The Mistakes by Elizabeth Brown
Series: Off Limits, #3
Contemporary Romance/Comedy
April 4, 2017
Self Published

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Hey, stop touching my vibe.” […] “You know, you can get your own on the internet. You don’t need to go around stealing them.”

It started as a promise.
A momentary lapse in sanity had me agreeing to two months of celibacy.
Then Mark Bishop showed up. My new boss was cocky, possessive, and unfortunately, sexy as hell.
My first mistake?
Thinking I would last two months. (Goodreads)

Winnie Masters works at the local library and is raising her younger sister after their mother walked out on them. A recent STD scare convinces her to take a two-month leave of absence from sex. A leave of absence that didn’t even four days before she falls off the wagon at her best friend’s wedding. The next day she does the walk of shame from his hotel room to hers and hightails it home before he even realizes she’s gone. When she is laid off from her job the following Monday and pressed into working at the family law firm, she is dismayed to discover her new boss is none other than her one night stand from the wedding.

Mark Bishop never expected to see the woman from the wedding in his office. And he certainly never expected her to be his new administrative secretary or the granddaughter of a founding partner. A hard working lawyer currently on his way to becoming a partner, Mark knows playing ‘spank the naughty secretary’ with the very sexy and delicious Winnie could get him fired. Though he wants to. Very very much.

Winnie wants Mark but only in bed. Or on his desk. In a car. On their lunch breaks. She doesn’t do relationships. Mark also wants Winnie in his bed, but also in his life. He wants every part of her. But with all the mistakes they are both making in this relationship, he’s not sure either of them will get what they want.

Fans of Elizabeth Brown’s Off Limits series is sure to enjoy her latest couple-Winnie Masters and Mark Bishop- on their bumpy journey down happily ever after road. This humorous and emotional romantic comedy features two strong, opinionated, intelligent people whose intense attraction to one another is highlighted by their initial animosity and complicated work relationship. Engaging narrative, magnetic chemistry, witty dialogue, and a cast of dynamic aka very nosey secondary characters will keep readers on the hook till the very end. 

The Mistakes is a journey of growth, reflection, and perseverance as told in dual points of view. Brown’s enticing voice that lends credence and realism to her characters and their actions. Both protagonists flesh out well; Brown unapologetically revealing their flaws and strengths with clarity and conviction.

“You are so dick-centric that you even give your STDs male nicknames. Don’t you see how messed up that is?”

Winnie is a contradiction of snark and strength that sheaths a very fragile and loving heart. She is both appealing and appalling. Winnie struggles to support her younger sibling on her own while proving to her family and herself she is nothing like her irresponsible mother. She likes sex. She likes men. She lives her life on her own terms and makes no apologies for that.

“So what if my new job’s biggest benefit was frequent sex with my boss? I could deal with that.”

Luckily for her, Mark is the most patient of heroes. His playa’ image is corrupted by the love and respect he gives his family, friends, and Winnie. He’s just really a sweetheart whose drive to succeed slowly killing him. Sexy, funny, and forthright, he fights for Winnie both sexually and emotionally. Every roadblock she places in front of them he pushes against them, using any means necessary to strengthen their connection.

“You are all I ever wanted. I need you in my life, so please, just tell me what I need to do to fit into yours.”

Mark and Winnie’s romance is littered with some deep belly laughs and heartfelt bittersweet moments as they attempt a clandestine sexual relationship only to discover to their horror they have fallen in love. I enjoyed watching Mark chase Winnie. She certainly puts him through his paces. He puts up with so much. A little too much at times. I’m all for finding oneself and taking all the time you need but Winnie has what I like call Scarlett O’Hara moments. That is where the heroine or hero just decides not to think about the problems at hand and deal with other things. Though the romance is slow to develop, their chemistry and love scenes blaze bright and hot across the pages. Mark has a dirty mind and mouth to match. *wink*

“Problem?” he asked, looking down at me as he sheathed his perfect erection.

I turned back to the desk and shook my head. “Uh-huh.”

“You sure?”

I nodded. “No, it’s fine. I just… forgot how big you are. You sure you wouldn’t rather have a blow job?”

He leaned into me again, his lips against my ear. “Believe me, as much as I’ve fantasized about shoving my dick in your mouth to shut you up, I’m not entirely convinced you wouldn’t bite it off.”

A kaleidoscope of dynamic and interesting secondary characters add even more love, humor, and advice to the mix from a very opinionated grandmother who only wants the best for her grandson to a best friend who not only through Winnie’s issues but also her fears. Family plays a very strong role in here as shown when Winnie’s family’s interference almost destroys Mark and Winnie’s chances at happiness.

The book does slow down considerably in the last 25% as Winnie deals with a game changer and tries to figure out what it is she really wants from life. It felt as if Brown just stops everything and lets Winnie strings Mark along for a while longer to keep the conflict and anticipation alive. <<Scarlett O’Hara moment in techno-color. Keeping in tone with the rest of the book, everyone accommodates Winnie in some form or fashion order to get her moving towards a decision. Even with our happily ending, I did feel as if Winnie never truly deals with her issues so much as she decides being without Mark hurts more than being with him.

The Mistakes is perfect for fans of opposite attraction and forbidden office romances who enjoy fun, smart, and sexy couples who have to work at their happily ever after. Some may find the stubbornness of the heroine draws out for far too long but it’s an enjoyable romance overall. Though part of a series with previous character cameos and interaction, you can read this comfortably as a standalone.

RATING: B-

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