Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Smart Jocks #1

The Assist

Rate this book
You know those stories where the smart girl tutors the dumb jock? This isn't it.

Blair 
What's the probability of insulting the one guy on campus I need to help me pass statistics? If I knew, I wouldn't be standing in front of Wes Reynolds begging him to tutor me.

Basketball player, sexy, arrogant, always sleeping through class... these are the things I knew about him. What I didn't know is that he is a seriously smart jock.

Wes 
What's the best way to get rid of the peppy and unrelenting girl that keeps asking me to tutor her? If I knew, I wouldn't be staring at her tan legs and attempting to teach her statistics.

Sorority girl, fine as f**k, determined, ball buster... these are the things I knew about her. What I didn't know is that she is all the things I didn't realize I wanted or needed.

Or that one semester with her would change everything.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2018

About the author

Rebecca Jenshak

62 books4,708 followers
Rebecca Jenshak is a new adult romance author.
Sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/rebecca...

Amazon: https://goo.gl/6VtdGu
Facebook: https://goo.gl/ix1kB2
Instagram: https://goo.gl/MQw2FW

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
3,080 (28%)
4 stars
4,467 (41%)
3 stars
2,704 (24%)
2 stars
485 (4%)
1 star
99 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,042 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,234 reviews35.1k followers
December 12, 2019
3.5 stars

 photo 189255B6-2B24-425C-B463-D4C750E1896D_zpsgeekcsxj.png

The Assist is the first book I’ve read of Rebecca Jenshak’s and it won’t be the last. I love a good NA sports romance and this is a promising start to the Smart Jocks series.

Blair and Wes meet in statistics class. Blair isn’t doing great, and notices the hot jock sleeping in class. She also sees an A on a test that she almost failed. She’s convinced he has a good tutor and tries to get it out of him, only to realize that he’s just really good at math and stats.
“You’re like the best of both worlds – hot jock meets hot nerd.”
“All I just heard was you calling me hot.”

I loved watching these two banter. Their relationship started out as a friendship/Wes tutoring Blair, but turned into so much more.

Two of my favorite narrators (Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke) voiced Blair and Wes, and as always, they did an incredible job. I could listen to them recite the phonebook and I’d be happy, but I especially loved them voicing this book.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was entertaining, sexy, and fun with just the right amount of emotion. There was some drama and an evil ex, but aside from that it was an easy to read audio. I finished it in just a day or two and I can’t wait to read about Wes’s teammates!
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,279 reviews956 followers
December 1, 2020
To be honest I had reservation about this book. I never heard about this author before. And from the blurb I think this book is for New Adult audience. But what really makes me curios is the H
Hero. Wes is the hero with a brain. Usually the heroine is the smart and sensible one. And that is refreshing. I think it is to break stereotype of dumb jocks who just acting like sex addict.

Then the author brings the story to next level. Both Wes and Blair had their dream crushed. They lost and they found hope on each other. Slowly they fall for each other. And they support each other finding their own way.
The author is also highlight the issue of revenge porn which is trending right now. Sadly, it does not being explored more. I feel the conclusion of the revenge porn is rushed.

Overall I do enjoy this book very much. I loves the idea of smart jock.

4 stars
Profile Image for Jen .
807 reviews610 followers
June 4, 2019
4 Stars

He slides his glasses on and then flips open the book, and I swear it’s like someone turns on a wind machine. The black rimmed glasses take him from hot jock to hot smart jock, and I know this must be what it’s like for guys watching a supermodel eat a double cheeseburger. It seems all wrong, and yet, it is sooo right.



Whether making snap judgements about the other’s intelligence, playing a game of seemingly lopsided one on one or just bantering in their own adorable way, Blair and Wes were wonderful together.

His only goal is to recover from the ankle fracture keeping him off the basketball court for the beginning of the season. She’s just trying to keep her head above water while her douche of an ex threatens to revenge porn her. It’s safe to say neither one is looking for a relationship, so of course they’re going to meet, antagonize each other and fall in college age lurve.

Rebecca Jenshak is a new to me author so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started The Assist. Turns out Ms. Janshak has a new fan and I have a new series to enjoy.
Profile Image for Book-Bosomed  blog.
516 reviews250 followers
November 5, 2018
4.25 Stars

Blair Olson is determined to succeed. That includes getting on the MBA track. Too bad Statistics is kicking her butt. Basketball senior Wes Reynolds sleeps through class. So how he’s not only passing but acing the course is a mystery to Blair. But whatever he’s doing, she’s ready to try.

“‘You’re like the best of both worlds—hot jock meets hot nerd.’
'All I just heard was you calling me hot.’”


Told via their dual first person POV, the banter flows smoothly with these two from the start. Wes is super cute, suave but down-to-Earth, laid back, and not a manwhore. (Score!)

“Only two types of girls come over to hang at the house. Type one is the ball honeys who have only one objective—landing a basketball player….I stay far, far, like outer space far away from those girls.”



Now I’m personally not a wiz at either statistics or basketball, but I wouldn’t be opposed to Wes teaching me both if I was twenty years younger.

“The black rimmed glasses take him from hot jock to hot smart jock, and I know this must be what it’s like for guys watching a supermodel eat a double cheeseburger. It seems all wrong, and yet, it is sooo right.”

This is one of those stories that kinda makes you long for your college days again. Obviously, the hot guy doesn’t hurt, but it’s more than that. There’s a solid theme of friendship and camaraderie here with both Wes and Blair’s friends who have each other’s backs. I really liked how Wes’s friends were so accepting and supportive of Blair. Joel’s advice though—that part was not only humorous but it added to the ‘realness’ factor with Wes.

I love romances that build both the ‘getting to know you’ process and the chemistry. This story has both so points for the absence of insta-lust and insta-love. I’ve found that kissing scenes in contemporary romance are often neglected or difficult to pull off. Not the case here. It definitely served to steam things up. The sexual tension was severely palpable.



“His fingers trace up and down my sides in slow movements that leave me equal parts wanting more and wanting just this.”

It has the same affect on the reader. I wanted them to both drag it out and yet hit the sheets.

“Bless ready to get it on.”

Blair is outgoing and optimistic. She’s a pretty strong female character with the exception of one issue that’s she being backed into a corner over. I do wish she would have handled that a little better. It would have been nice to see her set an example to other girls who might end up in the same situation.

But for the most part, these two show maturity, and they inspired each other. That’s a great component for a successful relationship. I especially thought Wes handled Blair’s problem well, and in many ways, I would have been happier if the story ended there with that conflict solved. But sadly it didn’t. In fact, around the 70-75% mark the story moved from an upbeat ‘love is a journey’ romance into a slightly teen angsty second conflict.

The book was on track to be a potential 5 star read for me till the conflict dragged up and down the court, and they stopped scoring (yes read into all the puns). The last quarter lagged. It wasn’t on par with the previous innings. Oh and there was one little itty bitty clichéd moment that served no purpose at all. I was sorely disappointed because this story almost boasted a clean record for no OW drama till then and it came late in the game. In non sports lingo, more detailed sexy times with Wes and Blair and less separation would have gone a long way.

I’m also a little disappointed that the next book isn’t Z’s. While Joel was a fun guy, I’m not sure I can get past his manwhore ways. But Z sounds like a saint and I definitely want to read his book. Maybe even Nathan’s if he’s not a player as I have a weakness for grunge guys.

Safety Recap:

*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,651 reviews4,582 followers
January 3, 2019
3 Stars

Overall Opinion: I'm a little bummed with this one if I'm completely honest. It's no secret that I love college athlete books, so of course I picked this one up! I just felt kind of meh about the whole thing. The time jumps bothered me a lot (see below pacing section), their connection to each other seemed lacking, the sexual chemistry was pretty lackluster, and the ending didn't give me hardly any closure. On the other hand, I did appreciate the idea that the H was a smart jock! I love any books with that combination, and I think it's a great opportunity for an awesome H! Sadly, I just didn't feel like he was quite what I was hoping for. I really do wish I can just shut off those darn expectations at times! I didn't hate it...just feeling kinda meh 🤷🏻‍♀️

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Blair and Wes' story. Blair is shocked when she finds out that she failed her first statistics test. When she notices that they hot jock in the back that's always sleeping got an A on that same test, she just has to find out his secret. After embarrassing herself with throwing around some stereotypes, she ends up getting Wes to allow her to join him and his basketball buddies in a study session. The more time they spend together, the more they start to feel for one another. There are some cute scenes, some sexy times, some ex and future drama...and they get a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Blair and Wes' POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Not my favorite. There are a lot of time jumps! I feel like it made the connection between them not as deep as I had hoped because we were skipping lots of potentially valuable bonding scenes -- and instead just briefly referring to them after the time jump. It did also feel like it was a little slow in some places, but I never skimmed.

Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.

H rating: 3 stars. Wes. He was alright. I f-loved the idea of a smart jock, but I guess I just wanted a little more depth into his character tbh.

h rating: 3.5 stars. Blair. I liked her more than I disliked her. I appreciated her optimism and how she had no problem being in tune with reality.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull:Yes

Heat level: Okay. They have some alright scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. It did feel odd in how it flowed at times, and their chemistry felt lacking in the steam.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW/OM drama: Yes

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes

Possible Triggers: Yes

Closure: This had that dreaded vague closure that often comes in a NA book -- definitely not enough for my liking. I would call this a HFN ending, as we don't get any concrete commitments for the couple.

Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,335 followers
January 1, 2019
I'm a bit too old/mature for NA, but this one was good.
Likable heroine, ok hero, safe.







--------------------------

Note for myself: don't read the next/2nd book about the piece of manwhore joel - not enough bleach to clean my Kindle.
Pitiful and disturbing character.
high risk of infection
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,178 reviews13.4k followers
June 9, 2019
3.5 STARS
On the court, I saw everything. But off the court? I never saw her coming.

Sooo...would you judge me if I told you that the cover had a lot to do with me trying this book by a new to me author? Of course you wouldn't! Because you're probably drooling over it yourself right now, aren't ya? Yeaaaaah you are. *grins evilly*

But in full disclosure, it was actually the series title that hooked me. Smart jocks? Sign me up. Rebecca Jenshak being a new to me author, I had no idea what to expect when starting this book and I'm happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised. This was really stinking cute. I've seen some comparison's to Elle Kennedy's books floating around in reviews, and I think that's a disservice to this one. The one thing they have in common is that they're college sports romance. But if you're coming in with the expectation of Elle brand of romance, you won't quite get it. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying it's different, and I wouldn't compare.

The Assist is the first in a series and introduces the quintessential sorority girl who misjudges a sexy basketball player who sleeps through a class that she's failing miserably...and gets an eye without even batting an eyelash. Literally. So what's a girl to do? Cajole, beg, and apologize until said jock agrees to tutor you, of course. Thus begins a bit of an unlikely friendship that soon begins to turn into something much more.

I really liked this book and the characters. Wes was everything I love in a college hero. He's confident without being cocky and is just a nice guy, which is refreshing. Blair took a bit for me to really get connected to, but by the end of the book I was rooting for her. She's a devoted friend, which I found really endearing. I wished she had stood up to her ex more without having others fight her battles a bit, but alas, you can't get everything you want. This was a cute and sexy read and I'm definitely hooked enough to read the next book in this series. I couldn't help but feel there was just a little something for me with this one that I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was exactly. Either way, it was an enjoyable read.

Find me on:
Follow me on facebook Follow Me on Twitter blog
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,810 reviews377 followers
November 3, 2018
“Dumb jock fell in love with the prissy sorority girl, go figure.” This but not at all this.

The Assist is a pretty good new adult college sports romance. Wes and Blair and sweet from the start. I would say this is a bit of a slow burn, but it works and doesn’t drag at all. The angst is middle ground, but it’s there. If you like cute banter, and college sports romance then I guarantee you’ll enjoy this read.

I’m excited that there will be more from the other Smart Jocks. I don’t know who Joel’s love interest will be but I super duper hoping it’s someone we were super briefly introduced to in The Assist. It would be SUCH A GOOD STORY. Anyway. I’m also rooting for Zeke and someone specific already too. Ugh. I need someone to discuss this with haha.
Profile Image for XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy.
1,486 reviews487 followers
April 16, 2019
Audiobook review. I really enjoyed listening to this book. Wes has the best of both worlds, the body and discipline of a jock and the intellect of a nerd. Blair messes up a few times in her quest to retain his help but eventually they find their way.

The plot deals with a topic that unfortunately is very real for many women and while I might have wanted Blair to handle differently, her reaction was probably closer to the general response. There was one scene with Wes that I wasn’t a fan of but it supported the very real concept that we are all human and make mistakes. The secondary characters left an impression and I have to know more. The prose was solid.

The narrators did a great job with the tone, pitch, and pace. They transitioned between gender prose well. Looking forward to the next book.

Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Nancy.
69 reviews56 followers
May 24, 2019
The Assist, a college sports romance, is the first book I’ve read by Rebecca Jenshak.
But trust me, it won’t be the last. I’m already itching for the next book in the series.

I was hooked the moment I realized that the hot jock was the one tutoring the girl. It’s usually the other way around, right? Which, of course, made my need to read this story so much more.

Wes isn’t the jock like the ones you’re used to reading about. He doesn’t party hard or sleep with multiple women, and it focused more on his classes and basketball. When he wants to be, he’s actually really swoon worthy!

Blair needing help in class is the only reason she asks Wes to tutor her. With some convincing on her part he agrees.

I gotta say, this book took me by surprise. I wasn’t going in with high expectations but this story knocked me off my feet. It was everything I didn’t know I needed — a compelling storyline, swoon, humor and the best secondary characters.

This could have been a five-star read, towards the end something occurs that lowered my rating. I won’t go into great detail because of spoilers, what I will say is, Wes got off a little too easy. In my opinion, he didn’t grovel enough when he should have. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

Other than the teeny tiny issue I had, The Assist should be on everyone’s TBR. I can’t recommend it enough. I’ll just be here impatiently waiting for Joel’s story.
Profile Image for Nadine Wilmschen.
Author 6 books104 followers
January 10, 2019
3 Stars

The beginning was great, after that the story unfortunately dragged and was too cliche. I really liked the idea of a smart jock who tutors the girl (and not the other way round, as we're used to).
Unfortunately, the second half of the book is a typical NA story and there's nothing left of the really great start.

This is by no means a bad book, but I kind of expected more.

Profile Image for Claire.
2,319 reviews729 followers
August 5, 2019
4 - "God bless smart jocks…" Stars!

What an introduction to this author’s writing. I don’t often read college age romance anymore, mainly because I struggle with the overly dramatic/angsty story-lines, or I just find it impossible to relate to the characters.

"No risk, no reward…"

As you can guess from my rating, I had no problem with The Assist, Rebecca Jenshak hit the balance perfectly for me with the first book in her Smart Jocks series, and I devoured Wes and Blair’s story.

As much as I didn’t want to tutor her, I’m clinging to our time together…

Popular jock falling for studious hard working nerd isn’t a new storyline, but I think what made this book so enjoyable was the fact that all of the characters (main & secondary) were likeable, and even in my advanced years(!!), relatable.

Wes on the outside looks like he has it all and Blair on initial meeting judges him accordingly, its only as their interactions progress that you begin to see just how much pressure he is under, the expectation to perform would crush a lesser basketball player, but it’s not only that but the way he treats the people around him that just makes you fall for him even more. Blair was equally likeable, trapped in a situation that is making her college life almost impossible, she’s trying to live her best life while juggle more than the average woman in her situation.

He has this arrogant charm that makes me want to kiss him and punch him at the same time…

The stage has been set with this book, the characters introduced, and although I loved this story, I foresee great things coming along in the rest of the books in the series.

"I think you might end up being the best thing that ever happened to me…"

ARC generously provided by the author, via Wildfire Marketing Solutions in exchange for the above honest review.
Profile Image for Anna lost in stories *A*.
1,021 reviews181 followers
February 7, 2021
what an unexpectedly good book this one turned out to be :) it didn’t quite reach that awesome 5 stars level, but 4,5 stars is still plenty enough ;) recently I’ve been more wary about stories set in college, cause more often than not there is still a bit too much angst, drama and miscommunication in them for my liking, but this one was great :) I loved the secondary characters introduced here and will definitely continue on with the series to read their stories :) chemistry between Blair and Wes was great, the writing style was very entertaining and the story itself was really good :) it felt realistic and how people their age would react and handle things :) this is definitely an author I am eager to read more from, even beyond this series :)

XOXO

A
Profile Image for Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth.
795 reviews908 followers
September 26, 2019


TITLE: THE ASSIST
AUTHOR: REBECCA JENSHAK
SERIES: Smart Jocks
RELEASE DATE: November 5, 2018
GENRE: Sports Romance, NA
NARRATORS: Erin Mallon, Jason Clarke
LENGTH: 7 hrs and 11 mins
RATING: 4 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No

READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG


I'm such a sucker for this type of romance novels. I love the banter and humor, being transported back when I was in my twenties when we thought we could rule the world. *sigh* This is why I predict a successful future for Rebecca Jenshak - she definitely has found her niche where she excels.

I loved Wes, he is a solid guy, super-smart - something that doesn't compute with Blair at first - and loyal. He isn't your average jock who plays the field, he doesn't have time for that. And he actually doesn't have time to tutor the girl who insults him by suggesting that he is, indeed, a dumb jock. Yet, he can't help but be intrigued and thus starts a friendship that, of course, turns into more.

Blair is driven, endearing, just as loyal as Wes and totally overwhelmed with school because her jerk of an ex has nude selfies he threatens to publish if she doesn't do his classes and assignments. So the one class she actually has to work for is being neglected - good thing that Wes is a statistic genius and semi-willing to help her.

In the beginning I was wondering why Blair didn't stand up to her ex and let him blackmail her but eventually I got it. People can be really cruel and judgmental and Blair only wanted to study in peace. Her default setting was "looking at the bright side" - I loved her optimism that gave her a sweetness I adored.

Performance-wise we have two absolute professionals who are two of my top favorites. Erin Mallon is just so stinkin' talented and reliable. She's awesome. Jason Clarke is a sexy beast in the booth - there is one thing I noticed in this one that I didn't in The Fadeaway - you can hear him swallowing sometimes. But honestly, that didn't really bother me too much.

Rebecca Jenshak is a fantastic new voice in NA Romance and I predict that she'll become a fixture and we'll hear a lot about her in the future.
Profile Image for Medollga.
525 reviews107 followers
February 22, 2023
anti-stereotype book where jocks are geniuses and sorority girls are kind and deep

this was a highly entertaining book with an interesting premise. plus, a lot of situations where not exaggerated, but realistic instead. sometimes it worked in the book's favor, being believable, sometimes it worked against it, being a bit mundane.

Props to the author for creating a great "found family" situation between the heroine and hero's friends: it was done so good and organic, you wouldn't doubt why the boys treated the heroine with respect and offered her friendship.

I will say though, having read two of this author's books: she starts extraordinary great, has a fresh and unique idea for the sports romance, the book has a lighthearted feel to it; yet somewhere in the middle the plot gets fractured, a bit dragged out and it seems like the author looses wind in her sails. The conflict is not convincing, the "break up" frustrating and when the couple gets back together, you're already not so invested in them as before.

Still, very good book and i'm definitely continuing the series!
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,883 reviews2,067 followers
July 7, 2019
description

“You’re like the best of both worlds – hot jock meets hot nerd.”
“All I just heard was you calling me hot.”


If first impressions are anything to go by, Rebecca Jenshak’s introduction to everyone at Valley U was a winner! We were left hungry for more and had to jump straight into The Fadeaway, the next book in Smart Jocks series the minute we finished The Assist, and we are loving that book so far!!!

Whilst you could technically read these books as standalone’s we think you’d be doing yourselves and the characters a disservice by not becoming acquainted with the Smart Jocks Trio and their deep friendships and the girls who steal their hearts, which begins in The Assist.

If you’re looking for something a little different in the sports romance college trope, then read The Assist. It was refreshing to see the stereotypical college jock scenario flipped on its head by introducing us to Wes Reynolds, the broody basketballer gifted with a photographic memory and who is anything but a ‘dumb jock‘. In fact, not only is Wes seriously good looking, sexy and loyal to a fault, he’s intelligent to boot, though, on first impressions, he did seem rather menacing!

‘I’m lost and exactly where I should be all at once.’

We were taken instantly with Rebecca Jenshak’s The Assist. The prologue developed unexpectedly and heartbreakingly which laid the groundwork for the indecision Blair would face in her college year, and how it would shape her personality and life a year down the track.

‘Looking at her heals and breaks me.’

We loved the execution of the sports theme in this book. The ambience, the excitement and the disappointments were captured impeccably. We felt as though we were a part of the thrills and spills, not merely reading about their exploits on the court and in the locker room.

Three hot basketballers, Wes Reynolds, Joel Moreno and Zeke (Z) Sweets, make up a sexy yet slightly intimidating trio whose stories we’ll be devouring in the Smart Jocks series. They’re three mates, who share a passion for basketball and camaraderie that lit up this story! We loved the dynamics between these guys and cannot wait to devour Joel and Zeke’s stories!

Wes is at a crossroads. An A grade student and basketballer who would do anything for his team yet who is battling with an injury which could hamper his dreams. Sorority girl Blair Olsen is in a bind. She’s is being blackmailed by her ex and she’s flunking statistics class. Despite her situation, Blair really exudes optimism and she’ll need all her resolve to ask the sexy and egotistical Wes Reynolds for help. Who knew this hot jock would be her lifeline to passing her class?

‘On the court, I saw everything. But off the court? I never saw her coming.’

We adored their friendship and their eventual relationship. Through their ups and downs, Blair and Wes bounced off one another perfectly. Blair's cheerfulness was a balm to Wes's grouchiness, and boy did she give him a run for his money by keeping his ego in check.

The Assist delivered everything we love about this theme. Wes and Blair's story swept us off our feet and cannot wait for more!


Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK


Come and say hi, at:
description
TotallyBookedBlog
TBB on Facebook
TBB on Instagram
TBB on Twitter
TBB on Pinterest
Profile Image for Penny.
462 reviews59 followers
December 12, 2022
This was such a good read!

I think it's been a while since I read a college romance book that I actually enjoyed. It gave me "Off Campus series" vibes and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it. H could be added too my book-boyfriend list but I have a feeling that I'll love Zeke more.

I just felt that some parts could be more well-developed but it's been a while since I enjoyed a book like that so much. I'm definitely going to read the next book in the series (and hopefully soon). 4 ⭐

January 22, 2023
**3.2/5 stars**

Not my favorite book from this author but I still enjoyed most of it. On one side we have Blair who is struggling with a few things in college; her ex-boyfriend blackmailing her, failing her statistics class and finally, the uncertainty of what she wants to do once she is done with college. On the other side, we have Wes who is a basketball player who is a genius and can even allow himself to nap during class. When Blair realizes that Wes might be her chance to get her grades back up, she does everything she can to get him to tutor her. They become friends and eventually fall in love.

I really liked Blair because she is one of those positive souls who never really gives up and always tries to make people's day better with her quotes and her pep talks. I liked how friendly and sweet she was. She didn't pretend to be someone she wasn't, she was authentic. Now something I didn't like about her, which is a trait we normally see in altruistic people, was how she didn't confide in people she trusted as much as she should've. Her problems were her problems and she refused to talk about them until she was forced to do it. I understood where she was coming from but that part with the blackmailing really frustrated me. I guess she had to have a big flaw. Other than that though, I liked her way of thinking, her personality and the way she was with people.

After throwing myself into the cause with books, podcasts, vlogs, inspirational blogs, the only thing I’ve become passionate about is my quest for passion.-Blair


As for Wes, he was charming but in my humble opinion, was a little bit forgettable. Like, if you put a list of characters in front of me, I might not remember which book he was in or his story. Now, I still appreciated how protective, possessive, and even how jealous he was when it came to Blair. Willing to help her and defend her. The problem is that I just don't have much to say about him. He had his flaws, his goals, his dream like everyone does.

“There are two types of ball players. Those with more talent than heart and those with more heart than talent. You’d think it’d be the ones with the most talent who perform the best, but it isn’t.”-Wes


In general, I think this couple had a good chemistry. There were a few moments that I really liked; when Wes was tutoring Blair and their first kiss. What really stood out about them was how seemlessly they became closer. It was very subtle and natural. I appreciated that they would help and cheer each other when they needed it. Truly, I think they were really good together. I also really liked their ship name: Bless. The word plays were cute.

I wrap an arm around her shoulders and make sure to lean some weight on her so she feels like she’s helping me. Part of me does it to claim her, selfish man that I am. Mostly, though, I just want an excuse to touch her.-Wes


The only thing that slightly bothered me was the ex-boyfriend blackmailing plot that I found unnecessary and a bit...extravagant? It didn't really make sense to me that the ex was doing it just because he was a mean dude. I wanted a better reason for him to do it, like to stay close to the heroine after a breakup he didn't agree on, or some other reason. I guess he wanted to keep control on Blair but it wasn't really clear.

✔️HFN
✔️Standalone
✔️Dual POV
✔️MCs age
✔️No virgins
✔️Sweet/Strong h
✔️Protective/Possessive/Jealous H
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Push and pull
✔️Short separation
🔥 Steam level: 1/5
Content warning
Trigger warning

I enjoy reading this author's books because they are mainly on the safe side and portray emotions that everyone may feel at some point in their life; like having to rethink your future, feeling like you aren't the same anymore after a tragic event happened to you or someone you love, having to decide and focus on what you think is most important to you to achieve your goals in life...stuff like that. Generally speaking, I find that her books have good morals and value and one can easily relate to the characters presented. Again, not my favorite book but still enjoyable. Bless!

Smart Jocks Series
1. The Assist - 2. The Fadeaway
3. The Tip-Off - 4. The Fake
5. The Pass
Profile Image for Carmen Rae.
1,576 reviews184 followers
August 28, 2019
This series is one I came across ages ago and it just keeps popping up at times that I don't have an opportunity to read it. Or I forget about it and read something else that I've stumbled across that day. But today I was looking over my kindle books and I figured it was time I read it and returned it to KU.

And it was just what I needed for the day. Living in a basketball obsessed home I have found that I can't get enough of good college basketball books. But they tend to be a little hit and miss. Nothing drives me more nuts than when people get things wrong or when the characters just don't work for me.

Luckily Blair was pretty great. She wasn't weak or shallow and she wasn't caught up in any of the normal juvenile drama college heroines tend to find. And although I was annoyed with Wes for a minute he won me back pretty damn fast. He was so sweet and smart and down right sexy I fell for him immediately.

I loved that he was possessive and protective without being domineering. Together they were awesome and I loved "Bless". And I am going right now to return this and check out Joel's story.

Profile Image for Amy | Foxy Blogs.
1,681 reviews1,035 followers
February 23, 2024
THE ASSIST
● Blair & Wes
● sorority girl / point guard (basketball)
● Blair and Wes are in statistics class together
● Blair is struggling in the class
● Wes has a photographic memory and is good at statistics but you wouldn’t know it because he sleeps during class
● Blair begs him to tutor her
● Blair’s ex (David) is blackmailing her (she has to do his classwork otherwise he’ll share naked photos of her)


Smart Jocks series
#1 Wes & Blair - The Assist
#2 Joel & Katrina - The Fadeaway
#3 Zeke & Gabby - The Tip-Off
#4 Nathan & Chloe - The Fake
#5 Tanner & Sydney - The Pass


Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Jason Clarke & Erin Mallon
Length: 7H 11M
Profile Image for nikki.
793 reviews108 followers
October 19, 2018
OH. MY. DAYS!! When I found this on my kindle it had me feeling all sorts of ways. I am a HUGE fan of Rebecca Jenshak, and when I found out she was writing a college sports romance series, I knew it was going to be something pretty special. If, like me, you follow her on social media, you will know that she is a big sports fan herself, so this subject is something she is passionate about; and it certainly shows in her writing. I started reading THE ASSIST and I didn’t stop until I read the last page. I cannot tell you how I excited I am for this whole series, if this first book is anything to go by.
I’m not going to go on and on, giving away the plot, because I really want you to go into this story and experience it all for yourself. Its fresh, its fun, its sweet and sexy...and I LOVED Wes and Blair. But while this may be their story, I guarantee you will fall in love with the other characters too, leaving you craving the next book. Wes’ teammates, Joel and Zeke were a perfect addition and I am so ready to find out more about them as the series progresses.
As much as I love Rebecca’s standalone books, particularly Electric Blue Love and Mister Cowboy, I can quite confidently say that this is some of her best writing yet and I already know that I will be revisiting the world of Valley U, many times over.
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,340 reviews17 followers
November 1, 2018
I am a big fan of Rebecca's words and writing! I love sports romance and was sooooo freaking excited when she announced this basketball romance series! She has a fantastic way with words, very clear, concise and oh soooo heart melting. Her heros are sooooo freaking sweet, always rank high on my book boyfriends list and they have amazing inner dialogue about their heroines. Ok so, back to Wes and Blair.....

Blair is a very hardworking, smart, driven, sweet college student. She is though, failing statistics. She's not understanding it. Enter Wes, a "dumb jock" as so she thought. She assumes he was getting tutored and the latter, so she pretty much insults him and his friends. OMG, this girl is hilarious. She gets turned down when she questions him about his grade, but she doesn't back down. This girl is driven. She pretty much weasles her way into his life, his friends lives, and they really take a liking to her. I love the friendship with Z, Joel and Wes. I love the intermingling of everyone. I LOVE WES. Wes is pretty fantastic in my eyes. He was refreshing, grumpy, silly, heart warming, a genius,caring, attentive...I can go on and on......

I loved this story and can't wait for Joel and Z's story!!!! Gimme Gimme Gimme!!!!
Profile Image for Büşra.
528 reviews49 followers
April 23, 2023
⭐ 4.25

Bu kadının yazdığı her şeyi seviyorum ya. Aşırı farklı ya da çok mükemmel değiller ama yine de hem çok akıcılar hem de karakterleri çok güzel veriyor. Diğer serilerini daha çok sevdim ama bu da güzel başlangıç oldu bence. Bunu okurken bir tık off campus tadı aldım hep bir aradaydık, arkadaşlarımız, ilişkilerimiz falan çok eğlenceliydi.

Asıl İkinci kitabı çok merak ediyorum ben single mom ve playboy 😁😁
Profile Image for Christy Bailey.
645 reviews23 followers
August 27, 2019
Great read!

Wow this is one of the best sports romance books I've read! The characters make and secondary were simply amazing. And the same goes for the chemistry. I loved Wes and all the guys. Even Mario! But I have to say that Blaire is who rocked this book! I loved her optimism and personality so much! She seemed timid at times but fierce and strong most of all. And when she loved and cared she did it hard and with all and had! Amazing storyline to top it all!
Profile Image for Arena♡.
410 reviews723 followers
June 12, 2020
This was my first book by Rebecca Jenshak and it certainly won't be my last. I love a good sports romance and The Assist was an amazing start to the Smart Jock series.

Wes and Blair first meet in their statistic class where Blair isn't doing great, the dumb jock on the other hand seems to be getting an 'A' even though he is sleeping most of the time. Blair's first impression on Wes wasn't really good as she basically called him dumb considering he was a jock. Blair though soon realised that there was more to him than her initial thought.

“You’re like the best of both worlds – hot jock meets hot nerd.”
“All I heard was you calling me hot.”


I loved the relationship between Wes and Blair which started out as friendship, Wes tutoring Blair, and turned into so much more.

"On the court, I saw everything. But off the court? I never saw her coming."

Wes and Blair's story swept me off my feet and I cannot wait to read more about the secondary characters who were just as loveable as Blair and Wes.

Bless Out


Binge reading,
xo
Profile Image for Ambriehl Khalil.
Author 2 books158 followers
December 18, 2019
⭐️ [4/5 Stars] ⭐️

I fkn loved thissss. I love sports romances and what I love even more than that is when they’re in college and it’s a series. Ooft. I’m always looking for something to compare to the off campus series—sue me. This was the first successful basketball sports romance i’ve read (the first one was a bust because of the plot) and I knew I’d like it immediately.

I liked that this was low key and fun. The drama wasn’t anything to really stress over and I appreciated just reading about their relationship as it progressed. I also really loved that this was a role reversal and SHE was being the one tutored. Sign me TF up.
Profile Image for Rowena.
694 reviews30 followers
February 11, 2019
I had high hopes for this one but in the end, I was a bit underwhelmed with the story and had some issues with the writing that are probably personal but it messed with my enjoyment of the story. I'll probably try another book by this author though. We'll see.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,042 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.