No words. There are no words. In actuality, there are so, SO many words and feelings running through my body and mind right now, but I feel like not a single one would do this book justice. Now here I sit at 4:36 AM, trying to explain how phenomenal Clipped by Love is. Or maybe that’s all that really needs to be said. It’s freaking phenomenal.
These characters? Oh geez. As you probably know, Clipped by Love is the second in the Bellevue Bullies series. If you’ve read Boarded by Love then you’re already familiar with Jayden Sinclair. He is the epitome of a good guy. He cares. He’s loyal. He’s protective. He loves his family, and carries all of the weight of their issues on his shoulders. He’s just a great guy. You’re thinking, “Right, so he has some problem or secret that will come out, just like all of the rest.” No. No, he’s legitimately just whole-heartedly, to the core good. Rockers and motorcycle men might be hot, but Jayden Sinclair, they are not. He meets his match with Baylor Moore though. She’s everything your normal heroine isn’t. She’s strong. SERIOUSLY strong. She’s determined, she’s fierce, and she’s a badass. There are many different words you could use to describe her, but the one that causes some twists and turns in this whole relationship is scared. She’s scared of feeling, of living, of breaking out of her shell. I love both characters so much individually, but together? Together, they’re something else entirely. They bond and mold together. They’re fit for each other, and it’s a beautiful thing. Their relationship is tension filled, frustrating, but above all else, it’s so damn romantic. They learn from one another and they open their hearts to each other, but it’s never perfect, and that makes it all that much more interesting.
These characters? Oh geez. As you probably know, Clipped by Love is the second in the Bellevue Bullies series. If you’ve read Boarded by Love then you’re already familiar with Jayden Sinclair. He is the epitome of a good guy. He cares. He’s loyal. He’s protective. He loves his family, and carries all of the weight of their issues on his shoulders. He’s just a great guy. You’re thinking, “Right, so he has some problem or secret that will come out, just like all of the rest.” No. No, he’s legitimately just whole-heartedly, to the core good. Rockers and motorcycle men might be hot, but Jayden Sinclair, they are not. He meets his match with Baylor Moore though. She’s everything your normal heroine isn’t. She’s strong. SERIOUSLY strong. She’s determined, she’s fierce, and she’s a badass. There are many different words you could use to describe her, but the one that causes some twists and turns in this whole relationship is scared. She’s scared of feeling, of living, of breaking out of her shell. I love both characters so much individually, but together? Together, they’re something else entirely. They bond and mold together. They’re fit for each other, and it’s a beautiful thing. Their relationship is tension filled, frustrating, but above all else, it’s so damn romantic. They learn from one another and they open their hearts to each other, but it’s never perfect, and that makes it all that much more interesting.
One thing that I noticed very quickly is that every scene felt like it could become a new favorite, if that makes sense. Every conversation popped, whether it was a humorous interaction with their wit and sarcasm, or maybe it was a meaningful, heartfelt passage that lets you truly into their world. With each chapter that passed, I thought to myself “That one, that’s a new favorite.” Clipped by Love is filled with unforgettable moments. Some took my breath away, some made me cry, some made me want to scream, but every single last one made me feel, and that’s all I want. I never cry happy tears. Never. If I cry, someone is getting killed off. That’s just how I am. But by the end, I was not only crying, but also bawling happy tears. I’ve never sobbed from joy, but this one did it.
Throughout the book, as Baylor and Jayden reunite (yea, reunite. You’ll see, and it’s a lot of awesome), you also experience Baylor’s journey to find her place in this tight-knit family of hockey players. She’s the newbie on the team, and she’s sort of a smartass, maybe not overly friendly, and uber focused. This little family of teammates starts wearing her down, specifically Jace and Markus. The reason I point this out is because it’s mentioned many times that they are truly like family, and as a reader, you’ll feel it. The bond she forms and how she begins to open up to them, accepting them, and loving them is just so heartwarming. I normally, and maybe this makes me a bad reader, get bored if the story goes off without interaction between the two main characters every few pages. In Clipped by Love, as much as I adore Jayden and Baylor together, because they really are perfect, any time Jace or Markus were around made my heart just as happy. I felt like I gained new best friends that I could rely on right with Baylor.
As far as writing styles go, I mean come on. It’s Toni. Aleo. Hockey. TONI. ALEO. HOCKEY. Enough said. She’s amazing at her craft. She writes enchanting characters in angsty, but oh so romantic relationships and there’s never any lack of action, humor, drama, and heartbreak. Toni Aleo, never change a thing because you’ve got this down pat, lady.
Overall, I want to scream it from the rooftops right now – Clipped by Love is fantastic! It’s everything I wanted it to be, plus so much more. It exceeded all of my expectations, and that says a lot considering I’m certain Aleo can do no wrong. This is, in my opinion, her best book yet. Jayden and Baylor’s relationship is irresistible, each character could easily stand on their own as new favorites of mine, and the entire storyline was complete and utter brilliance. Just brilliant. Good job, Toni.
<3 Erin
Throughout the book, as Baylor and Jayden reunite (yea, reunite. You’ll see, and it’s a lot of awesome), you also experience Baylor’s journey to find her place in this tight-knit family of hockey players. She’s the newbie on the team, and she’s sort of a smartass, maybe not overly friendly, and uber focused. This little family of teammates starts wearing her down, specifically Jace and Markus. The reason I point this out is because it’s mentioned many times that they are truly like family, and as a reader, you’ll feel it. The bond she forms and how she begins to open up to them, accepting them, and loving them is just so heartwarming. I normally, and maybe this makes me a bad reader, get bored if the story goes off without interaction between the two main characters every few pages. In Clipped by Love, as much as I adore Jayden and Baylor together, because they really are perfect, any time Jace or Markus were around made my heart just as happy. I felt like I gained new best friends that I could rely on right with Baylor.
As far as writing styles go, I mean come on. It’s Toni. Aleo. Hockey. TONI. ALEO. HOCKEY. Enough said. She’s amazing at her craft. She writes enchanting characters in angsty, but oh so romantic relationships and there’s never any lack of action, humor, drama, and heartbreak. Toni Aleo, never change a thing because you’ve got this down pat, lady.
Overall, I want to scream it from the rooftops right now – Clipped by Love is fantastic! It’s everything I wanted it to be, plus so much more. It exceeded all of my expectations, and that says a lot considering I’m certain Aleo can do no wrong. This is, in my opinion, her best book yet. Jayden and Baylor’s relationship is irresistible, each character could easily stand on their own as new favorites of mine, and the entire storyline was complete and utter brilliance. Just brilliant. Good job, Toni.
<3 Erin
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