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You’ve known Harper Allen and Jakob Titov since you met them in Taking Shots. You know their story already, right? Ha! You only think you do. In One-Timer, they’ll tell it for themselves.

Harper has been hurt so many times, and she has no interest in anything more than a one-time thing, but Jakob Titov has other ideas.

He is looking for his forever. He has his sights set on a girl who is so good at blocking his attempts, she could be a star goalie in the NHL. Jakob is persistent, though, and he knows what he wants: Harper—forever. together, he knows they’ll make one hell of a team.

The last twenty years have been even better than they could have dreamed. But when their daughter comes home, informing them she’s giving up everything for a boy, they know it’s past time to tell the truth about the shutout they scored all those years ago to get where they are.

It wasn’t easy. But sometimes, that one-time thing leads to a fairy-tale kind of ending.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2019

381 people are currently reading
828 people want to read

About the author

Toni Aleo

102 books6,716 followers
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?

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5 stars
554 (51%)
4 stars
329 (30%)
3 stars
157 (14%)
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22 (2%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,506 reviews35.8k followers
January 18, 2020
4 stars

 photo 634871B1-1AF3-468A-B578-1CE252177611_zpsgskh6eiq.png

This was the best mix of the old school Assassins series and the newer generation all in one. I’ve always wanted Jakob and Harper’s story from their perspectives. It’s been 7 years since I read the first book in this series and better late than never!
“He knew I was it. And all I was looking for was a good time.”
“But I wanted more than just a good time.” Her eyes lock with mine, and it feels like it’s more than twenty years earlier and I am falling all over again.
“He wanted everything.”
“And I got it.”

One Timer starts with Jakob and Harper telling their daughter Allison their story. Though I knew a lot of it already, seeing that they were big characters in first several books of the ‘Assassins’ series, I still loved it.

Jakob has one of the biggest hearts of all the Assassins men. When he met Harper, he knew she was it for him. It took her a while to get on the same page as him, but once she did, she was all in. This couple has had their ups and downs like any other pair, but their love has stood the test of time.

After reading this, I’m hoping we get an Allison Titov book in the Next Generation series. I want to see what happens in her life! This was a fantastic novella and made me nostalgic for some of the earlier books, which will always be some of my top sports romances!!
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,672 reviews183 followers
November 27, 2019
One Timer was a short novella within the Nashville Assassins NHL series by Toni Aleo.

Aleo took us back to the beginning in a very unique way. Harper Allen and Jakob Titov were Elli and Shea’s best friends, respectively (Book one, Taking Shots.) It had been so long, I didn’t realize they didn’t have their own book. In One Timer, Aleo told us Harper and Jakob’s story through their first born, Allison. It was creative and also a way to set the stage for Allison to have her own story within the Bellevue Bullies series - or one of the other spin off series!

In going backward in time, we were able to relive some of Elli and Shea’s story through a different perspective while also getting to know Harper and Jakob better. I totally fell in love with Jakob. He was confident, funny and romantic. A true love story.

All in all, it was a quick and entertaining read. I enjoyed going back and revisiting some of our earlier favorites while simultaneously prepping for the future. Next up is Posey (Elli and Shea’s second child) in Power Play, the second book of the Nashville Assassin’s Next Generation.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,376 reviews618 followers
November 26, 2019
This story turned out exceptionally better than I expected! Even tho technically, there’s already a HEA before we begin, the story still captivated both my mind and my heart! AND, what an excellent idea for a story, right?! Your daughter comes home to tell you she’s found the love of her life and is moving way across the country and quitting her entire life plan. What’s a parent to do?? READ THIS STORY AND FIND OUT!!

The looking back concept to drive home a point in the present was pure genius on the part of the author, in my opinion. We got to read how an established couple got to where they are today in a format that allows for less development so it’s a #win no matter how you look at it. LOL Honestly, while I was reading I kept think “this chic is genius with this story!” And it put a smile on my face! But that’s just the skeleton of the story. The meat of the story also put a huge smile on my face and my heart.

I loved everything about this and now I’m sorry I haven’t really kept up with this series in the last five years or so. But I’m going to change that soon!!
Profile Image for 〰️Beth〰️.
813 reviews61 followers
December 1, 2019
Basic summary of books 1 & 2

This is a basic summary of parts of the first two books in the series. It is a way for the author to transition into the next generation of characters. Nice but unnecessary.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,639 reviews
November 27, 2019
Loved Jakob and Harper. We first got to meet them in Taking Shot so it was nice to see how their relationship started. Their daughter tells them that she wants to leave school so she can follow a guy to Texas because she thinks that love is all sunshine and roses. Her parents get to tell their story and that it wasn’t as easy for them as she believes. Loved the characters and the whole story.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,739 reviews168 followers
November 24, 2019
Get the inside story from the people who lived it. Past and present collide to create the sweetest of love stories. Though a little rough around the edges, One Timer is all heart. Aleo gives readers a couple worth rooting for despite the odds. From a questionable beginning to an unforgettable ending, Jakob and Harper are as unpredictable as they are lovable.

Profile Image for Michelle Brace .
1,736 reviews15 followers
November 26, 2019
If you haven't read any books in this series don't let that keep you from reading this one!! Toni Aleo has a wonderful talent for telling a story and my heart for some reason felt even more invested in Harper and Jakob's story.

We start the story present day but as they are telling their story to their daughter we get to go back in time and see how their relationship started and progressed. The determination of Jakob to go after what he wants. How Harper had to overcome her past heartbreaks and trust issues with relationships. How even though we know they end up together you forget and worry about how their story will play out. Just everything about this story was one that made it hard to put down. I devoured the pages.

This is another great read and you will be hooked and devour the pages in no time at all!! I highly recommend this book and think you'd enjoy the others as well but they are necessary in order to fall in love with Harper and Jakob.
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,137 reviews322 followers
November 26, 2019
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

Cocktails and Books received this book for free from Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.I am so happy that Toni Aleo gave us Jakob and Harper's story.  I loved them in Taking a Shot and now we finally get to see how Jakob convinced Harper to take a chance on him.  Harper made Jakob work for her, but it was clear that he was not going to let Harper get away from him.  But what I loved most about this story was the fact that their daughter wanted to have the same kind of love.  She might have been looking in the wrong place, but after hearing their story she figured out what she needed to do.

The lead up to Power Play is perfect and I can't wait to read that story.  The Assassins are back!
Profile Image for Lynn.
1,038 reviews49 followers
December 3, 2019
I fell in love with the Nashville Assassins in 2016 and have not looked back since. The reader didn't get but a glimpse into the romance of Harper and Jakob in Taking Shots. One Timer is a great opportunity to get the full story of how they fell in love, while also helping their best friends Elli and Shea as well. I love getting to see where the happy endings led to with the children of the original characters. If you love sports romance and cannot beg enough to please read this series and any of Toni's other series, Bellevue Bullies, Ice Cats and Assassins Next Generation.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,831 reviews210 followers
January 2, 2020


Harper and Jakob retrace the steps of their relationship here in One Timer in the guise of telling their eldest daughter about love and life and relationships.



I loved reading their backstory. It wasn't exactly easy or pretty, but it was very readable and interesting. I think both are great characters, but Jakob especially stood out to me for his determination to win over Harper, and for his sweet nature. I like how in the present the two have been married for 20 years, and they're still going strong, but the flashback brings it all full circle. I love Toni's hockey romances, and getting the backstory for this couple just made me love her hockey tales even more!



ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.

Review/Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12k reviews90 followers
November 27, 2019
Through previous books we have met and grown to love Jakob and Harper as we watched their relationship after they got together but now we get to go back to when they first met and what they had to go through to find their happy ever after.

It was a case of love at first site for Jakob but convincing Harper will be the biggest challenge of his life. He was so patient and understanding as he helped Harper heal from her past and realize that she was deserving of love and that he was the man who was going to give it to her.

Twenty years later they are living their fairy tale and not only is their love stronger than ever, but they have two children that they adore. When their daughter shares her news her parents are determined to convince her that with the right man she can have it all just like the two of them.

This story has all the feels and shows once again why this series will hold a special place in your heart.
Profile Image for Pam.
1,683 reviews16 followers
November 26, 2019
4.5 Stars

When Ally comes home ready to leave school and all that she has worked so hard for to follow her boyfriend, Harper and Jakob take a trip down memory lane to show her that relationships are hard. That the work is a two way street and settling for someone who is willing to make you leave everything for them is not necessarily the perfect person. Harper and Jakob have been through a lot in the time they have been together but they never gave up on each other. Which has produced a love that Ally is desperately searching for.

This story was a great love story taking us back to the beginning and elaborating on a side story that never was fully understood. Also bringing in the story of how Elli and Shea's love story began.

As a series follower who read all the books through, it was fun to go back and remember the young Assassin's who started it all.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Profile Image for Mary McFarlane.
662 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2019
Ugh yet again she just gets right to the point of a great story. I loved getting to know their story after only getting bits of it in Shea and Elli’s book. Also loved that we got to see hidden moments of Shea and Elli’s book we didn’t see before.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,069 reviews213 followers
November 20, 2019
5 star Review One Timer (Nashville Assassins #17) by Toni Aleo

I have only read a few books by Toni Aleo, but what I have read I have really enjoyed. This is in fact the first book in this particular series that I have read and I admit I was concerned that I would be a little lost reading this story. That was not the case, although I do believe I would have enjoyed the story even more if I had the benefit of having read the previous books in the series.

This is Harper Allen and Jakob Titov’s story who I believe have been secondary characters in previous books. Now it’s their turn; this story is told in present day and retrospectively as Harper and Jakob tell their 20 year old daughter about their path to love.

It’s so interesting that it was Harper who didn’t want a relationship and Jakob who was the one who wanted so much more. He knew it was time to settle down with “the one” and he knew that Harper was the one woman for him, all he had to do is convince her. Easy, right? Not so much.

I found this fascinating reading and I was drawn in and captivated by the story, so much so that I read One Timer in one go; I simply couldn’t put it down.

This is a novella but for such a short story Ms. Aleo certainly packed it full of of memorable and emotional moments that will have her fans cheering from the sidelines.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,253 reviews19 followers
November 24, 2019
I’m going to be honest - I had to refresh myself as to which couple was featured in Taking Shots.

The approach Ms Aleo takes here - parents letting a beloved child know that even the best relationships take hard work and don’t always travel a smooth road - was unique and I appreciated how it tied the “older” Assassin books with the stories being told for the newer generation.

Harper and Jakob are characters that are easy to like and I found myself rooting for them. The “drama” in their relationship seemed much more organic and less “for the sake of drama” than in some of the other Assassin stories, I definitely think this one of Ms Aleo’s stronger recent books.

About half the length of most romances, this is the perfect weekend afternoon read.
25 reviews
November 26, 2019
If you craved more of Jakob TItov and Harper Allen’s story then this is the perfect treat just in time for the long weekend! We got glimpses of Jakob and Harper in Taking Shots, Toni Aleo revisits this iconic couple to give us all the details of a love for the ages in the making. Tough as nails Harper and unflappable Jakob make for a funny, sweet duo as they explain the way they came together and overcame everything for love! In addition to their cat and mouse romance Shea and Elli’s story unfolds through the eyes of their friends which gives this newest Assassin's novel a well rounded combination of old and new!
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews73 followers
November 28, 2019
Dang, that was a good book. It was written so clever. I read Harper's story a long time ago. This seemed a bit more from Jakob's POV though. What a sweetheart!!

So this story goes back to their early days because their daughter, Allison needs a lesson....lol. Then once we return from past, we see Posey, Ellie's other daughter is going to come up next in book order.

Fun times ahead with this second generation!!
Profile Image for Katie.
234 reviews14 followers
August 28, 2022
OMG! I’ve been waiting for the real story of Jakob & Harper FOREVER!!! I’ve wanted to know their backstory since Taking Shots and now I FINALLY have it!
Finally finding out just how The Romantic Russian won over the Queen of No Commitment had me was TOTALLY worth the wait!
I loved going back into the past to the beginning of their relationship, and the beginning of The Assassins, along with them, their family, and the team in present day. This may just be a novella, but it gives you all the feels and swoons of a full length novel.
Whether you’re a long time Toni Aleo fan or someone new looking to dip your toe into some hockey romance, this is the novella for you! Oh! And it makes a perfect Christmas gift! ❤️
Profile Image for Kara.
1,411 reviews25 followers
December 18, 2019
another good one by Aleo with writing that reminds me of the reason why I fell in IN LOVE with this series.
Profile Image for Rose Belle.
851 reviews14 followers
May 22, 2023
This is a cute way to end the series, though I wouldn't dig into this one unless you are familiar with the rest of the books. It's short and sweet and a nice transition into the next series.

Nashville Assassins Series
-Review of Taking Shots (Assassins #1)
-Review of Trying to Score (Assassins #2)
-Review of Empty Net (Assassins #3)
-Review of Taking Shots (Assassins #4)
-Review of Blue Lines (Assassins #5)
-Review of Breaking Away (Assassins #6)
-Review of Laces and Lace (Assassins #7)
-Review of A Very Merry Hockey Holiday (Assassins #8)
-Review of Wanting to Forget (Assassins #9)
-Review of Overtime (Assassins #10)
-Review of Rushing the Goal (Assassins #11)
-Review of Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers (Assassins #11.5)
-Review of Face-Off at the Altar (Assassins #12)
-Review of Delayed Call (Assassins #13)
-Review of Twenty-Two (Assassins #14)
-Review of In the Crease (Assassins #15)
-Review of How We Fell in Love (Assassins #15.5)
-Review of Two-Man Advantage (Assassins #16)
-Review of One Timer (Assassins #17)
2,398 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2020
You get a glimpse of Harper and Jakob in some of the previous books in this series. I never really got a feel for Harper except for how she was a get around kind of girl. She was a one and done, until Jakob. He knew they minute he saw her she was it for him and it took some persistence for him to finally reel her in.
So seeing her from her POV you get a totally different take on her. Yes she may have slept around but that was after being cheated on so many times. She wasn't willing to give herself to someone just for them to disappoint her again. Jakob was her surprise. He was there and he never gave up on her and to get the recap if their HEA as they tell their story to their daughter was so refreshing. I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Missy.
852 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2021
There is just something I love about Toni Aleo’s books. i always know I will be sucked right in and entertained and One Timer, the 17th book in the Assassins series is no different. In fact, I read it in a day. This is the story of how Jakob and Harper Titov meet and three relationship told through their eyes to their daughter. Their actual story was told through a much earlier book in the series. That being said, I read it years ago so it was like I learned all about them again. Only issue I have is that with all of the different series Aleo has written with intersecting characters and storylines, it’s hard to keep everything straight. First world problems, I know.

#ToniAleo #OneTimer #AssassinsSeries #Hockey #Romance #GraphicSexScenes #ContemporaryFiction #Fiction #October #2021
Profile Image for Karen.
757 reviews31 followers
January 3, 2020
Loved getting to know more of Harper and Jakob's story. I kind of want to go back and read Elli and Shea's book again now as it was so intermixed with this one. It was like getting a bonus scene for Elli and Shea along with Harper and Jakob all at the same time!

Starting off by being in present time, then going back to find out what happened when Harper and Jakob were just starting out was the perfect way to share their journey. It was fun to look back at their beginning and now want to go back and read all the Assassins from the beginning!
Profile Image for Alyvia Paige.
Author 8 books104 followers
January 1, 2020
There was no better way to end the year than with One-Timer. I cannot wait to move onto Posey’s story to start my new year. Toni does it again and I cannot even begin to express the pure joy I felt during this story. Taking me all the way back to the beginning.

I started reading Toni Aleo’s books after the loss of my brother. She gave me an escape into the best and most amazing world. Her words bring us raw, honest, and realistic storylines with sexual tension and humor filled banter.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,162 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2020
This was a fun quick read. I've missed these characters - so this was an entertaining yet effective way to "catch" up with them to familiarize myself before reading the newest Bellevue Bullies book about their oldest daughter.
This is a great novella to add to your collection of this series.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
153 reviews
April 11, 2025
Awesome Story

Jakob and Harper have a fantastic story! And Shea and Ellie’s start as well. Even if they tell the story to help their daughter see what she needs to. They are amazing parents and set a great example and standard of a love story! Way to knock it out of the park!
Profile Image for Meghan.
125 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2020
The Assassins series has been one of my favorites since the first book. I loved this look into Harper and Jakob's relationship!
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