Lost the Handle

Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #8

by Toni Aleo

Who’s he kidding, Quinn Adler never had a handle on Emery Brooks.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Hockey, Sports Romance, Fiction

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR TONI ALEO IS AN AUTHOR YOU CAN'T MISS!

make sure to Join my Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale...

My name is Toni aleo and I'm a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!

I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.

You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators since I'll never give my heart to one player again. When I'm not in the gym getting swole, I'm usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality or being a taxi for my kids. I'm obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney and anything that sparkles! I'm pretty sure I was Belle in a past life and if I could be on any show it would be supernatural so I can hunt with Sam and Dean.

Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Emery Brooks and Quinn Adler's book was THE book of the series I've been waiting for.. I just adore Quinn and Emery is hilarious. I loved their friends to lovers' dynamic in the previous stories. And it didn't disappoint. Emery made this book for me. I loved her so much! Quinn had some frustrating moments, but by the end all was forgiven and I understood why he did what he did. The Assassins family is one of my faves and I'm always here for a book in this universe!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This couple was not my vibe

I'll preface this with: I LOVE Toni Aleo's books. Have read every book in every series and will continue to read everything she puts out. But this is the first book of hers I've read when I did not like the couple, mainly I did not like Emery.
SPOILERS AHEAD


I am not a fan of romance books where there's cheating or cheating adjacent stories. This to me qualifies as cheating adjacent. Yes I'm aware that Quinn and Ava weren't really together, but Emery didn't the majority of the story. And to me Emery's actions were just disrespectful and rude to do to someone. Just moment after moment of hypocrisy. I felt like I read "yea I know what I did is kind of similar, but it's me and quinn and I don't care". Though Ava was written as not the nicest character in the world, I felt she didn't deserve as much hate as she did just because she didn't fit the vibe of the Adler family. Or the fact that her family didn't show love the same way as the Adler family was apparently a huge deal. I especially didn't feel she deserved to be called a "cunt" as many times as she did especially by Quinn. Also Yvette definitely didn't deserve to called a cunt. Now I know a lot of that was inner monolog type information but that still says a lot about the character. Overall, I just Emery just came across extremely selfish and lacking empathy for anyone else other than Quinn or her family and it just made me angry-read the remaining 40% of the book.

Like I said, I love Toni Aleo and will always read the books she put out. This was just one book with one couple I just couldn't vibe with

[Ashley Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this more than 5⭐️

I have been waiting for Emery and Quinn’s book!

We got snips of these two throughout Toni’s book and I could feel the tension so when I was able to read this book. I READ IT!

Emery(daughter of Fallon and Lucas Brooks) and Quinn (son of Ellie and Shea Adler) have been inseparable since younger, until Emery makes the decision to leave, go to California. Apart of three years, Quinn has moved on, or so you think but Emery comes back… stays with him and the feelings are back.

This was FANTASTIC!! Emery is a force and I loved everything about her. These two had love for each other that ran so deep, everyone could see it!

Toni kept me page after page wanting more! I am so happy they got their HEA!


If you like:
Childhood Sweethearts
Second Chance
It’s Always Been You
Morally Grey FMC
Cinnamon Roll MMC

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emery and Quinn's story has been coming for years. It was worth the wait.

You don't *need* to read the other books featuring them - there's enough info to enjoy this as a standalone - but I really like seeing their relationship develop. After 3 years apart, Emery is back in town and ready to reclaim Quinn. The only problem is Ava, Quinn's fiancé. But Emery is a force to be reckoned with and won't take no for an answer. Okay, at first I was just annoyed with her for leaving Quinn and expecting him to just drop everything for her. However, you are simply sucked into their story.

Favorite quote:

Emery is wild and hard to contain, but f*ck, if I don't crave the ride.

[Mia Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to lose yourself in the whirlwind of emotions that is ‘‘Lost the Handle’’, Toni Aleo has once again delivered a heart-pounding, soul-stirring love story that will leave readers breathless. This second-chance romance, set in the beloved ‘‘Nashville Assassins: Next Generation’’ universe, is everything fans have been waiting for and so much more.

At its heart, ‘‘Lost the Handle’’ is the story of Emery Brooks and Quinn Adler—a pair whose connection runs deep, complicated by years of love, heartbreak, and missed opportunities. Emery, ever the fiery and unapologetic force of nature, returns to reclaim the man she knows she’s meant to be with. Her determination and sass leap off the page, making her one of the most dynamic heroines Toni Aleo has created. Opposite her, Quinn is the perfect blend of vulnerability and strength. His journey, from a man trying to move on to someone willing to risk his heart again, is as emotional as it is inspiring.

The chemistry between Emery and Quinn is explosive. From their heated arguments to tender, heart-wrenching confessions, every interaction pulls you deeper into their story. The stakes are high—Quinn is engaged to someone else, and Emery is on a mission to prove that he’s always been hers. The twists and turns in their relationship, paired with Toni Aleo’s signature emotional depth, make this book impossible to put down.

What truly sets ‘‘Lost the Handle’’ apart is its ability to balance raw, intense emotions with moments of levity and warmth. The witty, laugh-out-loud group text threads among the Brooks and Adler clans are a delightful nod to the tight-knit community Aleo has cultivated throughout the series. These moments not only provide comic relief but also remind readers why this universe feels like home.

For fans of the ‘‘Nashville Assassins’’ series, this book is a gift. It ties together threads from previous stories while giving Quinn and Emery the spotlight they deserve. If you’ve been following their journey, you’ll appreciate the nuances and callbacks, but even if this is your first dip into Aleo’s world, you’ll find plenty to love. The story stands on its own, with enough context to make you fall head over heels for the characters and probably leave you eager to explore the earlier books.

‘‘Lost the Handle’’ is everything I wanted and more. It’s a love story that lingers long after the last page, leaving you with a full heart and a huge smile. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, this book will sweep you off your feet. So grab a blanket, some tissues, and your favorite drink—this is one journey you won’t want to miss. This book is a must-read for all romance lovers, and it’s easily one of my top reads of the year. If you haven’t already, run—don’t walk—to pick up your copy of ‘‘Lost the Handle’’. You’ll thank me later!

Happy reading!

Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Already read it twice and will re-read again for sure :)
Would I read future books by this author: Yes


e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I have been waiting for this story and was not disappointed at all.

We have watched Emery and Quinn grow up. Find love with each and walk away. Everyone knows they belong together but what will it take for them to get there?

Emery is back home and her mission (we all know she gets what she wants, right) is to prove to Quinn how much she loves him and wants to be with him. She knows Quinn loves her but she knows how hurt he was when she left.

Quinn is trying to move on from Emery (is that even possibly) but when she comes home, he can't fight it. He loves her but she hurt him

Watching them find their way and watchin Quinn admit his fears brings this story all together. Shea and Elli raised a strong man, just hope he sees it before it is too lat.

It was nice to see all the kids have some part in this too.

[Emily Utsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick review: Second chance, moving from teen romance to adult relationship, strong family support, blackmail, book smarts but not street/emotional smarts, fighting for your love, and as always hot hot hot spice.

Fangirl review: Oh my freaking lord I have been waiting years for this story! I am so happy we got to see what was going on in their minds and what really happened. I always felt so bad for Quinn and was starting to hate Emery. It was going to be hard to redeem her in my eyes, I am very petty. But once again, this author just pulls you into the story and has you connect deeply with the characters. They get to the bottom of your soul and take root. Quinn and Emery will always have a very special place in anyone's heart who is in the Assassins' universe. I knew something shady was going on with Ava, I knew he didnt love her. My heart was ripped to shreds reading Quinn's pov. He has always been such a sensitive soul. I loved seeing Emery grow up and what she has become after seeing her as a murder-obsessed child in previous books. And always, it was freaking amazing to get caught up with the two families that started it all. The group chats were *chefs kiss* . So freaking perfect. I could do more, but you wouldn't read it. Just know. This is everything I needed, wanted, and needed but didn't know. I now need to go do a complete reread of the series. Toni... if you read this. Thank you.

Need to know:
Don't worry if you havent read any of the other books before. Any information you need is given to you. You would just get more out of it if you had read books in this universe. Quinn and Emery's backstory has been going through several of the previous books, but again everything you need to know will be given to you. And you would know about those secondary characters. But dont let that deter you from giving this book a try.

[Kimberly Holmgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable! Perfection! Beautiful! I knew Quinn and Emery would be explosive once they both got on the same page. Quinn decides it time to move on. If only it was that easy. Getting over Emery isn’t easy but he needs to do something. Ava was there for him when he needed her, so he agrees to marry her in order to help her out. This makes Emery finally realize she needed to stop running and fight for Quinn. She’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s always wanted Quinn. She always knew he was the one but she was scared. Quinn doesn’t have a choice. He’s in too deep and he has to marry Ava. Emery is determined to do whatever it takes to make Quinn hers once and for all. She’s all the way in and she just has to get Quinn to realize that it’s time to give in to the future they were always destined for.

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded. I’ve read a few books in this series and pretty much every book in the original series starring the parents. This one felt a bit lackluster, or perhaps I’m just outgrowing Toni’s books. Don’t get me wrong: there’s some nostalgia when reading or seeing old characters mentioned, but other than that? It was alright at best.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing like skipping the og series and then jumping right to book 8 in the next gen series 🤷🏼‍♀️🤣.

[Carolee Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, well written, great characters. Love Toni's books. But I guess at 50 plus I'm just really not understanding how kids act today. Sometimes the plots annoy me as I keep thinking what the hell.... Could be a bit of the ick factor that I'm reading stories about characters who are my kids age...
That's a ding on me not on the book!

[Becky Kapjon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emery Brooks knows no bounds when it comes to Quinn Adler. This is a love story of the ages. They both know they are meant for each other but needed the time to learn how their love could bloom. The problem is Quinn has gotten himself into a problem and doesn’t want anyone to know about it.

I loved how we knew they were meant for each other in their own way. We get a glimpse of some of our favorite characters from the series but it’s about this couple coming together and celebrating their love.

I hope there is more to come from Toni Aleo!

[Jamie Guellar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost the Handle was so worth the wait! It feels like I’ve waited forever for Quinn and Emery’s story! Toni Aleo never disappoints!

When Emery left to go to California my heart broke for Quinn. Well now she’s back, no longer scared to get what she wants. Quinn Adler.

Quinn gave up and decided to move on and has gotten engaged to Ava. Of course Emery decides she’s going to fight for love instead of running from it.

The chemistry, angst and the witty banter will have you hooked. These two were made for each other. Absolutely devoured this story. Loved!

[Morgan Sibbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni Aleo’s Lost the Handle is a fiery, emotional rollercoaster that takes readers deep into the tangled lives of two unforgettable characters, Emery Brooks and Quinn Adler. This second-chance romance brims with tension, passion, and the kind of raw vulnerability that makes it impossible to put down.

Emery Brooks is a force of nature—chaotic, bold, and unapologetically herself. Aleo does a fantastic job of making her both infuriating and endearing, a character you root for even when she’s wreaking havoc. On the flip side, Quinn Adler is her perfect foil: steady, loyal, and quietly wrestling with secrets that make his journey just as compelling. Their chemistry is undeniable, and Aleo captures their shared history and unspoken connection with palpable intensity.

The story’s dual perspective adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to dive into the minds of both protagonists as they navigate their unresolved feelings and emotional baggage. Emery’s determination to win Quinn back despite his engagement is both messy and heartfelt, a testament to Aleo’s ability to portray flawed characters in a way that feels real. Quinn’s struggle to protect himself from heartbreak while grappling with his lingering love for Emery makes his arc equally gripping.

The plot moves quickly, with a mix of sharp dialogue, simmering tension, and moments of heartfelt reflection. Aleo skillfully weaves in humor and heartbreak, creating a story that feels as chaotic and vibrant as Emery herself. While some readers might find Emery’s antics over-the-top or Quinn’s hesitations frustrating, their imperfections are what make them feel human.

At its core, Lost the Handle is a story about love, redemption, and the courage to face one’s own fears. Aleo explores themes of self-worth, forgiveness, and the lengths we go to for the people we can’t live without. Fans of second-chance romance will devour this book, and newcomers to Aleo’s work will find it a perfect introduction to her signature style.

For anyone looking for a high-stakes, emotionally charged love story, Lost the Handle is a must-read. Emery and Quinn’s journey is messy, passionate, and deeply satisfying—a true testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human heart.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story I have been waiting for from the Assassins world! “Lost the Handle” is a steamy, heartfelt and chemistry filled childhood friends to lovers hockey romance that made me so happy because Emery and Quinn are finally together.

Emery Brooks and Quinn Adler have been friends literally their whole lives. They’ve always had each other’s backs. As they grew up, they evolved to more. Emery wanted to keep things casual since they were young and Quinn wanted it all. This scared Emery and she ran off to California to build her business leaving Quinn behind. Fast forward three years later, Emery is back home and Quinn is in her sights. But he’s engaged to be married to a woman no one in his family likes. And the slightly unhinged Brooks sister is out to get Quinn back.

The way I have been waiting for years for this story and oh boy it was worth it. Emery has always been a favorite for me, I loved how unhinged and out there she was. She is unapologetically herself and I just want to be her friend in real life. I loved her drive to build her business and become successful. She owned up to how things went down with Quinn and was on a mission to make it right. The Adler men are swoony and Quinn inherited those Shea Adler genes for sure. He gave his all to Emery and was heartbroken when she left. I loved how he wasn’t afraid to let her know and make her work for him. They had hilarious banter and I found myself smiling so much while reading their story. The chemistry was thick between them and I loved the teasing until they couldn't stay away from each other. Yes, Quinn is technically engaged when Emery comes back but don’t let that stop you, there is more to that will make sense! I love having the Adlers and the Brooks families involved and the sibling group chats had me cracking up. The ending was perfectly Emery and Quinn and I loved the little teaser to the next possible book in the series.

[Jill Kerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly, along with most Toni Aleo fans, I’ve been waiting for Quinn and Emery to finally get their HEA. I will admit, I was a little nervous about how this would all play out and it sat on my Kindle for a good week before I finally got the guts to start it. (This seems to be a running theme with me and Ms. Aleo’s books, I’m always hesitant to jump in because I know that the first read is always so dang good!!!). Boy am I glad I saved this one for the weekend so I could really jump in and enjoy.
Oh Emery, we have watched you grow up and be scarier as you age but this was truly your shining moment to show us the evil genius you truly are!! Showing back up in Nashville knowing that Quinn is now engaged, she doesn’t even hesitate to let everyone know why she came back-to get Quinn back. Quinn knows that despite his engagement, he can’t resist Emery but he gives it a good try until
He just can’t do it anymore. That’s when we learn why Quinn’s engaged and Emery can put her skills to work to get him out of the engagement.
OMG, the Assassins family is my absolute favorite and I loved the glimpses we got from both the Adler and the Brooks OG couples. Having known Elli from the beginning, I’m in awe of her and the confident, strong and loving woman she has become…all with the help of Shea. And Shea? Sigh! The time spent Quinn at the rink sharing what he and Elli went through before their HEA made my heart happy. Despite the love of these two, as well as
Lucas and Fallon, Emery and Quinn realize that their love, while different, is just as special and strong as what they grew up with.
Toni, you are truly a master!! This could have gone a dozen different ways with Emery’s crazy streak but you took it exactly where it needed to be and that was down the path to Quinn. Much love to the Queen of Hockey Romance!!

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn and Emery have been longtime characters who readers have been begging to see more of for years. Aleo answers the call with Lost the Handle. This is a second chance romance that follows a firey Emery who is not willing to take no for an answer when it comes to her future and what she wants. Quinn is doing his best to handle a complicated set of challenges… including his fiancé who just so happens to not be Emery. When Emery finds out the circumstances surrounding Quinn’s engagement and job as a doctor she fully commits to her quest to make him hers. What ensues is a story of growth and maturing that, to be honest, both characters desperately needed.

My one critique, which is one I have with many romance authors lately, is how Aleo wrote about Emery’s character. I appreciate and am incredibly on board with much needed body size diversity in the romance genre. However, it feels like once authors start adding in characters living in larger bodies their body size and eating become their entire personality or the only way they are described. The writing becomes repetitive when this happens and makes the story much less enjoyable to read. Authors have become so wonderful at giving their straight size characters full descriptions outside of just their size and I think that it is time for that to happen for all characters no matter their size.

This story was one that that I have been personally been waiting for without much patience. I love the Assassins crew and am always so happy go jump back into this world. Fans of Aleo’s previous books will be excited for this story and new readers will be able to jump right in with this story (however, you should go back to read the others for the fun of it all). This is a welcomed and enjoyable addition to the Assassins catalogue.

[MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit that I have been waiting on this book for a long time and I can say it definitely did not disappoint!!! Emery Elaine Brooks is one of my favorite characters that Toni Aleo created. She is sassy, strong willed and a genius. I believe she says the things that we all want to say. It was going to be hard to find someone that could handle her and would challenge her and I can admit when I realized it was going to be Quinn Adler, I was skeptical. I thought he might be too nice. Well, it turns out he is just the perfect mix to match with her.

Their story begins in previous books, but Emery gets scared and flees the state. Quinn is devastated. It’s almost like he has the emotions of a girl and Emery is emotionally detached like a guy. When Emery finds out Quinn is engaged, she finds herself coming home and vowing to win back her man. When he tells her he is marrying someone else (which is a whole other situation), all Emery can say is “We’ll see.” It’s one of the most Emery lines ever. That is when you know this is gonna be fun.

This series has fantastic characters and families that you are drawn to and the two main families, the Brooks’ and Adler’s , do not disappoint in this book. The witty group text threads are awesome and there is lots of family interactions.

While I would highly recommend reading the other books in this series, you can read this one and not be lost. Just be prepared to want to go and read the other books!

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 is the 8th book in the Nashville Assassins: Next Generation series by Toni Aleo, featuring the much-anticipated must-read second chance romance for Quinn and Emery! These characters feel like friends I’ve watched grow up, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting the big face-off of these two for a long time! It was everything… the angst, the chemistry, the banter, the soul-deep connection, and of course, Emery’s antics and determination!! Every time I read a book in the Assassins universe, I fall in love with all of them all over again, and this book was extra special, because it took us back to the two original families… the Adlers and the Brookses. They are friends that became family in more ways than one, and those bonds were shining brightly throughout this story. The sibling text threads and family dinner scenes had me laughing so hard!!🤣 And let me just say that giving Shea a papa bear moment was a stroke of genius!!😍😂 The emotions interwoven with the plot twists were perfectly executed!! Even though I read this as a long-time fan who’s read all the books, it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone, since all the necessary context is given!! Don’t miss this amazing book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

#LosttheHandle #nashvilleassassins #nashvilleassassinsnextgeneration #tonialeo #SecondChance #SoulMates #CinnamonRollHero #MorallyGreyFMC #ForcedProximity #childhoodfriendstolovers #steamyromance

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toni Aleo’s "Lost the Handle" is a masterful exploration of love, redemption, and the complexities of rekindling a connection. Emery’s fiery determination and Quinn’s quiet strength pulled me in from the very first page, making their journey deeply personal and utterly compelling. Watching them navigate heartbreak and growth while leaning on the support of the Adler and Brooks families was both heartwarming and nostalgic. These beloved characters added depth and humor, reminding me of the importance of love and unity in healing even the deepest wounds. Aleo’s talent for weaving rich, interconnected stories truly shines as all our favorite characters offer their signature warmth and wisdom to Emery and Quinn’s journey.

What I loved most about this story was its balance of raw emotion, humor, and heartfelt spicy moments. Emery and Quinn’s vulnerability felt so authentic, making it impossible not to root for them at every turn. The presence of the Adler and Brooks families provided levity and a comforting sense of home, grounding the story in a world we’ve grown to love. Aleo’s vivid writing and ability to capture the intricacies of relationships made this book unforgettable. It’s a story of love, growth, and second chances that stays with you long after the final page.
This entire back collection of the series attached to these characters are must haves for your book collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost the Handle is everything I want in a book. It has all the feels. I cried--happy tears and sad tears. I laughed, Oh Man, did I laugh. My stomach was in a permanent state of butterflies. If this was the last book I read this year; I would be okay with that because I would be ending the year in the best way possible. Lost the Handle will be my top read of the year.

Five stars isn't enough. Five flames isn't enough. Lost the Handle has everything I had been waiting for after reading all of the other books. But it was so much more.

Emery is back trying to fix her mistakes. She is just as gutsy. She is just as determined. She knows what she wants and she will have Quinn. Her antics are mind-blowing. I was exciting to see what she would do next. How far would she go to stop Quinn from marrying Ava?

I didn't get it past books. I didn't get it in the beginning of Lost the Handle. Quinn and Emery are soulmates. How could he marry Ava? Get your coffee. Get your snacks. Turn off your phone. You will not want to interrupted while you devour this story. The story builds and builds. Anything could happen. The anticipation was nerve wracking. Get the confetti. Light the fireworks. Pop the champagne. The ending deserves a celebration.

12/25/24 The book arrived on my kindle last night and I just had to read it. AMAZING!!

[Leigh Sonnekus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start?! Toni has been building our anticipation for Quinn and Emery’s story since Evan and Callie’s book - Saved By Love (another MUST read) - and, trust me when I say, it was so WORTH THE WAIT! 🥰
This is not your typical second chance romance because there is definitely nothing typical about Emery!! She is extremely clever, she’s gorgeous, she goes after what she wants and she absolutely adores Quinn. So why did she leave him and break his heart?? I was so prepared to NOT like Emery because of how bad she had hurt Quinn in the past but, with her usual magic, Toni completely blew me away with the depth of Emery’s character and I finally understood the why behind her behavior! I love the humility she showed and how fiercely determined she was to win Quinn back and love him like nobody else could. ❤️
As for Quinn?? Sigh ….. that boy is a chip off his Daddy’s block and is so sexy, perfect, loving, protective … oh, the list is endless! 🔥😍 I absolutely LOVE how he loves Emery - crazy and all - and how he’s the only one to truly ‘get’ her! They both so deserve their HEA with each other!
The Adler siblings bring their usual unconditional love and hilarity, the sexy scenes will melt your kindle and Toni Aleo delivers another fabulous book that has all the feels, touches on real life struggles with empathy and that you can’t help but love 💕

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book I have been waiting for and it didn’t disappoint.
Quinn and Emery’s journey was everything I expected and so much more.
When Emery walked away Quinn thought his heart would never mend but Ava came along when he was at his lowest and offered him a way to move on. Love was never mentioned and he still agrees to marry her to help her out but now Emery is back home and she has decided it’s time to fight for the love of her life…….
Emery regretted walking away but she needed to find herself before she could look for a future with Quinn. So can she win him back…one click now to find out.
This was a roller coaster of a ride, there were twists and turns you don’t see coming and as you would expect with all the Nashville Assassins; Second Generation books no story would be complete without the family poking there noses in in the family text message thread. I knew this was a special read from the first chapter but it was only when the characters and their journey was still in my head long after finishing this book did I realise how special this book really was. A gem of a read with wonderful characters that’s well written, entertaining and emotional with the perfect mix of love, passion, angst and humour.
I highly recommend this book and this series to all romance lovers.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment we were teased with a Quinn and Emery book I was excited. As a massive fan of Toni’s I knew this book could either live up to the hype in my head or it could totally let me down. Let me tell you- this book delivered and then some! If you’ve read any of the next generation books you know that Quinn and Emery share something special, however they were young, and Emery thought she knew better. Well Quinn is now engaged, and Emery doesn’t think anything of it. She knows she and Quinn belong together, but she may have to face the reality that it may be too late. If it was supposed to be simple then there would be no point to the book. Emery must work for what she wants and what she wants is Quinn. Quinn must face his own issues. In a family such as his Quinn is afraid of disappointing everyone but if you’ve read any books involving Shea and Elli you know that they love their children just as they are. Another thing with Quinn and Emery coming together means the Adler’s and Brooks family will have a lot to say. The family chats and quips are super enjoyable. When the inevitable happens the pages are the perfect mixture of all the emotions- love, sadness, spice and humor. This book was worth the wait!

[Clara Deoliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost the Handle

Fast paced full of energy with a lot of craziness throughout. I have been waiting for this book for a while now and it was definitely worth the wait.

Quinn has loved Emery Brooks since he was a kid but she broke his heart. He moved on and is about to marry someone else. He can’t let Emery back into his life because he might lose everything if he lets her in again.
Now she is back and he might not survive the hurricane that is Emery.

Emery has loved Quinn Adler since she was a kid but that love scared her so she ran. Now when he is about to marry someone else she has come back to make him hers. She realized her mistakes and is going to do everything to make him understand that he is making a mistake and the only person he should marry is her.

The author did a wonderful job conveying the pain, torture, and stubbornness that Quinn and Emery are feeling and going through it’s was palpable through the pages.

The banter between the Adler kids is hilarious and torturous at the same time. I’m delighted that all the craziness that are The Brooks’ and Adler’s are here in full force for us to enjoy. I miss this crazy bunch.

I do think somethings are over the top but it’s a book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Court · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re like me then you have been dying for Quinn and Emery’s story ever since we have gotten little nuggets in various books over the years and we finally have their book! Lost the Handle will make you lose it reading Quinn and Emery’s journey. It is not a sweet romance, these two had been together for what feels like forever until they weren’t and now things have changed their paths are currently not headed in the right directions. Quinn has made a decision and tired of waiting around, but trying to move forward even if it’s not all smiles and laughter. Emery is back home and has to face the choices she made and fight for what she wants if it is what she wants. Buckle up, grab the tissues, chocolate, and you’re go to drink while reading because Quinn and Emery’s story will have you all over the place emotionally as well as hoping these two can finally figure things out. I loved this book and have loved all these characters from the different generations and makes you fall in love with them all over again! Run don’t walk and get yourself this book, you’ll be devouring it from the start!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This couple’s story has been teased in many other books, now they finally have their own. This book was impossible to put down, I devoured it within hours of it appearing in my kindle.

Emery left him. She always knew he was the one but she was scared. Getting over emery is nearly impossible but something thing Quinn has to do. Quit moves on and gets engages to Ava, someone his family is not happy about. But Ava as there form after emery left him.

Emery is on a mission to step back in and prove to Quinn how much she loves him.
The dynamic between these two is so good. The longing, the love, the sass all of it!
Quinn tries to resist her thinking she only wants what she cant have , after all she left him. He is cautious after she hurt him. Emery is not hiding back though.

I love the dynamic between Quinn and emery. So much longing on both sides and Quinn is trying to move on from Emery (is that even possibly) but when she comes home, he can't fight it. He loves her but she hurt him.

Will she get Quinn to give their future a chance or is he to hurt from the past?

[Christina Montminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely awesome, it brought all the feelings. The long history between Quinn & Emery is incredible as they’ve been friends since childhood, always being each other’s person. A roller coaster ride is the only way to describe their relationship once it becomes intimate, with Emery finally running when things get too close. The drama of their relationship is intensified by the revelation that Quinn is getting married but not to Emery as everyone believed would happen, as a determined Emery has returned home to make sure if he’s getting married it’s to her & no one else. The tension is high from beginning to end as Emery schemes to end Quinn’s engagement & find out what’s behind the sudden engagement. The sexual tension between them is explosive when near each other & Emery pushes every button Quinn has to push him over the edge. Their group texts were hilarious & the support from & for each sibling was wonderful, as was the determination of Ellie that Emery was Quinn’s person, to Shea & Lucas supporting their kids with the advice that pushes in the right directions. Definitely recommend this book & the entire series.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh mylanta. After waiting for this book for what feels like eternity (yes, I’m being dramatic - but we’ve had glimpses of these two for YEARS), I have to say I am pleased with the ending. Wowed? Not quite, and that did make me a little sad.

The first 48% of the book (in my opinion) was just eh. A lot of what I felt was repeating & rehashing what we already knew. Emery is crazy. Quinn is hiding something. WTF does Ava have on him? And repeat. Even some of the last lines in the chapters were cheesy - like after-school special cheesy.

Then enter chapter 24…..and now we are getting somewhere. Finally! We get some depth and answers and a plan. From that point on, I have zero complaints. It was the old school Toni Aleo that I know and love (including the heart to heart with Shea Adler in the arena….that man has had my heart since book 1!)

This was my year of Toni Aleo. I have officially read ALL her hockey books, in order….and I have zero regrets. I would (and probably will) read them all again and again. The Nashville Assassins, Bellevue Bullies, & the Ice Cats will always have a special place in my heart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
📖: KU

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s taken 8 books to FINALLY get Quinn and Emery’s story and Toni Aleo didn’t disappoint with Lost the Handle, the 8th book in herNashville Assassins: The Next Generation series. We have witnessed the longtime love between Quinn and Emery for a few books now, watching them go from friends to more than friends, watching her leave him and telling him to move on and watching him do so. When she finds out he is engaged, she decides it’s time to come back and fight for her man.

Emery’s character is absolutely hilarious and she seems to be every one of the Adler and Brooks’s family favorites. They all seem to want Quinn and her back together. While Quinn has gotten himself into quite a predicament with his fiancee Ava, his family knows something is up and that it isn’t a true love match and that he isn’t truly happy, although he won’t admit it. Their story has been coming for years and it was definitely worth the wait!


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