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Assassins #1
Taking Shots
In Toni Aleo’s exhilarating Loveswept debut, the first in a series featuring the hockey hunks of the Nashville Assassins, a reformed bad boy helps a charming, willful woman face off against the demons of her past.
No matter how hard she tries, Elleanor Fisher never thinks she’s good enough, from her job to her weight to her love life. After enduring years of abuse at the hands of an ex-boyfriend, Elli has been drifting through life in a daze. Until, that is, she meets Shea Adler on a promotional shoot for the NHL’s Nashville Assassins. Before Elli knows what’s happening, the gorgeous Shea breaks the ice and shatters her world.
A brilliant athlete inside the rink, Shea Adler is tired of the life he’s living outside of it: the women, the money, the drinking. But everything changes when he meets Elli. After laying eyes on this feisty, witty, beautiful woman, he feels like he’s just taken the hardest hit of his life. No matter how skeptical she is, Shea knows they are meant to be together—if only he can convince Elli to put her insecurities aside before she misses out on a shot at love.
Praise for Toni Aleo’s Nashville Assassins romances
“Aleo melts the ice and hits it into the net with her Assassins series.”—Award-winning author Jami Davenport
“Taking Shots is really the whole package. You get romance, humor, steamy sex, drama, and then it all wraps up with a great conclusion. I am amazed that this is Toni’s first book. She has come out in a huge way. I can’t wait to read more from her. Don’t hesitate for a moment to grab this book.”—Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
“A little steamy, a little heartbreaking, and a whole lot of fanning yourself are in order this time around, readers. Are your cheeks feeling a little pink yet? Get used to the feeling.”—Dreaming in the Pages, on Trying to Score
“Empty Net is an honest, heartwarming, endearing story. . . . Toni Aleo doesn’t just write a story. She gives you the ability to experience the journey of her characters right along with them. Her stories are enveloped with passion, emotion, humor, love; and let me tell you, that girl knows how to write a sex scene that just makes you sweat!”—Guilty Pleasures Book Review
“Sexy and riveting . . . the perfect combination of love and lust.”—USA Today bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, on Blue Lines
“Funny, charming, sweet, sexy . . . [Falling for the Backup] has everything you want in a story.”—Blushing Reader
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Trying to Score and Empty Net.
No matter how hard she tries, Elleanor Fisher never thinks she’s good enough, from her job to her weight to her love life. After enduring years of abuse at the hands of an ex-boyfriend, Elli has been drifting through life in a daze. Until, that is, she meets Shea Adler on a promotional shoot for the NHL’s Nashville Assassins. Before Elli knows what’s happening, the gorgeous Shea breaks the ice and shatters her world.
A brilliant athlete inside the rink, Shea Adler is tired of the life he’s living outside of it: the women, the money, the drinking. But everything changes when he meets Elli. After laying eyes on this feisty, witty, beautiful woman, he feels like he’s just taken the hardest hit of his life. No matter how skeptical she is, Shea knows they are meant to be together—if only he can convince Elli to put her insecurities aside before she misses out on a shot at love.
Praise for Toni Aleo’s Nashville Assassins romances
“Aleo melts the ice and hits it into the net with her Assassins series.”—Award-winning author Jami Davenport
“Taking Shots is really the whole package. You get romance, humor, steamy sex, drama, and then it all wraps up with a great conclusion. I am amazed that this is Toni’s first book. She has come out in a huge way. I can’t wait to read more from her. Don’t hesitate for a moment to grab this book.”—Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
“A little steamy, a little heartbreaking, and a whole lot of fanning yourself are in order this time around, readers. Are your cheeks feeling a little pink yet? Get used to the feeling.”—Dreaming in the Pages, on Trying to Score
“Empty Net is an honest, heartwarming, endearing story. . . . Toni Aleo doesn’t just write a story. She gives you the ability to experience the journey of her characters right along with them. Her stories are enveloped with passion, emotion, humor, love; and let me tell you, that girl knows how to write a sex scene that just makes you sweat!”—Guilty Pleasures Book Review
“Sexy and riveting . . . the perfect combination of love and lust.”—USA Today bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, on Blue Lines
“Funny, charming, sweet, sexy . . . [Falling for the Backup] has everything you want in a story.”—Blushing Reader
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Trying to Score and Empty Net.
594 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2011
592 people are currently reading
20884 people want to read
About the author
Toni Aleo
101 books6,718 followersWALL 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?
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,750 reviews
August 14, 2012
I wrote it, so I think its awesome!
June 16, 2014
1 Star! I was bored to tears and so disappointed!
This story was all over the place and I couldn't stand Elli. I felt sorry for her at first, but then boy, was she ever annoying. Towards the end of the book, I felt like it was an endless loop of the same thing happening over and over again. Shea should have running screaming and left Elli to wallow in her self-pity and accusations...GAAAAAAHHH! For that matter he wasn't much better. Then what he does at the end...helloooo...anger management classes buddy...just sayin' and while you're at it maybe AA too! Oh, and Shea kisses on the cheek making loud smacking noises...every single time, okay we get it, he's a loud kisser...enough! I never felt any chemistry between Elli and Shea or connection to them, the sex was robotic, the dialogue was stilted, and the story didn't flow and went on forever..........at least 300 pages too long! I skimmed a lot.
Harper and Jakob's romance was more interesting than Elli and Shea's, and they pretty much took the back seat. No, I'm sorry my GR friends, but this was not a good read for me. I don't think I'll be continuing with the series unless someone can tell me the writing improves in leaps and bounds.
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February 10, 2012
If I could give this fewer stars, I would.
The premise for this story is sound, although not original, but still, could have been good. Why wasn't it? An immature writing style by the author. Also, the author writes very insecure characters. You have a women who is very insecure about herself due to a bad relationship and a piss poor family dynamic. She is a huge hockey fan and becomes the team photographer where she meets "the" hockey player. He takes one look at her and falls immediately into LOVE. Like watching my 5 year old grand-daughter play Barbies..."you love me, oh... I love you back - *kiss* *kiss*".
Well, we've all read stories where this plot line has been done and been okay with it. What was not okay was the hokey dialogue and the h's constant "gratefulness" [not sure if this is even a word - but couldn't come up with anything more descriptive] for the H paying attention and wanting to be with her. She is fat and ugly. Can you really describe someone who wears a size 10 as fat or even "curvy". Her constant "why do you want to be with me". And his constant, "I want to spend all my time with her". And the details about date 1, 2 & 3... lunch, dinner, movies, ugh... boring. And, if you don't use tongue, how can you describe the kiss as the best you've ever had -- closed lips, mouth only. No drifting to the neck, no nose touching, no whispering breath, nothing - GIVE ME A FRICKING BREAK!! And, the interactions between the hockey players was ball-less. Sounded more like conversations between the cheerleaders rather than a group of guys -- come on ... enough already.
Got about 30% and just couldn't do more. Too many good books out there and this was pure tripe.
Okay, I was so in a sports mood and had read like 5 straight. This book broke my mood and now on to different and definitely better.
Save your time and money, stay away from this book and author. More maturity and development needed.
Not happy reading this at all!!
The premise for this story is sound, although not original, but still, could have been good. Why wasn't it? An immature writing style by the author. Also, the author writes very insecure characters. You have a women who is very insecure about herself due to a bad relationship and a piss poor family dynamic. She is a huge hockey fan and becomes the team photographer where she meets "the" hockey player. He takes one look at her and falls immediately into LOVE. Like watching my 5 year old grand-daughter play Barbies..."you love me, oh... I love you back - *kiss* *kiss*".
Well, we've all read stories where this plot line has been done and been okay with it. What was not okay was the hokey dialogue and the h's constant "gratefulness" [not sure if this is even a word - but couldn't come up with anything more descriptive] for the H paying attention and wanting to be with her. She is fat and ugly. Can you really describe someone who wears a size 10 as fat or even "curvy". Her constant "why do you want to be with me". And his constant, "I want to spend all my time with her". And the details about date 1, 2 & 3... lunch, dinner, movies, ugh... boring. And, if you don't use tongue, how can you describe the kiss as the best you've ever had -- closed lips, mouth only. No drifting to the neck, no nose touching, no whispering breath, nothing - GIVE ME A FRICKING BREAK!! And, the interactions between the hockey players was ball-less. Sounded more like conversations between the cheerleaders rather than a group of guys -- come on ... enough already.
Got about 30% and just couldn't do more. Too many good books out there and this was pure tripe.
Okay, I was so in a sports mood and had read like 5 straight. This book broke my mood and now on to different and definitely better.
Save your time and money, stay away from this book and author. More maturity and development needed.
Not happy reading this at all!!
November 17, 2014
This was the case of the “littles”
A little too long
A little too cheesy
A little too insecure heroine
A little too easy insta love
A little too crazy mama drama
A little too not my cuppa
Fini.
A little too long
A little too cheesy
A little too insecure heroine
A little too easy insta love
A little too crazy mama drama
A little too not my cuppa
Fini.
April 18, 2024
Elli is a 27 year old photographer and a huge hockey fan. The Assassin's are her favorite team. She goes to every single home game. Elli is self sufficient, even though her family is wealthy. She has been single for the last 6 years and overall, she is happy with her life. Elli and her assistant/bff Harper get a job taking some photos for the Assassins. There she meets her favorite hockey player. Shea Adler.
Oh Shea... Shea is the captain of the Assassin’s. He used to be a playboy, but he is changing his ways. His family is very important to him and hockey is his life. When Shea see’s Elli, he knows she is special right away, he sees something in her big green eyes. He asks her out for coffee and a photography lesson. After a while, they start dating. Elli cannot believe someone like Shea Adler would seriously want to be with her. Elli has issues. A lot of things from her past relationship and issues with her family make her insecure to the max. And she is keeping a few pretty important things from Shea. It takes a lot for Shea to convince Elli he wants to be with her, lets just say Shea is a very patient man.
Shea
Elli
Elli and Shea’s relationship is very sweet. Shea is the perfect man. He is loving, kind, patient, funny, sexy, and charming. Loved him. I admire Elli’s independence, and I liked her some of the book. Other times, her insecurities and stubbornness drove me mad. Jakob and Harper were a nice addition to the story, along with Shea’s whole family, and Elli’s friends, Dad and Uncle.
Taking Shots was a nice romance, I really enjoyed the characters and the story. It was a bit on the long side, which usually doesn’t bother me. But I felt with this particular story, it could have been shortened and just as good. Some parts flowed nicely, other parts seemed to drag a bit. Overall, a great read for all of us romantics out there. The ending left me with a big smile on my face- a sweet, fun and romantic read.
Oh Shea... Shea is the captain of the Assassin’s. He used to be a playboy, but he is changing his ways. His family is very important to him and hockey is his life. When Shea see’s Elli, he knows she is special right away, he sees something in her big green eyes. He asks her out for coffee and a photography lesson. After a while, they start dating. Elli cannot believe someone like Shea Adler would seriously want to be with her. Elli has issues. A lot of things from her past relationship and issues with her family make her insecure to the max. And she is keeping a few pretty important things from Shea. It takes a lot for Shea to convince Elli he wants to be with her, lets just say Shea is a very patient man.
Shea
Elli
Elli and Shea’s relationship is very sweet. Shea is the perfect man. He is loving, kind, patient, funny, sexy, and charming. Loved him. I admire Elli’s independence, and I liked her some of the book. Other times, her insecurities and stubbornness drove me mad. Jakob and Harper were a nice addition to the story, along with Shea’s whole family, and Elli’s friends, Dad and Uncle.
Taking Shots was a nice romance, I really enjoyed the characters and the story. It was a bit on the long side, which usually doesn’t bother me. But I felt with this particular story, it could have been shortened and just as good. Some parts flowed nicely, other parts seemed to drag a bit. Overall, a great read for all of us romantics out there. The ending left me with a big smile on my face- a sweet, fun and romantic read.
April 22, 2014
4,5 Hockey Stars
Elli is a photographer and a huge (and I mean HUGE) hockey fan. Her favorite team is the Assassins and her favorite player is Shea Adler. One day she meets him in a photo shoot and he is as much attracted to Elli as she is to him, and yes, you know where this is going.
But dating a hockey player isn’t quite easy: the timetables, the easy girls, the away games and the distance they involve…
But worse than that? Elli’s ghost from the past, her fears and insecurities that doesn’t let her get too involved knowing that there’s a chance of getting hurt.
And has much as Shea wants her and tries to get past her barriers there’s only so much a person can do when the other half refuses to send their ghosts always. How can you love someone who refuses to believe that can be loved and love in return?
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Storyline: The story was amazing! A little slow paced with some minor inconsistencies. And definitely TOO long, there was a lot of unnecessary parts. But it was sweet, interesting and engaging and a book that I definitely loved to read. I have every intention of keep reading this series.
Writing Style: Third person, dual POV. The punctuation was a confusing but once you get past that, both the story and its development are completely addictive.
Character Development: Shea was great. I loved him and I still can’t believe how patient and loving he was. There was a lot of moments that even I would completely understand if he had behaved like a jackass, because in some moments Elli completely deserve it. She was a little hard for me to like but she eventually grew on me and ended up redeeming herself. The supportive characters were really good and Jakob and Harper “side-story” was real sweet.
Steam: Some real heated moments.
HEA:
Elli is a photographer and a huge (and I mean HUGE) hockey fan. Her favorite team is the Assassins and her favorite player is Shea Adler. One day she meets him in a photo shoot and he is as much attracted to Elli as she is to him, and yes, you know where this is going.
But dating a hockey player isn’t quite easy: the timetables, the easy girls, the away games and the distance they involve…
But worse than that? Elli’s ghost from the past, her fears and insecurities that doesn’t let her get too involved knowing that there’s a chance of getting hurt.
And has much as Shea wants her and tries to get past her barriers there’s only so much a person can do when the other half refuses to send their ghosts always. How can you love someone who refuses to believe that can be loved and love in return?
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Storyline: The story was amazing! A little slow paced with some minor inconsistencies. And definitely TOO long, there was a lot of unnecessary parts. But it was sweet, interesting and engaging and a book that I definitely loved to read. I have every intention of keep reading this series.
Writing Style: Third person, dual POV. The punctuation was a confusing but once you get past that, both the story and its development are completely addictive.
Character Development: Shea was great. I loved him and I still can’t believe how patient and loving he was. There was a lot of moments that even I would completely understand if he had behaved like a jackass, because in some moments Elli completely deserve it. She was a little hard for me to like but she eventually grew on me and ended up redeeming herself. The supportive characters were really good and Jakob and Harper “side-story” was real sweet.
Steam: Some real heated moments.
HEA:
December 13, 2017
DNF at 30%. Too many "giggles", "you're" instead of "your" and vice-versa, and other such errors. Also, it was exhausting and boring.
November 24, 2015
Not sure that I want to review this (and relive it) because it frustrated me so much...
I was full of hope going into it. A sports romance? Hockey theme? I'm in! The fact that the author is a hockey fan and not just pretending? Even better. So what if she based the character of Shea Adler after the actual NHL Nashville Predator defenseman Shea Weber? I can live with that. At least he didn't actually look like him (I think). That would've been...weird.
Shea?...
I adored Shea. Apparently he was formerly a 'player' before he cast his beautiful blue eyes on Elli, but I didn't see any real proof of that. Truly he is 'book boyfriend' material. He has to be the most patient hero in all of romance. How he put up with the heroine's (Elli Fisher)) baggage/insecurities/lack of trust/body issues/lack of self esteem and was not all worn out by the end of the day was a testament to his patience. I just couldn't get past her issues. Since when is a size 10 considered 'fat'?
I can't remember the last time I talked back to my kindle as much as I did while reading this book. Yes, Elli had some self esteem issues due to the lousy treatment from an ex-boyfriend and her evil mother and sister, but c'mon! She was once a Broadway star, became a successful photographer, was pretty, rich, had great friends...but she had this hang up about her weight, and it drove me crazy. (She had an illness years ago that caused her to put on a lot of weight, but after a few years managed to lose most of it). How could anyone be attracted to her, because she was a size 10 for god's sakes! Clearly what this girl needed was a good therapist, because yes, I have to agree with her: Shea did deserve someone better--someone with her head on straight.
Just as I thought Elli was making progress on this whole body issue, (after numerous, numerous reassurances from Shea) and that maybe these two could get a HEA...here comes the Big Misunderstanding. This is what really irritated me and had me ready to through my kindle across the room. This boyfriend has expressed his love for you repeatedly, done things only the boyfriend of your dreams would ever do, is utterly devoted to you...and where is your belief in him Elli?? Your trust? Let me add stubbornness and pride to your growing list of faults. *sigh*
Ack. I could go on and on. So why did I keep reading? Actually, the writing was quite good. Even if it was about 150 pages too long (seriously needed a good editor) the story held my interest. I loved Shea, loved Elli's best friend Harper (would've liked to see more about her romance with Shea's teammate Jakob). Her father Mike (a nod to Carrie Underwood's husband?) seemed like a good guy, although why he put up with his wife's treatment of their daughter is beyond me. (On an unrelated note, why did she call her uncle 'Papa" Did I miss the reason?) So what could've been a 4-4 1/2 star read for me was ruined by the heroine's behavior. And when I don't like the heroine (or hero) it becomes a problem read for me. Maybe that's why it took me 6 days to finish it?
Will I try another one in this series? I think I will. I'm hoping I love (or even like) the next heroine, because seriously? I can't put up with another Elli. 3 stars
I was full of hope going into it. A sports romance? Hockey theme? I'm in! The fact that the author is a hockey fan and not just pretending? Even better. So what if she based the character of Shea Adler after the actual NHL Nashville Predator defenseman Shea Weber? I can live with that. At least he didn't actually look like him (I think). That would've been...weird.
Shea?...
I adored Shea. Apparently he was formerly a 'player' before he cast his beautiful blue eyes on Elli, but I didn't see any real proof of that. Truly he is 'book boyfriend' material. He has to be the most patient hero in all of romance. How he put up with the heroine's (Elli Fisher)) baggage/insecurities/lack of trust/body issues/lack of self esteem and was not all worn out by the end of the day was a testament to his patience. I just couldn't get past her issues. Since when is a size 10 considered 'fat'?
I can't remember the last time I talked back to my kindle as much as I did while reading this book. Yes, Elli had some self esteem issues due to the lousy treatment from an ex-boyfriend and her evil mother and sister, but c'mon! She was once a Broadway star, became a successful photographer, was pretty, rich, had great friends...but she had this hang up about her weight, and it drove me crazy. (She had an illness years ago that caused her to put on a lot of weight, but after a few years managed to lose most of it). How could anyone be attracted to her, because she was a size 10 for god's sakes! Clearly what this girl needed was a good therapist, because yes, I have to agree with her: Shea did deserve someone better--someone with her head on straight.
Just as I thought Elli was making progress on this whole body issue, (after numerous, numerous reassurances from Shea) and that maybe these two could get a HEA...here comes the Big Misunderstanding. This is what really irritated me and had me ready to through my kindle across the room. This boyfriend has expressed his love for you repeatedly, done things only the boyfriend of your dreams would ever do, is utterly devoted to you...and where is your belief in him Elli?? Your trust? Let me add stubbornness and pride to your growing list of faults. *sigh*
Ack. I could go on and on. So why did I keep reading? Actually, the writing was quite good. Even if it was about 150 pages too long (seriously needed a good editor) the story held my interest. I loved Shea, loved Elli's best friend Harper (would've liked to see more about her romance with Shea's teammate Jakob). Her father Mike (a nod to Carrie Underwood's husband?) seemed like a good guy, although why he put up with his wife's treatment of their daughter is beyond me. (On an unrelated note, why did she call her uncle 'Papa" Did I miss the reason?) So what could've been a 4-4 1/2 star read for me was ruined by the heroine's behavior. And when I don't like the heroine (or hero) it becomes a problem read for me. Maybe that's why it took me 6 days to finish it?
Will I try another one in this series? I think I will. I'm hoping I love (or even like) the next heroine, because seriously? I can't put up with another Elli. 3 stars
June 23, 2021
Taking Shots is a long story. The audiobook is 14 hours long. To be honest I was not expecting the whole 14 hours to be filled with every detail of activity and attraction between Shay and Ellie.
While listening to the audiobook, I get really bored and my job desk suddenly became more interesting. I do not understand why this book is 14 hours long. Where is the main plot?? The drama?
Anyway...
2 stars
While listening to the audiobook, I get really bored and my job desk suddenly became more interesting. I do not understand why this book is 14 hours long. Where is the main plot?? The drama?
Anyway...
2 stars
September 21, 2013
*happy sigh* Aaaah, what an adorable ending!
I really liked Taking Shots. If I have to be picky I'd say it was a little drawn out and there was no real drama until very near the end... it's quite long and there are a few mini dramas throughout but it all seems to be going a little too swimmingly and then you think you're almost done with the book and boom, Aleo throws it upside down!
Really good read though. Shea is just to die for! Ugh, this perfect book men are making it entirely impossible to function in every day life. Nothing and nobody compares! Shea is one of those, he's just adorable!
Plot - A little weak. It was nice, but it kind of chugged along with no real direction for a little while. But it sorted itself out in the end.
Characters - Adored Shea! I really like Elli most of the time, she was independent, a little insecure but still pretty strong... but then she'd go and annoy the hell out of me by being completely unreasonable at times.
Steaminess - The sex scenes were pretty steamy but there isn't an abundance of them.
Angst - Taking Shots isn't too emotional. Beware, near the end I did resort to skimming to try and resolve the issues quicker, but it isn't too heart wrenching.
Ending - Squueeeeee!!! Hopelessly romantic!
Favourite Quotes -
“Don’t ever leave me again. Love only me, for the rest of our lives. Move into our house, make love to me every night, and make babies with me, Elli. Please, because being with you made me a better man, and I could never love anyone the way I love you. So please, marry me.”
“Say it again.”
She giggled before she said, “I love you.”
“Oh, baby, I love you. More than you’ll ever know.”
It was hard to hear him, but she turned around, and when she faced him again he was smiling broadly. He pulled his glove off and held up three fingers, then kissed his palm and pressed it to the glass. She pressed her hand against his, and said, “Good luck.”
Shea skated off with a nod.
“Oh. My. God. Y’all disgust me. That was straight out of some sappy love story,” Harper complained.”
July 5, 2013
5 Gi-Normous stars for Mr. Gorgeous.... SHEA
“That’s NOT what drew me to YOU, it was your EYES...…and your ASS.”
"He has that SEXY smirk on his FACE, the one that made HER girlie parts SCREAM."
============================================
This is the FIRST book in the Assassins series. I didn't realize that until after i read the THIRD book. Ooops no big deal..hahaha!! This is the story of SHEA and ELLI. Shea is a professional hockey player for the Nashville Assassins. He is AMAZING, GORGEOUS, PERFECT, HOT, SWEET, CARING, and just AWESOME!!! He meets Elli one day while she's taking shots of the team...YES she's a photographer and he falls head over heels for her. Elli is hot for him too, BUT she is very insecure and thinks she's FAT. (she's not by the way) She drove me f*king crazy 50% of the book with her "weight issues" and "i don't know why Shea likes me"? THANK YOU GOD, for Shea.....he was a saint and Elli finally pulled her head out of her a$$ near the end...and there was a HEA. woo hoo! (clapping hands) I loved this whole series and I have to say, Shea is #1... and he has pushed Lucas into the #2 spot...LOL! So if you're a fan of hockey like me, then you will LOVE this book series!
Kudos Toni Aleo...looking forward to Blue Lines :))
============================================
SHEA
"He was so stinking GORGEOUS. He had the MOST spectacular blue EYES she'd ever SEEN.
ELLI
"She had EYES that took his breath AWAY when he looked INTO them, something THAT had never happened to him before."
**This is for you Elli and just give it up...you can't resist SHEA ADLER.....HELL to the NO :)))**
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
And all your trouble
Don't be afraid, girl let me help
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
A heart of numbness, gets brought to life
I'll take you there
Girl let me love you
Girl let me love you baby, oh
Girl let me love yo
Girl let me love you baby
Girl let me love you
Let me love you, let me love you, oh
I can see the pain behind your eyes
It's been there for quite a while
I just wanna be the one to remind what it is to smile
I would like to show you what true love can really do
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
And all your trouble
Don't be afraid, girl let me help
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
A heart of numbness, gets brought to life
I'll take you there
Girl let me love you baby
Girl let me love you
Let me love you, let me love you baby
Girl let me love you
Girl let me love you baby
Girl let me love you
Let me love you, girl let me love you baby
For every heart that beats
For every heart that beats
For every heart that beats, heart that beats...
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
And all your trouble
Don't be afraid, girl let me help
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
A heart of numbness, gets brought to life
I'll take you there
Girl let me love you
Let me love you baby, love you baby
Girl let me love you
Let me love you baby, love you baby
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
“I was trying to get over you! And it didn’t work. I was meant to walk on this earth with only you, I was meant to give only you every piece of me. I don’t want anyone but you. I love you.”
“I think you are beautiful,” he kissed her again, before pulling back to look deep in her eyes, “I love every imperfection on you, because they make you perfect, Elli.” He kissed her nose as her eyes went wide, and tears rushed to her eyes. “You’re perfect to me.”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day
Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so, sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look ok, I say
When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are(yeah)
Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she let me
Her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day
Oh, you know, you know, you know, I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for then just stay the same
So, don't even bother asking if you look ok
You know I'll say
When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are
The way you are, the way you are
Girl you're amazing, just the way you are
When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Cause girl you're amazing, just the way you are. Yeah
[image error]
“Don’t ever leave me again. Love only me, for the rest of our lives. Move into our house, make love to me every night, and make babies with me, Elli. Please, because being with you made me a better man, and I could never love anyone the way I love you. So please, marry me.”
“That’s NOT what drew me to YOU, it was your EYES...…and your ASS.”
"He has that SEXY smirk on his FACE, the one that made HER girlie parts SCREAM."
============================================
This is the FIRST book in the Assassins series. I didn't realize that until after i read the THIRD book. Ooops no big deal..hahaha!! This is the story of SHEA and ELLI. Shea is a professional hockey player for the Nashville Assassins. He is AMAZING, GORGEOUS, PERFECT, HOT, SWEET, CARING, and just AWESOME!!! He meets Elli one day while she's taking shots of the team...YES she's a photographer and he falls head over heels for her. Elli is hot for him too, BUT she is very insecure and thinks she's FAT. (she's not by the way) She drove me f*king crazy 50% of the book with her "weight issues" and "i don't know why Shea likes me"? THANK YOU GOD, for Shea.....he was a saint and Elli finally pulled her head out of her a$$ near the end...and there was a HEA. woo hoo! (clapping hands) I loved this whole series and I have to say, Shea is #1... and he has pushed Lucas into the #2 spot...LOL! So if you're a fan of hockey like me, then you will LOVE this book series!
Kudos Toni Aleo...looking forward to Blue Lines :))
============================================
SHEA
"He was so stinking GORGEOUS. He had the MOST spectacular blue EYES she'd ever SEEN.
ELLI
"She had EYES that took his breath AWAY when he looked INTO them, something THAT had never happened to him before."
**This is for you Elli and just give it up...you can't resist SHEA ADLER.....HELL to the NO :)))**
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
And all your trouble
Don't be afraid, girl let me help
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
A heart of numbness, gets brought to life
I'll take you there
Girl let me love you
Girl let me love you baby, oh
Girl let me love yo
Girl let me love you baby
Girl let me love you
Let me love you, let me love you, oh
I can see the pain behind your eyes
It's been there for quite a while
I just wanna be the one to remind what it is to smile
I would like to show you what true love can really do
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
And all your trouble
Don't be afraid, girl let me help
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
A heart of numbness, gets brought to life
I'll take you there
Girl let me love you baby
Girl let me love you
Let me love you, let me love you baby
Girl let me love you
Girl let me love you baby
Girl let me love you
Let me love you, girl let me love you baby
For every heart that beats
For every heart that beats
For every heart that beats, heart that beats...
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
And all your trouble
Don't be afraid, girl let me help
Girl let me love you
And I will love you
Until you learn to love yourself
Girl let me love you
A heart of numbness, gets brought to life
I'll take you there
Girl let me love you
Let me love you baby, love you baby
Girl let me love you
Let me love you baby, love you baby
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
“I was trying to get over you! And it didn’t work. I was meant to walk on this earth with only you, I was meant to give only you every piece of me. I don’t want anyone but you. I love you.”
“I think you are beautiful,” he kissed her again, before pulling back to look deep in her eyes, “I love every imperfection on you, because they make you perfect, Elli.” He kissed her nose as her eyes went wide, and tears rushed to her eyes. “You’re perfect to me.”
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day
Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so, sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look ok, I say
When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are(yeah)
Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she let me
Her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day
Oh, you know, you know, you know, I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for then just stay the same
So, don't even bother asking if you look ok
You know I'll say
When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are
The way you are, the way you are
Girl you're amazing, just the way you are
When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Cause girl you're amazing, just the way you are. Yeah
[image error]
“Don’t ever leave me again. Love only me, for the rest of our lives. Move into our house, make love to me every night, and make babies with me, Elli. Please, because being with you made me a better man, and I could never love anyone the way I love you. So please, marry me.”
August 25, 2013
Five Huge Gorgeous Shea Stars!!
I absolutely loved this book. Shea is the captain of the Assassins hockey team in Nashville. He meets Elli at a team photo shoot where she is the photographer. He gets her to do the photography at party of his and things start to progress from there.
I thought Shea and Elli were so sweet together. Elli has to get passed her weight issues (yes, she is a fill figured woman). She got sick at 19 with thyroid problems and gained a lot of weight. She is very self conscious about her body and the way it looks.
"I ran because the thought of him seeing my stretch marks or feeling the fat on my tummy almost made me puke. I can't do it. He's so gorgeous, so amazing, I'm not that. I'm not skinny or super duper pretty. I'm kinda squishy..."
But Shea won't let her got that easily. He wants Elli...
I was wondering if you wanted to be my girlfriend."
He's just so damn sweet.
Elli's family, except her father, are absolutely horrid to her. When Shea meets them, her evil and bitchy mother and sister talk about how much weight she gained, all of what they see as her failures, just humiliating her. He was so damned sweet to her about everything. I want a Shea for myself!!
I never loved myself until I met you" ~Elli
These two were just so perfect. One of my favorites couples.
I was meant to walk this earth with only you, I was meant to give only you every piece of me. I don't want anyone but you. I love you." ~Shea
This is a great series! Read it people!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I absolutely loved this book. Shea is the captain of the Assassins hockey team in Nashville. He meets Elli at a team photo shoot where she is the photographer. He gets her to do the photography at party of his and things start to progress from there.
I thought Shea and Elli were so sweet together. Elli has to get passed her weight issues (yes, she is a fill figured woman). She got sick at 19 with thyroid problems and gained a lot of weight. She is very self conscious about her body and the way it looks.
"I ran because the thought of him seeing my stretch marks or feeling the fat on my tummy almost made me puke. I can't do it. He's so gorgeous, so amazing, I'm not that. I'm not skinny or super duper pretty. I'm kinda squishy..."
But Shea won't let her got that easily. He wants Elli...
I was wondering if you wanted to be my girlfriend."
He's just so damn sweet.
Elli's family, except her father, are absolutely horrid to her. When Shea meets them, her evil and bitchy mother and sister talk about how much weight she gained, all of what they see as her failures, just humiliating her. He was so damned sweet to her about everything. I want a Shea for myself!!
I never loved myself until I met you" ~Elli
These two were just so perfect. One of my favorites couples.
I was meant to walk this earth with only you, I was meant to give only you every piece of me. I don't want anyone but you. I love you." ~Shea
This is a great series! Read it people!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 25, 2012
***5 STARS***
I Love Love LOVE this book!!
I love Shea and Elli so much that they have made it to my "Favorite H/h Couples List"
1.)Chace & Faye-Breathe by Kristen Ashley
2.)Tack & Tyra-Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley
3.)Shea & Elli-Taking Shots by Toni Aleo
4.)Caleb & Livvie-Captive in the Dark/Seduced in the Dark by CJ Roberts
Shea is such a sweetheart. He is captain of the Assassins, a hockey team in Nashville, TN. He is such a dork and the first time he is introduced I just LOL'd. He makes black frame glasses look good. I mean really good. *drool*. Shea will do anything for Elli and I mean anything. He watches and memorizes Pride & Prejudice for Elli. Yeah. You read correctly. What man does that? Wait. I should ask...what straight man does that for the girl he loves? And for his favorite part of P&P be one of MY favorite parts? He has bewtiched me body and soul. I love...I love.. I love Mr. Shea Adler. Shea has an awesome family that anyone would love to get to know and be a part of.
Elli is a young southern lady who has insecurity issues. She is not your typical leading lady who is stick thin but rather a young lady who has some meat in all the right places who can rock anything that she wears. She has an ex-fiance who is a MAJOR DUECHEBAG!!! I just want to throw all kinds of animal poop at him (Y'all will be right there with me when y'all read about him). Her mom and sister are total bitches! I love her dad and uncle. Her friends are Ah-mazing! I want to invite them over for a party like asap. Elli somewhat gets on my nerves with her insecurties (especially after Shea does something that is totally romantic and so f'n sweet) but I look past it b/c she did (and still is) go through a lot of shit when she was younger.
This book has it all. Laughter, sexy time, drama, heartache and love. Oh and it has Funny Girl. Seriously?! I LOVE IT!!! This book has Pride & Prejudice AND Funny Girl! I am in heaven. I LOVE Barbra Striesand.
I about busted into tears when Elli started singing "My Man"...good lord that is such a powerful and beautiful song.
I can't wait to start reading the next book in this series. And I think...no wait...I KNOW that I am going to pick up watching Hockey.
You did an outstanding job Toni Aleo....Bravo!!! Bravo!!
Happy Reading :)
I Love Love LOVE this book!!
I love Shea and Elli so much that they have made it to my "Favorite H/h Couples List"
1.)Chace & Faye-Breathe by Kristen Ashley
2.)Tack & Tyra-Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley
3.)Shea & Elli-Taking Shots by Toni Aleo
4.)Caleb & Livvie-Captive in the Dark/Seduced in the Dark by CJ Roberts
Shea is such a sweetheart. He is captain of the Assassins, a hockey team in Nashville, TN. He is such a dork and the first time he is introduced I just LOL'd. He makes black frame glasses look good. I mean really good. *drool*. Shea will do anything for Elli and I mean anything. He watches and memorizes Pride & Prejudice for Elli. Yeah. You read correctly. What man does that? Wait. I should ask...what straight man does that for the girl he loves? And for his favorite part of P&P be one of MY favorite parts? He has bewtiched me body and soul. I love...I love.. I love Mr. Shea Adler. Shea has an awesome family that anyone would love to get to know and be a part of.
Elli is a young southern lady who has insecurity issues. She is not your typical leading lady who is stick thin but rather a young lady who has some meat in all the right places who can rock anything that she wears. She has an ex-fiance who is a MAJOR DUECHEBAG!!! I just want to throw all kinds of animal poop at him (Y'all will be right there with me when y'all read about him). Her mom and sister are total bitches! I love her dad and uncle. Her friends are Ah-mazing! I want to invite them over for a party like asap. Elli somewhat gets on my nerves with her insecurties (especially after Shea does something that is totally romantic and so f'n sweet) but I look past it b/c she did (and still is) go through a lot of shit when she was younger.
This book has it all. Laughter, sexy time, drama, heartache and love. Oh and it has Funny Girl. Seriously?! I LOVE IT!!! This book has Pride & Prejudice AND Funny Girl! I am in heaven. I LOVE Barbra Striesand.
I about busted into tears when Elli started singing "My Man"...good lord that is such a powerful and beautiful song.
I can't wait to start reading the next book in this series. And I think...no wait...I KNOW that I am going to pick up watching Hockey.
You did an outstanding job Toni Aleo....Bravo!!! Bravo!!
Happy Reading :)
July 8, 2018
⭐2 stars⭐
Whoever thought up the phrase 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' was an idiot.
Absence makes a bitch go crazy.
I nearly DNF at least 3 times..
And I almost never do that.
I skimmed though. A lot.
I just can't enjoy a book if I don't like the characters and I really really didn't like Elli. Plus it was such a long book and got really boring at times.
Normally I wouldn't read the other books but I heard really good things about the series so I think I'll give the next couple books a chance and see what happens.
Whoever thought up the phrase 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' was an idiot.
Absence makes a bitch go crazy.
I nearly DNF at least 3 times..
And I almost never do that.
I skimmed though. A lot.
I just can't enjoy a book if I don't like the characters and I really really didn't like Elli. Plus it was such a long book and got really boring at times.
Normally I wouldn't read the other books but I heard really good things about the series so I think I'll give the next couple books a chance and see what happens.
May 2, 2013
***I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review***
Horrible family members, a past illness and a crushing career disappointment has lead Ellie to believe she is not good enough. She has rebuilt her life but cannot help but still see herself as what she was. A pushover, fat and just totally ashamed of herself, even though none of these things were her fault.
Shea Adler, highly successful, sexy, hockey player sees Elli for who she is and likes what he sees. But can he convince her that she is worth it.
I really loved the first book in the Assassins series from Toni Aleo. The relationship development was believable and well paced. The troubles they faced, primarily Ellie's insecurities were, although extreme at times, were believable. Shea was an amazing man to read about, his patience and support of Ellie was inspiring and I really enjoyed his character.
Of course this series is based around a Hockey team called the Assassins and there are a multitude of wonderful characters that I am looking forward to reading about in the future. Even in this story we got a secondary romance between Ellie and Shea's best friend and this was just and added little bonus. This book was very well written and paced, my only complaint would be I wanted it to keep going. I wanted a little justice for Ellie, her mother needed a smack upside the head. Of course an little epilogue wouldn't have gone amiss :)
Great, sporting, romance book, I am really looking forward to more of the Assassins.
![Profile Image for Lala_Loopsie [fire breathing B!tch Queen].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1477498129i%2F41378358._UX200_CR0%2C77%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 8, 2016
★★☆☆☆
The book was too long. 500 pages long for a very short and simple story. Add to that the fact that there was too much drama to enjoy, and you have (surprise) two stars.
And, i don't really care that it wasn't a very original story. At this point there aren't that many ideas left. That's OK. But , put some thought into it.
Characters.
They needed a bit more thought put into them, but i can get over that.
||All in all„ could've been better||
The book was too long. 500 pages long for a very short and simple story. Add to that the fact that there was too much drama to enjoy, and you have (surprise) two stars.
And, i don't really care that it wasn't a very original story. At this point there aren't that many ideas left. That's OK. But , put some thought into it.
Characters.
They needed a bit more thought put into them, but i can get over that.
||All in all„ could've been better||
March 25, 2017
I seriously don’t get it. I don’t understand the gushing reviews…. I don’t take most 4 or 5 ratings seriously anymore. They all seem to be some sort of shill reviews to sell more books. I don’t know how many times I read a book that had mostly high reviews and it totally did not do it for me.
I actually started this series with book 2 on accident and found that out about 30% in before I switched to read this one. I was hoping that the aggravation that I got from the 2nd book was an anomaly and that this one would be different.
No … both couples were similar. The female half was … I can’t fathom the words for them beyond snobbish, stupid, and shallow. The male halves didn’t seem like real people. They were too good to be true for the most part; the crap that they put up with was totally stupid. I personally thought that they should have given up ….
Pointing out numerous times that she is a size 10 and was fat was just; I have no words besides WTF? Her idiotic behavior and stupid choices and decisions, with the added frustrating stubbornness, were just too much. It took him so long to get her to say the loveyous back, after constant coddling and bending over backwards to make her believe it. Then finally finally she gives in and realizes it and you think it will be okay. Then she decides to believe her shallow, sniping, snobby sister and mother, who she has repeatedly said make her life hell, over the man who says and proves, over and over, that he loves her.
Stuuuuuuupid
This book was rather long. Just when I thought it might wrap it up I check and there is like 40% more to go. With the whole scene at the end of the book … I got so mad at the stupidity of overly stubborn females that I skipped pages to get the pain over with. I was at 90% I was not going to give in till I finished damnit.
There were parts of the story that I did like, but the stuff that was just plain dumb over shadowed it for me, along with the length. I don’t think I will finish the series even though I was 30% into the 2nd book and book 3 looked sort of iffy with the excerpt that I read. The trope of the FMC breaking up with/natural disaster/omg emergency away from MMC and secretly having his baby and refusing to tell him about it because they know what is best for everyone is something that I am not wild about.
In regards to reality … really I find it hard to believe that a play-off game is an ideal setting for their melodrama and that they actually got away with it.
I actually started this series with book 2 on accident and found that out about 30% in before I switched to read this one. I was hoping that the aggravation that I got from the 2nd book was an anomaly and that this one would be different.
No … both couples were similar. The female half was … I can’t fathom the words for them beyond snobbish, stupid, and shallow. The male halves didn’t seem like real people. They were too good to be true for the most part; the crap that they put up with was totally stupid. I personally thought that they should have given up ….
Pointing out numerous times that she is a size 10 and was fat was just; I have no words besides WTF? Her idiotic behavior and stupid choices and decisions, with the added frustrating stubbornness, were just too much. It took him so long to get her to say the loveyous back, after constant coddling and bending over backwards to make her believe it. Then finally finally she gives in and realizes it and you think it will be okay. Then she decides to believe her shallow, sniping, snobby sister and mother, who she has repeatedly said make her life hell, over the man who says and proves, over and over, that he loves her.
Stuuuuuuupid
This book was rather long. Just when I thought it might wrap it up I check and there is like 40% more to go. With the whole scene at the end of the book … I got so mad at the stupidity of overly stubborn females that I skipped pages to get the pain over with. I was at 90% I was not going to give in till I finished damnit.
There were parts of the story that I did like, but the stuff that was just plain dumb over shadowed it for me, along with the length. I don’t think I will finish the series even though I was 30% into the 2nd book and book 3 looked sort of iffy with the excerpt that I read. The trope of the FMC breaking up with/natural disaster/omg emergency away from MMC and secretly having his baby and refusing to tell him about it because they know what is best for everyone is something that I am not wild about.
In regards to reality … really I find it hard to believe that a play-off game is an ideal setting for their melodrama and that they actually got away with it.
February 6, 2012
I love romance novels with heroines of every shape and size, but I have a real soft spot for heroes that fall for the bigger girls. One of my favorite book/couples is Noah & Grace in Lori Foster’s Too Much Temptation. This book was an instant hit with me because Shea fell for a big girl and thought she was perfect.
I really enjoyed this book and the friendships that the characters had. With that said, there were some things that I didn’t enjoy or annoyed me. One was Ellie’s mom…she was just horrible! Don’t get me wrong, most of Ellie’s family was bad (The big exceptions were her dad and uncle), but the mom was probably the meanest character I’ve seen in a long time…outside of serial killers. The author did a good job writing her because I definitely hated Olivia. A second thing was Shea falling into the schemes of Ellie’s mom and sister. At that point in the story it was going well and it was almost a case of waiting for the other shoe to drop. After that I was ready to yell at both Shea and Ellie to stop feeling sorry for themselves and to just kiss and makeup.
Something was just a minor annoyance was Shea’s twin sister Grace. Throughout the majority of the book I really loved Grace and her scenes with her family and in particular with Shea. However, there were some scenes where it just felt weird. There were just a few times that the scenes felt weird to me, and the characters addressed it later in the book but the explanation given rang a little false to me.
Another minor annoyance came in the form of grammar errors in the book. I don't always notice these, and they have to be really bad or there have to be a lot of them for me to notice. This book had so many that it did become annoying. They were not too horrible, but it would throw me off a little when I was really into the story.
Overall, this was a really good book by a new to me author. There were times I was laughing out loud at the antics of the characters, and at other times I could feel their pain. I would be interesting in reading more from Toni Aleo.
I really enjoyed this book and the friendships that the characters had. With that said, there were some things that I didn’t enjoy or annoyed me. One was Ellie’s mom…she was just horrible! Don’t get me wrong, most of Ellie’s family was bad (The big exceptions were her dad and uncle), but the mom was probably the meanest character I’ve seen in a long time…outside of serial killers. The author did a good job writing her because I definitely hated Olivia. A second thing was Shea falling into the schemes of Ellie’s mom and sister. At that point in the story it was going well and it was almost a case of waiting for the other shoe to drop. After that I was ready to yell at both Shea and Ellie to stop feeling sorry for themselves and to just kiss and makeup.
Something was just a minor annoyance was Shea’s twin sister Grace. Throughout the majority of the book I really loved Grace and her scenes with her family and in particular with Shea. However, there were some scenes where it just felt weird. There were just a few times that the scenes felt weird to me, and the characters addressed it later in the book but the explanation given rang a little false to me.
Another minor annoyance came in the form of grammar errors in the book. I don't always notice these, and they have to be really bad or there have to be a lot of them for me to notice. This book had so many that it did become annoying. They were not too horrible, but it would throw me off a little when I was really into the story.
Overall, this was a really good book by a new to me author. There were times I was laughing out loud at the antics of the characters, and at other times I could feel their pain. I would be interesting in reading more from Toni Aleo.
June 24, 2013
Am a big fan of sports related romance so I liked the story, loved Shea, the Hero, the heroine, Elli...nah, not so much. Shea the sexy, sensitive, tattooed hockey player for the Assassins wears geek glasses is muscled, funny, sweet, jealous, possessive and totally in love with and devoted to Elli. And Shea’s absolutely adorable with his sister, Grace, and her family. Gotta tell ya, I'm a sucker for any story with a guy that's good with kids. Shea’s biggest flaw? Having the hots for Elli. It's miraculous the guy can put up with her. She's annoying throughout the entire bk. She whines about being fat, she's insecure and rationalizes that because she's from the south she’s entitled to use bad grammar. Her family on the other hand, also from the south, does not. Go figure. Wanted to smack that Elli soooo bad.
This story was almost, and I say almost, KA like in that there's the alpha male, its lengthy, just the everyday ups and downs of the H/h's relationship with some drama thrown in and likeable side characters. But that’s where the similarity ends. Am I glad I read it? Yes, because of all the positives I mentioned, but hoping Toni Aleo will ultimately write a story with a more appealing h.
One last thing, she definitely needs to get spell check and a better proofreader. I’m usually more tolerant of that issue than most, but I found it distracting. Heading on to bk 2, Trying to Score.
This story was almost, and I say almost, KA like in that there's the alpha male, its lengthy, just the everyday ups and downs of the H/h's relationship with some drama thrown in and likeable side characters. But that’s where the similarity ends. Am I glad I read it? Yes, because of all the positives I mentioned, but hoping Toni Aleo will ultimately write a story with a more appealing h.
One last thing, she definitely needs to get spell check and a better proofreader. I’m usually more tolerant of that issue than most, but I found it distracting. Heading on to bk 2, Trying to Score.
November 20, 2012
Loved this book, love the characters the sport want to read it all over again could not put this down!! Sweet romance and great plot if you like books with heart and soul read this!
July 22, 2012
“Oh, please! Like I care if I make you jealous!”
“You know you do!”
“You’re acting like an idiot!”
“Damn right, love does this to a person!”Elli and Shea
Wow!!!Taking Shots was way different from the second book in the series Trying to Score.Wondering how I know that?Well,when I first saw the series I was more interested in reading the second than the first book and now I see how right I had been.Although there were times that I really liked the book I wanted to so much to kill Elli(she's so insecure).
Shea Adler,a hockey player for Nashville Assassins,has it all except from what he really wants.When he meets Elli Fisher he knows she's the one.Photographer Elli Fisher is shy,whiny and extremely insecure.And rich.Did I mention that her family owns Nashville Assassins!!After a horrible illness that left her with extra weight,Elli thinks that she's unable of doing anything,even being loved.Well,on one hand her behavior is justifiable as the only thing her mother
is capable of is reminding her not to eat much in case she gains weight again.On the other hand,though,she is twenty eight years old and still cares what people say about her,even when Shea tells her over and over again that
he loves her just the way she is,she still insists that she isn't good enough for him.What can I say?I envy Shea's patience.
Nevertheless,it wasn't just the Elli that bothered me but the lenght of the book was too long.Not that I didn't like it but I felt that there were times that the book repeated itself.For example,when Shea had to live for the game.It was always the same thing he left,they were both unhappy,they texted each other,they were both annoying and when he came instead of being happy they quarreled,a lot.Poor Shea...
I have to say that if I were to choose between the first and the second book,I would definatelly choose the second one.
I would only recommend this book to those who really love a good romance.
First posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/
“You know you do!”
“You’re acting like an idiot!”
“Damn right, love does this to a person!”Elli and Shea
Wow!!!Taking Shots was way different from the second book in the series Trying to Score.Wondering how I know that?Well,when I first saw the series I was more interested in reading the second than the first book and now I see how right I had been.Although there were times that I really liked the book I wanted to so much to kill Elli(she's so insecure).
Shea Adler,a hockey player for Nashville Assassins,has it all except from what he really wants.When he meets Elli Fisher he knows she's the one.Photographer Elli Fisher is shy,whiny and extremely insecure.And rich.Did I mention that her family owns Nashville Assassins!!After a horrible illness that left her with extra weight,Elli thinks that she's unable of doing anything,even being loved.Well,on one hand her behavior is justifiable as the only thing her mother
is capable of is reminding her not to eat much in case she gains weight again.On the other hand,though,she is twenty eight years old and still cares what people say about her,even when Shea tells her over and over again that
he loves her just the way she is,she still insists that she isn't good enough for him.What can I say?I envy Shea's patience.
Nevertheless,it wasn't just the Elli that bothered me but the lenght of the book was too long.Not that I didn't like it but I felt that there were times that the book repeated itself.For example,when Shea had to live for the game.It was always the same thing he left,they were both unhappy,they texted each other,they were both annoying and when he came instead of being happy they quarreled,a lot.Poor Shea...
I have to say that if I were to choose between the first and the second book,I would definatelly choose the second one.
I would only recommend this book to those who really love a good romance.
First posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/
July 4, 2012
Reviewed at http://toughcriticbookreviews.blogspo...
I almost didn't rate this book because I came down with a terrible case of indecision. Three-stars? Four? It's funny that the very issues that some reviewers had with this book were the very things that I loved; the length, Elli's never ending insecurities. It's all about perspective so here's mine...
First lets discussShea's the book's length ;-) Most defintely longer than the average book. I have to admit that while reading Taking Shots I had several nagging thoughts about this being the never ending story; love me some Falkor (please excuse the 80's movie reference), but by the ending I welcomed the length; I embraced it with open hands arms. It allowed me a connection with the characters that often times is lacking. It allowed for the development of well, everything! It provided a journey, a transition that needed those many pages to accomplish it.
Elli's insecurities were enough to drive you batshit crazy, but they were very very REAL! As someone who's been around women with body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders, or just your average weight issues, Elli's behavior and thoughts were spot on!! Yes, you reach a point in the book where you're screaming, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH", but that's how insecurities work. They are the nagging voices in your head that can't be turned off, but luckily Shea finds the switch. Which brings me to Shea.
What I wouldn't do for two minutes in the penalty box with Shea Adler. As much as I love my alpha-males, I loved Shea's soft heart even more. He was able to pull off emotional, sweet, and devoted without appearing whipped. He was sexy as hell!!
This is one of those books that some of you will love and some will just like. I think it's definitely worth taking a shot!
I almost didn't rate this book because I came down with a terrible case of indecision. Three-stars? Four? It's funny that the very issues that some reviewers had with this book were the very things that I loved; the length, Elli's never ending insecurities. It's all about perspective so here's mine...
First lets discuss
Elli's insecurities were enough to drive you batshit crazy, but they were very very REAL! As someone who's been around women with body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders, or just your average weight issues, Elli's behavior and thoughts were spot on!! Yes, you reach a point in the book where you're screaming, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH", but that's how insecurities work. They are the nagging voices in your head that can't be turned off, but luckily Shea finds the switch. Which brings me to Shea.
What I wouldn't do for two minutes in the penalty box with Shea Adler. As much as I love my alpha-males, I loved Shea's soft heart even more. He was able to pull off emotional, sweet, and devoted without appearing whipped. He was sexy as hell!!
This is one of those books that some of you will love and some will just like. I think it's definitely worth taking a shot!
October 30, 2014
Awesome book especially for a first time author!!!! I can not wait to read more!
The book flows very well, not a slow or dull moment with this cast of characters! I did not want to put my ereader down....and according to my husband I didn't.
I even looked up the Lady Antebellum song that is referenced, since I do not like or listen to country music (kind of a scary thing since we are moving to the Nashville area in a week!) The song was so fitting for Shea and Ellie!
Job well done Ms. Aleo! Keep up the great work and tell us all about the other players!
Re-read 4/23/13 of the revised edition....I like the original better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The book flows very well, not a slow or dull moment with this cast of characters! I did not want to put my ereader down....and according to my husband I didn't.
I even looked up the Lady Antebellum song that is referenced, since I do not like or listen to country music (kind of a scary thing since we are moving to the Nashville area in a week!) The song was so fitting for Shea and Ellie!
Job well done Ms. Aleo! Keep up the great work and tell us all about the other players!
Re-read 4/23/13 of the revised edition....I like the original better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 12, 2016
- A good story which is well written. ✔
- Like author. ✔
- Both points of view. ✔
- Full of angst, both his & hers. ✔
- Full story - 592 Pages = Value for money ✔
- Liked H & h and all other characters. ✔
- Will follow series and read about all the other Assassins. ✔
- Went on far too long! X
- Had sections where story not moving forward. X
- Would have benefitted from being cropped. X
Not often a reader complains about a story being too long, normally we are screaming that it should have been longer!.....Despite that I don't deem the time it took to read to be a waste and will still rate it highly.
- Like author. ✔
- Both points of view. ✔
- Full of angst, both his & hers. ✔
- Full story - 592 Pages = Value for money ✔
- Liked H & h and all other characters. ✔
- Will follow series and read about all the other Assassins. ✔
- Went on far too long! X
- Had sections where story not moving forward. X
- Would have benefitted from being cropped. X
Not often a reader complains about a story being too long, normally we are screaming that it should have been longer!.....Despite that I don't deem the time it took to read to be a waste and will still rate it highly.
December 29, 2012
What an awesome book. I am head over heals in love with Shea Adler. Love this book!!!
April 8, 2012
Okay, so you know how sometimes you come across a book that really just puts you on a monstrous emotional roller coaster and leaves you breathless by the time you hit that last page? Well, this is definitely one of them!! Good lord, not since Fifty Shades has a book left the blood pulsing so fast while at the same time crushing my heart and then piecing it back together!! Whew!
Right off the bat, I knew I was going to love the sweet Elli. She is your everyday girl, with real insecurities, real self-deprecating thoughts, a real body, and realistic expectations when a gorgeous professional athlete walks up to her! I could relate to Elli on so many levels, and it made her journey with Shea so much more exciting!! And oh....that Shea...let's just say I was drooling from the second I saw him through Elli's eyes!! He's just a mouthwatering delectable dish of yumminess that literally can't stop his dirty thoughts about Elli every time she's around him *gasp*. I loved that TS was written from both points of view, because good golly were Shea's thoughts naughty...and I LOVED it!!
What I really loved about this book (other than the cold shower-inducing steamy scenes, which were...*sigh*) was that the relationship progressed at a realistic pace. Because of Elli's insecurities, she's very hesitant to move things along in the relationship, so there are plenty of sweet, funny, and foreplay-like moments between them before they finally give in to each other. I was almost as impatient at Shea every time Elli backed off at last minute, but it made that moment that she lets her walls down that much more enticing!! It was so much fun seeing them fall in love and watching Elli finally gain the confidence she deserved.
I loved a lot of the secondary characters in this book, too, especially Harper and Grace. Harper is Elli's outgoing, flirty, 'speak your mind' best friend, who doesn't put up with Elli's crap. She was such a hoot, and I love that she was there to give Elli a good kick in the rear at the moments when I wanted to just slap her for being so damned hard on Shea. The girl needed it!! And Grace, Shea's slightly jealous twin sister, was so cute with him because they had always been so close. I'm glad she was around to tell him to grow a pair from time to time, too, because he was just as stubborn as Elli at times! And if I'm going to mention how much I loved some of the characters, I must mention how much I LOATHED Olivia and Victoria, Elli's bitchy, catty, hateful mother and sister. They may be right up there with my all-time top 'I wish somebody would off them' characters! It's too bad a puck didn't just happen to make it up to their box seats as they were standing up there... =)
There were some great twists and surprises that I wasn't expecting throughout, and there were some seriously heartbreaking moments. When a misunderstanding (or, more appropriately a conniving b*&ch) leaves Shea and Elli apart, it was so utterly devastating. I was dying to just shake Elli and make her realize what a mistake she was making, but I absolutely loved the way Toni pulled everything together in the end!! This was a beautiful love story with characters I grew to love, romance that made my heart race, and a plot that kept me glued to my kindle! Awesome!! Can't wait to read Trying to Score, the next in this series that is sure to be just as addicting!
Right off the bat, I knew I was going to love the sweet Elli. She is your everyday girl, with real insecurities, real self-deprecating thoughts, a real body, and realistic expectations when a gorgeous professional athlete walks up to her! I could relate to Elli on so many levels, and it made her journey with Shea so much more exciting!! And oh....that Shea...let's just say I was drooling from the second I saw him through Elli's eyes!! He's just a mouthwatering delectable dish of yumminess that literally can't stop his dirty thoughts about Elli every time she's around him *gasp*. I loved that TS was written from both points of view, because good golly were Shea's thoughts naughty...and I LOVED it!!
What I really loved about this book (other than the cold shower-inducing steamy scenes, which were...*sigh*) was that the relationship progressed at a realistic pace. Because of Elli's insecurities, she's very hesitant to move things along in the relationship, so there are plenty of sweet, funny, and foreplay-like moments between them before they finally give in to each other. I was almost as impatient at Shea every time Elli backed off at last minute, but it made that moment that she lets her walls down that much more enticing!! It was so much fun seeing them fall in love and watching Elli finally gain the confidence she deserved.
I loved a lot of the secondary characters in this book, too, especially Harper and Grace. Harper is Elli's outgoing, flirty, 'speak your mind' best friend, who doesn't put up with Elli's crap. She was such a hoot, and I love that she was there to give Elli a good kick in the rear at the moments when I wanted to just slap her for being so damned hard on Shea. The girl needed it!! And Grace, Shea's slightly jealous twin sister, was so cute with him because they had always been so close. I'm glad she was around to tell him to grow a pair from time to time, too, because he was just as stubborn as Elli at times! And if I'm going to mention how much I loved some of the characters, I must mention how much I LOATHED Olivia and Victoria, Elli's bitchy, catty, hateful mother and sister. They may be right up there with my all-time top 'I wish somebody would off them' characters! It's too bad a puck didn't just happen to make it up to their box seats as they were standing up there... =)
There were some great twists and surprises that I wasn't expecting throughout, and there were some seriously heartbreaking moments. When a misunderstanding (or, more appropriately a conniving b*&ch) leaves Shea and Elli apart, it was so utterly devastating. I was dying to just shake Elli and make her realize what a mistake she was making, but I absolutely loved the way Toni pulled everything together in the end!! This was a beautiful love story with characters I grew to love, romance that made my heart race, and a plot that kept me glued to my kindle! Awesome!! Can't wait to read Trying to Score, the next in this series that is sure to be just as addicting!
April 2, 2012
You can find this and other reviews on my blog: Dreaming In The Pages
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I have been very fortunate lately when it comes to book recommendations and Taking Shots is no exception. Not knowing exactly what to expect when I stared, I was blown away by just about everything I read. It has been FOREVER since I read a contemporary romance that was so emotionally packed and had enough sexy action to keep those pages turning well past my bedtime. This book was a long one, but I mean that in the best possible way. There are a lot of emotional problems going on, and it was so refreshing to see a book tackle those emotional problems fully and realistically. Taking Shots took me by surprise and I just have one question…Where the hell can I get my own Shea Alder?!
What I really want to do is give Toni Aleo a giant hug and a ton of kisses for making the ultimate lead character[s]. It was so easy to identify with Elli and her problems that I was instantly in love. You often come across girls who are self-conscious in books, yet they are described as beautiful, skinny, and yadda yadda yadda. With Elli, I felt her issues, I KNOW those issues and I was eager to see how she worked through them, in a relationship with a sexy hot hockey player nonetheless. Oh and don’t even get me started on Shea Alder. That man was meant to be in my life, and I need my own ASAP! I am no hockey fan, but I swear to you, after reading this book I am going to watch myself a few games and promptly drool all over myself while I am doing so.
I may have loved the characters first and foremost, but what comes in a close second is how real the book felt. Like I said, this is a long book, but it covers every topic it addresses realistically. There is no ‘I looked into his eyes and knew I was in love so we immediately had sex and got engaged and married within a month!’ There is depth in the relationship due to the problems these two faced together or mentally on their own. You get to see Shea and Elli grow and fight together and with each other. And the emotions Toni made me feel! Agh! I went from blissfully happy, to steamy hot, to wanting to beat someone ass in just a few pages. When I start punching pillows I know the book has made its way into my heart for good, and I wouldn’t want this one anywhere else.
When all is said and done, this book took me for the best spin I could ever imagine taking. I got to see probably my favorite female lead of all time get her dream ever after. Not only did Taking Shots fill me with giddy passion, but filled with blissful closure as well. If you are any kind of romance fan this book will take you by your teeth and have you begging for more when it is over. Toni Aleo, I will follow you anywhere you go from here on out because damn it, you have shown me and everyone else out there how real women and relationships are and I love you for it. But I still have one question for you. When and where can I get my own Shea Alder? Seriously, I’m dying here. *runs off looking for the perfect man*
:Rating:
★★★★★
Five Fever Inducing Stars
[I never knew hockey could be SO entertaining and yummy]
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I have been very fortunate lately when it comes to book recommendations and Taking Shots is no exception. Not knowing exactly what to expect when I stared, I was blown away by just about everything I read. It has been FOREVER since I read a contemporary romance that was so emotionally packed and had enough sexy action to keep those pages turning well past my bedtime. This book was a long one, but I mean that in the best possible way. There are a lot of emotional problems going on, and it was so refreshing to see a book tackle those emotional problems fully and realistically. Taking Shots took me by surprise and I just have one question…Where the hell can I get my own Shea Alder?!
What I really want to do is give Toni Aleo a giant hug and a ton of kisses for making the ultimate lead character[s]. It was so easy to identify with Elli and her problems that I was instantly in love. You often come across girls who are self-conscious in books, yet they are described as beautiful, skinny, and yadda yadda yadda. With Elli, I felt her issues, I KNOW those issues and I was eager to see how she worked through them, in a relationship with a sexy hot hockey player nonetheless. Oh and don’t even get me started on Shea Alder. That man was meant to be in my life, and I need my own ASAP! I am no hockey fan, but I swear to you, after reading this book I am going to watch myself a few games and promptly drool all over myself while I am doing so.
I may have loved the characters first and foremost, but what comes in a close second is how real the book felt. Like I said, this is a long book, but it covers every topic it addresses realistically. There is no ‘I looked into his eyes and knew I was in love so we immediately had sex and got engaged and married within a month!’ There is depth in the relationship due to the problems these two faced together or mentally on their own. You get to see Shea and Elli grow and fight together and with each other. And the emotions Toni made me feel! Agh! I went from blissfully happy, to steamy hot, to wanting to beat someone ass in just a few pages. When I start punching pillows I know the book has made its way into my heart for good, and I wouldn’t want this one anywhere else.
When all is said and done, this book took me for the best spin I could ever imagine taking. I got to see probably my favorite female lead of all time get her dream ever after. Not only did Taking Shots fill me with giddy passion, but filled with blissful closure as well. If you are any kind of romance fan this book will take you by your teeth and have you begging for more when it is over. Toni Aleo, I will follow you anywhere you go from here on out because damn it, you have shown me and everyone else out there how real women and relationships are and I love you for it. But I still have one question for you. When and where can I get my own Shea Alder? Seriously, I’m dying here. *runs off looking for the perfect man*
:Rating:
★★★★★
Five Fever Inducing Stars
[I never knew hockey could be SO entertaining and yummy]
January 9, 2016
I'm kind of surprised I finished this book. It's kind of tough to start the year off reading such a horrendous book but then I suppose I can only go up after this.
There were SO many things wrong with it I'm not even sure where to begin so I'll just list them as they come to me.
Very stilted dialogue between hero (?) and heroine (?). At times they sounded like a couple of junior high kids who have never talked to a member of the opposite sex before.
A heroine(?) who obsesses about how overweight she is AND SHE'S A SIZE F'IN 10!!!!!!! Give me a break. I could only dream of being that size. While I can see obsessing about weight if she truly was overweight, I constantly wanted to smack her upside the head and tell her to get over it.
The WAY over abundance of the word awesome. First off, I think only Mutant Ninja Turtles might use it anymore and a hero (?) who constantly uses it? UUGGHH.
I don't think the author made hardly any attempt to make the hero(?)sound like or act like a guy. Having raised two sons, they would never talk like Shea. Never. And if they did, I'd tell them to 'man up'.
The fact the heroine watches Pride and Prejudice almost every single night!! Who does that kind of thing?? There are movies I love and watch over and over but there is no way I'd watch the same movie every night. Add to that the fact that she has a shrine to the hero and the hockey team in her home and girl needs serious therapy. I think she must have stopped maturing at age 11.
The book clocked in at almost 600 pages in the kindle addition and that was way, way to long. It needed some serious tightening up. There were so many scenes that added nothing to the story, that never should have been added. A story needs to be constantly moving, not mired in minutia that adds nothing.
Small things like the hero scored 4 goals in one of the first games of the season, and he's a defenseman. I'm not saying it absolutely couldn't happen, but it's highly, highly unlikely.
The heroine paints her face and puts on the heroes jersey number on her face for every home game. Again this is more the thing a preteen would do, not a mature woman.
The way over the top Snidley Whiplash villian(ess)
And finally, though I could keep going, the final hurdle. If I didn't already despise the heroine, this alone would do it. All thorough the book our unmanly hero has all but stood on his head and sang ' I Am Woman' to prove his love and heroine sees her sister, a sister she knows would love to destroy her, kissing her love and that's it! Relationship over. The heroine cries - ad nauseum. The hero cries. Things are resolved of course, these two losers deserve each other. But this book left a serious bad after taste.
I absolutely do not recommend this book.
There were SO many things wrong with it I'm not even sure where to begin so I'll just list them as they come to me.
Very stilted dialogue between hero (?) and heroine (?). At times they sounded like a couple of junior high kids who have never talked to a member of the opposite sex before.
A heroine(?) who obsesses about how overweight she is AND SHE'S A SIZE F'IN 10!!!!!!! Give me a break. I could only dream of being that size. While I can see obsessing about weight if she truly was overweight, I constantly wanted to smack her upside the head and tell her to get over it.
The WAY over abundance of the word awesome. First off, I think only Mutant Ninja Turtles might use it anymore and a hero (?) who constantly uses it? UUGGHH.
I don't think the author made hardly any attempt to make the hero(?)sound like or act like a guy. Having raised two sons, they would never talk like Shea. Never. And if they did, I'd tell them to 'man up'.
The fact the heroine watches Pride and Prejudice almost every single night!! Who does that kind of thing?? There are movies I love and watch over and over but there is no way I'd watch the same movie every night. Add to that the fact that she has a shrine to the hero and the hockey team in her home and girl needs serious therapy. I think she must have stopped maturing at age 11.
The book clocked in at almost 600 pages in the kindle addition and that was way, way to long. It needed some serious tightening up. There were so many scenes that added nothing to the story, that never should have been added. A story needs to be constantly moving, not mired in minutia that adds nothing.
Small things like the hero scored 4 goals in one of the first games of the season, and he's a defenseman. I'm not saying it absolutely couldn't happen, but it's highly, highly unlikely.
The heroine paints her face and puts on the heroes jersey number on her face for every home game. Again this is more the thing a preteen would do, not a mature woman.
The way over the top Snidley Whiplash villian(ess)
And finally, though I could keep going, the final hurdle. If I didn't already despise the heroine, this alone would do it. All thorough the book our unmanly hero has all but stood on his head and sang ' I Am Woman' to prove his love and heroine sees her sister, a sister she knows would love to destroy her, kissing her love and that's it! Relationship over. The heroine cries - ad nauseum. The hero cries. Things are resolved of course, these two losers deserve each other. But this book left a serious bad after taste.
I absolutely do not recommend this book.
August 19, 2012
I wanted to like this book, in fact, I wanted to love this book. I just couldn't do it.
I finished it, so this book is OK in my opinion, but I'm not rushing out to read the next one. The plot line of the book was similar to almost every other romance, which was fine. It was a good book with a solid romance plot line. I did love Shea as the main lead. He was a great character and the perfect hero in a romance novel. I loved Harper, Jakob, Grace, James, and the rest of the cast and even the villain was a good villain in this book. So, my problem.....
Elli. I rarely harp on a character when an author writes a book. I figure there is a reason that the author designs a book with a certain type of character. I just couldn't get behind this chick. In fact, at points, I was hoping Shea would just walk away and find himself a sweet little girl who loved him and would get past herself. I have no problems with insecure characters, but calling a size 10 body "fat" really pissed me off by about 10% into the book. She is a selfish, insecure, and kind of a PITA throughout most of the book and had very few redeeming qualities. For this reason alone, I just struggled with liking this book.
Also, this book is long. It felt like there should have been a good chunk of it cut out to reduce the size and repetitiveness of some of it.
I know this book has received many glowing reviews and honestly, the author probably deserves them. I would never begrudge an author the type of character they write because to that author, the character is somebody real. If your in the mood for a decent romance novel don't let my review stop ya, I hope you are able to get past Elli in a way I wasn't able to.
I finished it, so this book is OK in my opinion, but I'm not rushing out to read the next one. The plot line of the book was similar to almost every other romance, which was fine. It was a good book with a solid romance plot line. I did love Shea as the main lead. He was a great character and the perfect hero in a romance novel. I loved Harper, Jakob, Grace, James, and the rest of the cast and even the villain was a good villain in this book. So, my problem.....
Elli. I rarely harp on a character when an author writes a book. I figure there is a reason that the author designs a book with a certain type of character. I just couldn't get behind this chick. In fact, at points, I was hoping Shea would just walk away and find himself a sweet little girl who loved him and would get past herself. I have no problems with insecure characters, but calling a size 10 body "fat" really pissed me off by about 10% into the book. She is a selfish, insecure, and kind of a PITA throughout most of the book and had very few redeeming qualities. For this reason alone, I just struggled with liking this book.
Also, this book is long. It felt like there should have been a good chunk of it cut out to reduce the size and repetitiveness of some of it.
I know this book has received many glowing reviews and honestly, the author probably deserves them. I would never begrudge an author the type of character they write because to that author, the character is somebody real. If your in the mood for a decent romance novel don't let my review stop ya, I hope you are able to get past Elli in a way I wasn't able to.
October 30, 2025
Elli Fisher doesn’t think she’s good enough. She lost her Broadway career and her fiancée when she suffered from a thyroid issue which caused her to gain a lot of weight. She has always been a huge Assassin Hockey fan but when she gets a chance to photograph the team for a promotional shoot she meets the man of her dreams, Shea Adler.
Shea Adler is a superior athlete and the captain of the Assassins. He has his pick of women but when he sets eyes on Elli Fisher something just clicks and he can’t get her out of his head. Elli can’t believe Adler will give her the time of day and is in shock when he actively pursues her.
I loved this story. It put me through the gamut of emotions from laughing to crying and cheering the characters on. Elli has been verbally abused by the people she trusts and loves so, it was such an incredible journey watching her find her self worth. Shea was wonderful, totally unsure of how to handle Elli, he patiently makes his way straight into her heart. Great read, heartfelt emotions and really hot uber alpha men, don’t miss Taking Shots.
This republished ARC copy of Taking Shots was given to me by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication on April 23, 2013.
Shea Adler is a superior athlete and the captain of the Assassins. He has his pick of women but when he sets eyes on Elli Fisher something just clicks and he can’t get her out of his head. Elli can’t believe Adler will give her the time of day and is in shock when he actively pursues her.
I loved this story. It put me through the gamut of emotions from laughing to crying and cheering the characters on. Elli has been verbally abused by the people she trusts and loves so, it was such an incredible journey watching her find her self worth. Shea was wonderful, totally unsure of how to handle Elli, he patiently makes his way straight into her heart. Great read, heartfelt emotions and really hot uber alpha men, don’t miss Taking Shots.
This republished ARC copy of Taking Shots was given to me by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication on April 23, 2013.
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