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In The Crease (Assassins #12) by Toni Aleo-Review and Excerpt Tour

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IN THE CREASE (Assassins #12) by Toni Aleo-Review and Excerpt Tour

 

IN THE CREASE
Assassins #12
by Toni Aleo
Release Date: August 22, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, hockey, romance,

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 22, 2017

Jensen Monroe is a unicorn. As handsome as any model, as polite as can be, a goalie of unmatched skill, and the best friend anyone could ask for. But he longs for a particular special someone to make his life complete. He’s been in love with Wren since he was a teenager, but as his best friend’s sister, she’s always been off-limits.

Wren Lemiere has prided herself on being a love ’em and leave ’em girl her whole life. She’s all about equal opportunity in the battle of the sexes. Why should guys like her brother and his best friends get to be the only ones allowed to play the dating game? One wrong move, however, and she finds herself in violation of her own rules.

In need of a fake husband and baby daddy for her unexpected bundle of joy, Wren finally accepts Jensen is the logical one to ask for help. Except he has a counteroffer…one with so many strings attached, they may just find themselves wrapped up in ties that bind. Forever.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: IN THE CREASE is the twelfth installment in Toni Aleo’s contemporary, adult ASSASSINS erotic, hockey, romance series focusing on the men and women of the NHL’s professional hockey team the Nashville Assassins. This is Assassin’s goalie Jensen Monroe, and team psychiatrist Wren Lemiere’s story line. IN THE CREASE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jensen and Wren) IN THE CREASE is a friends to lovers, best friend’s little sister trope that follows in Wrens’ discovery of an unplanned pregnancy, and the subsequent rejection by the baby’s father. Needing a fake husband and baby daddy for more reasons than she could count, Wren approaches her brother’s best friend Jensen Monroe, a man who has loved Wren for most of his life. What ensues is the building romance between Jensen and Wren, and the fall out when the secrets Wren keeps close to her heart are revealed for everyone to see.

Wren Lemiere struggles with major issues of low self-esteem; her baby daddy’s rejection hits too close to home, and with her brother’s upcoming wedding Wren is desperate to find someone who is willing to play along. Wren’s reputation as a love-em and leave-em kind of girl is a reflection of her upbringing-a childhood mired in jealousy and perceived rejection from the people she loved. Jensen Monroe has been in love with Wren Lemiere for as long as he can remember. As a young, billeted hockey player, Jensen’s found himself fantasizing about his teammate’s sister- a young woman who, to the present day, remained oblivious to Jensen’s love and attraction.

The relationship between Jensen and Wren struggles in the face of unrequited love; Jensen’s willingness to risk his heart and his soul for a woman who refuses to accept anything permanent including a potential future with our leading hero, is heartbreaking and emotional. Wren’s issues of low self-esteem have fractured any semblance of personal worth, and in this our heroine believes she is unworthy of love and affection, including the love of the family in which she grew up. There were plenty of tear-inducing triggers. Some readers may take offense to our heroine’s attitude and unwillingness to give love a chance but Wren battles with her heart as the pain of previous hurt and rejection come full circle both at home and in her personal life.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Wren’s brother Wells and his boyfriend Alex, Vaughn Johanssen and Brie Soladad (Delayed Call #11), Wren and Wells’ parents Winston and Elaine Lemiere, as well as Jensen’s mother and father Emma and Antoine Monroe, and Assassin’s owner Elli Adler, Wren’s former best friend Shanna, and her brother Bradley Washington, and Jensen’s ex Ophelia.

The world building looks at the friendships and love between members of the Nashville Assassins; the family dynamics behind the scenes, and the struggles for one woman to be recognized for who and what she is. Hockey takes a backseat to our leading couple.

IN THE CREASE is an emotional story line; a heartbreaking tale about one man who loves unconditionally, and one woman who believes she is unworthy of love. The premise is energetic and entertaining; the characters are colorful, passionate and dynamic; the romance is seductive and intense. IN THE CREASE is a roller-coaster of emotions; a spirited and inspiring story with a happily ever after.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Excerpt

 

Brie snickered as Vaughn went on. “I know this is going to be hard. Like, really hard on you. But, buddy, I’m sorry to say, we bought a house.”
Jensen just stared back at him. “Okay? Why is this hard?”
“Because you’re not moving with us.”
He rolled his eyes. “Jo, we haven’t lived together for six months since you moved in with Brie.”
“I know, but we were across the hall.”
Jensen laughed. “I’ll be fine without you guys—”
“Now, I know this comes as a shock, but we’re having a baby, and we need space for us and the baby.”
“I know—”
“Now, Jenny, I know this is going to be difficult, putting space between us—”
“You know we lived apart for years, right?”
But Vaughn went on. “Just know I will always and forever love you as my brother, and nothing will change. Not the space, the new ball and chain, or the baby.”
“Are you done?”
Brie apparently thought this was hilarious since she was basically choking she was laughing so hard. Which wasn’t anything new. Vaughn might be an idiot, but he was a funny one. As always, Vaughn was unaffected as he said, “We’ll never be done, Jenny, never.”
“Okay,” Jensen said, rolling his eyes again. “Listen, this is awesome. I’m happy for you guys, and let me know when we need to start moving stuff.”
“You’re such a good man,” Vaughn proclaimed before clapping his hands together. “This weekend good for you?”
Laughing, he just shook his head at Vaughn’s antics. “Yeah, man.”
“Thanks, Jensen.”
He smiled over at Brie. “Anytime.”
Rolling his eyes, he went back to eating as a grin played on his lips. He wanted nothing more than for his friend to grow and be in love. Brie was that for Vaughn. They were moving and having a kid, and it was great. Vaughn needed that. So did Wells, who was getting married the following month. Both his best friends were living life, happily and to its fullest. Meanwhile, Jensen was stuck.
He didn’t know how it happened, or even why, but it had. He wasn’t interested in anyone he met, and he didn’t just want to fuck around. He wanted someone to love him for him. The quiet, weird guy in the corner. The one who would lay down his life for anyone he loved. He had redeemable qualities, but for some reason, no one wanted them. They just wanted to have sex.
He didn’t want Netflix and chill; he wanted Netflix and breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and more.
Hmm, he should copyright that.
Taking a huge bite of his chicken, he felt his phone start to vibrate. He pulled it out, seeing that it was a text from Wren, as he chewed. Like always when she texted him, his heart sped up, and his palms went clammy as a lump formed in his throat. Or maybe that was the chicken, he wasn’t sure. Either way, he slid the notification over so that his text thread with her opened up before he read her message.
Wren: Are you free anytime this week? 

 

About the author

Toni AleoMy name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

Twitter / Facebook /Web /Goodreads /Amazon /Pinterest

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Twenty-Two (Assassins 11.5) by Toni Aleo-Review and Book Tour

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TWENTY-TWO (Assassins 11.5) by Toni Aleo-Review and Book Tour

Twenty Two Banner

TWENTY-TWO
Assassins 11.5
by Toni Aleo
Release Date: May 22, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, hockey romance

Twenty-Two

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: May 22,2017

When Lucas Brooks was traded to the Nashville Assassins over a decade ago, he was a brash, brawling hothead without an anchor.

Well, four kids and a smokin’ hot wife will weigh you down real fast, but Lucas wouldn’t change a minute of his happily ever after.

During an epic, end-of-season quest for the Cup, changes appear on the horizon, and suddenly, there’s a plot twist in Lucas’s fairy tale.

•••••••

REVIEW: TWENTY-TWO by Toni Aleo is installment 11.5 and the latest novella in the author’s contemporary, adult ASSASSINS hockey, romance series focusing on the men and women of the NHL’s Nashville Assassins. TWENTY-TWO revisits Lucas and Fallon Brooks (Trying to Score #2). TWENTY-TWO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important from the previous installments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lucas and Fallon) TWENTY-TWO catches up with Nashville Assassins’ hockey player Lucas Brooks as he comes to a cross-roads in his life and his career. With his eldest son, seventeen year old Aiden, making plans for his own hockey career Lucas knows it is time to make plans for his own future.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including many if not all of the previous story line couples. We catch up with the team as they vie for the Stanley Cup championships, and witness another player as he struggles with his future-a future that may be out of his hands.

TWENTY-TWO is a sweet story line about family, friendship, choices and decisions. Toni Aleo gives the reader a glimpse into the physically demanding life of a hockey player and the stress on the family he/she leaves behind. The premise is realistic and enjoyable; the characters are familiar and heartwarming. TWENTY-TWO is a delightful look at a passionate player whose career is nearing the end.

Copy supplied for review

excerpt

Fallon held a half-eaten snow cone in one hand and her phone in the other with one earbud in as she watched Aiden rush down the ice, the puck under his control. He caught the defense on a change, somewhat of a breakaway, before he shot the puck hard toward the net, hitting the back of it with ease.
“Woot!” Audrey called from beside her.
“Yes!” Fallon fist-pumped as the girls stood by the glass, bouncing up and down in their way too big Brooks jerseys. Looking over to Asher, who was on his computer, she said, “Your brother scored.”
“Attaboy!” he called out, but he didn’t look up, which only made Fallon shake her head as she watched Aiden hug his teammates. “What’s the score on Daddy’s game?”
“Two-zip, Assassins,” she said as she waved her hand in the air when Aiden looked up at her, like he always did. Like he always had, and a part of her was excited about his future. But the other part just made her heart ache. When he was in college, would he be able to see her?
And in the NHL? Crap, she knew he wouldn’t be able to see her then.
“This is game four, right? They win, they go to round three?”
“Yes, baby. Emery! Get off there! Come eat this snow cone. It’s melting.”
Emery continued to climb on the rail of the bleachers as she looked up. “I don’t want it.”
“Then come get it and throw it away.”
She pouted. “I don’t want to.”
“Emery Elaine,” Fallon warned. “Get over here. Right now.”
“I want my daddy!”
“That’s new,” Audrey commented as Emery stomped up the stairs, her little brow
furrowed.
“That’s Emery, who has stayed close to her dad every moment he’s been home,” she muttered as Emery stopped in front of her. “Do you want that tail wore out?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Then what do you need to do?”
“Throw away the snow cone and watch my mouth?”
“Exactly,” she said, handing the snow cone to her trying child before looking down at her phone to see that the Assassins were on the penalty kill. They were probably playing the best hockey she had seen them play in her many years of supporting and loving the team. She was excited, but her gut was in a knot, not only for the Assassins but also for Aiden. Because across the rink, she could see the Bellevue representatives, watching her little boy with intent.
“Aiden is playing great,” Audrey said then, and Fallon nodded.
“I know, the best he’s ever played. Just like the Assassins.”
Audrey beamed. “We’ll close out tonight and then get a nice break before round three.
They need it.”
“They do.” Looking down at her phone, Fallon watched as the second period ended, and she let out a long sigh. One more period. Twenty more minutes, and if the Assassins could hold the Hawks, they’d move on to round three. She couldn’t believe it. This would be the first time the Assassins had swept anyone in the play-offs, and according to Facebook, Elli was coming out of her skin.

About The Author

Toni AleoMy name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

Twitter / Facebook /Web /Goodreads /Amazon /Pinterest

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Delayed Call (Assassins #11) by Toni Aleo-Review, Excerpt and Book Tour

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DELAYED CALL (Assassins #11) by Toni Aleo-Review, Excerpt and Book tour

Delayed Call Banner

DELAYED CALL
Assassins #11
by Toni Aleo
Release Date: March 20, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, hockey, romance

Delayed Call

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 20, 2017

Vaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins’ star player. He’s brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn’t afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self.

Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders. As the staff reporter for the Assassins, she balances her high-profile job and its heavy travel schedule with being the sole provider for her adult brother with Down syndrome. Sure, she’d like to find love. But who has time for that when there are bills to pay?

Brie has been the match to Vaughn’s gasoline since the day she first held out her microphone to him. They strike sparks off each other, keeping their friends, the team, and the Assassins fans in stitches. Brie’s refusal to fawn over Vaughn sets his teeth on edge and his blood boiling. Especially in that body part…

Brie’s been let down by love before, but she knows she deserves nothing less than real, forever love. Vaughn’s past has left deep, hidden scars, and there are some secrets he cannot bear to reveal. As much as Brie wants him, Vaughn may be too big a risk for her wary heart to take. But he is at his best under pressure. When the delayed call is in effect and he has no choice but to score, Vaughn always delivers.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DELAYED CALL is the eleventh installment in Toni Aleo’s contemporary, adult ASSASSINS romance series focusing on the men and women of the NHL’s professional hockey team the Nashville Assassins. This is star player Vaughn Johansson, and the Assassins’ staff reporter Brie Soledad’s story line. DELAYED CALL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Brie and Vaughn) DELAYED CALL focuses on the building relationship between Assassin’s star player Vaughn Johansson, and staff reporter Brie Soledad-an acrimonious relationship with plenty of sexual tension, and the childish back and forth name calling and insults reserved for adolescent teens. With each encounter the play by play between Vaughn and Brie increases the heat, the rancor, the cutting jibes until someone close to Brie and Vaughn makes a request that neither ignore. What ensues is the accession and acquiescence between Vaughn and Brie but not before Brie discovers that Vaughn has lied to Brie about the most important person in her life.

Vaughn Johansson doesn’t do relationships or love. Yes, he loves his friends like family but to proclaim his love for a woman is something Vaughn has learned never to do and never will again. Brie loves with all of her heart but falling in love with Vaughn Johansson finds our heroine heartbroken and alone, wondering where everything went wrong.

We are introduced to Vaughn’s best friend and roommate Jensen Monroe; their mutual friends, brother and sister Wren and Wells. Jensen has been in love with Wren for most of their adult life but Wren has a secret that will blow apart their little world.

DELAYED CALL was a bit of a struggle for me in the early portion of the story. The bickering, name calling and insults were so adolescent and juvenile I thought I was reading a YA story line, and I had a difficult time moving forward. I considered DNFing but I plowed forward and I am glad I did. The premise is entertaining and revealing; the characters were melodramatic, theatrical yet playful and energetic; the romance struggled with Vaughn’s inability to let go of the past. DELAYED CALL is a sexy and passionate story about family, friendship and love.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

When Tricksie started to bark more frantically as he put his hat on, he looked down at her. “Two seconds, baby.”
She continued to bark as he grabbed his keys before reaching for the door, which she took off out of. He went to tell her to calm down, but before he could, he heard a woman’s voice, “Oh, my goodness! Hello!”
Peeking his head out the door, he found Brie on the ground. On her back, her arms around Tricksie as she jumped and licked her to death. “Oh, my God! Hello. My name is Brie. You are the cutest little dog I’ve ever seen in my whole life. Yes, you are. What is your name? Tricksie? Oh, my goodness, I just love you, I do. Is that your name because you are a three-legged baby and your daddy thinks he’s awesome at scoring hat tricks? I bet so.”
“For your information, yes.”
Brie just grinned as she continued to kiss and love on Tricksie. Which Tricksie was eating up like mad. “Do you want a treat? Treat? Ah, come on.”
Then she yanked the leash out of Vaughn’s hand before picking Tricksie up and kissing her head. “Hey, that’s my dog.”
“I know,” was all she said before pushing her door open and taking his dog into her apartment.
“Can I have her back?” Peeking his head in her door, he watched as she went to the kitchen, grabbing a treat bag before putting Tricksie on the counter and feeding her.
“Don’t worry, they’re all-natural treats. The guys across the hall in my last building had four French Bulldogs, and I used to give them treats until they went into food comas.”
Tricksie was going crazy, obviously falling for the blond-haired beauty who stood before her. Like the day before when they had moved Rodney in, she was wearing jeans and a shirt that he assumed said something witty. He couldn’t see because she was still cuddling Tricksie as she fed her. “You shouldn’t give treats to other people’s dogs.”
She looked up from Tricksie, her lips still curved in the most beautiful grin he had ever seen on her face. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Is it okay if I continue to feed her?”
Why did he find her so lovely at that moment? Her hair was a mess, tucked into a knit cap, yet she looked like someone he could cuddle with. If he cuddled. Not that he cuddled. Unsure of his feelings, he shrugged. “She needs to pee.”
“Okay, one more,” she said sweetly before feeding Tricksie and then kissing her hard on the head. “You can come in.”
He didn’t like how she was making him feel. It was weird. Like he wanted to go behind her, bury his nose in her hair, and just hold her. She looked so damn gorgeous, snuggling his dog and making her feel like the princess she was. Vaughn’s hands itched to touch Brie, and he didn’t understand that. He never itched for anything. He fucked women and moved on, but watching Brie as she acted a fool with his dog, he wanted to…cuddle.
Why did he keep thinking that?
Grumbling at his stupidity, he entered, shutting the door but staying right by it. “She really does need to pee.”
“Oh, yeah, sorry,” she said, kissing Tricksie again. “I really love dogs. I never got to have one growing up. Rodney is allergic to them.”
He nodded. “Yeah, Jensen said he had to put her up when Rod came over the other day.”
“It sucks, but I love them so much. They’re so much fun, and bless her, she’s gorgeous. What happened to her leg?”
“Hit by a car. I adopted her like that. She came in hurt, and they fixed her up.”
Her eyes lit up. “That’s sweet you adopted her. She looks happy as all get-out.”
“She’s spoiled, that’s for sure.”


 

 

Delayed Call Teaser 1

About The Author

Toni AleoMy name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

Twitter  Facebook  Web  Goodreads  Amazon Pinterest  

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Face-Off At The Altar (Assassins #9) by Toni Aleo-Review and Book Tour

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FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR (Assassins #9) by Toni Aleo-Review and Book Tour

Face Off at the Altar banner

FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR
Assassins #9
by Toni Aleo
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, hockey romance
Release Date: December 26, 2016

Face-Off at the Altar

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 26, 2016

Add to your GOODREADS shelf.

Markus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he’s watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he’s a mess on and off the ice.

But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won’t let Markus suffer any longer. When he arrives himself back in Nashville for a trial run on the Assassins, it feels like his life may be making a turn for the better. If only he could get Mekena to forgive him…

Mekena Preston has been hurting since fleeing Nashville following the horror of Markus’s betrayal with her sister. Now a professional photographer, Mekena finds herself in the same place at the same time with Markus to celebrate Lucy and Benji Paxton’s wedding. Neither of them has been able to move on—and they’re starting to wonder if they really want to.

They’re headed for a face-off at the altar unless they can confront their past and unearth the truth about what really happened on that fateful night.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR is the ninth installment in Toni Aleo’s contemporary, adult ASSASSINS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the professional hockey team the Nashville Assassins. This is Assassin’s rookie twenty five year old Markus Reeves, and twenty year old photographer Mekenna Preston’s story line. FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I caution new readers to the series that many of the previous couples featured in the series, and from the Bellevue Bullies series (e.g. Sinclair family and siblings) play secondary and supporting roles, and some of the history and backstory are mentioned throughout.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mekenna and Markus) FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR focuses on the rekindling romance between Markus Reeves, and Mekenna Preston-a romance and love destroyed by betrayal and lies. Approximately two years earlier Mekenna walked in on her then-boyfriend Markus Reeves, in bed with her sister Skylar. With her heart destroyed, Mekenna moves to Florida in the hopes of starting anew. Fast forward to present day Mekenna is contracted to photograph Lucy and Benji Paxton’s wedding (Rushing The Goal #8) knowing that the man who broke her heart would be front and center in the wedding action. What ensues is the rebuilding of a friendship and relationship that was all but destroyed by lies, deceit, and betrayal; and Markus’s rise from the Assassin’s farm team to rookie star in the NHL.

FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR looks at friendships, fractured family dynamics from jealous siblings, drug abuse, and racism; as well as a second chance for two people who never stopped loving one another. There is plenty of humor, heartbreak and tears; frustration and resolution; and a wonderful back and forth banter between siblings, couples and friends. Mekenna’s pain and anger towards Markus bleeds heavily into the story line premise but new revelations open Mekenna and Markus’s eyes to the truth about what happened years before beginning the healing process for our story line couple.

FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR is dramatic and intense; humorous and fun; heartbreaking, tragic and fated. There is plenty of history between our story line couple; demons from the past that must be addressed, and demons from the present that will continue to haunt far into the future. Toni Aleo ASSASSINS series is has a little of everything for the sport romance lover in all of us.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

Face Off at the Altar teaser

Excerpt

“You are, by far, the most patient man I know.”
Baylor grimaced as she took Dawson from Markus’s outstretched hands. He smiled as Dawson looked at him innocently. He knew the little guy didn’t mean to puke all over him and he wasn’t upset, but he was trying to figure out a way to get to the house and shower before he had to talk to Mekena. He highly doubted that baby puke would be an aphrodisiac. Maybe it would be? Huh.
He wasn’t going to try, though.
As Baylor cuddled Dawson against her, Markus waved her off. “It’s no big deal. He’s a baby.”
She smiled shyly. “Yes, but Ashlyn pooped on you too.”
He grinned as he shrugged, trying not to laugh. It was a tough rehearsal for Dawson, Ashlyn, and Markus. Puke and poop were big-time stars during the hour of watching the Sinclairs and Grace Justice try to put together a wedding. He wasn’t sure what was funnier, Jace glaring as Jordie walked with Avery, or Ashlyn farting and then realizing she had just shit all over him. It was a toss-up, but then Dawson decided to puke down the front of his shirt, and he figured he was now a substitute for a baby rag. “I volunteered.”
“Still, we’re really sorry,” Avery said, holding Ashlyn close as she rocked her back and forth. “I understand if you don’t want to watch her ever again.”
“Nonsense,” he said, laughing as he tucked his hands into his pockets and looked around. He spotted Mekena at the front of the altar, taking pictures of random things. He wasn’t sure if she was done, but maybe he could slip away. “How much longer until y’all are done?”
“We’re done, but Lucy and Benji have some pre-wedding pictures they’re having done with Angie.”
“So Mekena isn’t done?”
Avery smiled. “Nope, she’s got a bit.”
“Can you pass a message for me?”
“Sure.”
“Let her know that I went back to the cabin to shower and clean up?”
“Yeah, of course. I’ll tell Jace to tell her since I’m taking Ashlyn to bed.”
“Cool, thanks,” he said, kissing her cheek and then Baylor’s, before rubbing Dawson’s head. “I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
Before he could get far, though, Baylor smiled. “Thanks again.”
“Anytime. I mean that.”
Avery smiled. “Thanks.”
“Also, good luck,” Baylor added.
Flashing them both a big grin, he nodded. “I need it.”
Heading out the back, he made it back to the cabin quickly. When he entered, though, Mr. Right was sitting on the windowsill howling. “Whoa, man. What’s up?”
Meoooooowwwwwwww, he wailed, with his mouth wide open as his hair stood on end.
“Bro, I don’t know what to say. I don’t speak your language. Are you singing? Do you want me to sing too? Meoooowwwwww,” he said, and Mr. Right looked back at him, almost with a glare. “We should add some beat to that and make a remix,” Markus joked as the cat wailed. Deciding that was a good idea, he pulled out his phone and started to beatbox as the cat wailed, recording it on his SnapChat. The cat must have realized what he was doing because he looked back, scowling, and Markus hid his phone. He didn’t want to admit it, but Mr. Right kind of freaked him out.

about the author

Toni AleoFollow: Twitter  Facebook  Web  Goodreads  Amazon Pinterest

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.

I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.

I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!

When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.

I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.

… and did I mention I love hockey?

Ardent Prose

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