn't enough to diminish the high of the rest for me, but it was a mildly disappointing way to close out. The mental health rep was better for me in Loren's The Ones Who Get Away series, but, as I said, I was really emotionally connected to and caught up in this story, and I would read it again.
February 19, 2016
I know I'm in the minority here but I couldn't find myself enjoying this book as much as I wanted to. Before I go into why, I want to state why I wanted to read this book. When I read the blurb, I was immediately intrigued. As someone who has a background in Psychology, I get excited whenever I come across a book that deals with therapy. My experience with these type of books in the past have been ....bad to say the least. I always find that authors always seem to get psychologist and therapists wrong. There is only one character that stands out in my mind that has been done right and that's Dr. Mira from J.D. Robb's series. Again, I know it's a completely different type of psychologist but I tend to be a stickler about those kind of things. But since I've read and enjoyed Roni's books in the past, I was sure that she could pull this off.
Unfortunately the author veers away from what sex therapists really do and changes things up so much that it comes across as completely ridiculous. The first 20% off the book is set in the past where the hero and heroine meet. The hero is doing research on dirty talk while the heroine works in the sleep lab. If dirty talk was a subject of research at my university, you can bet your ass that's what I would've majored in! Donovan asks Marin to help him by listening to his recordings of dirty talk and tell him which one turns her on. She does this privately but obviously can't resist touching herself in the process. Donovan sees her and they end up having sex, which also happens to be Mari's first time. She ends up walking away from him and then fast forward years later, they end up having to work together.
My issue here is that the set up takes way too long. I feel like the book would've been stronger had we started reading when they are older and have to work with one another. But you're probably thinking, what about the backstory? It sets up the whole book! Yes, it does. But spending the first 20% of the book on backstory doesn't start the book off on the right foot. There's plenty of other way to communicate the backstory while also progresses with the rest of the plot. Also, I didn't like that Donovan completely forgot who she was when they meet again and when he finally does, he doesn't want to work with her. That's not romantic, nor does it progress the plot in any way.
Since Donovan is now a sex therapist, we see a lot of his other colleagues and the rest of his practice. Again, I'm not trying to be a downer here but I shudder at the thought of a real sex therapist reading this. I know this is fiction and that the author can change whatever the hell he or she wants in their book but I feel like the very basis of this series was stripped, leaving me very disappointed.
I will say though that if you don't have a background in Psychology like me, all these things may not bother you as much as it did for me. Loren delivers on the sexy times big time. She gets very creative but at the same time, it's nothing that I haven't seen before or something that can make the book and allow me to disregard everything else I read. I probably won't continue reading this particular series but I look forward to reading the other books that Roni Loren writes.
Unfortunately the author veers away from what sex therapists really do and changes things up so much that it comes across as completely ridiculous. The first 20% off the book is set in the past where the hero and heroine meet. The hero is doing research on dirty talk while the heroine works in the sleep lab. If dirty talk was a subject of research at my university, you can bet your ass that's what I would've majored in! Donovan asks Marin to help him by listening to his recordings of dirty talk and tell him which one turns her on. She does this privately but obviously can't resist touching herself in the process. Donovan sees her and they end up having sex, which also happens to be Mari's first time. She ends up walking away from him and then fast forward years later, they end up having to work together.
My issue here is that the set up takes way too long. I feel like the book would've been stronger had we started reading when they are older and have to work with one another. But you're probably thinking, what about the backstory? It sets up the whole book! Yes, it does. But spending the first 20% of the book on backstory doesn't start the book off on the right foot. There's plenty of other way to communicate the backstory while also progresses with the rest of the plot. Also, I didn't like that Donovan completely forgot who she was when they meet again and when he finally does, he doesn't want to work with her. That's not romantic, nor does it progress the plot in any way.
Since Donovan is now a sex therapist, we see a lot of his other colleagues and the rest of his practice. Again, I'm not trying to be a downer here but I shudder at the thought of a real sex therapist reading this. I know this is fiction and that the author can change whatever the hell he or she wants in their book but I feel like the very basis of this series was stripped, leaving me very disappointed.
I will say though that if you don't have a background in Psychology like me, all these things may not bother you as much as it did for me. Loren delivers on the sexy times big time. She gets very creative but at the same time, it's nothing that I haven't seen before or something that can make the book and allow me to disregard everything else I read. I probably won't continue reading this particular series but I look forward to reading the other books that Roni Loren writes.
January 21, 2016
My Thoughts:
I have had the pleasure of reading many of Roni Loren's books, and they are some of the sexiest, steamiest, and most erotic stories that I have ever read. However, something that stands out is that Ms. Loren also gives her readers real and relatable characters, as well as great plots. To this date, Off the Clock, is my favorite story by Ms. Loren. She takes dirty talk to a whole new level in this story, and I predict many a reader will need to fan themselves as they turn the pages!
As a young college student Marin Rush, had a huge crush on graduate student and T.A. Donovan West. When Marin is assigned to watch the sleep study lab during spring break, she gets to know Donovan on a personal level, and they share one unforgettable night together. However, family tragedy causes Marin to put a hold on her studies, and temporarily drop out of college. Nine years later, Marin is offered a great opportunity to work as a sex therapist at "The Grove," an elite community in New Orleans, dedicated to the health, wellness, and rehabilitation of the wealthy and famous. While at The Grove, she runs into Donovan West, and learns that he will be her mentor in the "X" Department.
Attraction and memories from the past are a constant temptation for Marin and Donavan. Resisting one another proves futile. Simultaneously, Marin is having trouble with counseling others about sex due to her lack of experience. She can't control her embarrassment or constant blushing when certain sexual topics are addressed. Therefore, Donovan offers to give her sexual experience and teach her how to embrace her sexuality in secret while off of the clock. Marin accepts his proposal with the condition that their sexual affair end in 30 days. This shouldn't be a problem because Donovan doesn't do relationships. However, as feelings grow, emotions get put on the line. Will Marin and Donovan risk their careers or their hearts?
Marin and Donavan were two characters that were raw and relatable. They were both damaged and scarred from tragedies in their pasts. My heart broke for the guilt and pain that they both carried on a daily basis. Marin was strong, open, independent, and had an innocence to her. Donovan was closed off, a workaholic, and didn't know how to deal with his pain. I loved how Marin brought out the best in Donovan. She made him feel comfortable, accepted, understood, and taught him how to live and love.
I enjoyed the depth of the story as well as the sizzling hot chemistry and erotica. I really didn't want this story to end, and was sad when I finished. It was that amazing.
My Rating:
I give Off the Clock, by Roni Loren, 5 Intoxicating Desires, Hungry Indulgence, Visceral 'Sex Brain' Filled Stars! I'm looking forward to the sequel in the Pleasure Principle story! I have a feeling the next book is going to be about sexual surrogate Lane Cannon and Donovan's ex flame, Dr. Elle McCray.
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit http://www.abookishescape.com
I have had the pleasure of reading many of Roni Loren's books, and they are some of the sexiest, steamiest, and most erotic stories that I have ever read. However, something that stands out is that Ms. Loren also gives her readers real and relatable characters, as well as great plots. To this date, Off the Clock, is my favorite story by Ms. Loren. She takes dirty talk to a whole new level in this story, and I predict many a reader will need to fan themselves as they turn the pages!
As a young college student Marin Rush, had a huge crush on graduate student and T.A. Donovan West. When Marin is assigned to watch the sleep study lab during spring break, she gets to know Donovan on a personal level, and they share one unforgettable night together. However, family tragedy causes Marin to put a hold on her studies, and temporarily drop out of college. Nine years later, Marin is offered a great opportunity to work as a sex therapist at "The Grove," an elite community in New Orleans, dedicated to the health, wellness, and rehabilitation of the wealthy and famous. While at The Grove, she runs into Donovan West, and learns that he will be her mentor in the "X" Department.
Attraction and memories from the past are a constant temptation for Marin and Donavan. Resisting one another proves futile. Simultaneously, Marin is having trouble with counseling others about sex due to her lack of experience. She can't control her embarrassment or constant blushing when certain sexual topics are addressed. Therefore, Donovan offers to give her sexual experience and teach her how to embrace her sexuality in secret while off of the clock. Marin accepts his proposal with the condition that their sexual affair end in 30 days. This shouldn't be a problem because Donovan doesn't do relationships. However, as feelings grow, emotions get put on the line. Will Marin and Donovan risk their careers or their hearts?
Marin and Donavan were two characters that were raw and relatable. They were both damaged and scarred from tragedies in their pasts. My heart broke for the guilt and pain that they both carried on a daily basis. Marin was strong, open, independent, and had an innocence to her. Donovan was closed off, a workaholic, and didn't know how to deal with his pain. I loved how Marin brought out the best in Donovan. She made him feel comfortable, accepted, understood, and taught him how to live and love.
I enjoyed the depth of the story as well as the sizzling hot chemistry and erotica. I really didn't want this story to end, and was sad when I finished. It was that amazing.
My Rating:
I give Off the Clock, by Roni Loren, 5 Intoxicating Desires, Hungry Indulgence, Visceral 'Sex Brain' Filled Stars! I'm looking forward to the sequel in the Pleasure Principle story! I have a feeling the next book is going to be about sexual surrogate Lane Cannon and Donovan's ex flame, Dr. Elle McCray.
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit http://www.abookishescape.com
April 3, 2017
* A review copy was provided by the author via Netgalley for the Blog Tour *
~ 4 Orgasm Whisperer Stars ~
Off the Clock was a fun, sexy and entertaining story written by Roni Loren.
I became a fan of Roni's when I read the first book in her Loving on the Edge Series. So I was excited to hear that she was releasing a new Series.
Off the Clock is the first book in her newest series and I thought it was a good start. I still love the Loving on the Edge series better, but this one was still worth the read. This book was a second chance romance with an element of a taboo subject. It plays along the lines of a teacher/student plot. Now I am sure people will say that, that isn't true, but to me it's how I felt. Marin was a new employee at The Grove and Donovan was her Mentor/Trainer. You'll just have to read the story to see where I am coming from.
What makes this a second chance romance, is that when Marin was 18 and a freshman in college she had a crush on her TA Donovan. One night over spring break she runs into him in the lab and they form a friendship that progresses one night. But in that same night Marin's life is struck by tragedy and she is forced to leave school and end all communication with Donovan. Flash forward 9 years and these two meet again at The Grove (a private rehab institution). I loved watching these two reconnect and form an even stronger friendship. Both of these characters have been faced with tragedy and have handled things in their own way. Marin came out stronger, but Donovan kind of buried his demons and let them fester. What I liked was how these two worked together to help each other out. I loved how this story ended and I look forward to more books in this series.
As with every book of Roni's I have read, she knows how to melt your panties. She has an amazing talent when it comes to writing an erotic tale. This book was no different!!! This book is truly deliciously sinful ;)
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of Roni Loren and if you are a new reader to her, then I think this book is definitely one you should pick and give it a try. I loved that Roni was able to give us a fresh new series, but with some of the same aspects we come to expect from a Roni Loren book.
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~ 4 Orgasm Whisperer Stars ~
Off the Clock was a fun, sexy and entertaining story written by Roni Loren.
I became a fan of Roni's when I read the first book in her Loving on the Edge Series. So I was excited to hear that she was releasing a new Series.
Off the Clock is the first book in her newest series and I thought it was a good start. I still love the Loving on the Edge series better, but this one was still worth the read. This book was a second chance romance with an element of a taboo subject. It plays along the lines of a teacher/student plot. Now I am sure people will say that, that isn't true, but to me it's how I felt. Marin was a new employee at The Grove and Donovan was her Mentor/Trainer. You'll just have to read the story to see where I am coming from.
What makes this a second chance romance, is that when Marin was 18 and a freshman in college she had a crush on her TA Donovan. One night over spring break she runs into him in the lab and they form a friendship that progresses one night. But in that same night Marin's life is struck by tragedy and she is forced to leave school and end all communication with Donovan. Flash forward 9 years and these two meet again at The Grove (a private rehab institution). I loved watching these two reconnect and form an even stronger friendship. Both of these characters have been faced with tragedy and have handled things in their own way. Marin came out stronger, but Donovan kind of buried his demons and let them fester. What I liked was how these two worked together to help each other out. I loved how this story ended and I look forward to more books in this series.
As with every book of Roni's I have read, she knows how to melt your panties. She has an amazing talent when it comes to writing an erotic tale. This book was no different!!! This book is truly deliciously sinful ;)
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of Roni Loren and if you are a new reader to her, then I think this book is definitely one you should pick and give it a try. I loved that Roni was able to give us a fresh new series, but with some of the same aspects we come to expect from a Roni Loren book.
Follow Us at :: Book Bitches Blog | Facebook | Twitter
March 22, 2019
A minha primeira experiência com esta autora e sinceramente esta é uma história que não sei bem como classificar.
Gostei do que li, mas acho que me faltou qualquer coisa para fazer quimica com o livro.
Opinião completa em: https://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.co...
Gostei do que li, mas acho que me faltou qualquer coisa para fazer quimica com o livro.
Opinião completa em: https://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.co...
January 4, 2016
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2016/01...
It’s rare to read a book that is incredibly smart, supremely sexy, and wonderfully human, but Off the Clock is all those things and more. Roni Loren’s first Pleasure Principle novel is a complex, interesting, emotional, decadently erotic romance that will both satisfy you and leave you begging for more.
It’s pure chance that Marin Rush meets Donovan West late one night in the psychology building her freshman year of college. What follows is the most stimulating – intellectually and otherwise – week of her life. I love that Ms. Loren shows how Donovan and Marin meet. Getting to know their younger, sweeter selves is crucial to their story. Already when we meet Marin she has been shouldering far more responsibility than an eighteen year old should have. With everything she’s been through in her home life, it’s a miracle that she isn’t hardened, but is rather a bright, eager, utterly charming young woman. As for Donovan, he too has known pain, and bears psychological scars because of it. It’s easy to see why Marin is drawn to him; even as a young man Donovan is compelling. He’s sensual, slightly nerdy, and is genuinely open and excited about his studies. Their attraction to one another is undeniable, and it’s easy to be swept up in their late-night meetings. Then Marin’s world comes crashing down around her, ending her time with Donovan before they can truly begin something.
Though Donovan and Marin’s first week together sets the stage, the vast majority of Off the Clock takes place nine years later. Marin has just taken a job as a sex therapist at The Grove, an exclusive, experimental therapy institute. Marin has never wanted to do clinical work, but she needs the job and the money to help her brother with his college tuition. What she doesn’t expect to learn is that her new mentor is none other than her college one-night stand. When Marin and Donovan meet again, their attraction reignites in an instant. But they aren’t the people they once were, and their lives and jobs make things even more complicated now. Though they initially think the past should stay in the past, it soon becomes clear that Marin’s sexual inexperience is a detriment to her work. The assignments Donovan gives her to make her more comfortable with her job are not only X-rated, they’re far more fun when done with a partner, which is when Off the Clock really heats up. Marin and Donovan have incredible chemistry and the sexual tension between them makes the pages of the book practically smolder. When they give into temptation for some off-the-clock fun, Ms. Loren’s talent for penning wickedly erotic scenarios becomes clear.
The heat Donovan and Marin generate is undeniable, but it’s the characters themselves who are the heart and soul of the book. Donovan has become cynical since Marin first met him. He doesn’t believe in the idea of soulmates, closes himself off from others, and is as talented a therapist as he is a terrible prospect for a partner. I loved peeling back the layers to Donovan’s character, and with each new aspect of his life I saw, my heart broke more for him. He’s a smart man, skilled and giving in his profession, and has an undeniable sex appeal. But underneath is a man who needs help, and perhaps because of their initial connection only Marin sees the true him. As for Marin, she’s a brilliant mix of intelligence, courage, determination, and vulnerability. Unlike Donovan, she has faced her past and acknowledges her fears, making her an incredibly strong heroine, one who doesn’t back down from anyone. Because she’s had to take so much on her shoulders from such a young age, she’s sexually inexperienced. That doesn’t mean she’s clueless; far from it. What she lacks is practical knowledge, so to speak, and her erotic discoveries are both sexy and entertaining.
Off the Clock is undeniably erotic, but that’s not enough to make it a stellar read in my mind. What takes this story to the next level is the intellectual and emotional connections Marin and Donovan have. They are each other’s equal in every way, and watching them become friends and colleagues is every bit as entertaining as seeing them become lovers. I was invested in Off the Clock because the hero and heroine are such multi-faceted, flawed, human characters. Marin and Donovan grow as characters and as a couple over the course of the book and the result is a refreshingly open, emotional, memorable romance. Add in a cast of endearing, fascinating secondary characters that make the world of The Grove come alive and you have one heck of a story. I absolutely loved Off the Clock and I cannot wait for the next Pleasure Principle tale!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It’s rare to read a book that is incredibly smart, supremely sexy, and wonderfully human, but Off the Clock is all those things and more. Roni Loren’s first Pleasure Principle novel is a complex, interesting, emotional, decadently erotic romance that will both satisfy you and leave you begging for more.
It’s pure chance that Marin Rush meets Donovan West late one night in the psychology building her freshman year of college. What follows is the most stimulating – intellectually and otherwise – week of her life. I love that Ms. Loren shows how Donovan and Marin meet. Getting to know their younger, sweeter selves is crucial to their story. Already when we meet Marin she has been shouldering far more responsibility than an eighteen year old should have. With everything she’s been through in her home life, it’s a miracle that she isn’t hardened, but is rather a bright, eager, utterly charming young woman. As for Donovan, he too has known pain, and bears psychological scars because of it. It’s easy to see why Marin is drawn to him; even as a young man Donovan is compelling. He’s sensual, slightly nerdy, and is genuinely open and excited about his studies. Their attraction to one another is undeniable, and it’s easy to be swept up in their late-night meetings. Then Marin’s world comes crashing down around her, ending her time with Donovan before they can truly begin something.
Though Donovan and Marin’s first week together sets the stage, the vast majority of Off the Clock takes place nine years later. Marin has just taken a job as a sex therapist at The Grove, an exclusive, experimental therapy institute. Marin has never wanted to do clinical work, but she needs the job and the money to help her brother with his college tuition. What she doesn’t expect to learn is that her new mentor is none other than her college one-night stand. When Marin and Donovan meet again, their attraction reignites in an instant. But they aren’t the people they once were, and their lives and jobs make things even more complicated now. Though they initially think the past should stay in the past, it soon becomes clear that Marin’s sexual inexperience is a detriment to her work. The assignments Donovan gives her to make her more comfortable with her job are not only X-rated, they’re far more fun when done with a partner, which is when Off the Clock really heats up. Marin and Donovan have incredible chemistry and the sexual tension between them makes the pages of the book practically smolder. When they give into temptation for some off-the-clock fun, Ms. Loren’s talent for penning wickedly erotic scenarios becomes clear.
The heat Donovan and Marin generate is undeniable, but it’s the characters themselves who are the heart and soul of the book. Donovan has become cynical since Marin first met him. He doesn’t believe in the idea of soulmates, closes himself off from others, and is as talented a therapist as he is a terrible prospect for a partner. I loved peeling back the layers to Donovan’s character, and with each new aspect of his life I saw, my heart broke more for him. He’s a smart man, skilled and giving in his profession, and has an undeniable sex appeal. But underneath is a man who needs help, and perhaps because of their initial connection only Marin sees the true him. As for Marin, she’s a brilliant mix of intelligence, courage, determination, and vulnerability. Unlike Donovan, she has faced her past and acknowledges her fears, making her an incredibly strong heroine, one who doesn’t back down from anyone. Because she’s had to take so much on her shoulders from such a young age, she’s sexually inexperienced. That doesn’t mean she’s clueless; far from it. What she lacks is practical knowledge, so to speak, and her erotic discoveries are both sexy and entertaining.
Off the Clock is undeniably erotic, but that’s not enough to make it a stellar read in my mind. What takes this story to the next level is the intellectual and emotional connections Marin and Donovan have. They are each other’s equal in every way, and watching them become friends and colleagues is every bit as entertaining as seeing them become lovers. I was invested in Off the Clock because the hero and heroine are such multi-faceted, flawed, human characters. Marin and Donovan grow as characters and as a couple over the course of the book and the result is a refreshingly open, emotional, memorable romance. Add in a cast of endearing, fascinating secondary characters that make the world of The Grove come alive and you have one heck of a story. I absolutely loved Off the Clock and I cannot wait for the next Pleasure Principle tale!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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