Author: Toni Aleo
Publisher: (September 8th, 2014)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK
NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
Synopsis: Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood and, not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it... really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with woman. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships above my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.
She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.
She’s my game changer.
He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.
I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were most important. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny.
Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school team, and a burlesque dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.
You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love, or living happily ever after. At first, it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?
Especially, when you’re boarded by love.
Review: 5 Stars - Boarded by Love is the first “New Adult” title in the Bellevue Bullies series from author Toni Aleo. This is a spin off from the author’s extremely popular hockey romance series Assassins.
One of the main questions I’d like to address right off the bat is… “If I’ve not read the Assassins series yet, will I be lost or missing out?” Well, that deserves a two part answer. First, nope! You won’t be lost in the slightest. The main character Claire has been in the Assassins series yet you learn all about her and her family in Boarded by Love so you won’t be lost, as a matter of fact it’s quite the opposite! I mean this title is half about her, so there’s plenty of back story.
Now the second half of that question… will you be missing out? Well, if you ask a fan such as myself, I’ll say, YES! You are missing out if you haven’t read the Assassins series but only because these hockey players and their lives are well worth the read. Not to mention the stories are pretty hot! I mean Toni does have a way with words when it comes to the sexy times! But no, you won’t be missing anything when it pertains to this story and these characters, so you are more than good on that!
Now, the thing about these two characters is they are extremely hard workers in everything they do including who they love and their families. Claire is trying to overcome her past to make a better future for herself. She’s not used to the life she’s now living thanks to her uncle Phillip so some of the things she does come about somewhat wrong, but her hearts in the right place.
And then Jude, or Hey Jude which readers will come to fall a tiny bit in love with… oh who am I kidding? Readers will fall head over heels in love with this latest book boyfriend. He’s dealing with some issues at home and doesn’t have the best relationship with his father. In turn he’s a bit of a player and it’s not until he meets Claire that his world begins to change.
Actually both of their words begin to change.
During the story we follow them in a dual Point of View, which if you’ve read my reviews in the past you know I’m a rather large fan of stories written from more than one view point. It just gives readers so much more to work with when visualizing the story or what the people are going through.
The small visits in with characters and Claire’s family from Assassins titles were the icing on the cake for me and I loved seeing Phillip’s reaction to the paths Claire takes.
These two characters have things to overcome together and one part and I had a lump in my throat for so many reasons that with each turn of the page I didn’t know what to expect, or if Toni was going to rip my heart out the messy or clean cut way with the swipe of a keystroke. Let me tell you, Toni is one author who brings the angst and stress to her stories. I have been through the gamut of emotions time and time again while reading her books and it never ceases to amaze me how she keeps that tension so high without giving up anything too soon or too late.
Boarded by Love as a whole is one of my favorites from the author; her writing is great, the story flows and before you know it a whole afternoon has past in what feels like a blink of an eye. Also, the characters – Claire and Jude – Love them to bits!!!
I’ve been waving my Pom-Poms for Toni for a few years now, since way back when she first was self published and I can say without a doubt that she’s done it again and has sold me 110% in her exciting “New Adult” series. Those who love her adult Assassins series will love this one and I’m sure on to whatever she has in store for us next. If you have yet to find this author be sure to prepare yourself that when you sit down to read this one, you’ll be ready for the NHL pro’s with Toni’s Assassins. This is a contemporary “New Adult” title due to language, drinking and sex and is intended for readers 18 years of age and older.
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