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St. Louis Sires #3
ASSIST
The Center for the St. Louis Sires has lived an undeniably good life, but something has always been missing, something he desperately craves—a family.
The alluring rapper is at the top of her game, talented and adored by her fans, including the Center for the St. Louis Sires, but what she desires most is a real connection—a friend.
One random phone call links them in ways neither could’ve imagined, a connection that helps free them from the past and navigate the future.
In the process, maybe, just maybe, they’ll find true love.
The alluring rapper is at the top of her game, talented and adored by her fans, including the Center for the St. Louis Sires, but what she desires most is a real connection—a friend.
One random phone call links them in ways neither could’ve imagined, a connection that helps free them from the past and navigate the future.
In the process, maybe, just maybe, they’ll find true love.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2024
152 people are currently reading
1171 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria House
42 books232 followersThere is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
For the Romance author see Alexandria House
For the Romance author see Alexandria House
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
May 8, 2024
Oooo, this might be my new favorite in the series! Sires hockey captain, Orlando Rapp, has everything he could want, except a sense of family. He was adopted, and has no idea who or where he came from. Meanwhile, rapper Bianca Bambina (and part owner of Orlando's hockey team) has been in the music industry since she was a teen, and there aren't many she trusts with her secrets or her friendship. Rapp has always been a fan, and one team party and random phone call changes the trajectory of their interactions from strangers to an unlikely friendship....to lovers.
Some may call this instalove, but because of Bianca's personality, it makes total sense that she met Rapp, got his number, and called him because she wanted a friend. It helps that she was attracted to him, but something about him told her she could let her rapper persona rest and just be herself. Watching them get to know each other and then act on that chemistry had me too excited, cause y'all know Alexandria House does NOT skimp when it comes to the heat in her books!
Rapp's journey to learning more about his birth family led to a heartwarming surprise (iykyk) when he realized he was not as alone in the world as he thought. Bianca was by his side the entire time, and he relied on her to help him not be afraid to pursue his familial search. They were a complete support team for each other, and that's what made their connection so pure.
I would've liked to see more of a conclusion when it came to what really happened to Bianca's old predatory manager, but I have my suspicions and feel like the author left it vague for a particular reason (again, iykyk).
As usual, the audiobook was a TREAT. I always recommend this author's audiobooks, especially when it's a Jakobi/Wesleigh combo!
Some may call this instalove, but because of Bianca's personality, it makes total sense that she met Rapp, got his number, and called him because she wanted a friend. It helps that she was attracted to him, but something about him told her she could let her rapper persona rest and just be herself. Watching them get to know each other and then act on that chemistry had me too excited, cause y'all know Alexandria House does NOT skimp when it comes to the heat in her books!
Rapp's journey to learning more about his birth family led to a heartwarming surprise (iykyk) when he realized he was not as alone in the world as he thought. Bianca was by his side the entire time, and he relied on her to help him not be afraid to pursue his familial search. They were a complete support team for each other, and that's what made their connection so pure.
I would've liked to see more of a conclusion when it came to what really happened to Bianca's old predatory manager, but I have my suspicions and feel like the author left it vague for a particular reason (again, iykyk).
As usual, the audiobook was a TREAT. I always recommend this author's audiobooks, especially when it's a Jakobi/Wesleigh combo!
November 18, 2025
This was my FAVORITE book out of the series. The tears I cried. Jesus Christ. So many emotions between these two. So many feelings. This story had so much depth.. just enough to teeter you over the edge with wanting to cuss, laugh, drop a tear and at the end be happy. Wow
June 26, 2024
No one can tell me Alexandria House isn’t a genius. This story was real, deep and so layered. She created characters that are so relatable. There’s trauma on both ends that stems from childhood. But it came to such a beautiful circle with them. Orlando was such a mystery. All his life he longs for family…his own family. He formed a friendship with Bianca. A friendship that blossomed into something healing for both. Bianca grew up in the spotlight, but she has her own demons she was fighting. In her friendship with Orlando, she found solace, comfort, and love.
I loved this from start to finish. Love the cameos from Jah and em.
This was a great and unique read.
Story and narrators 10/10
I loved this from start to finish. Love the cameos from Jah and em.
This was a great and unique read.
Story and narrators 10/10
April 22, 2024
I’ve read this book twice because it’s just a good read and the audible is so great! The love story between Rapp and Bambina was so good! The parallels between their lives and coming into what family means to them was done so nicely! The blast from the past in this book was the cherry on top for me and I love how House tied these characters to a familiar set of characters in her catalogue! Bambina gets the win and safety she’s been looking for and Rapp finally finds what he’s been searching for all along! This will be a comfort listen much like this entire series already is for me!
March 29, 2024
Seriously!
This story was so darn good!
I enjoyed getting to know both Ish and Lando. I'm so glad they both found love, Family and peace.
I need to go ahead and get the audio now. I don't even know ow why I played myself. I even read this in Jakobi's voice.
This story was so darn good!
I enjoyed getting to know both Ish and Lando. I'm so glad they both found love, Family and peace.
I need to go ahead and get the audio now. I don't even know ow why I played myself. I even read this in Jakobi's voice.
September 12, 2025
You had me at the cover. A hockey player and a rapper?!!! Yes please! Ever since Ishmia fired her former manager, she has been stepping into her own with a vengeance. Her new album is number one on the Bill Board charts, she just did a feature on Talent’s new single, and she’s embarking on her first solo tour. Life is good for Ishmia and it gets even better when she spots the fine azz center from the St. Louis Sires starin’ her down at an industry party.
It’s no secret to his teammates that Rapp has a huge crush on Bianca Bambina so, they try their best to get him to shoot his shot while they’re in each other’s space. But, he doesn’t have to because, Ms. Ishmia beat him to it. My girl said, 🎵I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it.🎵 And, get it she did. I loved how Ishmia and Rapp developed a true friendship before romance entered the chat. The late night phone calls and facetimes were too cute. Insert blushing GIF here.
I absolutely loved the cameos from some of my faves. Big South, Uncle Lee Chester, and the Mitchell Brothers. As always, Uncle Lee Chester was flippin' meat on the pit while mispronouncing everybody’s name. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 And, can we talk about that plot twist A. House hit us with cause, chiiiiiiiiiile, I was not prepared! 🤯🤯🤯🤯 Somebody come pick me up cause, I’m still on the floor. Wesleigh and Jakobi did their big one with this audiobook. They really know how to bring these characters to life. Assist was the perfect ending to St. Louis Sires and I’m really goin’ to miss these characters.
It’s no secret to his teammates that Rapp has a huge crush on Bianca Bambina so, they try their best to get him to shoot his shot while they’re in each other’s space. But, he doesn’t have to because, Ms. Ishmia beat him to it. My girl said, 🎵I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it.🎵 And, get it she did. I loved how Ishmia and Rapp developed a true friendship before romance entered the chat. The late night phone calls and facetimes were too cute. Insert blushing GIF here.
I absolutely loved the cameos from some of my faves. Big South, Uncle Lee Chester, and the Mitchell Brothers. As always, Uncle Lee Chester was flippin' meat on the pit while mispronouncing everybody’s name. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 And, can we talk about that plot twist A. House hit us with cause, chiiiiiiiiiile, I was not prepared! 🤯🤯🤯🤯 Somebody come pick me up cause, I’m still on the floor. Wesleigh and Jakobi did their big one with this audiobook. They really know how to bring these characters to life. Assist was the perfect ending to St. Louis Sires and I’m really goin’ to miss these characters.
May 21, 2024
I did NOT expect to like this book as much as I did. Wow.
March 27, 2024
This was so dang good! Great lead characters, surprisingly emotional. Some really great cameos and a very nice plot twist. This book was so satisfying. I absolutely loved it. Happy reading!
July 18, 2024
Ms. House really doesn’t MISS fr.
This book ATE DOWN. Orlando can definitely be added to the list of men I’m in love with.
Orlando did not play about Ishmia OKAYY. We love a protective king. They started off as “friends” & it developed into such a beautiful story. Both of them struggled with family issues & the way these characters developed was just chef’s kiss. Spice 3/5 🌶️
The plot twist involving characters from other series was so surprising now I wanna go back & reread them. 😁
I still love me some Uncle Lee Chester !!!🤣
This book ATE DOWN. Orlando can definitely be added to the list of men I’m in love with.
Orlando did not play about Ishmia OKAYY. We love a protective king. They started off as “friends” & it developed into such a beautiful story. Both of them struggled with family issues & the way these characters developed was just chef’s kiss. Spice 3/5 🌶️
The plot twist involving characters from other series was so surprising now I wanna go back & reread them. 😁
I still love me some Uncle Lee Chester !!!🤣
September 11, 2024
One thing Queen Alexandria House is going to give you is a damn great story, period!!
Of Course, My Man...Uncle Chester Lee makes an appearance in this story, lawd this man always has me cackling.
I finished this book in 1 day, while listening to ASMR Christmas Music (don't judge me) LOL!!
Edmund Orlando Rapp is the Hockey Team Captain of the St. Louis Sires, they missed making it to the finals but Orlando has much more on his mind, his loneliness and wanting a family of his own.
Rapper "Don" Bianca Bambino whose real name is Ishmia Desir. She is at the top of her game now having new management, she is free to do her thing. But one thing is missing, she is lonely, besides her two assistants, she doesn't have any friends, if only?
Rapp and Ishmia begin talking after she gets his number from Big South. What started as her reaching out to him, turned into text messages, hanging out, getting to know each other, becoming friends, and then lovers.
To say that both people had some serious background stuff with them and how they still came together was so beautiful to read, and God knows I love a great love story.
Now there is a painfully harrowing and all too real revelation in the story and author Alexandria House handled it well too.
There is also an appearance from author Alexandria House's other series "Them Boys" and it was so great reading about them again.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
Of Course, My Man...Uncle Chester Lee makes an appearance in this story, lawd this man always has me cackling.
I finished this book in 1 day, while listening to ASMR Christmas Music (don't judge me) LOL!!
Edmund Orlando Rapp is the Hockey Team Captain of the St. Louis Sires, they missed making it to the finals but Orlando has much more on his mind, his loneliness and wanting a family of his own.
Rapper "Don" Bianca Bambino whose real name is Ishmia Desir. She is at the top of her game now having new management, she is free to do her thing. But one thing is missing, she is lonely, besides her two assistants, she doesn't have any friends, if only?
Rapp and Ishmia begin talking after she gets his number from Big South. What started as her reaching out to him, turned into text messages, hanging out, getting to know each other, becoming friends, and then lovers.
To say that both people had some serious background stuff with them and how they still came together was so beautiful to read, and God knows I love a great love story.
Now there is a painfully harrowing and all too real revelation in the story and author Alexandria House handled it well too.
There is also an appearance from author Alexandria House's other series "Them Boys" and it was so great reading about them again.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
March 26, 2024
An emotional and unexpected plot twist. I absolutely loved it!
August 29, 2024
This book was so good. It was a great story with great characters. The chemistry was there. I love how A. House integrates characters from other series into different books. She is such a phenomenal author.
March 27, 2024
Be my friend is all I ask be my soft place and let me fall when I need to. Rapp & Bambina a match made in hockey heaven talk about a feel good and sexy book!!! And that twist at the end!!! Loved it.
March 31, 2024
OMG!!!!!! Ms House NEVER misses. I felt all the emotions the loneliness of being raised by someone other than your parents (and I was raised by both of mine). The abandonment and less than feeling that festers because of it. The disappointment and heartbreak from being betrayed by someone you love. The depression from grief… all to be healed by love. Ish and Lando healed each other with love and that was everything. What I didn’t expect is South and Them Boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yassssss hunni! This is a must read and wonderful addition to the St Louis Sires series!
September 4, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
February 16, 2025
Assist is the 3rd book in the St. Louis Sires series and I think it's my favorite of them all. Queen Alexandria House writes Black romance like no one else and brings the heat from the start.
When a quiet hockey star meets a rap icon that he is a huge fan of, he doesn't know what to do with himself. But when that rap star calls him, their friendship and similarities tie them together and everything naturally progresses from there, making for one heck of a story.
Orlando and Ishmia (aka Bianca Bambino) are just perfection. I loved that the quiet hockey star had so much more to him than hockey. He really has no family besides his hockey family and that has always been a part of him that's been missing. Also, having a crush on a rap star? Loved that aspect. "When the fan meets the star and they fall." Meanwhile, Ish has basically grown up in the spotlight, but that's not truly who she is and Orlando sees that. The way "Bambino" originally got to her level of stardom isn't so pretty and I liked that House touched on those dark spots in the industry. But it was the fact that these two had some family similarities that a connected them.
Having a hot AF storyline that grew from friendship (albeit very quickly) and touching on some serious subject matter having to do with family, albinism, grooming, etc made this story relatable and got me on board with these two as a couple. Orlando is the hero we all want in our corner. Protective AF and will do anything for his woman to help her realize her dreams. And Ish is this powerful woman that is coming into her own and learning who she truly is by distancing herself from the past. These two are just a great combination. And then there's that twist that brought past House characters into the storyline? My jaw literally dropped! And you can't forget about Big South when it comes to music. Perfection!!
And finally, Alexandria House's audiobooks are some of my very favorites. If you have Jakobi Diem, I will listen. He is extraordinary. And Wesleigh Siobhan? Another great performance. She even rapped some of House's lyrics. These two brought Assist to life and made it my favorite of the three.
Great audio. Amazing story and even better characters that wrapped on this series with connections to other series. ATE IT UP!!
When a quiet hockey star meets a rap icon that he is a huge fan of, he doesn't know what to do with himself. But when that rap star calls him, their friendship and similarities tie them together and everything naturally progresses from there, making for one heck of a story.
Orlando and Ishmia (aka Bianca Bambino) are just perfection. I loved that the quiet hockey star had so much more to him than hockey. He really has no family besides his hockey family and that has always been a part of him that's been missing. Also, having a crush on a rap star? Loved that aspect. "When the fan meets the star and they fall." Meanwhile, Ish has basically grown up in the spotlight, but that's not truly who she is and Orlando sees that. The way "Bambino" originally got to her level of stardom isn't so pretty and I liked that House touched on those dark spots in the industry. But it was the fact that these two had some family similarities that a connected them.
Having a hot AF storyline that grew from friendship (albeit very quickly) and touching on some serious subject matter having to do with family, albinism, grooming, etc made this story relatable and got me on board with these two as a couple. Orlando is the hero we all want in our corner. Protective AF and will do anything for his woman to help her realize her dreams. And Ish is this powerful woman that is coming into her own and learning who she truly is by distancing herself from the past. These two are just a great combination. And then there's that twist that brought past House characters into the storyline? My jaw literally dropped! And you can't forget about Big South when it comes to music. Perfection!!
And finally, Alexandria House's audiobooks are some of my very favorites. If you have Jakobi Diem, I will listen. He is extraordinary. And Wesleigh Siobhan? Another great performance. She even rapped some of House's lyrics. These two brought Assist to life and made it my favorite of the three.
Great audio. Amazing story and even better characters that wrapped on this series with connections to other series. ATE IT UP!!
April 3, 2025
A woman who has endured the toughest challenges shoots her shot and takes a chance on love—and finds exactly what she needs. Meanwhile, a man who has long admired a famous female rapper gets the unexpected opportunity to connect with her, and their story unfolds from there.
I absolutely enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the Them Boys series. While I’ve only read Goal and Assist, Assist is definitely my favorite of the two!
I absolutely enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the Them Boys series. While I’ve only read Goal and Assist, Assist is definitely my favorite of the two!
May 31, 2024
5 ⭐
Ms. House!!! What the hell?!?! .
It's so satisfying to have a book that gives us such a holistic happy ending. Bianca gets the freedom for her past, a partner that adores her and a circle of friends/family that don't require anything from her. And Rapp gets a family of his own and a connection to his bio family that he has always sought. .
The last 20%....what an ending. The way Ms House tied up this series and gave us a glance at some of our favs from past series. Bravo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Ms. House!!! What the hell?!?! .
It's so satisfying to have a book that gives us such a holistic happy ending. Bianca gets the freedom for her past, a partner that adores her and a circle of friends/family that don't require anything from her. And Rapp gets a family of his own and a connection to his bio family that he has always sought. .
The last 20%....what an ending. The way Ms House tied up this series and gave us a glance at some of our favs from past series. Bravo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
November 26, 2025
Update 11/26/25: I had to come back and update my rating on this. This book was nowhere near a 1 star 😂😂😂😂 I don’t know what I was thinking. It’s really more like a 3.5. It’s a really good story and definitely had me crying laughing.
Original review:
So I’m still on the hunt for a book by A House that’s not a full on Tubi movie. Alas….here we are. So as terrible as this was, I will say I got a good laugh. Like tears crying because of how ridiculous this story is. Listened on audio and I was NOT prepared for Wesleigh rapping. 😂😂😂😂 I try but I cannot take any of these books seriously but I will say I have a new go to author for a guaranteed laugh.
Original review:
So I’m still on the hunt for a book by A House that’s not a full on Tubi movie. Alas….here we are. So as terrible as this was, I will say I got a good laugh. Like tears crying because of how ridiculous this story is. Listened on audio and I was NOT prepared for Wesleigh rapping. 😂😂😂😂 I try but I cannot take any of these books seriously but I will say I have a new go to author for a guaranteed laugh.
June 7, 2024
This was my favorite of the series, though I enjoyed them all. Not only because of the cameo from one Mrs. Houses best leading characters from another series, but then we got a return visit of a couple of other fan favorites. I won't say more because I don't like to spoil things.
Nope. The way the friendship developed into a love story was so stellar! Add the obstacles they were both dealing with, and it's just a chef's kiss. I only read this story hours ago and already want to go back and spin it again. There was lots of sex and drama, but it still held my interest and a good read! Parts of the book cracked me up 🤣🤣🤣
**hockey player
**Artist
Hoopla listen 🎶
Nope. The way the friendship developed into a love story was so stellar! Add the obstacles they were both dealing with, and it's just a chef's kiss. I only read this story hours ago and already want to go back and spin it again. There was lots of sex and drama, but it still held my interest and a good read! Parts of the book cracked me up 🤣🤣🤣
**hockey player
**Artist
Hoopla listen 🎶
April 3, 2024
He the type of man you turn in ya ho card and be a wife for 😛
The cameos in this book at down!!!
Ts gonna eat s/o to Alex House thee rapper
The cameos in this book at down!!!
Ts gonna eat s/o to Alex House thee rapper
March 31, 2024
2.5-3 stars rounded down because i ultimately DNFd. The “friends” ultimately lovers trope wasn’t very interesting considering there was a never an actual friendship/connection. I see the characters professing love for one another but why? A whole lot of not a damn thing happened for them to get to that point. I don’t dislike insta love whatsoever but nothing is happening for the insta love to even be believable for me. Also I dislike when there are real solutions to problems that are ignored…if someone is contacting you against your will…idk change your number? I might revisit in the future but right now, this was a miss for me.
December 19, 2024
Audiobook 🥱
November 8, 2025
Ishmia x Orlando
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I was really feeling it! If I wasn’t swiping away tears, I was literally laughing out loud. This book was about two emotionally numb people who jumped head first into a pool of love. They helped each other navigate their past pains, protected each other, and purposely loved one another out loud.
I love how Alexandria intertwines her series and blesses us with cameo appearances from some of our favorite characters like Big South, Uncle Lee Chester (who is HILARIOUS by the way) and others. The past books added so many layers to this storyline.
This was an immersive reading experience and the dynamic duo, Wesleigh and Jakobi, delivered an amazing performance per usual!
4.5 ⭐️
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I was really feeling it! If I wasn’t swiping away tears, I was literally laughing out loud. This book was about two emotionally numb people who jumped head first into a pool of love. They helped each other navigate their past pains, protected each other, and purposely loved one another out loud.
I love how Alexandria intertwines her series and blesses us with cameo appearances from some of our favorite characters like Big South, Uncle Lee Chester (who is HILARIOUS by the way) and others. The past books added so many layers to this storyline.
This was an immersive reading experience and the dynamic duo, Wesleigh and Jakobi, delivered an amazing performance per usual!
4.5 ⭐️
August 17, 2024
I LOVED THIS BOOK! The audio for this whole series is amazing. I would say Assist is my favorite then behind that is Goal and Holding.
The story was paced really well. Bianca and Orlando were so lovable and had depth to them. Both dealt with a similar base as their childhood with being adopted and grew into talented beautiful adults. The bond that these two shared is so warming and watching it turn into a loving and spicy relationship put a smile on my face. They for sure didn’t play about each other. I loved the way Orlando lived because one would never know. He was so humble. The friend groups are too funny. The trauma in here is heart breaking.
All in all the story came together with cute bow on top.
The story was paced really well. Bianca and Orlando were so lovable and had depth to them. Both dealt with a similar base as their childhood with being adopted and grew into talented beautiful adults. The bond that these two shared is so warming and watching it turn into a loving and spicy relationship put a smile on my face. They for sure didn’t play about each other. I loved the way Orlando lived because one would never know. He was so humble. The friend groups are too funny. The trauma in here is heart breaking.
All in all the story came together with cute bow on top.
May 20, 2024
I think I like Alexandria House's books so much cause life be lifing in them but love be loving too!! The character always have depth and personal issues going on outside of the love story.
And what a treat it was to see the special appearance by the Mitchell brothers 🥰😍
And what a treat it was to see the special appearance by the Mitchell brothers 🥰😍
June 3, 2024
My new favorite 😍.
November 1, 2024
I need another book because I need to know what happens with Smoke
September 10, 2025
(4.5) This book was so good! Truthfully, at first I wasn’t feeling it as much because of the insta love, but as it progressed there was so much to enjoy about this book.
(’m considering spinning the block on Them Boys which were my first introduction to A.H.)
(’m considering spinning the block on Them Boys which were my first introduction to A.H.)
March 27, 2024
Another absolute masterpiece from Alexandria House. I laughed, I cried, I sighed, and I fell in love while reading this.
10/10 stars.
Stop reading this review and start reading this book. You won’t regret it.
10/10 stars.
Stop reading this review and start reading this book. You won’t regret it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews