Boarded by Love (Bellevue Bullies #1)

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 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.

Toni Aleo

9/8/14

I am a huge fan of Toni Aleo. Her Nashville Assassins books are some of my favorite hockey romances ever. I'm so excited she has started another hockey series with the Bellevue Bullies. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Boarded by Love and I couldn't wait to read Claire and Jude's story.

I loved Claire Anderson in Breaking Away, and was so excited to see her get her own book. Only a guy as strong as Jude Sinclair could be a good fit for Claire. I loved Claire and Jude as a couple. Claire grew up around hockey players thanks to her uncle, so she totally gets the work Jude needs to do to make it to the NHL. Jude has never had to work to get a woman in his life. I loved that he fell for Claire at first sight and had to work to get her to date him. The attraction between them was smoking hot, yet they were so sweet together as well.

I loved their romance and while I initially thought they both admitted they loved one another fast, I could feel their emotions and totally bought it. My only issue with the entire book was Claire keeping a secret from both Phillip and Jude. I knew it would end up being a major issue and totally understood the reaction of both men. 

I also loved I got to spend time with some of my favorite characters from the Assassins' series. Of course we got to see Reese and Phillip, but also all of Claire's "aunts" and "uncles" from the team. There is a bit of a surprise for Assassins fans in this book so I won't spoil the surprise, but say I totally figured it out and squealed when I read it.

I love this start to the Bellvue Bullies series and can't wait to read more books in the series. I've already been told that Jude's brothers will each get their own books, and I'm hoping a few of the other new characters will get their own books as well.