In the Crease

Nashville Assassins #11

by Toni Aleo

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.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers

Unknown Binding

Published August 22, 2017

About the author

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

make sure to Join my 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?

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Jensen Monroe is a unicorn


No truer words have been spoken. We’re on book 12 of The Assassins series, and this is one I’ve desperately wanted since I read the last book. Jensen Monroe’s book. Jensen is one of those perfect heroes. He’s one of those special (unicorn) heroes that I wouldn’t change one thing about. I adored him completely!

Jensen has been in love with his best friends little sister for as long as anyone can remember. They grew up together, and he’s always had it bad for Wren. She’s always been off limits to him, but now, they’re both adults and she needs him. Jensen isn’t the type of guy that can say no. Especially to Wren. 

Wren Lemiere has gotten herself in a bit of a pickle. She’s so close to 30, so close to getting her inheritance… but the one stipulation is holding her back. She can’t have a child out of wedlock. And she’s pregnant. The baby daddy has proved he’s not an option, and she has no on to turn to. Except for Jenny. The man who’s always been there for her.

“This whole relationship has been like the moment in the crease—where the puck could go in, or you could block it. She’s the blocker, and you’re the puck trying to go in. It’s a gamble. A big one.”

Wren is one of those heroines that grow on you with time. I wasn’t sure about her at first, but I did love her no-nonsense attitude. Jensen Monroe is the perfect guy. Seriously. The two of them together had such a connection and so much chemistry. I loved seeing them with their families, and the other Assassins, because this group of hockey players is one big, lovable family.

This was one of my first sports series, and even after all this time, it’s still one of my favorites. Jensen and Wren’s story was one of friendship, family and love. It was sweet, sexy, and funny. If Toni keeps writing this series, I will definitly keep reading it! Recommend for all lovers of sports romance.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review



I just melted in a puddle of mush. Seriously, Toni Aleo has me totally smitten with her newest hero, Jensen Monroe. Gahhhh, just thinking about him makes me think where the hell I can find my very own Jensen. Do they make guys like this anymore? Or is he truly a unicorn? Well either way if you are a romantic at heart, Toni Aleo will have you swooning like crazy as she reminds readers that it’s not the alpha male who will steal your heart but the sweet and kindhearted hero who has been waiting for his moment to shine. And boy oh boy, did this hero shine bright like a diamond.

And now, he was asking a girl to marry him. A girl who didn’t love him, apparently. A girl who didn’t want to be in a relationship. A girl who he had known his whole life. A girl who didn’t know he loved her. ”

In the Crease is the twelfth installment of the Assassin Series and can most definitely be read as standalone. This book was just pure bliss. Yes, I am still swooning and smiling like crazy even though it’s been several hours since I finished the book. So what made this book stand out? Well for one, Toni Aleo gave her readers a story. It was slow-burning, raw, and palpable. Secondly, Aleo presented a hero and heroine who just felt relatable and vulnerable. She allowed readers to see that no one is perfect. We all have our insecurities, fears, and doubts but along this emotional journey of self-discovery and love, something beautiful and magical can transform. And in this case, it brought a beautiful woman to discover her sense of worth, strength, and courage to love with the help of a man who has a beautiful soul.



Wren Lemeire is knocked up and when her baby’s daddy brushed her off and told her that he doesn’t want anything to do with her or the baby, Wren has only one option left. Find someone to marry her before her brother’s wedding in order to get her inheritance since that was the stipulation her grandfather made of no baby out of wedlock. With not much options to choose from, Wren had to ask one of her close friends who also happens to be one her older brother’s best friend, Jensen Monroe to help her.

Jensen without a doubt has always loved Wren. Their timing to be together was never right. Everyone knew that Jensen loved Wren and would do anything for her. And so when Wren approached him with her temporary marriage plan, Jensen naturally agreed but on his terms. He made sure to inform Wren that he wants this marriage to work and he will be the baby’s father regardless if it is not his by blood. He wanted to make sure Wren’s baby would be loved and have a father figure around.

Jensen also hoped that Wren would eventually be able to see and love him. Not that friendship brotherly kind of love but real love. A kind of love that comes from the soul. Everyone warned Jensen that Wren would break his heart, but it was a risk that he was willing to take because this was his shot to win Wren’s heart.

It pissed him off that this amazing, beautiful, smart girl didn’t know her worth. That she was the light of his life. That he hadn’t started living until she’d asked him to be her fake husband.”

As much as Wren tried to keep her heart guarded, it was inevitable. Falling for Jensen was never in her plan but it did happen. Jensen was able to show Wren what real love looked like. He showed her the difference between sex and love. He showed her happiness, beauty, honesty and most importantly, unconditional love. And in return, Wren was finally able to let go of her insecurities, doubts, and fears.

Witnessing the love between these two bloom was heavenly bliss. It was the kind of love story that you wanted to savor and cherish because their connection and bond was palpable and tangible from the start. It was the kind of love that connected two souls together.



As Wren and Jensen officially become a real couple, what happens when Wren’s baby daddy comes back into the picture? And what happens when Jensen discovers it is someone he knows? Will Jensen’s dream of claiming the baby as his own be ripped out from him? And can Wren show Jensen that she is in this marriage for the long haul and that everything that had transpired between them was real?

So yeah, this wasn’t real for you, but it’s been real for me since the moment I met you. And fucking hell, I want you to love me back. I want it so badly because I have loved you and will love you long after you’re gone. You’re it for me.”

In the Crease was your feel good romance that had whole heapings of humor, friendship, loyalty, love, family and sweetness woven into the story line. Aleo did a remarkable job showcasing growth and love in such a beautiful fashion. While readers could easily praise and swoon over Jensen, I found Wren to be endearing and the backbone of the story line. Yes, she has major issues of insecurities but I loved that about her. She was real, honest, and vulnerable. She was human and I loved seeing her transformed into the person she is today with the help of Jensen. As far as writing and story line goes, Toni Aleo did a fabulous job. She allowed readers to connect with her characters and embrace their love and connection. So if you are looking for a love story that was sticky and sweet as molasses and full of heart and soul, then I highly recommend you to read this book.

Toni Aleo

[A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 35%




I’m sorry, I can’t take it anymore. It’s a shame, really, because the book isn't that bad. In fact, at approximately 15% I thought it would be a 5-star read. It went downhill from there. In the end, I would have probably rated it 2 or 3 stars had I finished it.

But I didn’t. Not because it was awful but because life's too short and there are too many good and shitty books waiting for me out there.

I’ve read three books by Toni Aleo and starred all of them highly. That means that I do like her writing style. This one just wasn’t what I’d expected it to be based on the blurb.

Problem #1:

Odd-Man-Out Syndrome.




You know that feeling when you hang out with people you don’t know well and they keep laughing at their inside jokes and talking about past things you had nothing to do with while you pretend to enjoy yourself? That’s how I was feeling while reading this book. There are tons of characters from previous books I know nothing about, talking about the things I know nothing about. It felt like I’d missed the first three seasons of my favorite TV show.


Problem #2:

The neverending beginning.





The idea for the story is great. It ticks all my boxes. But I didn’t like the execution. I mean, the writing style was good but the pacing was off. There was a lot of repetition. And the negotiations between the hero and the heroine dragged and dragged and dragged. 30% into the story and we are still at the freaking beginning. Is the heroine really fat? Is she a whore? *ahem* Is she going to hurt the hero? Has the hero really loved the heroine since they were kids? Does the hero really want to be the child's father? So on and on and on and on... All that push and pull and the heroine’s self-doubt and low confidence ruined the book for me.


Problem #3:

The heroine.





I liked the role reversal. It was refreshing to finally read about a womanwhore who is a commitment-phobe and a doormat man who desperately wants a wife and a kid. And it would have worked if the heroine hadn’t been so immature and obstinate. Being a therapist, you'd think she would act as an adult. NOPE.


Problem #4:

Ridiculous conversations.



Heroine and her mother, heroine and her father, heroine and her brother, heroine and her friends, hero and his friends, hero and his future in-laws, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera...


EXAMPLE #1:

HEROINE: “Mom, am I a whore? Like, legit a whore? Ask Daddy. Am I?”

MOM: “Oh, baby. No, you’re a good girl.”

HEROINE: “No, Mom. I’m a fucking easy lay, and that’s why I get these shit guys because I can’t keep my vagina in my pants.”

MOM: “I didn’t realize it was detachable. That’s a talent.”

EXAMPLE #2:

HEROINE: “But, Mom, I’m fat.”

MOM: “You’re not fat, baby. You have fat on you, that doesn’t make you fat. You’ve got fingernails too. Does that make you a fingernail?”

Everybody, I mean EVERYBODY in this book was sticking their noses into the hero and heroine's business giving relationship advice. It was too much.


Problem #5:

The hero.



He wasn’t a problem, not really. Although on second thought… He was too ideal, too perfect, too angelic. Unreal. I kind of pitied him and actually developed motherly feelings for him. So I can’t really say he’s my book boyfriend, can I?

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

IN THE CREASE
● Jensen & Wren (29)
● goalie / Nashville Assassins team therapist
● Wells is her brother (best friends: Jensen, Vaughn and Wells)
● best friend's little sister
● fake husband & baby daddy (bio dad is awful)
● he’s been in love with her since childhood
● to get her inheritance, she has to be married if she’s pregnant


NASHVILLE ASSASSINS:
#1 Phillip & Reese - Breaking Away
#2 Karson & Lacey - Laces and Lace
#3 Jordie & Kacey - Overtime
#4 Benji & Lucy - Rushing the Goal
#5 Markus & Mekena - Face-off at the Altar
#6 Vaughn & Brie - Delayed Call
#7 Lucas & Fallon - Twenty-Two/ Jakob and Harper -One Timer
#8 Jensen & Wren - In the Crease

Again, this book was too long.

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Lucy Malone
Length: 16h 4m

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Crease was the twelfth book in Toni Aleo’s Assassins NHL series.

Jensen Monroe was the star goalie for the Nashville Assassins. Not only was he gorgeous but he was loved by everyone. He was the quintessential good all around guy. He had loved his best friend’s sister since childhood, but they had never been anything except close friends. He had never pursued anything different out of loyalty to her family and also because she had never shown any interest.

Wren Lemiere was the team’s therapist. She had a brother in the NHL on an opposing team and his two best friends, her quasi-brother’s, were part of her Assassin’s team. She was always close to the guys and was the female version of a player. She never got close to anyone and only looked for sex buddies. She crushed on Jensen but that’s all it was - an appreciation for his looks and who he was as a person. When life brought her an unexpected surprise and she needed a huge favor, she turned to Jensen, thus the start of the plot.

In the Crease was written with a dual POV. Typical for Aleo, it was well written with a solid storyline that provided depth and dimension. Aleo also dove into the secondary characters that we’ve grown to love over the series, providing a secondary plot which brought even more depth to the storyline.

Additionally, Aleo was creative and did the reverse approach for the premise of the story versus the standard approach. She wrote the story from a sightly different angle than it’s typically written.

As to the characters, I loved Jensen. How could I not? I do wish he had just a little more backbone, but I loved him anyway. However, I really disliked Wren. And the more the story progressed, the more I disliked her. In the end, I never really connected with her. To me, she remained cold, whiny, unemotional and clueless - none of which endeared me to her. At the end, I was beginning to see some redeeming qualities, but I preferred more sooner. Aleo wrote her well, I just didn’t like her.

With that said, Aleo wrote another successful addition to the series with In the Crease. The book itself was a 5 star, the heroine was a 3 (my taste only), so I have rated it as a 4 star overall. I’m now headed off to read Two Man Advantage, a spin off novel, which highlights Wells Lemiere, Wren’s brother. We got a teaser throughout this book and I can’t wait.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

a 4 1/2!!!

[Blue · Rating 2 out of 5]

All those high ratings and then there's me...



Wren gets knocked up by someone who she has been seeing casually for a while. The baby daddy rejects both mother and unborn baby and requests that Wren get an abortion. Although Wren never wanted children she has decided to keep the child but with her trust fund inheritance at stake now that she's knocked up and single... well, that's where she asks her brother's best friend, Jensen, for a favour. Pretend to be my husband and baby daddy. Little does Wren know that Jensen has been in love with her since forever.



I gave this book a chance, honestly I did and yet I'm left with nothing but massive regret and time that was robbed from me. ugh. Frankly, not a fan of the plot or writing style either. This story could have been condensed heaps. A lot of the characters were annoying at one point or another. Wren was probably the worst of the bunch for me though. UGHHHH. I just could not stand her as the story progressed.



BLOODY WREN blows stuff up so much outta proportion that it's not even funny (idc if it's the pregnancy hormones) she's pretty much a frustrating insecure drama queen. Seriously, listen... Wren rings up her mum and seriously asks "Mom, am I a whore? Like, legit a whore? Ask Daddy. Am I?"

And then after a fight with Jensen, she goes and calls up her brother asking him to "tell me what I want." Just faceplam. So logic. Much smart. Very wow.



So okay okay, maybe I was a bit harsh... Wren is just missing a few too many brain cells and it's not her fault she's so stupid. However, it was soooo very annoying having to read about Wren constantly making comments putting her weight down. She does it so much and Jensen's there reassuring her and whatever but seriously put a sock on it if you're not going to do anything about it. It's like a kid who gets shit grades and keeps saying they're dumb and everyone reassures otherwise but this kid never even bothers to study for shit anyway.
Also lying by omission is still lying you mole.



On top of that, what about Wren did Jensen fall in love with. I am baffled. No wonder there's all the drama llama near the end. I really have nothing good to say about this book. It was pretty boring, cheesey story and a headache to read.

[Kayla (In Between The pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to send a huge thank you to Toni and Ardent Prose PR for getting this awesome ARC sent out for review.
Y'all rock, and I can't thank you enough for getting me Wren and Jensen's story. I absolutely adored this book, and was so excited to finally get their story. And man, Toni, you did not disappoint
😍💓😍💓😍💓

Let me just say... This is one of those books that I was dying to get my grubby little hands on. I totally fell for Jensen and Wren back in Vaughn's book, and was literally bouncing up and down at the idea of finally getting to see what was going to happen between them.

So when the email went out that they were being sent out I was freaking ecstatic.



I can't even tell you all.This book did not disappoint one bit. It had everything I could have wanted... Amazing characters, a great plot, sexy times galore, and yes, even a few overly frustrating scenes I just wanted to reach in and strangle some characters over.

But the plot was just so adorable, and man were the hockey men a swoony bunch haha.

But it was more than just some hotties out on the ice.
Toni gave us a well developed story that left be feeling so satisfied at the end, and more in love with this group of characters than I already was. The story was fairly fast paced, and had oodles of romance, drama, and silliness.

And let's not forget out star characters.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect with Wren. She's shown up in several of the books in the series, and she's always been one of those characters I liked enough. Especially as we got a bit of a better glance at her in DELAYED CALL.
So I was really interested in what she was going to give us in this book.
And in true Toni form (I swear this woman must be able to like predict half my life at this point haha) she gave me another female character I related to immediately. There were so many things about Wren that I saw in myself. Her personality, unwillingness to trust or lean on others, her insecurities, her experience with awful douche canoes.... I mean honestly there was a lot. And no they weren't all bad. Wren is totally a dork, and funny too, and hey... I appreciate a girl who can joke about her black black soul, because I do all the time too haha. I swear I don't have a heart sometimes hehe.



Now don't get me wrong though. Wren and her multitude of insecurities did try to annoy me here and there. But only because I think they were a bit overdone at times.
I mean I get it, a girl has things that bother her. But I feel like at times they had too large of a presence in this book. And at times, defined Wren more than some of her other amazing qualities did.
But I also liked how Toni used those things to show Wren's growth through the story. She was one of those complex characters that had a ton of different sides to her, and I think by giving her those real life like qualities that most woman go through... It allowed for Wren to seem more real, not just a character in a book. And that's a testament to just how well Toni knows how to write.
It's funny too. A friend of mine who also blogs and received a copy of the book was talking with me, and had a good point. that I totally agreed with. Wren reminded them and me very much of Elli back in TAKING SHOTS.
They have very similar personalities and even insecurities and fears, and I kinda liked that little nod back to the original book (Even if that wasn't really intentional)



And then... There is Jensen....
I wanted this boys book sooooo bad haha.
He seemed like the biggest sweetie ever back in Vaughn's book. And I wanted to see the full extent of that.
Plus let's face it. Kayla has a soft spot for the goalies haha (Tate still makes me all swoony hehe 😍😍😍)
I blame Ben Bishop for my obsession. But I mean, can you blame a girl? He's so adorable haha
🏒🔥🠋🔥🠋🔥🠋🔥🏒



But anyways, back to Jensen.
He's just one of those characters that you automatically fall for.
He really is too sweet for his own good, and just such a caring nice guy. Plus he's funny. But I mean could you expect anyone who grew up around Vaughn and Wren to be any different?
That whole group, Wells included too, cracked me up from the start of getting to meet their characters. And Jensen just has that infectious personality and so many jokes and quick quips that cause you to have to put the book down for a few seconds and just giggle. (Like full on girly girl giggles haha)
But he's also one of the most loving and compassionate characters I've read in a while. He literally lives with his heart on his sleeves, and I adored how open and caring he really was. And man Jensen's been through his own share of crap too. But I loved how Toni wrote that all into his story and still let him grow from that, even if it meant still struggling sometimes with it too.
If I thought Wren was complex, she has nothing on Jensen.
He has so many layers [Insert bad Shrek joke here]
But getting to see all those sides to him and see that it only makes him more sure and confident warmed my heart. I wanted to root for him with Wren. I wanted to see him get everything he wanted.
He's definitely scored a spot in my top 5 guys Toni's given us so far.



And let's not forget all the fun characters that made a comeback in this book. Obviously Vaughn and Brie were back (And thank god because I needed more of that troublemaker in my life haha)
And man were those two cute as heck. And so so funny. Vaughn is back in true Vaughn fashion, and between him, Jensen, and Wells, I was about in tears a few times laughing so hard.
But also we get some fun little glimpses of Elli and Shea. And to my absolute delight even Tate (Even if my heart kinda broke for my original Assassins BookBF)
Plus a ton of other familiar faces here and there.
But that's something I've always loved about these books. Getting those small looks into how everyone's lives are going and progressing. It's so fun, and totally sweet to see how favorite characters and couples are doing.



And one thing I think I always kinda forget to mention in these reviews is, Toni has this way of bringing real life issues and situations into her books. Her character's either seem to face something themselves or know someone who is. And I love the way she sheds light on these things. How she shows her readers that yes, these things do happen in the world. And there is a way to live with them and even make your life better because of them, or learn from them.
I don't want to get onto specifics because I don't want to giveaway any plot points from this or previous books in the series. But if you follow Toni's books, you know what I'm talking about.
But I just want to say thank you Toni. For not being afraid to bring real life situations into your books. And allowing your characters to hopefully give some hope and strength to anyone in your characters shoes.

This book was such a great read. And I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on it. It really was a sweet story.

I give IN THE CREASE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t really sure if I wanted this particular story if I am being honest but I am glad I gave it a chance because it surprised me in a good way.

I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded. I like that Wren was as strong as she was but also she was vulnerable without being whinny and I had to say that because in other books in this series we have had the whinny and it just made for bad listening. SO I am happy that didn’t happen with this book.

I loved, loved that Jensen put his own needs first and countered. That right there was what kept me listening.

I am going to miss this series, I hope the MM book that follows is done by some great male narrators because that is a book I would love to listen too.

Over all I am glad I finished the series, I love the new narrator she really sounds more like these characters that the old one did.

[〰️Beth〰️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific #12

Technically this is number 12 in The Assassins series, but then mix in a few novellas and the Belvue Bullies and I have lost count. Not really a stand alone, but I guess you can read it without the others, you might not understand who all the characters are but it might convince you to read more about this family of assassins.

[Nancy The book junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jensen Monroe...Oh my, he is everything. The man is handsome, sweet, loyal, caring, kind, funny, built, sexy, and successful. He is a big part of the Assassins current winning streak as their new hot goalie. He is lonely and looking for real love and family. He is such a great catch.

Wren Lemiere is his best friend Well's little sister. Jensen, his team mate, Vaughn (Delayed Call), and Wells were teenage best friends and remain so. Jensen has had feelings for Wren for many years but never acted on them. Wren is more of a wild child. She is outspoken, cynical, and appears hard-hearted. She loves sex, but not relationships. She is an avoider and a runner. She is conditioned to believe that she is not important, and her curves have always made her self conscience. She is afraid of getting hurt, so it easy to not let anyone get close enough.

When Wren finds herself pregnant and alone, Jensen is willing to join her in a "fake" marriage to help her get her inheritance. Her plans are more on a temporary basis. But Jensen has his own counter offer. And his terms are a lot more serious and permanent. But he has his own reasons, and is determined he can win. Fake, temporary, real, forever? This might be the most important game of his life and the hardest to win.

This is the slow build of Jensen trying to win the girl he has always loved against her own fears, insecurities, and resistance as well as outside influence. And my gosh, Wren was insecure and stubborn. For being the team therapist/counselor, she really lacked insight into her own situation. These two went round and round. There were a lot of secrets, misunderstandings, half-truths, and miscommunication. My heart broke for Jensen who was so sweet, had such a giving heart, and tried so hard.

It focuses a lot on Vaughn and Brie from the last book, her brother, Wells, and their families. But Elli and some of the Assassins also appear. This was a sweet, heartfelt, funny, and emotional friends-to-lovers, best-friends-little-sister, pregnancy, fake-marriage combination story. I liked the characters (even though I wanted to shake Wren multiple times) and I liked the story. Jensen was just so swoony and amazing. My biggest complaint is that it is a longer book, so at times it felt slower paced and repetitive. It seemed like we heard the same reasoning and issues frequently and made me want to say "Get over it." But I love this series. I am attached to the characters. And I will probably keep reading them as long as Toni keeps writing them.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Assassins is one of my fave hockey themed sport romances each one is better and better. I do wish the 2017 NHL season end like in the books. Friends to lover fast forward to friends to husband. This trope is great when done well and the author really got it here with doses of realistic side. The mixed and one sided feelings and everything in between. Jensen is truly a unicorn that anyone would want.

Jensen and Wren were hinted at from the last book. These two were a long time coming, Jensen has always had a crush on Wren ever since staying with their billet family. He gained two brothers but stayed away out of respected. I really like the quiet silent hero more at times here more so Jensen exudes depth and such a genuine vulnerability. Wren can be hard to read and stand offish from before but I get why she has walls and her own faults but is very much real.

Oh I worried for Jensen he is such a stand up guy, I feel like Wren could unintentionally break him. When everyone thinks so too, especially Wren's brother it's not gonna be easy to pull off. I honestly love these people who know her best called her out and not sugarcoat it cause really Jensen seems nothing but all in and she is still is limbo. The chemistry is there no doubt Jensen has his work cut out for him to make her heart catch up.

I can see the close relationship and they did have sweet moments. They have potential to blossom into more well one side is there just add the baby situation that is hard to navigate. It's a tricky situation and no manual well sometimes it doesn't smoothly. I know some of this author's heroines can be hard to love and stubborn as heck, Wren can be one difficult girl. I just hope she realizes in time how lucky she got it and gets it together for the baby and Jensen, cause no matter what anyone says she has to believe in it and want it to make it count. Many times I felt like he deserves way better but he truly loves Wren and this was his chance. He may not be perfect and has insecurities but is as patient, loyal and dedicated to as they come I can't help but be frustrated on his behalf.

I really liked the bond between Vaughn and Jensen such a odd pair the super laidback and the quiet one but the friendship is strong also with Wren too. The threesome is great highlight many funny moments. Vaughn for all his crazy is quite smart I'll say. With the right equation of friendship, loyalty, humor and family a touches of sweet this one runs a whole range of feels. The hockey analogy of this relationship is spot on too and Toni Aleo knows her hockey. This one is more slow burn than her others but well worth it and quite a love story indeed. I hope there will be more of this series or more hockey goodness from this author to come.

*** ARC provided for an honest review ***

[Antonella · Rating 2 out of 5]

tried to read this two times..I really like this series...but this one wasn't for me..

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jensen Monroe has hidden his attraction to his best friend’s little sister for a lot longer than he every thought he would hold the attraction. As the backup goalie for the Assassins, he also didn’t think he would be starting so soon, but here he is the starting goalie, with a Stanley Cup under his belt. Maybe it’s time to rethink keeping a lid on his feelings for Wren Lemiere, especially after she comes to him with an unorthodox request.

Wren has a problem. Pregnant and unmarried, the trust fund she has been counting on to pay off her college expenses is in danger of being forfeited. Not only was she counting on that money to cover her bills, she was planning to share with her brother, Wes, since he had already lost access to his trust fund. Her only hope is to find a ma willing to marry her and claim the child as his own before her brother’s wedding, only weeks away. She knows she can ask Jensen for anything and he has always been there for her, but is this asking too much?

I love a good fake marriage ploy, especially when it leads to more than either party was bargaining for. Though to be fair, Jensen had one thing on his mind when he accepted Wren’s crazy scheme, and it wasn’t the money. There were times when the drama felt a little overplayed and long running, but overall I was entertained by the premise and the execution of this book.

Jensen is such a perfect beta man. Compared to his two best friend’s very different personalities, including Vaughn’s absolute disregard for boundaries, Jensen is often in the background watching, waiting to swoop in when he is needed, especially if it is Wren who needs him. I loved the support that Vaughn and Wells, especially, offered, even if they didn’t agree with the plan or outright fought against it.

These two have a history in that Jensen did a lot of growing up in the room right next door to Wren as he boarded with the Lemierre's for the hockey seasons. Jensen knew Wren in a way that not even her family recognized and was willing to do whatever she needed to be happy, even if it meant hurting himself along the way. Their friendship is a big part of why this story worked for me. It wasn’t a matter of two strangers moving quickly into a fake marriage and then finding insta-love. These two had a solid friendship (that both were afraid of losing) that gave more risk in the event of the fake marriage ending at their agreed upon timeframe.

There ended up being a lot more drama than just that between Jensen and Wren. With family issues going on constantly in the background, Wren’s issues of money, pregnancy, and fearing commitment and relationships, there was just a lot. But I loved seeing the Assassins family back together again, getting some insight into Tate’s decision from the other side of the therapist’s chair, and seeing some of my favorite couples back in action again.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Wren Lemiere needs a baby daddy, her playgirl ways have caught up with her and shes pregnant, her 30th birthday is looming and in order for her to get her inheritance there is a stipulation that if she gets pregnant she must be married or the inheritance is void.

Jensen Monroe is a star hockey goalie for the Assassins and has known Wren for years, he is her brothers best friends and has been secretly in love with her for just as long.

Wren is oblivious to the love Jenson has for her, he is one of those guys that will do anything for anyone and loved by all, so when she asks if he will fake marry her so she can get the inheritance he has conditions.

The girl who doesn't believe in love and has only ever known one night stands and casual sex must allow herself to feel loved, there is to be no fake marriage that will end after she turns 30, he wants the real thing and he is all in.

Wren comes across as selfish almost cruel for the way she takes advantage of jensen's good nature and feelings however as the story progresses she began to thaw, change and I actually began to like her.

Jensen will make you swoon, he is ideal BBf, I loved him.

Characters from previous books in this series are present and Vaughn and Brie are in this quite a lot, Brie and Vaighn being mutual friends. They have all grown up together and they are a close knit group.

I liked it, enjoyed it and reading about other characters made me want to read previous books in the series which I will consider.

The downside is this, is told in third person so it took me a while to get into it and figure out who was who. A niggle I have was there was a big issue re the inheritance it was the whole reason for the marriage, in fact it was a big part of the plot but yet after the marriage and when the baby was born it wasn't mentioned again, yes there was a hea but the story felt incomplete unless it summarises in the next characters book.

Great read that leads to a hea, part of a series, can be read as a standalone. Based on hockey sports stars but mainly focuses on the characters so you don't need to be a sports fan.

Arc received for review purposes.


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[Shanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Crease is Jensen and Wren’s story. I have been really looking forward to this one but as with a lot of the books in the series the heroine ruined it for me.

Jensen has been in love with Wren his whole life. She is IT for him. He has stayed away this whole time because she is his best friend’s sister and he can’t father children. In his eyes he was never going to be enough for Wren. This changes when Wren comes to him and needs his help. Wren is pregnant by the guy she is seeing but he drops her. Wren wants to get her inheritance but to do this she must be married and not have a child out of wedlock. Jensen sees this as his chance to have it all but he wants it on his terms. He wants to go all in and make her fall for him but Wren just wants it to be temporary.

Sadly, Wren ruined this for me because she was so unlikable. She had no self-esteem so Jensen had to constantly tell her how perfect she was. Her refusal to listen to her friends and Jensen when they tried to help her was frustrating. The real kicker for me was she had no intention of telling Jensen who the father was. If the man is stepping up to the plate and becoming a father to your child, he DESERVES the whole story.

All in all, it was an ok read. I adored Jensen and he deserved his HEA even though I think Wren should have stepped up and been a better woman for him.

* advance copy provided for a voluntary review*

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover is a bit misleading as that girl does not have thick anything but hair. That's ok because poor Wren was size 14 in maternity clothes and that's not very big if she's tall. There is a lot in this book about weight image. Jensen is perfect.

Anyway, what a beautiful story. I did not see this coming with Wren because she's difficult..to like, understand, put up with yet in this series she's got the ultimate best book boyfriend Ever!!!! He loves her unconditionally. I loved how he stands up for her. He takes on a lot but goes full bore just the same.

I will make this one of my favorites of the Assassin's because of Jensen!!! He really convinced Wren to love herself and free to love him openly but it was a process...not for feint of 💓.

[The Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm only giving this book a 4 stars because of wren... she gave me an ulcer during this book!! I mean girl if you had a family like yours, I would have talked to them about how they made me feel... but the pitty party for yourself was a bit dramatic.. you knew brad was a douche from the start.. you knew Jensen was in love with you, so I didn't understand your issues at all... in all honesty I think that Jensen was too good for you, you needed to grow up a lot before getting with him.. I felt like wren was just like Ellie in a sense.. and she needed to make up her mind about being either thick or fat.. you had curves or not... I loved Jensen he was too good to be true as a hero and he deserved more than he got until the very end!

[Mia Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the FIRST PLACE goes to…..

JENSEN CADE MONROE

from Nashville Assassins

Dear Shea,

I am so sorry but after 11 books, Jensen knocked you out of first place. But no worries you are still in 2nd place. Sorry, not sorry 🙂

I am a huge Toni Aleo and ‘Assassins’ fan. I read all the books in the series at least twice and some of them way more than two times 🙂 I was hooked since the beginning of the series and Shea was always my favorite hero, till I get to meet with Jensen. ‘In the Crease’ is the 12th book of the series and it is everything you want in a romance; sexy, sweet, heartwarming and amazingly perfect.

Wren Lemiere is smart, funny and independent woman. All her life, her relationship philosophy was ‘love them and leave them’ and I believe her insecurities, fears and trust issues were the reasons that lie behind this philosophy. She has a great job and the inheritance she will be getting from her grandfather that will set her and her brother Wells for life. But when she finds out she is pregnant and her baby daddy wants nothing to do with her or the baby, her life turns upside down. Her biggest problem is if she has a child out of wedlock, she will lose her inheritance. Now her only option is to find a fake husband, who will attend her brother’s wedding and stay with her till the baby is born. After considering all her options, including hiring an escort :), she decides to ask Jensen, a.k.a. Jenny, who’s always been there for her. Jensen, who is her brother’s best friend that she grew up together, is the goalie of Nashville Assassins. He is loyal, handsome, polite, and kindhearted. He has been in love with Wren since he was a teenager, but never had a chance to open up to her because timing was never right. When Wren asks Jenny to be her fake husband and baby daddy, Jenny sees this as the opportunity he was waiting for a long time. Because Wren’s terms aren’t what he wants, he makes her a counteroffer. Unlike Wren, Jensen wants a chance to make this marriage work and he wants to be a real father for the baby. When Wren accepts Jensen’s offer, his ‘make Wren fall in love in 6 months’ plan starts. Witnessing Wren’s growth through the story, overcoming her insecurities, fears and trust issues by the help of Jensen’s unconditional love was beautiful. OMG! Jensen is one of a kind; he is a ‘unicorn’ just like synopsis says. Jensen helps Wren to see her worthiness, strength and shows that it is possible to love and trust someone. Jensen also has his own insecurities and seeing him struggling with those was heartbreaking. Their connection and growth of their love and relationship was sweet, funny, and heartwarming.

‘In the Crease’ is sweet, captivating, funny, emotional, and sizzling hot read that can be read in one sitting. ‘Assassins’ being my favorite sports romance series, I hope Toni Aleo keeps writing the series 🙂 If you enjoy sport romance and looking for something new, I definitely recommend you to read the series.

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Already did 🙂
Would I read future books by this author: Definitely.

P.S. At the end of the 11th book, ‘Delayed Call’, I was hoping the next book will be Jensen & Wren’ or Wells & Matty’s story and I got my wish on both accounts because next book is ‘Two Man Advantage’, which is Wells & Matty’s story and I cannot wait to read it 🙂

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series. I absolutely love Jensen! He is amazing and just everything a woman could want. Wren took me a bit to warm up to because she couldn't just believe Jensen loved her, but Jensen had me at Hello. He is up there now in my top 5 favorite Assassins. Yup it's up to 5 now. Really I love them all but whatever. Heehee.
Such a great story with all of the goodness you want in a romance. I never want this series to end!

[Katerina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this story is second chance in the nice way, not that there was necessarily a first chance. But the equal balance was imperative.

He loved Wren. She found Jensen attractive. She never pined. They knew each other for most of their lives. She firmly values him as her friend. He tried to forget her. He got married, found out he was impotent, his wife got pregnant by another man, they divorced. Wren continued to have strings of short torrid affairs with jerks who she ends up falling in love only to break her heart. Her family means everything to him, and she's horribly insecure about her position in her family's life and her curvy body.

Jensen was cautious, and never chased her with abandon but loved her from afar yet never made a move even after when he wanted to because he felt emasculated.

When all of a sudden she's pregnant and can't claim her inheritance because she is pregnant before her thirtieth birthday without being married. And then Jensen steps in. He would do it for her. It was extremely sweet because he's determined to make her fall in love with him and sets the stipulations to make her child his child and their marriage real. I suppose I didn't mind he was married before, because he wasn't even romantically established in her mind however what made the romance a bit iffy for me is that Jensen had a quota. He wants the white picket fence, a wife, a marriage, to be a father. And Wren was offering that on a plate to him.

Yes I believed he was desperately in love with Wren for 15 years far and she never noticed him. But his vision is for "someone" to be his wife. Not descriptively her. He wanted "someone" to fulfil that role. He wanted that with his first wife, and they tried for a kid and it failed. He just wanted it with Wren next. He would prefer Wren to any other woman, but he does have the vision of it happening with "someone".

“This is my grandmother’s ring, I thought you’d like it.”
She glanced at the ring. He knew it was nothing special, just a vintage gold band. Ophelia thought it was ugly and didn’t want it, so he had bought her a different one, but he was pretty sure this ring was more Wren’s style anyway.”

It seemed he did give his all to his first wife. He didn't half ass it with her, and does things with integrity. It's a little distasteful, but then again Jensen was merely a blip on Wrens radar. And he worked LONG AND HARD for her love. So it was worth it to me you know, considering she's bearing another man's child.

Seriously though, her brother was a piece of SHIT. Doing that to his partner on their wedding day was scum, and he's so rude to the heroine.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lordy I loved reading Mrs. Aleo’s newest release. She took me on and emotional roller-coaster and I loved every minute of it. Accidental pregnancy with a dead beat POS, semi fake marriage/not really fake at all with big brother’s best friend otherwise known as the sweetest man alive, and a whole lot of hilarity. Wren is pregnant by a man she’s known most of her life that wants nothing to do with her or the baby. He doesn’t want the baby to exist at all. Wren also needs to either be married or not pregnant until her 30th birthday to receive her inherence. Hiding her pregnancy from her family she must find someone to marry and pretend to be the father of her unborn child. Enter Jenson who has loved Wren since they were teens but kept his distance. Wren has been burned time and time again by piece of shit guys and has low self-esteem in herself because she’s always been a real woman. Other wise know as having curves that have curves. Jenson loves everything about Wren including her curves that just wont end. Jenson is the definition of a perfect male species who could get any women he desires so Wren finds it hard to believe when Jenson says he doesn’t want a fake marriage. Jenson’s stipulations to Wren is first she gives him a chance and pursues a real marriage with him and second that the baby is in all sense and purposes his. If they don’t work out he want’s everyone to think that he is 100% Wren’s baby’s father and that she allows him to be an active father in the baby’s life. Jenson will stop at nothing to keep both Wren and her baby as his for life. While reading Wren and Jenson’s journey toward their HEA my heart was shredded to slivers then mended back fuller then before and I loved every second of it. I laughed out loud and sobbed while reading. It was a 5 star novel only because I can’t give it more. I never want this series to end and my life may truly end when it does. (Yes I’m being dramatic)

(ARC provided by Ardent Prose Publishing in exchanged for an honest review)

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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.

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?

Author Links

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[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Crease is book 12 in the Assassins Series and for me this is the best yet, I also believe it can be read as a standalone.
Jenson Monroe is the man we all want to fall in love with, he is not only the best friend you could ever ask for, his hot as hell and great at his job as goalie for the Assassins. He could have his pick of girls, problem is all he wants is the girl he fell head over heels for as a teenager Wren Lemiere who happens to be his best friends sister.
Wren Lemiere has always been a love them and leave them type of girl, after all what's good for hockey players like her brother should be good for girls as well. What happens when she finds herself in need of a fake husband and a daddy for her unexpected bundle of joy. She needs help from the man who has always been there for her and that means convincing Jenson you don't always need to be in love to be a partnership, he of course has other ideas......
This book has it all, I laughed , I cried and I fell in love with Jensen and Wren, best friends to lovers has always been a favourite read of mine but once you add in the other guys and their partners from the Assassins it becomes a brilliant story that I couldn't put down. This couple had so many obstacles to overcome but once again Toni Aleo proves love conquers all.
Brilliant addition to the Assassins Series.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

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: 4.25 stars--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
www.thereadingcafe.com

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good thing that Jensen Monroe loves the “slow burn and the big explosion” because for the past 15 years, he’s been pining away for one of his best friend’s little sister, burying his feelings for her because he didn’t think he was man enough for her…because she always seemed to look past him, never truly seeing him for who he was/is.

But when Wren Lemiere finds herself in need of a fake husband and baby daddy, everything between Jensen and Wren speeds up in intense and complicated ways, and while Jensen is all in from the beginning, completely willing to help Wren in every way, unless Wren goes all in with him, there’s no way to know if their relationship will end imploding and destroying their years of friendship or if it will end up being something that allows Wren to stop running and closing people out of her life because with Jensen, she can finally be herself without fearing that he will leave her like everyone before him.

Wren Lemiere, in some ways, is a walking contradiction, in part, due to her profession. She’s the Nashville Assassins team therapist, but she refuses to help herself by facing her insecurities, her self-esteem issues, or even the way she allows men to use her for sex, knowing that they’ll never commit to her. Wren is one hot mess, and I have a feeling that her thoughts and actions will not set well with some readers. I’ll admit…at some points in the story, I didn’t really know if I liked Wren because of her indecisiveness and her need to revert back to her old ways, even when she knew from the beginning that Jensen needed and wanted Wren to give their marriage a real shot. But through Jensen’s perceptions of the ‘real’ Wren and his defense of her to anyone who cuts her down, the Wren she wants to be…the one beneath her harsh and dramatic surface breaks through, and as Jensen continues to lift her up, reinforcing everything he wants her to believe about herself and their relationship, readers will see the changes that Wren goes through…will witness her self confidence blooming…will recognize all the ways that Wren is trying to be a better person…the one Jensen has always seen.

Jensen Monroe absolutely seems like the perfect man/gentleman, but perhaps his biggest imperfection, at least at the beginning of the story and according to his friends, is his unwavering commitment to Wren. She definitely doesn’t seem deserving of Jensen’s devotion and forcing things to work out between them appears to set him up for failure and heartbreak. But as their story continues, readers see that Jensen is simply an honorable and devoted man - one who loves fiercely and protects everyone he cares for, even when it might hurt him in the end. He’s always been Wren’s champion, and he continues to stand by her despite the fact that she might break his heart.
There are so many layers to who Wren is, and it’s clear that she has been shaped by her parents’ neglect. Their mistreatment has forced her to take care of herself, in part, making her seek out shitty men because she’s never felt wanted or good enough, which has also forced her to find easy fixes instead of working through things the right way even if they’re difficult. And, in order to reprogram the chaos and self-loathing that is in Wren’s head, those who love her need to stand up for her and she needs to do that for herself as well, which will be a long process, but so worth it in the end.

The bond between Jensen, Vaughn, and Wells is an important aspect of In the Crease. There’s nothing these three wouldn’t do for one another and that is clearly illustrated in a number of ways, not just when it comes to Jensen’s relationship with Wren. There is a large amount of drama in Wren and Jensen’s story, and while their relationship is the central plot line, the other conflicts add another dynamic to the text and help to reinforce how essential all of Wren and Jensen’s families and friends are, not just to who they are together but to who they are as individuals and what they need in order to not get lost in their insecurities and bad choices.

In the Crease is a powerful story about the need for people to be secure in who they are and what they need from those who love them. People’s hearts and minds are delicate, even fragile, at times, and recognizing that idea and taking the steps to ensure that no one feels unworthy can be the only thing that gets through to someone who desperately needs to feel loved and appreciated.

4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for an honest review


I love getting lost in the Assassins world! For a few hours I can get lost in the world of these hockey-hotties and their lovely ladies, and just enjoy.


If you have read the previous books, you should remember Wren, the Assassins team psychologist. She really has gotten herself into a bind, and knows just the man to help her.


Jensen *insert googly lovey eyes*. Oh how I adore that man. He has adored Wren her whole life, loved her half of his, and except for a pesky ex has been true to Wren - even if she hasn't realised it.

Wren doesn't need a man, she is brash and bold and take charge - except for now when she really needs a hubby.

I adore her, I really do, but I have to say that for a lot of the book I didn't like her. I wanted to shake some sense into her, wanted to yell at Jensen to run run run just as fast as he can - in the opposite direction to Wren.

My heart broke for him over and over as Wren's actions and words hit him full force. I really, really don't know why he stuck around truthfully. I know, I know I sound jaded, but she really did irk me so much! And if she didn't want him, I would most certainly take Jensen off her hands!

I loved that we got more of the lads and lasses from throughout the series. I freaking Love Vaughan so much in this story!

In The Crease is sweet and funny and frustrating and sexy and a little bit of everything else. I will say that Wren did redeem herself to me - eventually!

Can't wait to see what Ms Aleo brings us next.

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

This is the 12th book in the series. It isn't my tops so far but it does have a few of my favorite things. Single parent--check. Friends to lovers--check. Hockey---check. Deep friendship--check. Humor--check.

The star of the story is Jensen Monroe. I don't know that I have read a more perfect book boyfriend in a long, long time. He and Vaughn and Wells are brothers by choice and hold an unbreakable bond. He would do anything for them. They also know each others little secrets and it is no ones surprise that Jensen has always held a torch for Wells baby sister Wren. Well, know one is surprised except Wren apparently. When Wren finds herself in a bit of a predicament with no support from her previous partner, Jensen steps up to the plate to help her out. He is such a good person with a good heart. So much so that his "brothers" warn him off from taking this leap so that Wren doesn't hurt him in the long run.

So 4 stars. Wren is just a hot mess for me. I get having low self esteem and body image issues. For what ever reason she has chosen to combat that by having meaningless relationships. Ok. But she is a highly intelligent, educated woman. She is a Psychologist for goodness sake. She is written as being very good about speaking her mind...getting what she needs. I know it made for good story telling to have her tragic past, but I just didn't buy it. I don't think real life Wren would have let this go on for so many years without voicing her concern to her parents much less her 3 "brothers".

Loved the hockey actions. Really loved Jensen's parents. Great to catch up on some of the other Assassins guys as well. Tate broke my heart! Love this author to pieces and this is a great addition to the series. Looking forward to seeing more!

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

4.5*s of sexy, sensual and supportive hotness

This may be book 12 in an established series, but do not be afraid to pick it up and read it as a stand alone. It will probably tempt you to go back and read more, but it will not spoil the enjoyment of this series at all.

All the characters who appear are given enough back story to become real to a new reader, but give subtle details to the seasoned fan too. There are some lovely touches - like Elli being at every team members' big day, even though that means a lot of travel post season. We get a really good sense of the team spirit and particularly the camaraderie between Jenson, Vaughn and Wells since they were teenagers ... and Wren.

As the plot unfolds and the drama ramps up between Jensen and Wren, it is fascinating to watch a story which reverses the norms and gives us a very different view of things when stereotypes are destroyed. It is powerful in that message, but also hugely romantic and heartwarming. There are a lot of times when I really wanted to sit them both down together and have a word ... but even when their friends tried to do just that, they were still stuck in their own realities. Wren being a therapist and overanalysing things so much was a great twist in the tale.

Be prepared for some frustrating moments, some heart-wrenching ones, and some truly blissful ones ... but definitely pick this up and give in to the call of a very enjoyable read.

Thank you Ms Aleo once again for a great new installment of Assassins magic.

[⇝ b ⇝ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My whole soul is yours, because a heart can stop and a mind can forget, but a soul neither stops nor forgets. It only loves, and my soul belongs to you."

God, I loved this. I will never cease feeling a thrill every time I finish a Toni Aleo book. Since my last review was so long I'll make this sweet and short.

Wren and Jensen's story is by far one of my favorites. Fake relationship stories have been done so many times, and yet I really got into this one.

I felt all the angst and many more emotions. Wren can't seem to find someone to want her for more than sex. Life decides to throw her another curveball when she finds out there is a bun in the oven. She needs to a baby daddy and who better than her brothers best friend?

Jensen has been in love with the same girl sine he was a teenager. Over a decade later and that one thing hasn't changed. He soon finds himself on the receiving end of a proposal from the woman of his dreams, but doesn't know if he should say yes or no.

My favorite thing about reading books like these is watching two people grow together. They allow people in and wounds mend. Reading about Wren and Jensen was exactly like that. He knew what he wanted, but she fought him the whole way.

Toni Aleo is a queen who writes love deliciously. Fall in love with Wren and Jensen like I did.

"Loving someone is our job, is what we're programmed to do. It makes us happy, it makes us sad, but it's what we need to do to be complete."