Title: Boarded by LOVE

Author: Toni Aleo

Genre: NA

Release Date: Sept. 8th 2014

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 women. 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 beyond 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 more important to her. 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 dance 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.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/kdlogmm
Amazon.UK: http://tinyurl.com/m34xamd
Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/lxm7jra
KOBO: http://tinyurl.com/m28lq9z
iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/nse78us

Review

Safe. Stable. Steady.

That’s the exact life Claire Anderson is working towards as she dances and choreographs performances at Ms. Prissy’s Gentlemen’s Club. For more years than she can count, Claire has had to stand on her own, relying on only herself, so every night that she dances and earns tips is one step closer to a future that looks nothing like her past – a life where she doesn’t have to wonder where her next meal will come from or where she will live. And, even though her uncle and his fiancée got her out of an extremely difficult situation, Claire still doesn’t trust that they won’t leave her fending for herself. Old attitudes and perceptions are hard to break even when a different truth seems to be staring her in the face.

Game Changer

That’s what Jude Sinclair, big man on campus and number one player on and off the ice, believes when he first meets Claire. There’s something about her that draws him in and makes him want to give up his manwhore ways. But even though Claire appreciates Jude’s hotness, she also knows his game. She doesn’t think Jude wants more than a roll in the sack…another notch on his bedpost because that’s exactly how his college life has been. She doesn’t see a future with Jude; she can’t because everywhere she looks, there’s someone telling her that Jude’s a dog and that any relationship with him is doomed from the start. But Jude’s tenacity wears her down, and soon, they find themselves in a relationship where feelings run deep, but that doesn’t erase the doubts that Claire has about Jude’s ability to remain faithful with all of the talk around campus or the fact that Claire’s keeping secrets from Jude that could change the way he sees her.

Can Claire and Jude make their relationship work despite the outside forces that want them apart? Can Claire work through her need to rely only on herself and let others in to help ease the load? Pick up a copy of Boarded by Love and find out for yourself.

I’m a huge fan of sports romance stories, and I’ve read several of Toni Aleo’s Assassins books, so it was a no brainer for me to dive into Claire and Jude’s story. The Bellevue Bullies’ series may be on the collegiate level, but it still delivers the drama and angst found in Toni’s other stories. There is an insta love aspect to Boarded by Love and a complete 180 degree change by the hero, and while I can see why both could be hard for readers, it’s also conceivable that finding the right person can be that game changer that Jude believes Claire is. Should he be as perfect as he seems to be once finding Claire? Maybe not, but Jude is the type of person who puts his all into things that matter to him, and Claire clearly means a lot to him.

Claire is a fantastic heroine. She definitely has her flaws, but after the life she led as a child, she seems to know exactly what she wants in life. I love her sass and ability to give as good as she gets. Her internal dialogue illustrates how conflicted she is with her decision to hide the full truth from Jude, but it also explains her reasons for keeping it close to the vest. Jude definitely rocks as a hero; his love for his family and their closeness added to his appeal. I love that he doesn’t apologize for his past; it is what it is, and he moves forward knowing that he won’t do anything that will ruin what he has with Claire.

Boarded by Love is a great choice for fans of the New Adult genre. Its mix of romance, conflict, and emotional angst will keep readers invested in the story. I love that readers get to catch up with some of the stars from Aleo’s Assassins’ series, and Phillip and Reese’s roles in Claire’s story play a pivotal part in helping her achieve her goals. I really hope that Jude’s brother’s story is next!

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 poison apples