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Chosen by Love (Bellevue Bullies 8) by Toni Aleo-review

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Chosen by Love (Bellevue Bullies 8) by Toni Aleo-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 29, 2023

Cameron White is the most famous student influencer on the Bellevue campus. Not only that, she is one hell of a gymnast, ready to stick every landing her senior year. It’s time to go out with a bang.

In order to think outside the box for her final marketing project, she has a proposition for the only other popular content creator on campus, a guy who just happens to be someone she trusts, Benson Jeannott—her lover from her freshman year.

Given everything that went down between them three years ago, surely, he won’t say yes to her fake-dating idea. Though what she doesn’t know is that Benson has been chomping at the bit for a second chance with the one who got away.

Benson Jeannott is on his way to the NHL draft, but first, he has to help his Bellevue Bullies win the cup. He is supposed to focus only on his grades and his ice time. But if he thought he couldn’t sign up for the draft quick enough, that has nothing on how quickly he agrees to “date” Cameron.

Problem is, she wants this to be an arrangement, while he wants to be her forever.

Freshman year, the choice was Cameron’s to make. Now, can Benson make it clear he’d do anything for her to choose him?

••••••

REVIEW:CHOSEN BY LOVE is the eighth instalment in Toni Aleo’s contemporary, new adult BELLEVUE BULLIES erotic, college, hockey romance series. This is college gymnast/ influencer Cameron White, and college hockey player Benson Jeannott’s story line. CHOSEN BY LOVE 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 first person perspectives (Benson and Cameron) CHOSEN BY LOVE follows the second chance romance and relationship between our story line couple. Cameron and Benson were high school lovers but choices were made, and Cameron ghosted our story line hero. Fast forward three years, both attend Bellevue College, and Cameron needs a subject for her final paper in social media. Pushed by her mentors into a fake relationship with Benson Jeannott, very few people were aware of their previous history. When Benson agrees to six months with our story line heroine, Benson is determined to reclaim our heroine, in the wake of secrets and their fake affair. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Benson and Cameron, and the potential fall -out as Cameron continues to struggle with what happened in the past, taking blame for their relationship fall-out.

The world building focuses on the rekindling romance between our leading couple but also looks at the Benson’s brother by another mother Quinn whose own love life is about to implode. As Cameron and Benson’s ‘fake relationship’ becomes something more, one family is ready to walk away, while the other welcomes the couple with open arms.

The relationship between Cameron and Benson is one of second chances. Three years earlier Cameron pushed Benson out of her live but in the ensuing time neither one stopped loving the other. As Benson’s hockey career pushes toward a professional life, Cameron finds herself at a crossroads between gymnastics and a social media empire. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several of Benson’s teammates and friends, including Quinn, as well as Benson’s hockey parents, and Cameron’s embittered and resentful mother, and loving step-father.

CHOSEN BY LOVE is a story of secrets and lies, heart break and guilt, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is spicy, sensual and passionate; the characters are animated and sassy.

Previous Reviews
Boarded by Love
Changing Lines

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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?

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Hat Trick (IceCats 5) by Toni Aleo-review tour

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? Hat Trick (IceCats 5) by Toni Aleo-review tour ?

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2023

Good things happen in threes.

D’Artagnan Miklas is a lucky dude. He’s the leading scorer of hat tricks for the Carolina IceCats, he’s got a solid group of loyal friends, and he has a cute little sister he adores.

But his friends are all coupling up, and Dart is tired of being the odd man out. Then fate steps in, courtesy of a chance encounter at a hotel bar, and Tennessee Dent sets his world on fire for one amazing, unforgettable night.

They both agree that’s all it is…but they should know better than to threaten fate with a good time.

Tropes?
One night stand
Plus Size heroine
Leading scorer….off and on the ice.
Hockey romance
He falls desperately first.
ALL THE SPICE!

•••••

REVIEW:HAT TRICK is the fifth instalment in Toni Aleo’s contemporary, adult ICECATS erotic, hockey romance series, a spin off from the author’s Nashville Assassins series. This is Carolina IceCats leading scorer D’Artagnan ‘Dart’ Miklas, and Tennessee ‘Tenn’ Dent’s story line. HAT TRICK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information form the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dart and Tenn) HAT TRICK follows in the wake of a one-night stand between our leading couple. Twelve hours but no proclamation of more, Dart and Tenn went their separate ways but it was Dart who struggled in the aftermath when Tennessee Dent ghosted our story line hero. Fast forward three months, when Tennessee Dent is hired as one of the new physio-therapists for the Carolina IceCats, a position that will bring her up close and personal with the man whose heart she destroyed but all is not as is appears to be when Tennessee proclaims she is in a relationship with someone else but has never forgotten about our story line hero. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Tennessee and Dart, and the potential fall-out as the people left behind are capable of doing more damage than good.

The world building continues to focus on the members of the Carolina IceCats. We are up close and personal with Dart Miklas’ questionable childhood, and his need to protect his younger sister; and Tennessee Dent’s mother’s need to remain close with the people from her daughter’s past. Tennessee has always struggled with her weight and her size, and she was quick to discover that the people in her life will use her weight to destroy her heart.

The relationship between Tenn and Dart begins as a one night stand, a twelve hour affair from which Dart struggles to move on, and Tenn appears to leave in the past. For months Dart struggles to reconnect with the woman of his fantasies and dreams, but Tennessee has moved on with someone else. Working with the Carolina IceCats brings Tenn and Dart back together, a move that may threaten Tenn’s position going forward. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Caroline IceCats, as well as Tennessee Dent’s former friends, ex-boyfriend, her parents, and Dart’s mother, and his sister Sabine. As Dart battles for custody of his sister, his mother proves that not all women are capable of nurturing or love.

HAT TRICK is a story of second chances; of friendships and family, of relationships and love. The premise is entertaining, captivating and enjoyable; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are desperate, determined, sassy and fun.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR TONI ALEO IS AN AUTHOR YOU CAN’T MISS!

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Make sure to Join Toni’s Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale…

My name is Toni aleo and I’m a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!

I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.

You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I’ll never give my heart to one player again. When I’m not in the gym getting swole, I’m usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality or being a taxi for my kids. I’m obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney and anything that sparkles! I’m pretty sure I was Belle in a past life and if I could be on any show it would be supernatural so I can hunt with Sam and Dean.

Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?

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Changing Lines (Bellevue Bullies 5) by Toni Aleo-Review Tour

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Changing Lines (Bellevue Bullies 5) by Toni Aleo-Review Tour

 

 

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks

ADD TO YOUR Goodreads TBR — http://bit.ly/2ItznB0

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2019

Claire and Jude Sinclair have been living the perfect life for the last ten years.

Blissfully in love, professionally successful, happily married… They have everything they want—except a baby to make their family complete.

On the eve of the birth of the baby they’re planning to adopt, Jude gets traded to another hockey team in another state, and their thoughtfully planned-out road to parenthood hits a speed bump.

But they didn’t survive all the turmoil of their pasts to get knocked out now. This is their game seven, and they won’t accept anything less than a win for the family they’re destined to have.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: CHANGING LINES is the fifth instalment (and novella) in Toni Aleo’s contemporary, adult BELLEVUE BULLIES hockey romance series. This is the continuing story of husband and wife Jude and Claire Sinclair. CHANGING LINES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Jude and Claire’s story line begins in book one BOARDED BY LOVE (see below).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Claire and Jude) CHANGING LINES follows husband and wife Jude and Claire Sinclair as they await the arrival of their first born child. Having struggled with infertility, our couple had considered surrogacy but a chance meeting with an abused teen gave them hope when Tristan offered her unborn child to the couple who saved her life. But things don’t go according to plan when the team announces Jude’s trade, just days before their child is born.

CHANGING LINES is an emotional story line of struggle and loss; of family and friendship; of babies, love and happily ever after. The emotional premise is both heart breaking and satisfying; the characters are colorful, real and charismatic. CHANGING LINES is a quick glimpse at one couple as they struggle with life and everything it has to offer.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

___________

BOARDED BY LOVE
(Bellevue Bullies #1)
by Toni Aleo
Genre: new adult, contemporary, hockey, romance

FREE ebook Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 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.”

••••••••••••

REVIEW: BOARDED BY LOVE is the first instalment in Toni Aleo’s contemporary, new adult BELLEVUE BULLIES hockey romance series focusing on the University of Bellevue, Tennessee hockey team. This is university hockey star Jude Sinclair, and choreographer/dancer/student Claire Anderson’s story line. The Bellevue Bullies series is a spin off from the author’s ASSASSIN series. Jude and Claire were first introduced in the previous series. Claire is Phillip Anderson’s niece (Breaking Away, Assassins #6).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jude and Claire) BOARDED BY LOVE follows the building romance between university students, hockey star Jude Sinclair, and choreographer/dancer Claire Anderson. Claire Anderson has struggled most of her life until the day her uncle rescued her as she spiralled out of control. Now a sophomore in university, Claire will come face to face with hockey star Jude Sinclair, a man she knows nothing about. As Jude begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, Claire battles between head and heart knowing her life as a burlesque dancer is not conducive to the lifestyle of a budding hockey star. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Claire and Jude, and the potential fall-out as Jude uncovers Claire’s lies of omission.

Claire’s earlier life controls her present. Frightened of abandonment and losing it all, Claire works nights as a burlesque dancer in an effort to protect herself from the same life she lived when her mother was alive.

The relationship between Claire and Jude is one of immediate attraction; a palpable sexual energy that does not go unnoticed by family and friends. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Claire’s uncle Phillip and his wife Reese; Jude’s brothers Jayden and Jace, their sister Lucy, and parents Mark and Mrs. Sinclair; as well as roommates, students, and several dancers.

BOARDED BY LOVE is a story of family, friendship, secrets and lies; a story of betrayal, desperation, trust and love. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are colorful, dynamic and passionate.

Own a copy

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?

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

 

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

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?

Twitter / Facebook /Web /Goodreads /Amazon /Pinterest

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