Loved this book! I read it in a few days and really enjoyed it. It was a friends-to-lovers.
The MMC was a sunshine guy and talked about his feelings and everything, while the FMC was the complete opposite, I really likes this part!

I will definitely read the rest of the books in this series.

📱E-Book Review📱

The Best Worst Mistake
Lily Parker

🌟🌟🌟🌟


Back in April, I read The Best Wrong Move by this author and the first in the Off-Limits series.
Having loved it, I was so excited to see this second book being released so soon and couldn't wait to get my hands on it and dive in!

Not quite the summery vibes of book 1, but with such a cute cover image again, this looked like we were in for another fun read and super cute romance.

Although this book would read perfectly fine as a standalone, I would recommend that you read this series in order and as a whole as we do see much more of Olivia (from the first book) here in Abby's story.
I love the friendship that they have together and it really adds something more to this book than just the romance element.

I once again fell in love with Abby and her story. The author manages to create such relatable characters that really resonate with the reader and I found myself completely invested from pretty early on in the book.

Of course the build up of the relationship, past and present, of our main characters, Abby and Dax was wonderful and I found myself rooting for them throughout as well as grinning at every interaction.
The chemistry was tangible and the spice when it came was everything!

Another great read by this author and a series I'm completely hooked on - I can't wait to see where book 3 will take us!

Abby Torres, a driven NYC attorney, unexpectedly reunites with Dax Harper—her law school fling and now opposing counsel in a high-stakes merger case. Their unexpected coffee-shop collision reignites sizzling chemistry and unresolved history. Forced proximity in the boardroom turns professional rivalry into an emotional minefield, setting the stage for Abby and Dax to confront their past and decide if their future belongs together.

What I adored: the slow-burning second‑chance romance wrapped in razor-sharp banter and office tension. Dax is the ultimate cinnamon‑roll hero—patient, charming, deeply loyal. Abby’s wall of ambition slowly crumbles as Dax offers a steady, kind, and emotionally available counterpoint. Their reconnection feels earned, heartfelt, and real.

The dual POV format deepens understanding of both characters—Abby’s fearful protectiveness rooted in childhood trauma and Dax’s enduring affection. Their chemistry crackles from page one, simmering into something powerful and tender.

The Best Worst Mistake is a delightful blend of spicy tension, heartfelt growth, and genuine emotional healing. While the beginning drags a bit, the second act delivers swoon-worthy closure and deeper emotional resonance. It’s perfect for readers who crave second‑chance lawyer romance with slow-burn development and real character depth. A compelling choice for your next cozy read—and a solid 4-star entry in your romance list.

A second chance romance - this was such a cute read and different from your run-of-the-mill romances. Abby was actually a main female character who had emotional depth and showed her vulnerability whilst showing maturity. Dax was the perfect gentleman - levelheaded and wise. Overall, a refreshing read and I look forward to the next installment of this series.

Lily does it againl! This was a fun story with great characters. I enjoyed reading it and found it a quick and easy read. Thanks for the ARC netgallery

Here is my review for The Best Worst Mistake by Lily Parker

I loved reading The Best Worst Mistake which is the second installment of the Off-limits series and both books are superb reads with brilliant characters. As soon as I started reading this book I was hooked and just couldn’t put the book down. I had to know what happened next! I really liked the characters Dax and Abby as the chemistry was just sizzling between them although they hadn’t seen each other for a few years. When Dax and Abby are fighting over the negotiations that could be Abby’s big career break, they find it hard to stop looking at each other although they had agreed to maintain their distance so the others there didn’t pick up on their friendship. Dax didn’t think much of the way Abby’s boss treated her. The author has written a brilliant story and thought it out well. She planned it out so well that I was captivated throughout the book. The storyline is superb. It is quite spicy in places! Can Dax win Abby round so they become a couple? I can’t wait to read the next installment!

Blurb :

What if the one that got away came back . . . ?

❤️ Spicy romance 🌶🌶🌶🌶
❤️ Second-chance romance
❤️ Cinnamon roll hero
❤️ Found family
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Grumpy/Sunshine
❤️ Workplace romance

Abby never thought she’d see Dax Harper again — let alone bump into him in a Manhattan coffee shop.

Dax was her law school fling. The one that got away. The almost-relationship she couldn’t forget.

Now he’s older. Hotter. And in town for just one night.

Dax wants dinner. Abby wants one night of rekindled heat.

It won’t change anything. He’s in L.A. She’s in New York. No strings. No regrets.

Until Abby’s firm is called to L.A. in a deal that will make, or break, her career. She’s ready for anything — except finding Dax on the other side of the boardroom table. All confidence, charm, and those damn hazel eyes still looking at her like she’s the only one in the room.

For the sake of their careers, they must stay professional.

But when the tension sizzles hotter than their last night together, it’s clear some rules are made to be broken . . .

This sizzling, second-chance workplace romance, full of sharp banter, heart-melting heat and the kind of chemistry that doesn’t fade with time, is perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Susie Tate, Carrie Elks, Emma Lucy, Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry and Bal Khabra.

I am officially in love with the men that Lily Parker writes. If I thought Dom was swoon-worthy, nothing could have prepared me for Dax.

Golden retriever energy MMC's don't get enough credit in my eyes, I absolutely love the joy they bring to their women. Dax was no exception with his cheeky attitude, cocky swagger, and his ability to smile through anything thrown his way.

I am so, so, so glad we got Abbi's story second. If you saw my review of Lily's first book in the series - 'The Best Wrong Move' - you'll know how much I was routing for Abbi to get her happily ever after.

Abbi is married to her job. She's worked her whole life to get to partner in her law firm, and her most recent job is where she's gonna finally earn her place. Except, Dax is on the opposing side, ready to sweep it all out from under her. It doesn't help that Abbi & Dax have a lot of history - mostly where she ghosted him. Twice.

Dax is down hard for Abbi, but he makes her work for it. At least he tries to, bless him 😂 Abbi has and always will be his weak spot, he cannot resist her. He knows that under her steely, work obsessed persona, there's a woman that needs to be loved.

Abbi's past was heartbreaking, I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed a tear when we learned why she's so afraid of commitment. The whole bus scene had me bawling. Everything made so much sense and allowed Dax to understand Abbi on a much deeper level.

Their chemistry from the beginning was undeniable, and I loved that even though they had a past, we still got to watch them get to know each other. I enjoyed the cameos from Olivia too, seeing characters from other books really make the stories seem connected and give them life.

I'm really excited for the next book in the series, The Best Wild Idea! I'm looking toward to the pining because I just know its gonna be full of it 😍

A cute, friends to lover romance book. Also great for anyone who likes the second (or maybe even 3rd) chance romance, which this book really plays upon. It's dual perspective style was helpful to really get to know both characters and to know there was nothing malicious between the 2 of them as well. For me, it also highlighted the work life balance issues of some very high strung jobs so it was cute to see the characters take a step back from that to change their priorities.

Romantic, hilarious, and completely addictive 💫💘. The Best Worst Mistake is a delightful rom-com about unexpected love, hilarious mishaps, and learning that sometimes, mistakes lead to the best outcomes. Lily Parker blends laugh-out-loud humour, loveable characters, and swoony tension perfectly. I adored the chaos, the chemistry, and the heartwarming ending. Pure feel-good escapism!

This was a good romance, not a second chance, but maybe a 3rd or even 4th chance.

I really, really liked Dax. He's kind, patient, and whip smart. Abby had a decent life, but not one filled with affection or love, which makes her emotionally stunted. It takes Dax's aha moment during a run to build a deeper relationship with Abby make her come out of her shell and really challenge her to take a risk on Dax and learn how to give and receive love.

#netgalley #TheBestWorstMistake

The Best Worst Mistake is the second title in the Off-Limits series, and brings us Abby’s and Dax’s sizzling, complicated romance.

During law school, Abby and Dax had a friends-with-benefits relationship that fizzled out once they moved on to the real world of their careers. Years later, they run into each other, and the fire is still there, and they act on it. Yet, once again, Abby runs from the emotional part of reuniting with Dax due to her past. She’s trying to ghost him, and he’s ready to give up on even trying for anything more between them. Part of Abby’s reasoning as to why they wouldn’t work is the fact that they live on opposite coasts of the USA. That is blown to smithereens when she heads to California for an important case, and Dax is seated across the table from her on his client’s side. It’s vital to stay professional, but the attraction between them won’t let up. Abby has to decide if Dax is her future, if she can let go of her past, and trust in what she feels for this man.

I enjoyed The Best Worst Mistake by Lily Parker; it’s an engaging, quick read with characters who are a bit complicated. Dax definitely falls first, and hard. Due to Abby’s past, she’s convinced she’s unable to love or accept being loved for herself. Watching her sort through her reactions to Dax was often a heartwrenching journey. I liked their story, while I may have wanted more depth in some areas, it’s still an enjoyable story that I would recommend.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

What better setting for two people reconnecting than a cozy coffee shop?
As someone who values a good cup of coffee, the opening scene remained close to my heart. There's something romantic about two people with unfinished history unexpectedly colliding over caffeine. For Abby, Dax was the one that got away—the almost-relationship that never quite faded, even though she was the one who walked away. She never expected to bump into him again, let alone years later in a Manhattan coffee shop.
This story is a light-hearted, second-chance workplace romance that follows Abby and Dax as they reconnect—not just as old flames, but as adults with demanding careers and real stakes. What starts as a steamy night quickly evolves into something more complicated when they find themselves face-to-face again, this time across a boardroom table.

This is Book 2 of the Off-Limits Series, and I absolutely love this series!

First up - adore that cover! Purple is always amazing on a cover 💜.

In this book, we get to know the incredible Abby (who we met in Book 1), a fiesty workaholic, and see what happens when she bumps into an old friend in a coffee shop!

I absolutely adore Abby, and I can see how her and Liv's friendship works so well! I did feel for her, though, when I realised how much of a workaholic she was. Abby is driven but loves and breathes the law firm she works for, and the world is passing her by.

When I learned about her past, I really felt for her and could see how the past had driven her future. She's an incredible lady.

Dax was just brilliant! I loved him the moment I met him - he's such a cinnamon roll hero! They really are a perfect duet, and I loved watching them dance around each other and their relationship grow!

The story itself is once again engaging, and I loved meeting two new characters and learning their story. I also loved how Liv and Dom dropped into the story every now and then, so I got got snippets of their lives, too.

This is a beautiful story, and while sad at times, so much fun!

A fantastic romance and a book (and a series!), I wholly recommend to all romance lovers!

4.5 stars! This book had me giggling and kicking my feet it was so cute! Dax is a such a cutie pie cinnamon roll and his and Abby’s chemistry was sooo good! I loved all the side characters too and getting to see Abby’s character growth through finding her own family 🥹 Highly recommend if you want a fun easy read romance with a little bit of spice!

4.5
I thought I was reading a rom-com and I got so much more. A beautiful deep story about a strong woman, Abby, with a really hard past and an amazing MMC, cinnamon-roll Dax, who absolutely stole my heart and Abby's. Their meet cute was one of the best I’ve read.
There's banter, full romance, sexy times, adorable secondary characters, witty dialogs and meaningful ones. I had a lot of fun reading this book but I also felt deeply moved.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4 ⭐️
Tropes: second chance romance, friends to lovers, forced proximity, workplace rivals, found family

This is the second book in the Off-Limits series by Lily Parker and after reading this I definitely need to back track and read the first one!

Abby and Dax “dated” on and off through law school but Abby always had Dax at arms length never quite letting things get to serious with him or anyone else after him for that matter; she would only let them have a physical relationship and nothing more. After law school Abby left to New York to start her career and Dax went his way to California both on opposite ends of the country. Abby and Dax were each others “the one that got away” but she was to scared to let things get to serious. Until the universe threw them back together years later putting Dax in NY - “It’s Dax. The one man I’ve never been fully able to forget.”

But old habits are hard to break and Abby did the only thing she knew would keep her heart safe, only allowing them to hookup because that was safest.

“I might want more than is possible when it comes to Abby. But I’ll take whatever I can get when I’m with her. And for tonight, that’ll have to be enough.

The universe threw them back together AGAIN in California giving them another chance. Third times the charm right?! Eventually things got old and Dax gave Abby one last opportunity to take a risk or say goodbye for the last time…this time protecting himself instead of letting Abby make all the choices.

“No matter how much I want her, how much I’ve always wanted her, I’m over her half-baked excuses. This time, it’s all or nothing.”

Lucky for him Abby decided to FINALLY take a leap of faith. I loved how this one choice freed her in more ways than one and I adored her playful personality that she finally let shine. Dax was so perfect and understanding giving Abby a safe place to land. Definitely recommend if you like great banter, and off the charts chemistry!

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffrey Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Lily Parker book, and I ate this book up!
Loved it. I love Lily's writing, and I enjoyed it so much!
Read this in one sitting.
This is a perfect book for your summer TBR. A great poolside or beach read.
We got a second-chance romance, workplace romance, workplace enemies, and found family in this plot.
The banter was so fun, witty, and funny. I laughed out loud.
The supporting characters were so wonderful! I loved them so much.
I loved Abby, our brilliant, workaholic, girl boss with a traumatic childhood.
Dax is a lawyer who hasn't ever been able to get Abby out of his mind.
The two have so much CHEMISTRY! Guys, so good.
The characters are well-developed. They are relatable and show growth throughout the plot, particularly Abby.
The plot is well structured, and the pace is perfect.
I didn't realize this was book 2 in a series, but I was still able to enjoy it as a standalone. I didn't feel I was missing out on any background or information that integral to the plot of this book. I will, however, be going to read book one, and I will read the whole series.
Thank you to Joffe Books, Lily Parker, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Happy Reading!

i could really see the vision here, but unfortunately, i didn’t love the execution.

this book follows two lawyers, abby and dax, who used to be friends with benefits back in law school. now, years later, they’re on opposite sides of a high-stakes deal, while having to maintain a professional front.

let’s start with what i enjoyed.
there were some genuinely funny moments that made me laugh, which i always appreciate. dax, especially in the beginning, was pretty endearing. it was refreshing to see the male lead be the one pushing for something more than just a physical connection. he treated abby with respect and made his intentions clear early on, which flipped the usual dynamic in a nice way.

i also liked the deeper dive into abby’s past and her complicated family situation. while i didn’t connect with her as much as i hoped to, i still found that part of the story important and meaningful.

now for what didn’t work for me.
the premise had me expecting tension and angst. this is supposedly a forbidden love story. unfortunately, i felt no tension between them. there’s a lot of telling us they shouldn’t be doing this, but no real consequences or resistance. everything was just…too easy.

also, the pacing felt off. from the first few pages, they’re already deeply obsessed with each other, and things move too fast for my taste. i get that they had a history, but i would’ve liked a slower burn, especially since it’s meant to be a professional setting. dax is openly drooling over abby by page 10, and while i enjoy an obsessed mmc, i don't like rushed romances.

overall, i just wanted more buildup, both emotionally and romantically, before the story dove into the steamy stuff. with a little more time spent getting to know the characters and exploring their internal conflicts, i would've liked this much more.

I was a little hesitant to read this book because I didn't really like the first book in this series. I found the first book lacking depth, a little blah, and the dialogue was cringe. However, this book in completely opposite! I was drawn in to it because of the strong female character that didn't seem whiny, but still has issues to work through. The male character was so patient with her and was such a sweetheart. I really liked the chemistry between them. I also liked that love story they created together. There wasn't TONS of spice in this one but it was a really great read with no third act breakup. Love this read and cannot wait to read the third book in the series :)

Abby never expected to run into Dax Harper again, especially not in a Manhattan coffee shop. He was the law school fling she never truly got over. Now older, undeniably hotter, and only in town for the night, Dax proposes dinner. Abby agrees, thinking one night together won’t go any further as he lives in L.A., and she’s firmly rooted in New York. Yet fate has other plans. When Abby’s firm sends her to L.A. for the biggest case of her career, she walks into the boardroom only to find Dax on the other side of the boardroom.
I thought Dax was a great character, so sweet and genuine. Whilst it would have been good to know more about his backstory and his past with Abby, the story does reveal more about her as a character. While Abby is at first emotionally distant, I grew to have a greater understanding of her as a character and her vulnerability. There are moments when the story goes into some more intense topics, but the romance element manages to keep it on the lighter side. The secondary characters added depth to this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.