Blue Lines by Toni Aleo

A Review By Wendy

3.5 Assassinating, Confounding, Persevering, Relentless Stars * * * */*

The Blurb:
The instant Piper Allen sees Erik Titov, she wants him—wants his rock-hard body, sure, but the strength and mystery that lies behind that superstar hockey jock demeanor, too. So when he sidles up to her at a bar and slinks his arm around her waist, she’s lost. What follows is the wildest night of her life . . . followed by inevitable heartbreak the next morning. And then, a few weeks later, a very big surprise: two blue lines on a pregnancy test.

Only a check to the head could make Erik fall for a nice girl like Piper. But since their crazy-sexy night together, he’s been trying to forget about her alluring body by falling into bed with every woman in Nashville, and it’s not working. So when Piper shows up at his house with a baby-bomb to drop, it doesn’t take much for Erik to suggest the nuclear option: marriage. While it’s supposed to be all for show, the second they say “I do,” the ice between them starts to melt into sizzling steam.

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As a person who came to Blue Lines by Toni Aleo without any knowledge of the previous stories, my time with Erik and Piper may be observed and processed a little differently than those who have been with them throughout the series.

I saw this as a study of nature verses nurture in a way.

You had Erik, this tough, hunk of an athlete who had a very tragic childhood with a physically abusive, domineering father and a drug addicted mother, left to handle all of this alone until he was 13 years old. He was rescued by Cooper and Alli and they provided him the only experience of unconditional love, trust and security. They worked hard to give Erik self worth and in many ways, they succeeded.

Then there is Piper, this beautiful, creative spark. A daughter to a family which loves her but questions and scoffs all the decisions she makes. She is more of a restless spirit than her siblings and is constantly being compared to them and feels judged.

These two each bring their own baggage to the mix and it is the power of desire, want and determination which pulls them through to the end.
It is Piper's unerring love and belief in Erik which is the main focus of this tale. She sees him through all of his posing as the carefree unfeeling stud of the team. She continues to hammer away at him; confronting mercilessly his walls of distrust and fear.

Of course all of these actions are in addition to chemistry and need these both have for each other; tasted and experienced from a night together that rocked both of their senses...

Side note: Ms. Toni Aleo... Thank you for your talent in setting up some of the most enjoyable steamy times......hot, wanton passion... yes, I can understand your following.

As the time goes on and the impending life changing event comes closer, both Piper and Erik must come to terms with who they are; what they are to each other and how they will go forward... if at all.

I understood all of the obstacles and most of the time; the inner dialogue was everything it should be. I did feel though at some point, the repetition of all the reasons of what they were fighting - either for or against was a bit too much.

That being said... the overall story, supporting players and the topic of overcoming what you have experienced and what type of long term impact it has on you was real.
I would also like to share my warmest thoughts to Ms. Aleo as she lost her mother and dedicated this book and all of her writing to her.

Arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, the only type I do. :D

About Toni Aleo

My name is Toni Aleo!
I am a wife, mother, and hopeless romantic.
I have been told I have anger issues, but I think it's cause of my intense love for hockey!
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 daughters dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, and reading the latest romance novel.
I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, and did I mention I love hockey?

I hope to hear from you on here, my Facebook, or my twitter! 

Thank you so much!
Please visit Toni on her Facebook at: Facebook.com/tonialeo1
Follow her on twitter: tonilovesweber6
www.tonialeo.com